Indoor air quality at nine shopping malls in Hong Kong.

PubMed

Li, W M; Lee, S C; Chan, L Y

2001-06-12

Hong Kong is one of the most attractive shopping paradises in the world. Many local people and international tourists favor to spend their time in shopping malls in Hong Kong. Good indoor air quality is, therefore, very essential to shoppers. In order to characterize the indoor air quality in shopping malls, nine shopping malls in Hong Kong were selected for this study. The indoor air pollutants included carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), total hydrocarbons (THC), formaldehyde (HCHO), respirable particulate matter (PM10) and total bacteria count (TBC). More than 40% of the shopping malls had 1-h average CO2 levels above the 1000 ppm of the ASHRAE standard on both weekdays and weekends. Also, they had average weekday PM10 concentrations that exceeded the Hong Kong Indoor Air Quality Objective (HKIAQO). The highest indoor PM10 level at a mall was 380 microg/m3. Of the malls surveyed, 30% had indoor airborne bacteria levels above 1000 cfu/m3 set by the HKIAQO. The elevated indoor CO2 and bacteria levels could result from high occupancy combined with insufficient ventilation. The increased PM10 levels could be probably attributed to illegal smoking inside these establishments. In comparison, the shopping malls that contained internal public transport drop-off areas, where vehicles were parked with idling engines and had major entry doors close to heavy traffic roads had higher CO and PM10 indoor levels. In addition, the extensive use of cooking stoves without adequate ventilation inside food courts could increase indoor CO2, CO and PM10 levels.

Shopping Mall 101.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canny, Marie C.

1996-01-01

An alternative high school program operates at a shopping center in Northern Virginia. Landmark Career Academy is a partnership between the Fairfax County Schools, a private organization that helps fund school-to-work programs, and Landmark Mall. So far, academy students are earning better grades than they did in their traditional high school…

Medical mall founders' satisfaction and integrated management requirements.

PubMed

Ito, Atsushi

2017-10-01

Medical malls help provide integrated medical services and the effective and efficient independent management of multiple clinics, pharmacies and other medical facilities. Primary care in an aging society is a key issue worldwide and the establishment of a new model for primary care in Japanese medical malls is needed. Understanding the requirements of integrated management that contribute to the improvement of medical mall founders' satisfaction levels will help provide better services. We conducted a questionnaire survey targeting 1840 medical facilities nationwide; 351 facilities responded (19.1%). We performed comparative analyses on founders' satisfaction levels according to years in business, department/area, founder's relationship, decision-making system and presence/absence of liaison role. A total of 70% of medical malls in Japan have adjacent relationships with no liaison role in most cases; however, 60% of founders are satisfied. Integrated management requirements involve establishing the mall with peers from the same medical office unit or hospital, and establishing a system in which all founders can participate in decision-making (council system) or one where each general practitioner (GP) independently runs a clinic without communicating with others. The council system can ensure the capability of general practitioners to treat many primary care patients in the future. © 2016 The Authors. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. © 2016 The Authors. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

This Mall Serves All

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Charles J.; Robinson, Joel

1972-01-01

Indiana's Michigan City Public Library was the first in the nation to serve all regardless of residence and the first to establish a branch library in a large, enclosed, heated shopping mall. The results of these new services are discussed. (Author/NH)

Organic field-effect transistor with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled monolayers on gate oxide: effect of OTS quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devynck, M.; Tardy, P.; Wantz, G.; Nicolas, Y.; Hirsch, L.

2011-12-01

The effect of OTS (octadecyltrichlorosilane) Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) grafted on SiO2 gate dielectric of pentacene-based OFETs (organic field-effect transistors) is investigated. A significant improvement of the charge mobility (μ), up to 0.74 cm2/V s, is reached thanks to OTS treatment. However, in spite of improved performances, several drawbacks, such as an increase in mobility dispersion, substantial hysteresis in IDS-VG characteristics and high threshold voltages (VT), are observed. Changing solvent and deposition method turns out to have no significant effect on the mobility dispersion. A more accurate approach on the evolution of the mobility and the threshold voltage dispersion with OTS storage time highlights the effect of the OTS solution aging. Even if no difference is evidenced in the surface energy and roughness of the OTS layer, electrical characteristics exhibit considerable deterioration with OTS solution storage time. Using an "aged" OTS solution, opened under air, kept under argon and distilled before use, results in an increase of the IDS-VG hysteresis as well as in VT and in mobility dispersion. In comparison, fresh-OTS-based OFETs present a very low hysteresis, a threshold voltage close to 0 and a much lower mobility dispersion. It is demonstrated that aged OTS solutions contain impurities that are not removed by distillation process, which leads to a less densely packed layer causing interfacial charge traps thus deteriorated performances.

Building Community: Stakeholder Perspectives on Walking in Malls and Other Venues.

PubMed

Belza, Basia; Miyawaki, Christina E; Allen, Peg; King, Diane K; Marquez, David X; Jones, Dina L; Janicek, Sarah; Rosenberg, Dori; Brown, David R

2017-10-01

Mall walking has been a popular physical activity for decades. However, little is known about why mall managers support these programs or why adults choose to walk. Our study aim was to describe mall walking programs from the perspectives of walkers, managers, and leaders. Twenty-eight walkers, 16 walking program managers, and six walking program leaders from five states participated in a telephone or in-person semi-structured interview (N = 50). Interview guides were developed using a social-ecological model. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. All informants indicated satisfaction with their program and environmental features. Differences in expectations were noted in that walkers wanted a safe, clean, and social place whereas managers and leaders felt a need to provide programmatic features. Given the favorable walking environments in malls, there is an opportunity for public health professionals, health care organizations, and providers of aging services to partner with malls to promote walking.

Mathematics at the Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fennell, Francis (Skip)

1998-01-01

Presents two activities involving number sense in and around the shopping mall. Activities include estimation, measurement, and applications using percent. Concludes that it is appropriate to help students visualize numbers, particularly large numbers, in a context that is familiar and will be constantly reinforced. (ASK)

Reading Day at the Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis, DiAnn Waskul

1980-01-01

Describes a successful event at a San Francisco shopping mall where young children were read to and parents became acquainted with the importance of reading to preschool children and beginning readers. (DD)

Rats and Bunnies: Core Kids in an American Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, George H.

1989-01-01

Extensively interviewed over a six-week period regular, day-to-day adolescent frequenters (N=23) at a shopping mall. Found that subjects exhibited good deal of alienation from both family and school and used the mall as neutral ground on which to create fragile but mutually supportive community of kind. (Author/NB)

Situational and Demographic Factors in the Sudden Growth of Pall Mall, 2002-2014.

PubMed

Sharma, Anushree; Fix, Brian V; Delnevo, Cristine D; Cummings, K Michael; O'Connor, Richard J

2018-05-03

Pall Mall gained significant brand share in the cigarette market between 2002 and 2013. We sought to determine whether demographic shifts occurred among the participants reporting Pall Mall as their usual brand during this time span. We examined National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data from 2002-2014. Demographic characteristics included age, education, ethnicity, income, and cigarette use (cigarettes per day, daily/non-daily smoking, and nicotine dependence). We also examined RJ Reynolds investor reports and shareholder documents to determine the impact of tobacco marketing on the growth of Pall Mall. Over 2002-2014, Pall Mall has gained among smokers 26 to 34 years of age. More Pall Mall smokers in 2014 report higher incomes (over $75000), and also report lower scores on measures of cigarette dependence, compared to 2002. Pall Mall smokers over time seem to share characteristics of premium cigarette brands smokers. The profile of the typical Pall Mall smoker has changed as the brand has gained market share. An association exists between brand positioning and economic forces, which has contributed to an increase in the market share for Pall Mall. It is well known that cigarette marketing drives the sale of tobacco products. The growth in the market share of Pall Mall serves as an excellent example to demonstrate how economic uncertainty paired with brand positioning and advertising worked together to serve as a catalyst for the rapid growth observed for this brand. This paper also looked at various demographic changes that occurred among Pall Mall smokers over a 12 year period and compared them to smokers of all other cigarette brands. The results of this analysis demonstrate the importance of monitoring trends over time among cigarette smokers.

Analysis of Jingdong Mall Logistics Distribution Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Kang; Cheng, Feng

In recent years, the development of electronic commerce in our country to speed up the pace. The role of logistics has been highlighted, more and more electronic commerce enterprise are beginning to realize the importance of logistics in the success or failure of the enterprise. In this paper, the author take Jingdong Mall for example, performing a SWOT analysis of their current situation of self-built logistics system, find out the problems existing in the current Jingdong Mall logistics distribution and give appropriate recommendations.

Discrimination against teenagers in the mall environment: a case from Ankara, Turkey.

PubMed

Mugan, Guliz; Erkip, Feyzan

2009-01-01

Teenagers spend much of their leisure time at shopping malls which is a result of factors such as parental constraints due to the incivility of the streets, financial dependence, and limited financial resources. Migros, a shopping mall in Ankara was chosen as the site for this research with the main purpose of studying discrimination patterns against teenagers in the mall environment. The research was carried out through observation and in-depth interviews with 104 teenagers. Results indicate that, although they have some complaints, most of the teenagers do not perceive discrimination in the mall, unlike their foreign counterparts.

Master-Saao new OT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanutsa, P.; Lipunov, V.; Buckley, D.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Kornilov, V.; Tiurina, N.; Kuznetsov, A.; Vladimirov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Chazov, V.; Gress, O.; Zimnukhov, D.; Kuvshinov, D.; Shumkov, V.; Gorelkina, V.; Pogrosheva, T.; Gabovich, A.

2018-04-01

MASTER-SAAO auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 18h 58m 35.32s -35d 40m 42.2s on 2018-04-12.08618 UT. The OT unfiltered magnitude is (mlim=19.0).

Vancouver shopping mall liable for discrimination against Aboriginal and disabled people.

PubMed

Betteridge, Glenn

2005-12-01

In a decision released on 13 July 2005, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (the Tribunal) found that the owners of a mall and the security company contracted by the mall had engaged in both individual and systemic discrimination. Among other findings, the Tribunal determined that Henderson Development (Canada) Limited (Henderson) and Securiguard Services Limited (Securiguard) discriminated against mall patrons who were Aboriginal, or who were perceived to be living with a disability, including drug dependence and HIV/AIDS.

Shopping Mall to Study Hall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rittner-Heir, Robbin M.

1999-01-01

Discusses how the Burnsville (Minnesota) expanded its high school classroom space by buying a shopping mall and converting it into classrooms. Renovation costs and classroom layout are briefly discussed; a floor plan is included. (GR)

The Shopping Mall: Film Chronotope of the 1980s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montgomery, Michael V.

This paper examines the portrayal of shopping malls in the films of the 1980s and attempts to "narrativize" the trend found between the films as the story of a subculture as it adopts and develops a belief system based on consumerism. The paper begins with an exploration of the evolution of the mall as a modern meeting place and center…

12 CFR 510.5 - Release of unpublished OTS information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... parties to lawsuits in which the OTS is not a party. (2) Unpublished OTS information includes records created or obtained in connection with the OTS's performance of its responsibilities, such as records... affiliates, and records compiled in connection with the OTS's enforcement responsibilities. Unpublished OTS...

12 CFR 510.5 - Release of unpublished OTS information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... parties to lawsuits in which the OTS is not a party. (2) Unpublished OTS information includes records created or obtained in connection with the OTS's performance of its responsibilities, such as records... affiliates, and records compiled in connection with the OTS's enforcement responsibilities. Unpublished OTS...

Going to the Mall: A Leisure Activity of Urban Elderly People.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Dawn Fowler; And Others

1991-01-01

Telephone interviews with 300 elderly Montreal residents found that 67 percent use shopping malls to fulfill social and leisure needs. Predisposing variables (age, gender, education, and loneliness) and environmental/encouraging variables (design and ambiance of the malls) were found to be related to this activity. (SK)

Environmental Assessment: Proposed Construction of Army and Air Force Exchange Service Mini-Mall

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-10-01

fast food style restaurant would be accommodated in the mini-mall. Data on electrical consumption for the Burger King restaurant at MAFB (Building...MAFB-Gunter Annex. Assuming the new restaurant in the mini-mall consumes approximately the same quantity of electricity annually as the Burger King ...in the mini-mall. Data on natural gas consumption for the Burger King restaurant at MAFB (Building 1087) in FY 2001 reveals that this facility

Career Education at Meadowbrook Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Phyllis L.

1981-01-01

Presents a career education project offering a real-world experience to sixth-grade students in a shopping mall. Describes development and implementation of the project which provided students with a one-time experience as quasi-store-employees. Discusses follow-up activities and feedback received from children and parents. (RC)

MASTER-OAFA: new OT outburst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savinov, D.; Shumkov, V.; Lipunov, V.; Podesta, R.; Levato, H.; Kornilov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Gorbunov, I.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Ishmuhametova, Yu.; Chazov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Vladimirov, V.; Gress, O.; Pogrosheva, T.; Zimnukhov, D.; Lopez, C.; Podesta, F.; Saffe, C.; Senik, V.; Gabovich, A.; Kuvshinov, D.

2018-04-01

MASTER-OAFA auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 09h 09m 00.56s +04d 49m 04.1s on 2018-04-16.11132 UT. The OT unfiltered magnitude is 17.2m (mlim=19.3m).

Functional Morphology at the Mall

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hippensteel, Scott P.

2012-01-01

The primary decorative flooring tile in the Southpark Mall in Charlotte, North Carolina, is fossiliferous limestone that contains Jurassic ammonoids and belemnoids. Visible in these tiles are more than 500 ammonoids, many of which have been cross sectioned equatorially perpendicular to the plane of coiling. Upper-level undergraduate students from…

A Day at the Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pfrogner, Lawrence D.

1990-01-01

"Be All that You Can Dream," a simulation workshop to teach entrepreneurship at Lorain County Joint Vocational School (Ohio), involves students in simulated planning, construction, and promotional activities for a shopping mall. Local business people observe and interview the students as they work, and the activity culminates in a tour,…

Human ethology: age and sex differences in mall walking.

PubMed

Hangland, A; Cimbalo, R S

1997-12-01

Well-controlled experimental research has examined the biomechanical aspects of walking in homo sapiens on a track. The research reported here also examined cadence, velocity, and stride length for estimated ages ranging from 15 to over 55 years but in a shopping mall. Women at all ages walked faster than men in the mall setting which was opposite to what was found in the track research. Apparently context may influence how fast people walk. Hunter-gatherer differences could explain these results.

Public Relations Program for a Shopping Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feigley, David A.

1980-01-01

An account is given of a highly successful sports, health, and recreation exhibit run by Rutgers University (New Jersey) in a public shopping mall. Organization and entertainment were the keynotes of the success. (LH)

Impact of pedestrian malls on transportation activities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-01-01

Pedestrian malls - streets that have been dedicated to pedestrian use only - are a popular urban renewal tactic for stimulating economic growth in deteriorating central business districts by attracting commercial retail business. Because of benefits ...

Community context and strip mall retail: public response to the roadside landscape

Treesearch

Kathleen Wolf

2008-01-01

Strip malls (or mini-malls) are a common land use, historically promoted by U.S. zoning practices that concentrate retail and commercial development in a narrow band along urban arterials and major streets. They are an entry-level retail niche offering opportunity for independent, start-up businesses that serve a limited market....

Twenty Years of MALL Project Implementation: A Meta-Analysis of Learning Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burston, Jack

2015-01-01

Despite the hundreds of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) publications over the past twenty years, statistically reliable measures of learning outcomes are few and far between. In part, this is due to the fact that well over half of all MALL-related studies report no objectively quantifiable learning outcomes, either because they did not…

High amplutude bright OT detected by MASTER-OAFA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shumkov, V.; Lipunov, V.; Podesta, R.; Levato, H.; Pogrosheva, T.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Kornilov, V.; Chazov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Vladimirov, V.; Gress, O.; Gorbunov, I.; Krylov, A.; Lopez, C.; Podesta, F.

2018-05-01

MASTER-OAFA auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net",Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 17h 08m 14.73s -19d 05m 58.3s on 2018-05-12.37420 UT.The OT unfiltered magnitude is 15.9m (mlim=18.2m).The OT is seen in 4 images.

Exploring the Application of a Conceptual Framework in a Social MALL App

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Read, Timothy; Bárcena, Elena; Kukulska-Hulme, Agnes

2016-01-01

This article presents a prototype social Mobile Assisted Language Learning (henceforth, MALL) app based on Kukulska-Hulme's (2012) conceptual framework. This research allows the exploration of time, place and activity type as key factors in the design of MALL apps, and is the first step toward a systematic analysis of such a framework in this type…

The Mall

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-27

This archival image was released as part of a gallery comparing JPL's past and present, commemorating the 80th anniversary of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Oct. 31, 2016. This photograph from 1971 shows the open-air gathering area at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory known as "The Mall." It looks east towards the Applied Mechanics building (the blocky white building now numbered 157). The person in the foreground is Robert Steinbacher, the project scientist for the Mariner 9 mission to Mars. The concrete bridge crossing the ponds remains, even though the ponds have been removed. Many trees and another building, the Central Engineering Building (301), block the view to Building 157 now. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21125

InfoMall: An Innovative Strategy for High-Performance Computing and Communications Applications Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mills, Kim; Fox, Geoffrey

1994-01-01

Describes the InfoMall, a program led by the Northeast Parallel Architectures Center (NPAC) at Syracuse University (New York). The InfoMall features a partnership of approximately 24 organizations offering linked programs in High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) technology integration, software development, marketing, education and…

MASTER: OT in M31 direction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanutsa, P.; Lipunov, V.; Kornilov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Gorbunov, I.; Senik, V.; Chazov, V.; Kuznetsov, A.; Vladimirov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Zimnukhov, D.; Tlatov, O. Gress A.; Shumkov, A. Gabovich V.; Pogrosheva, T.

2018-06-01

MASTER-Kislovodsk auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 00h 43m 55.89s +41d 32m 09.9s on 2018-06-20.98169 UT. The OT unfiltered magnitude is 19.0m (limit 19.6m).

Selective and non-selective OT receptor agonists induce different locomotor behaviors in male rats via central OT receptors and peripheral V1a receptors.

PubMed

Wolfe, Monica; Wisniewska, Halina; Tariga, Hiroe; Ibanez, Gerardo; Collins, James C; Wisniewski, Kazimierz; Qi, Steve; Srinivasan, Karthik; Hargrove, Diane; Lindstrom, Beatriz Fioravanti

2018-05-21

Oxytocin (OT) continues to inspire much research due to its diverse physiological effects. While the best-understood actions of OT are uterine contraction and milk ejection, OT is also implicated in maternal and bonding behaviors, and potentially in CNS disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and pain. The dissection of the mechanism of action of OT is complicated by the fact that this peptide activates not only its cognate receptor but also vasopressin type 1a (V1a) receptors. In this study, we evaluated OT and a selective OT receptor (OTR) agonist, FE 204409, in an automated assay that measures rat locomotor activity. The results showed: 1) Subcutaneous (sc) administration of OT decreased locomotor behavior (distance traveled, stereotypy, and rearing). This effect was reversed by a V1a receptor (V1aR) antagonist ([Pmp1,Tyr(ME)2]AVP, sc), suggesting that OT acts through peripheral V1aR to inhibit locomotor activity. 2) A selective OTR agonist (FE 204409, sc) increased stereotypy. This effect was reversed by an OTR antagonist dosed icv, suggesting a central OTR site of action. Our findings identify distinct behavioral effects for OT and the selective agonist FE 204409, adding to the growing body of evidence that the V1aR mediates many effects attributed to OT and that peptides administered systemically at supra-physiological doses may activate receptors in the brain. Our studies further emphasize the importance of utilizing selective agonists and antagonists to assess therapeutic indications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MASTER-Kislovodsk: new OT, ampl>6m

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vladimirov, V.; Lipunov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Kornilov, V.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Chazov, V.; Gress, O.; Vlasenko, D.; Pogrosheva, T.; Zimnukhov, D.; Senik, V.; Kuvshinov, D.; Rebolo, R.; Serra-Ricart, M.; Gabovich, A.

2018-05-01

MASTER-Kislovodsk auto-detection system discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 03h 19m 57.28s +77d 11m 22.8s on 2018-04-29.83595 UT during Fermi trigger inspection (but this OT is not connected with GRB).

Reframing Reality: Christmas at the Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Long, Nicholas J.; Daniels, Doug

1993-01-01

Presents Life Space Interview (LSI), effective intervention strategy for use during crisis work with troubled students, as it was applied to case of eight-year-old boy attending Option III class for emotionally handicapped students when he accompanied class to mall for holiday shopping trip. Following interview are instructional comments on the…

Adolescents and adults at the mall: dyadic interactions.

PubMed

Readdick, C A; Mullis, R L

1997-01-01

The purpose of this descriptive study is to examine differences in interpersonal engagements between teen-teen dyads and teen-adults dyads in a mall setting. It was expected that behavioral patterns between teen-teen and teen-adult dyads would differ as a function of age, gender, and racial composition. Participants included 865 teen-teen dyads and 190 teen-adult dyads. Observations were conducted in a large mall over four weeks. Observers recorded behavioral activity, physical proximity/position, emotional expression, conversation, and evidence of shopping. Teen-teen dyads differed from teen-adult dyads on two variables, conversation and shopping evidence. Within teen-teen dyad comparisons yielded several gender and racial differences, but only one age difference. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Adolescents with disabilities participate in the shopping mall: facilitators and barriers framed according to the ICF.

PubMed

Dahan-Oliel, Noémi; Shikako-Thomas, Keiko; Mazer, Barbara; Majnemer, Annette

2016-10-01

Community participation is restricted for youth with disabilities. The mall is an important gathering place where adolescents often socialise and develop community living skills, yet participation may be restricted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the facilitators and barriers to participation in a shopping mall through the perspectives of adolescents with disabilities. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 12-19 years with a physical and/or sensory disability. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded following a template analysis using the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). Eleven youth (six females, mean age = 17.0 years) participated. Medical conditions included visual impairment, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, osteogenesis imperfecta and congenital amputations. Six themes were identified by the adolescents: what the shopping mall means to me, physical environment, transportation, social factors, attitudes and the person. The majority of themes mapped to the ICF's 'environmental factors'. Facilitators and barriers identified were either generic or disability-specific, implying that some modifications to shopping malls may be beneficial across disability types. Changes made to the physical, social and attitudinal environment are required to enable full participation of youth with disabilities within a shopping mall and other built environments of high public access. Implications for Rehabilitation The meaning of the shopping mall according to youth with disabilities includes socialisation, shopping, getting out of the home and employment. The majority of themes mapped to 'environmental factors' indicating that most obstacles to participation are caused by environmental barriers. Facilitators and barriers identified were either generic or disability-specific implying that some modifications to shopping malls may be beneficial across disability types

Safe, Affordable, Convenient: Environmental Features of Malls and Other Public Spaces Used by Older Adults for Walking.

PubMed

King, Diane K; Allen, Peg; Jones, Dina L; Marquez, David X; Brown, David R; Rosenberg, Dori; Janicek, Sarah; Allen, Laila; Belza, Basia

2016-03-01

Midlife and older adults use shopping malls for walking, but little research has examined mall characteristics that contribute to their walkability. We used modified versions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Healthy Aging Research Network (HAN) Environmental Audit and the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) tool to systematically observe 443 walkers in 10 shopping malls. We also observed 87 walkers in 6 community-based nonmall/nongym venues where older adults routinely walked for physical activity. All venues had public transit stops and accessible parking. All malls and 67% of nonmalls had wayfinding aids, and most venues (81%) had an established circuitous walking route and clean, well-maintained public restrooms (94%). All venues had level floor surfaces, and one-half had benches along the walking route. Venues varied in hours of access, programming, tripping hazards, traffic control near entrances, and lighting. Despite diversity in location, size, and purpose, the mall and nonmall venues audited shared numerous environmental features known to promote walking in older adults and few barriers to walking. Future research should consider programmatic features and outreach strategies to expand the use of malls and other suitable public spaces for walking.

Streets for Pedestrians and Transit : An Evaluation of Three Transit Malls in the United States

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-02-01

The report represents the second phase of a two-phase project designed to acquaint the planning community with the concept of transit malls and to provide information about three of the most important and interesting transit mall projects to a wider ...

Student Union Takes on Mall-Like Flair.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, Laurie

1996-01-01

Universities are redesigning student centers to include more retail areas. The recently expanded and renovated University Center at the University of California-Santa Barbara boasts mall-like stores and restaurants. The university project team reviewed all space designs by outside vendors, including floor plans, graphics, and exterior finishes, to…

Safe, Affordable, Convenient: Environmental Features of Malls and Other Public Spaces Used by Older Adults for Walking

PubMed Central

King, Diane K.; Allen, Peg; Jones, Dina L.; Marquez, David X.; Brown, David R.; Rosenberg, Dori; Janicek, Sarah; Allen, Laila; Belza, Basia

2016-01-01

Background Midlife and older adults use shopping malls for walking, but little research has examined mall characteristics that contribute to their walkability. Methods We used modified versions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Healthy Aging Research Network (HAN) Environmental Audit and the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) tool to systematically observe 443 walkers in 10 shopping malls. We also observed 87 walkers in 6 community-based nonmall/nongym venues where older adults routinely walked for physical activity. Results All venues had public transit stops and accessible parking. All malls and 67% of nonmalls had wayfinding aids, and most venues (81%) had an established circuitous walking route and clean, well-maintained public restrooms (94%). All venues had level floor surfaces, and one-half had benches along the walking route. Venues varied in hours of access, programming, tripping hazards, traffic control near entrances, and lighting. Conclusions Despite diversity in location, size, and purpose, the mall and nonmall venues audited shared numerous environmental features known to promote walking in older adults and few barriers to walking. Future research should consider programmatic features and outreach strategies to expand the use of malls and other suitable public spaces for walking. PMID:26181907

Special aspects for forming the interiors of thai shopping malls through the use of the biological approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsova, Iryna O.; Rosliakova, Ljubov V.; Zakharchuk, Viktorija L.; Samosudova, Natalia

2017-10-01

This study reviews the biological approach to Thai shopping mall’s interior design planning. The authors defined the principles of the mall’s design optimization in Thailand on the basis of the imitation of biological samples at constructive, art-compositional, organizational and ecological levels. The analysis of forming the shopping malls interiors and space-planning solutions is based on the imitation of eight basic levels of organization of living things: molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, ecosystem and biosphere. The examples of the direct and implicit application of biological analogues were demonstrated in the architecture and design of Thai shopping malls. In the study, the shopping mall is regarded as an open self-sufficient system with a high level of autonomy and a fortified structural organization that includes various functional components. On the basis of the analysis of existing Thai shopping malls, a list of the basic requirements for the design of the malls was compiled. This corresponds to the needs and desires of the modern customer and ensures the competitiveness of the establishment. The phenomenon of multisensory design approach that enhances the psychophysical comfort of the shopping mall visitors is described. Socio-cultural and geographical factors were identified which determine the development of biodesign in Thailand. The article reveals the potential for a combination of biology and design to enhance the aesthetics, ergonomics and efficiency of the shopping malls. The prospects within the development of this field and the possibility of applying the solutions in practice were explored.

Distinguishing a University from a Shopping Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moses, Daniel Noah

2000-01-01

Describes changes and program cuts at the University of Rochester as an illustration of a university being invaded by the corporate ethos, with the result that the school resembles an airport mall more than an institution of learning and community. Asserts that academics have a particular role to play in creating alternatives to a homogenizing…

OT promotes closer interpersonal distance among highly empathic individuals.

PubMed

Perry, Anat; Mankuta, David; Shamay-Tsoory, Simone G

2015-01-01

The space between people, or 'interpersonal distance', creates and defines the dynamics of social interactions and is a salient cue signaling responsiveness and feeling comfortable. This distance is implicit yet clearly felt, especially if someone stands closer or farther away than expected. Increasing evidence suggests that Oxytocin (OT) serves as a social hormone in humans, and that one of its roles may be to alter the perceptual salience of social cues. Considering that empathic ability may shape the way individuals process social stimuli, we predicted that OT will differentially affect preferred interpersonal distance depending on individual differences in empathy. Participants took part in two interpersonal distance experiments: In the first, they had to stop a (computer visualized) protagonist when feeling most comfortable; in the second, they were asked to choose the room in which they would later discuss intimate topics with another. Both experiments revealed an interaction between the effect of OT and empathy level. Among highly empathic individuals, OT promoted the choice of closer interpersonal distances. Yet, OT had an opposite effect on individuals with low empathic traits. We conclude that the enhancement of social cues following OT administration may have opposite effects on individuals with different empathic abilities. © The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Rehabilitation strategies enhancing participation in shopping malls for persons living with a disability.

PubMed

Alary Gauvreau, Christine; Kairy, Dahlia; Mazer, Barbara; Guindon, Andréanne; Le Dorze, Guylaine

2018-04-01

After rehabilitation, it is not clear the extent to which persons living with a disability return to their former activities in the community, such as going to shopping malls. Rehabilitation professionals are faced with the challenge to adequately prepare their clients to resume community participation. The purpose of this study was to identify rehabilitation strategies aimed at preparing clients to engage in activities in shopping malls. Twenty-two participants including 16 rehabilitation clinicians and 6 persons living with a disability participated in four nominal group sessions. Participants were questioned on current or potential rehabilitation strategies carried out to enhance participation in shopping malls for persons living with a disability. Discussions were audio-recorded and qualitative content analysis was conducted. Participants mentioned strategies that were either carried out by the clinician, or in collaboration with other parties. The latter type of strategies was either carried out with the collaboration of the client, the interdisciplinary team, the relatives, or community organizations. Rehabilitation clinicians have a role to play in preparing persons living with a disability to resume activities in a shopping mall. Additionally, therapeutic interventions in community settings may enhance the participation of rehabilitation clients in their everyday activities. Implications for rehabilitation Many strategies are currently used in rehabilitation to prepare persons living with a disability to resume shopping activities. Clinicians could implement shopping-oriented rehabilitation strategies with the client and/or with other rehabilitation partners. Involving clients in activities related to shopping might enhance their participation in shopping malls after rehabilitation. Rehabilitation clinicians can be facilitators for people living with a disability to reach optimal participation.

VisitSense: Sensing Place Visit Patterns from Ambient Radio on Smartphones for Targeted Mobile Ads in Shopping Malls.

PubMed

Kim, Byoungjip; Kang, Seungwoo; Ha, Jin-Young; Song, Junehwa

2015-07-16

In this paper, we introduce a novel smartphone framework called VisitSense that automatically detects and predicts a smartphone user's place visits from ambient radio to enable behavioral targeting for mobile ads in large shopping malls. VisitSense enables mobile app developers to adopt visit-pattern-aware mobile advertising for shopping mall visitors in their apps. It also benefits mobile users by allowing them to receive highly relevant mobile ads that are aware of their place visit patterns in shopping malls. To achieve the goal, VisitSense employs accurate visit detection and prediction methods. For accurate visit detection, we develop a change-based detection method to take into consideration the stability change of ambient radio and the mobility change of users. It performs well in large shopping malls where ambient radio is quite noisy and causes existing algorithms to easily fail. In addition, we proposed a causality-based visit prediction model to capture the causality in the sequential visit patterns for effective prediction. We have developed a VisitSense prototype system, and a visit-pattern-aware mobile advertising application that is based on it. Furthermore, we deploy the system in the COEX Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Korea, and conduct diverse experiments to show the effectiveness of VisitSense.

VisitSense: Sensing Place Visit Patterns from Ambient Radio on Smartphones for Targeted Mobile Ads in Shopping Malls

PubMed Central

Kim, Byoungjip; Kang, Seungwoo; Ha, Jin-Young; Song, Junehwa

2015-01-01

In this paper, we introduce a novel smartphone framework called VisitSense that automatically detects and predicts a smartphone user’s place visits from ambient radio to enable behavioral targeting for mobile ads in large shopping malls. VisitSense enables mobile app developers to adopt visit-pattern-aware mobile advertising for shopping mall visitors in their apps. It also benefits mobile users by allowing them to receive highly relevant mobile ads that are aware of their place visit patterns in shopping malls. To achieve the goal, VisitSense employs accurate visit detection and prediction methods. For accurate visit detection, we develop a change-based detection method to take into consideration the stability change of ambient radio and the mobility change of users. It performs well in large shopping malls where ambient radio is quite noisy and causes existing algorithms to easily fail. In addition, we proposed a causality-based visit prediction model to capture the causality in the sequential visit patterns for effective prediction. We have developed a VisitSense prototype system, and a visit-pattern-aware mobile advertising application that is based on it. Furthermore, we deploy the system in the COEX Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Korea, and conduct diverse experiments to show the effectiveness of VisitSense. PMID:26193275

Astronomy Festival on the National Mall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubowich, D.

2015-11-01

The annual Astronomy Festival on the National Mall (AFNM) takes place on 11 acres north of the Washington Monument in June (previous AFNM were April and July). AFNM, sponsored by Hofstra University, features optical and radio telescope viewing of the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, clusters, and nebulae; a live large-screen image, a cell phone imaging mount; exhibits; hands-on activities; videos; large outdoor banners and posters; citizen science activities; hand-outs; bookmarks, and teacher information materials. With no tall buildings almost the entire sky is visible and 10th mag. moons of Saturn and the Ring Nebula (9.75 mag.) were easily visible on clear nights. Representatives from some of the nation's foremost scientific and educational institutions presented exciting demonstrations and activities; and answered questions about careers in science, celestial objects, and the latest astronomical discoveries. Local amateur astronomers set up twenty telescopes on the Mall and long lines of 20-30 people waited to look through the telescopes. Visitors met astronaut Dr. John Grunsfeld (Associate Administrator, NASA) and astronomers Dr. Lisse, Dr. Livengood, Dr. Warren, and Dr. Paul Hertz (Director, Astrophysics Division, NASA). Important historical astronomers spoke to the attendees: Caroline Herschel (Lynn King); Tycho Brahe (Dean Howarth); and Johannes Kepler (Jeff Jones). Free telescopes, donated by Celestron, were raffled off.

Let's Go to the Mall: Thinking outside the Neighborhood Branch, Libraries in Malls Make for Happy Partnerships and Patrons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blankinship, Donna Gordon

2005-01-01

Branches in shopping malls help build community by attracting new patrons to the library. They help libraries offer exciting new venues with a retail-like approach and raise awareness of the work libraries are doing. In some cases, though not at Glendale, the library is more cost-effective owing to the smaller space used to serve patrons. These…

Creating an inclusive mall environment with the PRECEDE-PROCEED model: a living lab case study.

PubMed

Ahmed, Sara; Swaine, Bonnie; Milot, Marc; Gaudet, Caroline; Poldma, Tiiu; Bartlett, Gillian; Mazer, Barbara; Le Dorze, Guylaine; Barbic, Skye; Rodriguez, Ana Maria; Lefebvre, Hélène; Archambault, Philippe; Kairy, Dahlia; Fung, Joyce; Labbé, Delphine; Lamontagne, Anouk; Kehayia, Eva

2017-10-01

Although public environments provide opportunities for participation and social inclusion, they are not always inclusive spaces and may not accommodate the wide diversity of people. The Rehabilitation Living Lab in the Mall is a unique, interdisciplinary, and multi-sectoral research project with an aim to transform a shopping complex in Montreal, Canada, into an inclusive environment optimizing the participation and social inclusion of all people. The PRECEDE-PROCEDE Model (PPM), a community-oriented and participatory planning model, was applied as a framework. The PPM is comprised of nine steps divided between planning, implementation, and evaluation. The PPM is well suited as a framework for the development of an inclusive mall. Its ecological approach considers the environment, as well as the social and individual factors relating to mall users' needs and expectations. Transforming a mall to be more inclusive is a complex process involving many stakeholders. The PPM allows the synthesis of several sources of information, as well as the identification and prioritization of key issues to address. The PPM also helps to frame and drive the implementation and evaluate the components of the project. This knowledge can help others interested in using the PPM to create similar enabling and inclusive environments world-wide. Implication for rehabilitation While public environments provide opportunities for participation and social inclusion, they are not always inclusive spaces and may not accommodate the wide diversity of people. The PRECEDE PROCEDE Model (PPM) is well suited as a framework for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an inclusive mall. Environmental barriers can negatively impact the rehabilitation process by impeding the restoration and augmentation of function. Removing barriers to social participation and independent living by improving inclusivity in the mall and other environments positively impacts the lives of people with disabilities.

MASTER: high amplitude OT and OT during Fermi inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanutsa, P.; Lipunov, V.; Rebolo, R.; Serra-Ricart, M.; Podesta, R.; Levato, H.; Buckley, D.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Shumkov, V.; Gress, O.; Pogrosheva, T.; Kuznetsov, A.; Kornilov, V.; Chazov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Vladimirov, V.; Gorbunov, I.; Krylov, A.; Lopez, C.; Podesta, F.; Saffe, C.; Gabovich, A.

2017-06-01

During trigger (short GRB)/ (GRB_TIME: 17/06/04 14:28:05.09 UT, GRB_RA,Dec(2000):22h 41m 46s,+40d 40' 12", GRB_ERROR: 4.10 [deg radius, statistical only] )inspection MASTER-Kislovodsk auto-detection system detected optical transient at (RA, Dec) = 23h 01m 48.65s +41d 19m 04.2s on 2017-06-04.97120 UT. The OT unfiltered magnitude is 19.2m (limit 19.3m).

Context, view to north from mall; from left to right, ...

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

Context, view to north from mall; from left to right, flight markers, camp buildings, and visitor center - Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills, Dare County, NC

75 FR 51169 - OTS Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-18

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision [Docket ID: OTS-2010-0026] OTS Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee AGENCY: Department of the Treasury, Office of Thrift Supervision...: Deirdre A. Foley, Designated Federal Official, (202) 906-5750, Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street...

Want to Teach? First Go to the Mall.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Logan, Lin

1996-01-01

Education majors need an updated field experience aimed at studying adolescents from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Visiting a local shopping mall on a Friday night to observe teens in their natural habitat is entertaining and enlightening. By surveying kids, college students can find out what teens value and examine their own…

Food consumption and buying patterns of students from a Philippine university fastfood mall.

PubMed

Patricia, M; Azanza, V

2001-11-01

A consumer survey was conducted in a university fastfood mall to determine the food consumption and buying patterns of Philippine university students. The survey established that a typical fastfood consumer in the test university foodmall is female between 16 and 22 years old, with a purchasing capability of < or = US$1.79 for a complete meal, and who generally frequents the mall only once a day during weekdays. Wholesomeness, affordability and variety of the foods were the general basis for satisfaction of the typical student consumer.

Pulling Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) into the Mainstream: MALL in Broad Practice

PubMed Central

Wu, Qun

2015-01-01

The researcher designed a smartphone app to help college students to learn English (L2) vocabulary. The app contained 3,402 English words that were compiled into an alphabetic wordlist with each word displayed on three features; namely: spelling, pronunciation and Chinese definitions. To test the effectiveness of the app, an experimental group (with app) was compared with a control group (without app) and knowledge of words was tested before and after the research. The study revealed that the students using the program significantly outperformed those in the control group in vocabulary acquisition. This paper introduced a research design method and set up a pedagogical paradigm which can be followed as a way to practice MALL. PMID:26010606

Adolescents and Adults at the Mall: Dyadic Interactions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Readdick, Christine A.; Mullis, Ronald L.

1997-01-01

Examines differences in interpersonal engagements between teen-teen dyads (n=865) and teen-adults dyads (n=190) in a mall. Results indicate that teen-teen dyads differed from teen-adult dyads on two variables: conversation and shopping evidence. Within teen-teen dyad comparisons yielded gender and racial differences, but only one age difference.…

12 CFR 510.5 - Release of unpublished OTS information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 6 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Release of unpublished OTS information. 510.5 Section 510.5 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY MISCELLANEOUS ORGANIZATIONAL REGULATIONS § 510.5 Release of unpublished OTS information. (a) Scope. (1) This section applies to...

12 CFR 555.310 - How do I notify OTS?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false How do I notify OTS? 555.310 Section 555.310 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ELECTRONIC OPERATIONS Requirements Applicable to All Savings Associations § 555.310 How do I notify OTS? (a) Notice requirement. You...

MASTER: OT detection during Fermi trigger inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popova, E.; Lipunov, V.; Buckley, D.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Kornilov, V.; Chazov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Vladimirov, V.; Gress, O.; Ivanov, K.; Potter, S.; Gabovich, A.

2016-11-01

During inspection of Fermi trigger 501261070 ( (Ra,Dec)=47.190,-47.210; GRB_ERROR_radius=3.27deg, GRB_TIME=2016/11/19 15:11:06.40UT http://gcn.gsfc.nasa.gov/other/501261070.fermi ) MASTER-SAAO auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 03h 22m 52.70s -48d 29m 10.9s on 2016-11-19 21:17:17.878UT with unfiltered m_OT=17.8 (mlim=19.7).

Museum, Memorial and Mall: Postcolonialism, Pedagogies, Racism and Reconciliation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crowley, Vicki; Matthews, Julie

2006-01-01

Through museum and shopping mall and the possibilities, subtleties, banalities and disparities of reconciliation in South Africa and Australia, this paper immerses itself in the question of pedagogies and in particular the pedagogies of reconciliation, public spaces and postcolonialism. In both Australia and South Africa postcolonialism as theory…

The potential for oxytocin (OT) to prevent breast cancer: a hypothesis.

PubMed

Murrell, T G

1995-08-01

This hypothesis proposes that carcinogens in the breast are generated by the action of superoxide free radicals released when acinal gland distension, under the influence of unopposed prolactin, causes microvessel ischaemia. Inadequate nipple care in the at-risk years leads to ductal obstruction preventing the elimination of carcinogens from the breast. The regular production of oxytocin (OT) from nipple stimulation would cause contraction of the myoepithelial cells, relieving acinal gland distension and aiding the active elimination of carcinogenic fluid from the breast. Mechanical breast pump stimulation causes an increase in plasma OT levels in the luteal but not in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. OT production upon nipple stimulation in the luteal phase of premenopausal, non-lactating women may be protective against the high rates of mitotic breast cell division noted at this time via the potential to block the effect of oestrogen. The epidemiology of breast cancer suggests that lengthy lactation time is beneficial. Sexual activity in nulliparous women also protects and OT levels have been shown to rise with orgasm in women and in men. OT systems in the brain are intricately linked to oestrogen and progesterone levels, and it is possible that these hormones may modify the OT secretory response both centrally and through an effect on the sensitivity of the breast. OT production with nipple care and in sex and lactation, and the reduction in cycling ovarian hormones that occurs with pregnancy, may all be important preventative factors in the development of breast cancer both pre- and post-menopausally.

12 CFR 563b.115 - How will OTS review my business plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false How will OTS review my business plan? 563b.115... business plan? (a) OTS will review your business plan to determine that it demonstrates a safe and sound... will be determinative. OTS will review every case on its merits. (b) You must file your business plan...

Virtual Learning Environments on the Go: CALL Meets MALL

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arús Hita, Jorge

2016-01-01

This paper presents "Eating out," a Moodle-based digital learning resource for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching that can be run both on computers and mobile devices. It is argued that Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) resources do not necessarily need to be specifically designed for such platforms. Rather, a carefully…

A Scoping Review of the Tensions in OT-Teacher Collaborations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wintle, James; Krupa, Terry; Cramm, Heidi; DeLuca, Christopher

2017-01-01

Teachers must meet the educational needs of diverse students. Occupational therapists (OTs) assist some of these students through the provision of school-based occupational therapy (SBOT). However, there can be challenges to collaboration between OTs and teachers, and this can engender difficulty in achieving desired results. This scoping review…

A New Look for the Shopping Mall

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

STRUCTO-FAB, a product of Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, is a lightweight but extremely durable tent-like material made of Fiberglas coated with Teflon. It transmits daylight with a reduced need for artificial lighting. It is an outgrowth of a material formulated by NASA in 1967 as a new space suit fabric. Owens-Corning and DuPont provided the original material, which was the basis for Structo-Fab, a permanent architectural fabric used for shopping malls, sports stadiums, etc.

Prevalence and construct validity of compulsive buying disorder in shopping mall visitors.

PubMed

Maraz, Aniko; van den Brink, Wim; Demetrovics, Zsolt

2015-08-30

Compulsive buying is a relatively new psychopathological concept and very few data are currently available regarding the prevalence and validity of compulsive buying disorder. In this cross-sectional study, we establish the prevalence of compulsive buying disorder in shopping mall visitors and explore the construct validity of the concept using the revised version of the Edwards Compulsive Buying Scale in 1441 shopping mall visitors looking at shopping habits, current substance use (smoking, alcohol and illicit drug) and various psychological characteristics. Overall, 8.7% (95% CI: 7.3-10.3) of our sample was classified as having a compulsive buying disorder. Compulsive buyers were younger, less educated and more likely to be female than non-compulsive buyers. They were also more likely to have used licit and illicit substances. Compulsive buyers also reported higher levels of impulsivity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, lower levels of well-being and self-esteem and more psychological distress. Finally, compulsive buyers were five times more likely to meet criteria for borderline personality disorder than non-compulsive buyers. Compulsive buying is a frequent disorder in shopping mall visitors and is associated with important and robust indicators of psychopathology thus supporting the validity of the construct. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new assessment method of outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyeri; Lee, Kiyoung

2014-04-01

Outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) is concerned due to potential health effects. An assessment method of OTS exposure is needed to determine effects of OTS and validate outdoor smoking policies. The objective of this study was to develop a new method to assess OTS exposure. This study was conducted at 100 bus stops including 50 centerline bus stops and 50 roadside bus stops in Seoul, Korea. Using real-time aerosol monitor, PM2.5 was measured for 30 min at each bus stop in two seasons. ‘Peak analysis' method was developed to assess short term PM2.5 exposure by OTS. The 30-min average PM2.5 exposure at each bus stop was associated with season and bus stop location but not smoking activity. The PM2.5 peak occurrence rate by the peak analysis method was significantly associated with season, bus stop location, observed smoking occurrence, and the number of buses servicing a route. The PM2.5 peak concentration was significantly associated with season, smoking occurrence, and the number of buses servicing a route. When a smoker was standing still at the bus stop, magnitude of peak concentrations were significantly higher than when the smoker walking-through the bus stop. People were exposed to high short-term PM2.5 peak levels at bus stops, and the magnitude of peak concentrations were highest when a smoker was located close to the monitor. The magnitude of peak concentration was a good indicator helped distinguish nearby OTS exposure. Further research using ‘peak analysis' is needed to measure smoking-related exposure to PM2.5 in other outdoor locations.

12 CFR 500.10 - The OTS or The Office.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false The OTS or The Office. 500.10 Section 500.10 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY AGENCY ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS General Organization § 500.10 The OTS or The Office. The Office of Thrift Supervision (referred to as “OTS” or “Office”) is an office of the...

Mall Classrooms: Where Students Get a Piece of the Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burgess, Elinor F.; Rees, Doris J.

1984-01-01

Describes a program in Fairfax County, Virginia, in which marketing and distributive education classes are taught at two shopping malls. The merchants provide students with realistic, hands-on experiences during class time that provide the basis for instruction in many marketing skills and techniques. (JOW)

12 CFR 563b.675 - What conditions will OTS impose on an approval?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What conditions will OTS impose on an approval... Supervisory Conversion Application § 563b.675 What conditions will OTS impose on an approval? (a) OTS will... conditions and restrictions on you (before and after the conversion), your acquiror, controlling parties, or...

Teaching the Moving Child: OT Insights That Will Transform Your K-3 Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berkey, Sybil M.

2009-01-01

Because sensorimotor and environmental factors have a profound effect on children's learning, every teacher should know how to weave strategies from occupational therapy (OT) into their everyday instruction. This is the guidebook K-3 teachers need to "think like an OT"--and form effective partnerships with OTs in their schools--so all students can…

Online Mall: How One District Got Started in E-Purchasing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barclay, Brian

2001-01-01

To address the problem of outdated vendor catalogs, Edmonton (Alberta) Public Schools created a view-only online shopping mall that evolved into an electronic shopping program. Buyers can use credit cards for some transactions and cost coding for others. They can also sell unwanted items online. (MLH)

12 CFR 550.80 - How do I obtain OTS approval?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false How do I obtain OTS approval? 550.80 Section 550.80 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Obtaining Fiduciary Powers § 550.80 How do I obtain OTS approval? You must file an...

12 CFR 550.80 - How do I obtain OTS approval?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false How do I obtain OTS approval? 550.80 Section 550.80 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Obtaining Fiduciary Powers § 550.80 How do I obtain OTS approval? You must file an...

MASTER Net: OT in M31 direction and new CV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shumkov, V.; Pogrosheva, T.; Lipunov, V.; Lopez, R. Rebolo; Serra-Ricart, M.; Buckley, D.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Kornilov, V.; Gress, O.; Zimnukhov, D.; Vladimirov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Kuvshinov, D.

2018-01-01

MASTER-SAAO auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 03h 00m 57.16s -66d 25m 23.1s on 2018-01-11.89176 UT. The OT unfiltered magnitude is 19.2m (mlim=20.1).

12 CFR 516.10 - How does OTS compute time periods under this part?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... APPLICATION PROCESSING PROCEDURES § 516.10 How does OTS compute time periods under this part? In computing time periods under this part, OTS does not include the day of the act or event that commences the time... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false How does OTS compute time periods under this...

Superhump Period of MASTER OT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnavich, Peter; McClelland, Colin

2013-02-01

We observed the optical transient MASTER OT J065608.28+744455.2 (ATEL #4783) with the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) and VATT4K CCD camera. V-band imaging began at 2013 Feb. 5.15 (UT) and continued for 3.3 hours with a time resolution of 22 seconds.

A global outer-rise/outer-trench-slope (OR/OTS) earthquake study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wartman, J. M.; Kita, S.; Kirby, S. H.; Choy, G. L.

2009-12-01

Using improved seismic, bathymetric, satellite gravity and other geophysical data, we investigated the seismicity patterns and focal mechanisms of earthquakes in oceanic lithosphere off the trenches of the world that are large enough to be well recorded at teleseismic distances. A number of prominent trends are apparent, some of which have been previously recognized based on more limited data [1], and some of which are largely new [2-5]: (1) The largest events and the highest seismicity rates tend to occur where Mesozoic incoming plates are subducting at high rates (e.g., those in the western Pacific and the Banda segment of Indonesia). The largest events are predominantly shallow normal faulting (SNF) earthquakes. Less common are reverse-faulting (RF) events that tend to be deeper and to be present along with SNF events where nearby seamounts, seamount chains and other volcanic features are subducting [Seno and Yamanaka, 1996]. Blooms of SNF OR/OTS events usually occur just after and seaward of great interplate thrust (IPT) earthquakes but are far less common after smaller IPT events. (2) Plates subducting at slow rates (<20 mm/a) often show sparse OR/OTS seismicity. It is unclear if such low activity is a long-term feature of these systems or is a consequence of the long return times of great IPT earthquakes (e.g., the sparse OR/OTS seismicity before the 26 December 2004 M9.2 Sumatra earthquake and many subsequent OR/OTS events). (3) OR/OTS shocks are generally sparse or absent where incoming plates are very young (<20 Ma) (e.g., Cascadia, southern Mexico, Nankai, and South Shetlands). (4) Subducting plates of intermediate age (20 to about 65 Ma) display a diversity of focal mechanisms and seismicity patterns. In the Philippines, NE Indonesia, and Melanesia, bands of reverse faulting events occur at or near the trench and SNF earthquakes are restricted to OR/OTS sites further from the trench. (5) Clustering of OR/OTS events of all types commonly occurs where

OT calibration and service maintenance manual.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-01-01

The machine conditions, as well as the values at the calibration and control parameters, may determine the quality of each test results obtained. In order to keep consistency and accuracy, the conditions, performance and measurements of an OT must be...

The Unacceptable "Flaneur": The Shopping Mall as a Teenage Hangout.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Hugh; Taylor, Mark; Percy-Smith, Barry; Limb, Melanie

2000-01-01

Examines attitudes toward the role of the shopping mall as a place for congregating. Notes that adult attitudes reflect a discomfort with teenagers being in a place where they have no clear role, while teenagers transgress and question the spatial hegemony of adulthood, creating a "thirdspace" reflecting their place between adulthood and…

MALL Technology: Use of Academic Podcasting in the Foreign Language Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdous, M'hammed; Camarena, Margaret M.; Facer, Betty Rose

2009-01-01

Integrating Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) technology (personal multimedia players, cell phones, and handheld devices) into the foreign language curriculum is becoming commonplace in many secondary and higher education institutions. Current research has identified both pedagogically sound applications and important benefits to students.…

For Our Kids, Going to the Mall Is a Real Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis, Patti

1989-01-01

The Storefront School for mentally disabled youth in Ottawa (Ontario) serves as both a classroom and a headquarters for students who are assigned work in the shopping mall. Visibility of the program makes the public more aware of the potential of the mentally handicapped. (MLF)

75 FR 181 - Application for Conversion From: (a) OTS-Regulated, State-Chartered Savings Association to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-04

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision Application for Conversion From: (a) OTS...: Application for Conversion from: (1) OTS- Regulated, State-Chartered Savings Association to Federal Saving... whether it meets applicable eligibility requirements for conversion and complies with applicable OTS...

First report on the occurrence of Theileria sp. OT3 in China.

PubMed

Tian, Zhancheng; Liu, Guangyuan; Yin, Hong; Xie, Junren; Wang, Suyan; Yuan, Xiaosong; Wang, Fangfang; Luo, Jin

2014-04-01

Theileria sp. OT3 was firstly detected and identified from clinically healthy sheep in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China (XUAR) through comparing the complete 18S rDNA gene sequences available in GenBank database and the phylogenetic status based on the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1, ITS2) as well as the intervening 5.8S coding region of the rRNA gene by the methods of a partitioned multi-locus analysis in BEAST and Maximum likelihood analysis in PhyML. Moreover, the findings were confirmed by the species-specific PCR for Theileria sp. OT3 and the prevalence of Theileria sp. OT3 was 14.9% in the north of XUAR. This study is the first report on the occurrence of Theileria sp. OT3 in China. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

MALL with WordBricks--Building Correct Sentences Brick by Brick

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Purgina, Marina; Mozgovoy, Maxim; Ward, Monica

2017-01-01

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) use is increasing and it is good to be able to provide language learners with new resources to enhance their language learning experience. One such resource is WordBricks, a non-commercial, educational app that facilitates the learning and reinforcement of grammar rules. It uses bricks and connectors of…

12 CFR 563.146 - Will the OTS permit my capital distribution?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... under 12 U.S.C. 1831o(d)(1)(B). (b) Your proposed capital distribution raises safety or soundness... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Will the OTS permit my capital distribution... SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS-OPERATIONS Capital Distributions § 563.146 Will the OTS permit my capital...

Shopping for Jobs: Mall Internship Program Opens Doors for HVAC Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nolot, Terry

1995-01-01

Ivy Tech State College uses River Falls, a shopping mall, as an enormous heating, ventilation, and air conditioning laboratory. Students spend Saturdays working with full-time technicians getting invaluable training and experience. Students see the program as a professional opportunity and a direct route to jobs. (JOW)

12 CFR 502.55 - Where can I find OTS's fee schedule?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Where can I find OTS's fee schedule? 502.55 Section 502.55 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ASSESSMENTS AND... fees in a Thrift Bulletin. OTS will publish these fees at least 30 days before they are effective. ...

Other Transaction (OT) Authority

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-25

definition may be found in a Public Contract Law Journal article: “For purposes of this article, when the term ‘commercial’ is used, it encompasses all...the Bayh-Dole Act: Keeping the Federal Government on the Cutting Edge,” Public Contract Law Journal, vol. 30, no. 2 (winter 2001), p. 226.) The...Government? Should They Be?” Public Contract Law Journal, vol. 33, no. 1 (fall 2003), p. 26. The benefit of OT authority is that it “... allows

Return to Flight activities at The Mall at Cortana

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Christian Gonzales, 11 (right), watches as his little brother Walter, 2, adds his own brand of good wishes to a banner encouraging the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery on NASA's Return to Flight mission, scheduled to launch in summer 2005. The brothers, of Baton Rouge, were participating in a Camp Kids event at The Mall at Cortana, where Return to Flight activities were presented by NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC).

Return to Flight activities at The Mall at Cortana

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-06-28

Christian Gonzales, 11 (right), watches as his little brother Walter, 2, adds his own brand of good wishes to a banner encouraging the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery on NASA's Return to Flight mission, scheduled to launch in summer 2005. The brothers, of Baton Rouge, were participating in a Camp Kids event at The Mall at Cortana, where Return to Flight activities were presented by NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC).

MALL liposuction: the natural evolution of subdermal superficial liposuction.

PubMed

Gasperoni, C; Salgarello, M

1994-01-01

Subdermal superficial liposuction, first presented by the authors at the ISAPS Congress at Zurich in 1989, is performed with thin three-hole Mercedes cannulas (diameter ranges from 1.8 to 2 mm) to treat small and secondary adiposities and to allow better skin retraction. Suction of the subdermal layer of fat reduces the thickness and consistency of the superficial fat and enhances the possibility of skin retraction. In cases where there is a large adiposity of the abdomen, arms, or inner thighs, there is a conspicuous volume of fat whose weight tends to overstretch and to carry the overlying skin downward. In these cases we need to reduce the large fat volume to permit effective skin retraction. Therefore, we apply the principles of traditional liposuction with those of subdermal superficial liposuction to aspirate large amounts of fat from all the adipose layers. We call this technique Massive All Layer Liposuction (MALL). The amount of skin shrinkage after this "defatting" procedure is remarkable and the clinical results are very good. The MALL technique can be applied to other areas as well. In our experience this new liposuction technique has dramatically reduced the indications of abdominoplasties and dermolipectomies of inner thighs and arms.

Optimization of OT-MACH Filter Generation for Target Recognition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Oliver C.; Edens, Weston; Lu, Thomas T.; Chao, Tien-Hsin

2009-01-01

An automatic Optimum Trade-off Maximum Average Correlation Height (OT-MACH) filter generator for use in a gray-scale optical correlator (GOC) has been developed for improved target detection at JPL. While the OT-MACH filter has been shown to be an optimal filter for target detection, actually solving for the optimum is too computationally intensive for multiple targets. Instead, an adaptive step gradient descent method was tested to iteratively optimize the three OT-MACH parameters, alpha, beta, and gamma. The feedback for the gradient descent method was a composite of the performance measures, correlation peak height and peak to side lobe ratio. The automated method generated and tested multiple filters in order to approach the optimal filter quicker and more reliably than the current manual method. Initial usage and testing has shown preliminary success at finding an approximation of the optimal filter, in terms of alpha, beta, gamma values. This corresponded to a substantial improvement in detection performance where the true positive rate increased for the same average false positives per image.

12 CFR 555.300 - Must I inform OTS before I use electronic means or facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Must I inform OTS before I use electronic means... I inform OTS before I use electronic means or facilities? (a) General. A savings association (“you”) are not required to inform OTS before you use electronic means or facilities, except as provided in...

Concierge or Information Desk: Teaching Social Stratification through the Malling of America.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manning, Robert D.; Price, Derek V.; Rich, Henry J.

1997-01-01

Describes an undergraduate sociology project in which students conducted research at working class and upper-middle class shopping malls. The research focused on social stratification and its manifestation in architectural character, spatial relationships, advertising, and consumer behavior. Includes an appendix that reproduces the fieldwork…

VHF Direction Finder (VDF) Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) integration and OT&E Operational Test Logs and Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-01

4. 2 + 30 1 120 K1. Dl f o’fZ. 5 $ Time 143 q Data___________ Plot.,- s A "’ke-., v CO Pi.ot -----.-.. n•_ ze g .,nL,.,khav ,.-VW ý61I;, 9- 0 ; $ 4...Saemario 0 5 . Two Airaraft. apraimately 45 minutes. D1Fre ; 12T. Z.-t._--__ Aircraft a1 iiuot-Mg A~uomy-ss 3nq1?O" lLock~v*otf time 2 13 9a Aircraft 02...1 a b ul a z %# U,’t YIV M" us~N b Ct u U, ý at nOt P SI am N% EA . 0 40 on N n -q P"I n n I - 44~~K 5 ~ - - N N mul 3 UA ’YM ly! oni - 4 b eq a

Effects of Hypergravity Exposure on Plasma Oxytocin (OT) Concentrations in Pregnant and Lactating Rat Dams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baer, Lisa A.; Wade, Charles E.; Plaut, Karen; Ronca, April E.; Dalton, Bonnie (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

From pregnancy to weaning there is a progressive elevation of plasma oxytocin (OT) levels associated with nursing activity, irrespective of litter size. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of continuous 1.5G, 1.75G and 2.0G hypergravity exposure on OT plasma concentration in prepartum (Gestation Day 20) (G20) and lactating (Postnatal day) (P10) rat dams. For this study, litter size was controlled with a yoking procedure established in our lab where individual control litters were yoked-matched to individual hypergravity litters. We reviewed all data at hypergravity irrespective of gravitational level and compared the values with the controls in both G20 (HG, n=15;SC, n=9) and P10 (HG, n=21;SC, n=16). Results showed that over time, we did observe the expected OT increase in both groups. In G20 dams, measurement of OT concentrations showed no significance. However, at P10, measurements of OT concentrations suggest a reduction of about 20% compared to established controls in our laboratory, 0.9+/-0.09 ng/ml for the controls and 0.7+/-0.06 ng/ml for centrifuged animals (p<0.02). These data suggest that exposure to centrifugation may reduce OT levels during lactation. When these plasma samples were obtained, the dams were removed from the litters, and values were not adjusted for the size of the litters. The reduction in OT with centrifugation may reflect a decrease in nursing activity or a decreased responsiveness of the mammary hypothalamic axis. In addition, we have analyzed data on plasma prolactin concentrations and mammary gland development, which may give additional insight to the results of our OT measurements.

75 FR 61572 - Open Meeting of the OTS Mutual Savings Association Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-05

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision [Docket ID OTS-2010-0030] Open Meeting of... Thrift Supervision. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: The OTS Mutual Savings Associations Advisory....treas.gov ; or Mail: to Charlotte Bahin, Designated Federal Official, Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700...

75 FR 76524 - Closed Meeting of the OTS Mutual Savings Association Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-08

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision [Docket ID: OTS-2010-0034] Closed Meeting of the OTS Mutual Savings Association Advisory Committee AGENCY: Office of Thrift Supervision... Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20552. The public is invited to submit written statements to...

The Shopping Mall High School. Winners and Losers in the Educational Marketplace.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, Arthur G.; And Others

1985-01-01

High schools seek to maximize student holding power providing something for everybody. This shopping mall concept produces schools in which variety, choice, and neutrality are counterproductive for some individuals. To counteract this effect schools need to take risks through greater commitment to individual student development and to higher…

75 FR 63895 - Open Meeting of the OTS Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-18

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision [Docket ID: OTS-2010-0028] Open Meeting of... of Thrift Supervision. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: The OTS Minority Depository Institutions... the Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC, beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern Time...

75 FR 38188 - Closed Meeting of the OTS Mutual Savings Association Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-01

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision [Docket ID OTS-2010-0021] Closed Meeting... of Thrift Supervision. ACTION: Notice of Closed Meeting. SUMMARY: The OTS Mutual Savings Associations... Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20552. The public is invited to submit written statements to...

76 FR 7630 - Open Meeting of the OTS Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-10

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision [Docket ID: OTS-2011-0003] Open Meeting of... of Thrift Supervision. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: The OTS Minority Depository Institutions... Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC, beginning at 9 a.m. [[Page 7631...

12 CFR 550.120 - What action will the OTS take on my application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false What action will the OTS take on my application? 550.120 Section 550.120 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Obtaining Fiduciary Powers § 550.120 What action will the OTS take...

12 CFR 550.120 - What action will the OTS take on my application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What action will the OTS take on my application? 550.120 Section 550.120 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Obtaining Fiduciary Powers § 550.120 What action will the OTS take...

12 CFR 516.170 - When will OTS conduct a meeting on an application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... application, or otherwise determines that a meeting will benefit the decision-making process. OTS may limit... inform the applicant and all commenters requesting a meeting of its decision to grant or deny a meeting request, or of its decision to conduct a meeting on its own initiative. (c) If OTS decides to conduct a...

Comparing Food Label Experiments Using Samples from Web Panels versus Mall Intercepts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, LinChiat; Lin, Chung-Tung Jordan

2015-01-01

To regulate health messages on food labels, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traditionally relied on mall intercepts to collect consumer data. In recent years, web surveys have presented a viable alternative for presenting visual stimuli with more control and efficiency in data collection. However, there is a paucity of empirical data…

On the light-curve of OT/GRB970508

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedersen, H.; Jaunsen, A. O.; Østensen, R.; Grav, T.; Wold, M.; Lacy, M.; Kristen, H.; Broeils, A.; Castro-Tirado, A. J.; Gorosabel, J.; Rodriguez Espinosa, J. M.; Perez, A. M.; Näslund, M.; Fransson, C.; Andersen, M. I.; Wolf, C.; Fockenbrock, R.; Piro, L.; Feroci, M.; Costa, E.; Nicastro, L.; Palazzi, E.; Frontera, F.; Monaldi, L.; Heise, J.; Hjorth, J.

1998-05-01

Using the Nordic Optical Telescope, La Palma, Spain, optical studies of OT/GRB970508 were initiated 3 hours 5 minutes after the high energy event (This appears to be sooner than achieved elsewhere, for any optical transient). The OT was clearly detected in the earliest images. The last observation was done August 13-15, i.e. 95-97 days after the event. We have combined the NOT R and unfiltered data with similar photometry from elsewhere. We conclude that the observed source brightness cannot easily be modeled by theories predicting a monotonic rise to maximum. Also the post-maximum power-law decay, albeit predicted by several models, is no longer valid at the moment of our last observation. The contribution of a constant source, mR=25.5 is indicated, but this does not show up in the image profile.

Use of thermal cycling to reduce adhesion of OTS coated coated MEMS cantilevers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Shaikh M.; Phinney, Leslie M.

2003-01-01

°Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have enormous potential to contribute in diverse fields such as automotive, health care, aerospace, consumer products, and biotechnology, but successful commercial applications of MEMS are still small in number. Reliability of MEMS is a major impediment to the commercialization of laboratory prototypes. Due to the multitude of MEMS applications and the numerous processing and packaging steps, MEMS are exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, making the prediction of operational reliability difficult. In this paper, we investigate the effects of operating temperature on the in-use adhesive failure of electrostatically actuated MEMS microcantilevers coated with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) films. The cantilevers are subjected to repeated temperature cycles and electrostatically actuated at temperatures between 25°C and 300°C in ambient air. The experimental results indicate that temperature cycling of the OTS coated cantilevers in air reduces the sticking probability of the microcantilevers. The sticking probability of OTS coated cantilevers was highest during heating, which decreased during cooling, and was lowest during reheating. Modifications to the OTS release method to increase its yield are also discussed.

Photographic documentation of the STS-107 Memorial at the JSC Mall

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-04

JSC2003-E-05938 (4 February 2003) --- President George W. Bush addresses the crowd on the mall of the Johnson Space Center during the memorial for the Columbia astronauts. Seated from the left are Captain Gene Theriot, Chaplain Corps (USN); NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe; and astronaut Kent V. Rominger, Chief of the Astronaut Office. A portrait of the STS-107 Columbia crew is visible at left.

Impact of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on EFL: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taj, Imtiaz Hassan; Sulan, Norrihan Binti; Sipra, Muhammad Aslam; Ahmad, Waqar

2016-01-01

Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has emerged as a potential tool in the instruction of English as a foreign language (EFL). Meta-analysis of 13 studies published between year 2008 and 2015 was conducted. Four point criteria for the selection of studies for analysis is based on the year of publication, quasi-experimental design, pretest and…

"Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy (MY-OT): A feasibility and pilot study".

PubMed

Schmid, Arlene A; Puymbroeck, Marieke Van; Portz, Jennifer D; Atler, Karen E; Fruhauf, Christine A

2016-10-01

To examine the feasibility and benefits of the Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy (MY-OT) intervention. This is the primary analysis of a non-controlled pretest-posttest pilot study to understand the feasibility and impact of MY-OT on balance, balance self-efficacy, and fall risk factor management in people with chronic stroke. University research laboratory. People with chronic stroke were included in the study if they: had sustained a fall or had fear of falling, were able to stand, and hand impaired balance and were at risk for falls (≤46 on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS)). Individuals completed an 8 week intervention that included 16 sessions of both yoga and group occupational therapy (OT). Yoga included physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. OT focused on post-stroke fall risk factor management. The BBS was used to assess balance, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) was used to measure balance self-efficacy. Five fall risk factor management scales were used. Overall, the intervention was considered feasible, as individuals were able to safely complete the intervention with little attrition and high attendance. Balance improved by 30% (p=0.002). Balance self-efficacy improved by 15% (p=0.034). Each of the five fall risk factor management scales improved, but only two significantly improved (Fall Prevention and Management Questionnaire, 29%, p=0.004 and Fall Prevention Strategy Survey, 42%, p=0.032). The results demonstrate that MY-OT is a potential intervention to improve multiple fall related outcomes for people with stroke. Therapists may consider these interventions for people with stroke, but additional research is warranted. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trehalose-6-Phosphate-Mediated Toxicity Determines Essentiality of OtsB2 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis In Vitro and in Mice.

PubMed

Korte, Jan; Alber, Marina; Trujillo, Carolina M; Syson, Karl; Koliwer-Brandl, Hendrik; Deenen, René; Köhrer, Karl; DeJesus, Michael A; Hartman, Travis; Jacobs, William R; Bornemann, Stephen; Ioerger, Thomas R; Ehrt, Sabine; Kalscheuer, Rainer

2016-12-01

Trehalose biosynthesis is considered an attractive target for the development of antimicrobials against fungal, helminthic and bacterial pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most common biosynthetic route involves trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) synthase OtsA and T6P phosphatase OtsB that generate trehalose from ADP/UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate. In order to assess the drug target potential of T6P phosphatase, we generated a conditional mutant of M. tuberculosis allowing the regulated gene silencing of the T6P phosphatase gene otsB2. We found that otsB2 is essential for growth of M. tuberculosis in vitro as well as for the acute infection phase in mice following aerosol infection. By contrast, otsB2 is not essential for the chronic infection phase in mice, highlighting the substantial remodelling of trehalose metabolism during infection by M. tuberculosis. Blocking OtsB2 resulted in the accumulation of its substrate T6P, which appears to be toxic, leading to the self-poisoning of cells. Accordingly, blocking T6P production in a ΔotsA mutant abrogated otsB2 essentiality. T6P accumulation elicited a global upregulation of more than 800 genes, which might result from an increase in RNA stability implied by the enhanced neutralization of toxins exhibiting ribonuclease activity. Surprisingly, overlap with the stress response caused by the accumulation of another toxic sugar phosphate molecule, maltose-1-phosphate, was minimal. A genome-wide screen for synthetic lethal interactions with otsA identified numerous genes, revealing additional potential drug targets synergistic with OtsB2 suitable for combination therapies that would minimize the emergence of resistance to OtsB2 inhibitors.

Trehalose-6-Phosphate-Mediated Toxicity Determines Essentiality of OtsB2 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis In Vitro and in Mice

PubMed Central

Koliwer-Brandl, Hendrik; Hartman, Travis; Jacobs, William R.; Ioerger, Thomas R.; Ehrt, Sabine

2016-01-01

Trehalose biosynthesis is considered an attractive target for the development of antimicrobials against fungal, helminthic and bacterial pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most common biosynthetic route involves trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) synthase OtsA and T6P phosphatase OtsB that generate trehalose from ADP/UDP-glucose and glucose-6-phosphate. In order to assess the drug target potential of T6P phosphatase, we generated a conditional mutant of M. tuberculosis allowing the regulated gene silencing of the T6P phosphatase gene otsB2. We found that otsB2 is essential for growth of M. tuberculosis in vitro as well as for the acute infection phase in mice following aerosol infection. By contrast, otsB2 is not essential for the chronic infection phase in mice, highlighting the substantial remodelling of trehalose metabolism during infection by M. tuberculosis. Blocking OtsB2 resulted in the accumulation of its substrate T6P, which appears to be toxic, leading to the self-poisoning of cells. Accordingly, blocking T6P production in a ΔotsA mutant abrogated otsB2 essentiality. T6P accumulation elicited a global upregulation of more than 800 genes, which might result from an increase in RNA stability implied by the enhanced neutralization of toxins exhibiting ribonuclease activity. Surprisingly, overlap with the stress response caused by the accumulation of another toxic sugar phosphate molecule, maltose-1-phosphate, was minimal. A genome-wide screen for synthetic lethal interactions with otsA identified numerous genes, revealing additional potential drug targets synergistic with OtsB2 suitable for combination therapies that would minimize the emergence of resistance to OtsB2 inhibitors. PMID:27936238

Downtown Study Centre: An Open-Ended ABE Program in an Urban Shopping Mall

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, David

1976-01-01

Describes an adult basic education facility after one year of operation in an urban shopping mall in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. The center is an informal open-ended classroom and advising center where part-time adult learners study an individualized curriculum. Summarizes the major findings of a program evaluation. (EM)

Pedestrian Choice Behavior at Shopping Mall Intersections in China and the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bitgood, Stephen; Davey, Gareth; Huang, Xiaoyi; Fung, Holly

2013-01-01

Pedestrian navigation through public spaces reflects the nature of interaction between behavior and environment. This study compared pedestrian choice behavior at shopping mall intersections in China and the United States. The study found that in both countries (a) pedestrians chose movement patterns that involved the fewest steps and (b) there…

Curriculum Integration of MALL in L1/L2 Pedagogy: Perspectives on Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chwo, Shu-Mei Gloria; Marek, Michael W.; Wu, Wen-Chi Vivian

2016-01-01

This study surveys work that has been done in the field of Mobile Assisted Language Learning. The researchers surveyed 70 corresponding authors of past MALL studies with formatted and open-ended questions, treating them as expert "participant-observers" of their own studies. The findings present details from the respondents about the…

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) act on OT receptors and not AVP V1a receptors to enhance social recognition in adult Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).

PubMed

Song, Zhimin; Larkin, Tony E; Malley, Maureen O'; Albers, H Elliott

2016-05-01

Social recognition is a fundamental requirement for all forms of social relationships. A majority of studies investigating the neural mechanisms underlying social recognition in rodents have investigated relatively neutral social stimuli such as juveniles or ovariectomized females over short time intervals (e.g., 2h). The present study developed a new testing model to study social recognition among adult males using a potent social stimulus. Flank gland odors are used extensively in social communication in Syrian hamsters and convey important information such as dominance status. We found that the recognition of flank gland odors after a 3min exposure lasted for at least 24h, substantially longer than the recognition of other social cues in rats and mice. Intracerebroventricular injections of OT and AVP prolonged the recognition of flank gland odor for up to 48h. Selective OTR but not V1aR agonists, mimicked these enhancing effects of OT and AVP. Similarly, selective OTR but not V1aR antagonists blocked recognition of the odors after 20min. In contrast, the recognition of non-social stimuli was not blocked by either the OTR or the V1aR antagonists. Our findings suggest both OT and AVP enhance social recognition via acting on OTRs and not V1aRs and that the recognition enhancing effects of OT and AVP are limited to social stimuli. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

75 FR 10560 - Application for Conversion From: (a) OTS-Regulated, State-Chartered Savings Association to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-08

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision Application for Conversion From: (a) OTS... Proposal: Application for Conversion from: (1) OTS- Regulated, State-Chartered Savings Association to... reviewed to determine whether it meets applicable eligibility requirements for conversion and complies with...

Recent optical activity of the blazar OT 355

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachev, R.; Kurtenkov, A.; Nikolov, Y.; Spassov, B.; Boeva, S.; Latev, G.; Dimitrova, R. V. Munoz

2017-06-01

The Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar OT 355 (also known as 7C 173240.70+385949.00, z=0.975) was typically observed to be in the optical between 16th and 21th magnitude (CRTS, http://nesssi.cacr.caltech.edu/catalina/20011332/113321380764100137p.html).

Software OT&E Guidelines. Volume 3. Software Maintainability Evaluator’s Handbook

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-04-01

SOFTWARE OT&E " 1 GUIDELINES . VOLUME III SOFTWARE MAINTAINABILITY EVALUATOR’S HANDBOOK APRIL 1980 AIR FORCE TEST AND EVALUATION CENTER KIRTLAND AIR...FORCE BASE NEW MEXICO 87117 C-, -j AfTECP 800-3 AF’r...........3 ...... UNCLASSIFIED SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE (When D.. Entered) RE:PORT...c -. 5 TY!aJ0. PERIOD COVERED SOFTWARE OT& . GUIDELINES, Volume III .of five). -1 softare-R.aintainability Evaluator’s P-IEFnook’ 4ina. i 1980

12 CFR 510.5 - Release of unpublished OTS information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... their official capacities. Examples of unpublished information include: (i) Information in the memory of... must be sent to the OTS at 1700 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20552, to the attention of the Corporate...

12 CFR 550.70 - Must I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... before I exercise fiduciary powers? 550.70 Section 550.70 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION... I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers? You should refer to the following chart to determine if you must obtain OTS approval or file a notice with OTS before you exercise...

12 CFR 550.70 - Must I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... before I exercise fiduciary powers? 550.70 Section 550.70 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION... I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers? You should refer to the following chart to determine if you must obtain OTS approval or file a notice with OTS before you exercise...

12 CFR 550.70 - Must I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... before I exercise fiduciary powers? 550.70 Section 550.70 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION... I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers? You should refer to the following chart to determine if you must obtain OTS approval or file a notice with OTS before you exercise...

12 CFR 550.70 - Must I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... before I exercise fiduciary powers? 550.70 Section 550.70 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION... I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers? You should refer to the following chart to determine if you must obtain OTS approval or file a notice with OTS before you exercise...

12 CFR 550.70 - Must I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... before I exercise fiduciary powers? 550.70 Section 550.70 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION... I obtain OTS approval or file a notice before I exercise fiduciary powers? You should refer to the following chart to determine if you must obtain OTS approval or file a notice with OTS before you exercise...

Negotiating Liberalism and Bio-Politics: Stylizing Power in Defense of the Mall Curfew

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amsden, Brian

2008-01-01

While Michel Foucault's "technologies of the self" are useful in explaining the convergence of liberalism and bio-politics, they fail to account for the appeal of juridical mechanisms that administer the conventions of bio-political control. A productive site from which to explore this convergence is provided by the "mall curfew," a bio-political…

12 CFR 516.250 - Will OTS require me to publish a new public notice?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Will OTS require me to publish a new public... publish a new public notice? (a) If your application was subject to a publication requirement, OTS may require you to publish a new public notice of your application if: (1) You submitted a revision to the...

12 CFR 502.60 - When will OTS adjust, add, waive, or eliminate a fee?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false When will OTS adjust, add, waive, or eliminate a fee? 502.60 Section 502.60 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ASSESSMENTS AND FEES Fees § 502.60 When will OTS adjust, add, waive, or eliminate a fee? Under...

Disruptive Ideas for IT/OT Security in Energy Systems

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

Martin, Maurice

Presentation on disruptive ideas for IT and OT cybersecurity in energy systems, presented by Power Systems Engineering Center Researcher Maurice Martin. This presentation was prepared for the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research Conference on March 1, 2018.

Time comparison via OTS-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dejong, G.; Kaarls, R.; Kirchner, D.; Ressler, H.

1982-01-01

The time comparisons carried out via OTS-2 between the Technical University Graz (Austria) and the Van Swinden Laboratory Delft (Netherlands) are discussed. The method is based on the use of the synchronization pulse in the TV-frame of the daily evening broadcasting of a French TV-program to Northern Africa. Corrections, as a consequence of changes in the position of the satellite coordinates are applied weekly after reception of satellite coordinates. A description of the method is given as well as some of the particular techniques used in both the participating laboratories. Preliminary results are presented.

Placental Expressions of CDKN1C and KCNQ1OT1 in Monozygotic Twins with Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

PubMed

Gou, Chenyu; Liu, Xiangzhen; Shi, Xiaomei; Chai, Hanjing; He, Zhi-Ming; Huang, Xuan; Fang, Qun

2017-10-01

CDKN1C and KCNQ1OT1 are imprinted genes that might be potential regulators of placental development. This study investigated placental expressions of CDKN1C and KCNQ1OT1 in monozygotic twins with and without selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). Seventeen sIUGR and fifteen normal monozygotic(MZ) twin pairs were examined. Placental mRNA expressions of CDKN1C and KCNQ1OT1 were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. CDKN1C protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical assay and Western-blotting. In the sIUGR group, smaller fetuses had a smaller share of the placenta, and CDKN1C protein expression was significantly increased while KCNQ1OT1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased. The CDKN1C/KCNQ1OT1 mRNA ratio was lower in the larger fetus than in the smaller fetus (p < .05). In the control group, CDKN1C protein expression showed no difference between larger and smaller fetuses, while KCNQ1OT1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the larger fetus, and the CDKN1C/KCNQ1OT1 mRNA ratio was higher in the larger fetus than in the smaller fetus (p < .05). Our findings showed that pathogenesis of sIUGR may be related to the co-effect of the up-regulated protein expression of CDKN1C and down-regulated mRNA expression of KCNQ1OT1 in the placenta.

Counterpart of MASTER OT J084140.94+722732.6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesci, Roberto

2016-02-01

Following the ATel #8725 by Balanutsa et al. about MASTER OT J084140.94+722732.6, I made aperture photometry on all the Palomar survey plates (12) available from the MAST archive to get an indication of the star color.

12 CFR 502.10 - How does OTS calculate the semi-annual assessment for savings associations?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... §§ 502.15 through 502.25 of this part. (b) OTS uses the September 30 Thrift Financial Report to determine amounts due at the January 31 assessment; and the March 31 Thrift Financial Report to determine amounts... your total assets as reported on Thrift Financial Reports filed with OTS. ...

12 CFR 502.27 - How does OTS determine the risk/complexity component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false How does OTS determine the risk/complexity...-Calculation of Assessments § 502.27 How does OTS determine the risk/complexity component for a savings and loan holding company? (a) OTS computes the risk/complexity component for responsible savings and loan...

Concentrations of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in indoor dusts from malls in China: Implications for human exposure.

PubMed

Shi, Leimeng; Gao, Yuan; Zhang, Haijun; Geng, Ningbo; Xu, Jiazhi; Zhan, Faqiang; Ni, Yuwen; Hou, Xiaohong; Chen, Jiping

2017-04-01

Levels and distribution of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) were measured in indoor dusts from malls in China. The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs in dustfalls from a building material mall ranged from 6.0 to 361.4 μg g -1 and from 5.0 to 285.9 μg g -1 , respectively. Much heavier contamination was found in central air conditioner filter (CACF) dusts from a newly opened shopping mall, with SCCP concentrations of 114.7-707.0 μg g -1 and MCCP concentrations of 89.0-1082.9 μg g -1 . The C 13 - and C 14 -CPs were the dominant congeners, while the Cl 7 and Cl 8 groups were the major chlorine congeners in both kinds of dust samples. Significant correlation relationships (p ≤ 0.05) were found between ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs in CACF dusts and dustfalls. Varied exposure pathways including dust ingestion and dermal permeation have been evaluated. The average daily exposure doses of SCCPs and MCCPs for the adult in CACF dusts and dustfalls were estimated to be 0.394 and 0.150 μg kg -1  day -1 , respectively. The toddler had higher exposure risks with 5.918 and 2.658 μg kg -1  day -1 in the shopping and building material malls, respectively. Dermal permeation was the predominated exposure pathway for the adult, while dust ingestion was suggested to be more important for the toddler due to hand-to-mouth contact. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long noncoding RNA SOX2OT contributes to gastric cancer progression by sponging miR-194-5p from AKT2.

PubMed

Qu, Fei; Cao, Peilong

2018-05-18

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly malignant cancer with poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) may play an important role in tumor progression. Our present study aimed to explore the effect of LncRNA SOX2OT on GC progression. We observed that SOX2OT was overexpressed in GC tissues and cell lines. Overexpressed SOX2OT promoted cell proliferation and metastasis of GC cells (SGC-7901, TMK-1) and the phosphorylation of AKT2 as well, while knockdown of SOX2OT reversed these effects. Besides that, miR-194-5p was predicted to be a target of SOX2OT and decreased expression of miR-194-5p was observed in GC tissues and cell lines. Overexpressed miR-194-5p counteracted the promoting role of SOX2OT on cell proliferation and invasion of GC cells. Moreover, AKT2 was predicted to be a target of miR-194-5p. The expression of AKT2 was negatively regulated by miR-194-5p while positively regulated by SOX2OT. Overexpressed AKT2 also promoted GC cell proliferation and invasion. Our in vitro experiments suggested that SOX2OT promoted cell proliferation and metastasis of GC cells via sponging miR-194-5p from AKT2. Finally, our in vivo experiments indicated that overexpressed SOX2OT promoted GC tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. Taken together, our present study suggested that SOX2OT contributed to GC progression via sponging miR-194-5p from AKT2 both in vitro and in vivo. The SOX2OT-miR-194-5p-AKT2 axis may provide a new perspective for treatment of GC. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The delivery of medical services in a retail shopping mall: a strategy for growth.

PubMed

Hayden, K R

1989-01-01

The successful medical practice of the future will continually search for growth strategies. This writer believes the location of a primary care medical clinic in a retail shopping mall, with a full menu of primary services, is one strategy for growth. It is an effective method of health care delivery to a community.

Design and Implementation of BusinessApp, a MALL Application to Make Successful Business Presentations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calle-Martínez, Cristina; Yanes, Lourdes Pomposo; Pareja-Lora, Antonio

2016-01-01

Little by little, (or, simply, MALL) is taking force in the field of education, as it supports language blended learning and language learning ubiquity. The study presented here belongs in the Social Ontology-based Cognitively Augmented Language Learning Mobile Environment (SO-CALL-ME) research project, whose final aim is to design and create…

OT discovered by MASTER during Fermi Trigger Num 430645968 follow up observations follow up observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiurina, N.; Balanutsa, P.; Denisenko, D.; Lipunov, V.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Kornilov, V.; Chazov, V.; Kuznetsov, A.; Vladimirov, V.; Yecheistov, V.; Shumkov, V.; Ivanov, K.; Yazev, S.; Budnev, N.; Konstantinov, E.; Chuvalaev, O.; Poleshchuk, V.; Gress, O.; Parkhomenko, A.; Tlatov, A.; Dormidontov, D.; Senik, V.; Yurkov, V.; Sergienko, Y.; Varda, D.; Sinyakov, E.; Gabovich, A.; Krushinsky, V.; Zalozhnih, I.; Popov, A.; Bourdanov, A.; Podvorotny, P.; Shurpakov, S.; Levato, H.; Saffe, C.; Mallamaci, C.; Lopez, C.; Podest, F.

2014-08-01

MASTER-Tunka auto-detection system during follow-up Fermi Trigger 430645968 observations (GCN 16745) discovered OT source at: MASTER-Tunka auto-detection system discovered MASTER OT J230448.20+324534.1 at (RA, Dec) = 23h 04m 48.20s +32d 45m 34.1s on 2014-08-25.62245 UT.

The prognostic value of long noncoding RNA Sox2ot expression in various cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Song, Xiaoyang; Yao, Hongyan; Liu, Jinlin; Wang, Qiang

2018-05-19

Several investigations have explored the prognostic value of long noncoding RNA Sox2 overlapping transcript (lncRNA Sox2ot) expression in human cancers, however, with inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of lncRNA Sox2ot expression in various cancers. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched to retrieve relevant studies. The relationships between lncRNA Sox2ot expression and prognostic parameters were detected, including overall survival (OS), tumor differentiation, clinical stage, distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis and so on. A total of 10 studies involving 943 cancer patients were finally included into the study. High lncRNA Sox2ot expression was significantly related to shorter OS in cancers (HR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.67-2.55, P < 0.01). The cancer patients with high lncRNA Sox2ot expression tended to have worse tumor differentiation (P = 0.04), advanced clinical stage (P < 0.01), earlier distant metastasis (P < 0.01), and earlier lymph node metastasis (P = 0.01) compared to those with low lncRNA Sox2ot expression. However, there was no distinct correlation between lncRNA Sox2ot expression and age (P = 0.87), gender (P = 0.48), tumor size (P = 0.08), or vascular invasion (P = 0.07). High lncRNA Sox2ot expression was significantly associated with worse OS, advanced clinical stage, worse tumor differentiation, earlier distant metastasis, and earlier lymph node metastasis in various cancers. LncRNA Sox2ot expression might a promising prognostic factor in various cancers. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gene expression profiles of prohibitin in testes of Octopus tankahkeei (ot-phb) revealing its possible role during spermiogenesis.

PubMed

Mao, Hai-Tao; Wang, Da-Hui; Lan, Zhou; Zhou, Hong; Yang, Wan-Xi

2012-05-01

Prohibitin is essential for intracellular homeostasis and stabilization of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. To explore its functions during spermiogenesis of Octopus tankahkeei (O. tankahkeei), we have cloned and sequenced the cDNA of this mammalian PHB homologue (termed ot-PHB) from the testes of O. tankahkeei. The 1165 bp ot-phb cDNA contains a 100 bp 5' UTR, a 882 bp open reading frame and a 183 bp 3' UTR. The putative ot-PHB protein owns a transmembrane domain from 6 to 31 amino acid (aa) and a putative PHB domain from 26 to 178 aa. Protein alignment demonstrated that ot-PHB had 73.3, 73.6, 74.0, 75.1, and 45.4% identity with its homologues in Homo sapiens, Mus muculus, Danio rerio, Xenopus tropicalis and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively. Tissue distribution profile analysis revealed its presence in all the tissues examined. In situ hybridization in spermiogenic cells demonstrated that ot-phb was expressed moderately at the beginning of the spermiogenesis. The abundance of transcripts increased in intermediate spermatids and in drastically remodeling final spermatids. In mature spermatozoa, the residuary transcripts concentrated around the chondriosomal mantle where mitochondria assemble around. In summary, the expression of ot-phb during spermiogenesis implicates a potential function of this protein during mitochondrial ubiquitination. It is the first time to implicate the role of prohibitin in cephalopod spermiogenesis.

A simple health sign increases stair use in a shopping mall and two train stations in Flanders, Belgium.

PubMed

Boen, Filip; Maurissen, Katrien; Opdenacker, Joke

2010-06-01

The aim of this study was to test the impact of a simple health-promotion sign on stair use in three community settings in Flanders, Belgium. A health sign was placed at the junction between the stairs and an escalator in a shopping mall and two train stations. Observations took place on four days: baseline, first intervention, post-intervention and second intervention. In the second station, a second post-intervention phase was added. In total, 1437 choices of shoppers were registered in the mall, while 2869 and 2025 choices of commuters were recorded in the two stations, respectively. Despite the different baselines of stair use, the introduction of the health sign in the first intervention phase resulted in a significant increase in all three settings: 10.0% increase in the mall, 8.6% in the first station and 18.0% in the second station. In the second station, the increase during the second intervention exceeded that of the first intervention. Moreover, in this station stair use in the second post-intervention phase was significantly higher than at baseline. An inexpensive health-promoting sign has a substantial effect on the proportion of stair users among shoppers and commuters. Preliminary evidence was found that repeated exposure to a health sign might have a longer term effect on stair use.

12 CFR 502.50 - What fees does OTS charge?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What fees does OTS charge? 502.50 Section 502.50 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ASSESSMENTS AND FEES... consolidated with a savings association on the Consolidated Statement of Condition of the Thrift Financial...

Downregulation of Long Non-Coding RNA Kcnq1ot1: An Important Mechanism of Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Long QT Syndrome.

PubMed

Jiang, Yanan; Du, Weijie; Chu, Qun; Qin, Ying; Tuguzbaeva, Gulnara; Wang, Hui; Li, Anqi; Li, Guiyang; Li, Yanyao; Chai, Lu; Yue, Er; Sun, Xi; Wang, Zhiguo; Pavlov, Valentin; Yang, Baofeng; Bai, Yunlong

2018-01-01

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a known anti-acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) reagent, whose clinical applications are limited by its serious cardiac toxicity and fatal adverse effects, such as sudden cardiac death resulting from long QT syndrome (LQTS). The mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmia due to ATO exposure still need to be elucidated. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as major regulators of various pathophysiological processes. This study aimed to explore the involvement of lncRNAs in ATO-induced LQTS in vivo and in vitro. For in vivo experiments, mice were administered ATO through the tail vein. For in vitro experiments, ATO was added to the culture medium of primary cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. To evaluate the effect of lncRNA Kcnq1ot1, siRNA and lentivirus-shRNA were synthesized to knockdown lncRNA Kcnq1ot1. After ATO treatment, the Kcnq1ot1 and Kcnq1 expression levels were down regulated. lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 knockdown prolonged the action potential duration (APD) in vitro and exerted LQTS in vivo. Correspondingly, Kcnq1 expression was decreased after silencing lncRNA Kcnq1ot1. However, the knockdown of Kcnq1 exerted no effect on lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 expression. To our knowledge, this report is the first to demonstrate that lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 downregulation is responsible for QT interval prolongation induced by ATO at least partially by repressing Kcnq1 expression. lncRNA Kcnq1ot1 has important pathophysiological functions in the heart and could become a novel antiarrhythmic target. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

8. Photocopy of a drawing (original in the Collection ot ...

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

8. Photocopy of a drawing (original in the Collection ot the PL&C, Shelf 128, Drawing 1766) PLAN OF PART OF THE MERRIMACK RIVER (PLAN OF DAM), FEBRUARY 1833 - Lowell Canal System, Pawtucket Dam, Merrimack River,above Pawtucket Falls, Lowell, Middlesex County, MA

Spectroscopic Classification of MASTER OT J044212.20+230616.7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shivvers, I.; Kelly, P. L.; Clubb, K. I.; Filippenko, A. V.

2014-09-01

We report that inspection of a CCD spectrum (range 330-1000 nm), obtained on September 22 UT with the 3-m Shane reflector (+ Kast) at Lick Observatory, shows that MASTER OT J044212.20+230616.7 (ATel #6484) is a Type IIn supernova.

Lost in the mall: misrepresentations and misunderstandings.

PubMed

Loftus, Elizabeth F

1999-01-01

Readers of Ethics and Behavior have been treated to a misrepresentation of my research on planting false memories, to a misstatement of the actual empirical finidngs, and to a distortion of the history of the development of the idea for this line of research. The partisan essay by Crook and Dean which appears in this issue ("'Lost in a Shopping Mall' -- A Breach of Professional Ethics") is disturbing not only because of its errors, exaggerations, and omissions, but because, in some instances, the quality of the argument makes one wonder whether these were innocent mistakes or a deliberate attempt to distort my work. Some of these errors can be explained by simple lack of scientific competence. However, others are sufficiently bizarre that they cast doubt on the process that led to the acceptance of a manuscript written by an individual who has continually made her animosity toward me very publicly known (e.g., Boerner, 1996; Neimark, 1996).

Over-Expression of the Mycobacterial Trehalose-Phosphate Phosphatase OtsB2 Results in a Defect in Macrophage Phagocytosis Associated with Increased Mycobacterial-Macrophage Adhesion

PubMed Central

Li, Hao; Wu, Mei; Shi, Yan; Javid, Babak

2016-01-01

Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (OtsB2) is involved in the OtsAB trehalose synthesis pathway to produce free trehalose and is strictly essential for mycobacterial growth. We wished to determine the effects of OtsB2 expression on mycobacterial phenotypes such as growth, phagocytosis and survival in macrophages. Mycobacterium bovis-bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG) over-expressing OtsB2 were able to better survive in stationary phase. Over-expression of OtsB2 led to a decrease in phagocytosis but not survival in THP-1 macrophage-like cells, and this was not due to a decrease in general macrophage phagocytic activity. Surprisingly, when we investigated macrophage–mycobacterial interactions by flow cytometry and atomic force microscopy, we discovered that BCG over-expressing OtsB2 have stronger binding to THP-1 cells than wild-type BCG. These results suggest that altering OtsB2 expression has implications for mycobacterial host–pathogen interactions. Macrophage–mycobacteria phagocytic interactions are complex and merit further study. PMID:27867377

75 FR 1406 - National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, DC; Notice of Availability of an Environmental...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-11

... preservation of the National Mall. The study area is approximately 650 acres in size and contains some of the earliest designated public land in our nation, dating from 1790. The study area contains a significant concentration of our Nation's memorials, cultural resources, and museums and includes the great public open...

Discordant KCNQ1OT1 imprinting in sets of monozygotic twins discordant for Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

PubMed

Weksberg, Rosanna; Shuman, Cheryl; Caluseriu, Oana; Smith, Adam C; Fei, Yan-Ling; Nishikawa, Joy; Stockley, Tracy L; Best, Lyle; Chitayat, David; Olney, Ann; Ives, Elizabeth; Schneider, Adele; Bestor, Timothy H; Li, Madeline; Sadowski, Paul; Squire, Jeremy

2002-05-15

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) presents with visceromegaly, macroglossia, tumor predisposition and other congenital abnormalities, and is usually associated with abnormalities of chromosome 11p15. A number of identical twin pairs, mostly female, have been reported to be discordant for BWS. We show here that the incidence of female monozygotic twins among patients with BWS is dramatically increased over that of the general population. A cluster of imprinted genes within 11p15 is thought to be coordinately regulated via the imprinted expression of KCNQ1OT1, which encodes an untranslated RNA. In skin fibroblasts from five monozygotic twin pairs discordant for BWS, each affected twin had an imprinting defect at KCNQ1OT1 on 11p15, whereas the unaffected twin did not. Five additional monozygotic twin pairs, for whom only blood was available, also displayed an imprinting defect at KCNQ1OT1. It is possible that discordance for BWS in MZ twins is due to unequal splitting of the inner cell mass during twinning, thereby causing differential maintenance of imprinting at KCNQ1OT1. Alternatively, we propose that KCNQ1OT1 is especially vulnerable to a loss of imprinting event, caused by a lack of maintenance DNA methylation at a critical stage of preimplantation development, and that this loss of imprinting predisposes to twinning as well as to discordance for BWS. These data underscore the importance of continued surveillance of children born following assisted reproductive technologies that impact the preimplantation embryo.

Accuracy of Conventional PCR Targeting the 16S rRNA Gene with the Ot-16sRF1 and Ot-16sRR1 Primers for Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus: a Case-Control Study

PubMed Central

Kim, Choon-Mee; Cho, Min Keun; Yun, Na-Ra; Kim, Seok Won; Jang, Sook Jin; Ahn, Young-Joon; Lim, Donghoon

2015-01-01

We retrospectively evaluated the accuracy of conventional PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene (16S C-PCR) using the Ot-16sRF1/Ot-16sRR1 primers for diagnosing scrub typhus. The diagnosis of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection by 16S C-PCR presented an increased sensitivity of 87.0% and specificity of 100% compared with those obtained with other targets and is thus a simple and clinically useful method with good diagnostic accuracy. PMID:26491185

Winning at Child Caring: Easier Ways with Young Children in Child Care Centers, Homes and Malls.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simons, Bette

This booklet is a compilation of articles from a column in the "Warner Center News" written by an experienced early childhood educator on various topics related to child care. The brief articles describe the problems and pleasures that preschool children bring to child care centers, homes, markets, and malls. The articles are grouped…

Volatile organic compounds in a multi-storey shopping mall in guangzhou, South China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jianhui; Chan, C. Y.; Wang, Xinming; Chan, L. Y.; Sheng, Guoying; Fu, Jiamo

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) specified in the USEPA TO-14 list were analysed in microenvironments of a multi-storey shopping mall in Guangzhou city, South China. The microenvironments studied include both indoor (department store, supermarket, fast-food court, electronic games room, children's playground, gallery and book store) and outdoor ones (rooftop and ground level entrance). The characteristics and concentration of VOCs varied widely in differing microenvironments. The average concentrations of the total VOCs in the indoor microenvironments ranged from 178.5 to 457.7 μg m -3 with a maximum of 596.8 μg m -3. The fast-food court and a leather products department store had the highest concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and chlorinated hydrocarbons. A high level of 1,4-dichlorobenzene was found in all indoor microenvironments with an average of 12.3 μg m -3 and a maximum of 44.3 μg m -3. The ratios of average indoor to outdoor concentrations (I/O ratio) in all indoor microenvironments fell between 1 and 3, except an average of 24.6 and a maximum of 77.8 in the fashion department store for 1,4-dichlorobenzene. Indoor emission sources of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the shopping mall might include cooking stoves, leather products and building materials. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, however, were possibly connected with their use as cleaning agents or deodorizers.

New lighting and controls to save 67% at mall

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

Kennedy, K.

1985-06-17

A metal halide lighting system and a Staco control system that dims lighting in response to sunlight should save a Dallas hotel and office mall 67% in electricity costs. The new system replaces quartz lamps in the 160-foot-high atrium. The savings are a combination of state tax credits and lower air conditioning costs, which will pay for the $25,000 project in about 18 months. The metal halide system was chosen over sodium lighting in order to have more attractive color rendition and because it provides about twice as many lumens per watt as the quartz lamps. The Staco system willmore » dim lamps in response to outdoor light and turn lights above a skating rink on and off at prescribed times.« less

Genome sequence of the algicidal bacterium Kordia algicida OT-1.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Sook; Kang, Sung Gyun; Kwon, Kae Kyoung; Lee, Jung-Hyun; Kim, Sang-Jin

2011-08-01

Kordia algicida OT-1 is an algicidal bacterium against the bloom-forming microalgae. The genome sequence of K. algicida revealed a number of interesting features, including the degradation of macromolecules, the biosynthesis of carotenoid pigment and secondary metabolites, and the capacity for gliding motility, which might facilitate the understanding of algicidal mechanisms.

MASTER OT J072007.30+451611.6: Cataclysmic Variable with an Extreme Hot Spot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denisenko, D.

2018-05-01

MASTER team has reported an unusual object MASTER OT J072007.30+451611.6 in ATel #11620 (T. Pogrosheva et al.). The object was observed at 17.0-17.2m during 9 minutes from 22:15:26 to 22:24:30 UT on 2018-04-26, but was below the detection limit (18.8m) 45 minutes before the first positive observation and 43 minutes after the last one. As noted by S. Otero in AAVSO VSX entry, MASTER OT J072007.30+451611.6 has an X-ray counterpart XMMSL2 J072007.4+451615.

12 CFR 502.27 - How does OTS determine the risk/complexity component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... classifications and total consolidated holding company assets. OTS will establish these schedules in a Thrift Bulletin. (b) For the purposes of this section, the holding company risk/complexity classification is the most recent risk/complexity classification of which OTS notified the savings and loan holding company...

8. GENERAL VIEW ALONG L'ENFANT PROMENADE OR TENTH STREET MALL ...

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

8. GENERAL VIEW ALONG L'ENFANT PROMENADE OR TENTH STREET MALL DESIGNED BY I.M. PEI & PARTNERS LOOKING SOUTH; VIEW INCLUDES THE L'ENFANT PLAZA WEST BUILDING (USPS) AT 475 L'ENFANT PLAZA WAS DESIGNED BY VLASTIMIL KOUBEK AND COMPLETED IN 1971 AND, TO THE EAST, THE NASA BUILDING AS WELL AS THE ASTRAL BUILDING AND COMSAT BUILDING, BOTH OF WHICH WERE DESIGNED BY ARALDO A. COSSUTTA, OF I.M. PEI & PARTNERS, IN 1968 - Southwest Washington, Urban Renewal Area, Bounded by Independence Avenue, Washington Avenue, South Capitol Street, Canal Street, P Street, Maine Avenue & Washington Channel, Fourteenth Street, D Street, & Twelfth Street, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

The Impact of Utilising Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on Vocabulary Acquisition among Migrant Women English Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmad, Kham Sila; Armarego, Jocelyn; Sudweeks, Fay

2017-01-01

Aim/Purpose: To develop a framework for utilizing Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) to assist non-native English migrant women to acquire English vocabulary in a non-formal learning setting. Background: The women in this study migrated to Australia with varied backgrounds including voluntary or forced migration, very low to high levels of…

MASTER-SAAO: contradictory SN and flaring OT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanutsa, P.; Lipunov, V.; Buckley, D.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tiurina, N.; Kuznetsov, A.; Kornilov, V.; Gress, O.; Pogrosheva, T.; Shumkov, V.; Vladimirov, V.; Vlasenko, D.; Kuvshinov, D.; Gabovich, A.

2017-07-01

MASTER-SAAO auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 03h 42m 50.70s , -01d 52m 28s.7 on 2017-07-01.1753UT with unfiltered (6 images), that contradicts to Ia type detected in ATEL #10240 , ATEL #10225 for ATLAS17dcl ( http://www.supernova.thistlethwaites.com/sn2017/sndate.html ). It is in 8.4"W,20"S of PGC135685 with Btc=15.13, Vgsr=2773 http://leda.univ-lyon1.fr/ledacat.cgi?PGC135685 Spectral observations are required.

Glucuronidation of OTS167 in Humans Is Catalyzed by UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10

PubMed Central

Ramírez, Jacqueline; Mirkov, Snezana; House, Larry K.

2015-01-01

OTS167 is a potent maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase inhibitor undergoing clinical testing as antineoplastic agent. We aimed to identify the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in OTS167 metabolism, study the relationship between UGT genetic polymorphisms and hepatic OTS167 glucuronidation, and investigate the inhibitory potential of OTS167 on UGTs. Formation of a single OTS167-glucuronide (OTS167-G) was observed in pooled human liver (HLM) (Km = 3.4 ± 0.2 µM), intestinal microsomes (HIM) (Km = 1.7 ± 0.1 µM), and UGTs. UGT1A1 (64 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A8 (72 µl/min/mg) exhibited the highest intrinsic clearances (CLint) for OTS167, followed by UGT1A3 (51 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A10 (47 µl/min/mg); UGT1A9 was a minor contributor. OTS167 glucuronidation in HLM was highly correlated with thyroxine glucuronidation (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001), SN-38 glucuronidation (r = 0.79, P < 0.0001), and UGT1A1 mRNA (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001). Nilotinib (UGT1A1 inhibitor) and emodin (UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 inhibitor) exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on OTS167-G formation in HLM (68%) and HIM (47%). We hypothesize that OTS167-G is an N-glucuronide according to mass spectrometry. A significant association was found between rs6706232 and reduced OTS167-G formation (P = 0.03). No or weak UGT inhibition (range: 0–21%) was observed using clinically relevant OTS167 concentrations (0.4–2 µM). We conclude that UGT1A1 and UGT1A3 are the main UGTs responsible for hepatic formation of OTS167-G. Intestinal UGT1A1, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10 may contribute to first-pass OTS167 metabolism after oral administration. PMID:25870101

Glucuronidation of OTS167 in Humans Is Catalyzed by UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10.

PubMed

Ramírez, Jacqueline; Mirkov, Snezana; House, Larry K; Ratain, Mark J

2015-07-01

OTS167 is a potent maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase inhibitor undergoing clinical testing as antineoplastic agent. We aimed to identify the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in OTS167 metabolism, study the relationship between UGT genetic polymorphisms and hepatic OTS167 glucuronidation, and investigate the inhibitory potential of OTS167 on UGTs. Formation of a single OTS167-glucuronide (OTS167-G) was observed in pooled human liver (HLM) (Km = 3.4 ± 0.2 µM), intestinal microsomes (HIM) (Km = 1.7 ± 0.1 µM), and UGTs. UGT1A1 (64 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A8 (72 µl/min/mg) exhibited the highest intrinsic clearances (CLint) for OTS167, followed by UGT1A3 (51 µl/min/mg) and UGT1A10 (47 µl/min/mg); UGT1A9 was a minor contributor. OTS167 glucuronidation in HLM was highly correlated with thyroxine glucuronidation (r = 0.91, P < 0.0001), SN-38 glucuronidation (r = 0.79, P < 0.0001), and UGT1A1 mRNA (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001). Nilotinib (UGT1A1 inhibitor) and emodin (UGT1A8 and UGT1A10 inhibitor) exhibited the highest inhibitory effects on OTS167-G formation in HLM (68%) and HIM (47%). We hypothesize that OTS167-G is an N-glucuronide according to mass spectrometry. A significant association was found between rs6706232 and reduced OTS167-G formation (P = 0.03). No or weak UGT inhibition (range: 0-21%) was observed using clinically relevant OTS167 concentrations (0.4-2 µM). We conclude that UGT1A1 and UGT1A3 are the main UGTs responsible for hepatic formation of OTS167-G. Intestinal UGT1A1, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10 may contribute to first-pass OTS167 metabolism after oral administration. Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

12 CFR 502.28 - How does OTS determine the organizational form component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... component for a savings and loan holding company? 502.28 Section 502.28 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ASSESSMENTS AND FEES Assessments Savings and Loan Holding Companies... savings and loan holding company that OTS regulates under section 10(l) of the HOLA. OTS will compute your...

Automatic detection of suspicious behavior of pickpockets with track-based features in a shopping mall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouma, Henri; Baan, Jan; Burghouts, Gertjan J.; Eendebak, Pieter T.; van Huis, Jasper R.; Dijk, Judith; van Rest, Jeroen H. C.

2014-10-01

Proactive detection of incidents is required to decrease the cost of security incidents. This paper focusses on the automatic early detection of suspicious behavior of pickpockets with track-based features in a crowded shopping mall. Our method consists of several steps: pedestrian tracking, feature computation and pickpocket recognition. This is challenging because the environment is crowded, people move freely through areas which cannot be covered by a single camera, because the actual snatch is a subtle action, and because collaboration is complex social behavior. We carried out an experiment with more than 20 validated pickpocket incidents. We used a top-down approach to translate expert knowledge in features and rules, and a bottom-up approach to learn discriminating patterns with a classifier. The classifier was used to separate the pickpockets from normal passers-by who are shopping in the mall. We performed a cross validation to train and evaluate our system. In this paper, we describe our method, identify the most valuable features, and analyze the results that were obtained in the experiment. We estimate the quality of these features and the performance of automatic detection of (collaborating) pickpockets. The results show that many of the pickpockets can be detected at a low false alarm rate.

Determination of chemical properties in 'calçot' (Allium cepa L.) by near infrared spectroscopy and multivariate calibration.

PubMed

Sans, Silvia; Ferré, Joan; Boqué, Ricard; Sabaté, José; Casals, Joan; Simó, Joan

2018-10-01

'Calçots', the immature floral stems of second-year onion resprouts, are an economically important traditional crop in Catalonia (Spain). Classical approaches to evaluating the chemical properties of 'calçots' are time consuming and expensive; near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be faster and cheaper. We used NIRS to develop partial least square (PLS) models to predict dry matter, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, and ash content in cooked 'calçots'. To guarantee the robustness of the models, calibration samples were grown and analyzed in a first season (2014-15) and validation samples in a second season (2015-16). NIRS on puree spectra estimated dry matter and soluble solid content with excellent accuracy (R 2 pred  = 0.953, 0.985 and RPD = 4.571, 8.068, respectively). However, good estimation of titratable acidity and ash content required using ground dried puree spectra (R 2 pred  = 0.852, 0.820 and RPD = 2.590, 1.987, respectively). NIRS can be a helpful tool for 'calçots' breeding and quality control. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Targeting the T-Lak cell originated protein kinase by OTS964 shrinks the size of power-law coded heterogeneous glioma stem cell populations

PubMed Central

Sugimori, Michiya; Hayakawa, Yumiko; Koh, Masaki; Hayashi, Tomohide; Tamura, Ryoi; Kuroda, Satoshi

2018-01-01

Glioblastoma resists chemoradiotherapy, then, recurs to be a fatal space-occupying lesion. The recurrence is caused by re-growing cell populations such as glioma stem cells (GSCs), suggesting that GSC populations should be targeted. This study addressed whether a novel anti-cancer drug, OTS964, an inhibitor for T-LAK cell originated protein kinase (TOPK), is effective in reducing the size of the heterogeneous GSC populations, a power-law coded heterogeneous GSC populations consisting of glioma sphere (GS) clones, by detailing quantitative growth properties. We found that OTS964 killed GS clones while suppressing the growth of surviving GS clones, thus identifying clone-eliminating and growth-disturbing efficacies of OTS964. The efficacies led to a significant size reduction in GS populations in a dose-dependent manner. The surviving GS clones reconstructed GS populations in the following generations; the recovery of GS populations fits a recurrence after the chemotherapy. The recovering GS clones resisted the clone-eliminating effect of OTS964 in sequential exposure during the growth recovery. However, surprisingly, the resistant properties of the recovered-GS clones had been plastically canceled during self-renewal, and then the GS clones had become re-sensitive to OTS964. Thus, OTS964 targets GSCs to eliminate them or suppress their growth, resulting in shrinkage of the power-law coded GSC populations. We propose a therapy focusing on long-term control in recurrence of glioblastoma via reducing the size of the GSC populations by OTS964. PMID:29423027

Targeting the T-Lak cell originated protein kinase by OTS964 shrinks the size of power-law coded heterogeneous glioma stem cell populations.

PubMed

Sugimori, Michiya; Hayakawa, Yumiko; Koh, Masaki; Hayashi, Tomohide; Tamura, Ryoi; Kuroda, Satoshi

2018-01-09

Glioblastoma resists chemoradiotherapy, then, recurs to be a fatal space-occupying lesion. The recurrence is caused by re-growing cell populations such as glioma stem cells (GSCs), suggesting that GSC populations should be targeted. This study addressed whether a novel anti-cancer drug, OTS964, an inhibitor for T-LAK cell originated protein kinase (TOPK), is effective in reducing the size of the heterogeneous GSC populations, a power-law coded heterogeneous GSC populations consisting of glioma sphere (GS) clones, by detailing quantitative growth properties. We found that OTS964 killed GS clones while suppressing the growth of surviving GS clones, thus identifying clone-eliminating and growth-disturbing efficacies of OTS964. The efficacies led to a significant size reduction in GS populations in a dose-dependent manner. The surviving GS clones reconstructed GS populations in the following generations; the recovery of GS populations fits a recurrence after the chemotherapy. The recovering GS clones resisted the clone-eliminating effect of OTS964 in sequential exposure during the growth recovery. However, surprisingly, the resistant properties of the recovered-GS clones had been plastically canceled during self-renewal, and then the GS clones had become re-sensitive to OTS964. Thus, OTS964 targets GSCs to eliminate them or suppress their growth, resulting in shrinkage of the power-law coded GSC populations. We propose a therapy focusing on long-term control in recurrence of glioblastoma via reducing the size of the GSC populations by OTS964.

Solar-energy-system performance evaluation: Honeywell OTS 44, Ocmulgee, Georgia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathur, A. K.; Pederson, S.

1982-01-01

The operation and technical performance of the solar operational test site (OTS 44) are described, based on data collected between April, 1981 and August, 1981. The following topics are discussed: system description, performance assessment, operating energy, energy savings, system maintenance, and conclusions. The solar energy system at OTS 44 is a hydronic heating and cooling system consisting of 5040 square feet of liquid cooled flat plate collectors; a 4000 gallon thermal storage tank; one 25 ton capacity organic Rankine cycle engine assisted water chillers; a forced draft cooling tower; and associated piping, pumps, valves, controls and heat rejection equipment. The solar system has eight basic modes of operation and several combination modes for providing space conditioning and hot water to the building. Data monitored during the 4 months of the operational test period found that the solar system collected 285 MMBtu of thermal energy of the total incident solar energy of 1040 MMBtu and provided 210 MMBtu for cooling and 10 MMBtu for heating and hot water. The net electrical energy saving due to the solar system was approximately 2600 kWh(e), and fossil energy saving was about 20 million Btu (MMBtu).

Optimal Diphthongs: An OT Analysis of the Acquisition of Spanish Diphthongs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krause, Alice

2013-01-01

This dissertation investigates the acquisition of Spanish diphthongs by adult native speakers of English. The following research questions will be addressed: 1) How do adult native speakers of English pronounce sequences of two vowels in their L2 Spanish at different levels of acquisition? 2) Can OT learnability models, specifically the GLA,…

Genome Sequence of the Algicidal Bacterium Kordia algicida OT-1 ▿

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyun Sook; Kang, Sung Gyun; Kwon, Kae Kyoung; Lee, Jung-Hyun; Kim, Sang-Jin

2011-01-01

Kordia algicida OT-1 is an algicidal bacterium against the bloom-forming microalgae. The genome sequence of K. algicida revealed a number of interesting features, including the degradation of macromolecules, the biosynthesis of carotenoid pigment and secondary metabolites, and the capacity for gliding motility, which might facilitate the understanding of algicidal mechanisms. PMID:21622754

12 CFR 563b.200 - What actions may OTS take on my application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... record under part 563e of this chapter and your business plan to determine how you will serve the... that you will serve. (2) OTS may deny your application if your business plan does not demonstrate that...

MALL--Somewhere between the Tower, the Field, the Classroom and the Market: A Reply to Professor Stockwell's Response

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballance, Oliver James

2013-01-01

In the previous issue of "LLT", I commented upon Stockwell (2010), suggesting that the learning activities investigated limited the scope of his research on the effects of the MALL platform. Professor Stockwell responded in the same issue with a spirited riposte. However, it became clear that much of the disagreement lay in a matter of definition.…

The Use of Iterative Linear-Equation Solvers in Codes for Large Systems of Stiff IVPs (Initial-Value Problems) for ODEs (Ordinary Differential Equations).

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

numerical solution, of sstem ot stiff Wh-f Cr ODs. Fro- qontl. a substantial portia of the total computationskwok and cooap required! to solve stiff...exep, possl- bly, foreciadalms of problem. That is% a syste of linewat o nonlinear algebrac equa- tion mumt be solved at auk step of the numerical ...onjugate gradient method [431 is a mall-know ezuze, have prove to be particularly -2- efecti for solving the linear stwem that &ise in the numerical

12 CFR 550.560 - When may the OTS revoke my fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false When may the OTS revoke my fiduciary powers? 550.560 Section 550.560 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Terminating Fiduciary Activities Revocation of Fiduciary Powers...

12 CFR 550.540 - When will the OTS terminate my fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false When will the OTS terminate my fiduciary powers? 550.540 Section 550.540 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Terminating Fiduciary Activities Surrender of Fiduciary Powers...

12 CFR 550.540 - When will the OTS terminate my fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false When will the OTS terminate my fiduciary powers? 550.540 Section 550.540 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Terminating Fiduciary Activities Surrender of Fiduciary Powers...

12 CFR 550.560 - When may the OTS revoke my fiduciary powers?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false When may the OTS revoke my fiduciary powers? 550.560 Section 550.560 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Terminating Fiduciary Activities Revocation of Fiduciary Powers...

Math Academy: Let's Go to the Mall! Explorations in Combinatorics. Book 5: Supplemental Math Materials for Grades 3-8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rimbey, Kimberly

2008-01-01

Created by teachers for teachers, the Math Academy tools and activities included in this booklet were designed to create hands-on activities and a fun learning environment for the teaching of mathematics to the students. This booklet contains the "Math Academy--Let's Go to the Mall! Explorations in Combinatorics," which teachers can use to enhance…

Synthesis and structure of [Na11(OtBu)10(OH)]: 1H NMR shift of a hydroxide ion encapsulated in a 21-vertex alcoholate cage.

PubMed

Geier, Jens; Grützmacher, Hansjörg

2003-12-07

[Na11(OtBu)10(OH)], a hydroxide enclosing 21-vertex cage compound, was found to crystallize from mixtures of sodium tert.butanolate with sodium hydroxide. Its structure can be derived from the known (NaOtBu)6-hexaprismane by replacing one butanolate unit with OH- and capping the latter with five additional units of NaOtBu. The hydroxide shows a signal at -3.21 ppm in the 1H NMR spectrum.

Going to the Mines to Look for Diamonds. Experimenting with Military Recruiting Stations in Malls

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

commonplace in the commercial world . The military now has a facility in place to con- duct such evaluations and should take advantage of it ...Prototype MERS Is Used 31 RANDMR1697-3.2 2010 219 Hour of the day A ve ra ge n um be r of r ec ru ite rs in M E R S 7 4 3 2 1 8 0 6 5...visited desti- nations in the United States, this mall draws more visitors per year than Disney World , Graceland, and the Grand Canyon combined. Its

MELATONIN ENHANCES JUNCTIONAL TRANSFER IN NORMAL C3H/1OT1/2 CELLS

EPA Science Inventory

There is strong evidence that pineal melatonin is involved in controlling neoplastic processes. e have reported that physiological, but not pharmacological or subphysiological, concentrations of melatonin enhance intercellular communication in normal C3H/1OT1/2 fibroblasts. ap ju...

12 CFR 563.590 - When will the OTS waive the prior notice requirement?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... TREASURY SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS-OPERATIONS Notice of Change of Director or Senior Executive Officer § 563.590... as a director or senior executive officer before filing a notice under this subpart if the OTS issues... before filing a notice under this subpart, if the individual was not nominated by management and the...

A C-Te-based binary OTS device exhibiting excellent performance and high thermal stability for selector application.

PubMed

Chekol, Solomon Amsalu; Yoo, Jongmyung; Park, Jaehyuk; Song, Jeonghwan; Sung, Changhyuck; Hwang, Hyunsang

2018-08-24

In this letter, we demonstrate a new binary ovonic threshold switching (OTS) selector device scalable down to ø30 nm based on C-Te. Our proposed selector device exhibits outstanding performance such as a high switching ratio (I on /I off  > 10 5 ), an extremely low off-current (∼1 nA), an extremely fast operating speed of <10 ns (transition time of <2 ns and delay time of <8 ns), high endurance (10 9 ), and high thermal stability (>450 °C). The observed high thermal stability is caused by the relatively small atomic size of C, compared to Te, which can effectively suppress the segregation and crystallization of Te in the OTS film. Furthermore, to confirm the functionality of the selector in a crossbar array, we evaluated a 1S-1R device by integrating our OTS device with a ReRAM (resistive random access memory) device. The 1S-1R integrated device exhibits a successful suppression of leakage current at the half-selected cell and shows an excellent read-out margin (>2 12 word lines) in a fast read operation.

The ALMA OT in early science: supporting multiple customers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bridger, Alan; Williams, Stewart; McLay, Stewart; Yatagai, Hiroshi; Schilling, Marcus; Biggs, Andrew; Tobar, Rodrigo; Warmels, Rein H.

2012-09-01

The ALMA Observatory is currently operating 'Early Science' observing. The Cycle0 and Cycle1 Calls for Proposals are part of this Early Science, and in both the ALMA Observing Tool plays a crucial role. This paper describes how the ALMA OT tackles the problem of making millimeter/sub-millimeter interferometry accessible to the wider community, while allowing "experts" the power and flexibility they need. We will also describe our approach to the challenges of supporting multiple customers, and explore the lessons learnt from the Early Science experiences. Finally we look ahead to the challenges presented by future observing cycles.

Treatment of geographic atrophy by the topical administration of OT-551: results of a phase II clinical trial.

PubMed

Wong, Wai T; Kam, Waynekid; Cunningham, Denise; Harrington, Molly; Hammel, Keri; Meyerle, Catherine B; Cukras, Catherine; Chew, Emily Y; Sadda, Srinivas R; Ferris, Frederick L

2010-12-01

To investigate the safety and preliminary efficacy of OT-551, a disubstituted hydroxylamine with antioxidant properties, for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced atrophic form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study was a single-center, open-label phase II trial, enrolling 10 participants with bilateral GA. Topical 0.45% OT-551 was administered in one randomly assigned eye three times daily for 2 years. Safety measures were assessed by complete ophthalmic examination, fundus photography, and review of symptoms. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the change in best corrected visual acuity at 24 months. Secondary efficacy measures included changes in area of GA, contrast sensitivity, microperimetry measurements, and total drusen area from baseline. Study drug was well tolerated and was associated with few adverse events. The mean change in BCVA at 2 years was +0.2 ± 13.3 letters in the study eyes and -11.3 ± 7.6 letters in fellow eyes (P = 0.0259). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the study and fellow eyes for all other secondary outcome measures. OT-551 was well tolerated by study participants and was not associated with any serious adverse effects. Efficacy measurements in this small study indicate a possible effect in maintaining visual acuity. However, the absence of significant effects on other outcomes measures in this study suggests that OT-551, in the current concentration and mode of delivery, may have limited or no benefit as a treatment for GA (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00306488).

12 CFR 585.120 - What factors will OTS consider in reviewing my application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What factors will OTS consider in reviewing my application? 585.120 Section 585.120 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY PROHIBITED SERVICE AT SAVINGS AND LOAN HOLDING COMPANIES Exemptions § 585.120 What factors will...

DISCOVERY OF PRECURSOR LUMINOUS BLUE VARIABLE OUTBURSTS IN TWO RECENT OPTICAL TRANSIENTS: THE FITFULLY VARIABLE MISSING LINKS UGC 2773-OT AND SN 2009ip

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

Smith, Nathan; Miller, Adam; Li Weidong

2010-04-15

We present progenitor-star detections, light curves, and optical spectra of supernova (SN) 2009ip and the 2009 optical transient in UGC 2773 (U2773-OT), which were not genuine SNe. Precursor variability in the decade before outburst indicates that both of the progenitor stars were luminous blue variables (LBVs). Their pre-outburst light curves resemble the S Doradus phases that preceded giant eruptions of the prototypical LBVs {eta} Carinae and SN 1954J (V12 in NGC 2403), with intermediate progenitor luminosities. Hubble Space Telescope detections a decade before discovery indicate that the SN 2009ip and U2773-OT progenitors were supergiants with likely initial masses of 50-80more » M {sub sun} and {approx}>20 M {sub sun}, respectively. Both outbursts had spectra befitting known LBVs, although in different physical states. SN 2009ip exhibited a hot LBV spectrum with characteristic speeds of 550 km s{sup -1}, plus evidence for faster material up to 5000 km s{sup -1}, resembling the slow Homunculus and fast blast wave of {eta} Carinae. In contrast, U2773-OT shows a forest of narrow absorption and emission lines comparable to that of S Dor in its cool state, plus [Ca II] emission and an infrared excess indicative of dust, similar to SN 2008S and the 2008 optical transient in NGC 300 (N300-OT). The [Ca II] emission is probably tied to a dusty pre-outburst environment, and is not a distinguishing property of the outburst mechanism. The LBV nature of SN 2009ip and U2773-OT may provide a critical link between historical LBV eruptions, while U2773-OT may provide a link between LBVs and the unusual dust-obscured transients SN 2008S and N300-OT. Future searches will uncover more examples of precursor LBV variability of this kind, providing key clues that may help unravel the instability driving LBV eruptions in massive stars.« less

Software OT&E Guidelines. Volume 1. Software Test Manager’s Handbook

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

on reverse side If neceeary and identify by block number) The Software OT&E Guidelines is a set of handbooks prepared by the Computer / Support Systems...is one of a set of handbooks prepared by the Computer /Support Systems Division of the Test and Evaluation Directorate, Air Force Test and Evaluation...15 E. Software Maintainability .. .. ........ ... 16 F. Standard Questionnaires. .. .. ....... .... 16 1. Operator- Computer Interface Evaluation

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Follow-up photometry of M101 OT2015-1 (Blagorodnova+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blagorodnova, N.; Kotak, R.; Polshaw, J.; Kasliwal, M. M.; Cao, Y.; Cody, A. M.; Doran, G. B.; Elias-Rosa, N.; Fraser, M.; Fremling, C.; Gonzalez-Fernandez, C.; Harmanen, J.; Jencson, J.; Kankare, E.; Kudritzki, R.-P.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Magnier, E.; Manulis, I.; Masci, F. J.; Mattila, S.; Nugent, P.; Ochner, P.; Pastorello, A.; Reynolds, T.; Smith, K.; Sollerman, J.; Taddia, F.; Terreran, G.; Tomasella, L.; Turatto, M.; Vreeswijk, P. M.; Wozniak, P.; Zaggia, S.

2017-07-01

The location of M101-OT2015-1 has been serendipitously imaged by numerous telescopes and instruments over the last 15 years (from 2000 to 2015). Our best quality pre-discovery image (seeing of 0.55") is an r-band exposure at -3625 days pre-peak from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). The historical optical data for M101-OT was retrieved from the CFHT MegaPrime and CFHT12K/Mosaic, using single and combined exposures, Pan-STARRS-1/GPC1 (PS1), Isaac Newton Telescope/Wide Field Camera (INT/WFC), and Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR 10 (Ahn+ 2014, see V/147). Unfortunately, there are no HST images covering the location of the source. Post-discovery optical magnitudes were obtained from the reported followup astronomer's telegrams (ATels), Liverpool Telescope (LT), the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT), and the Palomar P48 and P60 telescopes. The infrared data were retrieved from CFHT/WIRCam, UKIRT/WFCAM, and the Spitzer Infrared Array Camera in 3.6 and 4.5um as part of the SPitzer InfraRed Intensive Transients Survey (SPIRITS) (Kasliwal+, 2017ApJ...839...88K). Details of pre-discovery photometry and post-discovery optical photometry may be found in the Appendices Tables 1 and 2, respectively. We obtained spectra of M101-OT using a range of facilities in 2015 Feb-Jul. (3 data files).

12 CFR 516.15 - Must I meet with OTS before I file my application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... with OTS before filing your application. You must submit a draft business plan before this meeting. (2... you to submit a draft business plan or other relevant information before this meeting. (b) Contacting... pre-filing meeting or a draft business plan, the Regional Office will determine whether it will...

MASTER: bright OT discovered during Fermi trigger 512353690/GRB170328A inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorbovskoy, E.; Lipunov, V.; Buckley, D.; Rebolo, R.; Serra-Ricart, M.; Gress, O.; Tiurina, N.; Balanutsa, P.; Kornilov, V.; Vladimirov, V.

2017-03-01

MASTER-SAAO auto-detection system ( Lipunov et al., "MASTER Global Robotic Net", Advances in Astronomy, 2010, 30L ) discovered OT source at (RA, Dec) = 18h 45m 46.55s -35d 28m 47.6s on 2017-03-28.06645 UT during Fermi trigger 512353690(GRB170328A) inspection https://gcn.gsfc.nasa.gov/other/512353690.fermi (trigger time is 17/03/28 00:28:05.53UT).

12 CFR 550.580 - When may I conduct fiduciary activities without obtaining OTS approval?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false When may I conduct fiduciary activities without obtaining OTS approval? 550.580 Section 550.580 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Activities Exempt From This Part § 550.580...

78 FR 54401 - Removal of Transferred OTS Regulations Regarding Post-Employment Activities of Senior Examiners

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-04

... 336 and 390 RIN 3064-AD98 Removal of Transferred OTS Regulations Regarding Post-Employment Activities... Restrictions on Post-Employment Activities of Senior Examiners. This subpart was included in the regulations... restrictions for post-employment activities of senior examiners of all insured depository institutions for...

Spitzer Observations of the New Luminous Red Nova M85 OT2006-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rau, A.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Ofek, E. O.; Yan, L.

2007-04-01

M85 OT2006-1 is the latest and most brilliant addition to the small group of known luminous red novae (LRNe). An identifying characteristic of the previously detected events (M31 RV, V4332 Sgr, and V838 Mon) was a spectral redward evolution connected with an emerging infrared component following the optical decay. Here we report on the discovery of a similar feature in Keck NIRC and Spitzer photometry of M85 OT2006-1 6 months posteruption. We find that its 2.1-22 μm spectral energy distribution is best described by a blackbody with effective temperature Teff=950+/-150 K and bolometric luminosity L=2.9+0.4-0.5×105 Lsolar. Assuming spherical geometry, the blackbody effective radius, R=2.0+0.6-0.4×104 Rsolar, and corresponding expansion velocity, v=870+260-180 km s-1, are remarkably similar to the properties of M31 RV 70 days after its eruption. Furthermore, we propose a search strategy for LRNe in the local universe making use of the longevity of their infrared excess emission and discuss the expected number of events in the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey.

Transcriptional role of androgen receptor in the expression of long non-coding RNA Sox2OT in neurogenesis

PubMed Central

Tosetti, Valentina; Sassone, Jenny; Ferri, Anna L. M.; Taiana, Michela; Bedini, Gloria; Nava, Sara; Brenna, Greta; Di Resta, Chiara; Pareyson, Davide; Di Giulio, Anna Maria; Carelli, Stephana

2017-01-01

The complex architecture of adult brain derives from tightly regulated migration and differentiation of precursor cells generated during embryonic neurogenesis. Changes at transcriptional level of genes that regulate migration and differentiation may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. Androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor that is already expressed during early embryonic days. However, AR role in the regulation of gene expression at early embryonic stage is yet to be determinate. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Sox2 overlapping transcript (Sox2OT) plays a crucial role in gene expression control during development but its transcriptional regulation is still to be clearly defined. Here, using Bicalutamide in order to pharmacologically inactivated AR, we investigated whether AR participates in the regulation of the transcription of the lncRNASox2OTat early embryonic stage. We identified a new DNA binding region upstream of Sox2 locus containing three androgen response elements (ARE), and found that AR binds such a sequence in embryonic neural stem cells and in mouse embryonic brain. Our data suggest that through this binding, AR can promote the RNA polymerase II dependent transcription of Sox2OT. Our findings also suggest that AR participates in embryonic neurogenesis through transcriptional control of the long non-coding RNA Sox2OT. PMID:28704421

Transcriptional role of androgen receptor in the expression of long non-coding RNA Sox2OT in neurogenesis.

PubMed

Tosetti, Valentina; Sassone, Jenny; Ferri, Anna L M; Taiana, Michela; Bedini, Gloria; Nava, Sara; Brenna, Greta; Di Resta, Chiara; Pareyson, Davide; Di Giulio, Anna Maria; Carelli, Stephana; Parati, Eugenio A; Gorio, Alfredo

2017-01-01

The complex architecture of adult brain derives from tightly regulated migration and differentiation of precursor cells generated during embryonic neurogenesis. Changes at transcriptional level of genes that regulate migration and differentiation may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. Androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor that is already expressed during early embryonic days. However, AR role in the regulation of gene expression at early embryonic stage is yet to be determinate. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Sox2 overlapping transcript (Sox2OT) plays a crucial role in gene expression control during development but its transcriptional regulation is still to be clearly defined. Here, using Bicalutamide in order to pharmacologically inactivated AR, we investigated whether AR participates in the regulation of the transcription of the lncRNASox2OTat early embryonic stage. We identified a new DNA binding region upstream of Sox2 locus containing three androgen response elements (ARE), and found that AR binds such a sequence in embryonic neural stem cells and in mouse embryonic brain. Our data suggest that through this binding, AR can promote the RNA polymerase II dependent transcription of Sox2OT. Our findings also suggest that AR participates in embryonic neurogenesis through transcriptional control of the long non-coding RNA Sox2OT.

12 CFR 555.300 - Must I inform OTS before I use electronic means or facilities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Must I inform OTS before I use electronic means or facilities? 555.300 Section 555.300 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY ELECTRONIC OPERATIONS Requirements Applicable to All Savings Associations § 555.300 Must...

Colour Light And Wellbeing: A Case Study Of M Mall 020 George Town, Penang Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aqbar Zakaria, Safial; Yii Rou, Ng; Zhi En, Hoi; Iyian, Tai

2017-12-01

Contrary to popular belief, the brightest light or the most colourful light makes good lighting design. However, what makes a good lighting design in interior space is an impeccable composite of art and science. With the application of good lighting design, it can produce an impressive result from enhancing the aesthetic of architectural elements to conveying the right type of ambiance of the interiors. This research intends to address the crucial issues regarding the ways in which lighting designers can communicate the benefits of good lighting and to create a better awareness to users. The objectives of this paper are to outline and explore the features of good and poor lighting design in M Mall O2O based on the lighting design language and profession. The results of this research are mainly qualitative in nature, supported by the professional lighting designers on the definitions of good lighting, personal observation and visual data which were taken in George Town, Penang Island. The case studies on good and poor lighting portrayed in this mall were used as examples to scrutinize the issues raised herein. To achieve the optimum lighting design, a joint approach of focusing on the artistic flair brought forth by lighting and more scientific effort on the calculation levels of lights is crucial. Different functionality requires a different amount of attention on either approach. In conclusion, a good lighting design must be able to enhance the atmosphere and also enrich the quality of the interior architecture. Apart from that, a good lighting design should have good distribution of brightness levels, contrast and different colour temperatures to enhance characters of the interior spaces without neglecting the health and wellbeing aspects.

The impact of ultra-brief chest compression-only CPR video training on responsiveness, compression rate, and hands-off time interval among bystanders in a shopping mall.

PubMed

Panchal, Ashish R; Meziab, Omar; Stolz, Uwe; Anderson, Wes; Bartlett, Mitchell; Spaite, Daniel W; Bobrow, Bentley J; Kern, Karl B

2014-09-01

Recent studies have demonstrated higher-quality chest compressions (CCs) following a 60 s ultra-brief video (UBV) on compression-only CPR (CO-CPR). However, the effectiveness of UBVs as a CPR-teaching tool for lay bystanders in public venues remains unknown. Determine whether an UBV is effective in teaching laypersons CO-CPR in a public setting and if viewing leads to superior responsiveness and CPR skills. Adult lay bystanders were enrolled in a public shopping mall and randomized to: (1) Control (CTR): sat idle for 60 s; (2) UBV: watched a 60 s UBV on CO-CPR. Subjects were read a scenario detailing a sudden collapse in the mall and asked to do what they "thought was best" on a mannequin. Performance measures were recorded for 2 min: responsiveness (time to call 911 and first CCs) and CPR quality [CC depth, rate, hands-off interval (time without CC after first CC)]. One hundred subjects were enrolled. Demographics were similar between groups. UBV subjects called 911 more frequently (percent difference: 31%) and initiated CCs sooner in the arrest scenario (median difference (MD): 5 s). UBV cohort had increased CC rate (MD: 19 cpm) and decreased hands-off interval (MD: 27 s). There was no difference in CC depth. Bystanders with UBV training in a shopping mall had significantly improved responsiveness, CC rate, and decreased hands-off interval. Given the short length of training, UBV may have potential as a ubiquitous intervention for public venues to help improve bystander reaction to arrest and CO-CPR performance. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Spectroscopic Classification of MASTER OT J110707.62-052244.0 as a Type Ia Supernova

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, W.; Kim, M.; Shivvers, I.; Yuk, H.; Filippenko, A. V.

2015-11-01

We report that inspection of a CCD spectrum (range 350-1050 nm) of MASTER OT J110707.62-052244.0 (ATel #8236), obtained on Nov. 11.57 UT with the Shane 3-m reflector (+ Kast spectrograph) at Lick Observatory, shows that the object is a normal Type Ia supernova roughly 1 week past maximum brightness.

Radiation Susceptibility Assessment of Off the Shelf (OTS) Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culpepper, William X.; Nicholson, Leonard L. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The reduction in budgets, shortening of schedules and necessity of flying near state of the art technology have forced projects and designers to utilize not only modern, non-space rated EEE parts but also OTS boards, subassemblies and systems. New instrumentation, communications, portable computers and navigation systems for the International Space Station, Space Shuttle, and Crew Return Vehicle are examples of the realization of this paradigm change at the Johnson Space Center. Because of this change, there has been a shift in the radiation assessment methodology from individual part testing using low energy heavy ions to board and box level testing using high-energy particle beams. Highlights of several years of board and system level testing are presented along with lessons learned, present areas of concern, insights into test costs, and future challenges.

MASTER OT J014638.27+041324.4 is a Young Type IIP Supernova

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, W.; Kelly, P. L.; Clubb, K. I.; Filippenko, A. V.

2013-12-01

We report that a CCD spectrum (range 350-1000 nm) of MASTER OT J014638.27+041324.4 (Shurpakov et al., ATel #5630) was obtained on Dec 6.5 UT with the Shane 3-m reflector (+Kast spectrograph) at Lick Observatory. The spectrum shows a blue continuum and weak, broad hydrogen Balmer lines having P-Cyg profiles, indicating that the object is a young Type IIP supernova. Weak He I 587.6 nm is also present.

A simple procedure for construction of the orthonormal basis vectors of irreducible representations of O(5) in the OT (3) ⊗ON (2) basis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Feng; Ding, Xiaoxue; Launey, Kristina D.; Draayer, J. P.

2018-06-01

A simple and effective algebraic isospin projection procedure for constructing orthonormal basis vectors of irreducible representations of O (5) ⊃OT (3) ⊗ON (2) from those in the canonical O (5) ⊃ SUΛ (2) ⊗ SUI (2) basis is outlined. The expansion coefficients are components of null space vectors of the projection matrix with four nonzero elements in each row in general. Explicit formulae for evaluating OT (3)-reduced matrix elements of O (5) generators are derived.

Real-time tracking and fast retrieval of persons in multiple surveillance cameras of a shopping mall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouma, Henri; Baan, Jan; Landsmeer, Sander; Kruszynski, Chris; van Antwerpen, Gert; Dijk, Judith

2013-05-01

The capability to track individuals in CCTV cameras is important for e.g. surveillance applications at large areas such as train stations, airports and shopping centers. However, it is laborious to track and trace people over multiple cameras. In this paper, we present a system for real-time tracking and fast interactive retrieval of persons in video streams from multiple static surveillance cameras. This system is demonstrated in a shopping mall, where the cameras are positioned without overlapping fields-of-view and have different lighting conditions. The results show that the system allows an operator to find the origin or destination of a person more efficiently. The misses are reduced with 37%, which is a significant improvement.

12 CFR 550.100 - What factors may the OTS consider in its review of my application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false What factors may the OTS consider in its review of my application? 550.100 Section 550.100 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Obtaining Fiduciary Powers § 550.100 What...

12 CFR 550.100 - What factors may the OTS consider in its review of my application?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false What factors may the OTS consider in its review of my application? 550.100 Section 550.100 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FIDUCIARY POWERS OF SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS Obtaining Fiduciary Powers § 550.100 What...

Mechanistic Basis for High Reactivity of (salen)Co–OTs in the Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Terminal Epoxides

PubMed Central

Nielsen, Lars P. C.; Zuend, Stephan J.; Ford, David D.; Jacobsen, Eric N.

2012-01-01

The (salen)Co(III)-catalyzed hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of terminal epoxides is a bimetallic process with a rate controlled by partitioning between a nucleophilic (salen)Co–OH catalyst and a Lewis acidic (salen)Co–X catalyst. The commonly used (salen)Co–OAc and (salen)Co–Cl precatalysts undergo complete and irreversible counterion addition to epoxide during the course of the epoxide hydrolysis reaction, resulting in quantitative formation of weakly Lewis acidic (salen)Co–OH, and severely diminished reaction rates in the late stages of HKR reactions. In contrast, (salen)Co–OTs maintains high reactivity over the entire course of HKR reactions. We describe here an investigation of catalyst partitioning with different (salen)Co–X precatalysts, and demonstrate that counterion addition to epoxide is reversible in the case of the (salen)Co–OTs. This reversible counterion addition results in stable partitioning between nucleophilic and Lewis acidic catalyst species, allowing highly efficient catalysis throughout the course of the HKR reaction. PMID:22292515

Mechanistic basis for high reactivity of (salen)Co-OTs in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of terminal epoxides.

PubMed

Nielsen, Lars P C; Zuend, Stephan J; Ford, David D; Jacobsen, Eric N

2012-03-02

The (salen)Co(III)-catalyzed hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of terminal epoxides is a bimetallic process with a rate controlled by partitioning between a nucleophilic (salen)Co-OH catalyst and a Lewis acidic (salen)Co-X catalyst. The commonly used (salen)Co-OAc and (salen)Co-Cl precatalysts undergo complete and irreversible counterion addition to epoxide during the course of the epoxide hydrolysis reaction, resulting in quantitative formation of weakly Lewis acidic (salen)Co-OH and severely diminished reaction rates in the late stages of HKR reactions. In contrast, (salen)Co-OTs maintains high reactivity over the entire course of HKR reactions. We describe here an investigation of catalyst partitioning with different (salen)Co-X precatalysts and demonstrate that counterion addition to epoxide is reversible in the case of the (salen)Co-OTs. This reversible counterion addition results in stable partitioning between nucleophilic and Lewis acidic catalyst species, allowing highly efficient catalysis throughout the course of the HKR reaction.

Bacterial communities on food court tables and cleaning equipment in a shopping mall.

PubMed

Dingsdag, S; Coleman, N V

2013-08-01

The food court at a shopping mall is a potential transfer point for pathogenic microbes, but to date, this environment has not been the subject of detailed molecular microbiological study. We used a combination of culture-based and culture-independent approaches to investigate the types and numbers of bacteria present on food court tables, and on a food court cleaning cloth. Bacteria were found at 10²-10⁵ c.f.u./m² on food court tables and 10¹⁰ c.f.u./m² on the cleaning cloth. Tag-pyrosequencing of amplified 16S rRNA genes revealed that the dominant bacterial types on the cleaning cloth were genera known to include pathogenic species (Stenotrophomonas, Aeromonas), and that these genera were also evident at lower levels on table surfaces, suggesting possible cross-contamination. The evidence suggests a public health threat is posed by bacteria in the food court, and that this may be due to cross-contamination between cleaning equipment and table surfaces.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment in a multistorey shopping mall by high-spatial-resolution monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

PubMed

Amodio, M; Dambruoso, P R; de Gennaro, Gianluigi; de Gennaro, L; Loiotile, A Demarinis; Marzocca, A; Stasi, F; Trizio, L; Tutino, M

2014-12-01

In order to assess indoor air quality (IAQ), two 1-week monitoring campaigns of volatile organic compounds (VOC) were performed in different areas of a multistorey shopping mall. High-spatial-resolution monitoring was conducted at 32 indoor sites located in two storehouses and in different departments of a supermarket. At the same time, VOC concentrations were monitored in the mall and parking lot area as well as outdoors. VOC were sampled at 48-h periods using diffusive samplers suitable for thermal desorption. The samples were then analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The data analysis and chromatic maps indicated that the two storehouses had the highest VOC concentrations consisting principally of terpenes. These higher TVOC concentrations could be a result of the low efficiency of the air exchange and intake systems, as well as the large quantity of articles stored in these small spaces. Instead, inside the supermarket, the food department was the most critical area for VOC concentrations. To identify potential emission sources in this department, a continuous VOC analyzer was used. The findings indicated that the highest total VOC concentrations were present during cleaning activities and that these activities were carried out frequently in the food department. The study highlights the importance of conducting both high-spatial-resolution monitoring and high-temporal-resolution monitoring. The former was able to identify critical issues in environments with a complex emission scenario while the latter was useful in interpreting the dynamics of each emission source.

Food at checkouts in non-food stores: a cross-sectional study of a large indoor shopping mall.

PubMed

Wright, James; Kamp, Erin; White, Martin; Adams, Jean; Sowden, Sarah

2015-10-01

To investigate the display of food at non-food store checkouts; and to classify foods by type and nutrient content, presence of price promotions and whether food was at child height. Cross-sectional survey of checkout displays at non-food stores. Foods were classified as 'less healthy' or healthier using the UK Food Standards Agency's Nutrient Profile Model. Written price promotions were recorded. Child height was defined as the sight line of an 11-year-old approximated from UK growth charts. A large indoor shopping mall, Gateshead, UK, February-March 2014. Two hundred and five out of 219 non-food stores in the shopping mall directory which were open for trading. Thirty-two (15·6%) of 205 non-food stores displayed food at the checkout. All displayed less healthy foods, and fourteen (43·8%) had healthier foods. Overall, 5911 checkout foods were identified. Of these, 4763 (80·6%) were 'less healthy'. No fruits, vegetables, nuts or seeds were found. Of 4763 less healthy foods displayed, 195 (4·1%) were subject to price promotions, compared with twelve of 1148 (1·0%) healthier foods (χ 2(df=1)=25·4, P<0·0001). There was no difference in the proportion of less healthy (95·1%) and healthier (96·2%) foods displayed at child height. Almost one-sixth of non-food stores displayed checkout food, the majority of which was 'less healthy' and displayed at child height. Less healthy food was more likely to be subject to a written price promotion than healthier food. Further research into the drivers and consequences of checkout food in non-food stores is needed. Public health regulation may be warranted.

OT2_eegami_6: SPIRE Snapshot Survey II: Using SPT/CODEX Massive Clusters as Powerful Gravitational Lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egami, E.

2011-09-01

On the extragalactic side, one of the most remarkable results coming out of Herschel is the discovery of extremely bright (>100 mJy in the SPIRE bands) gravitationally lensed galaxies. The great sensitivity and mapping speed of SPIRE have enabled us to find these rare extraordinary objects. What is truly exciting about these bright lensed galaxies is that they enable a variety of detailed multi-wavelength follow-up observations, shedding new light on the physical properties of these high-redshift sources. In this regard, our OT1 program, "SPIRE Snapshot Survey of Massive Galaxy Clusters" turned out to be a great success. After imaging ~50 galaxies out of 279 in the program, we have already found two spectacularly bright lensed galaxies, one of which is at a redshift of 4.69. This type of cluster-lensed sources are not only bright but also spatially stretched over a large scale, so ALMA (or NOEMA in the north) is likely to be able to study them at the level of individual GMCs. Such studies will open up a new frontier in the study of high-redshift galaxies. Here, we propose to extend this highly efficient and effective survey of gravitationally lensed galaxies to another 353 clusters carefully chosen from the SPT and CODEX cluster samples. These samples contain newly discovered high-redshift (z>0.3) massive (>3-4e14 Msun) clusters, which can be used as powerful gravitational lenses to magnify sources at high redshift. With the OT1 and OT2 surveys together, we expect to find ~20 highly magnified SPIRE sources with exceptional brightnesses (assuming a discovery rate of ~1/30). Such a unique sample of extraordinary objects will enable a variety of follow-up sciences, and will therefore remain as a great legacy of the Herschel mission for years to come.

OT2_nflagey_2: Capturing missing evolved stars in the Galactic plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flagey, N.

2011-09-01

We discovered more than 400 compact shells in the MIPSGAL 24 microns survey of the Galactic plane. About 15% of all these objects were already known as planetary nebulae, supernova remnants, Wolf-Rayet stars, and luminous blue variables. The unknown bubbles are expected to be envelopes of evolved stars that could account for the ``missing massive stars in the Galaxy. Indeed, recent spectroscopic follow-ups in the near-IR and mid-IR have revealed several dust-free planetary nebulae with very hot central white dwarf and significantly increased the number of WR and LBV candidates. Our OT1 Priority 1 proposal just provided us with a first observation in the PACS-SED B2A mode of one object, revealing only a strong [N II] 122 microns line. Without further spectral information, identification and modeling of the target are impossible. However, analysis of the PACS and SPIRE data from the HiGal survey has recently enabled us to measure much higher detection rates of the shells in the far-IR than with MIPS 70 microns. We are thus very confident that dust features and/or gas lines can be detected with the PACS and SPIRE spectrometers. Therefore, we request complementary PACS-SED B2B and SPIRE-FTS observations on our OT1 sample. The complete far-IR/submm spectrum of each target will allow its unequivocal identification thanks to comparison with spectra of known evolved stars from the MESS key program. We will also model with much detail the different phases of the envelopes, thanks to our expertise in circumstellar envelopes, dust models and photoionization codes.

OAO/MITSuME photometry of dwarf novae. II. HV Virginis and OT J012059.6+325545

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imada, Akira; Isogai, Keisuke; raki, Takahiro; Tanada, Shunsuke; Yanagisawa, Kenshi; Kawai, Nobuyuki

2018-01-01

We report on multicolor photometry of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae HV Vir and OT J012059.6+325545 during superoutbursts. These systems show early superhumps with mean periods of 0.057093(45) d for HV Vir and 0.057147(15) d for OT J012059.6+325545. The observed early superhumps showed a common feature that the brightness minima corresponded to the bluest peaks in color variations, which may be a ubiquitous phenomenon among early superhumps of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae. We confirmed that the amplitudes of early superhumps depend on wavelength: amplitudes with longer bandpass filters show larger values. This indicates that the light source of early superhumps is generated at the outer region of the vertically extended accretion disk. On the other hand, amplitudes of ordinary superhumps are likely to be independent of wavelength. This implies that the superhump light source is geometrically thin. We also examined color variations of ordinary superhumps and found that the bluest peaks in g΄ - Ic tend to coincide with the brightness minima, particularily in stage B superhumps. This may reflect that the pressure effect plays a dominant role during stage B superhumps.

12 CFR 502.26 - How does OTS calculate the semi-annual assessment for savings and loan holding companies?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... holding company's business, a component based on its organizational form, and a component based on its...-site supervision of a noncomplex, low risk savings and loan holding company structure. OTS will... company is the registered holding company at the highest level of ownership in a holding company structure...

High-cadence Multi-color Observations of the Dwarf Nova KSP-OT-201503a by the KMTNet Supernova Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Shannon; Moon, Dae-Sik; Ni, Yuan Qi; Drout, Maria; Antoniadis, John; Afsariardchi, Niloufar; Cha, Sang-Mok; Lee, Yongseok

2018-06-01

We report multicolor BVI monitoring and spectroscopic classification of the dwarf nova KSP-OT-201503a. The transient was detected by the Korean Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet) Supernova Program (KSP) in 2015 March, reached a peak apparent magnitude V ≃ 17.3 mag from a quiescent magnitude V ≃ 22.6 mag, and lasted for approximately 17 days. Our high-cadence sampling allows us to identify distinctive phases consisting of a rapid ascent, a main outburst composed of a flat plateau followed by a gradual dimming, and a quick decline. We observe the sharp transition between the ascent phase and main outburst phase, likely related to the deceleration of the heating front as it passes through the accretion disk. These features in the light curves indicate that the outburst is outside-in. Archival data reveal the outburst history of the source, showing at least three outbursts between 2011 and 2015. These are equally separated by approximately 25 months, though we find a recurrence time as short as 189 days is compatible with the archival data. An optical spectrum obtained 701 days from outburst peak shows prominent Balmer emission lines superimposed on a blue continuum, consistent with a cataclysmic variable in quiescence. The outburst properties of KSP-OT-201503a closely resemble those of U Gem-type dwarf novae usually associated with younger, longer-period systems above the period gap of 2–3 hr observed in cataclysmic variables. This suggests that the source may be a rare U Gem-type dwarf nova with a long recurrence time, though we are unable to rule out the possibility that KSP-OT-201503a lies below the period gap.

12 CFR 502.29 - How does OTS determine the condition component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... holding company? (a) If the most recent examination rating assigned to the responsible savings and loan holding company (or most recent examination rating assigned to any savings and loan holding company in the... system. OTS uses the most recent rating of which the savings and loan holding company has been notified...

12 CFR 502.29 - How does OTS determine the condition component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... holding company? (a) If the most recent examination rating assigned to the responsible savings and loan holding company (or most recent examination rating assigned to any savings and loan holding company in the... system. OTS uses the most recent rating of which the savings and loan holding company has been notified...

12 CFR 502.29 - How does OTS determine the condition component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... holding company? (a) If the most recent examination rating assigned to the responsible savings and loan holding company (or most recent examination rating assigned to any savings and loan holding company in the... system. OTS uses the most recent rating of which the savings and loan holding company has been notified...

12 CFR 502.29 - How does OTS determine the condition component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... holding company? (a) If the most recent examination rating assigned to the responsible savings and loan holding company (or most recent examination rating assigned to any savings and loan holding company in the... system. OTS uses the most recent rating of which the savings and loan holding company has been notified...

12 CFR 502.29 - How does OTS determine the condition component for a savings and loan holding company?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... holding company? (a) If the most recent examination rating assigned to the responsible savings and loan holding company (or most recent examination rating assigned to any savings and loan holding company in the... system. OTS uses the most recent rating of which the savings and loan holding company has been notified...

Urban Space Innovation - “10+” Principles through Designing the New Image of the Existing Shopping Mall in Csepel, Hungary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyergyak, Janos

2017-10-01

The first part of the paper is about to introduce the principles of “placemaking” as an innovation and important tool of the cities in the 21st century. The process helps designers to transform the spaces of “nobody” to a community-based space for supporting the connection among humans. The second part of the paper shows the process of the used principles by the author for designing the new image of the existing shopping mall in Csepel, Hungary. This work was selected as one of the best design ideas for renewing the existing underutilized space.

/sup 45/Ca efflux for myometrial cells: comparison of the effects of prostaglandin F/sub 2/. cap alpha. (PGF/sub 2/), oxytocin (OT) and arachidonate (A)

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

Katona, G.; Molnar, M.; Toth, M.

1986-03-01

The aim of this study was to measure PGF/sub 2..cap alpha../-induced Ca/sup 2 +/ release from uterine cells and to compare this to the actions of OT and A. Smooth muscle cells isolated from the uterus (shell gland) of laying hens were cultured for 7 days in M199 plus 10% fetal calf serum. The cells were treated with digitonin (20..mu..M) and preloaded with /sup 45/Ca for 40 min. Addition of PGF/sub 2..cap alpha../ caused a biphasic /sup 45/Ca-efflux. There was a small but significant /sup 45/Ca-release within 30 sec (rapid phase) followed by a larger one within 7 min (slowmore » phase). In comparison, both OT and A stimulated /sup 45/Ca efflux during a single, slow phase. The maximal effect of A was observed at < 7 min, whereas that of OT was slower, peaking after 7 min. Mepacrin, an inhibitor of A release, attenuated the action of OT without having any effect on A promoted /sup 45/Ca-efflux. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of PG synthase, failed to suppress the Ca-releasing effect of A suggesting the A itself or a lipoxygenase product may have been responsible for the observed effects. Moreover, these results provide suggestive evidence that A release is an important step in the action of various uterotonic agents converging on the mobilization of intracellular Ca.« less

Entraining IDyOT: Timing in the Information Dynamics of Thinking

PubMed Central

Forth, Jamie; Agres, Kat; Purver, Matthew; Wiggins, Geraint A.

2016-01-01

We present a novel hypothetical account of entrainment in music and language, in context of the Information Dynamics of Thinking model, IDyOT. The extended model affords an alternative view of entrainment, and its companion term, pulse, from earlier accounts. The model is based on hierarchical, statistical prediction, modeling expectations of both what an event will be and when it will happen. As such, it constitutes a kind of predictive coding, with a particular novel hypothetical implementation. Here, we focus on the model's mechanism for predicting when a perceptual event will happen, given an existing sequence of past events, which may be musical or linguistic. We propose a range of tests to validate or falsify the model, at various different levels of abstraction, and argue that computational modeling in general, and this model in particular, can offer a means of providing limited but useful evidence for evolutionary hypotheses. PMID:27803682

The Cacophony of Space and the Clink Clunk Clang in Architecture The mall corridor redux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cipriano, Nolan

The element of sound is nearly inescapable. The various ways in which sound is generated, perceived, represented, and hindered resonates not only within the realm of the auditory sense, but as well as the visual and tactile. Through investigating the representation of sound, both in the aural and visual worlds, a deeper understanding of its profound effects can be observed. In the world of architectural space it is the element of sound that is often forgotten, whereas the sonic nature of a space is not designed. This thesis endeavours to examine how, through a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of sound representations, effects, and history, it can inform specifically designed sonorously beneficial spaces that directly reflect and support their purpose. This notion will be explored through the redesign of the shopping-mall corridor within the heritage structure of the Ogilvy Building in Ottawa, Ontario. Through adaptive architecture, the possibility exists to create a subjective aural space.

VOYAGE!, a Scale Model of the Solar System on the National Mall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, J. O.; Schoemer, J.; Goldstein, J. J.

1994-12-01

The Laboratory for Astrophysics (LfA) at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is proposing a new exhibit: an outdoor model of the Solar System on the National Mall, dedicated to the Spirit of Human Exploration. At one ten- billionth of the size of the actual Solar System, the model would provide a unique educational tool to illustrate the vast distances that characterize our local corner of the universe. Mounted on pedestals along a gravel walkway between the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument for 0.6 kilometers (an easy walk for over 10 million visitors a year), plaques would tactilely depict the scaled sizes and distances of the Sun, the planets, and their larger satellites in polished bronze. Porcelain enamel insets in the bronze would display color photographs, language-independent educational pictograms, and an international pictoral listing of spacecraft that have visited these bodies. Designed for a multi-cultural audience of varied ages and educational backgrounds, and with easy access to persons with disabilities, the model would celebrate humanity's long and ongoing relationship with Earth's nearest neighbors. Ideally, this exhibit will be supported by teacher-activity packets, self-guided tours, exportable models, computer software, and multi-lingual audio programs. This proposal is being partially funded by the NASA Solar Systems division.

MORPHOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION AND DNA ADDUCT FORMATION BY BENZ[J]ACEANTHRYLENE AND ITS METABOLITES IN C3H1OT1/2CL8 CELLS: EVIDENCE FOR BOTH CYCLOPENTA-RING AND BAY REGION METABOLIC ACTIVATION PATHWAYS

EPA Science Inventory

Benz[j]aceanthrylene (B[j]A), a cyclopenta-fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (CP-PAH) related to 3-methylcholanthrene, has been studied to identify the major routes of metabolic activation in transformable C3H1OT1/2CLB (C3H1OT1/2) mouse embryo fibroblasts in culture. he morph...

Molar mass characterization of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose by SEC-MALLS.

PubMed

Shakun, Maryia; Maier, Helena; Heinze, Thomas; Kilz, Peter; Radke, Wolfgang

2013-06-05

Two series of sodium carboxymethyl celluloses (NaCMCs) derived from microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel samples) and cotton linters (BWL samples) with average degrees of substitution (DS) ranging from DS=0.45 to DS=1.55 were characterized by size exclusion chromatography with multi-angle laser light scattering detection (SEC-MALLS) in 100 mmol/L aqueous ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) as vaporizable eluent system. The application of vaporizable NH4OAc allows future use of the eluent system in two-dimensional separations employing evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). The losses of samples during filtration and during the chromatographic experiment were determined. The scaling exponent as of the relation [Formula: see text] was approx. 0.61, showing that NaCMCs exhibit an expanded coil conformation in solution. No systematic dependencies of as on DS were observed. The dependences of molar mass on SEC-elution volume for samples of different DS can be well described by a common calibration curve, which is of advantage, as it allows the determination of molar masses of unknown samples by using the same calibration curve, irrespective of the DS of the NaCMC sample. Since no commercial NaCMC standards are available, correction factors were determined allowing converting a pullulan based calibration curve into a NaCMC calibration using the broad calibration approach. The weight average molar masses derived using the so established calibration curve closely agree with the ones determined by light scattering, proving the accuracy of the correction factors determined. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of Social and Behavioural Characteristics of Users on Their Evaluation of Subjective Loudness and Acoustic Comfort in Shopping Malls

PubMed Central

Meng, Qi; Kang, Jian

2013-01-01

A large-scale subjective survey was conducted in six shopping malls in Harbin City, China, to determine the influence of social and behavioural characteristics of users on their evaluation of subjective loudness and acoustic comfort. The analysis of social characteristics shows that evaluation of subjective loudness is influenced by income and occupation, with correlation coefficients or contingency coefficients of 0.10 to 0.40 (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Meanwhile, evaluation of acoustic comfort evaluation is influenced by income, education level, and occupation, with correlation coefficients or contingency coefficients of 0.10 to 0.60 (p<0.05 or p<0.01). The effect of gender and age on evaluation of subjective loudness and acoustic comfort is statistically insignificant. The effects of occupation are mainly caused by the differences in income and education level, in which the effects of income are greater than that of education level. In terms of behavioural characteristics, evaluation of subjective loudness is influenced by the reason for visit, frequency of visit, and length of stay, with correlation coefficients or contingency coefficients of 0.10 to 0.40 (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Evaluation of acoustic comfort is influenced by the reason for visit to the site, the frequency of visit, length of stay, and also season of visit, with correlation coefficients of 0.10 to 0.30 (p<0.05 or p<0.01). In particular, users who are waiting for someone show lower evaluation of acoustic comfort, whereas users who go to shopping malls more than once a month show higher evaluation of acoustic comfort. On the contrary, the influence of the period of visit and the accompanying persons are found insignificant. PMID:23336003

Definitize and Prepare Off-The-Shelf (OTS) Electronic Test Equipment (ETE) Specifications

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-07-01

power consumption of the equipment shall be 30 watts. 3.5.2 Input power selection device. An input power selection device shall be provided for...36.2QCM( 14.25INIWX25.40r’’( 10 IM IHX 30 .48CM ( 121 MID 1U9.2,"M(43 IN1WX50.8CM( 20IN )HX57.15’"«I 22.5!N)D 36.8 3’"M(14.5IN IWX25.40rM( 10 IV...018 1437 3.63KG(aL8SI 2< 30 -a-MOD 11837 008 3350 8 .4KG’( 18.5L8S 1 315A 11837 008 3592 4.09KGt9L8S) OEFINITIZATITN "F OTS ETE

SOX2OT variant 7 contributes to the synergistic interaction between EGCG and Doxorubicin to kill osteosarcoma via autophagy and stemness inhibition.

PubMed

Wang, Wanchun; Chen, Ding; Zhu, Kewei

2018-02-23

Doxorubicin is the preferred chemotherapeuticdrug for osteosarcoma treatment of which clinical efficacy is limited because of its chemo-resistance and cardiac toxicity. It is necessary to develop the combination regimen with complementary molecular mechanisms to reduce the side effects and enhance sensitivity of Doxorubicin. EGCG is a polyphenol in green tea with antitumor bioactivity,which has been found that its combination with certain chemotherapeutic drugs could improve the antitumor efficiency. In this study, MTT assay was used to detect the cell growth inhibition The CD133+/CD44+ cells were isolated from U2OS and SaoS2 cell lines using magnetic-activated cell sorting and identified by flow cytometry analysis. qRT-PCR was used for determining the relative mRNA levels of key genes. Immunofluorescence was performed to evaluate the autophagy flux alterations. Self-renewal ability was accessed by sphere-forming assay. Tumorigenicity in nude mice was preformed to evaluate tumorigenicity in vivo. We found that EGCG targeting LncRNA SOX2OT variant 7 produced synergistic effects with Doxorubicin on osteosarcoma cell growth inhibition. On the one hand, EGCG could reduce the Doxorubicin-induced pro-survival autophagy through decreasing SOX2OT variant 7 to improve the growth inhibition of Doxorubicin. On the other hand, EGCG could partially inactivate Notch3/DLL3 signaling cascade targeting SOX2OT variant 7 to reduce the stemness then abated drug-resistance of osteosarcoma cells. This study will help to reveal the molecular mechanisms of synergistic effects of EGCG and Doxorubicin on OS chemotherapy and improve the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy as well as provide a basis for developing antitumor drugs targeting osteosarcoma stem cells.

The Persistent Eruption of UGC 2773-OT: finally, a decade-long extragalactic Eta Carinae analogue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Nathan; Andrews, Jennifer E.; Mauerhan, Jon C.; Zheng, WeiKang; Filippenko, Alexei V.; Graham, Melissa L.; Milne, Peter

2016-02-01

While supernova (SN) impostors resemble the Great Eruption of η Carinae in the sense that their spectra show narrow H lines and they have typical peak absolute magnitudes of -13 to -14 mag, most extragalactic events observed so far are quite different from η Car in duration. Their bright phases typically last for ˜100 d or less, rather than persisting for several years. The transient object UGC 2773-OT (discovered in 2009) had a similar peak absolute magnitude to other SN impostors, but with a gradual 5-yr pre-discovery rise. In the ˜6 yr since discovery, it has faded very slowly (0.26 mag yr-1). Overall, we suggest that its decade-long eruption is so far the best-known analogue of η Car's 19th century eruption. We discuss extensive spectroscopy of the ongoing eruption. The spectra show interesting changes in velocity and line shape that we discuss in detail, including an asymmetric Hα emission line that we show is consistent with the ejection of a bipolar nebula that could be very much like the Homunculus of η Car. Moreover, changes in the line width, line profile, blue excess emission resembling that of Type IIn SNe, and the intensity of Hα suggest the presence of strong circumstellar interaction in the eruption at late times. This supports the hypothesis that the extended plateau of η Car's eruption may have been powered by shock interaction as well. One interesting difference compared to η Car, however, is that UGC 2773-OT so far does not exhibit the repeated brief spikes in luminosity that have been associated with binary periastron events.

Toll-Like Receptor Pathway as Mediator of Bisphosphonate Effects in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-07-01

Hematology-Oncology, Birmingham, AL 35294-3300, U.S.A 2University of Helsinki, Institute of Dentistry , Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases...at Birmingham, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit 5Veterans Affairs Hospital, *Send all correspondence to Dr. Katri

Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of the archaeal phosphoglycerate mutase PH0037 from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3

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

Lokanath, Neratur K.; Kunishima, Naoki, E-mail: kunisima@spring8.or.jp

2006-08-01

The archaeal phosphoglycerate mutase PH0037 from P. horikoshii OT3 has been crystallized in space group R32, with unit-cell parameters a = 155.62, c = 230.35 Å. A 2.2 Å resolution data was collected at SPring-8 beamline BL26B1. Phosphoglycerate mutases catalyze the interconversion of 2-phosphoglycerate and 3-phosphoglycerate in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways. The archaeal phosphoglycerate mutase PH0037 from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Crystals were obtained using the oil-microbatch method at 291 K. A native data set extending to a resolution of 2.2 Å has been collected and processed in space group R32. Assuming themore » presence of a dimer in the asymmetric unit, the V{sub M} value is calculated to be 3.0 Å{sup 3} Da{sup −1}, consistent with the dynamic light-scattering experiment result, which shows a dimeric state of the protein in solution. Molecular-replacement trials using the crystal structure of Bacilllus stearothermophilus phosphoglycerate mutase as a search model did not provide a satisfactory solution, indicating substantially different structures of these two phophoglycerate mutases.« less

Use of computational fluid dynamics in optimization of natural smoke ventilation from a historical shopping mall - Case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krajewski, Grzegorz; Wegrzyński, Wojciech

2018-01-01

In this paper, the Authors present results of a complex case study, in which a natural smoke ventilation system was introduced into a historical mall Koszyki Market Hall located in the centre of Warsaw. As historical authorities protected the building, the only solution possible was to use a natural system - known for deficient performance in façade applications. To maximise the performance of the smoke control system, a Computational Wind Engineering exercise was performed. The goal was to find the most difficult wind attack angles, and optimise the performance at these conditions. Once the wind influence was known, a transient analysis was performed that included the growth of the fire within the building, as well as a numerical evacuation study. The resulting system was immune to the wind effects, and provided safe evacuation to users of the building, even in difficult wind conditions.

LONG-TERM ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT FOR A SHOPPING MALL.

PubMed

Engiz, Begum Korunur; Kurnaz, Cetin

2017-07-01

As a result of the dense deployment of wireless devices and base stations, measuring and evaluating the electromagnetic (EM) exposure levels they emit have become important to human health especially if they exceed the limits defined in the standards. Base stations, Wi-Fi equipment and other electronic devices are used heavily, especially in densely crowded places like shopping centers. In this study, electric field strength (E) measurements were conducted at one of the largest shopping malls in Turkey. Broadband E measurements were performed using PMM 8053 EM field strength meter for 24 h a day for the duration of one week while frequency selective measurements were carried out with SRM-3006 EM field strength meter. It is concluded from the measurements that the mean measured total E in the band between 100 kHz and 3 GHz is 0.59 V/m while the maximum E is 7.88 V/m, which are both below the limit determined by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. Evolutions show that E can increase by up to 55% during the daytime. Analyses demonstrate that 71.3% of total E is caused by UMTS2100, 16.3% is produced by GSM900, 6.2% by LTE, 3.5% by Wi-Fi, and 2.7% is generated by devices that use the remaining frequency bands. Based on the detailed statistical analysis of long-term E measurement results, it can be concluded that the measured E levels are not in normal distribution and that they are statistically different with respect to days. Furthermore, distribution of E can be best modeled with the non-parametric approach. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Stratigraphy, sedimentology, and geothermal reservoir potential of the volcaniclastic Cura-Mallín succession at Lonquimay, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedroza, Viviana; Le Roux, Jacobus P.; Gutiérrez, Néstor M.; Vicencio, Vladimir E.

2017-08-01

The Tolhuaca Volcano near Lonquimay in south-central Chile has been the subject of several studies due to its geothermal manifestations, but little is known about the stratigraphy and reservoir potential of the Cura-Mallín Formation forming its basement. Field work and U-Pb dating of detrital zircons allow us to redefine this succession as the Cura-Mallín Group, consisting of the volcano-sedimentary Guapitrío Formation, sedimentary Río Pedregoso Formation, and volcano-sedimentary Mitrauquén Formation. The Río Pedregoso Formation can be subdivided into three formal units, namely the Quilmahue Member, Rucañanco Member, and Bío-Bío Member. The base of the Quilmahue Member interfingers laterally with the base of the Guapitrío Formation, for which a previous K/Ar date of 22.0 ± 0.9 Ma was apparently discarded by the original authors. However, this date is consistent with the stratigraphic position of the Quilmahue Member and new zircon dates from the overlying units, also coinciding with the initiation of an extensional phase in the Bíobío-Aluminé Basin. Deposition of the Quilmahue Member continued throughout the early Miocene, as confirmed by dates of 17.5 Ma reported by previous authors and 16.5 Ma obtained in this study. The Rucañanco Member was deposited during the Serravalian around 12.6 Ma, whereas the Bío-Bío Member was dated at the Serravalian-Tortonian limit (11.6 Ma). Although all three members were deposited in a fluvio-lacustrine environment, they were dominated respectively by flood plains with crevasse splays, lake margins with distributary mouth bars and Gilbert-type deltas, and distal braided and meandering rivers. Whereas the Quilmahue Member was deposited during basin extension, the Rucañanco Member was formed during a period of basin inversion and compression. Temporary tectonic quiescence during deposition of the Bío-Bío Member allowed denudation of the landscape, but around 9.5 Ma tectonism was renewed again during deposition of

Treatability Study in Support of Intrinsic Remediation for Site OT 24 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-01-01

Not Sampled f PJ)ll PARSONS SAA - Some As Above Y Water level drilled LF-JENGINEERING SCIENCE.INC. Denver, Colorado L:\\45021\\,DRAWINGS\\BORELOGS\\OT-24...Remnediotion TS TOC - Top of Cosing G - GRAB MacDill Air Force Base, Florida NS- Not Sampled .PARUONU SAA - Same As Above VWater level drilled L!LJ...GRAB MacDill Air Force Base. Florida NS - Not Sampled fj•--PAMMMNuI SAA - Some As Above Y Water level drilled *NIIN I N Denver. Colorado L:\\45021

Qualitation and quantification of specific polysaccharides from Panax species using GC-MS, saccharide mapping and HPSEC-RID-MALLS.

PubMed

Cheong, Kit-Leong; Wu, Ding-Tao; Deng, Yong; Leong, Fong; Zhao, Jing; Zhang, Wen-Jie; Li, Shao-Ping

2016-11-20

The objective of this study was to qualify and quantify the specific polysaccharides in Panax spp. The analyses of specific polysaccharides were performed by using GC-MS, saccharide mapping and high performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) coupled with multi angle laser light scattering (MALLS) and refractive index detector (RID). Results showed that compositional monosaccharides were the same in different species of Panax and composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, mannose, glucose, and galactose. Saccharide mapping results showed that glycosides linkages, which existed in specific polysaccharides from Panax spp., were similar. Additionally, the content of specific polysaccharides of P. ginseng, P. notoginseng and P. quinquefolium were 17.9-20.5mg/g, 11.9-15.0mg/g, and 9.9-13.3mg/g, respectively. P. ginseng, P. notoginseng, and P. quinquefolium could be clustered into three groups using both hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The results possessed great potential in characterization and content determination of specific polysaccharides in Panax spp. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DUSTY EXPLOSIONS FROM DUSTY PROGENITORS: THE PHYSICS OF SN 2008S AND THE 2008 NGC 300-OT

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

Kochanek, C. S.

2011-11-01

SN 2008S and the 2008 NGC 300-OT were explosive transients of stars self-obscured by very dense, dusty stellar winds. An explosive transient with an unobserved shock breakout luminosity of order 10{sup 10} L{sub sun} is required to render the transients little obscured and visible in the optical at their peaks. Such a large breakout luminosity then implies that the progenitor stars were cool, red supergiants, most probably {approx}9 M{sub sun} extreme asymptotic giant branch stars. As the shocks generated by the explosions propagate outward through the dense wind, they produce a shock luminosity in soft X-rays that powers the long-livedmore » luminosity of the transients. Unlike typical cases of transients exploding into a surrounding circumstellar medium, the progenitor winds in these systems are optically thick to soft X-rays, easily absorb radio emission, and rapidly reform dust destroyed by the peak luminosity of the transients. As a result, X-rays are absorbed by the gas and the energy is ultimately radiated by the reformed dust. Three years post-peak, both systems are still significantly more luminous than their progenitor stars, but they are again fully shrouded by the reformed dust and only visible in the mid-IR. The high luminosity and heavy obscuration may make it difficult to determine the survival of the progenitor stars for {approx}10 years. However, our model indicates that SN 2008S, but not the NGC 300-OT, should now be a detectable X-ray source. SN 2008S has a higher estimated shock velocity and a lower density wind, so the X-rays begin to escape at a much earlier phase.« less

Overexpression of prefoldin from the hyperthermophilic archaeum Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 endowed Escherichia coli with organic solvent tolerance.

PubMed

Okochi, Mina; Kanie, Kei; Kurimoto, Masaki; Yohda, Masafumi; Honda, Hiroyuki

2008-06-01

Prefoldin is a jellyfish-shaped hexameric chaperone that captures a protein-folding intermediate and transfers it to the group II chaperonin for correct folding. In this work, we characterized the organic solvent tolerance of Escherichia coli cells that overexpress prefoldin and group II chaperonin from a hyperthermophilic archeaum, Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3. The colony-forming efficiency of E. coli cells overexpressing prefoldin increased by 1,000-fold and decreased the accumulation of intracellular organic solvent. The effect was impaired by deletions of the region responsible for the chaperone function of prefoldin. Therefore, we concluded that prefoldin endows E. coli cells by preventing accumulation of intracellular organic solvent through its molecular chaperone activity.

Molecular characterization of the group II chaperonin from the hyperthermophilic archaeum Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3.

PubMed

Okochi, Mina; Matsuzaki, Hiroki; Nomura, Tomoko; Ishii, Noriyuki; Yohda, Masafumi

2005-04-01

The group II chaperonin from the hyperthermophilic archaeum Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 (PhCPN) and its functional cooperation with the cognate prefoldin were investigated. PhCPN existed as a homo-oligomer in a double-ring structure, which protected the citrate synthase of a porcine heart from thermal aggregation at 45 degrees C, and did the same on the isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH) of a thermophilic bacterium, Thermus thermophilus HB8, at 90 degrees C. PhCPN also enhanced the refolding of green fluorescent protein (GFP), which had been unfolded by low pH, in an ATP-dependent manner. Unexpectedly, functional cooperation between PhCPN and Pyrococcus prefoldin (PhPFD) in the refolding of GFP was not observed. Instead, cooperation between PhCPN and PhPFD was observed in the refolding of IPMDH unfolded with guanidine hydrochloride. Although PhCPN alone was not effective in the refolding of IPMDH, the refolding efficiency was enhanced by the cooperation of PhCPN with PhPFD.

75 FR 57798 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Experimental...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-22

... coupons offering purchase incentives such as free-trial offers, discounts, and money-back guarantees on... trial offer; money off cost; money back guarantee; buy one, get one free; and no offer) in three types... Online Mall Online Mall Online Mall Buy one, get one free Online Mall Online Mall Online Mall Money off...

OT2_smalhotr_3: Herschel Extreme Lensing Line Observations (HELLO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malhotra, S.

2011-09-01

We request 59.8 hours of Herschel time to observe 20 normal star-forming galaxies in the [CII] 158 micron and [OI] 63 micron lines. These galaxies lie at high redshift (1OT1, 49 high redshift IR luminous galaxies were approved for spectroscopy, but only two so-called normal galaxies were included. This is an imbalance that should be corrected, to balance Herschel's legacy.

Effect of frozen storage on molecular weight, size distribution and conformation of gluten by SAXS and SEC-MALLS.

PubMed

Zhao, Lei; Li, Lin; Liu, Guo-Qin; Liu, Xing-Xun; Li, Bing

2012-06-12

In this study, the effects of frozen (-18 °C) storage time on molecular weight, size distribution, conformation, free amino groups and free sulfhydryl groups of gluten were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS) in conjunction with a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and spectrophotometrically. The results showed that the gluten dissolved in 50 mM acetic acid appeared to be similar to quasi-spherical of the chain conformation and the slope of the conformation plot decreased during the storage. Both the molecular weight and radius of gyration of the frozen gluten decreased with the storage time showing a depolymerization in the high molecular weight fraction of gluten (10(5) Da ~ 10(9) Da). Therefore, at constant molecular weight the change of the chain conformation did not show a clear correlation with the storage time. The free amino groups content changed little and the free sulfhydryl groups content of the gluten increased from 9.8 μmol/g for the control to 12.87 μmol/g for 120-day-stored gluten, indicating that the water redistribution and ice recrystallization lead to the breakage of the disulphide bonds and may be one of the reasons for the depolymerization of gluten polymer.

MASTER OT J132104.04+560957.8: A Polar with Absorption–Emission Line Reversals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Littlefield, Colin; Garnavich, Peter; Hoyt, Taylor J.; Kennedy, Mark

2018-01-01

We present time-resolved photometry and spectroscopy of the recently classified polar MASTER OT J132104.04+560957.8. The spectrum shows a smooth, nonthermal continuum at the time of maximum light, without any individually discernible cyclotron harmonics. Using homogenous cyclotron modeling, we interpret this as cyclotron radiation whose individual harmonics have blended together, and on this basis, we loosely constrain the magnetic-field strength to be less than ∼30 MG. In addition, for about one-tenth of the orbital period, the Balmer and He I emission lines transition into absorption features, with He II developing an absorption core. We use our observations of this phenomenon to test theoretical models of the accretion curtain and conclude that the H and He I lines are produced throughout the curtain, in contravention of theoretical predictions of separate H and He I line-forming regions. Moreover, a significant amount of He II emission originates within the accretion curtain, implying that the curtain is significantly hotter than expected from theory. Finally, we comment on the object’s long-term photometry, including evidence that it recently transitioned into a prolonged, exceptionally stable high state following a potentially decades-long low state.

Multiseasonal Tree Crown Structure Mapping with Point Clouds from OTS Quadrocopter Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hese, S.; Behrendt, F.

2017-08-01

OTF (Off The Shelf) quadro copter systems provide a cost effective (below 2000 Euro), flexible and mobile platform for high resolution point cloud mapping. Various studies showed the full potential of these small and flexible platforms. Especially in very tight and complex 3D environments the automatic obstacle avoidance, low copter weight, long flight times and precise maneuvering are important advantages of these small OTS systems in comparison with larger octocopter systems. This study examines the potential of the DJI Phantom 4 pro series and the Phantom 3A series for within-stand and forest tree crown 3D point cloud mapping using both within stand oblique imaging in different altitude levels and data captured from a nadir perspective. On a test site in Brandenburg/Germany a beach crown was selected and measured with 3 different altitude levels in Point Of Interest (POI) mode with oblique data capturing and deriving one nadir mosaic created with 85/85 % overlap using Drone Deploy automatic mapping software. Three different flight campaigns were performed, one in September 2016 (leaf-on), one in March 2017 (leaf-off) and one in May 2017 (leaf-on) to derive point clouds from different crown structure and phenological situations - covering the leaf-on and leafoff status of the tree crown. After height correction, the point clouds where used with GPS geo referencing to calculate voxel based densities on 50 × 10 × 10 cm voxel definitions using a topological network of chessboard image objects in 0,5 m height steps in an object based image processing environment. Comparison between leaf-off and leaf-on status was done on volume pixel definitions comparing the attributed point densities per volume and plotting the resulting values as a function of distance to the crown center. In the leaf-off status SFM (structure from motion) algorithms clearly identified the central stem and also secondary branch systems. While the

Rotational reorientation dynamics of Aerosol-OT reverse micelles formed in near-critical propane

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

Heitz, M.P.; Bright, F.V.

1996-06-01

The rotational reorientation kinetics of two fluorescent solutes (rhodamine 6G, R6G, and rhodamine 101, R101) have been determined in sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (Aerosol-OT, AOT) reverse micelles formed in liquid and near-critical propane. We show that the amount of water loading ([water]/[AOT], R), continuous phase density, and temperature all influence the solute rotational dynamics. In all cases, the decay of anisotropy data (i.e., frequency-dependent differential polarized phase angle and polarized modulation ratio) are well described by a bi-exponential decay law. We find that the faster rotational correlation times are similar to but slightly less than the values predicted for an individualmore » AOT reverse micelle rotating in propane. The recovered rotational correlation times range from 200 to 500 ps depending on experimental conditions. This faster rotational process is explained in terms of lateral diffusion of the fluorophore along the water/headgroup interfacial region within the reverse micelle. The recovered values for the slower rotational correlation times range from 7 to 18 ns. These larger rotational reorientation times are assigned to varying micelle-micelle (i.e., tail-tail) interactions in the low-density, highly compressible fluid region. We also quantify the contribution of the reverse micellar {open_quotes}aggregate{close_quotes} to the total decay of anisotropy. {copyright} {ital 1996} {ital Society for Applied Spectroscopy}« less

Otologic consequences of blast exposure: a Finnish case study of a shopping mall bomb explosion.

PubMed

Mrena, Roderik; Pääkkönen, Rauno; Bäck, Leif; Pirvola, Ulla; Ylikoski, Jukka

2004-10-01

On 11 October, 2002, in the Myyrmanni shopping mall, Vantaa city, Finland, an explosion by a suicide bomber killed 7 people and injured at least 160,44 of whom had ear trauma. We investigated the acute and subacute otologic consequences of the explosion. Otologic examination of the 29 patients treated for ear trauma at the ENT clinic of the University Hospital of Helsinki was performed during the first month after the explosion, and a questionnaire was completed regarding subjective aural symptoms. Symptoms occurring directly after the explosion and for up to 1 month afterwards were assessed. Of the 29 patients, 66% had tinnitus as the initial symptom, 55% hearing loss, 41% pain in the ears and 28% sound distortion. Tinnitus and hearing loss in combination were experienced by 12 patients (41%). Eight patients who had been situated<10 m from the center of the explosion had a rupture of the tympanic membrane. This supported the initial evaluation by the authorities that the bomb had consisted of approximately 3 kg ammonium nitrate, equivalent to approximately 0.5 kg of trinitrotoluene. It was estimated that some kind of ear injury was likely for individuals situated<70 m from the center of the explosion. People often think that tinnitus and hearing impairment are naturally occurring phenomena after blast exposure, and if their symptoms resolve they do not seek medical advice. However, some of them may have substantial hearing impairment, particularly at high frequencies. Otologic consultation, or at least an audiometric screening test to exclude hearing impairment, should be performed regardless of symptoms, on the basis of exposure data only. Some symptoms, such as tinnitus and hearing loss, may be permanent consequences of a blast injury and their effect on quality of life may be substantial.

Viewing experience of 3DTV: An exploration of the feeling of sickness and presence in a shopping mall.

PubMed

Obrist, Marianna; Wurhofer, Daniela; Meneweger, Thomas; Grill, Thomas; Tscheligi, Manfred

2013-02-01

The adoption and deployment of 3DTV can be seen as a major step in the history of television, comparable to the transition from analogue to digital and standard to high definition TV. Although 3D is expected to emerge from the cinema to peoples' home, there is still a lack of knowledge on how people (future end users) perceive 3DTV and how this influences their viewing experience as well as their acceptance of 3DTV. Within this paper, findings from a three-day field evaluation study on people's 3DTV experiences, focusing on the feeling of sickness and presence, are presented. Contrary to the traditional controlled laboratory setting, the study was conducted in the public setting of a shopping center and involved 700 participants. The study revealed initial insights on users' feeling of presence and sickness when watching 3DTV content. Results from this explorative study show that most of the participants reported symptoms of sickness after watching 3DTV with an effect of gender and age on the reported feeling of sickness. Our results further suggest that the users' previous experience with 3D content has an influence on how realistic people rate the viewing experience and how involved they feel. The particularities of the study environment, a shopping mall, are reflected in our findings and future research directions and action points for investigating people's viewing experiences of 3DTV are summarized.

Viewing experience of 3DTV: An exploration of the feeling of sickness and presence in a shopping mall

PubMed Central

Obrist, Marianna; Wurhofer, Daniela; Meneweger, Thomas; Grill, Thomas; Tscheligi, Manfred

2013-01-01

The adoption and deployment of 3DTV can be seen as a major step in the history of television, comparable to the transition from analogue to digital and standard to high definition TV. Although 3D is expected to emerge from the cinema to peoples’ home, there is still a lack of knowledge on how people (future end users) perceive 3DTV and how this influences their viewing experience as well as their acceptance of 3DTV. Within this paper, findings from a three-day field evaluation study on people’s 3DTV experiences, focusing on the feeling of sickness and presence, are presented. Contrary to the traditional controlled laboratory setting, the study was conducted in the public setting of a shopping center and involved 700 participants. The study revealed initial insights on users’ feeling of presence and sickness when watching 3DTV content. Results from this explorative study show that most of the participants reported symptoms of sickness after watching 3DTV with an effect of gender and age on the reported feeling of sickness. Our results further suggest that the users’ previous experience with 3D content has an influence on how realistic people rate the viewing experience and how involved they feel. The particularities of the study environment, a shopping mall, are reflected in our findings and future research directions and action points for investigating people’s viewing experiences of 3DTV are summarized. PMID:23482894

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of PH1566, a putative ribosomal RNA-processing factor from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3

PubMed Central

Jia, Min Ze; Ohtsuka, Jun; Lee, Woo Cheol; Nagata, Koji; Tanokura, Masaru

2006-01-01

A putative ribosomal RNA-processing factor consisting of two KH domains from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 (PH1566; 25 kDa) was crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 3000 as the precipitant. The crystals diffracted X-rays to beyond 2.0 Å resolution using a synchrotron-radiation source. The space group of the crystals was determined as primitive orthorhombic P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 45.9, b = 47.4, c = 95.7 Å. The crystals contain one molecule in the asymmetric unit (V M = 2.5 Å3 Da−1) and have a solvent content of 50%. PMID:16511260

Analysis of the methylation status of the KCNQ1OT and H19 genes in leukocyte DNA for the diagnosis and prognosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

PubMed

Gaston, V; Le Bouc, Y; Soupre, V; Burglen, L; Donadieu, J; Oro, H; Audry, G; Vazquez, M P; Gicquel, C

2001-06-01

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth disorder involving developmental abnormalities, tissue and organ hyperplasia and an increased risk of embryonal tumours (most commonly Wilms tumour). This multigenic disorder is caused by dysregulation of the expression of imprinted genes in the 11p15 chromosomal region. Molecular diagnosis of BWS is currently difficult, mostly due to the large spectrum of genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. The other difficulty in managing BWS is the identification of patients at risk of tumour. An imprinted antisense transcript within KCNQ1, called KCNQ1OT (also known as LIT1), was recently shown to be normally expressed from the paternal allele. A loss of imprinting of the KCNQ1OT gene, associated with the loss of maternal allele-specific methylation of the differentially methylated region KvDMR1 has been described in BWS patients. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of KvDMR1 methylation analysis of leukocyte DNA for the diagnosis of BWS. The allelic status of the 11p15 region and the methylation status of the KCNQ1OT and H19 genes were investigated in leukocyte DNA from 97 patients referred for BWS and classified into two groups according to clinical data: complete BWS (CBWS) (n=61) and incomplete BWS (IBWS) (n=36). Fifty-eight (60%) patients (39/61 CBWS and 19/36 IBWS) displayed abnormal demethylation of KvDMR1. In 11 of the 56 informative cases, demethylation of KvDMR1 was related to 11p15 uniparental disomy (UPD) (nine CBWS and two IBWS). Thirteen of the 39 patients with normal methylation of KvDMR1 displayed hypermethylation of the H19 gene. These 13 patients included two siblings with 11p15 trisomy. These results show that analysis of the methylation status of KvDMR1 and the H19 gene in leukocyte DNA is useful in the diagnosis of 11p15-related overgrowth syndromes, resulting in the diagnosis of BWS in more than 70% of investigated patients. We also evaluated clinical and molecular features as

OT2_jcernich_9: Time Variability of Thermal Molecular Line Emission in IRC+10216

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cernicharo, J.

2011-09-01

We have found during our GT line survey of IRC+10216 and the search for hydrides (OT1 proposal) that some molecular lines present a strong intensity variation with time due to the role of infrared pumping. For some lines the intensity change in six months reaches a factor 3 (CCH). We have checked that the effect is not instrumental and than it arises from physical processes ignored so far in the radiative transfer models. We propose to observe the CCH and HNC lines within bands 1a-5b of HIFI every four months (three observing slots) to allow a detailed study of the variation of thermal molecular emission, and dust emission, in this prototype of AGB C-rich object. The settings will also provide, as a bonus, many lines of SiO, SiS, CS, HCN, CO and 13CO for which intensity variations of up to 30% have been found. In addition, a few specificc settings for HCN and CO will complete the observations. SPIRE and PACS observations will complement, with lower spectral resolution, the whole spectrum of each of these molecules and will provide a global view of the total intensity change of these lines with time. A crude estimate of the distance could be also obtained from the observed time lags between the blue and red parts of the line profiles observed with HIFI.

Pressure effects on enzyme reactions in mainly organic media: alpha-chymotrypsin in reversed micelles of Aerosol OT in octane.

PubMed

Mozhaev, V V; Bec, N; Balny, C

1994-08-01

Biocatalytic transformations in reversed micelles formed by anionic surfactant Aerosol OT in octane have been studied at high pressures by an example of alpha-chymotrypsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-carbobenzoxy-L-tyrosine p-nitrophenyl ester and N-succinyl-L-phenylalanine p-nitroanilide. For the first time it has been found that the enzyme retains high activity in these water-in-oil microemulsions up to a pressure of 2 kbar. The value of the activation volume (delta V*) for the enzyme reactions shows a dependence on the water content in the system. When the size of the micellar aqueous inner cavity (as evaluated at 1 atm) approaches the molecular size of alpha-chymotrypsin, delta V* becomes significantly different from the value in aqueous solution and in the micelles with a larger size. Possibilities of regulating the enzyme activity by pressure in systems with a low content of water are discussed.

Mobile Applications for Participation at the Shopping Mall: Content Analysis and Usability for Persons with Physical Disabilities and Communication or Cognitive Limitations

PubMed Central

Auger, Claudine; Leduc, Emilie; Labbé, Delphine; Guay, Cassioppée; Fillion, Brigitte; Bottari, Carolina; Swaine, Bonnie

2014-01-01

The aim of this exploratory study was to determine the important features in content and usability of existing mobile applications evaluating environmental barriers and facilitators (EBF) to participation for persons with physical disabilities presenting mild communication or cognitive limitations. A rigorous process based on a user-centered design approach led to the identification of two relevant mobile applications to evaluate the EBF. An accessibility expert, the research team as well as five users then tested the mobile applications in a shopping mall. A thematic content analysis of the research team’s and users’ comments established 10 categories of key features that adequately respond to the needs of the clientele targeted in this study. In terms of content, granularity and contextualization of the information provided were considered important. With respect to usability, relevant features were place finding, rating system, presentation of results, compatibility, user-friendliness, aesthetics, credibility of the information as well as connectivity/interactiveness. The research team and the users agreed on some aspects such as aesthetics, but had different perspectives on features such as the rating system or the connectivity/interactiveness of the application. The users proposed new features suggesting that the existing mobile applications did not correspond to all their needs. PMID:25513999

Mobile applications for participation at the shopping mall: content analysis and usability for persons with physical disabilities and communication or cognitive limitations.

PubMed

Auger, Claudine; Leduc, Emilie; Labbé, Delphine; Guay, Cassioppée; Fillion, Brigitte; Bottari, Carolina; Swaine, Bonnie

2014-12-01

The aim of this exploratory study was to determine the important features in content and usability of existing mobile applications evaluating environmental barriers and facilitators (EBF) to participation for persons with physical disabilities presenting mild communication or cognitive limitations. A rigorous process based on a user-centered design approach led to the identification of two relevant mobile applications to evaluate the EBF. An accessibility expert, the research team as well as five users then tested the mobile applications in a shopping mall. A thematic content analysis of the research team's and users' comments established 10 categories of key features that adequately respond to the needs of the clientele targeted in this study. In terms of content, granularity and contextualization of the information provided were considered important. With respect to usability, relevant features were place finding, rating system, presentation of results, compatibility, user-friendliness, aesthetics, credibility of the information as well as connectivity/interactiveness. The research team and the users agreed on some aspects such as aesthetics, but had different perspectives on features such as the rating system or the connectivity/interactiveness of the application. The users proposed new features suggesting that the existing mobile applications did not correspond to all their needs.

Secondary Metabolite Profiling of Species of the Genus Usnea by UHPLC-ESI-OT-MS-MS.

PubMed

Salgado, Francisco; Albornoz, Laura; Cortéz, Carmen; Stashenko, Elena; Urrea-Vallejo, Kelly; Nagles, Edgar; Galicia-Virviescas, Cesar; Cornejo, Alberto; Ardiles, Alejandro; Simirgiotis, Mario; García-Beltrán, Olimpo; Areche, Carlos

2017-12-27

Lichens are symbiotic associations of fungi with microalgae and/or cyanobacteria, which are considered among the slowest growing organisms, with strong tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. There are about 400 genera and 1600 species of lichens and those belonging to the Usnea genus comprise about 360 of these species. Usnea lichens have been used since ancient times as dyes, cosmetics, preservatives, deodorants and folk medicines. The phytochemistry of the Usnea genus includes more than 60 compounds which belong to the following classes: depsides, depsidones, depsones, lactones, quinones, phenolics, polysaccharides, fatty acids and dibenzofurans. Due to scarce knowledge of metabolomic profiles of Usnea species ( U. barbata , U. antarctica , U. rubicunda and U. subfloridana ), a study based on UHPLC-ESI-OT-MS-MS was performed for a comprehensive characterization of their secondary metabolites. From the methanolic extracts of these species a total of 73 metabolites were identified for the first time using this hyphenated technique, including 34 compounds in U. barbata , 21 in U. antarctica , 38 in U. rubicunda and 37 in U. subfloridana . Besides, a total of 13 metabolites were not identified and reported so far, and could be new according to our data analysis. This study showed that this hyphenated technique is rapid, effective and accurate for phytochemical identification of lichen metabolites and the data collected could be useful for chemotaxonomic studies.

[The prevalence of irritable bowel symptoms in a population of shopping mall visitors in Santiago de Chile].

PubMed

Madrid-Silva, A M; Defilippi-Caffri, C; Landskron-Ramos, G; Olguín-Herrera, F; Reyes-Ponce, A; Castro-Lara, A; Larraín-Corp, S; Martínez-Roje, N; Cortés-Espinoza, J

2013-01-01

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with altered bowel habit. Both its prevalence and clinical characteristics vary throughout Latin America. A percentage of patients does not seek medical attention, therefore a reliable prevalence figure can only be established by interviewing non-selected populations. To study the prevalence and clinical characteristics of IBS symptoms in non-selected subjects in Santiago, Chile. A total of 437 shopping mall visitors above the age of 15 years (246 women) participated in the study by answering the Rome II validated questionnaire for IBS. The demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, comorbidities, and a family history of IBS were registered. A total of 64.1% subjects reported having gastrointestinal symptoms and 28.6% had symptoms suggestive of IBS. When the subjects with IBS symptoms were compared with the asymptomatic individuals, a predominance of women (65.6 vs. 42.9, P<.001) and a greater cholecystectomy frequency (33.6 vs. 12.9% P<.05) were observed in the former. The age of symptom onset was 30.4 years. An equal percentage of subjects (42.4%) presented with diarrhea and constipation and 15.2% presented with alternating IBS. Participants with a higher educational level reported a lower percentage of IBS (P<.05). A family history of the disease was present in 40% of the subjects with IBS, compared with 14.9% in the asymptomatic individuals (P<.05). Only 39.2% of the subjects had seen a physician for their symptoms and the treatment and tests ordered were inappropriate. The prevalence of IBS symptoms in the population studied is one of the highest described. Therefore, health teams should have the necessary knowledge and skill required for its management. Copyright © 2013 Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Rehabilitation living lab in the mall community of practice: learning together to improve rehabilitation, participation and social inclusion for people living with disabilities.

PubMed

Mazer, Barbara; Kairy, Dahlia; Guindon, Andréanne; Girard, Michel; Swaine, Bonnie; Kehayia, Eva; Labbé, Delphine

2015-04-22

Communities of practice (CoP) can facilitate collaboration between people who share a common interest, but do not usually work together. A CoP was initiated and developed including stakeholders from clinical, research, community and governmental backgrounds involved in a large multidisciplinary and multi-sectorial project: the Rehabilitation Living Lab in a Mall (RehabMaLL). This study aimed to evaluate the structure, process and outcomes of this CoP. A single case-study, using mixed-methods, evaluated the RehabMaLL CoP initiative after one year, based on Donabedian's conceptual evaluation model. Forty-three participants took part in the RehabMaLL CoP with 60.5% (n = 26) participating at least once on the online platform where 234 comments were posted. Four in-person meetings were held. Members expressed satisfaction regarding the opportunity to share knowledge with people from diverse backgrounds and the usefulness of the CoP for the RehabMaLL project. Collaboration led to concrete outcomes, such as a sensitization activity and a research project. Common challenges included lack of time and difficulty finding common objectives. A CoP can be a useful strategy to facilitate knowledge sharing on disability issues. Future research is necessary to determine strategies of increasing knowledge creation between members.

Rehabilitation Living Lab in the Mall Community of Practice: Learning Together to Improve Rehabilitation, Participation and Social Inclusion for People Living with Disabilities

PubMed Central

Mazer, Barbara; Kairy, Dahlia; Guindon, Andréanne; Girard, Michel; Swaine, Bonnie; Kehayia, Eva; Labbé, Delphine

2015-01-01

Communities of practice (CoP) can facilitate collaboration between people who share a common interest, but do not usually work together. A CoP was initiated and developed including stakeholders from clinical, research, community and governmental backgrounds involved in a large multidisciplinary and multi-sectorial project: the Rehabilitation Living Lab in a Mall (RehabMaLL). This study aimed to evaluate the structure, process and outcomes of this CoP. A single case-study, using mixed-methods, evaluated the RehabMaLL CoP initiative after one year, based on Donabedian’s conceptual evaluation model. Forty-three participants took part in the RehabMaLL CoP with 60.5% (n = 26) participating at least once on the online platform where 234 comments were posted. Four in-person meetings were held. Members expressed satisfaction regarding the opportunity to share knowledge with people from diverse backgrounds and the usefulness of the CoP for the RehabMaLL project. Collaboration led to concrete outcomes, such as a sensitization activity and a research project. Common challenges included lack of time and difficulty finding common objectives. A CoP can be a useful strategy to facilitate knowledge sharing on disability issues. Future research is necessary to determine strategies of increasing knowledge creation between members. PMID:25913187

Characterization of the archaeal ribonuclease P proteins from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3.

PubMed

Terada, Atsushi; Honda, Takashi; Fukuhara, Hideo; Hada, Kazumasa; Kimura, Makoto

2006-08-01

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the processing of the 5'-leader sequence of precursor tRNA (pre-tRNA). Our earlier study revealed that RNase P RNA (pRNA) and five proteins (PhoPop5, PhoRpp38, PhoRpp21, PhoRpp29, and PhoRpp30) in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 reconstituted RNase P activity that exhibits enzymatic properties like those of the authentic enzyme. In present study, we investigated involvement of the individual proteins in RNase P activity. Two particles (R-3Ps), in which pRNA was mixed with three proteins, PhoPop5, PhoRpp30, and PhoRpp38 or PhoPop5, PhoRpp30, and PhoRpp21 showed a detectable RNase P activity, and five reconstituted particles (R-4Ps) composed of pRNA and four proteins exhibited RNase P activity, albeit at reduced level compared to that of the reconstituted particle (R-5P) composed of pRNA and five proteins. Time-course analysis of the RNase P activities of R-4Ps indicated that the R-4Ps lacking PhoPop5, PhoRpp21, or PhoRpp30 had virtually reduced activity, while omission of PhoRpp29 or PhoRpp38 had a slight effect on the activity. The results indicate that the proteins contribute to RNase P activity in order of PhoPop5 > PhoRpp30 > PhoRpp21 > PhoRpp29 > PhoRpp38. It was further found that R-4Ps showed a characteristic Mg2+ ion dependency approximately identical to that of R-5P. However, R-4Ps had optimum temperature of around at 55 degrees C which is lower than 70 degrees C for R-5P. Together, it is suggested that the P. horikoshii RNase P proteins are predominantly involved in optimization of the pRNA conformation, though they are individually dispensable for RNase P activity in vitro.

Twitter in the Cross Fire—The Use of Social Media in the Westgate Mall Terror Attack in Kenya

PubMed Central

Simon, Tomer; Goldberg, Avishay; Aharonson-Daniel, Limor; Leykin, Dmitry; Adini, Bruria

2014-01-01

On September 2013 an attack on the Westgate mall in Kenya led to a four day siege, resulting in 67 fatalities and 175 wounded. During the crisis, Twitter became a crucial channel of communication between the government, emergency responders and the public, facilitating the emergency management of the event. The objectives of this paper are to present the main activities, use patterns and lessons learned from the use of the social media in the crisis. Using TwitterMate, a system developed to collect, store and analyze tweets, the main hashtags generated by the crowd and specific Twitter accounts of individuals, emergency responders and NGOs, were followed throughout the four day siege. A total of 67,849 tweets were collected and analyzed. Four main categories of hashtags were identified: geographical locations, terror attack, social support and organizations. The abundance of Twitter accounts providing official information made it difficult to synchronize and follow the flow of information. Many organizations posted simultaneously, by their manager and by the organization itself. Creating situational awareness was facilitated by information tweeted by the public. Threat assessment was updated through the information posted on social media. Security breaches led to the relay of sensitive data. At times, misinformation was only corrected after two days. Social media offer an accessible, widely available means for a bi-directional flow of information between the public and the authorities. In the crisis, all emergency responders used and leveraged social media networks for communicating both with the public and among themselves. A standard operating procedure should be developed to enable multiple responders to monitor, synchronize and integrate their social media feeds during emergencies. This will lead to better utilization and optimization of social media resources during crises, providing clear guidelines for communications and a hierarchy for dispersing

Twitter in the cross fire--the use of social media in the Westgate Mall terror attack in Kenya.

PubMed

Simon, Tomer; Goldberg, Avishay; Aharonson-Daniel, Limor; Leykin, Dmitry; Adini, Bruria

2014-01-01

On September 2013 an attack on the Westgate mall in Kenya led to a four day siege, resulting in 67 fatalities and 175 wounded. During the crisis, Twitter became a crucial channel of communication between the government, emergency responders and the public, facilitating the emergency management of the event. The objectives of this paper are to present the main activities, use patterns and lessons learned from the use of the social media in the crisis. Using TwitterMate, a system developed to collect, store and analyze tweets, the main hashtags generated by the crowd and specific Twitter accounts of individuals, emergency responders and NGOs, were followed throughout the four day siege. A total of 67,849 tweets were collected and analyzed. Four main categories of hashtags were identified: geographical locations, terror attack, social support and organizations. The abundance of Twitter accounts providing official information made it difficult to synchronize and follow the flow of information. Many organizations posted simultaneously, by their manager and by the organization itself. Creating situational awareness was facilitated by information tweeted by the public. Threat assessment was updated through the information posted on social media. Security breaches led to the relay of sensitive data. At times, misinformation was only corrected after two days. Social media offer an accessible, widely available means for a bi-directional flow of information between the public and the authorities. In the crisis, all emergency responders used and leveraged social media networks for communicating both with the public and among themselves. A standard operating procedure should be developed to enable multiple responders to monitor, synchronize and integrate their social media feeds during emergencies. This will lead to better utilization and optimization of social media resources during crises, providing clear guidelines for communications and a hierarchy for dispersing

Superfund record of decision (EPA Region 3): Dover Air Force Base, Oil/Water Separator at Building 918 (Site ot 40), Kent County, DE, March 28, 1995

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

NONE

1996-02-01

The Record of Decision presents the selected remedial action for the Oil/Water separator at Building 918 Operable Unit (Site OT 40). There are hazardous substances present in the shallow groundwater at levels below those that would cause risk. Additionally, arsenic and lead exist in soils at levels within regional background levels. The site poses a minimal risk to public health, welfare, and the environment. The No Action alternative requires no actions be taken at the site. This alternative serves as a baseline for comparison and CERCLA requires it be evaluated. It is the preferred alternative at this site because themore » other alternatives offer no substantial advantages.« less

An Analysis of Wintertime Winds in Washington, D.C.

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

Berg, Larry K.; Allwine, K Jerry

This report consists of a description of the wintertime climatology of wind speed and wind direction around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Meteorological data for this study were collected at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Reagan National), Dulles International Airport (Dulles), and a set of surface meteorological stations that are located on a number of building tops around the National Mall. A five-year wintertime climatology of wind speed and wind direction measured at Reagan National and Dulles are presented. A more detailed analysis was completed for the period December 2003 through February 2004 using data gathered from stations locatedmore » around the National Mall, Reagan National, and Dulles. Key findings of our study include the following: * There are systematic differences between the wind speed and wind direction observed at Reagan National and the wind speed and wind direction measured by building top weather stations located in the National Mall. Although Dulles is located much further from the National Mall than Reagan National, there is better agreement between the wind speed and wind direction measured at Dulles and the weather stations in the National Mall. * When the winds are light (less than 3 ms-1 or 7 mph), there are significant differences in the wind directions reported at the various weather stations within the Mall. * Although the mean characteristics of the wind are similar at the various locations, significant, short-term differences are found when the time series are compared. These differences have important implications for the dispersion of airborne contaminants. In support of wintertime special events in the area of the National Mall, we recommend placing four additional meteorological instruments: three additional surface stations, one on the east bank of the Potomac River, one south of the Reflecting Pool (to better define the flow within the Mall), and a surface station near the Herbert C. Hoover Building

Do Simple Warning Signs Enhance the Use of Stairs?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aksay, Ebubekir

2014-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the use of stairways/moving stairways in shopping malls and examine the extent to which simple warning signs determined whether people took the stairs. Design: Large posters that could readily be seen by mall visitors were situated between the stairs and moving stairways in shopping malls.…

Rehabilitation of Visual and Perceptual Dysfunction After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-26

about this amount. 10 C. Collision judgments in  virtual  mall walking simulator The virtual mall is a virtual reality model of a real shopping...expanded vision from the prisms (Figure 5b). Figure 4. Illustration of the virtual reality mall set-up and collision judgment task. Participants...1 AD_________________ Award Number: W81XWH-11-2-0082 TITLE: Rehabilitation of Visual and Perceptual Dysfunction after Severe

Can H-aggregates serve as light-harvesting antennae? Triplet-triplet energy transfer between excited aggregates and monomer thionine in aerosol-OT solutions

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

Das, S.; Kamat, P.V.

1999-01-07

The cationic dye thionine undergoes slow dissolution in aerosol-OT (AOT) containing solutions of heptane and toluene. By controlling the ratio of [dye]/[AOT], it is possible to obtain varying amounts of monomer, dimer, and higher order aggregates (trimer) in dilute dye solutions. The thionine aggregates exhibit characteristic absorption maxima at 565 and 530 nm for the dimer and trimer forms, respectively. The singlet excited states of these dye aggregates are short-lived ({tau} = 40--63 ps) as they undergo efficient intersystem crossing to generate the triplet excited states. Triplet energy transfer from the excited dye aggregates to monomeric thionine molecules was observedmore » upon excitation with a 532 nm laser pulse. Pulse radiolysis experiments, in which the excited triplet states were generated indirectly, also confirm the finding that the triplet energy cascades down from excited trimer to dimer to monomeric dye. These studies demonstrate the possibility of using H-type dye aggregates as antenna molecules to harvest light energy whereby the aggregate molecules absorb light in different spectral regions and subsequently transfer energy to the monomeric dye.« less

An investigation in the MSFC TWT to determine spoiler effects on wing loads and elevon hinge moments utilizing 0.004-scale models (77-0 and 74-OTS) of the shuttle vehicle 5 configuration (IA125)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, E. C.

1976-01-01

Information is presented for wind tunnel tests (IA125) of a 0.004-scale orbiter, external tank, and solid rocket motor integrated vehicle model (77-0 and 74-OTS) in the MSFC Trisonic Wind Tunnel. These tests were conducted in support of MCR's 1344 and 1346. Data from these tests provide spoiler effects on wing bending/torsion and elevon hinge moments, elevon effectiveness data and the influence of solid plumes from Mach numbers of 0.6 through 2.74 at angles of attack and sideslip from -10 through 10 degrees.

Add School Spice: Stir Up Public Support for Your Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurdziel, Henry P.; Elbrand, Marcia L.

1984-01-01

The South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District, Ohio, organized a week-long demonstration of actual classroom activities at the local shopping mall that increased sales on the mall and publicity for the schools. (MLF)

Novel system for pulse radiolysis with multi-angle light scattering detection (PR-MALLS) - concept, construction and first tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadlubowski, S.; Sawicki, P.; Sowinski, S.; Rokita, B.; Bures, K. D.; Rosiak, J. M.; Ulanski, P.

2018-01-01

Time-resolved pulse radiolysis, utilizing short pulses of high-energy electrons from accelerators, is an effective method for rapidly generating free radicals and other transient species in solution. Combined with fast time-resolved spectroscopic detection (typically in the ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared), it is invaluable for monitoring the reactivity of species subjected to radiolysis on timescales ranging from picoseconds to seconds. When used for polymer solutions, pulse radiolysis can be coupled with light-scattering detection, creating a powerful tool for kinetic and mechanistic analysis of processes like degradation or cross-linking of macromolecules. Changes in the light scattering intensity (LSI) of polymer solutions are indicative of alterations in the molecular weight and/or in the radius of gyration, i.e., the dimensions and shape of the macromolecules. In addition to other detection methods, LSI technique provides a convenient tool to study radiation-induced alterations in macromolecules as a function of time after the pulse. Pulse radiolysis systems employing this detection mode have been so far constructed to follow light scattered at a single angle (typically the right angle) to the incident light beam. Here we present an advanced pulse radiolysis & multi-angle light-scattering-intensity system (PR-MALLS) that has been built at IARC and is currently in the phase of optimization and testing. Idea of its design and operation is described and preliminary results for radiation-induced degradation of pullulan as well as polymerization and crosslinking of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate are presented. Implementation of the proposed system provides a novel research tool, which is expected to contribute to the expansion of knowledge on free-radical reactions in monomer- and polymer solutions, by delivering precise kinetic data on changes in molecular weight and size, and thus allowing to formulate or verify reaction mechanisms. The proposed method is

78 FR 19490 - Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Initial Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-01

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Disease... announced below concerns Development of an Evidenced-- Informed Mall Walking Program Resource Guide, Special... review, discussion, and evaluation of ``Development of an Evidenced--Informed Mall Walking Program...

Results of investigations conducted in the LaRC 4-foot unitary plan wind tunnel leg no. 1 using the 0.010-scale 72-OTS model of the space shuttle integrated vehicle (IA94A)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nichols, M. E.

1976-01-01

Aero-loads investigations were conducted on the updated configuration-5 space shuttle launch vehicle at Mach numbers 2.50, 3.50, and 4.50. Six-component vehicle forces and moments, base and sting-cavity pressures, elevon hinge moments, wing-root bending and torsion moments, and normal shear force data were obtained. Full simulation of updated vehicle protuberances and attach hardware was employed. Various elevon deflection angles were tested, with two different forward orbiter-to-external-tank attach-strut configurations. The entire vehicle model 72-OTS was supported by means of a balance mounted in the orbiter through its base and suspended from an appropriate sting for the specific tunnel.

Social Acknowledgments for Children with Disabilities: Effects of Service Dogs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mader, Bonnie; And Others

1989-01-01

Examined the effect of service dogs on the social acknowledgment of 5 disabled children of 10-17 years in shopping malls and school playgrounds. Social acknowledgments were more frequent when a service dog was present and more pronounced in shopping malls. (RJC)

Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 86-005-1679, Dutch Girl Cleaners, Springdale, Ohio

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

Burr, G.A.; Todd, W.

1986-03-01

An environmental survey at Dutch Girl Cleaners in the Thriftway Mini Mall, Springdale, Ohio, was conducted on October 25, 1985, and air samples collected on October 30, 1985 from the cleaners, an adjacent supermarket and the enclosed pedestrian mall were analyzed for perchloroethylene.

Urinary and plasma oxytocin changes in response to MDMA or intranasal oxytocin administration.

PubMed

Francis, Sunday M; Kirkpatrick, Matthew G; de Wit, Harriet; Jacob, Suma

2016-12-01

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has received increased experimental attention for its putative role in both normal social functioning and several psychiatric disorders that are partially characterized by social dysfunction (e.g., autism spectrum disorders: ASD). Many human experimental studies measure circulating plasma levels of OT in order to examine the relationship between the hormone and behavior. Urinary OT (uOT) assays offer a simple, easy, and non-invasive method to measure peripheral hormone levels, but the correspondence between uOT and plasma OT (pOT) levels is unclear. Here, we conducted two within-subjects, double-blind studies exploring changes in uOT and pOT levels following administration of two drugs: MDMA, an oxytocin-releasing drug (Study 1), and intranasal oxytocin (INOT: Study 1 and 2). In Study 1, 14 adult participants (2 females) were each administered either oral 1.5mg/kg MDMA or 40IU INOT across two different study sessions. In Study 2, 10 male participants (adolescents and young adults) diagnosed with ASD received either 40IU INOT or placebo across two different sessions. In both studies, blood and urine samples were collected before and after drug administration at each study session. For Study 1, 10 participants provided valid plasma and urine samples for the MDMA session, and 8 provided valid samples for the INOT session. For Study 2, all 10 participants provided valid samples for both INOT and placebo sessions. Pre- and post-administration levels of pOT and uOT were compared. Additionally, correlations between percent change from baseline uOT and pOT levels were examined. Study 1: Plasma OT and uOT levels significantly increased after administration of MDMA and INOT. Furthermore, uOT levels were positively correlated with pOT levels following administration of MDMA (r=0.57, p=0.042) but not INOT (r=0.51, p=0.097). Study 2: There was a significant increase in uOT levels after administration of INOT, but not after administration of

Multilayering of Calcium Aerosol-OT at the Mica/Water Interface Studied with Neutron Reflection: Formation of a Condensed Lamellar Phase at the CMC.

PubMed

Griffin, L R; Browning, K L; Lee, S Y; Skoda, M W A; Rogers, S; Clarke, S M

2016-12-13

Using specular neutron reflection, the adsorption of sodium and calcium salts of the surfactant bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (Aerosol-OT or AOT) has been studied at the mica/water interface at concentrations between 0.1 and 2 CMC. The pH dependence of the adsorption was also probed. No evidence of the adsorption of Na(AOT) was found even at the critical micelle concentration (CMC) while the calcium salt was found to adsorb significantly at concentrations of 0.5 CMC and above. This interesting and somewhat unexpected finding demonstrates that counterion identity may be used to tune the adsorption of anionic surfactants on anionic surfaces. At the CMC, three condensed bilayers of Ca(AOT) 2 were adsorbed at pH 7 and 9 and four bilayers adsorbed at pH 4. Multilayering at the CMC of Ca(AOT) 2 on the mica surface is an unusual feature of this surfactant/surface combination. Only single bilayer adsorption has been observed at other surfaces at the CMC. We suggest this arises from the high charge density of mica which must provide an excellent template for the surfactant.

Using Mixed-Modality Vocabulary Learning on Mobile Devices: Design and Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ou-Yang, Fang Chuan; Wu, Wen-Chi Vivian

2017-01-01

To achieve better adaptive learning for mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), individual prior knowledge proficiency, perceptual learning style, and learning behavior should all be considered in system development. While reviewing the existing literature about MALL research, the researchers of this study found very few recent studies exploring…

Genetic and biochemical characterization of an oligo-α-1,6-glucosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum.

PubMed

Delgado, Susana; Flórez, Ana Belén; Guadamuro, Lucía; Mayo, Baltasar

2017-04-04

Although encoded in the genome of many Lactobacillus spp. strains, α-glucosidases have received little attention compared to other glycosyl hydrolases. In this study, a putative oligosaccharide(oligo)-α-1,6-glucosidase-encoding gene (malL) was identified in the genome of Lactobacillus plantarum LL441. malL coded for 572 amino acid residues with a calculated total molecular mass of 66.31kDa. No predicted signal peptide was observed, suggesting this enzyme to be localized within the cytoplasm of the cell. Homology studies of the deduced amino acid sequence in the area of its active sites classified the enzyme as a member of the α-amylase (AmyAC) superfamily of glycosyl hydrolases (GH), family 13 (GH13), subfamily 31 (GH13_31). malL was cloned in Escherichia coli and the coded enzyme overexpressed as a histidine-tagged protein (MalL His ). It was then purified and characterized. MalL His protein showed strong hydrolytic activity towards 4-nitrophenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside (pNP-α-Glu) but not to other pNP-α-d- or pNP-β-d-derivatives. When using pNP-α-Glu as a substrate, MalL His showed similar specific activities between pH5.0 and 6.0, and between 20 and 42°C (optimum 30°C). Among the natural carbohydrates assayed, MalL His showed specificity towards isomaltose (V max and K m values of 40.64μmolmin -1 mg -1 and 6.22mM) and much less to isomaltulose (V max and K m values of 168.86μmolmin -1 mg -1 and 244.52mM). However, under the conditions of the assay, the enzyme showed no transglycosylation activity. Characterization of the entire complement of glycosidases in L. plantarum might reveal how strains of this species could be used in new biotechnological applications or in the development of functional foods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maternal and paternal plasma, salivary, and urinary oxytocin and parent-infant synchrony: considering stress and affiliation components of human bonding.

PubMed

Feldman, Ruth; Gordon, Ilanit; Zagoory-Sharon, Orna

2011-07-01

Studies in mammals have implicated the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) in processes of bond formation and stress modulation, yet the involvement of OT in human bonding throughout life remains poorly understood. We assessed OT in the plasma, saliva, and urine of 112 mothers and fathers interacting with their 4-6-month-old infants. Parent-infant interactions were micro-coded for parent and child's social behaviors and for the temporal coordination of their socio-affective cues. Parents were interviewed regarding their attachment to the infant and reported on bonding to own parents, romantic attachment, and parenting stress. Results indicated that OT in plasma (pOT) and saliva (sOT) were inter-related and were unrelated to OT in urine (uOT). pOT and sOT in mothers and fathers were associated with parent and child's social engagement, affect synchrony, and positive communicative sequences between parent and child. uOT was related to moments of interactive stress among mothers only, indexed by the co-occurrence of infant negative engagement and mother re-engagement attempts. pOT and sOT were associated with mothers' and fathers' attachment relationships throughout life: to own parents, partner, and infant, whereas uOT correlated with relationship anxiety and parenting stress among mothers only. Similar to other mammals, OT is involved in human attachment and contingent parenting. The dual role of OT in stress and affiliation underscores its complex involvement in processes of social bonding throughout life. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

National Day of Service

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-19

Musician Ben Folds performs at the the National Day of Service on the National Mall, Saturday, January 19, 2013, in Washington. NASA along with other federal agencies set up along the Mall as part of events surrounding the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-functionalized dendrimer as a thermosensitive nanoplatform for delivering malloapelta B against HepG2 cancer cell proliferation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngan Le, Phung; Chuong Pham, Dinh; Hai Nguyen, Dai; Quyen Tran, Ngoc; Dimitrov, Vladimir; Ivanov, Petko; Nguyen Xuan, Cuong; Nguyen, Hoai Nam; Khoa Nguyen, Cuu

2017-06-01

In recent years, nanocarriers have emerged as effective platforms for delivering several kinds of herbal medicine and naturally bioactive compounds. In this study we developed an outstanding thermosensitive dendritic nanocarrier to efficiently deliver malloapelta B (Mall B), which is a water insoluble bioactive compound isolated from leaves of Mallotus apelta—Vietnamese medicinal plant. The thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) polymer-conjugated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer copolymer was prepared via Michael reaction. The copolymer structures were confirmed by proton nuclear magnectic resonance (1H NMR). Morphology of the nanocarrier was observered around 70-120 nm by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Size distributions were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) of the nanocarrier and its Mall B-loaded performed at 146.8 nm and 194.5 nm, respectively. The PNIPAM-g-PAMAM-based nanocarrier exhibited higher Mall B loading efficiency (DL  =  59.93  ±  0.19%) and entrapment efficiency (EE  =  89.98  ±  2.06%) as compared to PNIPAM (DL  =  52.54  ±  0.45% and EE  =  66.45  ±  2.78%). In vitro release indicated that approximately 30% amount of the loaded Mall B released at pH 5.5 after 54 h tracking. At the same time, 12.5% amount of the molecules released at pH 7.4.Cytotoxicity assay results showed that the Mall B-loaded nanocarrier significantly inhibited HepG2 cancer cell proliferation. These obtained results indicated that the nanocarrier could solve hydrophobic property of Mall B for further medicine applications.

Results of a M = 5.3 heat transfer test of the integrated vehicle using phase-change paint techniques on the 0.0175-scale model 56-OTS in the NASA/Ames Research Center 3.5-foot hypersonic wind tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marroquin, J.

1985-01-01

An experimental investigation was performed in the NASA/Ames Research Center 3.5-foot Hypersonic Wind Tunnel to obtain supersonic heat-distribution data in areas between the orbiter and external tank using phase-change paint techniques. The tests used Novamide SSV Model 56-OTS in the first and second-stage ascent configurations. Data were obtained at a nominal Mach number of 5.3 and a Reynolds number per foot of 5 x 10 to the 6th power with angles of attack of 0 deg, +/- 5 deg, and sideslip angles of 0 deg and +/- 5 deg.

A New Population of Parvocellular Oxytocin Neurons Controlling Magnocellular Neuron Activity and Inflammatory Pain Processing

PubMed Central

Eliava, Marina; Melchior, Meggane; Knobloch-Bollmann, H. Sophie; Wahis, Jérôme; Gouveia, Miriam da Silva; Tang, Yan; Ciobanu, Alexandru Cristian; del Rio, Rodrigo Triana; Roth, Lena C.; Althammer, Ferdinand; Chavant, Virginie; Goumon, Yannick; Gruber, Tim; Petit-Demoulière, Nathalie; Busnelli, Marta; Chini, Bice; Tan, Linette L.; Mitre, Mariela; Froemke, Robert C.; Chao, Moses V.; Giese, Günter; Sprengel, Rolf; Kuner, Rohini; Poisbeau, Pierrick; Seeburg, Peter H.; Stoop, Ron; Charlet, Alexandre; Grinevich, Valery

2017-01-01

SUMMARY Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide elaborated by the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. Magnocellular OT neurons of these nuclei innervate numerous forebrain regions and release OT into the blood from the posterior pituitary. The PVN also harbors parvocellular OT cells that project to the brainstem and spinal cord, but their function has not been directly assessed. Here, we identified a subset of approximately 30 parvocellular OT neurons, with collateral projections onto magnocellular OT neurons and neurons of deep layers of the spinal cord. Evoked OT release from these OT neurons suppresses nociception and promotes analgesia in an animal model of inflammatory pain. Our findings identify a new population of OT neurons that modulates nociception in a two tier process: (1) directly by release of OT from axons onto sensory spinal cord neurons and inhibiting their activity and (2) indirectly by stimulating OT release from SON neurons into the periphery. PMID:26948889

A New Population of Parvocellular Oxytocin Neurons Controlling Magnocellular Neuron Activity and Inflammatory Pain Processing.

PubMed

Eliava, Marina; Melchior, Meggane; Knobloch-Bollmann, H Sophie; Wahis, Jérôme; da Silva Gouveia, Miriam; Tang, Yan; Ciobanu, Alexandru Cristian; Triana Del Rio, Rodrigo; Roth, Lena C; Althammer, Ferdinand; Chavant, Virginie; Goumon, Yannick; Gruber, Tim; Petit-Demoulière, Nathalie; Busnelli, Marta; Chini, Bice; Tan, Linette L; Mitre, Mariela; Froemke, Robert C; Chao, Moses V; Giese, Günter; Sprengel, Rolf; Kuner, Rohini; Poisbeau, Pierrick; Seeburg, Peter H; Stoop, Ron; Charlet, Alexandre; Grinevich, Valery

2016-03-16

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide elaborated by the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. Magnocellular OT neurons of these nuclei innervate numerous forebrain regions and release OT into the blood from the posterior pituitary. The PVN also harbors parvocellular OT cells that project to the brainstem and spinal cord, but their function has not been directly assessed. Here, we identified a subset of approximately 30 parvocellular OT neurons, with collateral projections onto magnocellular OT neurons and neurons of deep layers of the spinal cord. Evoked OT release from these OT neurons suppresses nociception and promotes analgesia in an animal model of inflammatory pain. Our findings identify a new population of OT neurons that modulates nociception in a two tier process: (1) directly by release of OT from axons onto sensory spinal cord neurons and inhibiting their activity and (2) indirectly by stimulating OT release from SON neurons into the periphery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mobile Assisted Language Learning: Review of the Recent Applications of Emerging Mobile Technologies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Jaeseok

2013-01-01

As mobile computing technologies have been more powerful and inclusive in people's daily life, the issue of mobile assisted language learning (MALL) has also been widely explored in CALL research. Many researches on MALL consider the emerging mobile technologies have considerable potentials for the effective language learning. This review study…

Candide in St. Louis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yee, Roger

1974-01-01

A young, St. Louis, Missouri, architectural firm, seeking a personal style of practice, has succeeded in creating structures that reveal client input, and which are sensitive, articulate, and at ease with complexity. Describes an elementary school, a condominium, a shopping mall, a high school, and a "community mall." Illustrated with photographs…

Don't Leave the Music on the Bus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edman, Steve; Press, Doreen; Howk-Hanley, Mary

1998-01-01

Maintains that a shopping mall is an ideal location for an elementary school music performance and can increase community visibility in order to encourage support for the music program. Provides guidelines for planning the performance from choosing the mall and selecting music to transporting the equipment and visiting the site. (CMK)

Potential of Mobile Learning in Teaching of ESL Academic Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaki, Arlina Ahmad; Yunus, Melor Md

2015-01-01

The potentials of mobile learning in teaching academic writing skills for ESL students are explored in this paper. Although there have been studies on MALL to improve writing skills, academic writing was never really touched. Few aspects are covered like the changes in educational technology, defining MALL, identifying issues in academic writing…

Mobile-Assisted Vocabulary Learning: A Review Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Afzali, Parichehr; Shabani, Somayeh; Basir, Zohreh; Ramazani, Mohammad

2017-01-01

Mobile phones are becoming more acceptable toolkits to learn languages. One aspect of English language which has been subject to investigation in mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) is vocabulary. This study reviewed some of the studies conducted in various contexts on the effect of MALL on vocabulary learning. We investigated some of the…

Mobile Assisted Language Learning in University EFL Courses in Japan: Developing Attitudes and Skills for Self-Regulated Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kondo, Mutsumi; Ishikawa, Yasushige; Smith, Craig; Sakamoto, Kishio; Shimomura, Hidenori; Wada, Norihisa

2012-01-01

This paper reports a project in which researchers at universities in Japan explored the use of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) practices by developing a learning module intended to help improve students' scores on the TOEIC Listening and Reading Tests. MALL practices are currently being developed at universities in Japan because almost…

State of the Art of Language Learning Design Using Mobile Technology: Sample Apps and Some Critical Reflection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bárcena, Elena; Read, Timothy; Underwood, Joshua; Obari, Hiroyuki; Cojocnean, Diana; Koyama, Toshiko; Pareja-Lora, Antonio; Calle, Cristina; Pomposo, Lourdes; Talaván, Noa; Ávila-Cabrera, José; Ibañez, Ana; Vermeulen, Anna; Jordano, María; Arús-Hita, Jorge; Rodríguez, Pilar; Castrillo, María Dolores; Kétyi, Andras; Selwood, Jaime; Gaved, Mark; Kukulska-Hulme, Agnes

2015-01-01

In this paper, experiences from different research groups illustrate the state-of-the-art of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (henceforth, MALL) in formal and non-formal education. These research samples represent recent and on-going progress made in the field of MALL at an international level and offer encouragement for practitioners who are…

Innovative School Facility Partnerships: Downtown, Airport, and Retail Space. Policy Study No. 276.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Matthew D.; Snell, Lisa

This document examines three locations that schools have utilized in partnership with private enterprises to help ease school overcrowding: downtown areas, airports, and malls. The downtown model serves students whose parents work in a downtown area. The mall model targets high school students who want an alternative education with job training.…

Effect of different doses of oxytocin on cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias induced by ischemia.

PubMed

Houshmand, Fariba; Faghihi, Mahdieh; Imani, Alireza; Kheiri, Soleiman

2017-01-01

The onset of acute myocardial ischemia (MI) is accompanied by a rapid increase in electrical instability and often fatal ventricular arrhythmias. This study investigated that whether oxytocin (OT) can modulate ischemia-induced arrhythmias and considered relationships between the severity of arrhythmia and the electrocardiogram parameters during ischemia. OT (0.0001-1 μg) was administrated intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia. To examine receptor involved, a selective OT-receptor antagonist, atosiban (ATO), was infused 10 min before OT. OT caused a significant and biphasic dose-dependent reduction in ectopic heart activity and arrhythmia score. OT doses that reduced ventricular arrhythmia elicited significant increase in QT interval. OT attenuated the electrophysiological changes associated with MI and there was significant direct relationship between QRS duration and arrhythmia score. ATO treatment reduced beneficial effects of OT on arrhythmogenesis. Nevertheless, ATO failed to alter OT effects on premature ventricular contractions. We assume that the ability of OT to modulate the electrical activity of the heart may play an important role in the antiarrhythmic actions of OT.

Effect of different doses of oxytocin on cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias induced by ischemia

PubMed Central

Houshmand, Fariba; Faghihi, Mahdieh; Imani, Alireza; Kheiri, Soleiman

2017-01-01

The onset of acute myocardial ischemia (MI) is accompanied by a rapid increase in electrical instability and often fatal ventricular arrhythmias. This study investigated that whether oxytocin (OT) can modulate ischemia-induced arrhythmias and considered relationships between the severity of arrhythmia and the electrocardiogram parameters during ischemia. OT (0.0001–1 μg) was administrated intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia. To examine receptor involved, a selective OT-receptor antagonist, atosiban (ATO), was infused 10 min before OT. OT caused a significant and biphasic dose-dependent reduction in ectopic heart activity and arrhythmia score. OT doses that reduced ventricular arrhythmia elicited significant increase in QT interval. OT attenuated the electrophysiological changes associated with MI and there was significant direct relationship between QRS duration and arrhythmia score. ATO treatment reduced beneficial effects of OT on arrhythmogenesis. Nevertheless, ATO failed to alter OT effects on premature ventricular contractions. We assume that the ability of OT to modulate the electrical activity of the heart may play an important role in the antiarrhythmic actions of OT. PMID:29184844

An experimental determination in Calspan Ludwieg tube of the base environment of the integrated space shuttle vehicle at simulated Mach 4.5 flight conditions (test IH5 of model 19-OTS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drzewiecki, R. F.; Foust, J. W.

1976-01-01

A model test program was conducted to determine heat transfer and pressure distributions in the base region of the space shuttle vehicle during simulated launch trajectory conditions of Mach 4.5 and pressure altitudes between 90,000 and 210,000 feet. Model configurations with and without the solid propellant booster rockets were examined to duplicate pre- and post-staging vehicle geometries. Using short duration flow techniques, a tube wind tunnel provided supersonic flow over the model. Simultaneously, combustion generated exhaust products reproduced the gasdynamic and thermochemical structure of the main vehicle engine plumes. Heat transfer and pressure measurements were made at numerous locations on the base surfaces of the 19-OTS space shuttle model with high response instrumentation. In addition, measurements of base recovery temperature were made indirectly by using dual fine wire and resistance thermometers and by extrapolating heat transfer measurements.

National Day of Service

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-01-19

Actress Eva Longoria, Co-Chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, speaks at the National Day of Service on the National Mall, Saturday, January 19, 2013, in Washington. NASA along with other federal agencies set up along the Mall as part of events surrounding the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

Shopping center wheelchair accessibility: ongoing advocacy to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

PubMed

McClain, L

2000-01-01

Although the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 were phased in by 1992, monitoring and enforcement continue to be problematic. This study of three large shopping centers in the Southwest included one mall that was opened in the mid-1990s, and two malls that were constructed prior to the law (but have undergone recent renovations). Use of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines Checklist for Buildings and Facilities (Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board [ATBCB], 1992) generated data which were analyzed descriptively to determine the frequency and percent compliance in: parking lots, entrances, ramps, elevators, telephones, restrooms, food courts, and 12 specific store-types. No mall was fully compliant in any area, other than telephone specifications. In other areas, compliance ranged from 0% (ramp slopes in the newer mall) to many areas of 100% compliance (for example, outdoor curb ramps and food court seating spaces and aisles). The implications are that shoppers who are wheelchair mobile cannot count on complete compliance and cannot predict which physical architectural barriers they will find in shopping centers.

Inter-comparison of air pollutant concentrations in different indoor environments in Hong Kong

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Shun-Cheng; Guo, Hai; Li, Wai-Ming; Chan, Lo-Yin

Indoor air quality in selected indoor environments in Hong Kong such as homes, offices, schools, shopping malls and restaurants were investigated. Average CO 2 levels and total bacteria counts in air-conditioned classrooms, shopping malls and restaurants were comparatively higher than those measured in occupied offices and homes. Elevated CO 2 levels exceeding 1000 ppm and total bacteria counts resulted from high occupancy combined with inadequate ventilation. Average PM 10 levels were usually higher indoors than outdoors in homes, shopping malls and restaurants. The highest indoor PM 10 levels were observed at investigated restaurants due to the presence of cigarette smoking and extensive use of gas stoves for cooking. The restaurants and shopping malls investigated had higher formaldehyde levels than other indoor environments when building material, smoking and internal renovation work were present. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in both indoor and outdoor environments mainly resulted from vehicle exhaust emissions. It was observed that interior decoration work and the use of industrial solvents in an indoor environment could significantly increase the indoor levels of VOCs.

Central oxytocin receptor stimulation attenuates the orexigenic effects of butorphanol tartrate.

PubMed

Olszewski, Pawel K; Klockars, Oscar A; Klockars, Anica; Levine, Allen S

2016-09-28

Butorphanol tartrate (BT), a mixed µ/κ/δ opioid receptor agonist, is one of the most potent orexigens known to date. The central mechanisms through which BT causes hyperphagia are largely unknown. Interestingly, BT suppresses meal-end activation of neurons synthesizing anorexigenic neuropeptide, oxytocin (OT), which suggests that BT promotes hyperphagia by silencing OT-derived satiety signaling. As OT terminates consumption by acting by distinct hindbrain and forebrain circuits, we investigated whether stimulation of the OT receptor in the forebrain or the hindbrain [through lateral ventricular (LV) and fourth ventricular (4V) OT injections] leads to termination of food intake induced by BT. We established effective doses of BT on chow intake in ad-libitum-fed and overnight-deprived rats as well as effective doses of LV and 4V OT in deprived animals. Then, we determined doses of LV and 4V OT that reduce hyperphagia produced by BT in sated and deprived rats. Finally, we assessed whether OT's effects on BT-induced feeding can be suppressed by an OT receptor antagonist. 4 mg/kg BT increased intake in ad-libitum-fed and overnight-deprived rats, whereas LV and 4V OT at 1 μg caused a decrease in deprived rats. BT-induced chow intake in hungry and sated animals was suppressed by a very low, 0.1 μg dose of 4V OT, whereas 1 μg OT was effective LV. The effect of OT was attenuated by OT receptor antagonist, L-368 899. Reduced activity of the OT circuit, especially its hindbrain component, is a critical factor in shaping the magnitude of consumption in response to BT treatment.

Oxytocin and Social Adaptation: Insights from Neuroimaging Studies of Healthy and Clinical Populations.

PubMed

Ma, Yina; Shamay-Tsoory, Simone; Han, Shihui; Zink, Caroline F

2016-02-01

Adaptation to the social environment is critical for human survival. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), implicated in social cognition and emotions pivotal to sociality and well-being, is a promising pharmacological target for social and emotional dysfunction. We suggest here that the multifaceted role of OT in socio-affective processes improves the capability for social adaptation. We review OT effects on socio-affective processes, with a focus on OT-neuroimaging studies, to elucidate neuropsychological mechanisms through which OT promotes social adaptation. We also review OT-neuroimaging studies of individuals with social deficits and suggest that OT ameliorates impaired social adaptation by normalizing hyper- or hypo-brain activity. The social adaption model (SAM) provides an integrative understanding of discrepant OT effects and the modulations of OT action by personal milieu and context. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of a novel amino acid racemase from a hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii OT-3 induced by D-amino acids.

PubMed

Kawakami, Ryushi; Ohmori, Taketo; Sakuraba, Haruhiko; Ohshima, Toshihisa

2015-08-01

To date, there have been few reports analyzing the amino acid requirement for growth of hyperthermophilic archaea. We here found that the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus horikoshii OT-3 requires Thr, Leu, Val, Phe, Tyr, Trp, His and Arg in the medium for growth, and shows slow growth in medium lacking Met or Ile. This largely corresponds to the presence, or absence, of genes related to amino acid biosynthesis in its genome, though there are exceptions. The amino acid requirements were dramatically lost by addition of D-isomers of Met, Leu, Val, allo-Ile, Phe, Tyr, Trp and Arg. Tracer analysis using (14)C-labeled D-Trp showed that D-Trp in the medium was used as a protein component in the cells, suggesting the presence of D-amino acid metabolic enzymes. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent racemase activity toward Met, Leu and Phe was detected in crude extract of P. horikoshii and was enhanced in cells grown in the medium supplemented with D-amino acids, especially D-allo-Ile. The gene encoding the racemase was narrowed down to one open reading frame on the basis of enzyme purification from P. horikoshii cells, and the recombinant enzyme exhibited PLP-dependent racemase activity toward several amino acids, including Met, Leu and Phe, but not Pro, Asp or Glu. This is the first report showing the presence in a hyperthermophilic archaeon of a PLP-dependent amino acid racemase with broad substrate specificity that is likely responsible for utilization of D-amino acids for growth.

Neural Basis of Ventromedial Hypothalamic Oxytocin-Driven Decrease in Appetite.

PubMed

Klockars, Oscar A; Waas, Joseph R; Klockars, Anica; Levine, Allen S; Olszewski, Pawel K

2017-12-16

Oxytocin (OT) administration in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) reduces chow intake. The nature of VMH OT's anorexigenic action remains unclear. Here we provide insight into neural mechanisms underlying VMH OT-driven anorexia by (a) identifying feeding-related brain sites activated by VMH OT injection; (b) measuring VMH OT receptor (OTr) mRNA changes in response to hunger and palatability; and (c) examining how VMH OT affects episodic sweet solution intake in sated and hungry rats. We established effective doses of VMH OT in deprivation-induced and scheduled feeding and determined whether an OT antagonist blocks the effect. Then, OT (or antagonist) was injected in the VMH of sated rats given episodically sucrose and saccharin solutions. OT was also injected in hungry animals offered simultaneously chow and sugar water. Brain activation after VMH OT was determined by Fos immunoreactivity (IR). OTr expression was established with rtPCR after chow deprivation or saccharin exposure. VMH OT decreased intake of chow and the effect was reversed by the antagonist, though the antagonist alone was not orexigenic. OT did not affect intakes of energy-dilute saccharin and sucrose solutions in sated or hungry rats. Fos IR was elevated in the VMH and energy balance-related paraventricular and arcuate nuclei, but not reward areas. VMH OTr expression was higher in hungry rats than in sated controls; saccharin intake had no effect. OT acting in the VMH decreases intake driven by energy not by palatability, and it stimulates activity of hypothalamic sites controlling energy balance. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mobile Language Learning: The Medium Is ^Not The Message

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lotherington, Heather

2018-01-01

This paper repositions McLuhan's (1964/1965) extension theory of technology in the context of "mobile (-assisted) language learning" (MALL), and explores whether and how the medium (i.e., the mobile device) impacts the message (i.e., the target language) and the means by which it is taught in MALL. A survey of recommended commercial MALL…

The Importance of Teaching Preservice Teachers To Interpret Media and Advertising.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Katherine L.

Preservice teachers must learn about the media's impact so that they can educate their future students on how to become more savvy consumers and understand the negative effects of advertising. Students in every grade level can learn not to believe everything they read and see. Because teenagers hang out at malls, malls tend to capitalize on…

Oxytocin and vasopressin flatten dominance hierarchy and enhance behavioral synchrony in part via anterior cingulate cortex.

PubMed

Jiang, Yaoguang; Platt, Michael L

2018-05-29

The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) influence social functions in many mammals. In humans and rhesus macaques, OT delivered intranasally can promote prosocial behavior in certain contexts. Yet the precise neural mechanisms mediating these behavioral effects remain unclear. Here we show that treating a group of male macaque monkeys intranasally with aerosolized OT relaxes their spontaneous social interactions with other monkeys. OT reduces differences in social behavior between dominant and subordinate monkeys, thereby flattening the status hierarchy. OT also increases behavioral synchrony within a pair. Intranasal delivery of aerosolized AVP reproduces the effects of OT with greater efficacy. Remarkably, all behavioral effects are replicated when OT or AVP is injected focally into the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACCg), a brain area linked to empathy and other-regarding behavior. ACCg lacks OT receptors but is rich in AVP receptors, suggesting exogenous OT may shape social behavior, in part, via nonspecific binding. Notably, OT and AVP alter behaviors of both the treated monkey and his untreated partner, consistent with enhanced feedback through reciprocal social interactions. These findings bear important implications for use of OT in both basic research and as a therapy for social impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Use, trends, and impacts of nurse overtime in New York hospitals, 1995--2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berney, Barbara L.

Over the last several years, nurses and their advocates have expressed concern about heavy use of overtime (OT) in hospitals and claimed that it undermines the quality of nursing care. Some hospital managers view OT as an important staffing and scheduling tool. This study examines trends in the use of nurse overtime and its effects on several nurse-sensitive patient outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between several patient outcomes and nurse staffing levels, but little is known about the impact of nurse overtime on patient outcomes. Using staffing and discharge data covering 1995 to 2000 from 160 acute general hospitals in New York State, this study examines hospital characteristics that are associated with the use of OT. These characteristics include size, location, RN unionization, hospital ownership and teaching status. The study examines trends in the use of OT. Finally, it uses multivariate regression to analyze the relationship between OT and the rates of six nurse-sensitive patient outcomes and mortality. Significant differences were observed in the use of OT by hospital ownership and by union status. Government hospitals used less OT than non-government hospitals. Non-union hospitals used slightly less OT than hospitals with unionized nurses. As total RN hours and straight (non-OT) hours per acute inpatient day increased, OT decreased. OT use as a percent of total inpatient RN hours increased significantly over the study period from 3.9% to 5.5%. Trends varied by hospital characteristic. This dissertation finds little evidence for an association between nurse OT and patient outcomes. One reason may be that the administrative data used track OT use and adverse events for whole years. Since OT use is episodic, data that examine the occurrence of adverse events during periods of heavy nurse overtime may be more sensitive to the impact of OT. That hospitals vary dramatically in their OT use and that some categories of hospitals (e

Public Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding in Public Places in Ottawa, Canada.

PubMed

Russell, Katherine; Ali, Amira

2017-05-01

In Ontario, Canada, breastfeeding in public is a protected right, yet even with these laws, attitudes toward breastfeeding in public can serve as a barrier to breastfeeding. Research aim: This study assesses public support for breastfeeding in public among adults in Ottawa, Ontario, and examines sociodemographic associations with negative attitudes toward public breastfeeding. Data from the 2015 Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS), a population health telephone survey, were obtained for Ottawa. Adults ages 18 years and older were asked whether it was acceptable for a mother to breastfeed her baby in a restaurant and shopping mall ( n = 1,276). Descriptive statistics and regression were used to describe sociodemographic characteristics associated with negative attitudes. Overall, 75% of respondents agreed that it was acceptable for a mother to breastfeed her baby in both a restaurant and shopping mall (restaurant: 78%; shopping mall: 81%). Respondents who did not have children at home, were less educated, had a mother tongue language other than French or English and who were retirees were less likely to support breastfeeding in restaurants and shopping malls. In addition, women and immigrants living in Canada for more than 15 years were less likely to support breastfeeding in shopping malls. Despite a law to support public breastfeeding in Ontario, there is room to improve attitudes toward public breastfeeding. Increased public support for public breastfeeding can support women and children to achieve their feeding goals, particularly for those wanting to exclusively breastfeed.

Molecular Characterization of Plasmid-Mediated Oxytetracycline Resistance in Aeromonas salmonicida

PubMed Central

Adams, C. A.; Austin, B.; Meaden, P. G.; McIntosh, D.

1998-01-01

Using broth conjugation, we found that 19 of 29 (66%) oxytetracycline (OT)-resistant isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida transferred the OT resistance phenotype to Escherichia coli. The OT resistance phenotype was encoded by high-molecular-weight R-plasmids that were capable of transferring OT resistance to both environmental and clinical isolates of Aeromonas spp. The molecular basis for antibiotic resistance in OT-resistant isolates of A. salmonicida was determined. The OT resistance determinant from one plasmid (pASOT) of A. salmonicida was cloned and used in Southern blotting and hybridization experiments as a probe. The determinant was identified on a 5.4-kb EcoRI fragment on R-plasmids from the 19 OT-resistant isolates of A. salmonicida. Hybridization with plasmids encoding the five classes (classes A to E) of OT resistance determinants demonstrated that the OT resistance plasmids of the 19 A. salmonicida isolates carried the class A resistance determinant. Analysis of data generated from restriction enzyme digests showed that the OT resistance plasmids were not identical; three profiles were characterized, two of which showed a high degree of homology. PMID:9797265

Ontogenesis of oxytocin pathways in the mammalian brain: late maturation and psychosocial disorders

PubMed Central

Grinevich, Valery; Desarménien, Michel G.; Chini, Bice; Tauber, Maithé; Muscatelli, Françoise

2014-01-01

Oxytocin (OT), the main neuropeptide of sociality, is expressed in neurons exclusively localized in the hypothalamus. During the last decade, a plethora of neuroendocrine, metabolic, autonomic and behavioral effects of OT has been reported. In the urgency to find treatments to syndromes as invalidating as autism, many clinical trials have been launched in which OT is administered to patients, including adolescents and children. However, the impact of OT on the developing brain and in particular on the embryonic and early postnatal maturation of OT neurons, has been only poorly investigated. In the present review we summarize available (although limited) literature on general features of ontogenetic transformation of the OT system, including determination, migration and differentiation of OT neurons. Next, we discuss trajectories of OT receptors (OTR) in the perinatal period. Furthermore, we provide evidence that early alterations, from birth, in the central OT system lead to severe neurodevelopmental diseases such as feeding deficit in infancy and severe defects in social behavior in adulthood, as described in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Our review intends to propose a hypothesis about developmental dynamics of central OT pathways, which are essential for survival right after birth and for the acquisition of social skills later on. A better understanding of the embryonic and early postnatal maturation of the OT system may lead to better OT-based treatments in PWS or autism. PMID:25767437

Adolescent oxytocin exposure causes persistent reductions in anxiety and alcohol consumption and enhances sociability in rats.

PubMed

Bowen, Michael T; Carson, Dean S; Spiro, Adena; Arnold, Jonathon C; McGregor, Iain S

2011-01-01

Previous studies have suggested that administration of oxytocin (OT) can have modulatory effects on social and anxiety-like behavior in mammals that may endure beyond the time of acute OT administration. The current study examined whether repeated administration of OT to male Wistar rats (n = 48) during a key developmental epoch (early adolescence) altered their physiology and behavior in later-life. Group housed rats were given intraperitoneal injections of either 1 mg/kg OT or vehicle during early adolescence (post natal-days [PND] 33-42). OT treatment caused a transient inhibition of body weight gain that recovered quickly after the cessation of treatment. At PND 50, the rats pre-treated with OT displayed less anxiety-like behavior on the emergence test, while at PND 55 they showed greater levels of social interaction. A subgroup of OT pre-treated rats examined at PND 63 showed a strong trend towards increased plasma OT levels, and also displayed significantly increased OT receptor mRNA in the hypothalamus. Rats pre-treated with OT and their controls showed similar induction of beer intake in daily 70 min test sessions (PND 63 onwards) in which the alcohol concentration of beer was gradually increased across days from 0.44% to 4.44%. However, when given ad libitum access to beer in their home cages from PND 72 onwards (early adulthood), consumption of beer but not water was significantly less in the OT pre-treated rats. A "booster" shot of OT (1 mg/kg) given after 25 days of ad libitum access to beer had a strong acute inhibitory effect on beer intake without affecting water intake. Overall these results suggest that exogenous OT administered during adolescence can have subtle yet enduring effects on anxiety, sociability and the motivation to consume alcohol. Such effects may reflect the inherent neuroplasticity of brain OT systems and a feed-forward effect whereby exogenous OT upregulates endogenous OT systems.

The relationship between demand and need for orthodontic treatment in high school students in Bangkok.

PubMed

Atisook, Pitraporn; Chuacharoen, Rattiya

2014-07-01

Orthodontic service is limited in Thailand and cannot meet the demand of the population. (1) To assess the need for orthodontic treatment (OT) using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) to analyze the relationship between demand and need for OT and (2) to compare the demand and need for OT between genders. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 students aged 12- to 14-years-old in three government high schools in Bangkok. A constructed questionnaire was used to assess demand for OT Clinical examination was done by two orthodontists to determine the needfor OT using the IOTN RESULTS: Most of the students (74.0%) wished to have OT while only one-third (37.5%) had severe need, and one-third (34.4%) had moderate need for OT as judge by the DHC of the IOTN. The AC of the IOTN indicated that most students (55.8%) had mild or no need for OT Females (79%) demanded OT more than males (66% p-value = 0.033) but the need was similar in both sexes. Most functional factors had strong relationships with the demand for OTexcept lower teeth bite on palate, but none was found to be associated with need for OT All of the aesthetic factors had strong relationships with demand for OT There were significant relationships with needs in five categories, 1) crooked, crowded, or spacing teeth, 2) worried when speaking or smiling, 3) had suggestedfor OT 4) breath smell and halitosis, and 5) wanted to put on braces to be like other people or for fashionable reasons. Most of the students requested OT but females had significantly higher demand for OT than males. Most of the samples needed to have OT The aesthetic factors that had strong relationships with the need for OT were 1) crooked, crowded, or spacing teeth, 2) worried when speaking or smiling, 3) had suggested for T07 4) breath smell and halitosis, and 5) wanted to put on braces to be like otherpeople orfor fashionable reasons.

Proteomics tools reveal startlingly high amounts of oxytocin in plasma and serum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandtzaeg, Ole Kristian; Johnsen, Elin; Roberg-Larsen, Hanne; Seip, Knut Fredrik; Maclean, Evan L.; Gesquiere, Laurence R.; Leknes, Siri; Lundanes, Elsa; Wilson, Steven Ray

2016-08-01

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is associated with a plethora of social behaviors, and is a key topic at the intersection of psychology and biology. However, tools for measuring OT are still not fully developed. We describe a robust nano liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS) platform for measuring the total amount of OT in human plasma/serum. OT binds strongly to plasma proteins, but a reduction/alkylation (R/A) procedure breaks this bond, enabling ample detection of total OT. The method (R/A + robust nanoLC-MS) was used to determine total OT plasma/serum levels to startlingly high concentrations (high pg/mL-ng/mL). Similar results were obtained when combining R/A and ELISA. Compared to measuring free OT, measuring total OT can have advantages in e.g. biomarker studies.

Oxytocin and Interpersonal Relationships.

PubMed

Patin, Alexandra; Scheele, Dirk; Hurlemann, Rene

2017-08-16

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has emerged as a potent modulator of diverse aspects of interpersonal relationships. OT appears to work in close interaction with several other neurotransmitter networks, including the dopaminergic reward circuit, and to be dependent on sex-specific hormonal influences. In this chapter, we focus on four main domains of OT and interpersonal relationships, including (1) the protective effect of OT on an individual's ability to withstand stress (i.e., stress buffering), (2) the effect of OT on emotion recognition and empathy, (3) OT's ability to enhance social synchrony and cooperation among individuals, and (4) the effect of OT on an individual's perception of social touch. We then illustrate the connection between OT and loneliness while grieving the loss of a loved one. We finish by discussing the clinical potential of OT, focusing on its potential role as an adjunct to psychotherapy, its enhancement through sex-specific hormonal influences, and the difficulties that present themselves when considering OT as a therapy. Overall, we argue that OT continues to hold strong therapeutic promise, but that it is strongly dependent on internal and external influences, for instance the patient's personal past experiences and interaction with the therapist in order to provide the best possible therapy.

Oxytocin as a novel therapeutic option for type I diabetes and diabetic osteopathy.

PubMed

Elabd, S K; Sabry, I; Mohasseb, M; Algendy, A

2014-04-01

The aim of the present study was to highlight the newly discovered metabolic role of oxytocin (OT) in the type I diabetic rats. Previous studies have demonstrated that OT has a beneficial role on bone physiology and therefore, the OT effect on the diabetic osteopathy will be assessed as well. Induction of the type I diabetes was carried out by an intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin. The metabolic role of OT on diabetic rats after OT treatment with intramuscular injection of 40 µIU/kg body weight for 6 weeks was assessed. Histological and ultrastructural studies of rat pancreas samples, before and after the OT injection, were performed and compared with the obtained physiological results. Oxytocin treatment had positive metabolic effects in diabetic rats. This is based on the change in glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in experimental animals. In addition, OT treatment showed histological regenerative changes of pancreatic islet cells of diabetic rats. Moreover, OT administration showed that it has an anabolic effect on the bone biology. The results suggest that activation of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) pathway by infusion of OT, OT analogs, or OT agonists may represent a promising approach for the treatment of diabetes and some of its complications, including diabetic osteopathy.

Oxytocin and cardioprotection in diabetes and obesity.

PubMed

Jankowski, Marek; Broderick, Tom L; Gutkowska, Jolanta

2016-06-07

Oxytocin (OT) emerges as a drug for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The entire OT system is synthesized in the rat and human heart. The direct myocardial infusion with OT into an ischemic or failing heart has the potential to elicit a variety of cardioprotective effects. OT treatment attenuates cardiomyocyte (CMs) death induced by ischemia-reperfusion by activating pro-survival pathways within injured CMs in vivo and in isolated cells. OT treatment reduces cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. The OT/OT receptor (OTR) system is downregulated in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes which develops genetic diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) similar to human disease. We have shown that chronic OT treatment prevents the development of DC in the db/db mouse. In addition, OT stimulates glucose uptake in both cardiac stem cells and CMs, and increases cell resistance to diabetic conditions. OT may help replace lost CMs by stimulating the in situ differentiation of cardiac stem cells into functional mature CMs. Lastly, adult stem cells amenable for transplantation such as MSCs could be preconditioned with OT ex vivo and implanted into the injured heart to aid in tissue regeneration through direct differentiation, secretion of protective and cardiomyogenic factors and/or their fusion with injured CMs.

CSF and blood oxytocin concentration changes following intranasal delivery in macaque.

PubMed

Dal Monte, Olga; Noble, Pamela L; Turchi, Janita; Cummins, Alex; Averbeck, Bruno B

2014-01-01

Oxytocin (OT) in the central nervous system (CNS) influences social cognition and behavior, making it a candidate for treating clinical disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Intranasal administration has been proposed as a possible route of delivery to the CNS for molecules like OT. While intranasal administration of OT influences social cognition and behavior, it is not well established whether this is an effective means for delivering OT to CNS targets. We administered OT or its vehicle (saline) to 15 primates (Macaca mulatta), using either intranasal spray or a nebulizer, and measured OT concentration changes in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and in blood. All subjects received both delivery methods and both drug conditions. Baseline samples of blood and CSF were taken immediately before drug administration. Blood was collected every 10 minutes after administration for 40 minutes and CSF was collected once post-delivery, at the 40 minutes time point. We found that intranasal administration of exogenous OT increased concentrations in both CSF and plasma compared to saline. Both delivery methods resulted in similar elevations of OT concentration in CSF, while the changes in plasma OT concentration were greater after nasal spray compared to nebulizer. In conclusion our study provides evidence that both nebulizer and nasal spray OT administration can elevate CSF OT levels.

Toxoplasma serotype is associated with development of ocular toxoplasmosis.

PubMed

Shobab, Leila; Pleyer, Uwe; Johnsen, Joerdis; Metzner, Sylvia; James, Erick R; Torun, N; Fay, Michael P; Liesenfeld, Oliver; Grigg, Michael E

2013-11-01

Worldwide, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the principal cause of posterior uveitis, a severe, life-altering disease. A Toxoplasma gondii enzyme-linked immunoassay that detects strain-specific antibodies present in serum was used to correlate serotype with disease. Toxoplasma serotypes in consecutive serum samples from German uveitis patients with OT were compared with non-OT seropositive patients with noninfectious autoimmune posterior uveitis. OT patients were tested for association of parasite serotype with age, gender, location, clinical onset, size, visual acuity, or number of lesions (mean follow-up, 3.8 years) to determine association with recurrences. A novel, nonreactive (NR) serotype was detected more frequently in serum samples of OT patients (50/114, 44%) than in non-OT patients (4/56, 7%) (odds ratio, 10.0; 95% confidence interval 3.4-40.8; P < .0001). Non-OT patients were predominantly infected with Type II strains (39/56; 70%), consistent with expected frequencies in Central Europe. Among OT patients, those with NR serotypes experienced more frequent recurrences (P = .037). Polymerase chain reaction detected parasite DNA in 8/60 OT aqueous humor specimens but failed to identify Type II strain alleles. Toxoplasma NR and Type II serotypes predominate in German OT patients. The NR serotype is associated with OT recurrences, underscoring the value of screening for management of disease.

Effects of time of day on shopping behavior.

PubMed

Chebat, J C

1999-04-01

Shoppers interviewed in a shopping mall at different times of the day show different activities within the mall and attitudes toward the products. Prices also vary with the time of the day. These results can be explained in terms of shopping values and the related demographic characteristics of the population visiting the shopping center at different times of the day.

MASTER OT J004207.99+405501.1/M31LRN 2015 luminous red nova in M31: discovery, light curve, hydrodynamics and evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lipunov, V. M.; Blinnikov, S.; Gorbovskoy, E.; Tutukov, A.; Baklanov, P.; Krushinski, V.; Tiurina, N.; Balanutsa, P.; Kuznetsov, A.; Kornilov, V.; Gorbunov, I.; Shumkov, V.; Vladimirov, V.; Gress, O.; Budnev, N. M.; Ivanov, K.; Tlatov, A.; Gabovich, A.; Yurkov, V.; Sergienko, Yu.; Zalozhnykh, I.

2017-09-01

We report the discovery and multicolour (VRIW) photometry of the rare explosive star MASTER OT J004207.99+405501.1 - a luminous red nova - in the Andromeda galaxy M31N2015-01a. We use our original light curve acquired with identical MASTER Global Robotic Net telescopes in one photometric system: VRI during the first 30 d and W (unfiltered) during 70 d. Also, we added published multicolour photometry data to estimate the mass and energy of the ejected shell and we discuss the likely formation scenarios of outbursts of this type. We propose an interpretation of the explosion that is consistent with an evolutionary scenario where the merging of stellar components or the disruption of the common envelope of a close binary can explain some luminous red novae. Radiative hydrodynamic simulations of a luminous red nova were carried out in extended parameter space to fit its light curves. We find that the multicolour passband light curves of the luminous red nova are consistent with an initial common envelope radius of 10 R⊙, a merger mass of 3 M⊙ and an explosion energy of 3 × 1048 erg. As a result, the phenomenon of novae consists of two classes: classical nuclear novae and more rare events (red novae) connected with the loss of compact common envelopes.

Comparison Between GOES-12 Overshooting-Top Detections, WSR-88D Radar Reflectivity, and Severe Storm Reports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dworak, Richard; Bedka, Kristopher; Brunner, Jason; Feltz, Wayne

2012-01-01

Studies have found that convective storms with overshooting-top (OT) signatures in weather satellite imagery are often associated with hazardous weather, such as heavy rainfall, tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. An objective satellite-based OT detection product has been developed using 11-micrometer infrared window (IRW) channel brightness temperatures (BTs) for the upcoming R series of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) Advanced Baseline Imager. In this study, this method is applied to GOES-12 IRW data and the OT detections are compared with radar data, severe storm reports, and severe weather warnings over the eastern United States. The goals of this study are to 1) improve forecaster understanding of satellite OT signatures relative to commonly available radar products, 2) assess OT detection product accuracy, and 3) evaluate the utility of an OT detection product for diagnosing hazardous convective storms. The coevolution of radar-derived products and satellite OT signatures indicates that an OT often corresponds with the highest radar echo top and reflectivity maximum aloft. Validation of OT detections relative to composite reflectivity indicates an algorithm false-alarm ratio of 16%, with OTs within the coldest IRW BT range (less than 200 K) being the most accurate. A significant IRW BT minimum typically present with an OT is more often associated with heavy precipitation than a region with a spatially uniform BT. Severe weather was often associated with OT detections during the warm season (April September) and over the southern United States. The severe weather to OT relationship increased by 15% when GOES operated in rapid-scan mode, showing the importance of high temporal resolution for observing and detecting rapidly evolving cloud-top features. Comparison of the earliest OT detection associated with a severe weather report showed that 75% of the cases occur before severe weather and that 42% of collocated severe

Body temperature and cardiac changes induced by peripherally administered oxytocin, vasopressin and the non-peptide oxytocin receptor agonist WAY 267,464: a biotelemetry study in rats

PubMed Central

Hicks, C; Ramos, L; Reekie, T; Misagh, G H; Narlawar, R; Kassiou, M; McGregor, I S

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose There is current interest in oxytocin (OT) as a possible therapeutic in psychiatric disorders. However, the usefulness of OT may be constrained by peripheral autonomic effects, which may involve an action at both OT and vasopressin V1A receptors. Here, we characterized the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory effects of OT, vasopressin (AVP) and the non-peptide OT receptor agonist WAY 267,464 in rats, and assessed the relative involvement of the OT and V1A receptors in these effects. Experimental Approach Biotelemetry in freely moving male Wistar rats was used to examine body temperature and heart rate after OT (0.01 – 1 mg kg−1; i.p.), AVP (0.001 – 0.1 mg kg−1; i.p.) or WAY 267,464 (10 and 100 mg kg−1; i.p.). The actions of the OT receptor antagonist Compound 25 (C25, 5 and 10 mg kg−1) and V1A receptor antagonist SR49059 (1 and 10 mg kg−1) were studied, as well as possible V1A receptor antagonist effects of WAY 267,464. Key Results OT and AVP dose-dependently reduced body temperature and heart rate. WAY 267,464 had similar, but more modest, effects. SR49059, but not C25, prevented the hypothermia and bradycardia induced by OT and AVP. WAY 267,464 (100 mg·kg−1) prevented the effects of OT, and to some extent AVP. Conclusions and Implications Peripherally administered OT and AVP have profound cardiovascular and thermoregulatory effects that appear to principally involve the V1A receptor rather than the OT receptor. Additionally, WAY 267,464 is not a simple OT receptor agonist, as it has functionally relevant V1A antagonist actions. PMID:24641248

Body temperature and cardiac changes induced by peripherally administered oxytocin, vasopressin and the non-peptide oxytocin receptor agonist WAY 267,464: a biotelemetry study in rats.

PubMed

Hicks, C; Ramos, L; Reekie, T; Misagh, G H; Narlawar, R; Kassiou, M; McGregor, I S

2014-06-01

There is current interest in oxytocin (OT) as a possible therapeutic in psychiatric disorders. However, the usefulness of OT may be constrained by peripheral autonomic effects, which may involve an action at both OT and vasopressin V1A receptors. Here, we characterized the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory effects of OT, vasopressin (AVP) and the non-peptide OT receptor agonist WAY 267,464 in rats, and assessed the relative involvement of the OT and V1A receptors in these effects. Biotelemetry in freely moving male Wistar rats was used to examine body temperature and heart rate after OT (0.01 - 1 mg kg(-1); i.p.), AVP (0.001 - 0.1 mg kg(-1); i.p.) or WAY 267,464 (10 and 100 mg kg(-1); i.p.). The actions of the OT receptor antagonist Compound 25 (C25, 5 and 10 mg kg(-1)) and V1A receptor antagonist SR49059 (1 and 10 mg kg(-1)) were studied, as well as possible V1A receptor antagonist effects of WAY 267,464. OT and AVP dose-dependently reduced body temperature and heart rate. WAY 267,464 had similar, but more modest, effects. SR49059, but not C25, prevented the hypothermia and bradycardia induced by OT and AVP. WAY 267,464 (100 mg·kg(-1)) prevented the effects of OT, and to some extent AVP. Peripherally administered OT and AVP have profound cardiovascular and thermoregulatory effects that appear to principally involve the V1A receptor rather than the OT receptor. Additionally, WAY 267,464 is not a simple OT receptor agonist, as it has functionally relevant V1A antagonist actions. © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

Operating theatre ventilation systems and microbial air contamination in total joint replacement surgery: results of the GISIO-ISChIA study.

PubMed

Agodi, A; Auxilia, F; Barchitta, M; Cristina, M L; D'Alessandro, D; Mura, I; Nobile, M; Pasquarella, C

2015-07-01

Recent studies have shown a higher rate of surgical site infections in hip prosthesis implantation using unidirectional airflow ventilation compared with turbulent ventilation. However, these studies did not measure the air microbial quality of operating theatres (OTs), and assumed it to be compliant with the recommended standards for this ventilation technique. To evaluate airborne microbial contamination in OTs during hip and knee replacement surgery, and compare the findings with values recommended for joint replacement surgery. Air samplings were performed in 28 OTs supplied with unidirectional, turbulent and mixed airflow ventilation. Samples were collected using passive sampling to determine the index of microbial air contamination (IMA). Active sampling was also performed in some of the OTs. The average number of people in the OT and the number of door openings during the sampling period were recorded. In total, 1228 elective prosthesis procedures (60.1% hip and 39.9% knee) were included in this study. Of passive samplings performed during surgical activity in unidirectional airflow ventilation OTs (U-OTs) and mixed airflow OTs (M-OTs), 58.9% and 87.6% had IMA values >2, respectively. Of samplings performed during surgical activity in turbulent airflow OTs (T-OTs) and in turbulent airflow OTs with the surgical team wearing Steri-Shield Turbo Helmets (TH-OTs), 8.6% and 60% had IMA values ≤ 2, respectively. Positive correlation was found between IMA values and the number of people in the OT and the number of door openings (P < 0.001). In addition, correlation was found between active and passive sampling (P < 0.001). These findings challenge the belief that unidirectional systems always provide acceptable airborne bacterial counts. Copyright © 2015 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sexual experience increases oxytocin receptor gene expression and protein in the medial preoptic area of the male rat.

PubMed

Gil, Mario; Bhatt, Renu; Picotte, Katie B; Hull, Elaine M

2013-09-01

Oxytocin (OT) promotes social and reproductive behaviors in mammals, and OT deficits may be linked to disordered social behaviors like autism and severe anxiety. Male rat sexual behavior is an excellent model for OT regulation of behavior, as its pattern and neural substrates are well characterized. We previously reported that OT microinjected into the medial preoptic area (MPOA), a major integrative site for male sexual behavior, facilitates copulation in sexually experienced male rats, whereas intra-MPOA injection of an OT antagonist (OTA) inhibits copulation. In the present studies, copulation on the day of sacrifice stimulated OTR mRNA expression in the MPOA, irrespective of previous sexual experience, with the highest levels observed in first-time copulators. In addition, sexually experienced males had higher levels of OTR protein in the MPOA than sexually naïve males and first-time copulators. Finally, intra-MPOA injection of OT facilitated mating in sexually naive males. Others have reported a positive correlation between OT mRNA levels and male sexual behavior. Our studies show that OT in the MPOA facilitates mating in both sexually naive and experienced males, some of the behavioral effects of OT are mediated by the OTR, and sexual experience is associated with increased OTR expression in the MPOA. Taken together, these data suggest a reciprocal interaction between central OT and behavior, in which OT facilitates copulation and copulation stimulates the OT/OTR system in the brain. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assembling the Puzzle: Pathways of Oxytocin Signaling in the Brain.

PubMed

Grinevich, Valery; Knobloch-Bollmann, H Sophie; Eliava, Marina; Busnelli, Marta; Chini, Bice

2016-02-01

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide, which can be seen to be one of the molecules of the decade due to its profound prosocial effects in nonvertebrate and vertebrate species, including humans. Although OT can be detected in various physiological fluids (blood, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid) and brain tissue, it is unclear whether peripheral and central OT releases match and synergize. Moreover, the pathways of OT delivery to brain regions involved in specific behaviors are far from clear. Here, we discuss the evolutionarily and ontogenetically determined pathways of OT delivery and OT signaling, which orchestrate activity of the mesolimbic social decision-making network. Furthermore, we speculate that both the alteration in OT delivery and OT receptor expression may cause behavioral abnormalities in patients afflicted with psychosocial diseases. Copyright © 2016 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Conditioned same-sex partner preference in male rats is facilitated by oxytocin and dopamine: effect on sexually dimorphic brain nuclei.

PubMed

Triana-Del Rio, Rodrigo; Tecamachaltzi-Silvarán, Miriam B; Díaz-Estrada, Victor X; Herrera-Covarrubias, Deissy; Corona-Morales, Aleph A; Pfaus, James G; Coria-Avila, Genaro A

2015-04-15

Conditioned same-sex partner preference can develop in male rats that undergo cohabitation under the effects of quinpirole (QNP, D2 agonist). Herein, we assessed the development of conditioned same-sex social/sexual preference in males that received either nothing, saline, QNP, oxytocin (OT), or QNP+OT during cohabitation with another male (+) or single-caged (-). This resulted in the following groups: (1) Intact-, (2) Saline+, (3) QNP-, (4) OT-, (5) QNP+, (6) OT+ and (7) QNP/OT+. Cohabitation occurred during 24h in a clean cage with a male partner that bore almond scent on the back as conditioned stimulus. This was repeated every 4 days for a total of three trials. Social and sexual preference were assessed four days after the last conditioning trial in a drug-free test in which experimental males chose between the scented familiar male and a novel sexually receptive female. Results showed that males from groups Intact-, Saline+, QNP- and OT- displayed a clear preference for the female (opposite-sex), whereas groups QNP+, OT+ and QNP/OT+ displayed socio/sexual preference for the male partner (same-sex). In Experiment 2, the brains were processed for Nissl dye and the area size of two sexually dimorphic nuclei (SDN-POA and SON) was compared between groups. Males from groups OT-, OT+ and QNP/OT+ expressed a smaller SDN-POA and groups QNP+ and QNP/OT+ expressed a larger SON. Accordingly, conditioned same-sex social/sexual partner preference can develop during cohabitation under enhanced D2 or OT activity but such preference does not depend on the area size of those sexually dimorphic nuclei. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxoplasma Serotype Is Associated With Development of Ocular Toxoplasmosis

PubMed Central

Shobab, Leila; Pleyer, Uwe; Johnsen, Joerdis; Metzner, Sylvia; James, Erick R.; Torun, N.; Fay, Michael P.; Liesenfeld, Oliver; Grigg, Michael E.

2013-01-01

Background. Worldwide, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the principal cause of posterior uveitis, a severe, life-altering disease. A Toxoplasma gondii enzyme-linked immunoassay that detects strain-specific antibodies present in serum was used to correlate serotype with disease. Methods. Toxoplasma serotypes in consecutive serum samples from German uveitis patients with OT were compared with non-OT seropositive patients with noninfectious autoimmune posterior uveitis. OT patients were tested for association of parasite serotype with age, gender, location, clinical onset, size, visual acuity, or number of lesions (mean follow-up, 3.8 years) to determine association with recurrences. Results. A novel, nonreactive (NR) serotype was detected more frequently in serum samples of OT patients (50/114, 44%) than in non-OT patients (4/56, 7%) (odds ratio, 10.0; 95% confidence interval 3.4–40.8; P < .0001). Non-OT patients were predominantly infected with Type II strains (39/56; 70%), consistent with expected frequencies in Central Europe. Among OT patients, those with NR serotypes experienced more frequent recurrences (P = .037). Polymerase chain reaction detected parasite DNA in 8/60 OT aqueous humor specimens but failed to identify Type II strain alleles. Conclusions. Toxoplasma NR and Type II serotypes predominate in German OT patients. The NR serotype is associated with OT recurrences, underscoring the value of screening for management of disease. PMID:23878321

Regulation of 5alpha-reductase isoforms by oxytocin in the rat ventral prostate.

PubMed

Assinder, S J; Johnson, C; King, K; Nicholson, H D

2004-12-01

Oxytocin (OT) is present in the male reproductive tract, where it is known to modulate contractility, cell growth, and steroidogenesis. Little is known about how OT regulates these processes. This study describes the localization of OT receptor in the rat ventral prostate and investigates if OT regulates gene expression and/or activity of 5alpha-reductase isoforms I and II. The ventral prostates of adult male Wistar rats were collected following daily sc administration of saline (control), OT, a specific OT antagonist or both OT plus antagonist for 3 d. Expression of the OT receptor was identified in the ventral prostate by RT-PCR and Western blot, and confirmed to be a single active binding site by radioreceptor assay. Immunohistochemistry localized the receptor to the epithelium of prostatic acini and to the stromal tissue. Real-time RT-PCR determined that OT treatment significantly reduced expression of 5alpha-reductase I but significantly increased 5alpha-reductase II expression in the ventral prostate. Activity of both isoforms of 5alpha-reductase was significantly increased by OT, resulting in increased concentration of prostatic dihydrotestosterone. In conclusion, OT is involved in regulating conversion of testosterone to the biologically active dihydrotestosterone in the rat ventral prostate. It does so by differential regulation of 5alpha-reductase isoforms I and II.

Twenty years of oxygenated treatment on Russian supercritical plants

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

Shitsman, M.E.

1995-01-01

The oxygenated treatment (OT) in Russia was first (1973-74) introduced at the 300 MWe Konakovo Supercritical units (SCU). The advantage of OT over AVT especially in rising the reliability of low-radiation boiler section (LRS) promoted to conversion the working units on OT and putting into operation the new SCUs directly with OT. All Russian supercritical plants, besides two of them, operate currently with OT. The conversion of units on OT doesn`t demand much expenditures. OT is simple and reliable. The OT introduction makes the main difficulty connected with the existance of stable stereotype for ammonia feed and supporting the oxygenmore » concentration in feedwater less than 5 ppb. The staff of two mentioned plants gave proof of devotion to AVT by its wide application in the USA and Japan. Now the units with once through boilers at these countries are intensively conversed on OT. It is possible to hope that this circumstance will dismiss at last the stereotype of oxygen fear.« less

Low-dose oxytocin delivered intranasally with Breath Powered device affects social-cognitive behavior: a randomized four-way crossover trial with nasal cavity dimension assessment.

PubMed

Quintana, D S; Westlye, L T; Rustan, Ø G; Tesli, N; Poppy, C L; Smevik, H; Tesli, M; Røine, M; Mahmoud, R A; Smerud, K T; Djupesland, P G; Andreassen, O A

2015-07-14

Despite the promise of intranasal oxytocin (OT) for modulating social behavior, recent work has provided mixed results. This may relate to suboptimal drug deposition achieved with conventional nasal sprays, inter-individual differences in nasal physiology and a poor understanding of how intranasal OT is delivered to the brain in humans. Delivering OT using a novel 'Breath Powered' nasal device previously shown to enhance deposition in intranasal sites targeted for nose-to-brain transport, we evaluated dose-dependent effects on social cognition, compared response with intravenous (IV) administration of OT, and assessed nasal cavity dimensions using acoustic rhinometry. We adopted a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover design, with 16 healthy male adults completing four single-dose treatments (intranasal 8 IU (international units) or 24 IU OT, 1 IU OT IV and placebo). The primary outcome was social cognition measured by emotional ratings of facial images. Secondary outcomes included the pharmacokinetics of OT, vasopressin and cortisol in blood and the association between nasal cavity dimensions and emotional ratings. Despite the fact that all the treatments produced similar plasma OT increases compared with placebo, there was a main effect of treatment on anger ratings of emotionally ambiguous faces. Pairwise comparisons revealed decreased ratings after 8 IU OT in comparison to both placebo and 24 IU OT. In addition, there was an inverse relationship between nasal valve dimensions and anger ratings of ambiguous faces after 8-IU OT treatment. These findings provide support for a direct nose-to-brain effect, independent of blood absorption, of low-dose OT delivered from a Breath Powered device.

Evaluations of refraction competencies of ophthalmic technicians in Mozambique.

PubMed

Shah, Kajal; Naidoo, Kovin; Chagunda, Margarida; Loughman, James

2016-01-01

Ophthalmic technicians (OT) work at health facilities in Mozambique and are trained to provide primary and secondary eye care services including basic refraction. This study was designed to assess OT competence and confidence in refraction, and investigate whether an upskilling programme is effective in developing their competence and confidence at refraction. Thirty-one trainee OTs and 16 qualified OTs were recruited to the study. A background questionnaire was administered to determine the demographic profile of the OTs. A confidence levels questionnaire explored their self-reported skills. Clinical competencies were assessed in relation to knowledge (theory exam) and clinical skills (patient exams). 11 OTs were upskilled and the clinical evaluations carried out post training. Initial evaluations demonstrated that confidence and competence levels varied depending on the OTs training (location and duration), and their location of work (clinical load, availability of equipment and other eye care personnel). The qualified OTs were more competent than trainee OTs in most of the evaluations. Post upskilling results demonstrated significant positive impact on confidence and competence levels. These evaluations identified factors affecting the refraction competencies of the OTs and demonstrated that upskilling is effective in improving confidence and competence levels for refraction. They demonstrate the need for a refraction competency framework. The overarching aim of this research was to inform the development of a nationwide programme of OT mentoring, upskilling and leading to the establishment of clinical competency standards for the new OT curricula, relevant to the professional demands. Copyright © 2014 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Manipulation of the oxytocin system alters social behavior and attraction in pair-bonding primates, Callithrix penicillata

PubMed Central

Smith, Adam S.; Ågmo, Anders; Birnie, Andrew K.; French, Jeffrey A.

2010-01-01

The establishment and maintenance of stable, long-term male-female relationships, or pair bonds, are marked by high levels of mutual attraction, selective preference for the partner, and high rates of sociosexual behavior. Central oxytocin (OT) affects social preference and partner-directed social behavior in rodents, but the role of this neuropeptide has yet to be studied in heterosexual primate relationships. The present study evaluated whether the OT system plays a role in the dynamics of social behavior and partner preference during the first three weeks of cohabitation in male and female marmosets, Callithrix penicillata. OT activity was stimulated by intranasal administration of OT, and inhibited by oral administration of a non-peptide OT-receptor antagonist (L-368,899; Merck). Social behavior throughout the pairing varied as a function of OT treatment. Compared to controls, marmosets initiated huddling with their social partner more often after OT treatments but reduced proximity and huddling after OT antagonist treatments. OT antagonist treatment also eliminated food sharing between partners. During the 24-h preference test, all marmosets interacted more with an opposite-sex stranger than with the partner. By the third-week preference test, marmosets interacted with the partner and stranger equally with the exception that intranasal-OT treatments facilitated initial partner-seeking behavior over initial contact with the stranger. Our findings demonstrate that pharmacological manipulations of OT activity alter partner-directed social behavior during pair interactions, suggesting that central OT may facilitate the process of pair-bond formation and social relationships in marmoset monkeys. PMID:20025881

Manipulation of the oxytocin system alters social behavior and attraction in pair-bonding primates, Callithrix penicillata.

PubMed

Smith, Adam S; Agmo, Anders; Birnie, Andrew K; French, Jeffrey A

2010-02-01

The establishment and maintenance of stable, long-term male-female relationships, or pair-bonds, are marked by high levels of mutual attraction, selective preference for the partner, and high rates of sociosexual behavior. Central oxytocin (OT) affects social preference and partner-directed social behavior in rodents, but the role of this neuropeptide has yet to be studied in heterosexual primate relationships. The present study evaluated whether the OT system plays a role in the dynamics of social behavior and partner preference during the first 3 weeks of cohabitation in male and female marmosets, Callithrix penicillata. OT activity was stimulated by intranasal administration of OT, and inhibited by oral administration of a non-peptide OT-receptor antagonist (L-368,899; Merck). Social behavior throughout the pairing varied as a function of OT treatment. Compared to controls, marmosets initiated huddling with their social partner more often after OT treatments but reduced proximity and huddling after OT antagonist treatments. OT antagonist treatment also eliminated food sharing between partners. During the 24-h preference test, all marmosets interacted more with an opposite-sex stranger than with the partner. By the third-week preference test, marmosets interacted with the partner and stranger equally with the exception that intranasal-OT treatments facilitated initial partner-seeking behavior over initial contact with the stranger. Our findings demonstrate that pharmacological manipulations of OT activity alter partner-directed social behavior during pair interactions, suggesting that central OT may facilitate the process of pair-bond formation and social relationships in marmoset monkeys. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Orthodontic treatment for disabled children: a survey of parents' attitudes and overall satisfaction.

PubMed

Abeleira, María Teresa; Pazos, Elisabeth; Ramos, Isabel; Outumuro, Mercedes; Limeres, Jacobo; Seoane-Romero, Juan; Diniz, Marcio; Diz, Pedro

2014-08-05

Many patients with disability require orthodontic treatment (OT) to achieve adequate oral function and aesthetic appearance. The cooperation of disabled patients and of their parents is central to the success of OT, as treatment can involve ethical dilemmas. The aim of this study was to analyze the motivation, expectations and overall satisfaction with OT among parents of patients with disabilities. The parents of 60 disabled Spanish children with physical, mental and/or sensory impairment undergoing OT were surveyed on attitudes to OT and level of satisfaction with the outcomes. The survey consisted of 23 questions in 4 sections: attitude and adaptation, benefits, adverse effects, and level of satisfaction after completion of OT. A control group formed of the parents of 60 healthy children undergoing OT at the same institution were also surveyed. Parents of disabled children undergoing OT showed a high level of motivation and they are willing to collaborate in oral hygiene procedures. Adaptation to the removable appliances was poorer in disabled children but adaptation to fixed appliances was excellent. OT can provide a marked improvement in quality of life, social relationships and oral functionality in disabled children. Among parents of disabled children undergoing OT, the perceived level of overall satisfaction was very high and expectations were often exceeded.

Comprehensive, blinded assessment of balance in orthostatic tremor.

PubMed

Bhatti, Danish; Thompson, Rebecca; Xia, Yiwen; Hellman, Amy; Schmaderer, Lorene; Suing, Katie; McKune, Jennifer; Penke, Cynthia; Iske, Regan; Roeder, Bobbi Jo; Siu, Ka-Chun; Bertoni, John M; Torres-Russotto, Diego

2018-02-01

Orthostatic Tremor (OT) is a movement disorder characterized by a sensation of unsteadiness and tremors in the 13-18 Hz range present upon standing. The pathophysiology of OT is not well understood but there is a relationship between the sensation of instability and leg tremors. Despite the sensation of unsteadiness, OT patients do not fall often and balance in OT has not been formally assessed. We present a prospective blinded study comparing balance assessment in patients with OT versus healthy controls. We prospectively enrolled 34 surface Electromyography (EMG)-confirmed primary OT subjects and 21 healthy controls. Participants underwent evaluations of balance by blinded physical therapists (PT) with standardized, validated, commonly used balance scales and tasks. OT subjects were mostly female (30/34, 88%) and controls were majority males (13/20, 65%). The average age of OT subjects was 68.5 years (range 54-87) and for controls was 69.4 (range 32-86). The average duration of OT symptoms was 18 years. OT subjects did significantly worse on all the balance scales and on most balance tasks including Berg Balance Scale, Functional Gait Assessment, Dynamic Gait Index, Unipedal Stance Test, Functional Reach Test and pull test. Gait speed and five times sit to stand were normal in OT. Common validated balance scales are significantly abnormal in primary OT. Despite the objective finding of impaired balance, OT patients do not commonly have falls. The reported sensation of unsteadiness in this patient population seems to be out of proportion to the number of actual falls. Further studies are needed to determine which components of commonly used balance scales are affected by a sensation of unsteadiness and fear of falling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association between intermediate uveitis and toxocariasis in the Korean population

PubMed Central

Kwon, Jin-woo; Sim, Yoonseob; Jee, Donghyun

2017-01-01

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of ocular toxocariasis (OT) presenting with intermediate uveitis in the Korean population. We studied intermediate uveitis patients using ocular and systemic evaluations and a Toxocara IgG serology test. Of 50 intermediate uveitis patients, 19 were seropositive for Toxocara IgG. Of the 19 OT patients, 4 presented with recurrence within 6 months and were significantly younger than nonrecurrence patients (P = 0.009). Thirteen patients had a history of eating raw cow liver. There were 14 males and 5 females in the OT group, and 11 males and 20 females in the non-OT group (P = 0.009). There was bilateral involvement in 7 out of 19 patients in the OT group, and 20 out of 31 patients in non-OT group (P = 0.033). Intermediate uveitis patients in OT were predominately male and had more unilateral presentation than non-OT patients. PMID:28151857

Association between intermediate uveitis and toxocariasis in the Korean population.

PubMed

Kwon, Jin-Woo; Sim, Yoonseob; Jee, Donghyun

2017-02-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of ocular toxocariasis (OT) presenting with intermediate uveitis in the Korean population.We studied intermediate uveitis patients using ocular and systemic evaluations and a Toxocara IgG serology test.Of 50 intermediate uveitis patients, 19 were seropositive for Toxocara IgG. Of the 19 OT patients, 4 presented with recurrence within 6 months and were significantly younger than nonrecurrence patients (P = 0.009). Thirteen patients had a history of eating raw cow liver.There were 14 males and 5 females in the OT group, and 11 males and 20 females in the non-OT group (P = 0.009). There was bilateral involvement in 7 out of 19 patients in the OT group, and 20 out of 31 patients in non-OT group (P = 0.033).Intermediate uveitis patients in OT were predominately male and had more unilateral presentation than non-OT patients.

Association of Oxytocin and Parental Prefrontal Activation during Reunion with Infant: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study.

PubMed

Ito, Jun; Fujiwara, Takeo; Monden, Yukifumi; Yamagata, Takanori; Ohira, Hideki

2017-01-01

Although previous studies have revealed the role of oxytocin (OT) in parental behavior, the role of OT has not been investigated through the direct assessment of prefrontal brain activation during parenting. By using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, we aimed to show the relationship between parental [maternal ( N  = 15) and paternal ( N  = 21)] OT levels and the activation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), while holding their infants after separation. Baseline OT levels were measured in the subjects' saliva samples before the experiment. Prefrontal brain activation was assessed in participants sitting alone on a chair (i.e., separation from their infant for 120 s) and during the target period (i.e., holding their infant for 45 s), which was done in triplicate. The oxygen hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) dissociation curve significantly increased in 9 out of 22 channels on the PFC when maternal and paternal samples were combined. However, only the fathers showed a correlation between salivary OT and oxy-Hb signal. Furthermore, while holding their infants, high-OT fathers showed left hemispheric dominance compared to low-OT fathers, while high-OT mothers showed right hemispheric dominance compared to low-OT mothers. This study showed that fathers with high-OT levels showed neural activation with left hemispheric dominance, while holding their infants, suggesting that increase of OT level might activate paternal PFC related to parenting behavior, although the same is not true for mothers.

Distinct BOLD Activation Profiles Following Central and Peripheral Oxytocin Administration in Awake Rats.

PubMed

Ferris, Craig F; Yee, Jason R; Kenkel, William M; Dumais, Kelly Marie; Moore, Kelsey; Veenema, Alexa H; Kulkarni, Praveen; Perkybile, Allison M; Carter, C Sue

2015-01-01

A growing body of literature has suggested that intranasal oxytocin (OT) or other systemic routes of administration can alter prosocial behavior, presumably by directly activating OT sensitive neural circuits in the brain. Yet there is no clear evidence that OT given peripherally can cross the blood-brain barrier at levels sufficient to engage the OT receptor. To address this issue we examined changes in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity in response to peripheral OT injections (0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 mg/kg) during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in awake rats imaged at 7.0 T. These data were compared to OT (1 μg/5 μl) given directly to the brain via the lateral cerebroventricle. Using a 3D annotated MRI atlas of the rat brain segmented into 171 brain areas and computational analysis, we reconstructed the distributed integrated neural circuits identified with BOLD fMRI following central and peripheral OT. Both routes of administration caused significant changes in BOLD signal within the first 10 min of administration. As expected, central OT activated a majority of brain areas known to express a high density of OT receptors, e.g., lateral septum, subiculum, shell of the accumbens, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. This profile of activation was not matched by peripheral OT. The change in BOLD signal to peripheral OT did not show any discernible dose-response. Interestingly, peripheral OT affected all subdivisions of the olfactory bulb, in addition to the cerebellum and several brainstem areas relevant to the autonomic nervous system, including the solitary tract nucleus. The results from this imaging study do not support a direct central action of peripheral OT on the brain. Instead, the patterns of brain activity suggest that peripheral OT may interact at the level of the olfactory bulb and through sensory afferents from the autonomic nervous system to influence brain activity.

Low-dose oxytocin delivered intranasally with Breath Powered device affects social-cognitive behavior: a randomized four-way crossover trial with nasal cavity dimension assessment

PubMed Central

Quintana, D S; Westlye, L T; Rustan, Ø G; Tesli, N; Poppy, C L; Smevik, H; Tesli, M; Røine, M; Mahmoud, R A; Smerud, K T; Djupesland, P G; Andreassen, O A

2015-01-01

Despite the promise of intranasal oxytocin (OT) for modulating social behavior, recent work has provided mixed results. This may relate to suboptimal drug deposition achieved with conventional nasal sprays, inter-individual differences in nasal physiology and a poor understanding of how intranasal OT is delivered to the brain in humans. Delivering OT using a novel ‘Breath Powered' nasal device previously shown to enhance deposition in intranasal sites targeted for nose-to-brain transport, we evaluated dose-dependent effects on social cognition, compared response with intravenous (IV) administration of OT, and assessed nasal cavity dimensions using acoustic rhinometry. We adopted a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover design, with 16 healthy male adults completing four single-dose treatments (intranasal 8 IU (international units) or 24 IU OT, 1 IU OT IV and placebo). The primary outcome was social cognition measured by emotional ratings of facial images. Secondary outcomes included the pharmacokinetics of OT, vasopressin and cortisol in blood and the association between nasal cavity dimensions and emotional ratings. Despite the fact that all the treatments produced similar plasma OT increases compared with placebo, there was a main effect of treatment on anger ratings of emotionally ambiguous faces. Pairwise comparisons revealed decreased ratings after 8 IU OT in comparison to both placebo and 24 IU OT. In addition, there was an inverse relationship between nasal valve dimensions and anger ratings of ambiguous faces after 8-IU OT treatment. These findings provide support for a direct nose-to-brain effect, independent of blood absorption, of low-dose OT delivered from a Breath Powered device. PMID:26171983

Oxytocin administration in the basolateral and central nuclei of amygdala moderately suppresses food intake.

PubMed

Klockars, Oscar A; Klockars, Anica; Levine, Allen S; Olszewski, Pawel K

2018-04-11

Oxytocin (OT) at acting central nuclei decreases meal size and reduces intake of palatable sweet solutions. It remains largely unclear as to which brain sites mediate OT's effect on palatability versus energy or the combination of those aspects of consumption. Here, we expanded the search for sites that mediate anorexigenic properties of OT by focusing on two subdivisions of the amygdala, its central (CNA) and basolateral (BLA) nuclei. We injected OT directly into the BLA or CNA in rats and assessed intake of standard chow induced by energy deprivation and intake of sweet solutions in nondeprived animals. We examined whether these effects are reversible by OT receptor (OTr) antagonism and whether OT presence in BLA or CNA induces taste aversion. We also determined the effect of energy deprivation and exposure to sweet saccharin on BLA and CNA expression of OTr mRNA. OT administration in BLA at 0.3 μg and in CNA at 1 μg reduced standard chow intake after deprivation by ~25%. Only administration of OT in BLA was effective in suppressing consumption of sucrose and saccharin solutions. The anorexigenic effects of OT in BLA and CNA were attenuated by OTr antagonist, L-368,899, pretreatment. OT at anorexigenic doses did not promote acquisition of taste aversion. BLA OTr mRNA expression was affected by exposure to palatable saccharin, whereas that of CNA OTr, by energy deprivation. OT in the amygdala moderately decreases food intake. The functional relationship between amygdalar OT and energy intake versus palatability-driven intake depends on the discrete localization of the OTr within this complex structure.

Oxytocin and Aggression.

PubMed

de Jong, Trynke R; Neumann, Inga D

2017-09-02

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has a solid reputation as a facilitator of social interactions such as parental and pair bonding, trust, and empathy. The many results supporting a pro-social role of OT have generated the hypothesis that impairments in the endogenous OT system may lead to antisocial behavior, most notably social withdrawal or pathological aggression. If this is indeed the case, administration of exogenous OT could be the "serenic" treatment that psychiatrists have for decades been searching for.In the present review, we list and discuss the evidence for an endogenous "hypo-oxytocinergic state" underlying aggressive and antisocial behavior, derived from both animal and human studies. We furthermore examine the reported effects of synthetic OT administration on aggression in rodents and humans.Although the scientific findings listed in this review support, in broad lines, the link between a down-regulated or impaired OT system activity and increased aggression, the anti-aggressive effects of synthetic OT are less straightforward and require further research. The rather complex picture that emerges adds to the ongoing debate questioning the unidirectional pro-social role of OT, as well as the strength of the effects of intranasal OT administration in humans.

The knowledge and attitudes of orthodontic trainees towards orthodontic therapists: a national survey.

PubMed

Patel, Sameer; Mack, Gavin

2017-09-01

To assess the knowledge and attitudes of orthodontic trainees towards orthodontic therapists (OTs) in the UK. Cross-sectional survey. UK-based orthodontic trainees. An electronic survey was sent to all members of the Training Grades Group of the British Orthodontic Society assessing exposure to OTs and their knowledge regarding current supervision guidelines and scope of practice. Attitudes towards OTs were also explored. Seventy-six responses (response rate 57%) were returned. Nearly 90% of trainees had no formal training regarding OTs. A total of 15.5% were aware of the correct current supervision guidelines and there was large variation in the knowledge of OTs' scope of practice. The majority of trainees were happy to supervise OTs, but only 22.4% felt prepared for this during training. In total, 63% of trainees felt that OTs could impact their own future job prospects. Currently, there is minimal formal training provided to trainees regarding the role of OTs. This is reflected in the lack of knowledge regarding supervision guidelines and scope of practice. Overall, trainees felt OTs were positive for the workforce but were concerned regarding the impact of their own future employment.

The structure of subunit E of the Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 A-ATP synthase gives insight into the elasticity of the peripheral stalk.

PubMed

Balakrishna, Asha Manikkoth; Hunke, Cornelia; Grüber, Gerhard

2012-07-13

A(1)A(O) ATP synthases are the major energy converters of archaea. They are composed of an A(1) region that synthesizes ATP and an integral part A(O) that conducts ions. Subunit E is a component of the peripheral stalk that links the A(1) with the A(O) part of the A-ATP synthase. We have determined the crystal structure of the entire subunit E (PhE) of the Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 A-ATP synthase at 3.6 Å resolution. The structure reveals an extended S-shaped N-terminal α-helix with 112.29 Å in length, followed by a globular head group. The S-shaped feature, common in elastic connectors and spacers, would facilitate the storage of transient elastic energy during rotary motion in the enzyme. The structure has been superimposed into the asymmetric peripheral stalks of the three-dimensional reconstruction of the Pyrococcus furiosus enzyme, revealing that the S-shaped subunit PhE fits well into the bent peripheral stalk, whereas the previously solved E subunit structure (3.1 Å resolution) of Thermus thermophilus A-ATP synthase is well accommodated in the density of the straight stator domain. The different features of the two stalk subunits are discussed in light of a novel coupling mechanism in A-ATP synthases proposed to differ from the Wankel engine of F-ATP synthases. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Orthodontic treatment for disabled children: a survey of parents’ attitudes and overall satisfaction

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Many patients with disability require orthodontic treatment (OT) to achieve adequate oral function and aesthetic appearance. The cooperation of disabled patients and of their parents is central to the success of OT, as treatment can involve ethical dilemmas. The aim of this study was to analyze the motivation, expectations and overall satisfaction with OT among parents of patients with disabilities. Methods The parents of 60 disabled Spanish children with physical, mental and/or sensory impairment undergoing OT were surveyed on attitudes to OT and level of satisfaction with the outcomes. The survey consisted of 23 questions in 4 sections: attitude and adaptation, benefits, adverse effects, and level of satisfaction after completion of OT. A control group formed of the parents of 60 healthy children undergoing OT at the same institution were also surveyed. Results Parents of disabled children undergoing OT showed a high level of motivation and they are willing to collaborate in oral hygiene procedures. Adaptation to the removable appliances was poorer in disabled children but adaptation to fixed appliances was excellent. OT can provide a marked improvement in quality of life, social relationships and oral functionality in disabled children. Conclusions Among parents of disabled children undergoing OT, the perceived level of overall satisfaction was very high and expectations were often exceeded. PMID:25096027

Body composition, metabolism, sleep, psychological and eating patterns of overtraining syndrome: Results of the EROS study (EROS-PROFILE).

PubMed

Cadegiani, Flavio A; Kater, Claudio E

2018-08-01

Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is caused by an imbalance between training, nutrition and resting, and leads to decreased performance and fatigue; however, the precise underlying triggers of OTS remain unclear. This study investigated the body composition, metabolism, eating, sleeping patterns and mood states among participants with OTS. Selected participants were divided into OTS-affected athletes (OTS, n = 14), healthy athletes (ATL, n = 25), and healthy non-physically active controls (NCS, n = 12). Compared to ATL, OTS showed decreased sleep quality (p = 0.004); increased duration of work or study (p < 0.001); decreased libido (p = 0.024); decreased calorie (p < 0.001), carbohydrate (p < 0.001) and protein (p < 0.001) intakes; decreased mood states (p < 0.001); decreased basal metabolic rate (p = 0.013) and fat burning (p < 0.001); increased body fat (p = 0.006); decreased muscle mass (p = 0.008); and decreased hydration (p < 0.001). Levels were similar between OTS and NCS, except for worsened fatigue (p < 0.001) and vigour (p = 0.001) in OTS. Reduced calorie intake, worsened sleep, and increased cognitive activity are likely OTS triggers. OTS appears to induce dehydration, increase body fat, decrease libido, and worsen mood.

Dissociating frontal regions that co-lateralize with different ventral occipitotemporal regions during word processing☆

PubMed Central

Seghier, Mohamed L.; Price, Cathy J.

2013-01-01

The ventral occipitotemporal sulcus (vOT) sustains strong interactions with the inferior frontal cortex during word processing. Consequently, activation in both regions co-lateralize towards the same hemisphere in healthy subjects. Because the determinants of lateralisation differ across posterior, middle and anterior vOT subregions, we investigated whether lateralisation in different inferior frontal regions would co-vary with lateralisation in the three different vOT subregions. A whole brain analysis found that, during semantic decisions on written words, laterality covaried in (1) posterior vOT and the precentral gyrus; (2) middle vOT and the pars opercularis, pars triangularis, and supramarginal gyrus; and (3) anterior vOT and the pars orbitalis, middle frontal gyrus and thalamus. These findings increase the spatial resolution of our understanding of how vOT interacts with other brain areas during semantic categorisation on words. PMID:23728081

Neuropeptide diversity and the regulation of social behavior in New World primates

PubMed Central

French, Jeffrey A.; Taylor, Jack H.; Mustoe, Aaryn C.; Cavanaugh, Jon

2016-01-01

Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are important hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate peripheral physiology, and have emerged as important modulators of brain function, particularly in the social realm. OT structure and the genes that ultimately determine structure are highly conserved among diverse eutherian mammals, but recent discoveries have identified surprising variability in OT and peptide structure in New World monkeys (NWM), with five new OT variants identified to date. This review explores these new findings in light of comparative OT/AVP ligand evolution, documents coevolutionary changes in the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors (OTR and V1aR), and highlights the distribution of neuropeptidergic neurons and receptors in the primate brain. Finally, the behavioral consequences of OT and AVP in regulating NWM sociality are summarized, demonstrating important neuromodulatory effects of these compounds and OT ligand-specific influences in certain social domains. PMID:27020799

Oxytocin's role in anxiety: a critical appraisal.

PubMed

MacDonald, Kai; Feifel, David

2014-09-11

A growing literature suggests that the oxytocin (OT) system may play a role in human anxiety states, anxiety-related traits, and moreover, that this system may be a target for the development of novel anxiolytic treatments. However, studies of OT's acute and chronic effects on various aspects of anxiety have produced mixed results. In this forward-looking review, we discuss the myriad phenomena to which the term "anxiety" is applied in the OT literature and the problem this presents developing a coherent picture of OT's role in anxiety. We then survey several different fields of research that support the role of the OT system in human anxiety, including evolutionary perspectives, translational and neuroimaging research, genetic studies, and clinical trials of intranasal OT. As an outgrowth of this data, we propose a "bowtie" model of OT's role at the interface of social attachment and anxiety. We next direct attention to understudied brain regions and neural circuits which may be important to study in OT experiments in humans anxiety disorders. Finally, we conclude by proposing questions and priorities for studying both the clinical potential of OT in anxiety, as well as mechanisms that may underlie this potential. Crucially, these priorities include targeted proof-of-concept clinical trials of IN OT in certain anxiety disorders, including investigations of individual moderators of OT's anxiolytic effects (i.e. sex, genetic factors, and early experience). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin and Social Behav. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oxytocin--its role in male reproduction and new potential therapeutic uses.

PubMed

Thackare, Hemlata; Nicholson, Helen D; Whittington, Kate

2006-01-01

Oxytocin (OT) is traditionally thought of as a "female" neurohypophysis hormone due to its role in parturition and milk ejection. However, OT is recognized as having endocrine and paracrine roles in male reproduction. At ejaculation, a burst of OT is released from the neurohypophysis into the systemic circulation and stimulates contractions of the reproductive tract aiding sperm release. There is conclusive evidence that OT is synthesized within the mammalian testis, epididymis and prostate and the presence of OT receptors (OTRs) through the reproductive tract supports a local action for this peptide. OT has a paracrine role in stimulating contractility of the seminiferous tubules, epididymis and the prostate gland. Interestingly, OT has also been shown to modulate androgen levels in these tissues via stimulation of the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestostone (DHT) by 5alpha-reductase. The elucidation of OT's role in male reproduction has suggested a number of potential therapeutic uses for this hormone. Exogenous administration of OT has, in some cases, been shown to increase the numbers of ejaculated sperm, possibly by stimulating contractions of the reproductive tract and thus aiding sperm passage. Within the prostate, OT has been shown to affect gland growth both directly and via its interaction with androgen metabolism. Prostate pathologies due to unregulated cell proliferation/growth, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer, are unfortunately very common and few effective treatments are available. Greater understanding of paracrine growth mediators, such as OT, is likely to provide new mechanisms for treating such pathologies.

Urban/Rural Differences in Therapy Service Use Among Medicaid Children Aged 0-3 With Developmental Conditions in Colorado.

PubMed

McManus, Beth M; Lindrooth, Richard; Richardson, Zachary; Rapport, Mary Jane

2016-01-01

To describe urban/rural differences in physical (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) service utilization and spending among a sample of young Medicaid-enrolled children with developmental conditions. We analyzed Colorado Children's Medicaid administrative claims from 2006 to 2008. The sample included children who were younger than 36 months of age, had a select developmental condition, and were continuously eligible for each study year up to their third birthday. The study outcomes were number of PT/OT claims, type of PT/OT service, and Medicaid PT/OT spending. Multivariable analyses examined urban/rural differences in PT/OT utilization and spending, adjusting for child, family, and health service characteristics. The sample included 20,959 children. In adjusted analyses, urban children had 2-fold higher odds (odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.89, 2.51) of receiving PT/OT compared to their rural peers. Median annual per-child Medicaid PT/OT spending was $99 higher ($98.79 [$3.23, $194.35]) for urban children versus rural children. When place of PT/OT service and PT/OT procedures was included, this spending difference was drastically reduced. Even accounting for child, family, and health service characteristics, Medicaid PT/OT spending is lower for rural children compared to their urban peers. The difference in spending is largely attributable to utilization of services that are less specialized than urban peers, thus suggesting disparities in access to appropriate PT/OT services. Copyright © 2016 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heat transfer tests of an 0.006-scale thin-skin space shuttle thermocouple model (41-OTS) in the Langley Research Center unitary plan wind tunnel at M equals 3.7 (IH16)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walstad, D. G.

1975-01-01

The results are presented of supersonic heat transfer tests performed on the .006 scale space shuttle vehicle model (41-OTS) in the Langley Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. These tests were conducted to parametrically investigate ascent heating of the integrated vehicle and its components. The tests were conducted at a nominal Mach number of 3.7 and Reynolds numbers per foot of 2 and 5 million. The model configurations investigated were the integrated vehicle and each component alone (i.e. orbiter, tank and SRB). All the configurations were run with and without transition strips and through an angle of attack range of 0 deg to minus 5 deg with the exception of the SRB which was tested through an angle of attack range of minus 5 deg to 90 deg. The heat transfer data were obtained from 223 iron constantan thermocouples attached to stainless steel thin-skin areas of the model.

Oxytocin and vasopressin in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Sex differences and associations with symptoms

PubMed Central

Miller, Meghan; Bales, Karen L.; Taylor, Sandra L.; Yoon, Jong; Hostetler, Caroline M.; Carter, Cameron S.; Solomon, Marjorie

2012-01-01

There has been intensified interest in the neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) given their role in affiliative and social behavior in animals, positive results of treatment studies using OT, and findings that genetic polymorphisms in the AVP-OT pathway are present in individuals with ASD. Nearly all such studies in humans have focused only on males. With this preliminary study, we provide basic and novel information on the involvement of OT and AVP in autism with an investigation of blood plasma levels of these neuropeptides in 75 preadolescent and adolescent girls and boys ages 8–18: 40 with high-functioning ASD (19 girls, 21 boys) and 35 typically developing children (16 girls, 19 boys). We related neuropeptide levels to social, language, repetitive behavior, and internalizing symptom measures in these individuals. There were significant gender effects: Girls showed higher levels of OT while boys had significantly higher levels of AVP. There were no significant effects of diagnosis on OT or AVP. Higher OT values were associated with greater anxiety in all girls and with better pragmatic language in all boys and girls. AVP levels were positively associated with restricted and repetitive behaviors in girls with ASD but negatively (non-significantly) associated with these behaviors in boys with ASD. Our results challenge the prevailing view that plasma OT levels are lower in individuals with ASD and suggest there are distinct and sexually dimorphic mechanisms of action for OT and AVP underlying anxiety and repetitive behaviors. Lay Abstract Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are neuropeptides that are involved in affiliative and social behavior. Previous studies have shown that boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have lower levels of OT than boys without ASD, and treatment studies have found that intranasal infusions of OT increase social behaviors in mostly males with ASD. With this study

Oxytocin differentially alters resting state functional connectivity between amygdala subregions and emotional control networks: Inverse correlation with depressive traits.

PubMed

Eckstein, Monika; Markett, Sebastian; Kendrick, Keith M; Ditzen, Beate; Liu, Fang; Hurlemann, Rene; Becker, Benjamin

2017-04-01

The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has received increasing attention for its role in modulating social-emotional processes across species. Previous studies on using intranasal-OT in humans point to a crucial engagement of the amygdala in the observed neuromodulatory effects of OT under task and rest conditions. However, the amygdala is not a single homogenous structure, but rather a set of structurally and functionally heterogeneous nuclei that show distinct patterns of connectivity with limbic and frontal emotion-processing regions. To determine potential differential effects of OT on functional connectivity of the amygdala subregions, 79 male participants underwent resting-state fMRI following randomized intranasal-OT or placebo administration. In line with previous studies OT increased the connectivity of the total amygdala with dorso-medial prefrontal regions engaged in emotion regulation. In addition, OT enhanced coupling of the total amygdala with cerebellar regions. Importantly, OT differentially altered the connectivity of amygdala subregions with distinct up-stream cortical nodes, particularly prefrontal/parietal, and cerebellar down-stream regions. OT-induced increased connectivity with cerebellar regions were largely driven by effects on the centromedial and basolateral subregions, whereas increased connectivity with prefrontal regions were largely mediated by right superficial and basolateral subregions. OT decreased connectivity of the centromedial subregions with core hubs of the emotional face processing network in temporal, occipital and parietal regions. Preliminary findings suggest that effects on the superficial amygdala-prefrontal pathway were inversely associated with levels of subclinical depression, possibly indicating that OT modulation may be blunted in the context of increased pathological load. Together, the present findings suggest a subregional-specific modulatory role of OT on amygdala-centered emotion processing networks in

An Early Postnatal Oxytocin Treatment Prevents Social and Learning Deficits in Adult Mice Deficient for Magel2, a Gene Involved in Prader-Willi Syndrome and Autism.

PubMed

Meziane, Hamid; Schaller, Fabienne; Bauer, Sylvian; Villard, Claude; Matarazzo, Valery; Riet, Fabrice; Guillon, Gilles; Lafitte, Daniel; Desarmenien, Michel G; Tauber, Maithé; Muscatelli, Françoise

2015-07-15

Mutations of MAGEL2 have been reported in patients presenting with autism, and loss of MAGEL2 is also associated with Prader-Willi syndrome, a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder. This study aimed to determine the behavioral phenotype of Magel2-deficient adult mice, to characterize the central oxytocin (OT) system of these mutant mice, and to test the curative effect of a peripheral OT treatment just after birth. We assessed the social and cognitive behavior of Magel2-deficient mice, analyzed the OT system of mutant mice treated or not by a postnatal administration of OT, and determined the effect of this treatment on the brain. Magel2 inactivation induces a deficit in social recognition and social interaction and a reduced learning ability in adult male mice. In these mice, we reveal anatomical and functional modifications of the OT system and show that these defects change from birth to adulthood. Daily administration of OT in the first postnatal week was sufficient to prevent deficits in social behavior and learning abilities in adult mutant male mice. We show that this OT treatment partly restores a normal OT system. Thus, we report that an alteration of the OT system around birth has long-term consequences on behavior and on cognition. Importantly, an acute OT treatment of Magel2-deficient pups has a curative effect. Our study reveals that OT plays a crucial role in setting social behaviors during a period just after birth. An early OT treatment in this critical period could be a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome and autism. Copyright © 2015 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Associations between oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation, plasma oxytocin, and attachment across adulthood.

PubMed

Ebner, Natalie C; Lin, Tian; Muradoglu, Melis; Weir, Devon H; Plasencia, Gabriela M; Lillard, Travis S; Pournajafi-Nazarloo, Hossein; Cohen, Ronald A; Sue Carter, C; Connelly, Jessica J

2018-02-02

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been implicated in a wide range of affiliative processes. OT exerts its functions via OT receptors, which are encoded by the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). Epigenetic modification of OXTR through the process of DNA methylation has been associated with individual differences in behavioral phenotypes. Specifically, lower levels of OXTR methylation have been linked to better social and affective functioning. However, research on epigenetic mechanisms of OXTR is scarce in non-clinical populations, and even less is known about epigenetic variability across adulthood. The present study assessed methylation levels at OXTR CpG site -934 and plasma OT levels in 22 young (20-31 years, M = 23.6) and 34 older (63-80 years, M = 71.4) participants. Lower levels of OXTR methylation and higher plasma OT levels were associated with less self-reported attachment anxiety in young but not older participants, with largely independent contributions of OXTR methylation and plasma OT levels. In contrast, in the overall sample, lower levels of OXTR methylation were associated with higher self-reported attachment avoidance. Age analysis suggested that these results were largely driven by young adults. Plasma OT levels were unrelated to attachment avoidance. Taken together, these findings support the emerging notion in the literature that epigenetic properties of OXTR, in addition to endogenous OT levels, are related to adult attachment. Further, the age effects observed in the associations between OXTR methylation, plasma OT, and adult attachment emphasize the importance of adopting a developmental perspective when studying properties of the OT system and their relation to affiliative processes. Findings contribute to growing evidence suggesting that epigenetic modification of genes regulating OT pathways and endogenous OT levels are associated with the way people form and maintain intimate social relationships. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B

Oxytocin under opioid antagonism leads to supralinear enhancement of social attention.

PubMed

Dal Monte, Olga; Piva, Matthew; Anderson, Kevin M; Tringides, Marios; Holmes, Avram J; Chang, Steve W C

2017-05-16

To provide new preclinical evidence toward improving the efficacy of oxytocin (OT) in treating social dysfunction, we tested the benefit of administering OT under simultaneously induced opioid antagonism during dyadic gaze interactions in monkeys. OT coadministered with a μ-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, invoked a supralinear enhancement of prolonged and selective social attention, producing a stronger effect than the summed effects of each administered separately. These effects were consistently observed when averaging over entire sessions, as well as specifically following events of particular social importance, including mutual eye contact and mutual reward receipt. Furthermore, attention to various facial regions was differentially modulated depending on social context. Using the Allen Institute's transcriptional atlas, we further established the colocalization of μ-opioid and κ-opioid receptor genes and OT genes at the OT-releasing sites in the human brain. These data across monkeys and humans support a regulatory relationship between the OT and opioid systems and suggest that administering OT under opioid antagonism may boost the therapeutic efficacy of OT for enhancing social cognition.

[Interdisciplinary teamwork in the OR: Identification and measurement of teamwork in the operating room].

PubMed

Passauer-Baierl, Stefanie; Baschnegger, Heiko; Bruns, Christiane; Weigl, Matthias

2014-01-01

Effective teamwork is one of the essentials in conducting successful and safe surgical procedures in the operating theatre (OT). The present paper aims to provide a selective review of various approaches describing effective interdisciplinary teamwork in the OT. Furthermore, it covers observational methods to assess OT teamwork with particular focus on Germany. Our definition of successful surgical teamwork is based on an already established classification system considering five criteria for effective and safe OT teams: coordination, communication, cooperation, leadership, and team monitoring. Well-defined and reliable measures are necessary to examine the quality of OT teamwork. Those methods should entail the special characteristics of the OT team. They should include all phases of the surgical procedure and incorporate all the professions involved (surgeons, surgical nurses, and anaesthetic staff). We conclude that research into methods for the assessment of OTs in Germany needs to be undertaken as a prerequisite to investigating the relationship between OT teamwork and its effects on patient safety and surgical quality. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Concentration of Antifouling Biocides and Metals in Sediment Core Samples in the Northern Part of Hiroshima Bay

PubMed Central

Tsunemasa, Noritaka; Yamazaki, Hideo

2014-01-01

Accumulation of Ot alternative antifoulants in sediment is the focus of this research. Much research had been done on surface sediment, but in this report, the accumulation in the sediment core was studied. The Ot alternative antifoulants, Diuron, Sea-Nine211, and Irgarol 1051, and the latter’s degradation product, M1, were investigated in five samples from the northern part of Hiroshima Bay. Ot compounds (tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT)) were also investigated for comparison. In addition, metal (Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) levels and chronology were measured to better understand what happens after accumulation on the sea floor. It was discovered that Ot alternative antifoulant accumulation characteristics in sediment were like Ot compounds, with the concentration in the sediment core being much higher than surface sediment. The concentration in sediment seems to have been affected by the regulation of Ot compounds in 1990, due to the concentration of Ot alternative antifoulants and Ot compounds at the survey point in front of the dock, showing an increase from almost the same layer after the regulation. PMID:24901529

Oxytocin under opioid antagonism leads to supralinear enhancement of social attention

PubMed Central

Dal Monte, Olga; Anderson, Kevin M.; Tringides, Marios; Holmes, Avram J.

2017-01-01

To provide new preclinical evidence toward improving the efficacy of oxytocin (OT) in treating social dysfunction, we tested the benefit of administering OT under simultaneously induced opioid antagonism during dyadic gaze interactions in monkeys. OT coadministered with a μ-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, invoked a supralinear enhancement of prolonged and selective social attention, producing a stronger effect than the summed effects of each administered separately. These effects were consistently observed when averaging over entire sessions, as well as specifically following events of particular social importance, including mutual eye contact and mutual reward receipt. Furthermore, attention to various facial regions was differentially modulated depending on social context. Using the Allen Institute’s transcriptional atlas, we further established the colocalization of μ-opioid and κ-opioid receptor genes and OT genes at the OT-releasing sites in the human brain. These data across monkeys and humans support a regulatory relationship between the OT and opioid systems and suggest that administering OT under opioid antagonism may boost the therapeutic efficacy of OT for enhancing social cognition. PMID:28461466

A determination of occlusal plane comparing different levels of the tragus to form ala-tragal line or Camper's line: A photographic study.

PubMed

Kumar, Sandeep; Garg, Sandeep; Gupta, Seema

2013-02-01

The purpose of this study was to determine accurately the part of the tragus to be used to form the Ala-Tragal line or Camper's line in orthognathic profile patients. 150 dentate subjects with age of 18-40 years with orthognathic profile were sampled. Life-size lateral digital photographs of the face with fox plane were taken in natural head position. Different angles between Eye-Ear plane and occlusal plane (OT1-OP), Eye-Ear plane and ala-superior border of tragus (OT1-AT1), Eye-Ear plane and ala-middle border of tragus (OT1-AT2) and Eye-Ear plane and ala-inferior border of tragus (OT1-AT3) were calculated using computer software package, AutoCAD 2004. From the three angles formed by the Eye-ear plane (OT1 or FH plane) and the ala-tragal lines, the one closest to the angle formed between Eye-Ear plane (OT1) and occlusal plane (OP) was used to determine the occlusal plane of orientation. The obtained results were subjected to ANOVA F test, Tukey's Honestly significant difference test, followed by Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation test. P values of less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. The mean of base line angle i.e. OT1-OP angle (11.96 ± 4.36) was found to be close to OT1-AT2 angle (13.67 ± 1.93) and OT1-AT3 angle (10.31 ± 2.03), but OT1-OP angle was found to be more closer to OT1-AT3 angle. Comparison of mean angles showed that OT1-OP angle in both males (11.68) and females (12.51) is close to OT1-AT3 angle (males- 11.01, females- 11.95). The line joining from ala to the lower border of the tragus was parallel to the occlusal plane in 53.3% of the subjects. There was no influence of the sex on the level of occlusal plane.

A determination of occlusal plane comparing different levels of the tragus to form ala-tragal line or Camper's line: A photographic study

PubMed Central

Garg, Sandeep; Gupta, Seema

2013-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine accurately the part of the tragus to be used to form the Ala-Tragal line or Camper's line in orthognathic profile patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS 150 dentate subjects with age of 18-40 years with orthognathic profile were sampled. Life-size lateral digital photographs of the face with fox plane were taken in natural head position. Different angles between Eye-Ear plane and occlusal plane (OT1-OP), Eye-Ear plane and ala-superior border of tragus (OT1-AT1), Eye-Ear plane and ala-middle border of tragus (OT1-AT2) and Eye-Ear plane and ala-inferior border of tragus (OT1-AT3) were calculated using computer software package, AutoCAD 2004. From the three angles formed by the Eye-ear plane (OT1 or FH plane) and the ala-tragal lines, the one closest to the angle formed between Eye-Ear plane (OT1) and occlusal plane (OP) was used to determine the occlusal plane of orientation. The obtained results were subjected to ANOVA F test, Tukey's Honestly significant difference test, followed by Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation test. P values of less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. RESULTS The mean of base line angle i.e. OT1-OP angle (11.96 ± 4.36) was found to be close to OT1-AT2 angle (13.67 ± 1.93) and OT1-AT3 angle (10.31 ± 2.03), but OT1-OP angle was found to be more closer to OT1-AT3 angle. Comparison of mean angles showed that OT1-OP angle in both males (11.68) and females (12.51) is close to OT1-AT3 angle (males- 11.01, females- 11.95). CONCLUSION The line joining from ala to the lower border of the tragus was parallel to the occlusal plane in 53.3% of the subjects. There was no influence of the sex on the level of occlusal plane. PMID:23508203

[Therapeutic effects of oxytocin in autism: Current status of the research].

PubMed

Gauthier, C; Doyen, C; Amado, I; Lôo, H; Gaillard, R

2016-02-01

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is an evolutionary highly conserved molecule that plays a part in the regulation of complex social cognition and behaviours. From a pathophysiological point of view, several studies have evidenced dysfunctions of the oxytocinergic system in autism spectrum disorders (ASD): a lowering of plasma OT and genetic or epigenetic anomalies of the OT receptor. Therefore, some authors have hypothesized that an abnormality in the OT neurotransmission may account for several features of autism and that a treatment restoring a normal OT pathway functioning could improve social abilities. OT administration has thus been used in clinical trials, especially in groups of subjects suffering from autism. Some studies found that OT decreased repetitive behaviours, enhanced emotional understanding of speech intonation, improved performance of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and reinforced cooperation. Nevertheless, the findings of the OT administration studies on clinical samples show great diversity. The context, the personality and childhood experiences of the subject could be moderators influencing the effect of exogenous OT. Besides, three mechanisms could play a part in the action of OT on ASD social symptoms: anxiety reduction (with a lowering in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsiveness and in the amygdale reactivity to social stimuli), increased affiliative motivation (involving the dopaminergic pathway and several regions of the social brain) and enhanced perceptual selectivity and social stimuli salience. To conclude, OT could be a promising molecule used as a treatment to promote social behaviours, helping individuals with ASD to develop new relationships. OT could be administered during a cognitive-behavioural therapy to reinforce the efficacy of such procedures. More studies are needed, on larger samples, to investigate the safety and efficacy of OT administration and to specify optimal dosages and characteristics of

Oxytocin- and arginine vasopressin-containing fibers in the cortex of humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques.

PubMed

Rogers, Christina N; Ross, Amy P; Sahu, Shweta P; Siegel, Ethan R; Dooyema, Jeromy M; Cree, Mary Ann; Stopa, Edward G; Young, Larry J; Rilling, James K; Albers, H Elliott; Preuss, Todd M

2018-05-24

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are involved in the regulation of complex social behaviors across a wide range of taxa. Despite this, little is known about the neuroanatomy of the OT and AVP systems in most non-human primates, and less in humans. The effects of OT and AVP on social behavior, including aggression, mating, and parental behavior, may be mediated primarily by the extensive connections of OT- and AVP-producing neurons located in the hypothalamus with the basal forebrain and amygdala, as well as with the hypothalamus itself. However, OT and AVP also influence social cognition, including effects on social recognition, cooperation, communication, and in-group altruism, which suggests connectivity with cortical structures. While OT and AVP V1a receptors have been demonstrated in the cortex of rodents and primates, and intranasal administration of OT and AVP has been shown to modulate cortical activity, there is to date little evidence that OT-and AVP-containing neurons project into the cortex. Here, we demonstrate the existence of OT- and AVP-containing fibers in cortical regions relevant to social cognition using immunohistochemistry in humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques. OT-immunoreactive fibers were found in the straight gyrus of the orbitofrontal cortex as well as the anterior cingulate gyrus in human and chimpanzee brains, while no OT-immunoreactive fibers were found in macaque cortex. AVP-immunoreactive fibers were observed in the anterior cingulate gyrus in all species, as well as in the insular cortex in humans, and in a more restricted distribution in chimpanzees. This is the first report of OT and AVP fibers in the cortex in human and non-human primates. Our findings provide a potential mechanism by which OT and AVP might exert effects on brain regions far from their production site in the hypothalamus, as well as potential species differences in the behavioral functions of these target regions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Acute Prosocial Effects of Oxytocin and Vasopressin When Given Alone or in Combination with 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in Rats: Involvement of the V1A Receptor

PubMed Central

Ramos, Linnet; Hicks, Callum; Kevin, Richard; Caminer, Alex; Narlawar, Rajeshwar; Kassiou, Michael; McGregor, Iain S

2013-01-01

The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are recognized for their modulation of social processes in humans when delivered peripherally. However, there is surprisingly little evidence for acute social effects of peripherally administered OT or AVP in animal models. On the other hand, the party drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy') has powerful prosocial effects in rats that appear to occur through stimulation of central OT release. Here, we directly compared the social effects of peripherally administered OT and AVP with those of MDMA, and examined a possible role for the vasopressin 1A receptor (V1AR) in the observed prosocial effects. Adult male Long-Evans rats were tested in a social interaction paradigm after OT (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)), AVP (0.001, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01, and 0.1 mg/kg, IP), and MDMA (2.5, 5 mg/kg, IP), or combined low doses of OT and MDMA, or AVP and MDMA. The effects of pretreatment with the non-peptide OT receptor antagonist compound 25 (C25; 5 mg/kg, IP) and the V1AR antagonist SR49059 (1 mg/kg, IP) were also examined. OT (0.5 mg/kg), AVP (0.01 mg/kg), and MDMA (5 mg/kg) potently increased ‘adjacent lying', where rats meeting for the first time lie passively next to each other. C25 did not inhibit adjacent lying induced by OT, whereas SR49059 inhibited adjacent lying induced by MDMA (5 mg/kg), OT (0.5 mg/kg), and AVP (0.01 mg/kg). Interestingly, when ineffective doses of OT and MDMA, or AVP and MDMA, were combined, a robust increase in adjacent lying was observed. These results show for the first time acute prosocial effects of peripherally injected OT and AVP in laboratory rats, and suggest a commonality of action of OT, AVP, and MDMA in stimulating social behavior that involves V1ARs. PMID:23676791

Statistical and methodological considerations for the interpretation of intranasal oxytocin studies

PubMed Central

Walum, Hasse; Waldman, Irwin D.; Young, Larry J.

2015-01-01

Over the last decade, oxytocin (OT) has received focus in numerous studies associating intranasal administration of this peptide with various aspects of human social behavior. These studies in humans are inspired by animal research, especially in rodents, showing that central manipulations of the OT system affect behavioral phenotypes related to social cognition, including parental behavior, social bonding and individual recognition. Taken together, these studies in humans appear to provide compelling, but sometimes bewildering evidence for the role of OT in influencing a vast array of complex social cognitive processes in humans. In this paper we investigate to what extent the human intranasal OT literature lends support to the hypothesis that intranasal OT consistently influences a wide spectrum of social behavior in humans. We do this by considering statistical features of studies within this field, including factors like statistical power, pre-study odds and bias. Our conclusion is that intranasal OT studies are generally underpowered and that there is a high probability that most of the published intranasal OT findings do not represent true effects. Thus the remarkable reports that intranasal OT influences a large number of human social behaviors should be viewed with healthy skepticism, and we make recommendations to improve the reliability of human OT studies in the future. PMID:26210057

Cerebral blood flow reduction associated with orientation for time in amnesic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease patients.

PubMed

Yamashita, Ken-Ichiro; Taniwaki, Yoshihide; Utsunomiya, Hidetsuna; Taniwaki, Takayuki

2014-01-01

Impairment of orientation for time (OT) is a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the brain regions underlying OT remain to be elucidated. Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), we examined the brain regions exhibiting hypoperfusion that were associated with OT. We compared regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) differences between AD and amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or normal subjects using 3-dimensional stereotactic surface projection (3D-SSP) analysis. AD patients were divided into OT good and poor groups according to their mean OT scores, and rCBF then compared between the groups to elucidate OT-specific brain areas. 3D-SSP analysis showed reduced rCBF in the left superior parietal lobule (SPL) and bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL) in AD patients. In the poor OT group, 3D-SSP analysis revealed hypoperfusion in the bilateral SPL, IPL, posterior cingulated cortex (PCC), and precuneus. Among these areas, region of interest analysis revealed a significant higher number of hypoperfused pixels in the left PCC in the OT poor AD group. Our SPECT study suggested that hypoperfusion in the left SPL and bilateral IPL was AD specific, and reduced rCBF in the left PCC was specifically associated with OT. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Neuroimaging.

Potent and selective oxytocin receptor agonists without disulfide bridges.

PubMed

Adachi, Yusuke; Sakimura, Katsuya; Shimizu, Yuji; Nakayama, Masaharu; Terao, Yasuko; Yano, Takahiko; Asami, Taiji

2017-06-01

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide involved in a wide variety of physiological actions, both peripherally and centrally. Many human studies have revealed the potential of OT to treat autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. OT interacts with the OT receptor (OTR) as well as vasopressin 1a and 1b receptors (V 1a R, V 1b R) as an agonist, and agonistic activity for V 1a R and V 1b R may have a negative impact on the therapeutic effects of OTR agonism in the CNS. An OTR-selective agonistic peptide, FE 202767, in which the structural differences from OT are a sulfide bond instead of a disulfide bond, and N-alkylglycine replacement for Pro at position 7, was reported. However, the effects of amino acid substitutions in OT have not been comprehensively investigated to compare OTR, V 1a R, and V 1b R activities. This led us to obtain a new OTR-selective analog by comprehensive amino acid substitutions of OT and replacement of the disulfide bond. A systematic amino acid scanning (Ala, Leu, Phe, Ser, Glu, or Arg) of desamino OT (dOT) at positions 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 revealed the tolerability for the substitution at positions 7 and 8. Further detailed study showed that trans-4-hydroxyproline (trans-Hyp) at position 7 and γ-methylleucine [Leu(Me)] at position 8 were markedly effective for improving receptor selectivity without decreasing the potency at the OTR. Subsequently, a combination of these amino acid substitutions with the replacement of the disulfide bond of dOT analogs with a sulfide bond (carba analog) or an amide bond (lactam analog) yielded several promising analogs, including carba-1-[trans-Hyp 7 ,Leu(Me) 8 ]dOT (14) with a higher potency (7.2pM) at OTR than that of OT and marked selectivity (>10,000-fold) over V 1a R and V 1b R. Hence, we investigated comprehensive modification of OT and obtained new OT analogs that exhibited high potency at OTR with marked selectivity. These OTR-selective agonists could be useful to investigate OTR-mediated effects on

On the Relationship between Transitional and Fully Turbulent Shear Flow.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

the spot a single large coherent eddy on which mall scale turbulence is superimposed or is it an assembly of eddies, both large and mall ...laminar boundary layer. These finds provided the first link between stability theory and the actual spreading of turbu- lence. We expected the...findings of the transitional spot and its re- lation to the transition process in boundary layers flow were drawn togeth- er into an organized theory

Dissociating frontal regions that co-lateralize with different ventral occipitotemporal regions during word processing.

PubMed

Seghier, Mohamed L; Price, Cathy J

2013-08-01

The ventral occipitotemporal sulcus (vOT) sustains strong interactions with the inferior frontal cortex during word processing. Consequently, activation in both regions co-lateralize towards the same hemisphere in healthy subjects. Because the determinants of lateralisation differ across posterior, middle and anterior vOT subregions, we investigated whether lateralisation in different inferior frontal regions would co-vary with lateralisation in the three different vOT subregions. A whole brain analysis found that, during semantic decisions on written words, laterality covaried in (1) posterior vOT and the precentral gyrus; (2) middle vOT and the pars opercularis, pars triangularis, and supramarginal gyrus; and (3) anterior vOT and the pars orbitalis, middle frontal gyrus and thalamus. These findings increase the spatial resolution of our understanding of how vOT interacts with other brain areas during semantic categorisation on words. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Therapy Use for Children With Developmental Conditions: Analysis of Colorado Medicaid Data.

PubMed

McManus, Beth M; Rapport, Mary Jane; Richardson, Zachary; Lindrooth, Richard

2017-07-01

To examine therapy use and spending for Medicaid-enrolled infants and toddlers with developmental conditions. Sample infants and toddlers had a diagnosis (eg, cerebral palsy) or developmental delay (DD). Colorado Children's Medicaid administrative outpatient therapy claims (2006-2008) were used to estimate differences, by condition type and number of comorbid chronic conditions (CCCs), of any physical therapy (PT)/occupational therapy (OT) and Medicaid PT/OT spending. The sample included 20 959 children. Children with at least 2 CCCs had higher odds of PT/OT than children with no CCC. Children with DD had 12-fold higher odds of having any PT/OT compared with children with diagnosis. Children with a DD and 2 CCCs had the highest PT/OT spending. Medicaid PT/OT use and spending are higher for children with more CCCs and those with DD because children with DD receive more specialized PT/OT.

Vasopressin and Oxytocin Reduce Food Sharing Behavior in Male, but Not Female Marmosets in Family Groups

PubMed Central

Taylor, Jack H.; Intorre, Allison A.; French, Jeffrey A.

2017-01-01

Oxytocin (OT) is critical for lactation and maternal care, but OT and the related nonapeptide vasopressin are important for caregiving behaviors in fathers and alloparents as well. This experiment tested the effects of vasopressin and OT on food sharing in marmoset families. We treated caregivers (parents, siblings) with intranasal vasopressin, OT, or saline, and then paired them with the youngest marmoset in the family. Caregivers were given preferred food, and then observed for food sharing and aggressive behavior with young marmosets. OT reduced food sharing from male alloparents to youngest siblings, and fathers that received vasopressin refused to share food with their youngest offspring more often than when treated with OT. Vasopressin increased aggressive vocalizations directed toward potential food recipients in all classes of caregivers. These results indicate that vasopressin and OT do not always enhance prosocial behavior: modulation of food sharing depends on both sex and parental status. PMID:28798724

Vasopressin and Oxytocin Reduce Food Sharing Behavior in Male, but Not Female Marmosets in Family Groups.

PubMed

Taylor, Jack H; Intorre, Allison A; French, Jeffrey A

2017-01-01

Oxytocin (OT) is critical for lactation and maternal care, but OT and the related nonapeptide vasopressin are important for caregiving behaviors in fathers and alloparents as well. This experiment tested the effects of vasopressin and OT on food sharing in marmoset families. We treated caregivers (parents, siblings) with intranasal vasopressin, OT, or saline, and then paired them with the youngest marmoset in the family. Caregivers were given preferred food, and then observed for food sharing and aggressive behavior with young marmosets. OT reduced food sharing from male alloparents to youngest siblings, and fathers that received vasopressin refused to share food with their youngest offspring more often than when treated with OT. Vasopressin increased aggressive vocalizations directed toward potential food recipients in all classes of caregivers. These results indicate that vasopressin and OT do not always enhance prosocial behavior: modulation of food sharing depends on both sex and parental status.

Oxytocin response to youth–mother interactions in clinically anxious youth is associated with separation anxiety and dyadic behavior

PubMed Central

Lebowitz, Eli R.; Silverman, Wendy K.; Martino, Alyssa M.; Zagoory-Sharon, Orna; Feldman, Ruth; Leckman, James F.

2017-01-01

Background Anxiety disorders are common in youth and cause significant distress and impairment to the individual and family. Oxytocin (OT), a nine amino acid peptide, is implicated in anxiety regulation and modulation of close interpersonal and attachment behavior. Anxiety disorders have been linked to low levels of salivary OT in youth. Research has also linked oxytocinergic functioning to social support, warm contact, and bonding, and indicated that contact with attachment figures stimulates OT response. We examined OT response to a brief, positive youth–mother interaction in clinically anxious youth. We investigated whether quality of the youth–mother interaction as well as the presence of particular anxiety disorders, are associated with youth OT response. Method Salivary OT from 41 youth with primary DSM-5 anxiety disorders was assayed before and after a 7-min youth–mother interaction that was later systematically coded by two reliable coders. Youth and mothers also completed rating scales of youth anxiety symptoms. Results Affective touch, maternal sensitivity, maternal intrusiveness, youth engagement, and youth initiative all contributed significantly to predicting youth OT response. Repeated measures analyses showed that when affective touch was high youth had greater OT response. OT response was positively associated with the presence of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and with child ratings of separation anxiety. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of maternal and dyadic behavior patterns to oxytocinergic response in clinically anxious youth, shed light on the association between OT and SAD, and point to possible intervention strategies. PMID:28052452

Salivary oxytocin in adolescents with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits.

PubMed

Levy, Tomer; Bloch, Yuval; Bar-Maisels, Meytal; Gat-Yablonski, Galia; Djalovski, Amir; Borodkin, Katy; Apter, Alan

2015-12-01

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits correlate with the severity and prognosis of conduct disorder in youth. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been linked to prosocial behaviors, including empathy and collaboration with others. This study discusses a possible role for OT in the biology of delinquent behavior. We hypothesized that in delinquent youth OT secretion will correlate with the severity of conduct problems and specifically with the level of CU traits. The study group included 67 male adolescents (mean age 16.2 years) undergoing residential treatment, previously assessed by an open clinical interview and history for the psychiatric diagnosis. Staff based Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits for psychopathy and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire were administered, and patients' medical and social personal files were systematically coded for previous history of antisocial acts using the Brown-Goodwin Questionnaire. Salivary OT was assayed by ELISA. Salivary OT levels were inversely correlated with conduct problems severity on Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (r = -0.27; p ≤ 0.01). Recorded history of antisocial acts did not correlate with current OT levels. Odds ratio (OR) for significant CU traits among subjects with conduct problems was increased in low-OT (OR = 14, p ≤ 0.05) but not in high-OT subjects (OR = 6, p ≥ 0.05). Children with conduct problems and low levels of salivary OT are at risk for significant CU traits. These results suggest a possible role for salivary OT as a biomarker for CU traits and conduct problems severity.

Effects of intranasal oxytocin on social anxiety in males with fragile X syndrome.

PubMed

Hall, Scott S; Lightbody, Amy A; McCarthy, Brigid E; Parker, Karen J; Reiss, Allan L

2012-04-01

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a rare inherited genetic disorder causing severe intellectual disability and autistic-like symptoms. Individuals with FXS, males in particular, often exhibit extreme eye gaze avoidance and hyperarousal when they encounter stressful social situations. We investigated whether oxytocin (OT), a hormone with prosocial and anxiolytic effects, could alleviate symptoms of social anxiety in this population. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled single-dose trial was performed with intranasal administration of placebo, 24 IU OT and 48 IU OT. Measures of eye gaze frequency, heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), heart rate variability (HRV) and salivary cortisol were obtained during a structured social challenge conducted 50 min following OT administration. Ten low-functioning males with FXS (aged 13-28 years) traveled to Stanford for the initial visit: 8 completed the study. Eye gaze frequency improved significantly in response to the 24 IU OT dose and salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly in response to the 48 IU OT dose. There was no effect of OT on heart rate, RSA or HRV although individual plots of the heart rate data suggested that OT increased heart rate in some participants and decreased heart rate in others. These findings suggest that intranasal administration of OT may ameliorate some symptoms of social anxiety in patients with FXS. Further double-blind placebo-controlled studies of OT, conducted in combination with behavioral treatment programs, may be warranted. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxytocin, brain physiology, and functional connectivity: a review of intranasal oxytocin fMRI studies.

PubMed

Bethlehem, Richard A I; van Honk, Jack; Auyeung, Bonnie; Baron-Cohen, Simon

2013-07-01

In recent years the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has become one of the most studied peptides of the human neuroendocrine system. Research has shown widespread behavioural effects and numerous potential therapeutic benefits. However, little is known about how OT triggers these effects in the brain. Here, we discuss some of the physiological properties of OT in the human brain including the long half-life of neuropeptides, the diffuse projections of OT throughout the brain and interactions with other systems such as the dopaminergic system. These properties indicate that OT acts without clear spatial and temporal specificity. Therefore, it is likely to have widespread effects on the brain's intrinsic functioning. Additionally, we review studies that have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) concurrently with OT administration. These studies reveal a specific set of 'social' brain regions that are likely to be the strongest targets for OT's potential to influence human behaviour. On the basis of the fMRI literature and the physiological properties of the neuropeptide, we argue that OT has the potential to not only modulate activity in a set of specific brain regions, but also the functional connectivity between these regions. In light of the increasing knowledge of the behavioural effects of OT in humans, studies of the effects of OT administration on brain function can contribute to our understanding of the neural networks in the social brain. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxytocin alters cell fate selection of rat neural progenitor cells in vitro

PubMed Central

Kannappan, Ramaswamy; Xu, Zhiqiang; Martino, Audrey; Friese, Matthew B.; Boyd, Justin D.; Crosby, Gregory; Culley, Deborah J.

2018-01-01

Synthetic oxytocin (sOT) is widely used during labor, yet little is known about its effects on fetal brain development despite evidence that it reaches the fetal circulation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sOT would affect early neurodevelopment by investigating its effects on neural progenitor cells (NPC) from embryonic day 14 rat pups. NPCs expressed the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), which was downregulated by 45% upon prolonged treatment with sOT. Next, we examined the effects of sOT on NPC death, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation using antibodies to NeuN (neurons), Olig2 (oligodendrocytes), and GFAP (astrocytes). Treated NPCs were analysed with unbiased high-throughput immunocytochemistry. Neither 6 nor 24 h exposure to 100 pM or 100 nM sOT had an effect on viability as assessed by PI or CC-3 immunocytochemistry. Similarly, sOT had negligible effect on NPC proliferation, except that the overall rate of NPC proliferation was higher in the 24 h compared to the 6 h group regardless of sOT exposure. The most significant finding was that sOT exposure caused NPCs to select a predominantly neuronal lineage, along with a concomitant decrease in glial cells. Collectively, our data suggest that perinatal exposure to sOT can have neurodevelopmental consequences for the fetus, and support the need for in vivo anatomical and behavioral studies in offspring exposed to sOT in utero. PMID:29346405

Oxytocin alters cell fate selection of rat neural progenitor cells in vitro.

PubMed

Palanisamy, Arvind; Kannappan, Ramaswamy; Xu, Zhiqiang; Martino, Audrey; Friese, Matthew B; Boyd, Justin D; Crosby, Gregory; Culley, Deborah J

2018-01-01

Synthetic oxytocin (sOT) is widely used during labor, yet little is known about its effects on fetal brain development despite evidence that it reaches the fetal circulation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sOT would affect early neurodevelopment by investigating its effects on neural progenitor cells (NPC) from embryonic day 14 rat pups. NPCs expressed the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), which was downregulated by 45% upon prolonged treatment with sOT. Next, we examined the effects of sOT on NPC death, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation using antibodies to NeuN (neurons), Olig2 (oligodendrocytes), and GFAP (astrocytes). Treated NPCs were analysed with unbiased high-throughput immunocytochemistry. Neither 6 nor 24 h exposure to 100 pM or 100 nM sOT had an effect on viability as assessed by PI or CC-3 immunocytochemistry. Similarly, sOT had negligible effect on NPC proliferation, except that the overall rate of NPC proliferation was higher in the 24 h compared to the 6 h group regardless of sOT exposure. The most significant finding was that sOT exposure caused NPCs to select a predominantly neuronal lineage, along with a concomitant decrease in glial cells. Collectively, our data suggest that perinatal exposure to sOT can have neurodevelopmental consequences for the fetus, and support the need for in vivo anatomical and behavioral studies in offspring exposed to sOT in utero.

Organotin Exposure and Vertebrate Reproduction: A Review

PubMed Central

de Araújo, Julia Fernandez Puñal; Podratz, Priscila Lang; Merlo, Eduardo; Sarmento, Isabela Valim; da Costa, Charles Santos; Niño, Oscar Mauricio Santamaria; Faria, Rodrigo Alves; Freitas Lima, Leandro Ceotto; Graceli, Jones Bernardes

2018-01-01

Organotin (OTs) compounds are organometallic compounds that are widely used in industry, such as in the manufacture of plastics, pesticides, paints, and others. OTs are released into the environment by anthropogenic actions, leading to contact with aquatic and terrestrial organisms that occur in animal feeding. Although OTs are degraded environmentally, reports have shown the effects of this contamination over the years because it can affect organisms of different trophic levels. OTs act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can lead to several abnormalities in organisms. In male animals, OTs decrease the weights of the testis and epididymis and reduce the spermatid count, among other dysfunctions. In female animals, OTs alter the weights of the ovaries and uteri and induce damage to the ovaries. In addition, OTs prevent fetal implantation and reduce mammalian pregnancy rates. OTs cross the placental barrier and accumulate in the placental and fetal tissues. Exposure to OTs in utero leads to the accumulation of lipid droplets in the Sertoli cells and gonocytes of male offspring in addition to inducing early puberty in females. In both genders, this damage is associated with the imbalance of sex hormones and the modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Here, we report that OTs act as reproductive disruptors in vertebrate studies; among the compounds are tetrabutyltin, tributyltin chloride, tributyltin acetate, triphenyltin chloride, triphenyltin hydroxide, dibutyltin chloride, dibutyltin dichloride, diphenyltin dichloride, monobutyltin, and azocyclotin. PMID:29545775

Results of an investigation of the space shuttle integrated vehicle aerodynamic heating characteristics obtained using the 0.0175-scale model 60-OTS in AEDC tunnel A during tests IH41 and IH41A

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cummings, J. W.; Dye, W. H.

1977-01-01

A thin skin thermocouple test was conducted to obtain heat-transfer data on the space shuttle integrated vehicle during the ascent phase of the flight profile. The test model was the 0.0175-scale thin skin thermocouple model (60-OTS) of the Rockwell International vehicle 5 configuration. The test was conducted at nominal Mach numbers of 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5, and a free stream unit Reynolds number of 5 million per ft. Heat transfer data were obtained for angles of attack of 0, + or - 5, and 10 deg and yaw angles of 0, 3, and 6 deg. The integrated vehicle model was tested with the external tank configured with both a smooth ogive nose and an ogive nose with a spherical nose tip (nipple nose). The remainder of the test was conducted with the external tank installed alone in the tunnel.

Sensitive parenting is associated with plasma oxytocin and polymorphisms in the OXTR and CD38 genes.

PubMed

Feldman, Ruth; Zagoory-Sharon, Orna; Weisman, Omri; Schneiderman, Inna; Gordon, Ilanit; Maoz, Rina; Shalev, Idan; Ebstein, Richard P

2012-08-01

Research in mammals has demonstrated the involvement of oxytocin (OT) in social bond formation; yet, its role in human bonding remains unclear. Plasma OT has been used as a proxy for central activity and studies indicate its association with human affiliative behaviors. Molecular genetic studies also reveal a role for OT neuropathways in shaping the social brain. However, the links between peripheral OT, genetic markers, and their combined contribution to human parenting are unknown. Participants included 352 individuals: 272 mothers and fathers and their 4- to 6-month-old-infants and 80 nonparents. Plasma OT was assayed from adults who were genotyped for oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and CD38 risk alleles associated with social dysfunctions. CD38 is an ectoenzyme that mediates the release of brain OT. Parent-infant interactions were microcoded for parental touch and gaze synchrony and participants reported on parental care in childhood. OXTR (rs2254298 and rs1042778) and CD38 (rs3796863) risk alleles were each associated with lower plasma OT. Reduced plasma OT and both OXTR and CD38 risk alleles were related to less parental touch. The interaction of high plasma OT and low-risk CD38 alleles predicted longer durations of parent-infant gaze synchrony. Parents reporting greater parental care showed higher plasma OT, low-risk CD38 alleles, and more touch toward their infants. Results indicate that peripheral and genetic markers of the extended OT pathway are interrelated and underpin core behaviors associated with human parenting and social engagement. These findings may have important implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders marked by early social dysfunctions. Copyright © 2012 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigations of the 0.020-scale 88-OTS Integrated Space Shuttle Vehicle Jet-Plume Model in the NASA/Ames Research Center 11 by11-Foot Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (IA80). Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nichols, M. E.

1976-01-01

The results are documented of jet plume effects wind tunnel test of the 0.020-scale 88-OTS launch configuration space shuttle vehicle model in the 11 x 11 foot leg of the NASA/Ames Research Center Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. This test involved cold gas main propulsion system (MPS) and solid rocket motor (SRB) plume simulations at Mach numbers from 0.6 to 1.4. Integrated vehicle surface pressure distributions, elevon and rudder hinge moments, and wing and vertical tail root bending and torsional moments due to MPS and SRB plume interactions were determined. Nozzle power conditions were controlled per pretest nozzle calibrations. Model angle of attack was varied from -4 deg to +4 deg; model angle of sideslip was varied from -4 deg to +4 deg. Reynolds number was varied for certain test conditions and configurations, with the nominal freestream total pressure being 14.69 psia. Plotted force and pressure data are presented.

AFM investigation of effect of absorbed water layer structure on growth mechanism of octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayer on oxidized silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shaowei; Zheng, Yanjun; Chen, Changfeng

2016-06-01

The growth mechanism of an octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled monolayer on a silicon oxide surface at various relative humidities has been investigated. Atomic force microscopy images show that excess water may actually hinder the nucleation and growth of OTS islands. A moderate amount of water is favorable for the nucleation and growth of OTS islands in the initial stage; however, the completion of the monolayer is very slow in the final stage. The growth of OTS islands on a low-water-content surface maintains a relatively constant speed and requires the least amount of time. The mobility of water molecules is thought to play an important role in the OTS monolayers, and a low-mobility water layer provides a steady condition for OTS monolayer growth.

Role of oxytocin in improving the welfare of farm animals - A review.

PubMed

Chen, Siyu; Sato, Shusuke

2017-04-01

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the welfare of farm animals, which have been evaluated using behavioral and physiological measures. However, so far, the measures have almost always been used to estimate poor welfare. In this review, firstly we focus on how oxytocin (OT) relates to positive social behavior, pleasure, and stress tolerance, and second on which management factors stimulate OT release. OT induces maternal and affiliative behaviors and has an anti-stress effect. Further, OT is produced during enjoyable events, and has positive feedback on its own release as well. Therefore, to some extent, the relationship of OT to positive normal behavior was mutually beneficial-heightened OT concentration owing to comfortable rearing conditions induces positive social behavior, which in turn may increase OT concentration. Hence, studies on animal welfare should pay more attention to increasing comfort and the stress tolerance, rather than only focusing on when stress occurs in farm animals.

Validation of the ocular trauma score for intraocular foreign bodies in deadly weapon-related open-globe injuries.

PubMed

Unal, Melih H; Aydin, Ali; Sonmez, Murat; Ayata, Ali; Ersanli, Dilaver

2008-01-01

To evaluate the prognostic value of the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) in cases of deadly weapon-related open-globe injuries with intraocular foreign bodies. A retrospective, interventional case series included 20 eyes of 20 patients who had deadly weapon-related open-globe injuries with intraocular foreign bodies. The OTS was calculated for each patient by adding the determined numbers of OTS variables at presentation (initial visual acuity, rupture, endophthalmitis, perforating injury, retinal detachment, and afferent pupillary defect). Patients were categorized based on their score (category 1 through 5). Final visual acuities in the OTS categories were calculated and compared to those in OTS study group. No statistically significant difference was found between the categorical distributions of the study patients and those in the OTS study group. No patient in the study was in category 5. The OTS, which was designed to predict visual outcomes of general ocular trauma, may also provide reliable information about the prognosis of deadly weapon-related open-globe injuries with intraocular foreign bodies.

Effects of oxytocin administration on spirituality and emotional responses to meditation

PubMed Central

Way, Baldwin M.; Isgett, Suzannah F.; Fredrickson, Barbara L.

2016-01-01

The oxytocin (OT) system, critically involved in social bonding, may also impinge on spirituality, which is the belief in a meaningful life imbued with a sense of connection to a Higher Power and/or the world. Midlife male participants (N = 83) were randomly assigned to receive intranasal OT or placebo. In exploratory analyses, participants were also genotyped for polymorphisms in two genes critical for OT signaling, the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR rs53576) and CD38 (rs6449182 and rs3796863). Results showed that intranasal OT increased self-reported spirituality on two separate measures and this effect remained significant a week later. It also boosted participants’ experience of specific positive emotions during meditation, at both explicit and implicit levels. Furthermore, the effect of OT on spirituality was moderated by OT-related genotypes. These results provide the first experimental evidence that spirituality, endorsed by millions worldwide, appears to be supported by OT. PMID:27317929

Driving Intervention for Returning Combat Veterans.

PubMed

Classen, Sherrilene; Winter, Sandra; Monahan, Miriam; Yarney, Abraham; Link Lutz, Amanda; Platek, Kyle; Levy, Charles

2017-04-01

Increased crash incidence following deployment and veterans' reports of driving difficulty spurred traffic safety research for this population. We conducted an interim analysis on the efficacy of a simulator-based occupational therapy driving intervention (OT-DI) compared with traffic safety education (TSE) in a randomized controlled trial. During baseline and post-testing, OT-Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and one OT-Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist measured driving performance errors on a DriveSafety CDS-250 high-fidelity simulator. The intervention group ( n = 13) received three OT-DI sessions addressing driving errors and visual-search retraining. The control group ( n = 13) received three TSE sessions addressing personal factors and defensive driving. Based on Wilcoxon rank-sum analysis, the OT-DI group's errors were significantly reduced when comparing baseline with Post-Test 1 ( p < .0001) and comparing the OT-DI group with the TSE group at Post-Test 1 ( p = .01). These findings provide support for the efficacy of the OT-DI and set the stage for a future effectiveness study.

Orthoptic Treatment of Convergence Insufficiency in Parkinson's Disease: A Case Series.

PubMed

Kergoat, Hélène; Law, Caroline; Chriqui, Estefania; Kergoat, Marie-Jeanne; Leclerc, Bernard-Simon; Panisset, Michel; Postuma, Ronald; Irving, Elizabeth L

2017-01-01

Introduction: This study reports a case series of orthoptic treatment (OT) for convergence insufficiency (CI) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Method: We are reporting two cases of individuals with PD who completed OT for CI. Both had a confirmed diagnosis of CI, accompanied by CI-type symptomatology. They each underwent an OT program consisting of three office-based visits and 8 weeks of home-based exercises. Treatment outcome was based on the changes measured pre- versus post-OT on the near point of convergence, positive fusional vergences, and symptomatology score. Results: The two participants successfully completed therapy, gained ability to converge, had fewer symptoms, and were satisfied with the OT-induced changes they felt in their day-to-day lives. Conclusion: This case series show that OT for CI in PD is possible. Further research is required as these results demonstrate that OT has the potential to improve symptomatic CI in these patients. In the meantime, the positive results obtained in these two cases should encourage clinicians to consider OT (a therapy with no/minimal risk) for CI in patients with PD whose quality of life is affected by this binocular dysfunction.

Influence of oxytocin on emotion recognition from body language: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Bernaerts, Sylvie; Berra, Emmely; Wenderoth, Nicole; Alaerts, Kaat

2016-10-01

The neuropeptide 'oxytocin' (OT) is known to play a pivotal role in a variety of complex social behaviors by promoting a prosocial attitude and interpersonal bonding. One mechanism by which OT is hypothesized to promote prosocial behavior is by enhancing the processing of socially relevant information from the environment. With the present study, we explored to what extent OT can alter the 'reading' of emotional body language as presented by impoverished biological motion point light displays (PLDs). To do so, a double-blind between-subjects randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted, assessing performance on a bodily emotion recognition task in healthy adult males before and after a single-dose of intranasal OT (24 IU). Overall, a single-dose of OT administration had a significant effect of medium size on emotion recognition from body language. OT-induced improvements in emotion recognition were not differentially modulated by the emotional valence of the presented stimuli (positive versus negative) and also, the overall tendency to label an observed emotional state as 'happy' (positive) or 'angry' (negative) was not modified by the administration of OT. Albeit moderate, the present findings of OT-induced improvements in bodily emotion recognition from whole-body PLD provide further support for a link between OT and the processing of socio-communicative cues originating from the body of others. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Adaptive coding of the value of social cues with oxytocin, an fMRI study in autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Andari, Elissar; Richard, Nathalie; Leboyer, Marion; Sirigu, Angela

2016-03-01

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is one of the major targets of research in neuroscience, with respect to social functioning. Oxytocin promotes social skills and improves the quality of face processing in individuals with social dysfunctions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although one of OT's key functions is to promote social behavior during dynamic social interactions, the neural correlates of this function remain unknown. Here, we combined acute intranasal OT (IN-OT) administration (24 IU) and fMRI with an interactive ball game and a face-matching task in individuals with ASD (N = 20). We found that IN-OT selectively enhanced the brain activity of early visual areas in response to faces as compared to non-social stimuli. OT inhalation modulated the BOLD activity of amygdala and hippocampus in a context-dependent manner. Interestingly, IN-OT intake enhanced the activity of mid-orbitofrontal cortex in response to a fair partner, and insula region in response to an unfair partner. These OT-induced neural responses were accompanied by behavioral improvements in terms of allocating appropriate feelings of trust toward different partners' profiles. Our findings suggest that OT impacts the brain activity of key areas implicated in attention and emotion regulation in an adaptive manner, based on the value of social cues. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Navigating surgical fluorescence cameras using near-infrared optical tracking.

PubMed

van Oosterom, Matthias; den Houting, David; van de Velde, Cornelis; van Leeuwen, Fijs

2018-05-01

Fluorescence guidance facilitates real-time intraoperative visualization of the tissue of interest. However, due to attenuation, the application of fluorescence guidance is restricted to superficial lesions. To overcome this shortcoming, we have previously applied three-dimensional surgical navigation to position the fluorescence camera in reach of the superficial fluorescent signal. Unfortunately, in open surgery, the near-infrared (NIR) optical tracking system (OTS) used for navigation also induced an interference during NIR fluorescence imaging. In an attempt to support future implementation of navigated fluorescence cameras, different aspects of this interference were characterized and solutions were sought after. Two commercial fluorescence cameras for open surgery were studied in (surgical) phantom and human tissue setups using two different NIR OTSs and one OTS simulating light-emitting diode setup. Following the outcome of these measurements, OTS settings were optimized. Measurements indicated the OTS interference was caused by: (1) spectral overlap between the OTS light and camera, (2) OTS light intensity, (3) OTS duty cycle, (4) OTS frequency, (5) fluorescence camera frequency, and (6) fluorescence camera sensitivity. By optimizing points 2 to 4, navigation of fluorescence cameras during open surgery could be facilitated. Optimization of the OTS and camera compatibility can be used to support navigated fluorescence guidance concepts. (2018) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

A common oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphism modulates intranasal oxytocin effects on the neural response to social cooperation in humans.

PubMed

Feng, C; Lori, A; Waldman, I D; Binder, E B; Haroon, E; Rilling, J K

2015-09-01

Intranasal oxytocin (OT) can modulate social-emotional functioning and related brain activity in humans. Consequently, OT has been discussed as a potential treatment for psychiatric disorders involving social behavioral deficits. However, OT effects are often heterogeneous across individuals. Here we explore individual differences in OT effects on the neural response to social cooperation as a function of the rs53576 polymorphism of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). Previously, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which healthy men and women were randomized to treatment with intranasal OT or placebo. Afterwards, they were imaged with functional magnetic resonance imaging while playing an iterated Prisoner's Dilemma Game with same-sex partners. Within the left ventral caudate nucleus, intranasal OT treatment increased activation to reciprocated cooperation in men, but tended to decrease activation in women. Here, we show that these sex differences in OT effects are specific to individuals with the rs53576 GG genotype, and are not found for other genotypes (rs53576 AA/AG). Thus, OT may increase the reward or salience of positive social interactions for male GG homozygotes, while decreasing those processes for female GG homozygotes. These results suggest that rs53576 genotype is an important variable to consider in future investigations of the clinical efficacy of intranasal OT treatment. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society.

Association of Emotional Labor and Occupational Stressors with Depressive Symptoms among Women Sales Workers at a Clothing Shopping Mall in the Republic of Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study

PubMed Central

Chung, Yuh-Jin; Jung, Woo-Chul

2017-01-01

In the distribution service industry, sales people often experience multiple occupational stressors such as excessive emotional labor, workplace mistreatment, and job insecurity. The present study aimed to explore the associations of these stressors with depressive symptoms among women sales workers at a clothing shopping mall in Korea. A cross sectional study was conducted on 583 women who consist of clothing sales workers and manual workers using a structured questionnaire to assess demographic factors, occupational stressors, and depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the association of these stressors with depressive symptoms. Scores for job stress subscales such as job demand, job control, and job insecurity were higher among sales workers than among manual workers (p < 0.01). The multiple regression analysis revealed the association between occupation and depressive symptoms after controlling for age, educational level, cohabiting status, and occupational stressors (sβ = 0.08, p = 0.04). A significant interaction effect between occupation and social support was also observed in this model (sβ = −0.09, p = 0.02). The multiple regression analysis stratified by occupation showed that job demand, job insecurity, and workplace mistreatment were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both occupations (p < 0.05), although the strength of statistical associations were slightly different. We found negative associations of social support (sβ = −0.22, p < 0.01) and emotional effort (sβ = −0.17, p < 0.01) with depressive symptoms in another multiple regression model for sales workers. Emotional dissonance (sβ = 0.23, p < 0.01) showed positive association with depressive symptoms in this model. The result of this study indicated that reducing occupational stressors would be effective for women sales workers to prevent depressive symptoms. In particular, promoting social support could be the most effective way

Association of Emotional Labor and Occupational Stressors with Depressive Symptoms among Women Sales Workers at a Clothing Shopping Mall in the Republic of Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Chung, Yuh-Jin; Jung, Woo-Chul; Kim, Hyunjoo; Cho, Seong-Sik

2017-11-23

In the distribution service industry, sales people often experience multiple occupational stressors such as excessive emotional labor, workplace mistreatment, and job insecurity. The present study aimed to explore the associations of these stressors with depressive symptoms among women sales workers at a clothing shopping mall in Korea. A cross sectional study was conducted on 583 women who consist of clothing sales workers and manual workers using a structured questionnaire to assess demographic factors, occupational stressors, and depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore the association of these stressors with depressive symptoms. Scores for job stress subscales such as job demand, job control, and job insecurity were higher among sales workers than among manual workers ( p < 0.01). The multiple regression analysis revealed the association between occupation and depressive symptoms after controlling for age, educational level, cohabiting status, and occupational stressors (sβ = 0.08, p = 0.04). A significant interaction effect between occupation and social support was also observed in this model (sβ = -0.09, p = 0.02). The multiple regression analysis stratified by occupation showed that job demand, job insecurity, and workplace mistreatment were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both occupations ( p < 0.05), although the strength of statistical associations were slightly different. We found negative associations of social support (sβ = -0.22, p < 0.01) and emotional effort (sβ = -0.17, p < 0.01) with depressive symptoms in another multiple regression model for sales workers. Emotional dissonance (sβ = 0.23, p < 0.01) showed positive association with depressive symptoms in this model. The result of this study indicated that reducing occupational stressors would be effective for women sales workers to prevent depressive symptoms. In particular, promoting social support could be the most effective way to

Report to the Congress: Information Technology Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

mall” in which “individual boutiques ” could be embedded to respond to tailored needs. To implement the virtual mall, a web portal should be...time to support multi-agency and coalition efforts. 16 As a key “ boutique ” element of the virtual mall it is recommended that a prototype web...environments, perhaps on a “ hoteling ” or shared basis. In this latter area, it should be possible to use DoD laboratories and National laboratories

Sex differences in neural activation following different routes of oxytocin administration in awake adult rats.

PubMed

Dumais, Kelly M; Kulkarni, Praveen P; Ferris, Craig F; Veenema, Alexa H

2017-07-01

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) regulates social behavior in sex-specific ways across species. OT has promising effects on alleviating social deficits in sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. However little is known about potential sexually dimorphic effects of OT on brain function. Using the rat as a model organism, we determined whether OT administered centrally or peripherally induces sex differences in brain activation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to examine blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity changes in the brains of awake rats during the 20min following intracerebroventricular (ICV; 1μg/5μl) or intraperitoneal (IP; 0.1mg/kg) OT administration as compared to baseline. ICV OT induced sex differences in BOLD activation in 26 out of 172 brain regions analyzed, with 20 regions showing a greater volume of activation in males (most notably the nucleus accumbens and insular cortex), and 6 regions showing a greater volume of activation in females (including the lateral and central amygdala). IP OT also elicited sex differences in BOLD activation with a greater volume of activation in males, but this activation was found in different and fewer (10) brain regions compared to ICV OT. In conclusion, exogenous OT modulates neural activation differently in male versus female rats with the pattern and magnitude, but not the direction, of sex differences depending on the route of administration. These findings highlight the need to include both sexes in basic and clinical studies to fully understand the role of OT on brain function. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occupational therapy practice in emergency care: Occupational therapists' perspectives.

PubMed

Spang, Lisa; Holmqvist, Kajsa

2015-01-01

Emergency care takes place in a complex work environment that is characterized by critically ill patients, short hospital stays, and a wide variety of different healthcare professionals. Studies of occupational therapists' (OTs) experiences of working within emergency care have shown that they often experience difficulties in explaining the essence of occupational therapy and have to justify their approaches. Much effort has been made in Sweden to help OTs dispel the notion that occupational therapy is difficult to explain, and the aim of this study was to describe how Swedish OTs perceive their work in emergency care. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken, and 14 interviews were conducted with OTs working in emergency care. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. The overall theme that emerged was "Feeling established through deliberate occupation-based work". The underlying categories showed different strategies used by the OTs to provide occupational therapy in an emergency care context. Deliberate strategies were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of occupational therapy and its approaches to patients and other health care professionals, and this resulted in the OTs feeling both established and needed. Unlike the OTs in previous studies, the Swedish OTs experienced no difficulties in explaining occupational therapy and could make convincing arguments for their interventions. Parallel to their clinical work, the OTs worked with on-going development to find ways to improve their approaches. In summary, these Swedish OTs seem to have been provided with a professional language and the knowledge required to establish themselves in an emergency care setting.

Indication of a species in an extinction vortex: The ocellated turkey on the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kampichler, Christian; Calmé, Sophie; Weissenberger, Holger; Arriaga-Weiss, Stefan Louis

2010-11-01

The ocellated turkey Meleagris ocellata (OT) is a large, unmistakable endemic bird of the Yucatan peninsula. The species has suffered a considerable loss of distributional area as well as local abundance between 1980 and 2000 and is classified as endangered according to Mexican norms. We applied Classification Trees and Random Forests in order to determine the factors that most closely explain the observed patterns of distribution and abundance loss, and to develop hypotheses that may guide measures for the protection of the OT. Among the most important predictors of change were variables corresponding to aspects of forest cover and variables on human population and small settlements. OT abundance in 1980, however, was by far the most important predictor for OT abundance change. This is an indication that the OT dynamics are governed by internal rather than by external factors. Medium and low abundances in 1980 inevitably led to a further decrease during the following years, which gives rise to the conclusion that the OT might find itself in an extinction vortex. We suggest the following hypothetical scenario for OT decline: migrant people from other Mexican states colonise forested regions in Yucatan; they establish small settlements; bushmeat hunting is important for their survival; the naïve OT is easy prey; hunting—together with beginning deforestation—reaches a certain level, and local OT abundance falls below a critical threshold; OT continues declining regardless of current social and environmental changes except where there is total protection of both the species and its habitat.

A pilot study of rhythm and timing training as a supplement to occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation.

PubMed

Hill, Valerie; Dunn, Leah; Dunning, Kari; Page, Stephen J

2011-01-01

Stroke is the leading cause of disability. A need exists for an effective intervention to enhance upper extremity (UE) motor abilities and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. The objectives of this pilot study were to (1) determine the feasibility of adding Interactive Metronome (IM) to an occupational therapy (OT) program; and (2) determine changes in UE impairments, function, quality of life, and perceived physical performance ability and satisfaction using a combined IM + OT regimen compared with OT alone for adults with chronic stroke. This pilot study (n=10) used a 2-group (OT or IM+OT) pretest-posttest design. The intervention involved 60 minutes of IM + OT or OT alone, 3 days a week for 10 weeks. Outcome measures included the UE Fugl-Meyer (impairment), the Arm Motor Ability Test (function), the Box and Block Test (function), Stroke Impact Scale (quality of life), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (perceived performance ability and satisfaction). It was feasible to add IM to OT. The IM+OT group demonstrated decreased impairment and increased quality of life. However, the OT-alone group demonstrated greater gains in function, perceived physical performance ability, and satisfaction. These findings suggest that rhythm and timing training using the IM is a feasible intervention to consider as part of therapy treatment. However, IM may fit best for prefunctional treatment, as it seemed to primarily decrease impairment. It may also serve as a supplement before or after treatment in order to maximize rehabilitation potential. Clinical implications and suggestions for future studies are provided.

75 FR 42833 - Prohibited Service at Savings and Loan Holding Companies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-22

....treas.gov . OTS will post comments and the related index on the OTS Internet Site at http://www.ots... regulations applicable to savings associations under Regulation DD. Regulation DD implements the Truth in...

Effect of oral tolerance in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Shin, Ji-Hyeon; Kang, Jun Myung; Kim, Sung Won; Cho, Jin-Hee; Park, Yong Jin; Kim, Soo Whan

2010-03-01

Induction of oral tolerance (OT) is known to prevent allergic inflammation in models of asthma. This study investigated the preventive effect of OT and airway remodeling in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR). An in vivo study using an animal model. Catholic Research Institutes of Medical Science. Forty six-week-old, female BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control, AR, low-dose OT, and high-dose OT. To induce OT, mice were fed ovalbumin (OVA) before sensitization with OVA/aluminum hydroxide, 1 mg for six days in the low-dose OT group and a 25 mg single dose in the high-dose OT group. Mice in the AR group were fed phosphate-buffered saline. After sensitization followed by challenges with OVA during six weeks, nasal behaviors, interleukin (IL)-13 and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) levels in nasal lavage (NAL) fluids, as well as OVA-specific IgE levels in serum, were measured. The degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and thickness of lamina propria were observed in nasal tissues by periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome stain. A P value < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Both OT groups showed a significant decrease in inflammatory cells, IL-13 and IFN-gamma in NAL fluids, as well as OVA-specific IgE levels in serum compared with the AR group. In addition, the degree of goblet cell hyperplasia and thickness of lamina propria were attenuated in both OT groups compared with the AR group. Further, these alterations did not differ significantly between the two OT groups. These results suggest that OT may effectively reduce allergic inflammation as well as airway remodeling in a mouse model of AR. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

CD8+ T cells induce complete regression of advanced ovarian cancers by an interleukin (IL)-2/IL-15 dependent mechanism.

PubMed

Yang, Taimei; Wall, Erika M; Milne, Katy; Theiss, Patty; Watson, Peter; Nelson, Brad H

2007-12-01

In vitro studies suggest that ovarian cancer evades immune rejection by fostering an immunosuppressive environment within the peritoneum; however, the functional responses of ovarian cancer-specific T cells have not been directly investigated in vivo. Therefore, we developed a new murine model to enable tracking of tumor-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses to advanced ovarian tumors. The ovarian tumor cell line ID8 was transfected to stably express an epitope-tagged version of HER-2/neu (designated Neu(OT-I/OT-II)). After i.p. injection into C57BL/6 mice, ID8 cells expressing Neu(OT-I/OT-II) gave rise to disseminated serous adenocarcinomas with extensive ascites. CD8(+) T cells expressing a transgenic T-cell receptor specific for the OT-I epitope of Neu(OT-I/OT-II) were adoptively transferred into tumor-bearing mice, and functional responses were monitored. Cytokine signaling requirements were evaluated by comparing the responses of wild-type donor T cells with those with genetic deletion of the interleukin (IL)-2/IL-15 receptor beta subunit (CD122) or the IL-2 receptor alpha subunit (CD25). On adoptive transfer into tumor-bearing hosts, wild-type OT-I T cells underwent a striking proliferative response, reaching peak densities of approximately 40% and approximately 90% of CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood and ascites, respectively. OT-I cells infiltrated and destroyed tumor tissue, and ascites completely resolved within 10 days. By contrast, CD122(-/-) OT-I cells and CD25(-/-) OT-I cells proliferated in blood but failed to accumulate in ascites or tumor tissue or induce tumor regression. Contrary to expectation, advanced ovarian cancers can support extraordinary CD8(+) T-cell proliferation and antitumor activity through an IL-2/IL-15-dependent mechanism.

Long-term oxytocin administration enhances the experience of attachment.

PubMed

Bernaerts, Sylvie; Prinsen, Jellina; Berra, Emmely; Bosmans, Guy; Steyaert, Jean; Alaerts, Kaat

2017-04-01

The neuropeptide 'oxytocin' (OT) is known to play a pivotal role in a variety of complex social behaviors by promoting a prosocial attitude and interpersonal bonding. Previous studies showed that a single-dose of exogenously administered OT can affect trust and feelings of attachment insecurity. With the present study, we explored the effects of two weeks of daily OT administration on measures of state and trait attachment using a double-blind between-subjects randomized placebo-controlled design. In 40 healthy young adult men state and trait attachment were assessed before and after two weeks of daily intranasal OT (24 IU) or placebo using the State Adult Attachment Scale and the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment. Mood, social responsiveness and quality of life were additionally assessed as secondary outcome measures. Reductions in attachment avoidance and increases in reports of attachment toward peers were reported after two weeks of OT treatment. Further, treatment-induced changes were most pronounced for participants with less secure attachment towards their peers. indicating that normal variance at baseline modulated treatment response. OT treatment was additionally associated with changes in mood, indicating decreases in feelings of tension and (tentatively) anger in the OT group, not in the placebo group. Further, at the end of the two-week trial, both treatment groups (OT, placebo) reported to experience an increase in social responsiveness and quality of life, but the effects were only specific to the OT-treatment in terms of reports on 'social motivation'. In summary, the observed improvements on state and trait dimensions of attachment after a multiple-dose treatment with OT provide further evidence in support of a pivotal role of OT in promoting the experience of attachment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Androgen Metabolite, 5α-Androstane-3β,17β-Diol (3β-Diol), Activates the Oxytocin Promoter Through an Estrogen Receptor-β Pathway

PubMed Central

Hiroi, Ryoko; Lacagnina, Anthony F.; Hinds, Laura R.; Carbone, David G.; Uht, Rosalie M.

2013-01-01

Testosterone has been shown to suppress the acute stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; however, the mechanisms underlying this response remain unclear. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is regulated by a neuroendocrine subpopulation of medial parvocellular neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). These neurons are devoid of androgen receptors (ARs). Therefore, a possibility is that the PVN target neurons respond to a metabolite in the testosterone catabolic pathway via an AR-independent mechanism. The dihydrotestosterone metabolite, 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β-diol), binds and activates estrogen receptor-β (ER-β), the predominant ER in the PVN. In the PVN, ER-β is coexpressed with oxytocin (OT). Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that 3β-diol regulates OT expression through ER-β activation. Treatment of ovariectomized rats with estradiol benzoate or 3β-diol for 4 days increased OT mRNA selectively in the midcaudal, but not rostral PVN compared with vehicle-treated controls. 3β-Diol treatment also increased OT mRNA in the hypothalamic N38 cell line in vitro. The functional interactions between 3β-diol and ER-β with the human OT promoter were examined using an OT promoter-luciferase reporter construct (OT-luc). In a dose-dependent manner, 3β-diol treatment increased OT-luc activity when cells were cotransfected with ER-β, but not ER-α. The 3β-diol–induced OT-luc activity was reduced by deletion of the promoter region containing the composite hormone response element (cHRE). Point mutations of the cHRE also prevented OT-luc activation by 3β-diol. These results indicate that 3β-diol induces OT promoter activity via ER-β–cHRE interactions. PMID:23515287

Cuban Ocular Toxoplasmosis Epidemiology Study (COTES): incidence and prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in Central Cuba.

PubMed

Bustillo, Jorge L; Diaz, Jose D; Pacheco, Idarmes C; Gritz, David C

2015-03-01

Serological studies indicate that rates of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) vary geographically, with higher rates in tropical regions. Little is known about population-based rates of active OT. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of OT in Central Cuba. This large-population, cross-sectional cohort study used a prospective database at a large regional referral centre in Central Cuba. The patient database was searched for all patients who presented with OT during the 12-month study period from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012. Inclusion criteria were the clinical diagnosis of OT, characterised by focal retinochoroidal inflammation and a response to therapy as expected. Gender-stratified and age-stratified study population data from the 2012 Cuban Census were used to calculate incidence rates and prevalence ratios. Among 279 identified patients with OT, 158 presented with active OT. Of these, 122 new-onset and 36 prior-onset cases were confirmed. Based on the total population in the Sancti Spiritus province (466,106 persons), the overall incidence of active OT was 26.2 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 21.7 to 31.3) with an annual prevalence ratio of 33.9 per 100,000 persons (95% CI 28.8 to 39.6). The incidence of active OT was lowest in the oldest age group and highest in patients aged 25-44 years (4.5 and 42.1 per 100,000 person-years, respectively). This first report describing population-based rates of OT in the Cuban population highlights the importance of patient age as a likely risk factor for OT. Disease rates were found to be highest in females and young to middle-aged adults. 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.

Oxytocin induces prostaglandin F2 alpha release in pregnant cows: influence of gestational age and oxytocin receptor concentrations.

PubMed

Fuchs, A R; Rollyson, M K; Meyer, M; Fields, M J; Minix, J M; Randel, R D

1996-03-01

Brahman cows with known breeding dates received i.v. injections of either 10 or 100 IU oxytocin (OT) on Days 50, 150, 250, or 280 of gestation (n = 6 for each stage). Concentrations of the prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha metabolite, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin (PGFM), and OT were measured in samples of peripheral plasma collected at 15-min intervals for 1 h before and 1 h after treatment and then at 30-min intervals for 3 h. Plasma progesterone was measured daily for 14 days after OT injections on Days 50 and 250 of gestation. The increase in plasma OT after injection was dose-dependent (p = 0.001) but not affected by stage of gestation. Plasma PGFM increased after OT in a dose- and stage-dependent manner (p = 0.0001). At Day 280, the increase in plasma PGFM after 100 IU OT was sevenfold greater than at Day 50. Plasma progesterone declined significantly during the 7th to 12th days postinjection and returned to normal pregnancy values by the 14th day (4.4 +/- 0.3 ng/ml) except in two cows treated on Day 50 of gestation that later aborted. In these, plasma progesterone was significantly lower, 2.6 +/- 0.1 ng/ml. In a second experiment, the concentration of OT receptors was determined in endometrium collected from purebred Angus or Hereford cows slaughtered on Days 50, 150, 250, and 280 of gestation (n = 3 or 4 at each stage). Endometrial concentrations of OT receptor changed as a function of gestational age, increasing sixfold from Day 50 to Day 280, which was parallel to the increase by OT of plasma PGFM. Thus, endometrial OT receptors are functionally coupled to PGF2 alpha release during pregnancy, and their concentration determines the magnitude of OT-induced PGF2 alpha release during gestation. Consequently, endogenous OT is a factor in the regulation of PGF2 alpha release from the bovine uterus during pregnancy and parturition.

Effect of environmental pollutants on oxytocin synthesis and secretion from corpus luteum and on contractions of uterus from pregnant cows

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

Mlynarczuk, Jaroslaw; Wrobel, Michal H.; Kotwica, Jan, E-mail: j.kotwica@pan.olsztyn.p

Chloro-organic compounds are persistent environmental pollutants and affect many reproductive processes. Oxytocin (OT) synthesized in luteal cells is a local regulator of ovarian activity and uterine contractions. Therefore the effect of xenobiotics on the OT prohormone synthesis, secretion of OT and progesterone (P4) from luteal cells and on myometrial contractions during early pregnancy in cows was investigated. Luteal cells and myometrial strips from a cow at early pregnancy were treated with polychlorinated biphenyl 77 (PCB 77), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (1 or 10 ng/ml). The mRNA expression of neurophysin-I/oxytocin (NP-I/OT) and peptidyl-glycine-{alpha}-amidating mono-oxygenase (PGA) and concentration ofmore » OT and P4 were determined by RT-PCR and EIA, respectively. Moreover, the effect of xenobiotics given with P4 (12 ng/ml) on the basal and OT (10{sup -7} M) stimulated contractions of myometrial strips was studied. Xenobiotics increased (P < 0.05) OT secretion but DDE only stimulated P4 secretion. The ratio of P4 to OT in culture medium was decreased by all xenobiotics during 9-12 weeks of pregnancy. All xenobiotics, except HCH, increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of NP-I/OT during all stages of pregnancy and all treatments decreased (P < 0.05) expression of mRNA for PGA during 9-12 weeks of pregnancy. Myometrial strips were relaxed (P < 0.01) after pre-incubation with P4, while each of the xenobiotics jointly with P4 increased (P < 0.01) myometrial contractions. In conclusion, the xenobiotics used increased both expression of mRNA for genes involved in OT synthesis and secretion of OT from luteal cells. This decreases the ratio of P4 to OT and presumably, in this manner, the chloro-organic compounds can influence uterine contractions and enhance risk of abortions in pregnant females.« less

Trehalose acts as a uridine 5'-diphosphoglucose-competitive inhibitor of trehalose 6-phosphate synthase in Corynebacterium glutamicum.

PubMed

Oide, Shinichi; Inui, Masayuki

2017-12-01

Trehalose is a compatible solute widely distributed in nature. The most prevalent pathway for its synthesis starts from condensation of glucose 6-phosphate (Glc6P) and uridine 5'-diphosphoglucose (UDP-Glc) catalyzed by trehalose 6-phosphate synthase (TPS). A previous laboratory evolution experiment with the bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum generated strains adapted to supraoptimal temperatures, and the R328H substitution of the TPS encoded by otsA was shown to be associated with thermotolerance acquired by the evolved strains. In this study, we found that the OtsA:R328H substitution promotes both intra- and extracellular trehalose accumulation and demonstrated that build-up of intracellular trehalose accounts for the OtsA R 328H -dependent thermotolerance, using the mycobacterial trehalose-specific transporter. Counterintuitively, characterization of the recombinant OtsA proteins revealed that the mutation downshifts the temperature optimum of OtsA. A search for the molecular basis of OtsA R 328H -dependent enhancement of trehalose synthesis led to the unexpected findings that trehalose is an effective inhibitor of OtsA and that OtsA R 328H is highly tolerant to the trehalose-mediated inhibition. The only available report on such feedback regulation of TPS is for the silk moth from over 50 years ago [Murphy TA and Wyatt GR (1965) J Biol Chem 240, 1500-1508]. While trehalose acts as a Glc6P-competitive inhibitor in the silk moth, the disaccharide was found to inhibit OtsA in a UDP-Glc-competitive manner in C. glutamicum, suggesting independent origins of the negative feedback regulations found for the two species. We showed that overexpression of the wild-type OtsA counteracts the trehalose-dependent regulation and restores the evolved strain-like phenotype to the isogenic wild-type otsA revertant, demonstrating that thermotolerance conferred by OtsA R 328H is attributable to its feedback-resistant property. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical

Ries Bunte Breccia revisited: Indications for the presence of water in Itzing and Otting drill cores and implications for the emplacement process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietrek, Alexa; Kenkmann, Thomas

2016-07-01

We reassessed two drill cores of the Bunte Breccia deposits of the Ries crater, Germany. The objectives of our study were the documentation of evidence for water in the Bunte Breccia, the evaluation of how that water influenced the emplacement processes, and from which preimpact water reservoir it was derived. The Bunte Breccia in both cores can be structured into a basal layer composed mainly of local substrate material, overlain by texturally and compositionally diverse, crater-derived breccia units. The basal layer is composed of the youngest sediments (Tertiary clays and Upper Jurassic limestone) and has a razor-sharp boundary to the upper breccia units, which are composed of older rocks of Upper Jurassic to Upper Triassic age. Sparse material exchange occurred between the basal layer and the rest of the Bunte Breccia. Fluids predominantly came from the Tertiary and the Upper Triassic sandstone formation. In the basal layer, Tertiary clays were subjected to intense, ductile deformation, indicating saturation with water. This suggests that water was mixed into the matrix, creating a fluidized basal layer with a strong shear localization. In the upper units, Upper Triassic sandstones are intensely deformed by granular flow. The texture requires that the rocks were disaggregated into granular sand. Vaporization of pore water probably aided fragmentation of these rocks. In the Otting core, hot suevite (T > 600 °C) covered the Bunte Breccia shortly after its emplacement. Vertically oriented gas escape pipes in suevite partly emanate directly at the contact to the Bunte Breccia. They indicate that the Bunte Breccia contained a substantial amount of water in the upper part that was vaporized and escaped through these vents.

Aerodynamic results of a separation effects test on a 0.010-scale model (52-OTS) of the integrated SSV in the AEDC/VKF 40-by-40 inch supersonic wind tunnel A (IA111), volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chee, E.

1976-01-01

Graphical data obtained during experimental wind tunnel aerodynamic investigations of a 0.010 scale model (52-OTS) of the integrated space shuttle vehicle was presented. The purpose of this investigation was to obtain data with the solid rocket booster (SRB) in proximity to the orbiter/external tank (O/ET), over a large O/ET initial angle of attack and sideslip range, as well as data on the SRB alone (greatly separated from the O/ET). A captive trajectory system, which supported the SRB, was used with the tunnel primary sector (supporting the O/ET) to obtain grid type separation effects data. One symmetrical SRB model was used interchangeably to obtain right-hand and left-hand SRB data. The entire investigation was conducted at a free-stream Mach number of 4.5 at unit Reynolds number of 3.95 and 5.9 million per foot.

The effects of intranasal oxytocin on reward circuitry responses in children with autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Greene, R K; Spanos, M; Alderman, C; Walsh, E; Bizzell, J; Mosner, M G; Kinard, J L; Stuber, G D; Chandrasekhar, T; Politte, L C; Sikich, L; Dichter, G S

2018-03-27

Intranasal oxytocin (OT) has been shown to improve social communication functioning of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and, thus, has received considerable interest as a potential ASD therapeutic agent. Although preclinical research indicates that OT modulates the functional output of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system that processes rewards, no clinical brain imaging study to date has examined the effects of OT on this system using a reward processing paradigm. To address this, we used an incentive delay task to examine the effects of a single dose of intranasal OT, versus placebo (PLC), on neural responses to social and nonsocial rewards in children with ASD. In this placebo-controlled double-blind study, 28 children and adolescents with ASD (age: M = 13.43 years, SD = 2.36) completed two fMRI scans, one after intranasal OT administration and one after PLC administration. During both scanning sessions, participants completed social and nonsocial incentive delay tasks. Task-based neural activation and connectivity were examined to assess the impact of OT relative to PLC on mesocorticolimbic brain responses to social and nonsocial reward anticipation and outcomes. Central analyses compared the OT and PLC conditions. During nonsocial reward anticipation, there was greater activation in the right nucleus accumbens (NAcc), left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), bilateral orbital frontal cortex (OFC), left superior frontal cortex, and right frontal pole (FP) during the OT condition relative to PLC. Alternatively, during social reward anticipation and outcomes, there were no significant increases in brain activation during the OT condition relative to PLC. A Treatment Group × Reward Condition interaction revealed relatively greater activation in the right NAcc, right caudate nucleus, left ACC, and right OFC during nonsocial relative to social reward anticipation during the OT condition relative to PLC. Additionally, these analyses revealed

Energy conservation in stressed rats exposed to an oxytocin-injected cage mate.

PubMed

Agren, Greta; Lundeberg, Thomas

2002-08-07

In previous studies we found indications of stress reduction in saline-injected rats when exposed to an oxytocin (OT)-injected cage mate. Olfactory impairment and OT antagonist treatment abolished the effects. This suggested an olfactorily mediated oxytocinergic stress-inhibitory mechanism. To test this hypothesis bodyweight, tail skin temperatures, food-intake and plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations were analysed. Suppressed weight loss and decreased stress-hormone release was found in saline-injected rats exposed to an OT-injected cage mate, but not in OT antagonist-injected rats, supporting the hypothesis. Our results suggest that OT in a stressed animal can inhibit the olfactory stress cues emitted, and that the olfactory cues from the stressed animal can influence an OT in pathway in the odour recipient animals to reduce stress effects.

AFM investigation of effect of absorbed water layer structure on growth mechanism of octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayer on oxidized silicon

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

Li, Shaowei; Zheng, Yanjun, E-mail: zhengyj@cup.edu.cn; Chen, Changfeng

2016-06-28

The growth mechanism of an octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled monolayer on a silicon oxide surface at various relative humidities has been investigated. Atomic force microscopy images show that excess water may actually hinder the nucleation and growth of OTS islands. A moderate amount of water is favorable for the nucleation and growth of OTS islands in the initial stage; however, the completion of the monolayer is very slow in the final stage. The growth of OTS islands on a low-water-content surface maintains a relatively constant speed and requires the least amount of time. The mobility of water molecules is thought tomore » play an important role in the OTS monolayers, and a low-mobility water layer provides a steady condition for OTS monolayer growth.« less

Holistic care for pediatric organ transplant recipients and their families during their dark postoperative recovery stage in the hospital.

PubMed

Yang, F C; Shih, F Jong; Tseng, P H; Wang, S S; Shih, F Jin

2014-05-01

This study explored the difficulties in caring for pediatric organ transplant recipients (POTR) and their families during dark recovery experiences (DRE) in the hospital from the perspectives of Taiwan organ transplant health professionals (OTHP). A qualitative design was used, with a purposive sample of OTHP including OT surgeons (OTS) and nursing groups. Data were collected by thorough face-to-face interviews and were analyzed using content analysis. Fifty-five subjects (39 female, 16 male) participated in this project. They included 15 OTS and 40 nurses. The nurses included registered nurses (n = 27), nurse practitioners (n = 5), and assistant or head nurses (n = 8). Their ages ranged from 25 to 66 (mean = 38.4) years old. Thirty-eight (69%) had college education, and 17 (31%) had graduate education. Their OT careers ranged from between 3 to 40 (mean = 23.8) years for OTS, and 0.5 to 15 (mean = 4.10) years for the OT nursing group. Five types of caring difficulties were reported: (1) threat of OT failure, (2) work overload, (3) insufficient collaboration within interdisciplinary teams due to incongruent surgical and nursing opinions, (4) poor communication between OTHP and POTR, and (5) lack of competent professional OT care. The following suggestions were made to help relieve the OTHPs' stress in providing holistic care for POTR and their families during DRE: (1) increasing the amount of experienced OT manpower and professional communication liaisons, (2) providing systematic on-the-job interdisciplinary case seminars and OT workshops, and (3) enhancing the POTR's mental health care and helping manage their distress of DRE. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of nonfunctional overreaching/overtraining in young English athletes.

PubMed

Matos, Nuno F; Winsley, Richard J; Williams, Craig A

2011-07-01

Nonfunctional overreaching and overtraining (NFOR/OT) in adults can lead to significant decrements in performance, combined with physical and psychological health problems. Little is known about this condition in young athletes by comparison; thus, the aim of the study was to assess the incidence and symptomatology of NFOR/OT in young English athletes. Three hundred seventy-six athletes (131 girls and 245 boys, age=15.1±2.0 yr) completed a 92-item survey about NFOR/OT. The sample included athletes competing at club to international standards across 19 different sports. Athletes were classified as NFOR/OT if they reported persistent daily fatigue and a significant decrement in performance that lasted for long periods of time (i.e., weeks to months). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov nonparametric tests. Significant predictors of NFOR/OT were identified using logistic regression analysis. One hundred ten athletes (29%) reported having been NFOR/OT at least once. The incidence was significantly higher in individual sports (P<0.01), low-physical demand sports (P<0.01), females (P<0.01), and at the elite level (P<0.01). Training load was not a significant predictor of NFOR/OT; however, competitive level and gender accounted for a small (4.7% and 1.7%, respectively) but significant explanatory variance of NFOR/OT (P<0.05). Approximately one-third of young athletes have experienced NFOR/OT, making this an issue for parents and coaches to recognize. OT is not solely a training load-related problem with both physical and psychosocial factors identified as important contributors.

THE EFFECTS OF NON-FUNCTIONAL OVERREACHING AND OVERTRAINING ON AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION IN HIGHLY TRAINED ATHLETES.

PubMed

Kajaia, T; Maskhulia, L; Chelidze, K; Akhalkatsi, V; Kakhabrishvili, Z

2017-03-01

Aim of the study was to compare the ANS functioning, as measured by heart rate variability (HRV), in athletes with non-functional overreaching (NFO) and overtraining syndrome (OTS) and in athletes without NFO/OTS. In 43 athletes with NFO/OTS, 40 athletes without NFO/OTS, as well as in 35 sedentary subjects the ANS function was evaluated with the Autonomic Balance Test, based on the HRV analysis of resting heart rate recordings. Results of the study show lower HRV and lower vagal influence along with increased sympathetic cardiovascular control in athletes with non-functional overreaching and particularly in athletes with overtraining, than in highly trained athletes without NFO/OTS. "Stress Response" in athletes with NFO, as well as in some athletes with OTS, showing sympathetic dominance, considered as a sign of physical or mental fatigue and chronic stress, whereas "Total Autonomic Dystonia" in most of the athletes with OTS (67%) reflects more advanced stage of maladaptation associated with depressed regulatory function of the ANS, both sympathetic, as well as vagal influences. Most frequently NFO and OTS were seen in wrestling, which needs further investigation and regular medical monitoring. Thus, results of the study show progression of autonomic imbalance and depression of regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system in athletes with OTS. The cardiac autonomic imbalance observed in overtrained athletes implies changes in HRV and therefore would consider that heart rate variability may provide useful information in detection of overtraining in athletes and can be a valuable adjacent tool for optimising athlete's training program as well as for timely diagnosis and prevention of progression of NFO/OTS.

Ocular toxoplasmosis past, present and new aspects of an old disease.

PubMed

Maenz, M; Schlüter, D; Liesenfeld, O; Schares, G; Gross, U; Pleyer, U

2014-03-01

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is considered the most frequent form of infectious posterior uveitis and is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The resulting vision loss frequently incapacitates patients and places a considerable socio-economic burden on societies in particular in developing countries. Although, toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is a world-wide phenomenon stark regional differences with regard to prevalence and presumably route of infection exist. This review will discuss our current clinical understanding of OT including typical and atypical manifestations, patient characteristics which influence the course of disease and treatment options. Even though, congenital and acquired OT are not regarded as separate entities, certain differences exist, which will be assessed and evaluated in detail. A strong focus is laid on the disease causing parasite T. gondii, since solving the mystery of OT aetiology and the development of improved therapies will not be possibly with clinical science alone, but rather requires a precise understanding of parasitological and immunological pathomechanisms. Additionally, the biology and genetics of T. gondii form the foundation for novel and sophisticated diagnostic methods. Scientific advances in the recent years have shed some light on the different role of T. gondii strains with regard to OT manifestation and severity of disease. Genetic and environmental factors influencing OT will be presented and commonalities between OT and toxoplasmic encephalitis will be briefly discussed. Furthermore, the laboratory tools to study OT are crucial in our understanding of OT. In vivo and in vitro experimental approaches will be summarised and evaluated extensively. Finally, a brief outlook is given in which direction OT research should be headed in the future. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A conceptual-practice model for occupational therapy to facilitate return to work in breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Désiron, Huguette A M; Donceel, Peter; de Rijk, Angelique; Van Hoof, Elke

2013-12-01

Improved therapies and early detection have significantly increased the number of breast cancers survivors, leading to increasing needs regarding return to work (RTW). Occupational therapy (OT) interventions provide successful RTW assistance for other conditions, but are not validated in breast cancer. This paper aims to identify a theoretical framework for OT intervention by questioning how OT models can be used in OT interventions in RTW of breast cancer patients; criteria to be used to select these models and adaptations that would be necessary to match the OT model(s) to breast cancer patients' needs? Using research specific criteria derived from OT literature (conceptual OT-model, multidisciplinary, referring to the International Classification of functioning (ICF), RTW in breast cancer) a search in 9 electronic databases was conducted to select articles that describe conceptual OT models. A content analysis of those models complying to at least two of the selection criteria was realised. Checking for breast cancer specific issues, results were matched with literature of care-models regarding RTW in breast cancer. From the nine models initially identified, three [Canadian Model of Occupational Performance, Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance model] were selected based on the selection criteria. The MOHO had the highest compliance rate with the criteria. To enhance usability in breast cancer, some adaptations are needed. No OT model to facilitate RTW in breast cancer could be identified, indicating a need to fill this gap. Individual and societal needs of breast cancer patients can be answered by using a MOHO-based OT model, extended with indications for better treatment, work-outcomes and longitudinal process factors.

Patient compliance with a health care provider referral for an occupational therapy lymphedema consult.

PubMed

Dominick, Sally A; Natarajan, Loki; Pierce, John P; Madanat, Hala; Madlensky, Lisa

2014-07-01

Limited information exists on breast cancer patients' compliance to attend outpatient appointments with an occupational therapy (OT) lymphedema specialist. The objectives of this study were (1) to examine patient compliance with a health care provider referral for an OT lymphedema consult and (2) to identify potential barriers to compliance. A retrospective chart review of female breast cancer patients at the UC San Diego Health System was conducted. Electronic medical records were queried for breast cancer patients, who received a health care provider referral for an OT lymphedema consult between June 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact chi-square tests were used to examine how specific participant characteristics were associated with attending an OT appointment. A total of 210 female patients received an OT referral from a health care provider related to their breast cancer diagnosis. Forty-three (20.5%) patients did not attend an OT appointment. Non-attenders were more likely to have had fewer lymph nodes removed (P<0.01) when compared to attenders. The two most common barriers to attendance were the presence of health problems and undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation at the time of the OT referral. While most breast cancer patients attended recommended OT lymphedema consults, a substantial number of women might benefit from further education about OT for lymphedema prevention following breast cancer treatment. Further research to understand barriers to attendance is recommended, particularly among women with only sentinel nodes removed.

Oxytocin and the Development of Parenting in Humans

PubMed Central

Gordon, Ilanit; Zagoory-Sharon, Orna; Leckman, James F.; Feldman, Ruth

2014-01-01

Background The nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) has been repeatedly implicated in processes of parent-infant bonding in animal models; yet, its role in the development of human parenting has received less attention and no research has addressed the involvement of OT in the transition to fatherhood. Methods Using a prospective longitudinal design, 160 cohabitating mothers and fathers and their firstborn infant were visited at home during the first postpartum weeks and again at 6 months postpartum. Mothers’ and fathers’ plasma OT was analyzed at each time point with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodology. Interactions between each parent and the infant were observed in the postpartum and microcoded for parenting behavior. Results Overall, parental OT increased across the study period and there were no differences between maternal and paternal OT at each time point. Oxytocin showed high intraindividual stability across the first 6 months of parenting and the OT levels of husband and wife were interrelated at both assessments. Maternal OT was related to the amount of affectionate parenting behaviors, including “motherese” vocalizations, the expression of positive affect, and affectionate touch, whereas paternal OT correlated with the degree of stimulatory parenting behaviors, including proprioceptive contact, tactile stimulation, and object presentation. Conclusions Results are the first to describe plasma OT levels in new fathers and mothers across the transition to parenthood in relation to maternal and paternal typical parenting behaviors. These data may provide a normative basis for the study of parenting under conditions of high risk. PMID:20359699

Combining oxytocin administration and positive emotion inductions: Examining social perception and analytical performance.

PubMed

Human, Lauren J; Thorson, Katherine R; Woolley, Joshua D; Mendes, Wendy Berry

2017-04-01

Intranasal administration of the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has, in some studies, been associated with positive effects on social perception and cognition. Similarly, positive emotion inductions can improve a range of perceptual and performance-based behaviors. In this exploratory study, we examined how OT administration and positive emotion inductions interact in their associations with social and analytical performance. Participants (N=124) were randomly assigned to receive an intranasal spray of OT (40IU) or placebo and then viewed one of three videos designed to engender one of the following emotion states: social warmth, pride, or an affectively neutral state. Following the emotion induction, participants completed social perception and analytical tasks. There were no significant main effects of OT condition on social perception tasks, failing to replicate prior research, or on analytical performance. Further, OT condition and positive emotion inductions did not interact with each other in their associations with social perception performance. However, OT condition and positive emotion manipulations did significantly interact in their associations with analytical performance. Specifically, combining positive emotion inductions with OT administration was associated with worse analytical performance, with the pride induction no longer benefiting performance and the warmth induction resulting in worse performance. In sum, we found little evidence for main or interactive effects of OT on social perception but preliminary evidence that OT administration may impair analytical performance when paired with positive emotion inductions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Involvement of the oxytocin system in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the sex-specific regulation of social recognition.

PubMed

Dumais, Kelly M; Alonso, Andrea G; Immormino, Marisa A; Bredewold, Remco; Veenema, Alexa H

2016-02-01

Sex differences in the oxytocin (OT) system in the brain may explain why OT often regulates social behaviors in sex-specific ways. However, a link between sex differences in the OT system and sex-specific regulation of social behavior has not been tested. Here, we determined whether sex differences in the OT receptor (OTR) or in OT release in the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (pBNST) mediates sex-specific regulation of social recognition in rats. We recently showed that, compared to female rats, male rats have a three-fold higher OTR binding density in the pBNST, a sexually dimorphic area implicated in the regulation of social behaviors. We now demonstrate that OTR antagonist (5 ng/0.5 μl/side) administration into the pBNST impairs social recognition in both sexes, while OT (100 pg/0.5 μl/side) administration into the pBNST prolongs the duration of social recognition in males only. These effects seem specific to social recognition, as neither treatment altered total social investigation time in either sex. Moreover, baseline OT release in the pBNST, as measured with in vivo microdialysis, did not differ between the sexes. However, males showed higher OT release in the pBNST during social recognition compared to females. These findings suggest a sex-specific role of the OT system in the pBNST in the regulation of social recognition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Time course of the estradiol-dependent induction of oxytocin receptor binding in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus of the rat

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

Johnson, A.E.; Ball, G.F.; Coirini, H.

1989-09-01

Oxytocin (OT) transmission is involved in the steroid-dependent display of sexual receptivity in rats. One of the biochemical processes stimulated by the ovarian steroid 17 beta-estradiol (E2) that is relevant to reproduction is the induction of OT receptor binding in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN). The purpose of these experiments was to determine if E2-induced changes in OT receptor binding in the VMN occur within a time frame relevant to cyclic changes in ovarian steroid secretion. OT receptor binding was measured in the VMN of ovariectomized rats implanted for 0-96 h with E2-containing Silastic capsules. The rate of decay ofmore » OT receptor binding was measured in another group of animals 6-48 h after capsule removal. Receptors were labeled with the specific OT receptor antagonist ({sup 125}I)d(CH2)5(Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH2(9))OVT, and binding was measured with quantitative autoradiographic methods. In addition, plasma E2 levels and uterine weights were assessed in animals from each treatment condition. Significant increases in E2-dependent OT receptor binding and uterine weight occurred within 24 h of steroid treatment. After E2 withdrawal, OT receptor binding and uterine weight decreased significantly within 24 h. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that steroid modulation of OT receptor binding is necessary for the induction of sexual receptivity.« less

Microbiological Surveillance of Operation Theatres: Five Year Retrospective Analysis from a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

PubMed Central

Najotra, Dipender Kaur; Malhotra, Aneeta Singh; Slathia, Poonam; Raina, Shivani; Dhar, Ashok

2017-01-01

Introduction: Microbiological contamination of air and environment in the operation theaters (OTs) are major risk factor for surgical site and other hospital-associated infections. Objectives: The aim was to identify bacterial colonization of surfaces and equipment and to determine the microbial contamination of air in the OTs of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Five years (January 2010–December 2014) retrospective analysis of the data obtained from routine microbiological surveillance of the five OTs of the hospital was done. Surface samples were taken with wet swabs from different sites and equipment. Bacterial species were isolated and identified by conventional methods. Air quality surveillance of OTs was done by settle plate method. Results: A total of 4387 samples were collected from surfaces and articles of various OTs. Out of these only 195 (4.4%), samples showed bacterial growth and yielded 210 isolates. The predominant species isolated was Bacillus with 184 (87.6%) isolates followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus 17 (8.1%), Staphylococcus aureus 6 (2.9%), and Enteroccoccus spp. 3 (1.4%). Analysis of the OT air samples showed least colony forming unit (cfu) rate of air (27 cfu/m3) in ophthalmology OT and highest rate of 133 cfu/m3 in general surgery OT. Conclusion: The study shows that OTs of our hospital showed a very low bacterial contamination rate on surface swabbing and a cfu count per m3 of air well within permissible limits. PMID:28904915

Melanocortin Receptor Agonists Facilitate Oxytocin-Dependent Partner Preference Formation in the Prairie Vole.

PubMed

Modi, Meera E; Inoue, Kiyoshi; Barrett, Catherine E; Kittelberger, Kara A; Smith, Daniel G; Landgraf, Rainer; Young, Larry J

2015-07-01

The central melanocortin (MC) system has been widely studied for its effects on food intake and sexual behavior. However, the MC system, and more specifically the MC4 receptor (MC4R), also interacts with neurochemical systems that regulate socioemotional behaviors, including oxytocin (OT) and dopamine. In monogamous prairie voles, OT and dopamine interact to promote partner preference formation, a laboratory measure of an enduring social bond between mates. Here we investigated the effects of MC receptor activation on partner preference formation in prairie voles, as well as the interaction between the MC and OT systems during this process. Peripheral administration of the brain penetrant MC3/4R receptor peptide agonist, Melanotan II (MTII), and the highly selective, small-molecule MC4R agonist, Pf-446687, enhanced partner preference formation in the prairie vole, but not in the non-monogamous meadow vole. MTII-induced partner preferences were enduring, as they were present 1 week after drug manipulation. The prosocial effects of MCR agonists may be mediated, in part, through modulation of OT, as coadministration of an OT receptor antagonist prevented MTII-induced partner preferences. MTII also selectively activated hypothalamic OT neurons and potentiated central OT release. As OT has been shown to enhance some aspects of social cognition in humans, our data suggest that the MC4R may be a viable therapeutic target for enhancing social function in psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, potentially through activation of the OT system.

Melanocortin Receptor Agonists Facilitate Oxytocin-Dependent Partner Preference Formation in the Prairie Vole

PubMed Central

Modi, Meera E; Inoue, Kiyoshi; Barrett, Catherine E; Kittelberger, Kara A; Smith, Daniel G; Landgraf, Rainer; Young, Larry J

2015-01-01

The central melanocortin (MC) system has been widely studied for its effects on food intake and sexual behavior. However, the MC system, and more specifically the MC4 receptor (MC4R), also interacts with neurochemical systems that regulate socioemotional behaviors, including oxytocin (OT) and dopamine. In monogamous prairie voles, OT and dopamine interact to promote partner preference formation, a laboratory measure of an enduring social bond between mates. Here we investigated the effects of MC receptor activation on partner preference formation in prairie voles, as well as the interaction between the MC and OT systems during this process. Peripheral administration of the brain penetrant MC3/4R receptor peptide agonist, Melanotan II (MTII), and the highly selective, small-molecule MC4R agonist, Pf-446687, enhanced partner preference formation in the prairie vole, but not in the non-monogamous meadow vole. MTII-induced partner preferences were enduring, as they were present 1 week after drug manipulation. The prosocial effects of MCR agonists may be mediated, in part, through modulation of OT, as coadministration of an OT receptor antagonist prevented MTII-induced partner preferences. MTII also selectively activated hypothalamic OT neurons and potentiated central OT release. As OT has been shown to enhance some aspects of social cognition in humans, our data suggest that the MC4R may be a viable therapeutic target for enhancing social function in psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, potentially through activation of the OT system. PMID:25652247

Occurrence and health risk assessment of organotins in waterworks and the source water of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China.

PubMed

Deng, Ting; Wu, Lei; Gao, Jun-Min; Zhou, Bin; Zhang, Ya-Li; Wu, Wen-Nan; Tang, Zhuo-Heng; Jiang, Wen-Chao; Huang, Wei-Lin

2018-05-01

The occurrence and health risks of organotins (OTs) in the waterworks and source water in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR), China were assessed in this study. Water samples were collected at four waterworks (A, B, C, and D) in March and July 2012 to analyze butyltins (BTs) and phenyltins (PTs) using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. Our results showed that both the waterworks and their nearby water sources were polluted by OTs, with PTs being the most dominant species. Monobutyltin (MBT), monophenyltin (MPT), diphenyltin (DPT), and triphenyltin (TPT) were detected in most of the analyzed water samples. The highest concentrations of OTs in influents, effluents, and source water in March were 52.81, 17.93, and 55.32 ng Sn L -1 , respectively. Furthermore, significant seasonal changes in OTs pollution were observed in all samples, showing pollution worse in spring compared with summer. The removal of OTs by the conventional treatment processes was not stable among the waterworks. The removal efficiency of OTs in July reached 100% at plant B, while that at plant C was only 38.8%. The source water and influents shared similar composition profiles, concentrations, and seasonal change of OTs, which indicated that OTs in the waterworks were derived from the source water. A health risk assessment indicated that the presence of OTs in the waterworks would not pose a significant health risk to the population, yet their presence should not be ignored.

Involvement of the oxytocin system in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the sex-specific regulation of social recognition

PubMed Central

Dumais, Kelly M.; Alonso, Andrea G.; Immormino, Marisa A.; Bredewold, Remco; Veenema, Alexa H.

2015-01-01

Sex differences in the oxytocin (OT) system in the brain may explain why OT often regulates social behaviors in sex-specific ways. However, a link between sex differences in the OT system and sex-specific regulation of social behavior has not been tested. Here, we determined whether sex differences in the OT receptor (OTR) or in OT release in the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (pBNST) mediates sex-specific regulation of social recognition in rats. We recently showed that, compared to female rats, male rats have a three-fold higher OTR binding density in the pBNST, a sexually dimorphic area implicated in the regulation of social behaviors. We now demonstrate that OTR antagonist (5 ng/0.5 μl/side) administration into the pBNST impairs social recognition in both sexes, while OT (100 pg/0.5 μl/side) administration into the pBNST prolongs the duration of social recognition in males only. These effects seem specific to social recognition, as neither treatment altered total social investigation time in either sex. Moreover, baseline OT release in the pBNST, as measured with in vivo microdialysis, did not differ between the sexes. However, males showed higher OT release in the pBNST during social recognition compared to females. These findings suggest a sex-specific role of the OT system in the pBNST in the regulation of social recognition. PMID:26630388

Electrosurgical Smoke: Ultrafine Particle Measurements and Work Environment Quality in Different Operating Theatres.

PubMed

Romano, Francesco; Gustén, Jan; De Antonellis, Stefano; Joppolo, Cesare M

2017-01-30

Air cleanliness in operating theatres (OTs) is an important factor for preserving the health of both the patient and the medical staff. Particle contamination in OTs depends mainly on the surgery process, ventilation principle, personnel clothing systems and working routines. In many open surgical operations, electrosurgical tools (ESTs) are used for tissue cauterization. ESTs generate a significant airborne contamination, as surgical smoke. Surgical smoke is a work environment quality problem. Ordinary surgical masks and OT ventilation systems are inadequate to control this problem. This research work is based on numerous monitoring campaigns of ultrafine particle concentrations in OTs, equipped with upward displacement ventilation or with a downward unidirectional airflow system. Measurements performed during ten real surgeries highlight that the use of ESTs generates a quite sharp and relevant increase of particle concentration in the surgical area as well within the entire OT area. The measured contamination level in the OTs are linked to surgical operation, ventilation principle, and ESTs used. A better knowledge of airborne contamination is crucial for limiting the personnel's exposure to surgical smoke. Research results highlight that downward unidirectional OTs can give better conditions for adequate ventilation and contaminant removal performances than OTs equipped with upward displacement ventilation systems.

Electrosurgical Smoke: Ultrafine Particle Measurements and Work Environment Quality in Different Operating Theatres

PubMed Central

Romano, Francesco; Gustén, Jan; De Antonellis, Stefano; Joppolo, Cesare M.

2017-01-01

Air cleanliness in operating theatres (OTs) is an important factor for preserving the health of both the patient and the medical staff. Particle contamination in OTs depends mainly on the surgery process, ventilation principle, personnel clothing systems and working routines. In many open surgical operations, electrosurgical tools (ESTs) are used for tissue cauterization. ESTs generate a significant airborne contamination, as surgical smoke. Surgical smoke is a work environment quality problem. Ordinary surgical masks and OT ventilation systems are inadequate to control this problem. This research work is based on numerous monitoring campaigns of ultrafine particle concentrations in OTs, equipped with upward displacement ventilation or with a downward unidirectional airflow system. Measurements performed during ten real surgeries highlight that the use of ESTs generates a quite sharp and relevant increase of particle concentration in the surgical area as well within the entire OT area. The measured contamination level in the OTs are linked to surgical operation, ventilation principle, and ESTs used. A better knowledge of airborne contamination is crucial for limiting the personnel’s exposure to surgical smoke. Research results highlight that downward unidirectional OTs can give better conditions for adequate ventilation and contaminant removal performances than OTs equipped with upward displacement ventilation systems. PMID:28146089

Similar ventral occipito-temporal cortex activations in literate and illiterate adults during the Chinese character matching task: an fMRI study.

PubMed

Qi, Geqi; Li, Xiujun; Yan, Tianyi; Wang, Bin; Yang, Jiajia; Wu, Jinglong; Guo, Qiyong

2014-04-30

Visual word expertise is typically associated with enhanced ventral occipito-temporal (vOT) cortex activation in response to written words. Previous study utilized a passive viewing task and found that vOT response to written words was significantly stronger in literate compared to the illiterate subjects. However, recent neuroimaging findings have suggested that vOT response properties are highly dependent upon the task demand. Thus, it is unknown whether literate adults would show stronger vOT response to written words compared to illiterate adults during other cognitive tasks, such as perceptual matching. We addressed this issue by comparing vOT activations between literate and illiterate adults during a Chinese character and simple figure matching task. Unlike passive viewing, a perceptual matching task requires active shape comparison, therefore minimizing automatic word processing bias. We found that although the literate group performed better at Chinese character matching task, the two subject groups showed similar strong vOT responses during this task. Overall, the findings indicate that the vOT response to written words is not affected by expertise during a perceptual matching task, suggesting that the association between visual word expertise and vOT response may depend on the task demand. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of methylene blue on an agro-waste oiltea shell with and without fungal treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiayang; Li, Enzhong; You, Xiaojuan; Hu, Changwei; Huang, Qingguo

2016-12-01

A lignocellulosic waste oiltea shell (OTS) was evaluated as an inexpensive sorbent to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. Fungal treatment of OTS increased the MB adsorption by modifying the physicochemical properties of OTS and simultaneously produced laccase as a beneficial co-product. Without fungal treatment, the maximum amount of adsorption (qm) of MB by OTS was 64.4 mg/g, whereas the treatment with fungus Pycnoporus sp. and Trametes versicolor increased qm up to 72.5 mg/g and 85.7 mg/g, respectively. This is because of the improved surface area and pore sizes as well as altered chemical compositions. The equilibrium sorption data for OTS both with and without treatment fitted to the Langmuir model, and the sorption rate data well fitted to the pseudo second-order kinetic model. The changes in free energy (ΔG°) and separation factor (RL) indicated that the sorption was spontaneous and favorable. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the changes in the surface morphology and functional groups of OTS after fungal treatment. The agro-waste OTS could be utilized as a low-cost adsorbent for efficient dye removal, and fungal treatment can serve as a mild and clean technique to increase the adsorptive capacity of OTS.

Emotional suppression explains the link between early life stress and plasma oxytocin.

PubMed

Mohiyeddini, Changiz; Opacka-Juffry, Jolanta; Gross, James J

2014-01-01

Early life stress (ELS) has been found to be associated with lower concentrations of plasma oxytocin (OT) in adulthood. It is not yet clear, however, what mechanisms underlie this association. The goal of the present study was to test the role of emotional suppression as an intervening variable between ELS in childhood and plasma OT. In a nonclinical sample of 90 men, ELS, emotional suppression, and plasma OT were assessed. Emotional suppression was positively associated with ELS (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with plasma OT concentrations (r = -0.30, p < 0.01). In contrast, cognitive reappraisal - an alternative emotion regulation strategy - was not correlated with ELS or plasma OT concentrations. Cross-sectional regression analyses revealed that the ELS explained variance in plasma OT via emotional suppression. Moderation analyses revealed that the combination of high ELS and high emotional suppression was associated with the lowest concentrations of plasma oxytocin. These findings are consistent with the view that emotional suppression may be one pathway linking ELS and OT.

Effects of oxytocin administration on spirituality and emotional responses to meditation.

PubMed

Van Cappellen, Patty; Way, Baldwin M; Isgett, Suzannah F; Fredrickson, Barbara L

2016-10-01

The oxytocin (OT) system, critically involved in social bonding, may also impinge on spirituality, which is the belief in a meaningful life imbued with a sense of connection to a Higher Power and/or the world. Midlife male participants (N = 83) were randomly assigned to receive intranasal OT or placebo. In exploratory analyses, participants were also genotyped for polymorphisms in two genes critical for OT signaling, the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR rs53576) and CD38 (rs6449182 and rs3796863). Results showed that intranasal OT increased self-reported spirituality on two separate measures and this effect remained significant a week later. It also boosted participants' experience of specific positive emotions during meditation, at both explicit and implicit levels. Furthermore, the effect of OT on spirituality was moderated by OT-related genotypes. These results provide the first experimental evidence that spirituality, endorsed by millions worldwide, appears to be supported by OT. © The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Oxytocin for the treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders.

PubMed

Lee, Mary R; Weerts, Elise M

2016-12-01

There is growing interest in the use of oxytocin (OT) as a potential treatment for alcohol and other substance-use disorders. OT is a neuropeptide that modulates adaptive processes associated with addiction including reward, tolerance, associative learning, memory, and stress responses. OT exerts its effects through interactions with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and multiple neurotransmitter systems including the dopamine mesolimbic reward and corticotrophin-releasing factor stress systems. The effects of OT on stress systems are of high interest, given the strong link between stress, drug use and relapse, and known dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis activity associated with substance-use disorders. At the same time, the OT system is itself altered by acute or chronic drug exposure. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical literature on the OT system and its relevance to drug and alcohol addiction. In addition, findings from recent clinical trials conducted in participants with cocaine, cannabis, or alcohol use disorder are included and evidence that OT may help to normalize blunted stress responses, and attenuate withdrawal-associated hypercortisolism, negative mood, and withdrawal symptoms is summarized.

Oxytocin and vasopressin systems in genetic syndromes and neurodevelopmental disorders

PubMed Central

Francis, S.M.; Sagar, A.; Levin-Decanini, T.; Liu, W.; Carter, C.S.; Jacob, S.

2015-01-01

Oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are two small, related neuropeptide hormones found in many mammalian species, including humans. Dysregulation of these neuropeptides have been associated with changes in behavior, especially social interactions. We review how the OT and AVP systems have been investigated in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS), Williams Syndrome (WS) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS). All of these neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are marked by social deficits. While PWS, WS and FXS have identified genetic mutations, ASD stems from multiple genes with complex interactions. Animal models of NDD are invaluable for studying the role and relatedness of OT and AVP in the developing brain. We present data from a FXS mouse model affecting the fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene, resulting in decreased OT and AVP staining cells in some brain regions. Reviewing the research about OT and AVP in these NDD suggests that altered OT pathways may be downstream from different etiological factors and perturbations in development. This has implications for ongoing studies of the therapeutic application of OT in NDD. PMID:24462936

Oxytocin and social cognition in rhesus macaques: Implications for understanding and treating human psychopathology

PubMed Central

Chang, Steve W. C.; Platt, Michael L.

2013-01-01

Converging evidence from humans and non-human animals indicates that the neurohypophysial hormone oxytocin (OT) evolved to serve a specialized function in social behavior in mammals. Although OT-based therapies are currently being evaluated as remedies for social deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders, precisely how OT regulates complex social processes remains largely unknown. Here we describe how a non-human primate model can be used to understand the mechanisms by which OT regulates social cognition and thereby inform its clinical application in humans. We focus primarily on recent advances in our understanding of OT-mediated social cognition in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), supplemented by discussion of recent work in humans, other primates, and rodents. Together, these studies endorse the hypothesis that OT promotes social exploration both by amplifying social motivation and by attenuating social vigilance. PMID:24231551

Aerodynamic results of a separation effects test on a 0.01-scale model (52-OTS) of integrated SSV in the AEDC/VKF 40-by-40 inch supersonic wind tunnel A, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, J. H., II

1975-01-01

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted, during the period July 18-19, 1974, in the AEDC/VKF Tunnel A facility on a 0.01-scale model (52-OTS) of the integrated space shuttle vehicle, including only one SRB. The purpose of the investigation was to obtain data for close-in proximity (SRB to orbiter/tank) effects with the orbiter/tank combination at relatively high alpha and beta attitudes, and with the SRB separation motors off. The AEDC Captive Trajectory System (CTS), which supported the SRB, was used in conjunction with the tunnel primary sector (supporting the orbiter/tank) to obtain grid type separation effects data. The one symmetrical SRB model was used interchangeably to obtain both right-hand and left-hand SRB data. Free-stream data were also obtained for the orbiter/tank and for the SRB. This data was used to provide baselines for proximity effects. The entire investigation was conducted at a free-stream Mach number of 4.5 with unit Reynolds number ranging from 4.0 to 6.5 million per foot.

Comparing oxytocin and cortisol regulation in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, hydrocortisone challenge pilot study in children with autism and typical development.

PubMed

Corbett, Blythe A; Bales, Karen L; Swain, Deanna; Sanders, Kevin; Weinstein, Tamara A R; Muglia, Louis J

2016-01-01

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show marked impairment in social functioning and poor adaptation to new and changing contexts, which may be influenced by underlying regulatory processes. Oxytocin (OT) and cortisol are key neuromodulators of biological and behavioral responses, show a synergistic effect, and have been implicated in the neuropathological profile in ASD. However, they are rarely investigated together. The purpose of the pilot study was to evaluate the relationship between cortisol and OT in children with ASD under baseline and physiological stress (hydrocortisone challenge) conditions. Arginine vasopressin (AVP), structurally similar to OT, was also examined. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomly assigned, crossover design was employed in 25 children 8-to-12 years with ASD (N = 14) or typical development (TD, N = 11). A low dose of hydrocortisone and placebo were administered via liquid suspension. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the within-subject factor "Condition" (hydrocortisone/placebo) and "Time" (pre and post) and the between-subject factor "Group" (ASD vs. TD). Pearson correlations examined the relationship between hormone levels and clinical profile. There was a significant Time × Condition × Group interaction F (1.23) = 4.18, p = 0.05 showing a rise in OT during the experimental condition (hydrocortisone) and a drop during the placebo condition for the TD group but not the ASD group. There were no group differences for AVP. Hormone levels were associated with social profiles. For the TD group, an inverse relationship was observed. OT increased during physiological challenge suggesting that OT played a stress-buffering role during cortisol administration. In contrast for the ASD group, OT remained unchanged or decreased during both the physiological challenge and the placebo condition, suggesting that OT failed to serve as a stress buffer under conditions of physiological stress. While

Long-term exposure to intranasal oxytocin in a mouse autism model

PubMed Central

Bales, K L; Solomon, M; Jacob, S; Crawley, J N; Silverman, J L; Larke, R H; Sahagun, E; Puhger, K R; Pride, M C; Mendoza, S P

2014-01-01

Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide involved in mammalian social behavior. It is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies in healthy rodents (prairie voles and C57BL/6J mice) have shown that there may be detrimental effects of long-term intranasal administration, raising the questions about safety and efficacy. To investigate the effects of OT on the aspects of ASD phenotype, we conducted the first study of chronic intranasal OT in a well-validated mouse model of autism, the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J inbred strain (BTBR), which displays low sociability and high repetitive behaviors. BTBR and C57BL/6J (B6) mice (N=94) were administered 0.8  IU/kg of OT intranasally, daily for 30 days, starting on day 21. We ran a well-characterized set of behavioral tasks relevant to diagnostic and associated symptoms of autism, including juvenile reciprocal social interactions, three-chambered social approach, open-field exploratory activity, repetitive self-grooming and fear-conditioned learning and memory, some during and some post treatment. Intranasal OT did not improve autism-relevant behaviors in BTBR, except for female sniffing in the three-chambered social interaction test. Male saline-treated BTBR mice showed increased interest in a novel mouse, both in chamber time and sniffing time, whereas OT-treated male BTBR mice showed a preference for the novel mouse in sniffing time only. No deleterious effects of OT were detected in either B6 or BTBR mice, except possibly for the lack of a preference for the novel mouse's chamber in OT-treated male BTBR mice. These results highlight the complexity inherent in understanding the effects of OT on behavior. Future investigations of chronic intranasal OT should include a wider dose range and early developmental time points in both healthy rodents and ASD models to affirm the efficacy and safety of OT. PMID:25386957

Oxytocin-Gly-Lys-Arg stimulates cardiomyogenesis by targeting cardiac side population cells.

PubMed

Danalache, Bogdan A; Yu, Calvin; Gutkowska, Jolanta; Jankowski, Marek

2014-03-01

The functional oxytocin (OT) system is expressed in the human and rodent hearts. OT stimulates differentiation of cardiac stem cells into contracting cardiomyocytes (CM). In this study, we investigated OT receptors (OTR) expressed in the cells of cardiac side population (SP) and the abilities of these cells to differentiate into CM in response to the treatment with OT-Gly-Lys-Arg (OT-GKR), a dominant and biologically active form of OT, in the fetal rodent heart. Immunocytochemistry of whole rat embryo at mid gestation (E11) revealed parallel staining in the heart of OTR and the ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (brcp1) antigen the marker of the SP phenotype. Using flow cytometry, the SP cells were selected from the newborn CM stained with Höechst 33342: 5.32%±0.06% of SP and 15.2%±1.10 of main population expressed OTR on the cell surface. The OTR was detected in CD29 (6.6%) and then in CD31 (4.7%) but less frequently in CD45 (0.7%) positive SP cell subpopulations. Specifically, the phenotype of SP CD31- cell, but not SP CD31+ cells, proliferates in the presence of OT-GKR and develops large cell aggregates. Then, OT-GKR treatment induced the apparition of beating cell colonies after 11 days (10±2.78%), which increased until day 16 (52±1.21%). The cells in contractile colonies expressed the markers of a CM phenotype, such as troponin, cardiac myosin light chain-2, and actinin. Finally, SP cells stimulated by OT-GKR induced endothelial phenotype. These results suggest that the C-terminally extended OT molecule stimulates cardiac differentiation of SP CD31- cells and is involved in heart growth.

Kinetic and Structural Characterization of a Heterohexamer 4-Oxalocrotonate Tautomerase from Chloroflexus aurantiacus J-10-fl: Implications for Functional and Structural Diversity in the Tautomerase Superfamily

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

Burks, Elizabeth A.; Fleming, Christopher D.; Mesecar, Andrew D.

2010-09-30

4-Oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT) isozymes play prominent roles in the bacterial utilization of aromatic hydrocarbons as sole carbon sources. These enzymes catalyze the conversion of 2-hydroxy-2,4-hexadienedioate (or 2-hydroxymuconate) to 2-oxo-3-hexenedioate, where Pro-1 functions as a general base and shuttles a proton from the 2-hydroxyl group of the substrate to the C-5 position of the product. 4-OT, a homohexamer from Pseudomonas putida mt-2, is the most extensively studied 4-OT isozyme and the founding member of the tautomerase superfamily. A search of five thermophilic bacterial genomes identified a coded amino acid sequence in each that had been annotated as a tautomerase-like protein butmore » lacked Pro-1. However, a nearby sequence has Pro-1, but the sequence is not annotated as a tautomerase-like protein. To characterize this group of proteins, two genes from Chloroflexus aurantiacus J-10-fl were cloned, and the corresponding proteins were expressed. Kinetic, biochemical, and X-ray structural analyses show that the two expressed proteins form a functional heterohexamer 4-OT (hh4-OT), composed of three {alpha}{beta} dimers. Like the P. putida enzyme, hh4-OT requires the amino-terminal proline and two arginines for the conversion of 2-hydroxymuconate to the product, implicating an analogous mechanism. In contrast to 4-OT, hh4-OT does not exhibit the low-level activity of another tautomerase superfamily member, the heterohexamer trans-3-chloroacrylic acid dehalogenase (CaaD). Characterization of hh4-OT enables functional assignment of the related enzymes, highlights the diverse ways the {beta}-{alpha}-{beta} building block can be assembled into an active enzyme, and provides further insight into the molecular basis of the low-level CaaD activity in 4-OT.« less

Does oxytocin modulate variation in maternal caregiving in healthy new mothers?

PubMed

Elmadih, Alya; Wan, Ming Wai; Numan, Michael; Elliott, Rebecca; Downey, Darragh; Abel, Kathryn M

2014-09-11

Maternal sensitivity to infant cues and developmental needs may be pivotal for social and cognitive development. Animal and recent human studies emphasise a major role for Oxytocin (OT) in mediating sensitive caregiving but no study has examined the relationship between OT and extreme variation in human maternal sensitivity. From 105 expectant mothers, 80 underwent blind-rating of maternal sensitivity at 4-6 months postpartum through free-play interaction with their infants. At 7-9 months postpartum, 30 mothers at extremes of maternal sensitivity: 15 'sensitive mothers' (high sensitivity mothers - HSMs, mean=4.47; SD=0.74) and 15 'less sensitive mothers' (low sensitivity mothers - LSMs, mean=2.13; SD=0.52) underwent plasma OT measurements before and after 10 min infant play. Baseline and post-interaction plasma OT was higher in LSMs than HSMs [F(1, 26)=8.42; p=0.01]. HSMs showed a trend towards significant reduction in plasma OT [t(14)=2.01; p=0.06] following play-interaction; no change was shown by LSMs [t(13)=-0.14; p=0.89]. Conclusion Higher baseline OT levels in healthy LSMs may imply greater stress responses to the demands of caring for an infant, or past deficiencies in own parenting relationship and act as a biomarker for poor parental sensitivity. OT may be acting to reduce stress and anxiety in LSMs consistent with studies of plasma OT and stress in women. By contrast, in HSMs, play interaction with their infants maybe relaxing as indicated by significant reduction in plasma OT from baseline. Ascertainment of mothers in well-defined sensitivity groups might facilitate examination of distinct coping strategies in parents and better understanding of variation in parental caregiving behaviour and its potential for modulation by OT. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Oxytocin and Social Behav. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toward the Decision Tree for Inferring Requirements Maturation Types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakatani, Takako; Kondo, Narihito; Shirogane, Junko; Kaiya, Haruhiko; Hori, Shozo; Katamine, Keiichi

Requirements are elicited step by step during the requirements engineering (RE) process. However, some types of requirements are elicited completely after the scheduled requirements elicitation process is finished. Such a situation is regarded as problematic situation. In our study, the difficulties of eliciting various kinds of requirements is observed by components. We refer to the components as observation targets (OTs) and introduce the word “Requirements maturation.” It means when and how requirements are elicited completely in the project. The requirements maturation is discussed on physical and logical OTs. OTs Viewed from a logical viewpoint are called logical OTs, e.g. quality requirements. The requirements of physical OTs, e.g., modules, components, subsystems, etc., includes functional and non-functional requirements. They are influenced by their requesters' environmental changes, as well as developers' technical changes. In order to infer the requirements maturation period of each OT, we need to know how much these factors influence the OTs' requirements maturation. According to the observation of actual past projects, we defined the PRINCE (Pre Requirements Intelligence Net Consideration and Evaluation) model. It aims to guide developers in their observation of the requirements maturation of OTs. We quantitatively analyzed the actual cases with their requirements elicitation process and extracted essential factors that influence the requirements maturation. The results of interviews of project managers are analyzed by WEKA, a data mining system, from which the decision tree was derived. This paper introduces the PRINCE model and the category of logical OTs to be observed. The decision tree that helps developers infer the maturation type of an OT is also described. We evaluate the tree through real projects and discuss its ability to infer the requirements maturation types.

Content of conventional therapy for the severely affected arm during subacute rehabilitation after stroke: An analysis of physiotherapy and occupational therapy practice.

PubMed

de Jong, Lex D; van Wijck, Frederike; Stewart, Roy E; Geurts, Alexander C H; Dijkstra, Pieter U

2018-01-01

Physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are key professions providing treatment for the arm after stroke; however, knowledge about the content of these treatments is scant. Detailed data are needed to replicate interventions, evaluate their effective components, and evaluate PT and OT practice. This paper describes PT and OT treatment for the severely affected arm in terms of duration, content according to components and categories of the International Classification of Human Functioning, Disability and Health, and to analyze differences between professions. Design: This is a retrospective analysis of randomized trial data. 46 patients after stroke with poor arm motor control recruited from inpatient neurological units from three rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands. PTs and OTs recorded duration and content of arm treatment interventions for 8 weeks using a bespoke treatment schedule with 15 International Classification of Human Functioning, Disability and Health categories. PTs and OTs spent on average 4-7 min per treatment session (30 min) on arm treatment. OTs spent significantly more time providing arm treatment and treatment at the activities level than PTs. PTs spent 79% of their arm treatment time on body functions, OTs 41%. OTs spent significantly more time on "moving around using transportation," "self care," and "household tasks" categories. Patients after stroke with a severely affected arm and an unfavorable prognosis for arm motor recovery receive little arm-oriented PT and OT. Therapists spent most arm treatment time on body functions. There was a considerable overlap in the content of PT and OT in 12 of the 15 categories. Results can be generalized only to patients with poor arm motor control and may not represent practice in other countries. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Serum Oxytocin Levels and an Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphism (rs2254298) Indicate Social Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

PubMed Central

Yang, Shuhan; Dong, Xiaopeng; Guo, Xuan; Han, Yu; Song, Hanbing; Gao, Lei; Dai, Wei; Su, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Xin

2017-01-01

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OXTR) have been predicted to be involved in the regulation of social functioning in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Objective of the study was to investigate serum OT levels and the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism in Chinese Han children and adolescents with ASD as well as to identify their social deficits relevant to the oxytocinergic system. We tested serum OT levels using ELISA in 55 ASD subjects and 110 typically developing (TD) controls as well as genotyped the OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism using PCR-RFLP in 100 ASD subjects and 232 TD controls. Autistic symptoms were assessed by the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). There were no significant associations between OXTR rs2254298 polymorphism and ASD, serum OT levels and age, as well as serum OT levels and intelligent quotient (IQ) in both ASD and TD groups. However, ASD subjects exhibited elevated serum OT levels compared to TD controls and positive correlations between serum OT levels and “adaptation to change score” in the CARS and CARS total scores. Moreover, in the ASD group, significant relationships were revealed between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2254298 and serum OT levels, the category “stereotypes and object use” in the ABC and the category “adaptation to change” in the CARS. These findings indicated that individuals with ASD may exhibit a dysregulation in OT on the basis of changes in OXTR gene expression as well as environmentally induced alterations of the oxytocinergic system to determine their social deficits. PMID:28484366

Defining the association between operative time and outcomes in children's surgery.

PubMed

Short, Heather L; Fevrier, Helene B; Meisel, Jonathan A; Santore, Matthew T; Heiss, Kurt F; Wulkan, Mark L; Raval, Mehul V

2017-10-01

Prolonged operative time (OT) is considered a reflection of procedural complexity and may be associated with poor outcomes. Our purpose was to explore the association between prolonged OT and complications in children's surgery. 182,857 cases from the 2012-2014 NSQIP-Pediatric were organized into 33 groups. OT for each group was analyzed by quartile, and regression models were used to determine the relationship between prolonged OT and complications. Variations in OT existed for both short and long procedures. Cases in the longest quartile had twice the odds of postoperative complications after adjusting for age, sex and BMI (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.78-1.91). Procedure-specific prolonged OT was associated with postoperative complications for the majority (85%) of procedural groupings. Prolonged OT was associated with minor complications in gynecologic (OR 4.17; 95% CI 2.19-7.96), urologic (OR 2.88; 95% CI 2.40-3.44), and appendix procedures (OR 2.88; 95% CI 2.49-3.34). There were increased odds of major complications in foregut (OR 6.56; 95% CI 4.99-8.64), gynecologic (OR 3.07; 95% CI 1.84-5.13), and spine procedures (OR 2.99; 95% CI 2.57-3.28). Prolonged OT is associated with increased odds of postoperative complications across a spectrum of children's surgical procedures. Factors contributing to prolonged OT merit further investigation and may serve as a target for future quality improvement. Level III. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overtraining and immune system: a prospective longitudinal study in endurance athletes.

PubMed

Gabriel, H H; Urhausen, A; Valet, G; Heidelbach, U; Kindermann, W

1998-07-01

A prospective longitudinal study investigated for 19 +/- 3) months whether immunophenotypes of peripheral leukocytes were altered in periods of severe training. Leukocyte membrane antigens (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD45, CD45RO, and CD56) of endurance athletes were immunophenotyped (dual-color flow cytometry) and list mode data analyzed by a self-learning classification system in a state of an overtraining syndrome (OT; N = 15) and several occasions without symptoms of staleness (NS; N = 70). Neither at physical rest nor after a short-term highly intensive cycle ergometer exercise session at 110% of the individual anaerobic threshold did cell counts of neutrophils, T, B, and natural killer cells differ between OT and NS. Eosinophils were lower during OT, activated T cells (CD3+HLA/DR+) showed slight increases (NS: 5.5 +/- 2.7; OT 7.3 +/- 2.4% CD3+ of cells; means +/- SD; P < 0.01) during OT without reaching pathological ranges. The cell-surface expression of CD45RO (P < 0.001) on T cells, but not cell concentrations of CD45RO+ T cells, were higher during OT. OT could be classified with high specificities (92%) and sensitivities (93%). It is concluded that OT does not lead to clinically relevant alterations of immunophenotypes in peripheral blood and especially that an immunosuppressive effect cannot be detected. Immunophenotyping may provide help with the diagnosis of OT in future, but the diagnostic approach presented here requires improvements before use in sports medicine practice is enabled.

Natural variations in maternal and paternal care are associated with systematic changes in oxytocin following parent-infant contact.

PubMed

Feldman, Ruth; Gordon, Ilanit; Schneiderman, Inna; Weisman, Omri; Zagoory-Sharon, Orna

2010-09-01

Animal studies have demonstrated that the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) plays a critical role in processes of parent-infant bonding through mechanisms of early parental care, particularly maternal grooming and contact. Yet, the involvement of OT in human parenting remains poorly understood, no data are available on the role of OT in the development of human fathering, and the links between patterns of parental care and the OT response have not been explored in humans. One hundred and twelve mothers and fathers engaged in a 15-min play-and-contact interaction with their 4-6-month-old infants and interactions were micro-coded for patterns of parental touch. Results showed that baseline levels of plasma and salivary OT in mothers and fathers were similar, OT levels in plasma and saliva were inter-related, and OT was associated with the parent-specific mode of tactile contact. Human mothers who provided high levels of affectionate contact showed an OT increase following mother-infant interaction but such increase was not observed among mothers displaying low levels of affectionate contact. Among fathers, only those exhibiting high levels of stimulatory contact showed an OT increase. These results demonstrate consistency in the neuroendocrine basis of human parental interactions with those seen in other mammals. The findings underscore the need to provide opportunities for paternal care to trigger the biological basis of fatherhood and suggest that interventions that permit social engagement may be recommended in conditions of diminished maternal-infant contact, such as prematurity or postpartum depression. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Scope of practice and supervision of orthodontic therapists in the United Kingdom: Part 2: a national cross-sectional survey of orthodontic therapists.

PubMed

Ahmed, Farooq; Dugdale, Charlotte; Malik, Ovais; Waring, David

2018-03-01

Orthodontic therapists (OTs) are the most recent addition to the orthodontic clinical team. The General Dental Council (GDC) and the British Orthodontic Society have formulated guidance and guidelines relating to their scope of practice and level of supervision, however there has been no contemporary UK-based research investigating practice and supervision of OTs. The aim of this study was to investigate the scope of practice and level of supervision of OTs working in the UK. Ethical approval was received from the University of Manchester Research Ethics Committee. An anonymous postal questionnaire was dispatched using postal details acquired through the British Orthodontic Societies mailing list. Three mailings of the questionnaire were conducted. A 74% response rate was achieved. OTs routinely conducted 16 of the 20 procedures from their scope of practice. Uncommon procedures included fitting headgear (24%), lingual appliances (27%), inserting or removing temporary anchorage devices (20%), and taking facebow record (18%). A total of 62% of OTs took patient consent for treatment. 59% were supervised through a written prescription with no direct supervision. OTs were directly supervised for only a quarter of their clinical practice. Orthodontists viewing frequency for OTs varied significantly, and was found to be the following: every 2-4 visits (36%), every other visit (35%), and every visit (26%). OTs mostly carried out the scope of practice as permitted by the GDC. Procedures uncommon to routine orthodontic practice were also uncommon to Orthodontic therapist clinical practice. OTs work mostly through written prescription with no direct supervision.

Oxytocin and socioemotional aging: Current knowledge and future trends

PubMed Central

Ebner, Natalie C.; Maura, Gabriela M.; MacDonald, Kai; Westberg, Lars; Fischer, Håkan

2013-01-01

The oxytocin (OT) system is involved in various aspects of social cognition and prosocial behavior. Specifically, OT has been examined in the context of social memory, emotion recognition, cooperation, trust, empathy, and bonding, and—though evidence is somewhat mixed-intranasal OT appears to benefit aspects of socioemotional functioning. However, most of the extant data on aging and OT is from animal research and human OT research has focused largely on young adults. As such, though we know that various socioemotional capacities change with age, we know little about whether age-related changes in the OT system may underlie age-related differences in socioemotional functioning. In this review, we take a genetic-neuro-behavioral approach and evaluate current evidence on age-related changes in the OT system as well as the putative effects of these alterations on age-related socioemotional functioning. Looking forward, we identify informational gaps and propose an Age-Related Genetic, Neurobiological, Sociobehavioral Model of Oxytocin (AGeNeS-OT model) which may structure and inform investigations into aging-related genetic, neural, and sociocognitive processes related to OT. As an exemplar of the use of the model, we report exploratory data suggesting differences in socioemotional processing associated with genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) in samples of young and older adults. Information gained from this arena has translational potential in depression, social stress, and anxiety-all of which have high relevance in aging—and may contribute to reducing social isolation and improving well-being of individuals across the lifespan. PMID:24009568

Oxytocin and bone

PubMed Central

Sun, Li; Zaidi, Mone; Zallone, Alberta

2014-01-01

One of the most meaningful results recently achieved in bone research has been to reveal that the pituitary hormones have profound effect on bone, so that the pituitary-bone axis has become one of the major topics in skeletal physiology. Here, we discuss the relevant evidence about the posterior pituitary hormone oxytocin (OT), previously thought to exclusively regulate parturition and breastfeeding, which has recently been established to directly regulate bone mass. Both osteoblasts and osteoclasts express OT receptors (OTR), whose stimulation enhances bone mass. Consistent with this, mice deficient in OT or OTR display profoundly impaired bone formation. In contrast, bone resorption remains unaffected in OT deficiency because, even while OT stimulates the genesis of osteoclasts, it inhibits their resorptive function. Furthermore, in addition to its origin from the pituitary, OT is also produced by bone marrow osteoblasts acting as paracrine-autocrine regulator of bone formation modulated by estrogens. In turn, the power of estrogen to increase bone mass is OTR-dependent. Therefore, OTR−/− mice injected with 17β-estradiol do not show any effects on bone formation parameters, while the same treatment increases bone mass in wild-type mice. These findings together provide evidence for an anabolic action of OT in regulating bone mass and suggest that bone marrow OT may enhance the bone-forming action of estrogen through an autocrine circuit. This established new physiological role for OT in the maintenance of skeletal integrity further suggests the potential use of this hormone for the treatment of osteoporosis. PMID:25209411

The “metabolic sensor” function of rat supraoptic oxytocin and vasopressin neurons is attenuated during lactation but not in diet-induced obesity

PubMed Central

Stevens, Wanida; Song, Zhilin; Johnson, Ginger C.; MacLean, Paul S.

2015-01-01

The oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) neurons of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) demonstrate characteristics of “metabolic sensors”. They express insulin receptors and glucokinase (GK). They respond to an increase in glucose and insulin with an increase in intracellular [Ca2+] and increased OT and VP release that is GK dependent. Although this is consistent with the established role of OT as an anorectic agent, how these molecules function relative to the important role of OT during lactation and whether deficits in this metabolic sensor function contribute to obesity remain to be examined. Thus, we evaluated whether insulin and glucose-induced OT and VP secretion from perifused explants of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system are altered during lactation and by diet-induced obesity (DIO). In explants from female day 8 lactating rats, increasing glucose (Glu, 5 mM) did not alter OT or VP release. However, insulin (Ins; 3 ng/ml) increased OT release, and increasing the glucose concentration in the presence of insulin (Ins+Glu) resulted in a sustained elevation in both OT and VP release that was not prevented by alloxan, a GK inhibitor. Explants from male DIO rats also responded to Ins+Glu with an increase in OT and VP regardless of whether obesity had been induced by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). The HFD-DIO rats had elevated body weight, plasma Ins, Glu, leptin, and triglycerides. These findings suggest that the role of SON neurons as metabolic sensors is diminished during lactation, but not in this animal model of obesity. PMID:26661099

Oxytocin Levels in Community-Collected Saliva Samples Transported by Dry Versus Wet Ice.

PubMed

Howland, Lois C; Pickler, Rita H; Sullenbarger, Brent A; Connelly, Cynthia D

2018-01-01

Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide produced primarily in the hypothalamus, is associated with both critical physiological and psychological processes, particularly stress and feelings of affiliation. Increasingly, researchers are seeking ways to reliably incorporate OT as an outcome biomarker in clinical research. Previously, OT levels were measured in plasma or urine. Recently, researchers have measured this biomarker in saliva, particularly when conducting research in clinical and community settings. In spite of increased interest in the use of salivary OT in clinical research, procedures for handling, transport, and analysis of specimens vary. It is not known if significant OT protein degradation occurs if samples are initially transported on wet ice before being frozen. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of transport media (wet vs. dry ice) on OT levels derived from saliva collected from 12 postpartum women residing in the community. Saliva collected from each participant was divided between two microcentrifuge tubes (MIDSCI, Valley Park, MO), one placed on wet ice and one on dry ice for transport from the participant's home to the laboratory freezer. Time from collection to storage freezer was recorded. Laboratory personnel, blinded to method of transport, batch processed the samples. No significant differences in OT levels were found by transport method. Despite large interperson variations in OT levels, there were negligible intraperson variations. Although further research is required to identify factors (including transport time) related to interperson variation, this study supports the use of wet ice as a means of transporting salivary OT specimens in community-based research.

Application of fast-scan cyclic voltammetry for the in vivo characterization of optically evoked dopamine in the olfactory tubercle of the rat brain.

PubMed

Wakabayashi, Ken T; Bruno, Michael J; Bass, Caroline E; Park, Jinwoo

2016-06-21

The olfactory tubercle (OT), as a component of the ventral striatum, serves as an important multisensory integration center for reward-related processes in the brain. Recent studies show that dense dopaminergic innervation from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) into the OT may play an outsized role in disorders such as psychostimulant addiction and disorders of motivation, increasing recent scientific interest in this brain region. However, due to its anatomical inaccessibility, relative small size, and proximity to other dopamine-rich structures, neurochemical assessments using conventional methods cannot be readily employed. Here, we investigated dopamine (DA) regulation in the OT of urethane-anesthetized rats using in vivo fast-scan voltammetry (FSCV) coupled with carbon-fiber microelectrodes, following optogenetic stimulation of the VTA. The results were compared with DA regulation in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a structure located adjacent to the OT and which also receives dense DA innervation from the VTA. FSCV coupled with optically evoked release allowed us to investigate the spatial distribution of DA in the OT and characterize OT DA dynamics (release and clearance) with subsecond temporal and micrometer spatial resolution for the first time. In this study, we demonstrated that DA transporters play an important role in regulating DA in the OT. However, the control of extracellular DA by uptake in the OT was less than in the NAc. The difference in DA transmission in the terminal fields of the OT and NAc may be involved in region-specific responses to drugs of abuse and contrasting roles in mediating reward-related behavior.

Predicting the Migration Rate of Dialkyl Organotins from PVC Pipe into Water

EPA Science Inventory

Organotins (OTs) are additives widely used as thermal and light stabilizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. OTs can leach into water flowing through PVC pipes. This work examines the leaching rates of two neurotoxic OTs, dimethyl tin (DMT) and dibutyl tin (DBT), from PVC pi...

Clinical interpretation of opioid tolerance versus opioid-induced hyperalgesia.

PubMed

Chen, Lucy; Sein, Michael; Vo, Trang; Amhmed, Shihab; Zhang, Yi; Hilaire, Kristin St; Houghton, Mary; Mao, Jianren

2014-01-01

Opioid analgesics are commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain. However, the long-term use of opioids could lead to opioid tolerance (OT) and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). Distinguishing OIH from OT would impact the practice of opioid therapy because opioid dose adjustment may differentially influence OT and OIH. Currently, there are no standard criteria of OT versus OIH causing considerable ambiguity in clinical interpretation and management of these conditions. The authors designed a practitioner-based survey consisting of 20 targeted questions. Answering these questions would require responders' actual clinical experiences with opioid therapy. The survey was conducted between 2011 and 2012 through direct mails or e-mails to 1,408 physicians who are currently practicing in the United States. The authors find that certain clinical characteristics (eg, increased pain despite opioid dose escalation) are often used by practitioners to make differential diagnosis of OT and OIH despite some overlap in their clinical presentation. A key difference in clinical outcome is that OT and OIH could be improved and exacerbated by opioid dose escalation, respectively. Our survey results revealed a significant knowledge gap in some responders regarding differential diagnosis and management of OT and OIH. The results also identified several issues, such as opioid dose adjustment and clinical comorbidities related to OT and OIH, which require future patient-based studies.

Effects of occupational therapy on hospitalized chronic schizophrenia patients with severe negative symptoms.

PubMed

Tatsumi, Eri; Yotsumoto, Kayano; Nakamae, Toshimichi; Hashimoto, Takeshi

2012-05-24

The aim of this study was to determine whether occupational therapy (OT) can improve the interpersonal relationships and negative symptoms of hospitalized chronic schizophrenia patients with severe negative symptoms. Subjects were 38 patients with chronic schizophrenia. They were randomly divided into an OT group and a control group. Patients in the OT group participated in cooking activities once a week for 15 weeks, while patients in the control group did not. During this period, both groups had the usual treatment except for the cooking activities. In interviews, the patient was asked to place a chair toward the interviewer (a therapist). The angle and distance from the interviewer were taken as indicators of an ability to have interpersonal relationships. Negative symptoms were evaluated with the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). Patients who received OT were able to sit at the smaller angle and shorter distance from the interviewer than before OT (p=0.015 and p=0.013, respectively). The total SANS score was lower after OT than before OT (p=0.033). In the control group, the distance from the interviewer also decreased during the experimental period (p=0.040) but the seating angle and the SANS scores did not change. The results suggest that OT can help to improve a relationship allowing the patient to face the therapist and that it might improve negative symptoms of schizophrenia.