Decreased striatal and enhanced thalamic dopaminergic responsivity in detoxified cocaine abusers

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

Volkow, N.D.; Wang, G.J.; Fowler, J.S.

It has been hypothesized that cocaine addiction could result from decreased brain dopamine (DA) function. However, little is known about changes in (DA) neurotransmission in human cocaine addiction. We used PET and [C-11]raclopride, a DA D2 receptor ligand sensitive to competition with endogenous DA, to measure relative changes in extracellular DA induced by methylphenidate (MP) in 20 cocaine abusers (3-6 weeks after cocaine discontinuation) and 23 controls. MP did not affect the transport of [C-11]raclopride from blood to brain (K1); however it induced a significant reduction in DA D2 receptor availability (Bmax/Kd) in striatum. The magnitude of ND-induced changes inmore » striatal [C-11]raclopride binding were significantly larger in controls (21 + 13% change from baseline) than in cocaine abusers (9 {+-} 13 %) (ANOVA p < 0.005). In cocaine abusers, but not in controls, MP also decreased Bmax/Kd values in thalamus (29 {+-} 35 %) (ANOVA p < 0.005). There were no differences in plasma MP concentration between the groups. In striatum MP-induced changes in Bmax/Kd were significantly correlated with MP-induced changes in self reports of restlessness (r = 0.49, df 42, p < 0.002). In thalamus MP-induced changes in Bmax/Kd were significantly correlated with ND-induced changes in self reports of cocaine craving (r = 0.57, df 42, p < 0.0001). These results are compatible with a decrease in striatal DA brain function in cocaine abusers. They also suggest a participation of thalamic DA pathways in cocaine addiction.« less

Numerical simulation of KdV equation by finite difference method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokus, A.; Bulut, H.

2018-05-01

In this study, the numerical solutions to the KdV equation with dual power nonlinearity by using the finite difference method are obtained. Discretize equation is presented in the form of finite difference operators. The numerical solutions are secured via the analytical solution to the KdV equation with dual power nonlinearity which is present in the literature. Through the Fourier-Von Neumann technique and linear stable, we have seen that the FDM is stable. Accuracy of the method is analyzed via the L2 and L_{∞} norm errors. The numerical, exact approximations and absolute error are presented in tables. We compare the numerical solutions with the exact solutions and this comparison is supported with the graphic plots. Under the choice of suitable values of parameters, the 2D and 3D surfaces for the used analytical solution are plotted.

Hamiltonian formulation of the KdV equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nutku, Y.

1984-06-01

We consider the canonical formulation of Whitham's variational principle for the KdV equation. This Lagrangian is degenerate and we have found it necessary to use Dirac's theory of constrained systems in constructing the Hamiltonian. Earlier discussions of the Hamiltonian structure of the KdV equation were based on various different decompositions of the field which is avoided by this new approach.

7 CFR 29.1080 - Variegated dark red (KD).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Variegated dark red (KD). 29.1080 Section 29.1080..., 13, 14 and Foreign Type 92) § 29.1080 Variegated dark red (KD). A dark brownish-red discoloration... over extended periods of time. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is dark brownish-red...

7 CFR 29.1080 - Variegated dark red (KD).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Variegated dark red (KD). 29.1080 Section 29.1080..., 13, 14 and Foreign Type 92) § 29.1080 Variegated dark red (KD). A dark brownish-red discoloration... over extended periods of time. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is dark brownish-red...

7 CFR 29.1080 - Variegated dark red (KD).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Variegated dark red (KD). 29.1080 Section 29.1080..., 13, 14 and Foreign Type 92) § 29.1080 Variegated dark red (KD). A dark brownish-red discoloration... over extended periods of time. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is dark brownish-red...

7 CFR 29.1080 - Variegated dark red (KD).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Variegated dark red (KD). 29.1080 Section 29.1080..., 13, 14 and Foreign Type 92) § 29.1080 Variegated dark red (KD). A dark brownish-red discoloration... over extended periods of time. Any leaf of which 20 percent or more of its surface is dark brownish-red...

The University Münster Model Surgery System for Orthognathic Surgery. Part II -- KD-MMS.

PubMed

Ehmer, Ulrike; Joos, Ulrich; Ziebura, Thomas; Flieger, Stefanie; Wiechmann, Dirk

2013-01-04

Model surgery is an integral part of the planning procedure in orthognathic surgery. Most concepts comprise cutting the dental cast off its socket. The standardized spacer plates of the KD-MMS provide for a non-destructive, reversible and reproducible means of maxillary and/or mandibular plaster cast separation. In the course of development of the system various articulator types were evaluated with regard to their capability to provide a means of realizing the concepts comprised of the KD-MMS. Special attention was dedicated to the ability to perform three-dimensional displacements without cutting of plaster casts. Various utilities were developed to facilitate maxillary displacement in accordance to the planning. Objectives of this development comprised the ability to implement the values established in the course of two-dimensional ceph planning. The system - KD-MMS comprises a set of hardware components as well as a defined procedure. Essential hardware components are red spacer and blue mounting plates. The blue mounting plates replace the standard yellow SAM mounting elements. The red spacers provide for a defined leeway of 8 mm for three-dimensional movements. The non-destructive approach of the KD-MMS makes it possible to conduct different model surgeries with the same plaster casts as well as to restore the initial, pre-surgical situation at any time. Thereby, surgical protocol generation and gnathologic splint construction are facilitated. The KD-MMS hardware components in conjunction with the defined procedures are capable of increasing efficiency and accuracy of model surgery and splint construction. In cases where different surgical approaches need to be evaluated in the course of model surgery, a significant reduction of chair time may be achieved.

A novel noncommutative KdV-type equation, its recursion operator, and solitons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carillo, Sandra; Lo Schiavo, Mauro; Porten, Egmont; Schiebold, Cornelia

2018-04-01

A noncommutative KdV-type equation is introduced extending the Bäcklund chart in Carillo et al. [Symmetry Integrability Geom.: Methods Appl. 12, 087 (2016)]. This equation, called meta-mKdV here, is linked by Cole-Hopf transformations to the two noncommutative versions of the mKdV equations listed in Olver and Sokolov [Commun. Math. Phys. 193, 245 (1998), Theorem 3.6]. For this meta-mKdV, and its mirror counterpart, recursion operators, hierarchies, and an explicit solution class are derived.

A Super mKdV Equation: Bosonization, Painlevé Property and Exact Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Bo; Lou, Sen-Yue

2018-04-01

The symmetry of the fermionic field is obtained by means of the Lax pair of the mKdV equation. A new super mKdV equation is constructed by virtue of the symmetry of the fermionic form. The super mKdV system is changed to a system of coupled bosonic equations with the bosonization approach. The bosonized SmKdV (BSmKdV) equation admits Painlevé property by the standard singularity analysis. The traveling wave solutions of the BSmKdV system are presented by the mapping and deformation method. We also provide other ideas to construct new super integrable systems. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11775146, 11435005, and 11472177, Shanghai Knowledge Service Platform for Trustworthy Internet of Things under Grant No. ZF1213 and K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University

Efficient Delaunay Tessellation through K-D Tree Decomposition

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

Morozov, Dmitriy; Peterka, Tom

Delaunay tessellations are fundamental data structures in computational geometry. They are important in data analysis, where they can represent the geometry of a point set or approximate its density. The algorithms for computing these tessellations at scale perform poorly when the input data is unbalanced. We investigate the use of k-d trees to evenly distribute points among processes and compare two strategies for picking split points between domain regions. Because resulting point distributions no longer satisfy the assumptions of existing parallel Delaunay algorithms, we develop a new parallel algorithm that adapts to its input and prove its correctness. We evaluatemore » the new algorithm using two late-stage cosmology datasets. The new running times are up to 50 times faster using k-d tree compared with regular grid decomposition. Moreover, in the unbalanced data sets, decomposing the domain into a k-d tree is up to five times faster than decomposing it into a regular grid.« less

A new integrable equation combining the modified KdV equation with the negative-order modified KdV equation: multiple soliton solutions and a variety of solitonic solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wazwaz, Abdul-Majid

2018-07-01

A new third-order integrable equation is constructed via combining the recursion operator of the modified KdV equation (MKdV) and its inverse recursion operator. The developed equation will be termed the modified KdV-negative order modified KdV equation (MKdV-nMKdV). The complete integrability of this equation is confirmed by showing that it nicely possesses the Painlevé property. We obtain multiple soliton solutions for the newly developed integrable equation. Moreover, this equation enjoys a variety of solutions which include solitons, peakons, cuspons, negaton, positon, complexiton and other solutions.

Lytic and Chemotactic Features of the Plaque-Forming Bacterium KD531 on Phaeodactylum tricornutum

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhangran; Zheng, Wei; Yang, Luxi; Boughner, Lisa A.; Tian, Yun; Zheng, Tianling; Xu, Hong

2017-01-01

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a dominant bloom forming species and potential biofuel feedstock. To control P. tricornutum bloom or to release lipids from P. tricornutum, we previously screened and identified the lytic bacterium Labrenzia sp. KD531 toward P. tricornutum. In the present study, we evaluated the lytic activity of Labrenzia sp. KD531 on microalgae and investigated its lytic mechanism. The results indicated that the lytic activity of KD531 was temperature- and pH-dependent, but light-independent. In addition to P. tricornutum, KD531 also showed lytic activity against other algal species, especially green algae. A quantitative analysis of algal cellular protein, carbohydrate and lipid content together with measurements of dry weight after exposure to bacteria-infected algal lysate indicated that the bacterium KD531 influenced the algal biomass by disrupting the algal cells. Both chemotactic analysis and microscopic observations of subsamples from different regions of formed plaques showed that KD531 could move toward and then directly contact algal cells. Direct contact between P. tricornutum and KD531 cells was essential for the lytic process. PMID:29312256

Convective wave breaking in the KdV equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brun, Mats K.; Kalisch, Henrik

2018-03-01

The KdV equation is a model equation for waves at the surface of an inviscid incompressible fluid, and it is well known that the equation describes the evolution of unidirectional waves of small amplitude and long wavelength fairly accurately if the waves fall into the Boussinesq regime. The KdV equation allows a balance of nonlinear steepening effects and dispersive spreading which leads to the formation of steady wave profiles in the form of solitary waves and cnoidal waves. While these wave profiles are solutions of the KdV equation for any amplitude, it is shown here that there for both the solitary and the cnoidal waves, there are critical amplitudes for which the horizontal component of the particle velocity matches the phase velocity of the wave. Solitary or cnoidal solutions of the KdV equation which surpass these amplitudes feature incipient wave breaking as the particle velocity exceeds the phase velocity near the crest of the wave, and the model breaks down due to violation of the kinematic surface boundary condition. The condition for breaking can be conveniently formulated as a convective breaking criterion based on the local Froude number at the wave crest. This breaking criterion can also be applied to time-dependent situations, and one case of interest is the development of an undular bore created by an influx at a lateral boundary. It is shown that this boundary forcing leads to wave breaking in the leading wave behind the bore if a certain threshold is surpassed.

K&D Landscaping and Construction Information Sheet

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

K&D Landscaping and Construction (the Company) is located in Cazenovia, New York. The settlement involves renovation activities conducted at property constructed prior to 1978, located in Rochester, New York.

Rogue periodic waves of the modified KdV equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jinbing; Pelinovsky, Dmitry E.

2018-05-01

Rogue periodic waves stand for rogue waves on a periodic background. Two families of travelling periodic waves of the modified Korteweg–de Vries (mKdV) equation in the focusing case are expressed by the Jacobian elliptic functions dn and cn. By using one-fold and two-fold Darboux transformations of the travelling periodic waves, we construct new explicit solutions for the mKdV equation. Since the dn-periodic wave is modulationally stable with respect to long-wave perturbations, the new solution constructed from the dn-periodic wave is a nonlinear superposition of an algebraically decaying soliton and the dn-periodic wave. On the other hand, since the cn-periodic wave is modulationally unstable with respect to long-wave perturbations, the new solution constructed from the cn-periodic wave is a rogue wave on the cn-periodic background, which generalizes the classical rogue wave (the so-called Peregrine’s breather) of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We compute the magnification factor for the rogue cn-periodic wave of the mKdV equation and show that it remains constant for all amplitudes. As a by-product of our work, we find explicit expressions for the periodic eigenfunctions of the spectral problem associated with the dn and cn periodic waves of the mKdV equation.

Direct Connection between the RII Chain and the Nonautonomous Discrete Modified KdV Lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Kazuki; Tsujimoto, Satoshi

2013-11-01

The spectral transformation technique for symmetric RII polynomials is developed. Use of this technique reveals that the nonautonomous discrete modified KdV (nd-mKdV) lattice is directly connected with the RII chain. Hankel determinant solutions to the semi-infinite nd-mKdV lattice are also presented.

Clinical implications in laboratory parameter values in acute Kawasaki disease for early diagnosis and proper treatment.

PubMed

Seo, Yu-Mi; Kang, Hyun-Mi; Lee, Sung-Churl; Yu, Jae-Won; Kil, Hong-Ryang; Rhim, Jung-Woo; Han, Ji-Whan; Lee, Kyung-Yil

2018-05-01

This study aimed to analyse laboratory values according to fever duration, and evaluate the relationship across these values during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD) to aid in the early diagnosis for early-presenting KD and incomplete KD patients. Clinical and laboratory data of patients with KD (n=615) were evaluated according to duration of fever at presentation, and were compared between patients with and without coronary artery lesions (CALs). For evaluation of the relationships across laboratory indices, patients with a fever duration of 5 days or 6 days were used (n=204). The mean fever duration was 6.6±2.3 days, and the proportions of patients with CALs was 19.3% (n=114). C-reactive proteins (CRPs) and neutrophil differential values were highest and hemoglobin, albumin, and lymphocyte differential values were lowest in the 6-day group. Patients with CALs had longer total fever duration, higher CRP and neutrophil differential values and lower hemoglobin and albumin values compared to patients without CALs. CRP, albumin, neutrophil differential, and hemoglobin values at the peak inflammation stage of KD showed positive or negative correlations each other. The severity of systemic inflammation in KD was reflected in the laboratory values including CRP, neutrophil differential, albumin, and hemoglobin. Observing changes in these laboratory parameters by repeated examinations prior to the peak of inflammation in acute KD may aid in diagnosis of early-presenting KD patients.

Lie Symmetry Analysis and Explicit Solutions of the Time Fractional Fifth-Order KdV Equation

PubMed Central

Wang, Gang wei; Xu, Tian zhou; Feng, Tao

2014-01-01

In this paper, using the Lie group analysis method, we study the invariance properties of the time fractional fifth-order KdV equation. A systematic research to derive Lie point symmetries to time fractional fifth-order KdV equation is performed. In the sense of point symmetry, all of the vector fields and the symmetry reductions of the fractional fifth-order KdV equation are obtained. At last, by virtue of the sub-equation method, some exact solutions to the fractional fifth-order KdV equation are provided. PMID:24523885

New analytical exact solutions of time fractional KdV-KZK equation by Kudryashov methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

S Saha, Ray

2016-04-01

In this paper, new exact solutions of the time fractional KdV-Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov (KdV-KZK) equation are obtained by the classical Kudryashov method and modified Kudryashov method respectively. For this purpose, the modified Riemann-Liouville derivative is used to convert the nonlinear time fractional KdV-KZK equation into the nonlinear ordinary differential equation. In the present analysis, the classical Kudryashov method and modified Kudryashov method are both used successively to compute the analytical solutions of the time fractional KdV-KZK equation. As a result, new exact solutions involving the symmetrical Fibonacci function, hyperbolic function and exponential function are obtained for the first time. The methods under consideration are reliable and efficient, and can be used as an alternative to establish new exact solutions of different types of fractional differential equations arising from mathematical physics. The obtained results are exhibited graphically in order to demonstrate the efficiencies and applicabilities of these proposed methods of solving the nonlinear time fractional KdV-KZK equation.

Determination of solid-liquid partition coefficients (Kd) for the herbicides isoproturon and trifluralin in five UK agricultural soils.

PubMed

Cooke, Cindy M; Shaw, George; Collins, Chris D

2004-12-01

Isoproturon and trifluralin are herbicides of contrasting chemical characters and modes of action. Standard batch sorption procedures were carried out to investigate the individual sorption behaviour of 14C-isoproturon and 14C-trifluralin in five agricultural soils (1.8-4.2% OC), and the soil solid-liquid partition coefficients (Kd values) were determined. Trifluralin exhibited strong partitioning to the soil solid phase (Kd range 106-294) and low desorption potential, thus should not pose a threat to sensitive waters via leaching, although particle erosion and preferential flow pathways may facilitate transport. For isoproturon, soil adsorption was low (Kd range 1.96-5.75) and desorption was high, suggesting a high leaching potential, consistent with isoproturon being the most frequently found pesticide in UK surface waters. Soil partitioning was directly related to soil organic carbon (OC) content. Accumulation isotherms were modelled using a dual-phase adsorption model to estimate adsorption and desorption rate coefficients. Associations between herbicides and soil humic substances were also shown using gel filtration chromatography.

Use of synthetic peptide libraries for the H-2Kd binding motif identification.

PubMed

Quesnel, A; Casrouge, A; Kourilsky, P; Abastado, J P; Trudelle, Y

1995-01-01

To identify Kd-binding peptides, an approach based on small peptide libraries has been developed. These peptide libraries correspond to all possible single-amino acid variants of a particular Kd-binding peptide, SYIPSAEYI, an analog of the Plasmodium berghei 252-260 antigenic peptide SYIPSAEKI. In the parent sequence, each position is replaced by all the genetically encoded amino acids (except cysteine). The multiple analog syntheses are performed either by the Divide Couple and Recombine method or by the Single Resin method and generate mixtures containing 19 peptides. The present report deals with the synthesis, the purification, the chemical characterization by amino acid analysis and electrospray mass spectrometry (ES-MS), and the application of such mixtures in binding tests with a soluble, functionally empty, single-chain H-2Kd molecule denoted SC-Kd. For each mixture, bound peptides were eluted and analyzed by sequencing. Since the binding tests were realized in noncompetitive conditions, our results show that a much broader set of peptides bind to Kd than expected from previous studies. This may be of practical importance when looking for low affinity peptides such as tumor peptides capable of eliciting protective immune response.

A method for estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient (KdPAR)from paired temperature sensors

USGS Publications Warehouse

Read, Jordan S.; Rose, Kevin C.; Winslow, Luke A.; Read, Emily K.

2015-01-01

A new method for estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient for photosynthetically active radiation (KdPAR) from paired temperature sensors was derived. We show that during cases where the attenuation of penetrating shortwave solar radiation is the dominant source of temperature changes, time series measurements of water temperatures at multiple depths (z1 and z2) are related to one another by a linear scaling factor (a). KdPAR can then be estimated by the simple equation KdPAR ln(a)/(z2/z1). A suggested workflow is presented that outlines procedures for calculating KdPAR according to this paired temperature sensor (PTS) method. This method is best suited for conditions when radiative temperature gains are large relative to physical noise. These conditions occur frequently on water bodies with low wind and/or high KdPARs but can be used for other types of lakes during time periods of low wind and/or where spatially redundant measurements of temperatures are available. The optimal vertical placement of temperature sensors according to a priori knowledge of KdPAR is also described. This information can be used to inform the design of future sensor deployments using the PTS method or for campaigns where characterizing sub-daily changes in temperatures is important. The PTS method provides a novel method to characterize light attenuation in aquatic ecosystems without expensive radiometric equipment or the user subjectivity inherent in Secchi depth measurements. This method also can enable the estimation of KdPAR at higher frequencies than many manual monitoring programs allow.

New insight into pesticide partition coefficient Kd for modelling pesticide fluvial transport: application to an agricultural catchment in south-western France.

PubMed

Boithias, Laurie; Sauvage, Sabine; Merlina, Georges; Jean, Séverine; Probst, Jean-Luc; Sánchez Pérez, José Miguel

2014-03-01

Pesticides applied on crops are leached with rainfall to groundwater and surface water. They threat the aquatic environment and may render water unfit for human consumption. Pesticide partitioning is one of the pesticide fate processes in the environment that should be properly formalised in pesticide fate models. Based on the analysis of 7 pesticide molecules (alachlor, atrazine, atrazine's transformation product deethylatrazine or DEA, isoproturon, tebuconazole and trifluralin) sampled from July 2009 to October 2010 at the outlet of the river Save (south-western France), the objectives of this study were (1) to check which of the environmental factors (discharge, pH, concentrations of total suspended matter (TSM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) could control the pesticide sorption dynamic, and (2) to establish a relationship between environmental factors, the partition coefficient Kd and the octanol/water distribution coefficient Kow. The comparison of physico-chemical parameters values during low flow and high flow shows that discharge, TSM and POC are the factors most likely controlling the pesticide sorption processes in the Save river network, especially for lower values of TSM (below 13mgL(-1)). We therefore express Kd depending on the widely literature-related variable Kow and on the commonly simulated variable TSM concentration. The equation can be implemented in any model describing the fluvial transport and fate of pesticides in both dissolved and sorbed phases, thus, Kd becomes a variable in time and space. The Kd calculation method can be applied to a wide range of catchments and organic contaminants. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of the distribution coefficient (log Kd) of oxytetracycline, tylosin A, olaquindox and metronidazole in manure.

PubMed

Loke, Marie-Louise; Tjørnelund, Jette; Halling-Sørensen, Bent

2002-07-01

Olaquindox (log Kow = -2.3) and metronidazole (log Kow = -0.1) both have low tendencies to sorp to particles in manure. This corresponds with the negative log Kow values of these antibiotics. Tylosin (log Kow = 1.63) and oxytetracycline (log Kow = -1.12) sorp relatively strongly to the manure particles and have log Kd values between 1.5 and 2.0. The tendency to bind to manure was ranked after increasing binding as follows: metronidazole < olaquindox < tylosin A and oxytetracycline. This order of ranking is consistent with results of sorption in soil. Our experiments illustrate that for some antibacterial agents estimation of the partitioning coefficients, Kd, cannot be made from Kow and f(oc) alone. Sorption of oxytetracycline to manure is much higher than expected from the negative log Kow value of the compound. It is believed that sorption of oxytetracycline to manure is influenced by ionic binding to divalent metal ions as such Mg2+ and Ca2+ as well as other charged compounds in the matrix. Binding of oxytetracycline to soil is stronger than the binding to manure. This is most likely due to the strong mineral related metal complexes formed between soil, metal ion and oxytetracycline. These complexes are not known to exist in manure. The relatively strong sorption of tylosin A to manure corresponds with data found for soil sorption of tylosin. Tylosin has a log Kow value of 2.5, thus it is not surprising that this drug binds strongly to manure.

Characterization of the protective capacity and immunogenicity of the 69-kD outer membrane protein of Bordetella pertussis

PubMed Central

1990-01-01

Immunization with the 69-kD outer membrane protein (OMP) of Bordetella pertussis protected neonatal mice against lethal respiratory challenge with B. pertussis 18323. Active immunization elicited a serum IgG anti- 69-kD OMP response at the time of challenge, with IgG anti-69-kD OMP antibodies detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid after challenge. Intravenous administration of BPE8, a monoclonal IgG1 anti-69-kD OMP, also protected young mice against B. pertussis challenge. Intravenously injected BPE8 was detected in the lungs of mice at the time of aerosol challenge, suggesting that the presence of specific antibody in the lungs may mediate protection. Thus the 69-kD OMP of B. pertussis is a protective antigen in mice that elicits specific serum antibody that can transude to the lung. The 69-kD OMP was detected in a preparation of a Takeda acellular vaccine by immunoblot analysis and a serum antibody response to the 69-kD OMP was observed in 18-mo-old children boosted with this preparation of Japanese acellular vaccine. Our results demonstrate that the B. pertussis 69-kD OMP is a protective antigen in animals, is immunogenic in humans, and is present in a preparation of acellular pertussis vaccine that is widely used in Japan. These findings indicate that the 69-kD OMP should be seriously considered as a candidate for inclusion in new formulations of antigenically defined acellular pertussis vaccines. PMID:2295882

Keap1-knockdown decreases fasting-induced fatty liver via altered lipid metabolism and decreased fatty acid mobilization from adipose tissue.

PubMed

Xu, Jialin; Donepudi, Ajay C; Moscovitz, Jamie E; Slitt, Angela L

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Nrf2 activation, via Keap1-knockdown (Keap1-KD), regulates lipid metabolism and mobilization induced by food deprivation (e.g. fasting). Male C57BL/6 (WT) and Keap1-KD mice were either fed ad libitum or food deprived for 24 hours. After fasting, WT mice exhibited a marked increase in hepatic lipid accumulation, but Keap1-KD mice had an attenuated increase of lipid accumulation, along with reduced expression of lipogenic genes (acetyl-coA carboxylase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, and fatty acid synthase) and reduced expression of genes related to fatty acid transport, such as fatty acid translocase/CD36 (CD36) and Fatty acid transport protein (FATP) 2, which may attribute to the reduced induction of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (Ppar) α signaling in the liver. Additionally, enhanced Nrf2 activity by Keap1-KD increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in liver. In white adipose tissue, enhanced Nrf2 activity did not change the lipolysis rate by fasting, but reduced expression of fatty acid transporters--CD36 and FATP1, via a PPARα-dependent mechanism, which impaired fatty acid transport from white adipose tissue to periphery circulation system, and resulted in increased white adipose tissue fatty acid content. Moreover, enhanced Nrf2 activity increased glucose tolerance and Akt phosphorylation levels upon insulin administration, suggesting Nrf2 signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating insulin signaling and enhanced insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. Enhanced Nrf2 activity via Keap1-KD decreased fasting-induced steatosis, pointing to an important function of Nrf2 on lipid metabolism under the condition of nutrient deprivation.

Dissipative behavior of some fully non-linear KdV-type equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenier, Yann; Levy, Doron

2000-03-01

The KdV equation can be considered as a special case of the general equation u t+f(u) x-δg(u xx) x=0, δ>0, where f is non-linear and g is linear, namely f( u)= u2/2 and g( v)= v. As the parameter δ tends to 0, the dispersive behavior of the KdV equation has been throughly investigated (see, e.g., [P.G. Drazin, Solitons, London Math. Soc. Lect. Note Ser. 85, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1983; P.D. Lax, C.D. Levermore, The small dispersion limit of the Korteweg-de Vries equation, III, Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 36 (1983) 809-829; G.B. Whitham, Linear and Nonlinear Waves, Wiley/Interscience, New York, 1974] and the references therein). We show through numerical evidence that a completely different, dissipative behavior occurs when g is non-linear, namely when g is an even concave function such as g( v)=-∣ v∣ or g( v)=- v2. In particular, our numerical results hint that as δ→0 the solutions strongly converge to the unique entropy solution of the formal limit equation, in total contrast with the solutions of the KdV equation.

Anti-adipogenic effects of KD025 (SLx-2119), a ROCK2-specific inhibitor, in 3T3-L1 cells.

PubMed

Diep, Duy Trong Vien; Hong, Kyungki; Khun, Triyeng; Zheng, Mei; Ul-Haq, Asad; Jun, Hee-Sook; Kim, Young-Bum; Chun, Kwang-Hoon

2018-02-06

Adipose tissue is a specialized organ that synthesizes and stores fat. During adipogenesis, Rho and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) 2 are inactivated, which enhances the expression of pro-adipogenic genes and induces the loss of actin stress fibers. Furthermore, pan ROCK inhibitors enhance adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Here, we show that KD025 (formerly known as SLx-2119), a ROCK2-specific inhibitor, suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells partially through a ROCK2-independent mechanism. KD025 downregulated the expression of key adipogenic transcription factors PPARγ and C/EBPα during adipogenesis in addition to lipogenic factors FABP4 and Glut4. Interestingly, adipogenesis was blocked by KD025 during days 1~3 of differentiation; after differentiation terminated, lipid accumulation was unaffected. Clonal expansion occurred normally in KD025-treated cells. These results suggest that KD025 could function during the intermediate stage after clonal expansion. Data from depletion of ROCKs showed that KD025 suppressed cell differentiation partially independent of ROCK's activity. Furthermore, no further loss of actin stress fibers emerged in KD025-treated cells during and after differentiation compared to control cells. These results indicate that in contrast to the pro-adipogenic effect of pan-inhibitors, KD025 suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells by regulating key pro-adipogenic factors. This outcome further implies that KD025 could be a potential anti-adipogenic/obesity agent.

Keap1-Knockdown Decreases Fasting-Induced Fatty Liver via Altered Lipid Metabolism and Decreased Fatty Acid Mobilization from Adipose Tissue

PubMed Central

Xu, Jialin; Donepudi, Ajay C.; Moscovitz, Jamie E.; Slitt, Angela L.

2013-01-01

Aims The purpose of this study was to determine whether Nrf2 activation, via Keap1-knockdown (Keap1-KD), regulates lipid metabolism and mobilization induced by food deprivation (e.g. fasting). Methods and Results Male C57BL/6 (WT) and Keap1-KD mice were either fed ad libitum or food deprived for 24 hours. After fasting, WT mice exhibited a marked increase in hepatic lipid accumulation, but Keap1-KD mice had an attenuated increase of lipid accumulation, along with reduced expression of lipogenic genes (acetyl-coA carboxylase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, and fatty acid synthase) and reduced expression of genes related to fatty acid transport, such as fatty acid translocase/CD36 (CD36) and Fatty acid transport protein (FATP) 2, which may attribute to the reduced induction of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (Ppar) α signaling in the liver. Additionally, enhanced Nrf2 activity by Keap1-KD increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in liver. In white adipose tissue, enhanced Nrf2 activity did not change the lipolysis rate by fasting, but reduced expression of fatty acid transporters — CD36 and FATP1, via a PPARα-dependent mechanism, which impaired fatty acid transport from white adipose tissue to periphery circulation system, and resulted in increased white adipose tissue fatty acid content. Moreover, enhanced Nrf2 activity increased glucose tolerance and Akt phosphorylation levels upon insulin administration, suggesting Nrf2 signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating insulin signaling and enhanced insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle. Conclusion Enhanced Nrf2 activity via Keap1-KD decreased fasting-induced steatosis, pointing to an important function of Nrf2 on lipid metabolism under the condition of nutrient deprivation. PMID:24224011

Exact Solutions, Symmetry Reductions, Painlevé Test and Bäcklund Transformations of A Coupled KdV Equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min-Hui, XU; Man, JIA

2017-10-01

A coupled KdV equation is studied in this manuscript. The exact solutions, such as the periodic wave solutions and solitary wave solutions by means of the deformation and mapping approach from the solutions of the nonlinear ϕ 4 model are given. Using the symmetry theory, the Lie point symmetries and symmetry reductions of the coupled KdV equation are presented. The results show that the coupled KdV equation possesses infinitely many symmetries and may be considered as an integrable system. Also, the Painlevé test shows the coupled KdV equation possesses Painlevé property. The Bäcklund transformations of the coupled KdV equation related to Painlevé property and residual symmetry are shown. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11675084 and 11435005, Ningbo Natural Science Foundation under Grant No. 2015A610159 and granted by the Opening Project of Zhejiang Provincial Top Key Discipline of Physics Sciences in Ningbo University under Grant No. xkzwl1502, and the authors are sponsored by K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University

The 193-Kd Vault Protein, Vparp, Is a Novel Poly(Adp-Ribose) Polymerase

PubMed Central

Kickhoefer, Valerie A.; Siva, Amara C.; Kedersha, Nancy L.; Inman, Elisabeth M.; Ruland, Cristina; Streuli, Michel; Rome, Leonard H.

1999-01-01

Mammalian vaults are ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes, composed of a small ribonucleic acid and three proteins of 100, 193, and 240 kD in size. The 100-kD major vault protein (MVP) accounts for >70% of the particle mass. We have identified the 193-kD vault protein by its interaction with the MVP in a yeast two-hybrid screen and confirmed its identity by peptide sequence analysis. Analysis of the protein sequence revealed a region of ∼350 amino acids that shares 28% identity with the catalytic domain of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). PARP is a nuclear protein that catalyzes the formation of ADP-ribose polymers in response to DNA damage. The catalytic domain of p193 was expressed and purified from bacterial extracts. Like PARP, this domain is capable of catalyzing a poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction; thus, the 193-kD protein is a new PARP. Purified vaults also contain the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity, indicating that the assembled particle retains enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we show that one substrate for this vault-associated PARP activity is the MVP. Immunofluorescence and biochemical data reveal that p193 protein is not entirely associated with the vault particle, suggesting that it may interact with other protein(s). A portion of p193 is nuclear and localizes to the mitotic spindle. PMID:10477748

Localization of the human 64kD autoantigen D1 to myofibrils in a subset of extraocular muscle fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conley, C. A.; Fowler, V. M.

1999-01-01

PURPOSE. To evaluate the tissue-specific expression pattern of the 64kD human autoantigen D1, a tropomodulin-related protein that may be involved in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. METHODS. Recombinant 64kD human autoantigen D1 was generated in a bacterial expression system and used to immunize rabbits. Specific antibodies were affinity-purified and used for Western blots on normal and hyperthyroid rat and rabbit tissue, and immunofluorescence localization on cryosections of rat tissue. RESULTS. Anti-64kD human autoantigen D1 antibodies recognize specifically a approximately 70kD polypeptide in western blots of extraocular muscle, sternothyroid muscle, and smooth muscle. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrates that the 64kD human autoantigen D1 localizes to myofibrils in slow fibers from rat extraocular and sternothyroid muscle. The level of this protein is not altered in extraocular muscles from hyperthyroid rabbits. CONCLUSIONS. The 64kD human autoantigen D1 is expressed in slow fibers of extraocular and sternothyroid muscles as a component of myofibrils, and is not upregulated in conditions of hyperthyroidism.

King-Devick Test reference values and associations with balance measures in high school American football players.

PubMed

Alsalaheen, B; Haines, J; Yorke, A; Diebold, J

2016-02-01

The King-Devick test appears to be a promising tool in screening for concussions. However, limited evidence exists on the baseline associations between the K-D test and age and baseline screening tools used after concussion. Additionally, there are no published reference values for the K-D test in high school football players. The K-D test, the Balance Error Scoring System, and the Limits of Stability (LOS) test were administered to 157 high school football players. Additionally, a subsample of 62 participants completed the test twice to examine the reliability of K-D test. There was no relationship between the K-D test and the BESS, or the reaction time and directional control of LOS test. Students aged between 16 and 18 years demonstrated faster K-D test performance compared to students between 13 and 15 years of age. However, there was no association between K-D test and history of concussion. The reliability of the K-D test was (ICC2,1 = 0.89), and the minimal detectable change was 6.10 s. Normative reference values for high school football players are presented in this study. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Influence of cattle cord blood fraction below 5 kD on biochemical parameters of blood in experimental chronic stomach ulcer in rats].

PubMed

Gulevskiĭ, A K; Abakumova, E S; Moiseeva, N N; Dolgikh, O L

2008-01-01

Influence of cattle cord blood fraction (below 5 kD) on lipid peroxidation product content and alkaline phosphatase activity-in peripheral blood was studied on the experimental subchronic stomach ulcer model in rats. It has been shown that the fraction administrations normalize thiobarbituric-active product content and alkaline phosphatase activity in blood, which testifies to decreasing inflammatory reaction in the mucous membrane of the stomach. The fraction administrations accelerate the processes of regeneration of the mucous membrane of the stomach up to complete healing of ulcer defects. Cord blood fraction below 5 kD from cattle possesses antiulcer activity which is analogous to the actovegin activity. It has been shown by gel-penetrating chromatography that the pattern of cord blood fraction low molecular substances is different from the actovegin pattern both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The 14.6 kd rubber elongation factor (Hev b 1) and 24 kd (Hev b 3) rubber particle proteins are recognized by IgE from patients with spina bifida and latex allergy.

PubMed

Yeang, H Y; Cheong, K F; Sunderasan, E; Hamzah, S; Chew, N P; Hamid, S; Hamilton, R G; Cardosa, M J

1996-09-01

Two major water-insoluble proteins are located on the surface of rubber particles in Hevea brasiliensis latex. A 14.6 kd protein (Hev b 1), found mainly on large rubber particles (> 350 mm in diameter), and a 24 kd protein (Hev b 3), found mainly on small rubber particles (average diameter, 70 nm), are recognized by IgE from patients with spina bifida and latex allergy. Although Hev b 1 (also called the rubber elongation factor [REF]) has previously been reported as a major latex allergen, this conclusion has been disputed on the basis of results from other studies. The allergenicity of Hev b 1 is verified in this study by testing the recombinant protein generated from its gene. Because allergenicity is confined to patients with spina bifida and not observed in adults sensitive to latex, it is not a major latex allergen. The identification of Hev b 3 as another allergen originating from rubber particles is confirmed by immunogold labeling and electron microscopy. Observations with the monoclonal antibody USM/RC2 developed against Hev b 3 show that the protein has a tendency to fragment into several polypeptides of lower molecular weight (from 24 kd to about 5 kd) when stored at -20 degrees C. There is also indication of protein aggregation from the appearance of proteins with molecular weights greater than 24 kd. Fragmentation of Hev b 3 is induced immediately on he addition of latex B-serum, which is normally compartmentalized in the lutoids in fresh latex. In the preparation of ammoniated latex (used for the manufacture of latex products), the lutoids are ruptured, and the released B-serum reacts with Hev b 3 on the rubber particles to give rise to an array of low molecular weight polypeptides that are allergenic to patients with spina bifida.

Hounsfield unit values of retropharyngeal abscess-like lesions seen in Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

Sasaki, Toru; Miyata, Rie; Hatai, Yoshiho; Makita, Kohzoh; Tsunoda, Koichi

2014-04-01

Retropharyngeal abscess-like lesions are occasionally seen in computed tomography (CT) imaging of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and these patients often undergo unnecessary surgery. We could distinguish the lesions from true abscesses by measuring their Hounsfield unit values (HUs). To distinguish the retropharyngeal abscess-like lesions from true abscesses without any surgical procedure. We investigated six cases of KD showing such lesions on CTs, both with and without contrast enhancement (CE). We measured the HUs of those lesions and compared them with those of 10 true abscesses as controls. Abscess-like lesions of KD were well enhanced by CE, whereas abscesses showed virtually no enhancement. The mean HU in the six KD cases was 20.0 ± 4.65 (mean ± SD) on plain CTs and 35.6 ± 4.49 on contrast CTs. In abscesses, it was 30.3 ± 4.42 on plain CTs and 30.3 ± 3.57 on contrast CTs. The difference in HU values [(HU on contrast CT) - (HU on plain CT)] was defined as ΔHU. The mean ΔHU was 15.6 ± 5.36 in the six KD lesions and 0.0 ± 2.93 in abscesses, with statistical significance of p < 0.0001 by Student's t test. Thus, ΔHU value may potentially be a useful parameter for their distinction.

Modified KdV equation for trapped ions in polarized dusty plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, K.; Kaur, N.; Sethi, P.; Saini, N. S.

2018-01-01

In this investigation, the effect of polarization force on dust acoustic solitary waves (DASWs) has been presented in a dusty plasma composed of Maxwellian electrons, vortex-like (trapped) ions, and negatively charged mobile dust grains. It has been found that from the Maxwellian ions distribution to a vortex-like one, the dynamics of small but finite amplitude DA solitary waves is governed by a nonlinear equation of modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) type instead of KdV. The combined effect of trapped ions and polarization force strongly influence the characteristics of DASWs. Only rarefactive solitary structures are formed under the influence of ions trapping and polarization force. The implications of our results are useful in real astrophysical situations of space and laboratory dusty plasmas.

a Gross Error Elimination Method for Point Cloud Data Based on Kd-Tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Q.; Huang, G.; Yang, S.

2018-04-01

Point cloud data has been one type of widely used data sources in the field of remote sensing. Key steps of point cloud data's pro-processing focus on gross error elimination and quality control. Owing to the volume feature of point could data, existed gross error elimination methods need spend massive memory both in space and time. This paper employed a new method which based on Kd-tree algorithm to construct, k-nearest neighbor algorithm to search, settled appropriate threshold to determine with result turns out a judgement that whether target point is or not an outlier. Experimental results show that, our proposed algorithm will help to delete gross error in point cloud data and facilitate to decrease memory consumption, improve efficiency.

Enhanced biodegradation of mixed PAHs by mutated naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase encoded by Pseudomonas putida strain KD6 isolated from petroleum refinery waste.

PubMed

Dutta, Kunal; Shityakov, Sergey; Das, Prangya P; Ghosh, Chandradipa

2017-12-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of environmental pollutant that are given top priority to maintain water and soil quality to the most amenable standard. Biodegradation of PAHs by bacteria is the convenient option for decontamination on site or off site. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify naturally occurring bacteria having mixed PAHs biodegradation ability. The newly isolated Pseudomonas putida strain KD6 was found to efficiently degrade 97.729% of 1500 mg L -1 mixed PAHs within 12 days in carbon-deficient minimal medium (CSM). The half-life ( t 1/2 ) and degradation rate constant ( k ) were estimated to be 3.2 and 0.2165 days, respectively. The first-order kinetic parameters in soil by strain KD6 had shown efficient biodegradation potency with the higher concentration of total PAHs (1500 mg kg -1 soil), t 1/2  = 10.44 days -1 . However, the biodegradation by un-inoculated control soil was found slower ( t 1/2  = 140 days -1 ) than the soil inoculated with P. putida strain KD6. The enzyme kinetic constants are also in agreement with chemical data obtained from the HPLC analysis. In addition, the sequence analysis and molecular docking studies showed that the strain KD6 encodes a mutant version of naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase which have better Benzpyrene binding energy (-9.90 kcal mol -1 ) than wild type (-8.18 kcal mol -1 ) enzyme (chain A, 1NDO), respectively, with 0.00 and 0.08 RMSD values. The mutated naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase nah Ac has six altered amino acid residues near to the ligand binding site. The strain KD6 could be a good bioresource for in situ or ex situ biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.

KdV-like equations for fluid dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruggieri, M.; Speciale, M. P.

2014-12-01

Main goal of the authors is to consider the generalized system of KdV equations ut+uxxx+2uux+2e1vvx+e2(uxv+uvx)+e3vxxx = 0 c1vt+vxxx+2vvx+c2vx+c3(e1(uxv+uvx)+2e2uux+e3uxxx) = 0 (1), and to construct the optimal system of one dimensional subalgebras. The reduction of the above system to ODEs through the optimal systems is performed and finally an application is shown.

Characterization of a monoclonal antibody (P40) against the 68 kD major allergen of Penicillium notatum.

PubMed

Shen, H D; Choo, K B; Chen, J H; Lin, W L; Chang, Z N; Han, S H

1992-04-01

A monoclonal antibody (MoAb P40) against the 68 kD major allergen of Penicillium notatum (P. notatum) was obtained by immunizing the mouse with a crude extract of P. notatum. Analysed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting, P40 reacted with two different isoforms of the 68 kD component of P. notatum with pIs of 5.4 and 5.5. In addition to P. notatum, P40 showed positive ELISA activity to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) but not to components of six other fungi including Alternaria porri, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Aureobasidium pullulans, Fusarium solani, Rhizopus arrhizus and Candida albicans. Analysed by ELISA, MoAb P40 also showed positive activity to two (P. frequentans and P. roseopurpureum) of the 10 other Penicillium species and two (A. terreus and A. flavus) of the four other Aspergillus species tested. SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting studies demonstrated P40 positive reactivity to components with MW of about 67 kD in all these Penicillium and Aspergillus species with positive ELISA activity to P40. Furthermore, immunoblotting activity of MoAb P40 to the 67 kD component of A. niger was also observed. The epitope of the 68 kD allergen of P. notatum recognized by MoAb P40 was resistant to treatment of periodate oxidation with concentration of NaIO4 up to 20 mM. This MoAb may thus be useful in the characterization and purification of the 68 kD allergen from crude extracts, and in the molecular cloning of allergen genes.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION Solving the ultradiscrete KdV equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willox, Ralph; Nakata, Yoichi; Satsuma, Junkichi; Ramani, Alfred; Grammaticos, Basile

2010-12-01

We show that a generalized cellular automaton, exhibiting solitonic interactions, can be explicitly solved by means of techniques first introduced in the context of the scattering problem for the KdV equation. We apply this method to calculate the phase-shifts caused by interactions between the solitonic and non-solitonic parts into which arbitrary initial states separate in time.

The King-Devick (K-D) test of rapid eye movements: a bedside correlate of disability and quality of life in MS.

PubMed

Moster, Stephen; Wilson, James A; Galetta, Steven L; Balcer, Laura J

2014-08-15

We investigated the King-Devick (K-D) test of rapid number naming as a visual performance measure in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this cross-sectional study, 81 patients with MS and 20 disease-free controls from an ongoing study of visual outcomes underwent K-D testing. A test of rapid number naming, K-D requires saccadic eye movements as well as intact vision, attention and concentration. To perform the K-D test, participants are asked to read numbers aloud as quickly as possible from three test cards; the sum of the three test card times in seconds constitutes the summary score. High-contrast visual acuity (VA), low-contrast letter acuity (1.25% and 2.5% levels), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness by optical coherence tomography (OCT), MS Functional Composite (MSFC) and vision-specific quality of life (QOL) measures (25-Item NEI Visual Functioning Questionnaire [NEI-VFQ-25] and 10-Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement) were also assessed. K-D time scores in the MS cohort (total time to read the three test cards) were significantly higher (worse) compared to those for disease-free controls (P=0.003, linear regression, accounting for age). Within the MS cohort, higher K-D scores were associated with worse scores for the NEI-VFQ-25 composite (P<0.001), 10-Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement (P<0.001), binocular low-contrast acuity (2.5%, 1.25%, P<0.001, and high-contrast VA (P=0.003). Monocular low-contrast vision scores (P=0.001-0.009) and RNFL thickness (P=0.001) were also reduced in eyes of patients with worse K-D scores (GEE models accounting for age and within-patient, inter-eye correlations). Patients with a history of optic neuritis (ON) had increased (worse) K-D scores. Patients who classified their work disability status as disabled (receiving disability pension) did worse on K-D testing compared to those working full-time (P=0.001, accounting for age). The K-D test, a <2 minute bedside test of rapid number naming, is associated

Structural basis of clade-specific HIV-1 neutralization by humanized anti-V3 monoclonal antibody KD-247.

PubMed

Kirby, Karen A; Ong, Yee Tsuey; Hachiya, Atsuko; Laughlin, Thomas G; Chiang, Leslie A; Pan, Yun; Moran, Jennifer L; Marchand, Bruno; Singh, Kamalendra; Gallazzi, Fabio; Quinn, Thomas P; Yoshimura, Kazuhisa; Murakami, Toshio; Matsushita, Shuzo; Sarafianos, Stefan G

2015-01-01

Humanized monoclonal antibody KD-247 targets the Gly(312)-Pro(313)-Gly(314)-Arg(315) arch of the third hypervariable (V3) loop of the HIV-1 surface glycoprotein. It potently neutralizes many HIV-1 clade B isolates, but not of other clades. To understand the molecular basis of this specificity, we solved a high-resolution (1.55 Å) crystal structure of the KD-247 antigen binding fragment and examined the potential interactions with various V3 loop targets. Unlike most antibodies, KD-247 appears to interact with its target primarily through light chain residues. Several of these interactions involve Arg(315) of the V3 loop. To evaluate the role of light chain residues in the recognition of the V3 loop, we generated 20 variants of KD-247 single-chain variable fragments with mutations in the antigen-binding site. Purified proteins were assessed for V3 loop binding using AlphaScreen technology and for HIV-1 neutralization. Our data revealed that recognition of the clade-specificity defining residue Arg(315) of the V3 loop is based on a network of interactions that involve Tyr(L32), Tyr(L92), and Asn(L27d) that directly interact with Arg(315), thus elucidating the molecular interactions of KD-247 with its V3 loop target. © FASEB.

On the exact solutions of high order wave equations of KdV type (I)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulut, Hasan; Pandir, Yusuf; Baskonus, Haci Mehmet

2014-12-01

In this paper, by means of a proper transformation and symbolic computation, we study high order wave equations of KdV type (I). We obtained classification of exact solutions that contain soliton, rational, trigonometric and elliptic function solutions by using the extended trial equation method. As a result, the motivation of this paper is to utilize the extended trial equation method to explore new solutions of high order wave equation of KdV type (I). This method is confirmed by applying it to this kind of selected nonlinear equations.

Multi-hump bright solitons in a Schrödinger-mKdV system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cisneros-Ake, Luis A.; Parra Prado, Hugo; López Villatoro, Diego Joselito; Carretero-González, R.

2018-03-01

We consider the problem of energy transport in a Davydov model along an anharmonic crystal medium obeying quartic longitudinal interactions corresponding to rigid interacting particles. The Zabusky and Kruskal unidirectional continuum limit of the original discrete equations reduces, in the long wave approximation, to a coupled system between the linear Schrödinger (LS) equation and the modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equation. Single- and two-hump bright soliton solutions for this LS-mKdV system are predicted to exist by variational means and numerically confirmed. The one-hump bright solitons are found to be the anharmonic supersonic analogue of the Davydov's solitons while the two-hump (in both components) bright solitons are found to be a novel type of soliton consisting of a two-soliton solution of mKdV trapped by the wave function associated to the LS equation. This two-hump soliton solution, as a two component solution, represents a new class of polaron solution to be contrasted with the two-soliton interaction phenomena from soliton theory, as revealed by a variational approach and direct numerical results for the two-soliton solution.

An Algebraic Construction of the First Integrals of the Stationary KdV Hierarchy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushima, Masatomo; Ohmiya, Mayumi

2009-09-01

The stationary KdV hierarchy is constructed using a kind of recursion operator called Λ-operator. The notion of the maximal solution of the n-th stationary KdV equation is introduced. Using this maximal solution, a specific differential polynomial with the auxiliary spectral parameter called the spectral M-function is constructed as the quadratic form of the fundamental system of the eigenvalue problem for the 2-nd order linear ordinary differential equation which is related to the linearizing operator of the hierarchy. By calculating a perfect square condition of the quadratic form by an elementary algebraic method, the complete set of first integrals of this hierarchy is constructed.

Decreased health care utilization and health care costs in the inpatient and emergency department setting following initiation of ketogenic diet in pediatric patients: The experience in Ontario, Canada.

PubMed

Whiting, Sharon; Donner, Elizabeth; RamachandranNair, Rajesh; Grabowski, Jennifer; Jetté, Nathalie; Duque, Daniel Rodriguez

2017-03-01

To assess the change in inpatient and emergency department utilization and health care costs in children on the ketogenic diet for treatment of epilepsy. Data on children with epilepsy initiated on the ketogenic diet (KD) Jan 1, 2000 and Dec 31, 2010 at Ontario pediatric hospitals were linked to province wide inpatient, emergency department (ED) data at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. ED and inpatient visits and costs for this cohort were compared for a maximum of 2 years (730days) prior to diet initiation and for a maximum of 2 years (730days) following diet initiation. KD patient were compared to matched group of children with epilepsy who did not receive the ketogenic diet (no KD). Children on the KD experienced a mean decrease in ED visits of 2.5 visits per person per year [95% CI (1.5-3.4)], and a mean decrease of 0.8 inpatient visits per person per year [95% CI (0.3-1.3)], following diet initiation. They had a mean decrease in ED costs of $630 [95% CI (249-1012)] per person per year and a median decrease in inpatient costs of $1059 [IQR: 7890; p<0.001] per child per year. Compared with the no KD children, children on the diet experienced a mean reduction of 2.1 ED visits per child per year [95% CI (1.0-3.2)] and a mean decrease of 0.6 [95% CI (0.1-1.1)] inpatient visits per child per year. Patients on the KD experienced a reduction of $442 [95% CI (34.4-850)] per child per year more in ED costs than the matched group. The ketogenic diet group had greater median decrease in inpatient costs per child per year than the matched group [p<0.001]. Patients initiated on ketogenic diet, experienced decreased ED and inpatient visits as well as costs following diet initiation in Ontario, Canada. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tissue-specific expression of the gene coding for human Clara cell 10-kD protein, a phospholipase A2-inhibitory protein.

PubMed Central

Peri, A; Cordella-Miele, E; Miele, L; Mukherjee, A B

1993-01-01

Clara cell 10-kD protein (cc10kD), a secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor, is suggested to be the human counterpart of rabbit uteroglobin (UG). Because cc10kD is expressed constitutively at a very high level in the human respiratory epithelium, the 5' region of its gene may be useful in achieving organ-specific expression of recombinant DNA in gene therapy of diseases such as cystic fibrosis. However, it is important to establish the tissue-specific expression of this gene before designing gene transfer experiments. Since the UG gene in the rabbit is expressed in many other organs besides the lung and the endometrium, we investigated the organ and tissue specificity of human cc10kD gene expression using polymerase chain reaction, nucleotide sequence analysis, immunofluorescence, and Northern blotting. Our results indicate that, in addition to the lung, cc10kD is expressed in several nonrespiratory organs, with a distribution pattern very similar, if not identical, to that of UG in the rabbit. These results underscore the necessity for more detailed analyses of the 5' region of the human cc10kD gene before its usefulness in gene therapy could be fully assessed. These data also suggest that cc10kD and UG may have similar physiological function(s). Images PMID:8227325

Bimodal pair f-KdV dynamics in star-forming clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karmakar, Pralay Kumar; Haloi, Archana; Roy, Supriya

2018-04-01

A theoretical formalism for investigating the bimodal conjugational mode dynamics of hybrid source, dictated by a unique pair of forced Korteweg-de Vries (f-KdV) equations in a complex turbo-magnetized star-forming cloud, is reported. It uses a standard multi-scale analysis executed over the cloud-governing equations in a closure form to derive the conjugated pair f-KdV system. We numerically see the structural features of two distinctive classes of eigenmode patterns stemming from the conjoint gravito-electrostatic interplay. The electrostatic compressive monotonic aperiodic shock-like patterns and gravitational compressive non-monotonic oscillatory shock-like structures are excitable. It is specifically revealed that the constitutive grain-charge (grain-mass) acts as electrostatic stabilizer (gravitational destabilizer) against the global cloud collapse dynamics. The basic features of the nonlinear coherent structures are confirmed in systematic phase-plane landscapes, indicating electrostatic irregular non-homoclinic open trajectories and gravitational atypical non-chaotic homoclinic fixed-point attractors. The relevance in the real astro-cosmic scenarios of the early phases of structure formation via wave-driven fluid-accretive transport processes is summarily emphasized.

The k-d Tree: A Hierarchical Model for Human Cognition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vandendorpe, Mary M.

This paper discusses a model of information storage and retrieval, the k-d tree (Bentley, 1975), a binary, hierarchical tree with multiple associate terms, which has been explored in computer research, and it is suggested that this model could be useful for describing human cognition. Included are two models of human long-term memory--networks and…

An auto-Bäcklund transformation and exact solutions for Wick-type stochastic generalized KdV equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yingchao

2004-05-01

Wick-type stochastic generalized KdV equations are researched. By using the homogeneous balance, an auto-Bäcklund transformation to the Wick-type stochastic generalized KdV equations is derived. And stochastic single soliton and stochastic multi-soliton solutions are shown by using the Hermite transform. Research supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (19971072) and the Natural Science Foundation of Education Committee of Jiangsu Province of China (03KJB110135).

Decreased value-sensitivity in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Martinelli, Cristina; Rigoli, Francesco; Dolan, Ray J; Shergill, Sukhwinder S

2018-01-01

Pathophysiology in schizophrenia has been linked to aberrant incentive salience, namely the dysfunctional processing of value linked to abnormal dopaminergic activity. In line with this, recent studies showed impaired learning of value in schizophrenia. However, how value is used to guide behaviour independently from learning, as in risky choice, has rarely been examined in this disorder. We studied value-guided choice under risk in patients with schizophrenia and in controls using a task requiring a choice between a certain monetary reward, varying trial-by-trial, and a gamble offering an equal probability of getting double this certain amount or nothing. We observed that patients compared to controls exhibited reduced sensitivity to values, implying that their choices failed to flexibly adapt to the specific values on offer. Moreover, the degree of this value sensitivity inversely correlated with aberrant salience experience, suggesting that the inability to tune choice to value may be a key element of aberrant salience in the illness. Our results help clarify the cognitive mechanisms underlying improper attribution of value in schizophrenia and may thus inform cognitive interventions aimed at reinstating value sensitivity in patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lymphocyte and neuronal antigens in neuropsychiatric lupus: presence of an elutable, immunoprecipitable lymphocyte/neuronal 52 kd reactivity.

PubMed Central

Denburg, J A; Behmann, S A

1994-01-01

OBJECTIVE--To examine specific lymphocyte or neuronal antigens immuno-precipitated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) sera. METHOD--SLE sera were screened for the presence of antibodies binding to surface antigens of CD4(+) HUT-78 or SK-N-SH and IMR-6 neuroblastoma cells using Western blotting or radioimmunoprecipitation. RESULTS--IgG eluates from both lymphocytes and neuroblastoma cells recognised a 52 kd band in HUT 78 cell lysates. Eight sera studied further using radioimmunoprecipitation also demonstrated binding to a 52 kd antigen (4/8 on HUT-78, 8/8 on SK-N-SH cells), partially depleted by absorption with viable HUT-78. CONCLUSION--A 52 kd antigen recognised by SLE sera on lymphocytes and neuronal cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric-SLE. Images PMID:8017983

Exact periodic cross-kink wave solutions for the new (2+1)-dimensional KdV equation in fluid flows and plasma physics.

PubMed

Liu, Jian-Guo; Du, Jian-Qiang; Zeng, Zhi-Fang; Ai, Guo-Ping

2016-10-01

The Korteweg-de Vries (KdV)-type models have been shown to describe many important physical situations such as fluid flows, plasma physics, and solid state physics. In this paper, a new (2 + 1)-dimensional KdV equation is discussed. Based on the Hirota's bilinear form and a generalized three-wave approach, we obtain new exact solutions for the new (2 + 1)-dimensional KdV equation. With the help of symbolic computation, the properties for some new solutions are presented with some figures.

Structure of the Λ (1405 ) and the K-d →π Σ n reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnishi, Shota; Ikeda, Yoichi; Hyodo, Tetsuo; Weise, Wolfram

2016-02-01

The Λ (1405 ) resonance production reaction is investigated within the framework of the coupled-channels Alt-Grassberger-Sandhas (AGS) equations. We perform full three-body calculations for the K ¯N N -π Y N amplitudes on the physical real energy axis and investigate how the signature of the Λ (1405 ) appears in the cross sections of the K-d →π Σ n reactions, also in view of the planned E31 experiment at J-PARC. Two types of meson-baryon interaction models are considered: an energy-dependent interaction based on chiral S U (3 ) effective field theory, and an energy-independent version that has been used repeatedly in phenomenological approaches. These two models have different off-shell properties that imply correspondingly different behavior in the three-body system. We investigate how these features show up in differential cross sections of K-d →π Σ n reactions. Characteristic patterns distinguishing between the two models are found in the invariant mass spectrum of the final π Σ state. The K-d →π Σ n reaction, with different (π±Σ∓ and π0Σ0 ) charge combinations in the final state, is thus demonstrated to be a useful tool for investigating the subthreshold behavior of the K ¯N interaction.

On the Restricted Toda and c-KdV Flows of Neumann Type

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, RuGuang; Qiao, ZhiJun

2000-09-01

It is proven that on a symplectic submanifold the restricted c-KdV flow is just the interpolating Hamiltonian flow of invariant for the restricted Toda flow, which is an integrable symplectic map of Neumann type. They share the common Lax matrix, dynamical r-matrix and system of involutive conserved integrals. Furthermore, the procedure of separation of variables is considered for the restricted c-KdV flow of Neumann type. The project supported by the Chinese National Basic Research Project "Nonlinear Science" and the Doctoral Programme Foundation of Institution of High Education of China. The first author also thanks the National Natural Science Foundation of China (19801031) and "Qinglan Project" of Jiangsu Province of China; and the second author also thanks the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowships, Deutschland, the Special Grant of Excellent Ph. D Thesis of China, the Science & Technology Foundation (Youth Talent Foundation) and the Science Research Foundation of Education Committee of Liaoning Province of China.

Comparative Analysis of the 15.5kD Box C/D snoRNP Core Protein in the Primitive Eukaryote Giardia lamblia Reveals Unique Structural and Functional Features

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

Biswas, Shyamasri; Buhrman, Greg; Gagnon, Keith

2012-07-11

Box C/D ribonucleoproteins (RNP) guide the 2'-O-methylation of targeted nucleotides in archaeal and eukaryotic rRNAs. The archaeal L7Ae and eukaryotic 15.5kD box C/D RNP core protein homologues initiate RNP assembly by recognizing kink-turn (K-turn) motifs. The crystal structure of the 15.5kD core protein from the primitive eukaryote Giardia lamblia is described here to a resolution of 1.8 {angstrom}. The Giardia 15.5kD protein exhibits the typical {alpha}-{beta}-{alpha} sandwich fold exhibited by both archaeal L7Ae and eukaryotic 15.5kD proteins. Characteristic of eukaryotic homologues, the Giardia 15.5kD protein binds the K-turn motif but not the variant K-loop motif. The highly conserved residues ofmore » loop 9, critical for RNA binding, also exhibit conformations similar to those of the human 15.5kD protein when bound to the K-turn motif. However, comparative sequence analysis indicated a distinct evolutionary position between Archaea and Eukarya. Indeed, assessment of the Giardia 15.5kD protein in denaturing experiments demonstrated an intermediate stability in protein structure when compared with that of the eukaryotic mouse 15.5kD and archaeal Methanocaldococcus jannaschii L7Ae proteins. Most notable was the ability of the Giardia 15.5kD protein to assemble in vitro a catalytically active chimeric box C/D RNP utilizing the archaeal M. jannaschii Nop56/58 and fibrillarin core proteins. In contrast, a catalytically competent chimeric RNP could not be assembled using the mouse 15.5kD protein. Collectively, these analyses suggest that the G. lamblia 15.5kD protein occupies a unique position in the evolution of this box C/D RNP core protein retaining structural and functional features characteristic of both archaeal L7Ae and higher eukaryotic 15.5kD homologues.« less

Exact PsTd invariant and PsTd symmetric breaking solutions, symmetry reductions and Bäcklund transformations for an AB-KdV system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Man; Lou, Sen Yue

2018-05-01

In natural and social science, many events happened at different space-times may be closely correlated. Two events, A (Alice) and B (Bob) are defined as correlated if one event is determined by another, say, B = f ˆ A for suitable f ˆ operators. A nonlocal AB-KdV system with shifted-parity (Ps, parity with a shift), delayed time reversal (Td, time reversal with a delay) symmetry where B =Ps ˆ Td ˆ A is constructed directly from the normal KdV equation to describe two-area physical event. The exact solutions of the AB-KdV system, including PsTd invariant and PsTd symmetric breaking solutions are shown by different methods. The PsTd invariant solution show that the event happened at A will happen also at B. These solutions, such as single soliton solutions, infinitely many singular soliton solutions, soliton-cnoidal wave interaction solutions, and symmetry reduction solutions etc., show the AB-KdV system possesses rich structures. Also, a special Bäcklund transformation related to residual symmetry is presented via the localization of the residual symmetry to find interaction solutions between the solitons and other types of the AB-KdV system.

Lie symmetry analysis, conservation laws and exact solutions of the time-fractional generalized Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saberi, Elaheh; Reza Hejazi, S.

2018-02-01

In the present paper, Lie point symmetries of the time-fractional generalized Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV (HS-cKdV) system based on the Riemann-Liouville derivative are obtained. Using the derived Lie point symmetries, we obtain similarity reductions and conservation laws of the considered system. Finally, some analytic solutions are furnished by means of the invariant subspace method in the Caputo sense.

An outline of cellular automaton universe via cosmological KdV equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christianto, V.; Smarandache, F.; Umniyati, Y.

2018-03-01

It has been known for long time that the cosmic sound wave was there since the early epoch of the Universe. Signatures of its existence are abound. However, such a sound wave model of cosmology is rarely developed fully into a complete framework. This paper can be considered as our second attempt towards such a complete description of the Universe based on soliton wave solution of cosmological KdV equation. Then we advance further this KdV equation by virtue of Cellular Automaton method to solve the PDEs. We submit wholeheartedly Robert Kuruczs hypothesis that Big Bang should be replaced with a finite cellular automaton universe with no expansion [4][5]. Nonetheless, we are fully aware that our model is far from being complete, but it appears the proposed cellular automaton model of the Universe is very close in spirit to what Konrad Zuse envisaged long time ago. It is our hope that the new proposed method can be verified with observation data. But we admit that our model is still in its infancy, more researches are needed to fill all the missing details.

Purification and partial characterization ofa 67-kD cross-react ive allergen from Imperata cylindrica pollen extract.

PubMed

Verma, J; Singh, B P; Gangal, S V; Arora, N; Sridhara, S

2000-08-01

Grass pollens are known to induce type I allergic reactions in a large number of genetically predisposed individuals. Earlier studies have recognized Imperata cylindrica (Ic) pollen as an important source of aeroallergen which contained 7 IgE binding proteins in the MW range of 85-16 kD. To isolate, purify and characterize a cross-reactive allergenic protein from Ic pollen extract for diagnosis and therapy of grass pollen allergy. Ic pollen extract was fractionated using DEAE Sephadex A-50, Sephadex G-200 and Mono Q column. Allergenic activity of the fractions was checked by ELISA, skin tests, ELISA inhibition and immunoblot using sera of Ic-sensitive patients. A 67-kD protein was purified to homogeneity from Ic-VIII. The allergenic determinants of this protein were identified by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot after CNBr treatment. Among Ic fractions, Ic-VIII was highly potent by ELISA, skin tests and showed cross-reactivity with 4 other tropical grasses by immunoblot and ELISA inhibition. The subfraction Ic-VIIIe1 of Ic-VIII showed a band at 67 kD on SDS-PAGE. On CNBr treatment, it gave 7 peptides, 3 of which were found to be allergenic. A 67-kD protein (Ic-VIIIe1) was isolated, purified to homogeneity and partially characterized. It showed cross-reactivity with tropical grasses tested and contained at least three allergenic determinants. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Dynamic Load Balancing Based on Constrained K-D Tree Decomposition for Parallel Particle Tracing

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

Zhang, Jiang; Guo, Hanqi; Yuan, Xiaoru

Particle tracing is a fundamental technique in flow field data visualization. In this work, we present a novel dynamic load balancing method for parallel particle tracing. Specifically, we employ a constrained k-d tree decomposition approach to dynamically redistribute tasks among processes. Each process is initially assigned a regularly partitioned block along with duplicated ghost layer under the memory limit. During particle tracing, the k-d tree decomposition is dynamically performed by constraining the cutting planes in the overlap range of duplicated data. This ensures that each process is reassigned particles as even as possible, and on the other hand the newmore » assigned particles for a process always locate in its block. Result shows good load balance and high efficiency of our method.« less

Analysis of the internal nuclear matrix. Oligomers of a 38 kD nucleolar polypeptide stabilized by disulfide bonds.

PubMed

Fields, A P; Kaufmann, S H; Shaper, J H

1986-05-01

When rat liver nuclei are treated with the sulfhydryl cross-linking reagent sodium tetrathionate (NaTT) prior to nuclease treatment and extraction with 1.6 M NaCl, residual nucleoli and an extensive non-chromatin intranuclear network remain associated with the nuclear envelope. Subsequent treatment of this structure with 1 M NaCl containing 20 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) solubilizes the intranuclear material, while the nuclear envelope remains structurally intact. We have isolated and partially characterized a major polypeptide of the disulfide-stabilized internal nuclear matrix. The polypeptide, which has an apparent molecular mass 38 kD and isoelectric point 5.3, has been localized to the nucleolus of rat liver nuclei by indirect immunofluorescence using a specific polyclonal chicken antiserum. Based on its molecular mass, isoelectric point, intracellular localization and amino acid composition, the 38 kD polypeptide appears to be analogous to the nucleolar phosphoprotein B23 described by Prestayko et al. (Biochemistry 13 (1974) 1945) [20]. Immunologically related polypeptides have likewise been localized to the nucleoli of both hamster and human tissue culture cell lines as well as the cellular slime mold Physarum polycephalum. By immunoblotting, a single 38 kD polypeptide is recognized by the antiserum in rat, mouse, hamster and human cell lines. The antiserum has been utilized to investigate the oligomeric structure of the 38 kD polypeptide and the nature of its association with the rat liver nuclear matrix. By introducing varying numbers of disulfide bonds, we have found that the 38 kD polypeptide becomes incorporated into the internal nuclear matrix in a two-step process. Soluble disulfide-bonded homodimers of the polypeptide are first formed and then are rendered salt-insoluble by more extensive disulfide cross-linking.

GEMAS: prediction of solid-solution phase partitioning coefficients (Kd) for oxoanions and boric acid in soils using mid-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Janik, Leslie J; Forrester, Sean T; Soriano-Disla, José M; Kirby, Jason K; McLaughlin, Michael J; Reimann, Clemens

2015-02-01

The authors' aim was to develop rapid and inexpensive regression models for the prediction of partitioning coefficients (Kd), defined as the ratio of the total or surface-bound metal/metalloid concentration of the solid phase to the total concentration in the solution phase. Values of Kd were measured for boric acid (B[OH]3(0)) and selected added soluble oxoanions: molybdate (MoO4(2-)), antimonate (Sb[OH](6-)), selenate (SeO4(2-)), tellurate (TeO4(2-)) and vanadate (VO4(3-)). Models were developed using approximately 500 spectrally representative soils of the Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural Soils of Europe (GEMAS) program. These calibration soils represented the major properties of the entire 4813 soils of the GEMAS project. Multiple linear regression (MLR) from soil properties, partial least-squares regression (PLSR) using mid-infrared diffuse reflectance Fourier-transformed (DRIFT) spectra, and models using DRIFT spectra plus analytical pH values (DRIFT + pH), were compared with predicted log K(d + 1) values. Apart from selenate (R(2)  = 0.43), the DRIFT + pH calibrations resulted in marginally better models to predict log K(d + 1) values (R(2)  = 0.62-0.79), compared with those from PSLR-DRIFT (R(2)  = 0.61-0.72) and MLR (R(2)  = 0.54-0.79). The DRIFT + pH calibrations were applied to the prediction of log K(d + 1) values in the remaining 4313 soils. An example map of predicted log K(d + 1) values for added soluble MoO4(2-) in soils across Europe is presented. The DRIFT + pH PLSR models provided a rapid and inexpensive tool to assess the risk of mobility and potential availability of boric acid and selected oxoanions in European soils. For these models to be used in the prediction of log K(d + 1) values in soils globally, additional research will be needed to determine if soil variability is accounted on the calibration. © 2014 SETAC.

Nonlinear waves of a nonlocal modified KdV equation in the atmospheric and oceanic dynamical system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xiao-yan; Liang, Zu-feng; Hao, Xia-zhi

2018-07-01

A new general nonlocal modified KdV equation is derived from the nonlinear inviscid dissipative and equivalent barotropic vorticity equation in a β-plane. The nonlocal property is manifested in the shifted parity and delayed time reversal symmetries. Exact solutions of the nonlocal modified KdV equation are obtained including periodic waves, kink waves, solitary waves, kink- and/or anti-kink-cnoidal periodic wave interaction solutions, which can be utilized to describe various two-place and time-delayed correlated events. As an illustration, a special approximate solution is applied to theoretically capture the salient features of two correlated dipole blocking events in atmospheric dynamical systems.

Retrieval of the spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient Kd(λ) in open and coastal ocean waters using a neural network inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamet, C.; Loisel, H.; Dessailly, D.

2012-10-01

The diffuse attenuation coefficient, Kd(λ) is a fundamental radiometric parameter that is used to assess the light availability in the water column. A neural network approach is developed to assess Kd(λ) at any visible wavelengths from the remote sensing reflectances as measured by the SeaWiFS satellite sensor. The neural network (NN) inversion is trained using a combination of simulated and in-situ data sets covering a broad range ofKd(λ), between 0.0073 m-1 at 412 nm and 12.41 m-1at 510 nm. The performance of the retrieval is evaluated against two data sets, one consisting of mainly synthetic data while the other one contains in-situ data only and is compared to those obtained with previous published empirical (NASA, Morel and Maritorena (2001) and Zhang and Fell (2007)) and semi-analytical (Lee et al., 2005b) algorithms. On the in-situ data set from the COASTLOOC campaign, the retrieval accuracy of the present algorithm is quite similar to published algorithms for oligotrophic and mesotrophic ocean waters. But for Kd(490) > 0.25 m-1, the NN approach allows to retrieve Kd(490) with a much better accuracy than the four other methods. The results are consistent when compared with other SeaWiFS wavelengths. This new inversion is as suitable in the open ocean waters as in the turbid waters. The work here is straightforwardly applicable to the MERIS sensor and with few changes to the MODIS-AQUA sensor. The algorithm in matlab and C code is provided as auxiliary material.

The 87-kD A gamma-globin enhancer-binding protein is a product of the HOXB2(HOX2H) locus.

PubMed

Sengupta, P K; Lavelle, D E; DeSimone, J

1994-03-01

Developmental regulation of globin gene expression may be controlled by developmental stage-specific nuclear proteins that influence interactions between the locus control region and local regulatory sequences near individual globin genes. We previously isolated an 87-kD nuclear protein from K562 cells that bound to DNA sequences in the beta-globin locus control region, gamma-globin promoter, and A gamma-globin enhancer. The presence of this protein in fetal globin-expressing cells and its absence in adult globin-expressing cells suggested that it may be a developmental stage-specific factor. A lambda gt11 K562 cDNA clone encoding a portion of the HOXB2 (formerly HOX2H) homeobox gene was isolated on the basis of the ability of its beta-galactosidase fusion protein to bind to the same DNA sequences as the 87-kD K562 protein. Because no other relationship had been established between the 87-kD K562 protein and the HOXB2 protein other than their ability to bind ot the same DNA sequences, we have investigated whether the two proteins are related antigenically. Our data show that antisera produced against the HOXB2-beta-gal fusion protein and a synthetic HOXB2 decapeptide react specifically with an 87-kD protein from K562 nuclear extract, showing that the 87-kD K562 nuclear protein is a product of the HOXB2 locus, and is the first demonstration of cellular HOXB2 protein.

Exact solutions for STO and (3+1)-dimensional KdV-ZK equations using (G‧/G2) -expansion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bibi, Sadaf; Mohyud-Din, Syed Tauseef; Ullah, Rahmat; Ahmed, Naveed; Khan, Umar

This article deals with finding some exact solutions of nonlinear fractional differential equations (NLFDEs) by applying a relatively new method known as (G‧/G2) -expansion method. Solutions of space-time fractional Sharma-Tasso-Olever (STO) equation of fractional order and (3+1)-dimensional KdV-Zakharov Kuznetsov (KdV-ZK) equation of fractional order are reckoned to demonstrate the validity of this method. The fractional derivative version of modified Riemann-Liouville, linked with Fractional complex transform is employed to transform fractional differential equations into the corresponding ordinary differential equations.

Estimating the Underwater Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient with a Low-Cost Instrument: The KdUINO DIY Buoy.

PubMed

Bardaji, Raul; Sánchez, Albert-Miquel; Simon, Carine; Wernand, Marcel R; Piera, Jaume

2016-03-15

A critical parameter to assess the environmental status of water bodies is the transparency of the water, as it is strongly affected by different water quality related components (such as the presence of phytoplankton, organic matter and sediment concentrations). One parameter to assess the water transparency is the diffuse attenuation coefficient. However, the number of subsurface irradiance measurements obtained with conventional instrumentation is relatively low, due to instrument costs and the logistic requirements to provide regular and autonomous observations. In recent years, the citizen science concept has increased the number of environmental observations, both in time and space. The recent technological advances in embedded systems and sensors also enable volunteers (citizens) to create their own devices (known as Do-It-Yourself or DIY technologies). In this paper, a DIY instrument to measure irradiance at different depths and automatically calculate the diffuse attenuation Kd coefficient is presented. The instrument, named KdUINO, is based on an encapsulated low-cost photonic sensor and Arduino (an open-hardware platform for the data acquisition). The whole instrument has been successfully operated and the data validated comparing the KdUINO measurements with the commercial instruments. Workshops have been organized with high school students to validate its feasibility.

Estimating the Underwater Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient with a Low-Cost Instrument: The KdUINO DIY Buoy

PubMed Central

Bardaji, Raul; Sánchez, Albert-Miquel; Simon, Carine; Wernand, Marcel R.; Piera, Jaume

2016-01-01

A critical parameter to assess the environmental status of water bodies is the transparency of the water, as it is strongly affected by different water quality related components (such as the presence of phytoplankton, organic matter and sediment concentrations). One parameter to assess the water transparency is the diffuse attenuation coefficient. However, the number of subsurface irradiance measurements obtained with conventional instrumentation is relatively low, due to instrument costs and the logistic requirements to provide regular and autonomous observations. In recent years, the citizen science concept has increased the number of environmental observations, both in time and space. The recent technological advances in embedded systems and sensors also enable volunteers (citizens) to create their own devices (known as Do-It-Yourself or DIY technologies). In this paper, a DIY instrument to measure irradiance at different depths and automatically calculate the diffuse attenuation Kd coefficient is presented. The instrument, named KdUINO, is based on an encapsulated low-cost photonic sensor and Arduino (an open-hardware platform for the data acquisition). The whole instrument has been successfully operated and the data validated comparing the KdUINO measurements with the commercial instruments. Workshops have been organized with high school students to validate its feasibility. PMID:26999132

Blow-up solutions for L 2 supercritical gKdV equations with exactly k blow-up points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Yang

2017-08-01

In this paper we consider the slightly L 2-supercritical gKdV equations \\partialt u+(uxx+u\\vert u\\vert p-1)_x=0 , with the nonlinearity 5 and 0<\\varepsilon\\ll 1 . In the previous work of the author, we know that there exists a stable self-similar blow-up dynamics for slightly L 2-supercritical gKdV equations. Such solutions can be viewed as solutions with a single blow-up point. In this paper we will prove the existence of solutions with multiple blow-up points, and give a description of the formation of the singularity near the blow-up time.

Detection of the human 70-kD and 60-kD heat shock proteins in the vagina: relation to microbial flora, vaginal pH, and method of contraception.

PubMed Central

Giraldo, P; Neuer, A; Ribeiro-Filho, A; Linhares, I; Witkin, S S

1999-01-01

The expression of the 60-kD and 70-kD heat shock proteins (hsp60 and hsp70) in the vaginas of 43 asymptomatic women of reproductive age with or without a history of recurrent vulvovaginitis (RVV) were compared. Vaginal wash samples were obtained and assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human hsp60 and hsp70. Heat shock protein 70 was not detected in any of the 19 women with no history of RVV, and hsp60 was present in only one woman in this group. In contrast, in the RVV group, 11 (45.8%) were hsp60-positive and eight (33.3%) were hsp70-positive. The presence of either heat shock protein in the vagina was associated with an elevated vaginal pH (>4.5). Bacterial vaginosis or Candida was identified in some of the asymptomatic subjects; their occurrence was significantly higher in women with vaginal hsp70 than in women with no heat shock proteins. Oral contraceptives were used by 35.7% of subjects who were negative for vaginal heat shock proteins, as opposed to only 12.5% of women who were positive for hsp70 and 8.3% who were positive for hsp60. Expression of heat shock proteins in the vagina may indicate an altered vaginal environment and a susceptibility to vulvovaginal symptoms. PMID:10231004

Validation of the Andon KD5031 for clinical use and self-measurement according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol.

PubMed

Wu, Ning; Zhang, Xuezhong; Wang, Wen; Zhang, Hongye

2016-10-01

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the automated oscillometric upper arm blood pressure (BP) monitor Andon KD5031 for home BP monitoring according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were sequentially measured in 33 participants using the standard mercury sphygmomanometer and the Andon KD5031 device. Ninety-nine pairs of comparisons were obtained from 33 participants for analysis. The KD5031 device achieved the targets in part 1 of the validation study. The number of absolute differences between the device and the observers within a range of 5, 10, and 15 mmHg was 66/99, 93/99, and 98/99, respectively, for SBP and 72/99, 94/99, and 99/99, respectively, for DBP. The device also achieved the targets in part 2 of the validation study. Twenty-six participants for both SBP and DBP had at least two of the three device-observer differences within 5 mmHg (required ≥24). The number of participants without a device-observer difference within 5 mmHg was one for SBP and three for DBP (required ≤3). The Andon upper arm BP monitor KD5031 has passed the International Protocol requirements, and it can be recommended for clinical use and self-measurement in adults.

Validation of the Andon KD595 for clinical use and self-measurement according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol.

PubMed

Wu, Ning; Zhang, Xuezhong; Wang, Wen; Zhang, Hongye

2016-04-01

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the automated oscillometric upper arm blood pressure monitor Andon KD595 for home blood pressure monitoring according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were sequentially measured in 33 participants using the standard mercury sphygmomanometer and the Andon KD595 device. Ninety-nine pairs of comparisons were obtained from 33 participants for analysis. The KD595 device achieved the targets in part 1 of the validation study. The number of absolute differences between the device and the observers within a range of 5, 10, and 15 mmHg was 72/99, 93/99, and 96/99, respectively, for SBP and 72/99, 96/99, and 99/99, respectively, for DBP. The device also achieved the targets in part 2 of the validation study. A total of 28 and 25 participants had at least two of the three device-observer differences within 5 mmHg (required≥24) for SBP and DBP, respectively. The number of participants without device-observer difference within 5 mmHg was two for SBP and two for DBP (required≤3). The Andon upper arm blood pressure monitor KD595 has passed the International Protocol requirements and it can be recommended for clinical use and self-measurement in adults.

On the nonlinear stability of mKdV breathers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alejo, Miguel A.; Muñoz, Claudio

2012-11-01

Breather modes of the mKdV equation on the real line are known to be elastic under collisions with other breathers and solitons. This fact indicates very strong stability properties of breathers. In this communication we describe a rigorous, mathematical proof of the stability of breathers under a class of small perturbations. Our proof involves the existence of a nonlinear equation satisfied by all breather profiles, and a new Lyapunov functional which controls the dynamics of small perturbations and instability modes. In order to construct such a functional, we work in a subspace of the energy one. However, our proof introduces new ideas in order to attack the corresponding stability problem in the energy space. Some remarks about the sine-Gordon case are also considered.

Value of amino-terminal pro B-natriuretic peptide in diagnosing Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

McNeal-Davidson, Ariane; Fournier, Anne; Spigelblatt, Linda; Saint-Cyr, Claire; Mir, Thomas S; Nir, Amiram; Dallaire, Frédéric; Cousineau, Jocelyne; Delvin, Edgard; Dahdah, Nagib

2012-10-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in acute Kawasaki disease (KD) given that the clinical criteria and the current basic laboratory tests lack the necessary specificity for accurate diagnosis. Basic biological tests and serum NT-proBNP levels obtained from acute KD patients were compared to that of febrile controls. NT-proBNP was considered abnormal based on the following definitions: above a cut-off determined on receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, above the upper limit for age, or above 2 SD calculated from healthy children. Analyses were also performed for KD cases with complete or incomplete criteria combined and separately. There were 81 patients and 49 controls aged 3.60 ± 2.77 versus 4.25 ± 3.88 years (P= 0.69). ROC analysis yielded significant area under the curve for NT-proBNP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 70.4-88.9%, 69.4-91.8%, 82.8-93.4%, and 65.2-79.1%. The odds ratios based on NT-proBNP definitions varied between 18.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.21-45.57), 20.82 (95%CI: 8.18-53.0), and 26.71 (95%CI: 8.64-82.57; P < 0.001). Results were reproducible for cases with complete or incomplete criteria separately. NT-proBNP is a reliable marker for the diagnosis of KD. Prospective clinical studies with emphasis on NT-proBNP in a diagnostic algorithm are needed. © 2012 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2012 Japan Pediatric Society.

The mapping of the human 52-kD Ro/SSA autoantigen gene to human chromosome II, and its polymorphisms

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

Frank, M.B.; Itoh, Kazuko; Fujisaku, Atsushi

1993-01-01

Autoantibodies to the ribonucleoprotein Ro/SSA occur in nearly half of the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and are associated with lymphopenia, photosensitive dermatitis, and pulmonary and renal disease, which suggests that they have an immunopathologic role. The majority of Ro/SSA precipitin-positive patients produce serum antibodies that bind to the 60-kD and 52-kD Ro/SSA proteins. The authors previously isolated and determined the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone that encodes the 52-kD form of the human Ro/SSA protein. In the present study, they have determined the chromosomal location of the gene by in situ hybridization to the end of the shortmore » arm of chromosome 11. Hybridization of portions of the cDNA probe to restriction enzyme-digested DNA indicated the gene is composed of at least three exons. The exon encoding the putative zinc fingers of this protein was found to be distinct from that which encodes the leucine zipper. An RFLP of this gene was identified and is associated with the presence of lupus, primarily in black Americans. 60 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Development of a large field-of-view KD potassium di-deuterium phosphate modulator: Center Director's Discretionary Fund

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

West, E. A.

1993-01-01

Magnetographs, which measure polarized light, allow solar astronomers to infer the magnetic field intensity on the Sun. The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Vector Magnetograph is such an imaging instrument. The instrument requires rapid modulation between polarization states to minimize seeing effects. The accuracy of those polarization measurements is dependent on stable modulators with small field-of-view errors. Although these devices are very important in ground-based telescopes, extending the field of view of electro-optical crystals such as KD*Ps (potassium di-deuterium phosphate) could encourage the development of these devices for other imaging applications. The work that was done at MSFC as part of the Center Director's Discretionary Fund (CDDF) to reduce the field-of-view errors of instruments that use KD*P modulators in their polarimeters is described.

Temperature-dependent sorption of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene to low organic carbon aquifer sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piatt, Joseph J.; Backhus, Debera A.; Capel, Paul D.; Eisenreich, Steven J.

1996-01-01

Sorption experiments were conducted with naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene on low organic carbon sediments at 4 and 26 °C using batch and column techniques. Experimental controls ensured the absence of biologic and photolytic activity and colloid-free solution supernatants. Equilibrium distribution coefficients (Kd) increased 1.1−1.6 times with a decrease in temperature of 22 °C. Fraction instantaneous sorption (F) values did not change significantly with a decrease in temperature of 22 °C. Desorption rate constants (k2) decreased 1.2−2.6 times with a decrease in temperature of 22 °C. Times to equilibrium were at least 40 h. The magnitude of observed Kd and k2 values and the effect of temperature on Kd (e.g., low enthalpy of sorption) are consistent with sorbate partitioning between the aqueous phase and small amounts of organic matter (foc = 0.02%) on the sediments. The temperature dependence of Kd and k2 may be small as compared to the effects of heterogeneities in field-scale aquifer systems. Thus, thermal gradients may not be of major importance in most saturated subsurface regimes when predicting solute transport. However, aquifer remediation pump-and-treat times could be decreased because increased temperature decreases both retardation and tailing.

The Barley Magnesium Chelatase 150-kD Subunit Is Not an Abscisic Acid Receptor1[OA

PubMed Central

Müller, André H.; Hansson, Mats

2009-01-01

Magnesium chelatase is the first unique enzyme of the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway. It is composed of three gene products of which the largest is 150 kD. This protein was recently identified as an abscisic acid receptor in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We have evaluated whether the barley (Hordeum vulgare) magnesium chelatase large subunit, XanF, could be a receptor for the phytohormone. The study involved analysis of recombinant magnesium chelatase protein as well as several induced chlorophyll-deficient magnesium chelatase mutants with defects identified at the gene and protein levels. Abscisic acid had no effect on magnesium chelatase activity and binding to the barley 150-kD protein could not be shown. Magnesium chelatase mutants showed a wild-type response in respect to postgermination growth and stomatal aperture. Our results question the function of the large magnesium chelatase subunit as an abscisic acid receptor. PMID:19176716

Usefulness of Age-Stratified N-Terminal Prohormone of Brain Natriuretic Peptide for Diagnosing Kawasaki Disease

PubMed Central

Lee, Sang Hoon; Yoon, Somy; Hong, Seunghee; Yang, Eun Mi; Eom, Gwang Hyeon

2017-01-01

N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was recently reported as a biomarker for diagnosing Kawasaki disease (KD). The basal NT-proBNP level, however, gradually decreases with age. We investigated the usefulness of an age-stratified cutoff value of NT-proBNP for diagnosing KD. All the patients enrolled in this study visited Chonnam National University Hospital between December 2007 and March 2016. The KD groups consisted of 214 patients with complete KD and 129 patients with incomplete KD. The control group included 62 children with simple febrile illness but without heart disease. Laboratory data including NT-proBNP level were evaluated. Each group was divided into subgroups according to patient age (<6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24 months, and >24 months), and different cutoff values of NT-proBNP were calculated. The cutoff values of NT-proBNP used to diagnose total KD and incomplete KD were 762 and 762 pg/mL (<6 months), 310 and 310 pg/mL (6–12 months), 326 and 326 pg/mL (12–24 months), and 208 and 137 pg/mL (>24 months), respectively. In conclusion, age-stratified NT-proBNP is a useful biomarker for the differential diagnosis of KD in patients with a simple febrile illness. PMID:29358841

Opaque-2 is a transcriptional activator that recognizes a specific target site in 22-kD zein genes.

PubMed Central

Schmidt, R J; Ketudat, M; Aukerman, M J; Hoschek, G

1992-01-01

opaque-2 (o2) is a regulatory locus in maize that plays an essential role in controlling the expression of genes encoding the 22-kD zein proteins. Through DNase I footprinting and DNA binding analyses, we have identified the binding site for the O2 protein (O2) in the promoter of 22-kD zein genes. The sequence in the 22-kD zein gene promoter that is recognized by O2 is similar to the target site recognized by other "basic/leucine zipper" (bZIP) proteins in that it contains an ACGT core that is necessary for DNA binding. The site is located in the -300 region relative to the translation start and lies about 20 bp downstream of the highly conserved zein gene sequence motif known as the "prolamin box." Employing gel mobility shift assays, we used O2 antibodies and nuclear extracts from an o2 null mutant to demonstrate that the O2 protein in maize endosperm nuclei recognizes the target site in the zein gene promoter. Mobility shift assays using nuclear proteins from an o2 null mutant indicated that other endosperm proteins in addition to O2 can bind the O2 target site and that O2 may be associated with one of these proteins. We also demonstrated that in yeast cells the O2 protein can activate expression of a lacZ gene containing a multimer of the O2 target sequence as part of its promoter, thus confirming its role as a transcriptional activator. A computer-assisted search indicated that the O2 target site is not present in the promoters of zein genes other than those of the 22-kD class. These data suggest a likely explanation at the molecular level for the differential effect of o2 mutations on expression of certain members of the zein gene family. PMID:1392590

Distinctive interactions of the Arabidopsis homolog of the 30 kD subunit of the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (AtCPSF30) with other polyadenylation factor subunits

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Background: The Arabidopsis ortholog of the 30 kD subunit of the mammalian Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor (AtCPSF30) is an RNA-binding endonuclease that is associated with other Arabidopsis CPSF subunits (orthologs of the 160, 100, and 73 kD subunits of CPSF). In order to better u...

Decreasing the Preincision Time for Pulmonary Lobectomy: The Process of Lean and Value Stream Mapping.

PubMed

Cerfolio, Robert James; Steenwyk, Brad L; Watson, Caroline; Sparrow, James; Belopolsky, Victoria; Townsley, Matthew; Lyerly, Ralph; Downing, Michelle; Bryant, Ayesha; Gurley, William Quinton; Henling, Colleen; Crawford, Jack; Gayeski, Thomas E

2016-03-01

Our objective was to evaluate our results after the implementation of lean (the elimination of wasteful parts of a process). After meetings with our anesthesiologists, we standardized our "in the operating room-to-skin incision protocols" before pulmonary lobectomy. Patients were divided into consecutive cohorts of 300 lobectomy patients. Several protocols were slowly adopted and outcomes were evaluated. One surgeon performed 2,206 pulmonary lobectomies, of which 84% were for cancer. Protocols for lateral decubitus positioning changed over time. We eliminated axillary rolls, arm boards, and beanbags. Monitoring devices were slowly eliminated. Central catheters decreased from 75% to 0% of patients, epidurals from 84% to 3%, arterial catheters from 93% to 4%, and finally, Foley catheters were reduced from 99% to 11% (p ≤ 0.001 for all). A protocol for the insertion of double-lumen endotracheal tubes was established and times decreased (mean, 14 minutes to 1 minute; p = 0.001). After all changes were made, the time between operating room entry and incision decreased from a mean of 64 minutes to 37 minutes (p < 0.001). Outcomes improved, mortality decreased from 3.2% to 0.26% (p = 0.015), and major morbidity decreased from 15.2% to 5.3% (p = 0.042). Lean and value stream mapping can be safely applied to the clinical algorithms of high-risk patient care. We demonstrate that elimination of non-value-added steps can safely decrease preincision time without increasing patient risk in patients who undergo pulmonary lobectomy. Selected centers may be able to adopt some of these lean-driven protocols. Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Time-Dependent Sorption on the Dissipation of Water-Extractable Pesticides in Soils.

PubMed

Motoki, Yutaka; Iwafune, Takashi; Seike, Nobuyasu; Inao, Keiya; Otani, Takashi

2016-06-08

The dissipation behavior of water-extractable pesticides in soils is important when assessing the phytoavailability of pesticides in soils. This process is less understood than pesticide extraction with organic solvents. To elucidate the dissipation behavior of water-extractable pesticides in soils, we conducted an incubation study using 27 pesticides and five Japanese soils. The rate of decrease of the level of pesticides in water extracts was faster in soils than that of total extracts (water extracts and acetone extracts). This suggests that time-dependent sorption contributed to the difference in the dissipation between the pesticides in water and total extracts from soils. Increased apparent sorption coefficients (Kd,app) with time were positively and significantly correlated with Kd,app values of a 0 day incubation [Kd,app(t0)]. This empirical relationship suggests that Kd,app(t0) values can predict the time-dependent increase in Kd,app and the dissipation of water-extractable pesticides in soils.

Analysis of radiological parameters associated with decreased fractional anisotropy values on diffusion tensor imaging in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

PubMed

Wang, Xiandi; Wang, Hongli; Sun, Chi; Zhou, Shuyi; Meng, Tao; Lv, Feizhou; Ma, Xiaosheng; Xia, Xinlei; Jiang, Jianyuan

2018-04-26

Previous studies have indicated that decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) values on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are well correlated with the symptoms of nerve root compression. The aim of our study is to determine primary radiological parameters associated with decreased FA values in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis involving single L5 nerve root. Patients confirmed with single L5 nerve root compression by transforaminal nerve root blocks were included in this study. FA values of L5 nerve roots on both symptomatic and asymptomatic side were obtained. Conventional radiological parameters, such as disc height, degenerative scoliosis, dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCSA), foraminal height (FH), hypertrophic facet joint degeneration (HFJD), sagittal rotation (SR), sedimentation sign, sagittal translation and traction spur were measured. Correlation and regression analyses were performed between the radiological parameters and FA values of the symptomatic L5 nerve roots. A predictive regression equation was established. Twenty-one patients were included in this study. FA values were significantly lower at the symptomatic side comparing to the asymptomatic side (0.263 ± 0.069 vs. 0.334 ± 0.080, P = 0.038). DSCSA, FH, HFJD, and SR were significantly correlated with the decreased FA values, with r = 0.518, 0.443, 0.472 and - 0.910, respectively (P < 0.05). DSCSA and SR were found to be the primary radiological parameters related to the decreased FA values, and the regression equation is FA = - 0.012 × SR + 0.002 × DSCSA. DSCSA and SR were primary contributors to decreased FA values in LSS patients involving single L5 nerve root, indicating that central canal decompression and segmental stability should be the first considerations in preoperative planning of these patients. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

A numerical study of the 3-periodic wave solutions to KdV-type equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yingnan; Hu, Xingbiao; Sun, Jianqing

2018-02-01

In this paper, by using the direct method of calculating periodic wave solutions proposed by Akira Nakamura, we present a numerical process to calculate the 3-periodic wave solutions to several KdV-type equations: the Korteweg-de Vries equation, the Sawada-Koterra equation, the Boussinesq equation, the Ito equation, the Hietarinta equation and the (2 + 1)-dimensional Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation. Some detailed numerical examples are given to show the existence of the three-periodic wave solutions numerically.

Reducing process delays for real-time earthquake parameter estimation - An application of KD tree to large databases for Earthquake Early Warning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Lucy; Andrews, Jennifer; Heaton, Thomas

2018-05-01

Earthquake parameter estimations using nearest neighbor searching among a large database of observations can lead to reliable prediction results. However, in the real-time application of Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems, the accurate prediction using a large database is penalized by a significant delay in the processing time. We propose to use a multidimensional binary search tree (KD tree) data structure to organize large seismic databases to reduce the processing time in nearest neighbor search for predictions. We evaluated the performance of KD tree on the Gutenberg Algorithm, a database-searching algorithm for EEW. We constructed an offline test to predict peak ground motions using a database with feature sets of waveform filter-bank characteristics, and compare the results with the observed seismic parameters. We concluded that large database provides more accurate predictions of the ground motion information, such as peak ground acceleration, velocity, and displacement (PGA, PGV, PGD), than source parameters, such as hypocenter distance. Application of the KD tree search to organize the database reduced the average searching process by 85% time cost of the exhaustive method, allowing the method to be feasible for real-time implementation. The algorithm is straightforward and the results will reduce the overall time of warning delivery for EEW.

A review of the distribution coefficients of trace elements in soils: influence of sorption system, element characteristics, and soil colloidal properties.

PubMed

Shaheen, Sabry M; Tsadilas, Christos D; Rinklebe, Jörg

2013-12-01

Knowledge about the behavior and reactions of separate soil components with trace elements (TEs) and their distribution coefficients (Kds) in soils is a key issue in assessing the mobility and retention of TEs. Thus, the fate of TEs and the toxic risk they pose depend crucially on their Kd in soil. This article reviews the Kd of TEs in soils as affected by the sorption system, element characteristics, and soil colloidal properties. The sorption mechanism, determining factors, favorable conditions, and competitive ions on the sorption and Kd of TEs are also discussed here. This review demonstrates that the Kd value of TEs does not only depend on inorganic and organic soil constituents, but also on the nature and characteristics of the elements involved as well as on their competition for sorption sites. The Kd value of TEs is mainly affected by individual or competitive sorption systems. Generally, the sorption in competitive systems is lower than in mono-metal sorption systems. More strongly sorbed elements, such as Pb and Cu, are less affected by competition than mobile elements, such as Cd, Ni, and Zn. The sorption preference exhibited by soils for elements over others may be due to: (i) the hydrolysis constant, (ii) the atomic weight, (iii) the ionic radius, and subsequently the hydrated radius, and (iv) its Misono softness value. Moreover, element concentrations in the test solution mainly affect the Kd values. Mostly, values of Kd decrease as the concentration of the included cation increases in the test solution. Additionally, the Kd of TEs is controlled by the sorption characteristics of soils, such as pH, clay minerals, soil organic matter, Fe and Mn oxides, and calcium carbonate. However, more research is required to verify the practical utilization of studying Kd of TEs in soils as a reliable indicator for assessing the remediation process of toxic metals in soils and waters. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients who failed previous interferon therapy

PubMed Central

Sherman, M; Yoshida, E M; Deschenes, M; Krajden, M; Bain, V G; Peltekian, K; Anderson, F; Kaita, K; Simonyi, S; Balshaw, R; Lee, S S

2006-01-01

Background The management of patients with chronic hepatitis C who have relapsed or failed to respond to interferon based therapies is an important issue facing hepatologists. Aims We evaluated the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) plus ribavirin in this population by conducting a multicentre open label study. Patients Data from adults with detectable serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA who had not responded or had relapsed after previous conventional interferon or conventional interferon/ribavirin combination therapy were analysed. Methods Patients were retreated with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) 180 µg/week plus ribavirin 800 mg/day for 24 or 48 weeks at the investigators' discretion. The study was conceived before the optimal dose of ribavirin (1000/1200 mg/day) for patients with genotype 1 was known. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA (<50 IU/ml) after 24 weeks of follow up. The analysis was conducted by intention to treat. Results A total of 312 patients (212 non‐responders, 100 relapsers) were included. Of these, 28 patients were treated for 24 weeks and 284 for 48 weeks. Baseline characteristics between non‐responders and relapsers were similar although more non‐responders had genotype 1 infection (87% v 69%). Overall SVR rates were 23% (48/212) for non‐responders and 41% (41/100) for relapsers. When data were analysed by genotype, SVR rates were 24% (61/253) in genotype 1 and 47% (28/59) in genotype 2/3. Conclusions These results in a large patient cohort demonstrate that it is possible to cure a proportion of previous non‐responders and relapsers by retreating with peginterferon alfa‐2a (40KD) plus ribavirin. PMID:16709661

Effects of salinity and organic matter on the partitioning of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAs) to clay particles.

PubMed

Jeon, Junho; Kannan, Kurunthachalam; Lim, Byung J; An, Kwang Guk; Kim, Sang Don

2011-06-01

The influence of salinity and organic matter on the distribution coefficient (K(d)) for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in a brackish water-clay system was studied. The distribution coefficients (K(d)) for PFAs onto inorganic clay surfaces increased with salinity, providing evidence for electrostatic interaction for the sorption of PFAs, whereas the relationship between K(d) and organic carbon content (f(oc)) suggested that hydrophobic interaction is the primary driving force for the sorption of PFAs onto organic matter. The organic carbon normalized adsorption coefficient (K(oc)) of PFAs can be slightly overestimated due to the electrostatic interaction within uncoated inorganic surfaces. In addition, the dissolved organic matter released from coated clay particles seemed to solvate PFA molecules in solution, which contributed to a decrease in K(d). A positive relationship between K(d) and salinity was apparent, but an empirical relationship for the 'salting-out' effect was not evident. The K(d) values of PFAs are relatively small compared with those reported for persistent organic pollutants. Thus, sorption may not be a significant route of mass transfer of PFAs from water columns in estuarine environments. However, enhancement of sorption of PFAs to particulate matter at high salinity values could evoke potential risks to benthic organisms in estuarine areas.

Safety and immunogenicity of a freeze-dried, Vero cell culture-derived, inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine (KD-287, ENCEVAC®) versus a mouse brain-derived inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine in children: a phase III, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized trial.

PubMed

Yun, Ki Wook; Lee, Hoan Jong; Kang, Jin Han; Eun, Byung Wook; Kim, Yae-Jean; Kim, Kyung-Hyo; Kim, Nam Hee; Hong, Young Jin; Kim, Dong Ho; Kim, Hwang Min; Cha, Sung-Ho

2015-01-08

Although mouse brain-derived, inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccines (JE-MBs) have been successfully used for a long time, potential rare neurological complications have prompted the development of a Vero cell culture-derived inactivated vaccine (JE-VC). In a phase III clinical study, we aimed to compare the safety and immunogenicity of a JE-VC, KD-287 with a JE-MB, JEV-GCC, in children. In this multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, the study population consisted of 205 healthy Korean children aged 12-23 months. Each subject was subcutaneously vaccinated with either KD-287 or JEV-GCC twice at an interval of 2 weeks and then vaccinated once 12 months after the second vaccination. Neutralizing antibodies were measured by the plaque reduction neutralization test using the homologous and heterologous, as a post hoc analysis, challenge virus strains. The three-dose regimen of KD-287 showed a comparable safety profile with JEV-GCC except higher incidence of fever after the first dose (30.4% and 14.7%, respectively). Most of the fever was mild degree (61.3% and 66.7%, respectively). KD-287 fulfilled the non-inferiority criteria for seroconversion rate (SCR) and geometric mean titer (GMT) of the neutralizing antibody, which were the primary endpoints, at 4 weeks after the third vaccination (95% CI: -1.00, 3.10 for the SCR difference and 10.8, 17.6 for the GMT ratio). The SCRs of KD-287 were all 100% and the GMTs were higher in the KD-287 group than in the JEV-GCC group after the second vaccination and before and after the third vaccination (GMT ratio: 5.59, 20.13, and 13.79, respectively, p < 0.001 in all). GMTs were higher in the KD-287 group in the heterologous analysis also (GMT ratio: 4.05, 5.15, and 4.19, respectively, p < 0.001 in all). This study suggests that the KD-287, a JE-VC is as safe as and may be more effective than the licensed MB-derived vaccine. KD-287 could thus be useful as a second-generation vaccine and substitute

Investigation of Kp- and Kd-atom formation and their collisional processes with hydrogen and deuterium targets by the classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method

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

Raeisi, G. M.; Department of Physics, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord 115; Kalantari, S. Z.

The classical-trajectory Monte Carlo method has been used to study the capture of negative kaons by hydrogen and deuterium atoms; subsequently, the elastic scattering, Stark mixing, and Coulomb deexcitation cross sections of Kp and Kd atoms have been determined. The results for kaonic atom formation confirm the initial conditions that have been parametrically applied by most atomic cascade models. Our results show that Coulomb deexcitation in Kp and Kd atoms with {Delta}n>1 is important in addition to n=1. We have shown that the contribution of molecular structure effects to the cross sections of the collisional processes is larger than themore » isotopic effects of the targets. We have also compared our results with the semiclassical approaches.« less

15kD Granulysin for Monocyte Differentiation: A New Immunotherapeutic for Both in vivo and ex vivo Applications | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

Cancer.gov

Researchers at the NCI have developed a method of enhancing immune response in patients by using 15 kD granulysin. Granulysin, a proinflammatory molecule, is broadly applicable for the treatment of several diseases.

Dexmedetomidine reduces pain associated with rocuronium injection without causing a decrease in BIS values: a dose-response study.

PubMed

Joo, Jin; Baek, Jungwon; Lee, Jaemin

2014-09-01

To examine whether dexmedetomidine reduces the injection pain of propofol and rocuronium and to investigate whether the decrease in injection pain is associated with the known sedative action of dexmedetomidine. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical comparison study. Patients undergoing general anesthesia with intubation received 40 mg of 1% lidocaine (lidocaine group; n = 28), 0.25 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (low-dose group; n = 27), 0.5 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (subclinical dose group; n = 28), 1.0 μg/kg of dexmedetomidine (clinical dose group, n = 27), or normal saline (saline group; n = 28) before anesthetic induction. Pain associated with propofol and rocuronium injection was assessed using a 10-point verbal analog scale (VAS) and a 4-point withdrawal movement scale, respectively. The BIS value was measured 60 seconds after administration of the study drug, and at the time of rocuronium injection and intubation. The overall incidence of withdrawal movements due to rocuronium decreased significantly as the dose of dexmedetomidine increased (92.8%, 85.2%, 78.6%, and 51.9% in the saline, low-dose, subclinical dose, and clinical dose groups, respectively; P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in BIS values among the groups 60 seconds after study drug administration or at the time of rocuronium injection. Dexmedetomidine reduced pain associated with rocuronium injection in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was not associated with the decrease in BIS value. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nova Sco 2016 No. 2 = PNV J17225112-3158349 = ASASSN-16kd

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waagen, Elizabeth O.

2016-09-01

AAVSO Alert Notice 550 announces the independent discovery of Nova Sco 2016 No. 2 = ASASSN-16kd = PNV J17225112-3158349 = V1656 Sco by Shigehisa Fujikawa (Kan'onji, Kagawa, Japan) at unfiltered CCD magnitude 11.6 on 2016 September 06.481 UT; and by ASAS-SN (Stanek et al., ATel #9469) at 12.13 V on 2016 September 06.00 UT. Spectroscopy indicating that Nova Sco 2016 No. 2 is a highly reddened classical Fe II-type nova was obtained by Arai and Honda (CBET 4320); by Bohlsen (ATel #9477); by Bersier et al. (ATel #9478); and by Prieto et al. (ATel #9479). Finder charts with sequence may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (https://www.aavso.org/vsp). Observations should be submitted to the AAVSO International Database. See full Alert Notice for more details.

Stability properties of solitary waves for fractional KdV and BBM equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angulo Pava, Jaime

2018-03-01

This paper sheds new light on the stability properties of solitary wave solutions associated with Korteweg-de Vries-type models when the dispersion is very low. Using a compact, analytic approach and asymptotic perturbation theory, we establish sufficient conditions for the existence of exponentially growing solutions to the linearized problem and so a criterium of spectral instability of solitary waves is obtained for both models. Moreover, the nonlinear stability and spectral instability of the ground state solutions for both models is obtained for some specific regimen of parameters. Via a Lyapunov strategy and a variational analysis, we obtain the stability of the blow-up of solitary waves for the critical fractional KdV equation. The arguments presented in this investigation show promise for use in the study of the instability of traveling wave solutions of other nonlinear evolution equations.

F-Expansion Method and New Exact Solutions of the Schrödinger-KdV Equation

PubMed Central

Filiz, Ali; Ekici, Mehmet; Sonmezoglu, Abdullah

2014-01-01

F-expansion method is proposed to seek exact solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. With the aid of symbolic computation, we choose the Schrödinger-KdV equation with a source to illustrate the validity and advantages of the proposed method. A number of Jacobi-elliptic function solutions are obtained including the Weierstrass-elliptic function solutions. When the modulus m of Jacobi-elliptic function approaches to 1 and 0, soliton-like solutions and trigonometric-function solutions are also obtained, respectively. The proposed method is a straightforward, short, promising, and powerful method for the nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics. PMID:24672327

F-expansion method and new exact solutions of the Schrödinger-KdV equation.

PubMed

Filiz, Ali; Ekici, Mehmet; Sonmezoglu, Abdullah

2014-01-01

F-expansion method is proposed to seek exact solutions of nonlinear evolution equations. With the aid of symbolic computation, we choose the Schrödinger-KdV equation with a source to illustrate the validity and advantages of the proposed method. A number of Jacobi-elliptic function solutions are obtained including the Weierstrass-elliptic function solutions. When the modulus m of Jacobi-elliptic function approaches to 1 and 0, soliton-like solutions and trigonometric-function solutions are also obtained, respectively. The proposed method is a straightforward, short, promising, and powerful method for the nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics.

Sericitization of illite decreases sorption capabilities for cesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choung, S.; Hwang, J.; Han, W.; Shin, W.

2017-12-01

Release of radioactive cesium (137Cs) to environment occurs through nuclear accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. The concern is that 137Cs has long half-life (t1/2 = 30.2 years) with chemical toxicity and γ-radiation. Sorption techniques are mainly applied to remove 137Cs from aquatic environment. In particular, it has been known well that clay minerals (e.g, illite) are effective and economical sorbents for 137Cs. Illite that was formed by hydrothermal alteration exist with sericite through "sericitization" processes. Although sericite has analogous composition and lattice structure with illite, the sorptive characteristics of illite and sericite for radiocesium could be different. This study evaluated the effects of hydrothermal alteration and weathering process on illite cesium sorption properties. Natural illite samples were collected at Yeongdong area in Korea as the world-largest hydrothermal deposits for illite. The samples were analyzed by XRF, XRD and SEM-EDX to determine mineralogy, chemical compositions and morphological characteristics, and used for batch sorption experiments. The Yeongdong illites predominantly consist of illite, sericite, quartz, and albite. The measured cesium sorption distribution coefficients (Kd,Cs) of reference illite and sericite were approximately 6000 and 400 L kg-1 at low aqueous concentration (Cw 10-7 M), respectively. In contrast, Kd,Cs values for the Yeongdong illite samples ranged from 500 to 4000 L kg-1 at identical concentration. The observed narrow and sharp XRD peak of sericite indicated that the sericite has better crystallinity compared to illite. These experimental results suggested that sericitization processes of illite can decline the sorption capabilities of illite for cesium under various hydrothermal conditions. In particular, weathering experiments raised the cesium sorption to illite, which seems to be related to the increase of preferential sorption sites for cesium through crystallinity destruction

Relocation of blood gas laboratory to the emergency department helps decrease lactic acid values.

PubMed

Brazg, Jared; Huang, Phyllis; Weiner, Corey; Singh, Guneet; Likourezos, Antonios; Salem, Linda; Dickman, Eitan; Marshall, John

2018-03-20

lactate values decreased when measured in an ED blood gas laboratory and may provide more accurate LA results than blood gas samples analyzed at an SL blood gas laboratory within the same institution. Hospitals may consider moving blood gas laboratories to the ED to improve accuracy of one of the most important early blood markers used in the definition of sepsis and in the identification of the critically ill. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Relocation of blood gas laboratory to the emergency department helps decrease lactic acid values.

PubMed

Brazg, Jared; Huang, Phyllis; Weiner, Corey; Singh, Guneet; Likourezos, Antonios; Salem, Linda; Dickman, Eitan; Marshall, John

2018-03-12

lactate values decreased when measured in an ED blood gas laboratory and may provide more accurate LA results than blood gas samples analyzed at an SL blood gas laboratory within the same institution. Hospitals may consider moving blood gas laboratories to the ED to improve accuracy of one of the most important early blood markers used in the definition of sepsis and in the identification of the critically ill. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sorption of radioiodide in an acidic, nutrient-poor boreal bog: insights into the microbial impact.

PubMed

Lusa, M; Bomberg, M; Aromaa, H; Knuutinen, J; Lehto, J

2015-05-01

Batch sorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the sorption behaviour of iodide and the microbial impact on iodide sorption in the surface moss, subsurface peat, gyttja, and clay layers of a nutrient-poor boreal bog. The batch distribution coefficient (Kd) values of iodide decreased as a function of sampling depth. The highest Kd values, 4800 L/Kg dry weight (DW) (geometric mean), were observed in the fresh surface moss and the lowest in the bottom clay (geometric mean 90 mL/g DW). In the surface moss, peat and gyttja layers, which have a high organic matter content (on average 97%), maximum sorption was observed at a pH between ∼ 4 and 5 and in the clay layer at pH 2. The Kd values were significantly lower in sterilized samples, being 20-fold lower than the values found for the unsterilized samples. In addition, the recolonization of sterilized samples with a microbial population from the fresh samples restored the sorption capacity of surface moss, peat and gyttja samples, indicating that the decrease in the sorption was due to the destruction of microbes and supporting the hypothesis that microbes are necessary for the incorporation of iodide into the organic matter. Anoxic conditions reduced the sorption of iodide in fresh, untreated samples, similarly to the effect of sterilization, which supports the hypothesis that iodide is oxidized into I2/HIO before incorporation into the organic matter. Furthermore, the Kd values positively correlated with peroxidase activity in surface moss, subsurface peat and gyttja layers at +20 °C, and with the bacterial cell counts obtained from plate count agar at +4 °C. Our results demonstrate the importance of viable microbes for the sorption of iodide in the bog environment, having a high organic matter content and a low pH. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermodynamic parameters of U (VI) sorption onto soils in aquatic systems.

PubMed

Kumar, Ajay; Rout, Sabyasachi; Ghosh, Malay; Singhal, Rakesh Kumar; Ravi, Pazhayath Mana

2013-01-01

The thermodynamic parameters viz. the standard free energy (∆Gº), Standard enthalpy change (∆Hº) and standard entropy change (∆Sº) were determined using the obtained values of distribution coefficient (kd) of U (VI) in two different types of soils (agricultural and undisturbed) by conducting a batch equilibrium experiment with aqueous media (groundwater and deionised water) at two different temperatures 25°C and 50°C. The obtained distribution coefficients (kd) values of U for undisturbed soil in groundwater showed about 75% higher than in agricultural soil at 25°C while in deionised water, these values were highly insignificant for both soils indicating that groundwater was observed to be more favorable for high surface sorption. At 50°C, the increased kd values in both soils revealed that solubility of U decreased with increasing temperature. Batch adsorption results indicated that U sorption onto soils was promoted at higher temperature and an endothermic and spontaneous interfacial process. The high positive values of ∆Sº for agricultural soil suggested a decrease in sorption capacity of U in that soil due to increased randomness at solid-solution interface. The low sorption onto agricultural soil may be due to presence of high amount of coarse particles in the form of sand (56%). Geochemical modeling predicted that mixed hydroxo-carbonato complexes of uranium were the most stable and abundant complexes in equilibrium solution during experimental.

The nutritive value of condensed wheat distillers solubles for cattle.

PubMed

De Boever, J L; Blok, M C; Millet, S; Vanacker, J; De Campeneere, S

2016-12-01

The chemical composition and the energy and protein value of five batches of condensed distillers solubles (CDS) originating from wheat were determined. The net energy for lactation (NEL) was derived from digestion coefficients obtained with sheep. The true protein digested in the small intestine (DVE) and the rumen degradable protein balance (OEB) were based on the rumen degradation rate (kd D ), the rumen undegradable fraction (U) and intestinal digestibility of undegraded protein (%DVBE) predicted by regression equations derived from a data set of 28 protein feeds with kd D , U and %DVBE determined in situ. The CDS is a by-product with a high, but very variable CP content (238 to 495 g/kg DM). The CP contained on average 81% amino acids, with glutamine as main component (on average 21.8% of CP) and a relatively good lysine proportion (3.0%). Further, CDS contains quite a lot of crude fat (mean±SD: 71±14 g/kg DM), glycerol (95±52 g/kg DM) and sugars (123±24 g/kg DM) resulting in a high organic matter digestibility (88.6±3.0%) and high NEL content (8.3±0.4 MJ/kg DM). The protein value showed a large variation, with DVE ranging from 122 to 244 g/kg DM and OEB from 50 to 204 g/kg DM. Wheat CDS is a rich source of minerals and trace elements with exception of calcium.

Optimization of incremental structure from motion combining a random k-d forest and pHash for unordered images in a complex scene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Zongqian; Wang, Chendong; Wang, Xin; Liu, Yi

2018-01-01

On the basis of today's popular virtual reality and scientific visualization, three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction is widely used in disaster relief, virtual shopping, reconstruction of cultural relics, etc. In the traditional incremental structure from motion (incremental SFM) method, the time cost of the matching is one of the main factors restricting the popularization of this method. To make the whole matching process more efficient, we propose a preprocessing method before the matching process: (1) we first construct a random k-d forest with the large-scale scale-invariant feature transform features in the images and combine this with the pHash method to obtain a value of relatedness, (2) we then construct a connected weighted graph based on the relatedness value, and (3) we finally obtain a planned sequence of adding images according to the principle of the minimum spanning tree. On this basis, we attempt to thin the minimum spanning tree to reduce the number of matchings and ensure that the images are well distributed. The experimental results show a great reduction in the number of matchings with enough object points, with only a small influence on the inner stability, which proves that this method can quickly and reliably improve the efficiency of the SFM method with unordered multiview images in complex scenes.

Modeling Transport of Cesium in Grimsel Granodiorite With Micrometer Scale Heterogeneities and Dynamic Update of Kd

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voutilainen, Mikko; Kekäläinen, Pekka; Siitari-Kauppi, Marja; Sardini, Paul; Muuri, Eveliina; Timonen, Jussi; Martin, Andrew

2017-11-01

Transport and retardation of cesium in Grimsel granodiorite taking into account heterogeneity of mineral and pore structure was studied using rock samples overcored from an in situ diffusion test at the Grimsel Test Site. The field test was part of the Long-Term Diffusion (LTD) project designed to characterize retardation properties (diffusion and distribution coefficients) under in situ conditions. Results of the LTD experiment for cesium showed that in-diffusion profiles and spatial concentration distributions were strongly influenced by the heterogeneous pore structure and mineral distribution. In order to study the effect of heterogeneity on the in-diffusion profile and spatial concentration distribution, a Time Domain Random Walk (TDRW) method was applied along with a feature for modeling chemical sorption in geological materials. A heterogeneous mineral structure of Grimsel granodiorite was constructed using X-ray microcomputed tomography (X-μCT) and the map was linked to previous results for mineral specific porosities and distribution coefficients (Kd) that were determined using C-14-PMMA autoradiography and batch sorption experiments, respectively. After this the heterogeneous structure contains information on local porosity and Kd in 3-D. It was found that the heterogeneity of the mineral structure on the micrometer scale affects significantly the diffusion and sorption of cesium in Grimsel granodiorite at the centimeter scale. Furthermore, the modeled in-diffusion profiles and spatial concentration distributions show similar shape and pattern to those from the LTD experiment. It was concluded that the use of detailed structure characterization and quantitative data on heterogeneity can significantly improve the interpretation and evaluation of transport experiments.

A peptide sequence on carcinoembryonic antigen binds to a 80kD protein on Kupffer cells.

PubMed

Thomas, P; Petrick, A T; Toth, C A; Fox, E S; Elting, J J; Steele, G

1992-10-30

Clearance of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) from the circulation is by binding to Kupffer cells in the liver. We have shown that CEA binding to Kupffer cells occurs via a peptide sequence YPELPK representing amino acids 107-112 of the CEA sequence. This peptide sequence is located in the region between the N-terminal and the first immunoglobulin like loop domain. Using native CEA and peptides containing this sequence complexed with a heterobifunctional crosslinking agent and ligand blotting with biotinylated CEA and NCA we have shown binding to an 80kD protein on the Kupffer cell surface. This binding protein may be important in the development of hepatic metastases.

Mapping Mammalian Cell-type-specific Transcriptional Regulatory Networks Using KD-CAGE and ChIP-seq Data in the TC-YIK Cell Line

PubMed Central

Lizio, Marina; Ishizu, Yuri; Itoh, Masayoshi; Lassmann, Timo; Hasegawa, Akira; Kubosaki, Atsutaka; Severin, Jessica; Kawaji, Hideya; Nakamura, Yukio; Suzuki, Harukazu; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide; Carninci, Piero; Forrest, Alistair R. R.

2015-01-01

Mammals are composed of hundreds of different cell types with specialized functions. Each of these cellular phenotypes are controlled by different combinations of transcription factors. Using a human non islet cell insulinoma cell line (TC-YIK) which expresses insulin and the majority of known pancreatic beta cell specific genes as an example, we describe a general approach to identify key cell-type-specific transcription factors (TFs) and their direct and indirect targets. By ranking all human TFs by their level of enriched expression in TC-YIK relative to a broad collection of samples (FANTOM5), we confirmed known key regulators of pancreatic function and development. Systematic siRNA mediated perturbation of these TFs followed by qRT-PCR revealed their interconnections with NEUROD1 at the top of the regulation hierarchy and its depletion drastically reducing insulin levels. For 15 of the TF knock-downs (KD), we then used Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) to identify thousands of their targets genome-wide (KD-CAGE). The data confirm NEUROD1 as a key positive regulator in the transcriptional regulatory network (TRN), and ISL1, and PROX1 as antagonists. As a complimentary approach we used ChIP-seq on four of these factors to identify NEUROD1, LMX1A, PAX6, and RFX6 binding sites in the human genome. Examining the overlap between genes perturbed in the KD-CAGE experiments and genes with a ChIP-seq peak within 50 kb of their promoter, we identified direct transcriptional targets of these TFs. Integration of KD-CAGE and ChIP-seq data shows that both NEUROD1 and LMX1A work as the main transcriptional activators. In the core TRN (i.e., TF-TF only), NEUROD1 directly transcriptionally activates the pancreatic TFs HSF4, INSM1, MLXIPL, MYT1, NKX6-3, ONECUT2, PAX4, PROX1, RFX6, ST18, DACH1, and SHOX2, while LMX1A directly transcriptionally activates DACH1, SHOX2, PAX6, and PDX1. Analysis of these complementary datasets suggests the need for caution in interpreting Ch

Prognostic value of decreased FOXP1 protein expression in various tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Xiao, Jian; He, Bixiu; Zou, Yong; Chen, Xi; Lu, Xiaoxiao; Xie, Mingxuan; Li, Wei; He, Shuya; You, Shaojin; Chen, Qiong

2016-01-01

The prognostic value of forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) protein expression in tumors remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases to identify eligible studies. In total, we analyzed 22 articles that examined 9 tumor types and included 2468 patients. Overall, decreased expression of FOXP1 protein was associated with favorable overall survival (OS) in lymphoma patients (HR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.30–0.48, p < 0.001). In patients with solid tumors, decreased FOXP1 expression correlated with unfavorable OS (HR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.18–2.83, p = 0.007). However, when FOXP1 protein expression was nuclear, decreased expression was also associated with favorable OS (HR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.32–0.86, p = 0.011). Furthermore, decreased FOXP1 expression resulted in the best OS in patients with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas (HR = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.11–0.59, p = 0.001), but the worst OS was observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (HR = 3.11, 95%CI: 1.87–5.17, p < 0.001). In addition, decreased FOXP1 expression was significantly correlated with an unfavorable relapse-free survival (RFS) in breast cancer patients (HR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.33–2.80, p = 0.001). PMID:27457567

[Characteristics of cationic polymers PEI-CyD, PEI-PHPA, PEE-PHPA and PEI25kD in vitro and in vivo].

PubMed

Yao, Qi; Jin, Xue; Hu, Tian-nan; Wang, Qi-wen; Wang, Xun-shi; Hu, Qi-da; Xu, Sang; Zhou, Jun; Tang, Gu-ping

2012-11-01

To study the characteristics of cationic polymers polyethylenimine-β-cyclodextrin (PEI-CyD), polyethylenimine-poly-(3-hydroxypropyl)-aspartamide (PEI-PHPA), N,N-Dimethyldipropylenetriamine-Bis(3-aminopropyl)amine-aspartamide (PEE-PHPA) in vitro and in vivo. PEI-PHPA, PEI-CyD and PEE-PHPA were synthesized and the chemistry structure of PEI-PHPA, PEI-CyD and PEE-PHPA was confirmed by (1)H-NMR. The particle size and zeta potential of these polymers were measured, and capacity of plasmid DNA condensation was tested. The inhibition of COS-7, A549, HEK293 and C6 cells was measured by MTT assay. The transfection efficiency was determined in HEK293 cell lines. The toxicity, tissue distribution and transfection efficiency of cationic polymers were tested in vivo. When the N/P of polymers/DNA at 30, the particle sizes were close 250 nm and the zeta-potential were near 35 mv. They were able to condense DNA at N/P ratio < 5. The MTT assay showed that the IC(50) of PEE-PHPA was 21.5, 20.2, 7.30 and 37.1 μg/ml, and that of PEI25kD was 15.8, 18.3, 11.4 and 36.7 μg/ml in C6, COS-7, A549 and HEK293cell lines, respectively. The cell viability of PEI-CyD and PEI-PHPA in above cell lines was over 60%. They had high transfection efficiency in HEK293 cell lines. The LD(50) of PEI25Kd, PEI-CyD, PEI-PHPA and PEE-PHPA in vivo was 19.50, 100.4, 521.2 and 630.0, respectively by intraperitoneal (ip) injection. The contractions of these polymers were higher in kidney than in other organs and tissues.PEE-PHPA had slight effect on kidney and liver function. PEE and PEI25kD have higher transfection efficiency and higher toxicity; while PC and PHPA-PEI have lower toxicity and higher transfection efficiency to be used as non-viral gene vector.

A meshless method using radial basis functions for numerical solution of the two-dimensional KdV-Burgers equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabihi, F.; Saffarian, M.

2016-07-01

The aim of this article is to obtain the numerical solution of the two-dimensional KdV-Burgers equation. We construct the solution by using a different approach, that is based on using collocation points. The solution is based on using the thin plate splines radial basis function, which builds an approximated solution with discretizing the time and the space to small steps. We use a predictor-corrector scheme to avoid solving the nonlinear system. The results of numerical experiments are compared with analytical solutions to confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the presented scheme.

Clinical characteristics and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide as a diagnostic marker of Kawasaki disease in infants younger than 3 months of age.

PubMed

Bae, Hyun Kyung; Lee, Do Kyung; Kwon, Jung Hyun; Kim, Hae Soon; Sohn, Sejung; Hong, Young Mi

2014-08-01

The incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) is rare in young infants (less than 3 months of age), who present with only a few symptoms that fulfill the clinical diagnostic criteria. The diagnosis for KD can therefore be delayed, leading to a high risk of cardiac complications. We examined the clinical characteristics and measured the serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels of these patients for assessing its value in the early detection of KD. We retrospectively reviewed the data of young infants diagnosed with KD from 2004 to 2012. The control group included 20 hospitalized febrile patients. Laboratory data, including NT-proBNP were obtained for each patient in both groups. Incomplete KD was observed in 21/24 patients (87.5%). The mean fever duration on admission was 1.36±1.0 days in the KD group. Common symptoms included erythema at the site of Bacille Calmette-Guerin inoculation (70.8%), skin rash (50.0%), changes of oropharyngeal mucosa (29.1%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (20.8%). The mean number of major diagnostic criteria fulfilled was 2.8±1.4. Five KD patients (20.8%) had only one symptom matching these criteria. The incidence of coronary artery complications was 12.5%. The mean serum NT-proBNP level in the acute phase, in the KD and control groups, were 4,159±3,714 pg/mL and 957±902 pg/mL, respectively, which decreased significantly in the convalescent phase. Incomplete KD was observed in 87.5% patients. Serum NT-proBNP might be a valuable biomarker for the early detection of KD in febrile infants aged <3 months.

The Three-Month Effects of a Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition, Blood Parameters, and Performance Metrics in CrossFit Trainees: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Kephart, Wesley C.; Pledge, Coree D.; Roberson, Paul A.; Mumford, Petey W.; Romero, Matthew A.; Mobley, Christopher B.; Young, Kaelin C.; Lowery, Ryan P.; Wilson, Jacob M.; Huggins, Kevin W.; Roberts, Michael D.

2018-01-01

Adopting low carbohydrate, ketogenic diets remains a controversial issue for individuals who resistance train given that this form of dieting has been speculated to reduce skeletal muscle glycogen levels and stifle muscle anabolism. We sought to characterize the effects of a 12-week ketogenic diet (KD) on body composition, metabolic, and performance parameters in participants who trained recreationally at a local CrossFit facility. Twelve participants (nine males and three females, 31 ± 2 years of age, 80.3 ± 5.1 kg body mass, 22.9 ± 2.3% body fat, 1.37 back squat: body mass ratio) were divided into a control group (CTL; n = 5) and a KD group (n = 7). KD participants were given dietary guidelines to follow over 12 weeks while CTL participants were instructed to continue their normal diet throughout the study, and all participants continued their CrossFit training routine for 12 weeks. Pre, 2.5-week, and 12-week anaerobic performance tests were conducted, and pre- and 12-week tests were performed for body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ultrasound, resting energy expenditure (REE), blood-serum health markers, and aerobic capacity. Additionally, blood beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels were measured weekly. Blood BHB levels were 2.8- to 9.5-fold higher in KD versus CTL throughout confirming a state of nutritional ketosis. DXA fat mass decreased by 12.4% in KD (p = 0.053). DXA total lean body mass changes were not different between groups, although DXA dual-leg lean mass decreased in the KD group by 1.4% (p = 0.068), and vastus lateralis thickness values decreased in the KD group by ~8% (p = 0.065). Changes in fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were similar between groups, although LDL cholesterol increased ~35% in KD (p = 0.048). Between-group changes in REE, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) back squat, 400 m run times, and VO2peak were similar between groups. While our n-sizes were limited, these preliminary data suggest that

Surface complexation modeling of americium sorption onto volcanic tuff.

PubMed

Ding, M; Kelkar, S; Meijer, A

2014-10-01

Results of a surface complexation model (SCM) for americium sorption on volcanic rocks (devitrified and zeolitic tuff) are presented. The model was developed using PHREEQC and based on laboratory data for americium sorption on quartz. Available data for sorption of americium on quartz as a function of pH in dilute groundwater can be modeled with two surface reactions involving an americium sulfate and an americium carbonate complex. It was assumed in applying the model to volcanic rocks from Yucca Mountain, that the surface properties of volcanic rocks can be represented by a quartz surface. Using groundwaters compositionally representative of Yucca Mountain, americium sorption distribution coefficient (Kd, L/Kg) values were calculated as function of pH. These Kd values are close to the experimentally determined Kd values for americium sorption on volcanic rocks, decreasing with increasing pH in the pH range from 7 to 9. The surface complexation constants, derived in this study, allow prediction of sorption of americium in a natural complex system, taking into account the inherent uncertainty associated with geochemical conditions that occur along transport pathways. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

[The detection of antibodies against HIV-1 24-kd protein. A clinico-serological correlation].

PubMed

Díaz Torres, H; Silva Cabrera, E; Rodríguez García, O; Bárcenas Moses, J; Lubián Caballero, A L

1996-01-01

The presence of antibodies against the HIV protein of 24 kd was studies by the parallel use of the DAVIH BLOT western blot and of the DAVIH AC P24 ELISA in serum samples from 176 patients at different HIV-1 infection stages. The results were correlated with the clinical classification of the patient at the moment of taking the sample and with the further evolution during 6 months. 57% of the patients with opportunistic minor infections and 96% of AIDS patients had low antibodies titres. Dead patients showed no reactivity or presented very low titres in samples taken before dying. Different titrations were observed in serum groups with an apparently uniform reactivity in the western blot. The results show and adequate clinical and serological correlation. Therefore, the DAVIH AC P24 ELISA could be useful in the clinical follow-up of HIV-1 infected persons.

Phosphate fertilizer impacts on glyphosate sorption by soil.

PubMed

Munira, Sirajum; Farenhorst, Annemieke; Flaten, Don; Grant, Cynthia

2016-06-01

This research examined the impact of field-aged phosphate and cadmium (Cd) concentrations, and fresh phosphate co-applications, on glyphosate sorption by soil. Soil samples were collected in 2013 from research plots that had received, from 2002 to 2009, annual applications of mono ammonium phosphate (MAP) at 20, 40 and 80 kg P ha(-1) and from products containing 0.4, 70 or 210 mg Cd kg(-1) as an impurity. A series of batch equilibrium experiments were carried out to quantify the glyphosate sorption distribution constant, Kd. Extractable Cd concentrations in soil had no significant effect on glyphosate sorption. Glyphosate Kd values significantly decreased with increasing Olsen-P concentrations in soil, regardless of the pH conditions studied. Experiments repeated with a commercially available glyphosate formulation showed statistically similar results as the experiments performed with analytical-grade glyphosate. Co-applications of MAP with glyphosate also reduced the available sorption sites to retain glyphosate, but less so when soils already contain large amounts of phosphate. Glyphosate Kd values in soils ranged from 173 to 939 L kg(-1) under very strong to strongly acidic condition but the Kd was always <100 L kg(-1) under moderately acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. The highest Olsen-P concentrations in soil reduced Kd values by 25-44% relative to control soils suggesting that, under moderately acidic to slightly alkaline conditions, glyphosate may become mobile by water in soils with high phosphate levels. Otherwise, glyphosate residues in agricultural soils are more likely to be transported off-site by wind and water-eroded sediments than by leaching or runoff. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decreased reward value of biological motion among individuals with autistic traits.

PubMed

Williams, Elin H; Cross, Emily S

2018-02-01

The Social Motivation Theory posits that a reduced sensitivity to the value of social stimuli, specifically faces, can account for social impairments in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Research has demonstrated that typically developing (TD) individuals preferentially orient towards another type of salient social stimulus, namely biological motion. Individuals with ASD, however, do not show this preference. While the reward value of faces to both TD and ASD individuals has been well-established, the extent to which individuals from these populations also find human motion to be rewarding remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the value assigned to biological motion by TD participants in an effort task, and further examined whether these values differed among individuals with more autistic traits. The results suggest that TD participants value natural human motion more than rigid, machine-like motion or non-human control motion, but this preference is attenuated among individuals reporting more autistic traits. This study provides the first evidence to suggest that individuals with more autistic traits find a broader conceptualisation of social stimuli less rewarding compared to individuals with fewer autistic traits. By quantifying the social reward value of human motion, the present findings contribute an important piece to our understanding of social motivation in individuals with and without social impairments. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Extended Kd distributions for freshwater environment.

PubMed

Boyer, Patrick; Wells, Claire; Howard, Brenda

2018-06-18

Many of the freshwater K d values required for quantifying radionuclide transfer in the environment (e.g. ERICA Tool, Symbiose modelling platform) are either poorly reported in the literature or not available. To partially address this deficiency, Working Group 4 of the IAEA program MODARIA (2012-2015) has completed an update of the freshwater K d databases and K d distributions given in TRS 472 (IAEA, 2010). Over 2300 new values for 27 new elements were added to the dataset and 270 new K d values were added for the 25 elements already included in TRS 472 (IAEA, 2010). For 49 chemical elements, the K d values have been classified according to three solid-liquid exchange conditions (adsorption, desorption and field) as was previously carried out in TRS 472. Additionally, the K d values were classified into two environmental components (suspended and deposited sediments). Each combination (radionuclide x component x condition) was associated with log-normal distributions when there was at least ten K d values in the dataset and to a geometric mean when there was less than ten values. The enhanced K d dataset shows that K d values for suspended sediments are significantly higher than for deposited sediments and that the variability of K d distributions are higher for deposited than for suspended sediments. For suspended sediments in field conditions, the variability of K d distributions can be significantly reduced as a function of the suspended load that explains more than 50% of the variability of the K d datasets of U, Si, Mo, Pb, S, Se, Cd, Ca, B, K, Ra and Po. The distinction between adsorption and desorption conditions is justified for deterministic calculations because the geometric means are systematically greater in desorption conditions. Conversely, this distinction is less relevant for probabilistic calculations due to systematic overlapping between the K d distributions of these two conditions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Quantitative In Vivo Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Analyses Highlight the Importance of Competitive Effects in the Regulation of Protein-Protein Interactions

PubMed Central

Sadaie, Wakako; Harada, Yoshie; Matsuda, Michiyuki

2014-01-01

Computer-assisted simulation is a promising approach for clarifying complicated signaling networks. However, this approach is currently limited by a deficiency of kinetic parameters determined in living cells. To overcome this problem, we applied fluorescence cross-correlation spectrometry (FCCS) to measure dissociation constant (Kd) values of signaling molecule complexes in living cells (in vivo Kd). Among the pairs of fluorescent molecules tested, that of monomerized enhanced green fluorescent protein (mEGFP) and HaloTag-tetramethylrhodamine was most suitable for the measurement of in vivo Kd by FCCS. Using this pair, we determined 22 in vivo Kd values of signaling molecule complexes comprising the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–Ras–extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. With these parameters, we developed a kinetic simulation model of the EGFR-Ras-ERK MAP kinase pathway and uncovered a potential role played by stoichiometry in Shc binding to EGFR during the peak activations of Ras, MEK, and ERK. Intriguingly, most of the in vivo Kd values determined in this study were higher than the in vitro Kd values reported previously, suggesting the significance of competitive bindings inside cells. These in vivo Kd values will provide a sound basis for the quantitative understanding of signal transduction. PMID:24958104

Validation of the Andon KD-5965 upper-arm blood pressure monitor for home blood pressure monitoring according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010.

PubMed

Huang, Jinhua; Li, Zhijie; Li, Guimei; Liu, Zhaoying

2015-10-01

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Andon KD-5965 upper-arm blood pressure monitor according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were sequentially measured in 33 adults, with 20 women using a mercury sphygmomanometer (two observers) and the Andon KD-5965 device (one supervisor). A total of 99 pairs of comparisons were obtained from 33 participants for judgments in two parts with three grading phases. The device achieved the targets in part 1 of the validation study. The number of absolute differences between the device and observers within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg was 70/99, 91/99, and 98/99, respectively, for systolic blood pressure and 81/99, 99/99, and 99/99, respectively, for diastolic blood pressure. The device also fulfilled the criteria in part 2 of the validation study. Twenty-five and 29 participants, for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, had at least two of the three device-observers differences within 5 mmHg (required≥24). Two and one participants for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, had all three device-observers comparisons greater than 5 mmHg. According to the validation results, with better performance for diastolic blood pressure than that for systolic blood pressure, the Andon automated oscillometric upper-arm blood pressure monitor KD-5965 fulfilled the requirements of the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010, and hence can be recommended for blood pressure measurement in adults.

Quantification of Protein-Ligand Interactions by Laser Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Archer, Jieutonne J.; Karki, Santosh; Shi, Fengjian; Sistani, Habiballah; Levis, Robert J.

2018-04-01

Laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS) measurement of the dissociation constant (Kd) for hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and N,N',N″-triacetylchitotriose (NAG3) revealed an apparent Kd value of 313.2 ± 25.9 μM for the ligand titration method. Similar measurements for N,N',N″,N″'-tetraacetylchitotetraose (NAG4) revealed an apparent Kd of 249.3 ± 13.6 μM. An electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) experiment determined a Kd value of 9.8 ± 0.6 μM. In a second LEMS approach, a calibrated measurement was used to determine a Kd value of 6.8 ± 1.5 μM for NAG3. The capture efficiency of LEMS was measured to be 3.6 ± 1.8% and is defined as the fraction of LEMS sample detected after merging with the ESI plume. When the dilution is factored into the ligand titration measurement, the adjusted Kd value was 11.3 μM for NAG3 and 9.0 μM for NAG4. The calibration method for measuring Kd developed in this study can be applied to solutions containing unknown analyte concentrations. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Adhesion inhibition of Mycoplasma iowae to chicken lymphoma DT40 cells by monoclonal antibodies reacting with a 65-kD polypeptide.

PubMed

Fiorentin, L; Panangala, V S; Zhang, Y; Toivio-Kinnucan, M

1998-01-01

Tissue- and cell-specific attachment of mycoplasmas is a key aspect of the host-parasite relationship. In this study, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing surface membrane polypeptides with molecular masses of 46 kD (p46) and 65 kD (p65), respectively, were examined in a microtiter cell attachment (agglutination) inhibition assay. MAbs MI3, MI6, and MI12 reacting with p65 polypeptide of Mycoplasma iowae inhibited attachment of the organisms to chicken lymphoma (DT 40) cells. One MAb (MI2) that reacted with p65 in immunoblots did not inhibit cell attachment, possibly because of the intrinsic native conformation of the epitope(s) in intact mycoplasmas as opposed to the linear state (sodium dodecyl sulfate denatured) in immunoblots. More pronounced M. iowae adherence inhibition was demonstrated by polyclonal turkey and mouse anti-M. iowae antisera compared with MAbs. Immunogold labelling followed by electron microscopy allowed us to localize the MAb-recognized epitopes on the membrane surface of M. iowae. On the basis of the cell attachment inhibition of M. iowae by specific MAbs (MI3, MI6, and MI12), we propose that the p65 polypeptide plays a role in cytadherence. The ability of polyclonal antisera to inhibit attachment of M. iowae more efficiently than the MAbs suggests that additional epitopes within p65 and/or other proteins are involved in cell attachment.

Validation of the Andon KD-5851 upper arm blood pressure monitor, for self-measurement according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010.

PubMed

Wu, Lili; Jiao, Yinghui; Wang, Chengdong; Chen, Lei; Di, Dalin; Zhang, Haiyan

2015-08-01

This study aimed to validate the Andon KD-5851 upper arm blood pressure (BP) monitor according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol (ESH-IP) revision 2010. A total of 33 eligible participants were included in the study. Sequential measurements of BPs were performed using a mercury sphygmomanometer and the device, and the data analysis was carried out following precisely the ESH-IP revision 2010. The device had 82, 98, and 99 measurements within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 85, 95, and 99 measurements for diastolic blood pressure, respectively. The average device-observer difference was -0.53±4.00 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and -1.15±4.06 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. The device passed all the criteria according to the ESH-IP revision 2010. According to the validation results on the basis of the ESH-IP revision 2010, the Andon KD-5851 upper arm BP monitor can be recommended for self/home measurement in adults. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of dehydrin-like proteins responsive to chilling in floral buds of blueberry (Vaccinium, section Cyanococcus).

PubMed

Muthalif, M M; Rowland, L J

1994-04-01

The level of three major polypeptides of 65, 60, and 14 kD increased in response to chilling unit accumulation in floral buds of a woody perennial, blueberry (Vaccinium, section Cynaococcus). The level of the polypeptides increased most dramatically within 300 h of chilling and decreased to the prechilling level with the initiation of budbreak. Cold-hardiness levels were assessed for dormant buds of Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium ashei after different chilling treatments until the resumption of growth. These levels coincided with the level of the chilling-responsive polypeptides. Like some other previously described cold-induced proteins in annual plants, the level of the chilling-induced polypeptides also increased in leaves in response to cold treatment; the chilling-induced polypeptides were heat stable, resisting aggregation after incubation at 95 degrees C for 15 min. By fractionating bud proteins first by isoelectric point (pI) and then by molecular mass, the pI values of the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides were found to be 7.5 to 8.0 and the pI value of the 14-kD polypeptide was judged to be 8.5. Purification of the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides, followed by digestion with endoproteinase Lys-C and sequencing of selected fragments, revealed similarities in amino acid composition between the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides and dehydrins. Indeed, antiserum to the lysine-rich consensus sequence EKKGIMDKIKEKLPG of dehydrin proteins cross-reacted to all three of the major chilling-responsive polypeptides of blueberry, identifying these as dehydrins or dehydrin-like proteins.

Identification of dehydrin-like proteins responsive to chilling in floral buds of blueberry (Vaccinium, section Cyanococcus).

PubMed Central

Muthalif, M M; Rowland, L J

1994-01-01

The level of three major polypeptides of 65, 60, and 14 kD increased in response to chilling unit accumulation in floral buds of a woody perennial, blueberry (Vaccinium, section Cynaococcus). The level of the polypeptides increased most dramatically within 300 h of chilling and decreased to the prechilling level with the initiation of budbreak. Cold-hardiness levels were assessed for dormant buds of Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium ashei after different chilling treatments until the resumption of growth. These levels coincided with the level of the chilling-responsive polypeptides. Like some other previously described cold-induced proteins in annual plants, the level of the chilling-induced polypeptides also increased in leaves in response to cold treatment; the chilling-induced polypeptides were heat stable, resisting aggregation after incubation at 95 degrees C for 15 min. By fractionating bud proteins first by isoelectric point (pI) and then by molecular mass, the pI values of the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides were found to be 7.5 to 8.0 and the pI value of the 14-kD polypeptide was judged to be 8.5. Purification of the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides, followed by digestion with endoproteinase Lys-C and sequencing of selected fragments, revealed similarities in amino acid composition between the 65- and 60-kD polypeptides and dehydrins. Indeed, antiserum to the lysine-rich consensus sequence EKKGIMDKIKEKLPG of dehydrin proteins cross-reacted to all three of the major chilling-responsive polypeptides of blueberry, identifying these as dehydrins or dehydrin-like proteins. PMID:8016270

Quantitative in vivo fluorescence cross-correlation analyses highlight the importance of competitive effects in the regulation of protein-protein interactions.

PubMed

Sadaie, Wakako; Harada, Yoshie; Matsuda, Michiyuki; Aoki, Kazuhiro

2014-09-01

Computer-assisted simulation is a promising approach for clarifying complicated signaling networks. However, this approach is currently limited by a deficiency of kinetic parameters determined in living cells. To overcome this problem, we applied fluorescence cross-correlation spectrometry (FCCS) to measure dissociation constant (Kd) values of signaling molecule complexes in living cells (in vivo Kd). Among the pairs of fluorescent molecules tested, that of monomerized enhanced green fluorescent protein (mEGFP) and HaloTag-tetramethylrhodamine was most suitable for the measurement of in vivo Kd by FCCS. Using this pair, we determined 22 in vivo Kd values of signaling molecule complexes comprising the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. With these parameters, we developed a kinetic simulation model of the EGFR-Ras-ERK MAP kinase pathway and uncovered a potential role played by stoichiometry in Shc binding to EGFR during the peak activations of Ras, MEK, and ERK. Intriguingly, most of the in vivo Kd values determined in this study were higher than the in vitro Kd values reported previously, suggesting the significance of competitive bindings inside cells. These in vivo Kd values will provide a sound basis for the quantitative understanding of signal transduction. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Down-regulation of human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) viral env RNA in pancreatic cancer cells decreases cell proliferation and tumor growth

PubMed Central

Li, Ming; Radvanyi, Laszlo; Yin, Bingnan; Li, Jia; Chivukula, Raghavender; Lin, Kevin; Lu, Yue; Shen, JianJun; Chang, David Z.; Li, Donghui; Johanning, Gary L.; Wang-Johanning, Feng

2017-01-01

Purpose We investigated the role of the human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) envelope (env) gene in pancreatic cancer (PC). Experimental Design shRNA was employed to knockdown (KD) the expression of HERV-K in PC cells. Results HERV-K env expression was detected in seven PC cell lines and in 80% of PC patient biopsies, but not in two normal pancreatic cell lines or uninvolved normal tissues. A new HERV-K splice variant was discovered in several PC cell lines. RT activity and virus-like particles were observed in culture media supernatant obtained from Panc-1 and Panc-2 cells. HERV-K viral RNA levels and anti-HERV-K antibody titers were significantly higher in PC patient sera (N=106) than in normal donor sera (N=40). Importantly, the in vitro and in vivo growth rates of three PC cell lines were significantly reduced after HERV-K KD by shRNA targeting HERV-K env, and there was reduced metastasis to lung after treatment. RNA-seq results revealed changes in gene expression after HERV-K env KD, including RAS and TP53. Furthermore, downregulation of HERV-K Env protein expression by shRNA also resulted in decreased expression of RAS, p-ERK, p-RSK, and p-AKT in several PC cells or tumors. Conclusion These results demonstrate that HERV-K influences signal transduction via the RAS-ERK-RSK pathway in PC. Our data highlight the potentially important role of HERV-K in tumorigenesis and progression of PC, and indicate that HERV-K viral proteins may be attractive biomarkers and/or tumor-associated antigens, as well as potentially useful targets for detection, diagnosis and immunotherapy of PC. PMID:28679769

Mobility of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, Zn) in the Pampeano and Puelche Aquifers, Argentina: Partition and Retardation Coefficients.

PubMed

Jakomin, L M; Marbán, L; Grondona, S; Glok Galli, M; Martínez, D E

2015-09-01

The prediction about metals behaviour in soil requires knowledge on their solid-liquid partitioning. Usually it is expressed with an empirical distribution coefficient or Kd, which gives the ratio of the metal concentration in the solid phase to that in the solution. Kd values have been determined for Zn, Pb and Cd from samples representing the two most exploited aquifers in Argentina, Pampeano and Puelche, at three different locations in the province of Buenos Aires. The Pampeano aquifer presented higher Kd values than the Puelche aquifer. Comparing Kd values, different relationships could be observed: (a) Pampeano aquifer: Pb > Zn > Cd, and (b) Puelche aquifer: Pb > Cd > Zn. Kd for Cd seems to be linked to cationic exchange capacity, but solid phases precipitation can be more determining for Pb and Zn.

New best estimates for radionuclide solid-liquid distribution coefficients in soils. Part 2: naturally occurring radionuclides.

PubMed

Vandenhove, H; Gil-García, C; Rigol, A; Vidal, M

2009-09-01

Predicting the transfer of radionuclides in the environment for normal release, accidental, disposal or remediation scenarios in order to assess exposure requires the availability of an important number of generic parameter values. One of the key parameters in environmental assessment is the solid liquid distribution coefficient, K(d), which is used to predict radionuclide-soil interaction and subsequent radionuclide transport in the soil column. This article presents a review of K(d) values for uranium, radium, lead, polonium and thorium based on an extensive literature survey, including recent publications. The K(d) estimates were presented per soil groups defined by their texture and organic matter content (Sand, Loam, Clay and Organic), although the texture class seemed not to significantly affect K(d). Where relevant, other K(d) classification systems are proposed and correlations with soil parameters are highlighted. The K(d) values obtained in this compilation are compared with earlier review data.

Effects of incubation time and filtration method on Kd of indigenous selenium and iodine in temperate soils.

PubMed

Almahayni, T; Bailey, E; Crout, N M J; Shaw, G

2017-10-01

In this study, the effects of incubation time and the method of soil solution extraction and filtration on the empirical distribution coefficient (K d ) obtained by de-sorbing indigenous selenium (Se) and iodine (I) from arable and woodland soils under temperate conditions were investigated. Incubation time had a significant soil- and element-dependent effect on the K d values, which tended to decrease with the incubation time. Generally, a four-week period was sufficient for the desorption K d value to stabilise. Concurrent solubilisation of soil organic matter (OM) and release of organically-bound Se and I was probably responsible for the observed decrease in K d with time. This contrasts with the conventional view of OM as a sink for Se and I in soils. Selenium and I K d values were not significantly affected by the method of soil solution extraction and filtration. The results suggest that incubation time is a key criterion when selecting Se and I K d values from the literature for risk assessments. Values derived from desorption of indigenous soil Se and I might be most appropriate for long-term assessments since they reflect the quasi-equilibrium state of their partitioning in soils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of soil biochar aging on sorption of the herbicides MCPA, nicosulfuron, terbuthylazine, indaziflam, and fluoroethyldiaminotriazine.

PubMed

Trigo, Carmen; Spokas, Kurt A; Cox, Lucia; Koskinen, William C

2014-11-12

Sorption of four herbicides and a metabolite of indaziflam on a fresh macadamia nut biochar and biochars aged one or two years in soil was characterized. On fresh biochar, the sorption was terbuthylazine (Kd = 595) > indaziflam (Kd = 162) > MCPA (Kd = 7.5) > fluoroethyldiaminotriazine (Kd = 0.26) and nicosulfuron (Kd = 0). Biochar surface area increased with aging attributed to the loss of a surface film. This was also manifested in a decline in water extractable organic carbon with aging. Correspondingly, an increase in the aromaticity was observed. The higher surface area and porosity in aged biochar increased sorption of indaziflam (KdBC-2yr = 237) and fluoroethyldiaminotriazine (KdBC-1yr = 1.2 and KdBC-2yr = 3.0), but interestingly decreased sorption of terbuthylazine (KdBC-1yr = 312 and KdBC-2yr = 221) and MCPA (KdBC-1yr = 2 and KdBC-2yr = 2). These results will facilitate development of biochars for specific remediation purposes.

Proconvulsant effects of the ketogenic diet in electroshock-induced seizures in mice.

PubMed

Zarnowska, Iwona; Luszczki, Jarogniew J; Zarnowski, Tomasz; Wlaz, Piotr; Czuczwar, Stanislaw J; Gasior, Maciej

2017-04-01

Among non-pharmacological treatments, the ketogenic diet (KD) has the strongest demonstrated evidence of clinical success in drug resistant epilepsy. In an attempt to model the anticonvulsant effects of the KD pre-clinically, the present study assessed the effects of the KD against electroshock-induced convulsions in mice. After confirming that exposure to the KD for 2 weeks resulted in stable ketosis and hypoglycemia, mice were exposed to electroshocks of various intensities to establish general seizure susceptibility. When compared to mice fed the standard rodent chow diet (SRCD), we found that mice fed the KD were more sensitive to electroconvulsions as reflected by a significant decrease in seizure threshold (3.86 mA in mice on the KD vs 7.29 mA in mice on the SRCD; P < 0.05) in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) test. To examine if this increased seizure sensitivity to electroconvulsions produced by the KD would affect anticonvulsant effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), anticonvulsant potencies of carbamazepine (CBZ), phenobarbital (PB), phenytoin (PHT), and valproate (VPA) against maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions were compared in mice fed the KD and SRCD. We found that potencies of all AEDs studied were decreased in mice fed the KD in comparison to those on the SRCD, with decreases in the anticonvulsant potencies ranging from 1.4 fold (PB) to 1.7 fold (PHT). Finally, the lack of differences in brain exposures of the AEDs studied in mice fed the KD and SRCD ruled out a pharmacokinetic nature of the observed findings. Taken together, exposure to the KD in the present study had an overall pro-convulsant effect. Since electroconvulsions require large metabolic reserves to support their rapid spread throughout the brain and consequent generalized tonic-clonic convulsions, this effect may be explained by a high energy state produced by the KD in regards to increased energy storage and utilization.

Modulation of the platelet serotonin transporter by thermal balneotherapy: a study in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Baroni, S; Marazziti, D; Consoli, G; Picchetti, M; Catena-Dell'Osso, M; Galassi, A

2012-05-01

Although the beneficial effects of balneotherapy have been recognized since a long time, a few information is available on the biological mechanisms underlying them and the subjective feelings of increased well-being and mood. The links between the serotonin (5-HT) system and mood prompted us to investigate the 5-HT platelet transporter (SERT), which is considered a reliable, peripheral marker of the same structure present in presynaptic neurons, in 30 healthy volunteers before (t0) and 30 minutes after (t1) thermal balneotherapy with ozonized water, as compared with a similar group who underwent a bath in non-mineral water. MATERIALS AN METHODS: The SERT was evaluated by means of the specific binding of 3H-paroxetine (3H-Par) to platelet membranes. Equilibrium-saturation binding data, the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) and the dissociation constant (Kd), were obtained by means of the Scatchard analysis. The results showed that, while Bmax values did not change in both groups, the Kd values decreased significantly at t1 only in those subjects who bathed in ozonized water. The results of this study, while showing a decrease of the dissociation constant (Kd) which is the inverse of affinity constant, of 3H-Par binding to SERT in all subjects after balneotherapy and not in those bathing in normal water, suggest that SERT modifications may be related to a specific effect of ozonized water and, perhaps, also to the increased sense of well-being.

Thermal balneotherapy induces changes of the platelet serotonin transporter in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Marazziti, Donatella; Baroni, Stefano; Giannaccini, Gino; Catena Dell'Osso, Mario; Consoli, Giorgio; Picchetti, Michela; Carlini, Marina; Massimetti, Gabriele; Provenzano, Serafina; Galassi, Antonio

2007-10-01

Although the beneficial effects of balneotherapy have been recognized since a long time, a few information is available on the biological mechanisms underlying them and the subjective feelings of increased well-being and mood. The links between the serotonin (5-HT) system and mood prompted us to investigate the 5-HT platelet transporter (SERT), which is considered a reliable, peripheral marker of the same structure present in presynaptic neurons, in 20 healthy volunteers before (t0) and 30 min after (t1) thermal balneotherapy with ozonized water of Montecatini spa, as compared with a similar group who underwent a bath in non-mineral water. The SERT was evaluated by means of the specific binding of (3)H-paroxetine ((3)H-Par) to platelet membranes. Equilibrium-saturation binding data, the maximal binding capacity (Bmax) and the dissociation constant (Kd), were obtained by means of the Scatchard analysis. The results showed that, while Bmax values did not change in both groups, the Kd values decreased significantly at t1 only in those subjects who bathed in ozonized water. The results of this study, while showing a decrease of the dissociation constant (Kd) which is the inverse of affinity constant, of (3)H-Par binding to SERT in all subjects after balneotherapy and not in those bathing in normal water, suggest that SERT modifications may be related to a specific effect of ozonized water and, perhaps, also to the increased sense of well-being.

Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3) supplementation on some cardiovascular risk factors with a ketogenic Mediterranean diet.

PubMed

Paoli, Antonio; Moro, Tatiana; Bosco, Gerardo; Bianco, Antonino; Grimaldi, Keith A; Camporesi, Enrico; Mangar, Devanand

2015-02-13

the ketogenic diet (KD) has become a widely used nutritional approach for weight loss. Some of the KD's positive effects on metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors are similar to those seen after n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3) supplementation. We hypothesized that a ketogenic Mediterranean diet with phytoextracts combined with ω-3 supplementation may have increased positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation. We analyzed 34 male overweight subjects; aged between 25 and 65 years who were overall healthy apart from overweight. The subjects followed a ketogenic diet protocol for four weeks; with (KDO3) or without (KD) ω-3 supplementation. All subjects experienced a significant loss of body weight and body fat and there was no significant differences between treatment (body weight: KD-4.7 kg, KDO3-4.03 kg, body fat KD-5.41 kg, KDO3-5.86 kg). There were also significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-c, and glucose levels. Triglycerides and insulin levels decreased more in KDO3 vs. KD subjects, with a significant difference. All the investigated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) decreased significantly in KDO3 subjects whilst only TNF-α showed a significant decrease in KD subjects over the 12 month study period. No significant changes were observed in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1Ra), creatinine, urea and uric acid. Adiponectin increased significantly only in the KDO3 group. ω-3 supplementation improved the positive effects of a ketogenic Mediterranean diet with phytoextracts on some cardiovascular/metabolic risk factors and inflammatory state.

Effects of Twenty Days of the Ketogenic Diet on Metabolic and Respiratory Parameters in Healthy Subjects.

PubMed

Rubini, Alessandro; Bosco, Gerardo; Lodi, Alessandra; Cenci, Lorenzo; Parmagnani, Andrea; Grimaldi, Keith; Zhongjin, Yang; Paoli, Antonio

2015-12-01

The effects of the ketogenic diet (KD) on weight loss, metabolic, and respiratory parameters were investigated in healthy subjects. Thirty-two healthy subjects were randomized into two groups. The KD group followed a ketogenic diet for 20 days (KD t 0-t 20), then switched to a low-carbohydrate, no-ketogenic diet for 20 days (KD t 20-t 40), and finally was on a Mediterranean diet (MD) for 2 more months (KD t 40-t 2m). The MD group followed a MD for 20 days (MD t 0-t 20), then followed a MD of 1400 kcal over the next 20 days (MD t 20-t 40), and completed the study with the MD for 2 months (MD t 40-t 2m). Body weight, body fat, respiratory rate, and respiratory gas parameters (including respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and carbon dioxide end-tidal partial pressure (PETCO2), oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and resting energy expenditure (REE)) were measured at each point. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in RER was observed after 20 and 40 days in the KD group, but not in the MD group. In the KD group, significant reductions were observed for both carbon dioxide output and PETCO2, however, there was no significant change in VO2, VCO2, and REE. While both diets significantly decreased body fat mass, the KD diet overall proved to have a higher percentage of fat loss versus the MD diet. The KD may significantly decrease carbon dioxide body stores, which may theoretically be beneficial for patients with increased carbon dioxide arterial partial pressure due to respiratory insufficiency or failure.

The cytokine-protease connection: identification of a 96-kD THP-1 gelatinase and regulation by interleukin-1 and cytokine inducers.

PubMed

Van Ranst, M; Norga, K; Masure, S; Proost, P; Vandekerckhove, F; Auwerx, J; Van Damme, J; Opdenakker, G

1991-05-01

The induction of proteolytic enzymes is an important mechanism in the migration of monocytes into tissues and body fluids. The monocytic cell line THP-1 was used as a model system to study the production of a particular gelatinase. Upon stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) the cells differentiated to the adherent phenotype and produced significant amounts of a 96-kD gelatinase in a dose-dependent way. The secretion rate was maximal between 12 and 24 h after induction. Study of gelatinase mRNA steady state levels showed that the synthesis of THP-1 gelatinase is regulated by PMA at transcriptional or posttranscriptional levels. Stimulation of signal transduction pathways with other substances, including calcium ionophore A 23187, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and dexamethasone, were ineffective in inducing gelatinase mRNA or enzyme activity. However, THP-1 cells were responsive to the cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 beta, to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the lectin concanavalin A (Con A), the kinetics of gelatinase induction being similar to those of induction by PMA. The THP-1 cells did not synthesize and/or secrete detectable levels of IL-6 after stimulation with PMA, Con A, LPS, or IL-1 beta. The 96-kD monocytic THP-1 gelatinase was shown to be a neutral metalloproteinase that cross-reacted with hepatoma-derived and neutrophil gelatinases in immunoprecipitation experiments. The active enzyme produced by THP-1 cells consistently showed, however, a molecular mass different from that of normal granulocyte-, monocyte-, and tumor cell-derived gelatinases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of Sr-90 with site candidate soil for demonstration disposal facility at Serpong

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiawan, Budi; Mila, Oktri; Safni

2014-03-01

Interaction of radiostrontium (Sr-90) with site candidate soil for demonstration disposal facility to be constructed in the near future at Serpong has been done. This activity is to anticipate the interim storage facility at Serpong nuclear area becomes full off condition, and show to the public how radioactive waste can be well managed with the existing technology. To ensure that the location is save, a reliability study of site candidate soil becomes very importance to be conducted through some experiments consisted some affected parameters such as contact time, effect of ionic strength, and effect of Sr+ ion in solution. Radiostrontium was used as a tracer on the experiments and has role as radionuclide reference in low-level radioactive waste due to its long half-live and it's easy to associate with organism in nature. So, interaction of radiostrontium and soil samples from site becomes important to be studied. Experiment was performed in batch method, and soil sample-solution containing radionuclide was mixed in a 20 ml of PE vial. Ratio of solid: liquid was 10-2 g/ml. Objective of the experiment is to collect the specific characteristics data of radionuclide sorption onto soil from site candidate. Distribution coefficient value was used as indicator where the amount of initial and final activities of radiostrontium in solution was compared. Result showed that equilibrium condition was reached after contact time 10 days with Kd values ranged from 1600-2350 ml/g. Increased in ionic strength in solution made decreased of Kd value into soil sample due to competition of background salt and radiostrontium into soil samples, and increased in Sr ion in solution caused decreased of Kd value in soil sample due to limitation of sorption capacity in soil samples. Fast condition in saturated of metal ion into soil samples was reached due to a simple reaction was occurred.

The importance of organic matter distribution and extract soil:solution ratio on the desorption of heavy metals from soils.

PubMed

Yin, Yujun; Impellitteri, Christopher A; You, Sun-Jae; Allen, Herbert E

2002-03-15

The lability (mobility and bioavailability) of metals varies significantly with soil properties for similar total soil metal concentrations. We studied desorption of Cu, Ni and Zn, from 15 diverse, unamended soils. These studies included evaluation of the effects of soil:solution extraction ratio and the roles of soil properties on metal desorption. Dcsorption was examined for each metal by computing distribution coefficients (Kd) for each metal in each soil where Kd = [M]soil/[M]solution, Results from soil:solution ratio studies demonstrated that Kd values for the metals tended to increase with increasing soil:solution ratio. This result also held true for distribution of soil organic matter (SOM). Because the soil:solution ratio has a significant effect on measured metal distributions, we selected a high soil:solution ratio to more closely approach natural soil conditions. Copper showed strong affinity to operationally defined dissolved organic matter (DOM). In this study, DOM was operationally defined based on the total organic carbon (TOC) content in 0.45-microm or 0.22-microm filtrates of the extracts. The Kd of Cu correlated linearly (r2 = 0.91) with the Kd of organic matter (Kd-om) where the Kd-om is equal to SOM as measured by Walkley-Black wet combustion and converted to total carbon (TC) by a factor of 0.59. These values representing solid phase TC were then divided by soluble organic carbon as measured by TOC analysis (DOM). The conversion factor of 0.59 was employed in order to construct Kd-om values based on solid phase carbon and solution phase carbon. SOM plays a significant role in the fate of Cu in soil systems. Soil-solution distribution of Ni and Zn, as well as the activity of free Cu2+, were closely related to SOM, but not to DOM. Kd values for Ni, Zn and free Cu2+ in a particular soil were divided by the SOM content in the same soil. This normalization of the Kd values for Ni, Zn, and free Cu2+ to the SOM content resulted in significant

Ta1, a novel 105 KD human T cell activation antigen defined by a monoclonal antibody.

PubMed

Fox, D A; Hussey, R E; Fitzgerald, K A; Acuto, O; Poole, C; Palley, L; Daley, J F; Schlossman, S F; Reinherz, E L

1984-09-01

By using a murine monoclonal antibody produced against an IL 2-dependent human T cell line, we defined a T lineage-specific molecule, termed Ta1, that is expressed strongly on activated T lymphocytes of both the T4 and T8 subsets, as well as on T cell lines and clones, but only weakly on a fraction of resting T cells. SDS-PAGE analysis of immunoprecipitates from 125I-labeled, activated T cells demonstrates a single major band of apparent m.w. 105 KD under both reducing and nonreducing conditions. Unlike anti-IL 2 receptor antibodies, anti-Ta1 does not inhibit T cell proliferative responses to mitogen, antigen, or IL 2-containing medium. Moreover, anti-Ta1 has no effect on T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Ta1 appears to be a novel human T cell-specific activation antigen that may serve as a useful marker of T cell activation in human disease.

Cell surface localization of the 78 kD glucose regulated protein (GRP 78) induced by thapsigargin.

PubMed

Delpino, A; Piselli, P; Vismara, D; Vendetti, S; Colizzi, V

1998-01-01

In the present study it was found that the synthesis of the 78 kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP 78 or BIP) is vigorously induced in human rabdomiosarcoma cells (TE 671/RD) following both short-term (1 h) and prolonged (18 h) exposure to 100 nM thapsigargin (Tg). Flow cytometric analysis with a specific anti-GRP 78 polyclonal antibody showed that Tg-treated cells express the GRP 78 on the plasma membrane. Cell surface localization of the Tg-induced GRP 78 was confirmed by biotinylation of membrane-exposed proteins and subsequent isolation of the biotin-labelled proteins by streptavidin/agarose affinity chromatography. It was found that a fraction of the Tg-induced GRP 78 is present among the biotin-labelled, surface-exposed, proteins. Conversely, the GRP 78 immunoprecipitated from unfractionated lysates of Tg-treated and biotin-reacted cells was found to be biotinylated. This is the first report demonstrating surface expression of GRP 78 in cells exposed to a specific GRP 78-inducing stimulus.

Rainfall Lysimeter Evaluation of Leachability and Surface Transport of Heavy Metals From Six Soils With and Without Phosphate Amendment

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-01

found no significant change in concentration (+ 5 percent) occurring between 72 and 96 hr. The aqueous metal/ soil solution was then centrifuged and...environment. Soils with high Kd values strongly adsorb the lead onto the soil particles and slow the rate of migration of the lead in the soil solution . A...small Kd suggests faster migration rates and more rapid migration with the soil solution . Comparison of the Kd values obtained shows a large

Diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance at 490 nm and its spectral characteristics in the Black Sea upper layer: modeling, in situ measurements and ocean color data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suslin, V. V.; Slabakova, V. K.; Churilova, T. Ya.

2017-11-01

Vertical diffuse attenuation coefficient, Kd(490), is one of the key parameter required for water quality modeling, hydrodynamic and biological processes in the sea. We showed that standard level-2 product of Kd(490) was underestimated in comparison with Kd(490) values simulated by the regional model during the diatom bloom in the Black Sea. Using data of SeaWiFS, MERIS and MODIS color scanners, a regional relationship between the model value of Kd(490) and the ratio of remote sensing reflectances has been obtained. Based on the bulgarian argo-bio-buoy dataset, the relationship between the attenuation coefficient of photosynthetically active radiation and attenuation coefficient at a wavelength of 490 nm is obtained. The simplified model, below as the S-model, of the diffuse attenuation coefficient spectrum for downwelling irradiance in the Black Sea upper layer is described. As a consequence of the S-model, the link between the depth of the euphotic zone and Kd(490) has been obtained. It is shown that the Kd(490) values, retrieved from ocean color data with using the regional link and from argo-bio-buoy measurements at depths between 6-20 m, are close to each other.

Measurement of density and affinity for dopamine D2 receptors by a single positron emission tomography scan with multiple injections of [11C]raclopride

PubMed Central

Ikoma, Yoko; Watabe, Hiroshi; Hayashi, Takuya; Miyake, Yoshinori; Teramoto, Noboru; Minato, Kotaro; Iida, Hidehiro

2010-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]raclopride has been used to investigate the density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) of dopamine D2 receptors related to several neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, in assessing the Bmax and Kd, multiple PET scans are necessary under variable specific activities of administered [11C]raclopride, resulting in a long study period and unexpected physiological variations. In this paper, we have developed a method of multiple-injection graphical analysis (MI-GA) that provides the Bmax and Kd values from a single PET scan with three sequential injections of [11C]raclopride, and we validated the proposed method by performing numerous simulations and PET studies on monkeys. In the simulations, the three-injection protocol was designed according to prior knowledge of the receptor kinetics, and the errors of Bmax and Kd estimated by MI-GA were analyzed. Simulations showed that our method could support the calculation of Bmax and Kd, despite a slight overestimation compared with the true magnitudes. In monkey studies, we could calculate the Bmax and Kd of diseased or normal striatum in a 150 mins scan with the three-injection protocol of [11C]raclopride. Estimated Bmax and Kd values of D2 receptors in normal or partially dopamine-depleted striatum were comparable to the previously reported values. PMID:19904285

Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors are decreased during cocaine withdrawal in humans.

PubMed

Javaid, J I; Notorangelo, M P; Pandey, S C; Reddy, P L; Pandey, G N; Davis, J M

1994-07-01

In the present study, homovanillic acid in plasma (pHVA) and benzodiazepine receptors (3H-PK11195 binding) in neutrophil membranes were determined in blood obtained from cocaine-dependent (DSM-III-R) adult male inpatients at baseline-(within 72 hr of last cocaine use) and after 3 weeks of cocaine abstinence, and normal controls. The mean (+/- SEM) pHVA at baseline (10.3 ng/ml +/- 1.1) was similar to normals and did not change after 3 weeks of cocaine abstinence. Similarly, the binding indices of benzodiazepine receptors in cocaine-dependent subjects as a group were not significantly different than in normal controls. In 10 cocaine-dependent subjects, however, where both blood samples were available, the number of 3H-PK11195 binding sites was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after 3 weeks of cocaine abstinence (mean +/- sem: Bmax = 6371 +/- 657 fmol/mg protein) compared with baseline (Bmax = 7553 +/- 925 fmol/mg protein), although there were no differences in the binding affinity (mean +/- sem: KD = 8.6 +/- 1.2 nmol/L after 3 weeks of abstinence compared with 8.1 +/- 1.0 nmol/L at baseline). These preliminary results suggest that peripheral benzodiazepine receptors may play an important role in the pathophysiology of cocaine withdrawal in cocaine-dependent human subjects.

Effects of secondary carbon supplement on biofilm-mediated biodegradation of naphthalene by mutated naphthalene 1, 2-dioxygenase encoded by Pseudomonas putida strain KD9.

PubMed

Dutta, Kunal; Shityakov, Sergey; Khalifa, Ibrahim; Mal, Arpan; Moulik, Satya Priya; Panda, Amiya Kumar; Ghosh, Chandradipa

2018-05-18

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) belong to a diverse group of environmental pollutants distributed ubiquitously in the environment. The carcinogenic properties of PAHs are the main causes of harm to human health. The green technology, biodegradation have become convenient options to address the environmental pollution. In this study, we analyzed the biodegradation potential of naphthalene with secondary carbon supplements (SCSs) in carbon deficient media (CSM) by Pseudomonas putida strain KD9 isolated from oil refinerary waste. The rigid-flexible molecular docking method revealed that the mutated naphthalene 1,2-dioxygenase had lower affinity for naphthalene than that found in wild type strain. Moreover, analytical methods (HPLC, qRT-PCR) and soft agar chemotaxis suggest sucrose (0.5 wt%) to be the best chemo-attractant and it unequivocally caused enhanced biodegradation of naphthalene (500 mg L -1 ) in both biofilm-mediated and shake-flask biodegradation methods. In addition, the morphological analysis detected from microscopy clearly showed KD9 to change its size and shape (rod to pointed) during biodegradation of naphthalene in CSM as sole source of carbon and energy. The forward versus side light scatter plot of the singlet cells obtained from flow cytometry suggests smaller cell size in CSM and lower florescence intensity of the total DNA content of cells. This study concludes that sucrose may be used as potential bio-stimulation agent. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of short-term and long-term treatment with medium- and long-chain triglycerides ketogenic diet on cortical spreading depression in young rats.

PubMed

de Almeida Rabello Oliveira, Marcela; da Rocha Ataíde, Terezinha; de Oliveira, Suzana Lima; de Melo Lucena, Ana Luíza; de Lira, Carla Emmanuela Pereira Rodrigues; Soares, Anderson Acioli; de Almeida, Clarissa Beatriz Santos; Ximenes-da-Silva, Adriana

2008-03-21

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat and low carbohydrate and protein diet. It is used in the clinical treatment of epilepsy, in order to decrease cerebral excitability. KD is usually composed by long-chain triglycerides (LCT) while medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) diet is beginning to be used in some clinical treatment of disorders of pyruvate carboxylase enzyme and long-chain fatty acid oxidation. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of medium- and long-chain KD on cerebral electrical activity, analyzing the propagation of the phenomenon of cortical spreading depression (CSD). Three groups of weaned rats (21 days old) received, for 7 weeks, either a control (AIN-93G diet), or a MCT-KD (rich in triheptanoin oil), or a LCT-KD (rich in soybean oil). They were compared to another three groups (21 days old) receiving the same diets for just 10 days. CSD propagation was evaluated just after ending the dietary treatments. Results showed that short-term KD treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the CSD velocity of propagation (control group: 4.02+/-1.04mm/min; MCT-KD: 0.81+/-1.46mm/min and LCT-KD: 2.26+/-0.41mm/min) compared to the control group. However, long-term treatment with both KDs had no effect on the CSD velocity (control group: 3.10+/-0.41mm/min, MCT-KD: 2.91+/-1.62mm/min, LCT-KD: 3.02+/-2.26mm/min) suggesting that both short-term KDs have a positive effect in decreasing brain cerebral excitability in young animals. These data show for the first time that triheptanoin has an effect on central nervous system.

Indel-tolerant read mapping with trinucleotide frequencies using cache-oblivious kd-trees.

PubMed

Mahmud, Md Pavel; Wiedenhoeft, John; Schliep, Alexander

2012-09-15

Mapping billions of reads from next generation sequencing experiments to reference genomes is a crucial task, which can require hundreds of hours of running time on a single CPU even for the fastest known implementations. Traditional approaches have difficulties dealing with matches of large edit distance, particularly in the presence of frequent or large insertions and deletions (indels). This is a serious obstacle both in determining the spectrum and abundance of genetic variations and in personal genomics. For the first time, we adopt the approximate string matching paradigm of geometric embedding to read mapping, thus rephrasing it to nearest neighbor queries in a q-gram frequency vector space. Using the L(1) distance between frequency vectors has the benefit of providing lower bounds for an edit distance with affine gap costs. Using a cache-oblivious kd-tree, we realize running times, which match the state-of-the-art. Additionally, running time and memory requirements are about constant for read lengths between 100 and 1000 bp. We provide a first proof-of-concept that geometric embedding is a promising paradigm for read mapping and that L(1) distance might serve to detect structural variations. TreQ, our initial implementation of that concept, performs more accurate than many popular read mappers over a wide range of structural variants. TreQ will be released under the GNU Public License (GPL), and precomputed genome indices will be provided for download at http://treq.sf.net. pavelm@cs.rutgers.edu Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Indel-tolerant read mapping with trinucleotide frequencies using cache-oblivious kd-trees

PubMed Central

Mahmud, Md Pavel; Wiedenhoeft, John; Schliep, Alexander

2012-01-01

Motivation: Mapping billions of reads from next generation sequencing experiments to reference genomes is a crucial task, which can require hundreds of hours of running time on a single CPU even for the fastest known implementations. Traditional approaches have difficulties dealing with matches of large edit distance, particularly in the presence of frequent or large insertions and deletions (indels). This is a serious obstacle both in determining the spectrum and abundance of genetic variations and in personal genomics. Results: For the first time, we adopt the approximate string matching paradigm of geometric embedding to read mapping, thus rephrasing it to nearest neighbor queries in a q-gram frequency vector space. Using the L1 distance between frequency vectors has the benefit of providing lower bounds for an edit distance with affine gap costs. Using a cache-oblivious kd-tree, we realize running times, which match the state-of-the-art. Additionally, running time and memory requirements are about constant for read lengths between 100 and 1000 bp. We provide a first proof-of-concept that geometric embedding is a promising paradigm for read mapping and that L1 distance might serve to detect structural variations. TreQ, our initial implementation of that concept, performs more accurate than many popular read mappers over a wide range of structural variants. Availability and implementation: TreQ will be released under the GNU Public License (GPL), and precomputed genome indices will be provided for download at http://treq.sf.net. Contact: pavelm@cs.rutgers.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:22962448

Increased expression of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a rat model of liver cirrhosis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lili; Zhang, Huiying; Lv, Minli; Jia, Jiantao; Fan, Yimin; Tian, Xiaoxia; Li, Xujiong; Li, Baohong; Ji, Jingquan; Wang, Limin; Zhao, Zhongfu; Han, Dewu; Ji, Cheng

2015-01-01

Aims: This study was to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of 78 kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) in cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a rat model of liver cirrhosis. Methods: A rat model of liver cirrhosis was established with multiple pathogenic factors. A total of 42 male SD rats were randomly divided into the liver cirrhosis group and control group. Cardiac structure analysis was performed to assess alterations in cardiac structure. Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method. Expression of GRP78, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-12, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 subunit (NF-κB p65) and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The ratios of left ventricular wall thickness to heart weight and heart weight to body weight were significantly increased with the progression of liver cirrhosis (P < 0.05). Apoptosis index of cardiomyocytes was significantly increased with the progression of liver cirrhosis (P < 0.05). The expression levels of GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 were significantly increased in the progression of liver cirrhosis (P < 0.05). The expression levels of NF-κB p65 and Bcl-2 were highest in the 4-wk liver cirrhosis, and they were decreased in the 6-wk and 8-wk in the progression of liver cirrhosis. GRP78 expression levels were positively correlated with apoptosis index, CHOP and caspase-12 expression levels (P < 0.05). CHOP expression levels were negatively correlated with NF-κB p65 and Bcl-2 expression levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Increased expression of GRP78 promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. PMID:26464674

Temperature-sensitive high affinity (/sup 3/H)serotonin binding: characterization and effects of antidepressant treatment

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

Helmeste, D.M.; Tang, S.W.

1984-08-13

Characterization of temperature-sensitive (/sup 3/H)serotonin (5-HT) binding sites (1 and 4 nM Kd sites) revealed complex inhibition by neuroleptics and serotonin antagonists. There was no simple correlation with affinities for S/sub 1/ and S/sub 2/ receptors. In vivo pretreatment (48 h before) with mianserin did not alter B/sub max/ or Kd for the 1 nM Kd (/sup 3/H)5-HT site, although (/sup 3/H)ketanserin (S/sub 2/) densities were decreased by 50%. This suggested that possible S/sub 2/ components of (/sup 3/H)5-HT binding must be negligible, even though ketanserin competed with high affinity (IC/sub 50/ = 3 nM) for a portion of themore » 1 nM Kd (/sup 3/H)5-HT site. Low concentrations of mianserin inhibited the 1 nM Kd (/sup 3/H)5-HT site in a non-competitive manner, as shown by a decrease in B/sub max/ with no change in Kd after in vitro incubation. The complex inhibition data may therefore represent indirect interactions through another site.« less

The Insecticide Susceptibility Status of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Farm and Nonfarm Sites of Lagos State, Nigeria

PubMed Central

Ayorinde, A.; Oboh, B.; Oduola, A.; Otubanjo, O.

2015-01-01

Nigeria is one of the malaria-endemic countries. In Lagos State, Nigeria, various malaria vector control programs including the use of chemical insecticides are currently being implemented. This study was designed to provide information on the susceptibility status of some nontargeted vectors such as Aedes aegypti. Adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from two farm sites and a nonfarm site were exposed to World Health Organization test papers impregnated with Deltamethrin (0.05%), Permethrin (0.75%), and DDT (4%) insecticides. The Knockdown time (KdT50 and KdT95) and percentage mortality after 24 h post exposure were determined. In all the exposed mosquito populations to permethrin, mortality rate > 98% (susceptibility) was recorded, whereas mortality rates < 95.8% (resistance) and > 98% (susceptibility) to deltamethrin were observed in the nonfarm site and farm sites mosquito populations, respectively. All the mosquito populations were resistant to DDT in 2 yr. The KdT50 of the populations to DDT increased (60.2–69.6) in one of the farm sites and the nonfarm site (68.9–199.96), while a decrease (243–63.4) in another farm site in 2 yr. Significant difference (P < 0.05) in KdT50 was recorded between the farm and nonfarm sites Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in the second year after exposure to deltamethrin and DDT. An increase in KdT95 after exposure to deltamethrin in the first year was recorded. Higher KdT values and lower mortality rates in Ae. aegypti populations in the nonfarm sites are indications there are existing factors selecting for insecticide resistance outside agricultural use of insecticides. PMID:26106087

U(VI) adsorption on aquifer sediments at the Hanford Site.

PubMed

Um, Wooyong; Serne, R Jeffrey; Brown, Christopher F; Last, George V

2007-08-15

Aquifer sediments collected via split-spoon sampling in two new groundwater wells in the 200-UP-1 operable unit at the Hanford Site were characterized and showed typical Ringold Unit E Formation properties dominated by gravel and sand. High iron-oxide content in Fe oxide/clay coatings caused the highest U(VI) adsorption as quantified by batch K(d) values, indicating iron oxides are the key solid adsorbent in the 200-UP-1 sediments that affect U(VI) fate and mobility. Even though U(VI) adsorption on the gravel-sized fraction of the sediments is considered to be negligible, careful characterization should be conducted to determine U(VI) adsorption on gravel, because of presence of Fe oxides coatings and diffusion-controlled adsorption into the gravel particles' interior surfaces. A linear adsorption isotherm was observed up to 10(-6) M (238 microg/L) of total U(VI) concentration in batch U(VI) adsorption tests with varying total U(VI) concentrations in spiked groundwater. U(VI) adsorption decreased with increasing concentrations of dissolved carbonate, because strong anionic aqueous uranium-carbonate complexes formed at high pH and high alkalinity conditions. Noticeable uranium desorption hysteresis was observed in a flow-through column experiment, suggesting that desorption K(d) values for aged uranium-contaminated sediments at the Hanford Site can be larger than adsorption K(d) values determined in short-term laboratory experiments and slow uranium release from contaminated sediments into the groundwater is expected.

Two-point discrimination and kinesthetic sense disorders in productive age individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.

PubMed

Wolny, Tomasz; Saulicz, Edward; Linek, Paweł; Myśliwiec, Andrzej

2016-06-16

The aim of this study was to evaluate two-point discrimination (2PD) sense and kinesthetic sense dysfunctions in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients compared with a healthy group. The 2PD sense, muscle force, and kinesthetic differentiation (KD) of strength; the range of motion in radiocarpal articulation; and KD of motion were assessed. The 2PD sense assessment showed significantly higher values in all the examined fingers in the CTS group than in those in the healthy group (p<0.01). There was a significant difference in the percentage value of error in KD of pincer and cylindrical grip (p<0.01) as well as in KD of flexion and extension movement in the radiocarpal articulation (p<0.01) between the studied groups. There are significant differences in the 2PD sense and KD of strength and movement between CTS patients compared with healthy individuals.

Extraction chromatographic separations of tantalum and tungsten from hafnium and complex matrix constituents

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

Snow, Mathew S.; Finck, Martha R.; Carney, Kevin P.

2017-02-01

Ta, Hf, and W analyses from complex matrices (including environmental samples) require high purification of these analytes from each other and major/trace matrix constituents, however, current state-of-the-art Ta/Hf/W separations rely on traditional anion exchange approaches that suffer from relatively similar distribution coefficient (Kd) values for these analytes. This work reports assessment of three commercially available extraction chromatographic resins (TEVA, TRU, and UTEVA) for Ta/Hf/W separations. Batch contact studies show differences in Ta/W,Hf Kd values of up to 106, representing an improvement of a factor of 100 and 300 in Ta/Hf and Ta/W Kd values (respectively) over AG1x4 resin. Variations inmore » the Kd values as a function of HCl concentration for TRU resin show that this resin is well suited for Ta/Hf/W separations, with Ta/Hf, Ta/W, and W/Hf Kd value improvements of 10, 200, and 30 (respectively) over AG1x4 resin. Finally, analyses of digested soil samples (NIST 2710a) using TRU resin and tandem TEVA-TRU columns demonstrate the ability to achieve extremely high purification (>99%) of Ta and W from each other and Hf, as well as enabling very high purification of Ta and W from the major and trace elemental constituents present in soils, using a single chromatographic step.« less

Extraction chromatographic separations of tantalum and tungsten from hafnium and complex matrix constituents

DOE PAGES

Snow, Mathew S.; Finck, Martha R.; Carney, Kevin P.; ...

2017-01-08

Ta, Hf, and W analyses from complex matrices (including environmental samples) require high purification of these analytes from each other and major/trace matrix constituents, but, current state-of-the-art Ta/Hf/W separations rely on traditional anion exchange approaches that suffer from relatively similar distribution coefficient (Kd) values for these analytes. Our work reports assessment of three commercially available extraction chromatographic resins (TEVA, TRU, and UTEVA) for Ta/Hf/W separations. Batch contact studies show differences in Ta/W,Hf Kd values of up to 10 6, representing an improvement of a factor of 100 and 300 in Ta/Hf and Ta/W Kd values (respectively) over AG1x4 resin. Furthermore,more » variations in the Kd values as a function of HCl concentration for TRU resin show that this resin is well suited for Ta/Hf/W separations, with Ta/Hf, Ta/W, and W/Hf Kd value improvements of 10, 200, and 30 (respectively) over AG1x4 resin. Finally, analyses of digested soil samples (NIST 2710a) using TRU resin and tandem TEVA-TRU columns demonstrate the ability to achieve extremely high purification (>99%) of Ta and W from each other and Hf, as well as enabling very high purification of Ta and W from the major and trace elemental constituents present in soils, using a single chromatographic step.« less

Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) tyrosine 397E mutation restores the vascular leakage defect in endothelium-specific FAK-kinase dead mice.

PubMed

Alexopoulou, Annika N; Lees, Delphine M; Bodrug, Natalia; Lechertier, Tanguy; Fernandez, Isabelle; D'Amico, Gabriela; Dukinfield, Matthew; Batista, Silvia; Tavora, Bernardo; Serrels, Bryan; Hodivala-Dilke, Kairbaan

2017-07-01

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors have been developed as potential anticancer agents and are undergoing clinical trials. In vitro activation of the FAK kinase domain triggers autophosphorylation of Y397, Src activation, and subsequent phosphorylation of other FAK tyrosine residues. However, how FAK Y397 mutations affect FAK kinase-dead (KD) phenotypes in tumour angiogenesis in vivo is unknown. We developed three Pdgfb-iCre ert -driven endothelial cell (EC)-specific, tamoxifen-inducible homozygous mutant mouse lines: FAK wild-type (WT), FAK KD, and FAK double mutant (DM), i.e. KD with a putatively phosphomimetic Y397E mutation. These ECCre+;FAK WT / WT , ECCre+;FAK KD / KD and ECCre+;FAK DM / DM mice were injected subcutaneously with syngeneic B16F0 melanoma cells. Tumour growth and tumour blood vessel functions were unchanged between ECCre+;FAK WT / WT and ECCre-;FAK WT / WT control mice. In contrast, tumour growth and vessel density were decreased in ECCre+;FAK KD / KD and ECCre+;FAK DM / DM mice, as compared with Cre - littermates. Despite no change in the percentage of perfused vessels or pericyte coverage in either genotype, tumour hypoxia was elevated in ECCre+;FAK KD / KD and ECCre+;FAK DM / DM mice. Furthermore, although ECCre+;FAK KD / KD mice showed reduced blood vessel leakage, ECCre+;FAK DM / DM and ECCre-;FAK DM / DM mice showed no difference in leakage. Mechanistically, fibronectin-stimulated Y397 autophosphorylation was reduced in Cre+;FAK KD / KD ECs as compared with Cre+;FAK WT / WT cells, with no change in phosphorylation of the known Src targets FAK-Y577, FAK-Y861, FAK-Y925, paxillin-Y118, p130Cas-Y410. Cre+;FAK DM / DM ECs showed decreased Src target phosphorylation levels, suggesting that the Y397E substitution actually disrupted Src activation. Reduced VE-cadherin-pY658 levels in Cre+;FAK KD / KD ECs were rescued in Cre+FAK DM / DM ECs, corresponding with the rescue in vessel leakage in the ECCre+;FAK DM / DM mice. We show that EC

Two-point discrimination and kinesthetic sense disorders in productive age individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome

PubMed Central

Wolny, Tomasz; Saulicz, Edward; Linek, Paweł; Myśliwiec, Andrzej

2016-01-01

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate two-point discrimination (2PD) sense and kinesthetic sense dysfunctions in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients compared with a healthy group. Methods: The 2PD sense, muscle force, and kinesthetic differentiation (KD) of strength; the range of motion in radiocarpal articulation; and KD of motion were assessed. Results: The 2PD sense assessment showed significantly higher values in all the examined fingers in the CTS group than in those in the healthy group (p<0.01). There was a significant difference in the percentage value of error in KD of pincer and cylindrical grip (p<0.01) as well as in KD of flexion and extension movement in the radiocarpal articulation (p<0.01) between the studied groups. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the 2PD sense and KD of strength and movement between CTS patients compared with healthy individuals. PMID:27108640

Nitrendipine decreases benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures but not the development of benzodiazepine tolerance or withdrawal signs.

PubMed Central

Dolin, S. J.; Patch, T. L.; Rabbani, M.; Siarey, R. J.; Bowhay, A. R.; Little, H. J.

1990-01-01

1. The effects of the calcium channel blocking agent, nitrendipine, were studied on seizures in mice produced during withdrawal from chronic benzodiazepine treatment and on the development of tolerance to benzodiazepines. 2. Nitrendipine produced a dose-dependent decrease in seizure incidence, when seizures were produced by the partial inverse agonist FG7142 during withdrawal from seven days treatment with flurazepam. 3. Nitrendipine did not raise the seizure thresholds in naïve mice to the full inverse agonist methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), or to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist, bicuculline. 4. When given concurrently with flurazepam for seven days, nitrendipine did not affect the incidence of seizures during flurazepam withdrawal. 5. When given concurrently with the benzodiazepines, nitrendipine did not prevent the development of tolerance to midazolam general anaesthesia or tolerance to the ataxic actions of flurazepam or midazolam. 6. Chronic treatment with flurazepam for seven days did not affect the Kd or Bmax of [3H]-nimodipine binding in mouse whole brain or cerebral cortex. 7. These results with benzodiazepines are partially in contrast with those for ethanol, where nitrendipine not only decreased ethanol withdrawal seizures when given acutely, but also prevented the development of tolerance and withdrawal signs when given concurrently with ethanol. However, they do confirm the selectivity of nitrendipine for withdrawal-induced seizures. PMID:1963805

Ketogenic diet and childhood neurological disorders other than epilepsy: an overview.

PubMed

Verrotti, Alberto; Iapadre, Giulia; Pisano, Simone; Coppola, Giangennaro

2017-05-01

In the last years, ketogenic diet (KD) has been experimentally utilized in various childhood neurologic disorders such as mitochondriopathies, alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), brain tumors, migraine, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this review is to analyze how KD can target these different medical conditions, highlighting possible mechanisms involved. Areas covered: We have conducted an analysis on literature concerning KD use in mitochondriopathies, AHC, brain tumors, migraine, and ASD. Expert commentary: The role of KD in reducing seizure activity in some mitochondriopathies and its efficacy in pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency is known. Recently, few cases suggest the potentiality of KD in decreasing paroxysmal activity in children affected by AHC. A few data support its potential use as co-adjuvant and alternative therapeutic option for brain cancer, while any beneficial effect of KD on migraine remains unclear. KD could improve cognitive and social skills in a subset of children with ASD.

Validation of the Andon KD-5917 automatic upper arm blood pressure monitor, for clinic use and self-measurement, according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010.

PubMed

Guo, Wan-Gang; Li, Bing-Ling; He, Yong; Xue, Yu-Sheng; Wang, Hai-Yan; Zheng, Qiang-Sun; Xiang, Ding-Cheng

2014-08-01

To validate the Andon KD-5917 automatic upper arm blood pressure monitor according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010. Sequential same-left-arm measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were obtained in 33 participants using the mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device. According to the validation protocol, 99 pairs of test device and reference blood pressure measurements (three pairs for each of the 33 participants) were obtained in the study. The device produced 73, 98, and 99 measurements within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg for SBP and 86, 98, and 99 for DBP, respectively. The mean ± SD device-observer difference was 3.07 ± 3.68 mmHg for SBP and -0.89 ± 3.72 mmHg for DBP. The number of patients with two or three of the device-observer difference within 5 mmHg was 26 for SBP and 29 for DBP, and no patient had a device-observer difference within 5 mmHg. The Andon KD-5917 automatic upper arm blood pressure monitor can be recommended for clinical use and self-measurement in an adult population on the basis of the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010.

Effects of sorbate speciation on sorption of selected sulfonamides in three loamy soils

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kurwadkar , Sudarshan T.; Adams, Craig D.; Meyer, Michael T.; Kolpin, Dana W.

2007-01-01

Sorption of sulfamethazine (SMN) and sulfathiazole (STZ) was investigated in three soils, a North Carolina loamy sand, an Iowa sandy loam, and a Missouri loam, under various pH conditions. A significant increase in the sorption coefficient (KD) was observed in all three soils, as the sulfonamides converted from an anionic form at higher pH to a neutral/cationic form at lower pH. Above pH 7.5, sulfonamides exist primarily in anionic form and have higher aqueous solubility and no cationic character, thereby consequently leading to lower sorption to soils. The effect of speciation on sorption is not the same for all sulfonamides; it is a function of the pH of the soil and the pKa of the sulfonamides. The results indicate that, for the soils under investigation, SMN has comparatively lower KD values than STZ. The pH-dependent sorption of sulfonamides was observed to be consistent in all three soils investigated. The KD values for each speciated formcationic, neutral, and anionicwere calculated using an empirical model in which the species-specific sorption coefficients (KD0, KD1, and KD2) were weighted with their respective fractions present at any given pH.

Distribution of manganese between coexisting biotite and hornblende in plutonic rocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greenland, L.P.; Gottfried, D.; Tilling, R.I.

1968-01-01

The distribution of manganese between coexisting biotite and hornblende for 80 mineral pairs from igneous rocks of diverse provenance (including Southern California, Sierra Nevada, Boulder, and Boulder Creek batholiths and the Jemez Mountains volcanics) has been determined by neutron activation analysis. Data on the distribution ratio (Kd = Mnhornblende Mnbiotite) indicate that an equilibrium distribution of Mn is closely approached, though not completely attained, in most samples from plutonic environments. Comparison of Kd values of mineral pairs with bulk chemical composition of host rocks reveals no correlation. Because initial crystallization temperatures vary with rock composition, the lack of correlation of composition with Kd suggests that the equilibrium distribution of Mn between biotite and hornblende reflects exchange at subsolidus temperatures rather than initial crystallization temperatures. The highest Kd values are for volcanic rocks, in which rapid quenching prevents subsolidus redistribution of Mn. For sample pairs from the Southern California and Sierra Nevada batholiths there is a positive correlation of Kd with TiO2 content of biotite. Though the evidence is not compelling, Kd may also correlate with the rate of cooling and/or the presence or absence of sphene in the rock. ?? 1968.

FIBRILLIN4 Is Required for Plastoglobule Development and Stress Resistance in Apple and Arabidopsis1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Singh, Dharmendra K.; Maximova, Siela N.; Jensen, Philip J.; Lehman, Brian L.; Ngugi, Henry K.; McNellis, Timothy W.

2010-01-01

The fibrillins are a large family of chloroplast proteins that have been linked with stress tolerance and disease resistance. FIBRILLIN4 (FIB4) is found associated with the photosystem II light-harvesting complex, thylakoids, and plastoglobules, which are chloroplast compartments rich in lipophilic antioxidants. For this study, FIB4 expression was knocked down in apple (Malus 3 domestica) using RNA interference. Plastoglobule osmiophilicity was decreased in fib4 knockdown (fib4 KD) tree chloroplasts compared with the wild type, while total plastoglobule number was unchanged. Compared with the wild type, net photosynthetic CO2 fixation in fib4 KD trees was decreased at high light intensity but was increased at low light intensity. Furthermore, fib4 KD trees produced more anthocyanins than the wild type when transferred from low to high light intensity, indicating greater sensitivity to high light stress. Relative to the wild type, fib4 KD apples were more sensitive to methyl viologen and had higher superoxide levels during methyl viologen treatment. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) fib4 mutants and fib4 KD apples were more susceptible than their wild-type counterparts to the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato and Erwinia amylovora, respectively, and were more sensitive to ozone-induced tissue damage. Following ozone stress, plastoglobule osmiophilicity decreased in wild-type apple and remained low in fib4 KD trees; total plastoglobule number increased in fib4 KD apples but not in the wild type. These results indicate that FIB4 is required for plastoglobule development and resistance to multiple stresses. This study suggests that FIB4 is involved in regulating plastoglobule content and that defective regulation of plastoglobule content leads to broad stress sensitivity and altered photosynthetic activity. PMID:20813909

Cholinergic Neurotransmission: Function and Dysfunction, International Cholinergic Symposium (8th) Held at Montreal (Quebec) on 26-30 July 1992

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-31

receptor were decreased. In the presence of nicotine 1.0pM, the Kd values of rat cerebral muscarinic receptor bound with its agonist P3H] oxotremorine -M...inhibitory effects of GTPrS on [1 3H] oxotremorine -M binding were potentiated.It is suggsted that the binding properties of brain muscarinic receptor...interval) the dose-response curves of M-agonists arecoline and oxotremorine for producing salivation shifted leftward. Above demonstrated phenomena

Hepcidin-Induced Iron Deficiency Is Related to Transient Anemia and Hypoferremia in Kawasaki Disease Patients

PubMed Central

Huang, Ying-Hsien; Kuo, Ho-Chang; Huang, Fu-Chen; Yu, Hong-Ren; Hsieh, Kai-Sheng; Yang, Ya-Ling; Sheen, Jiunn-Ming; Li, Sung-Chou; Kuo, Hsing-Chun

2016-01-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a type of systemic vasculitis that primarily affects children under the age of five years old. For sufferers of KD, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been found to successfully diminish the occurrence of coronary artery lesions. Anemia is commonly found in KD patients, and we have shown that in appropriately elevated hepcidin levels are related to decreased hemoglobin levels in these patients. In this study, we investigated the time period of anemia and iron metabolism during different stages of KD. A total of 100 patients with KD and 20 control subjects were enrolled in this study for red blood cell and hemoglobin analysis. Furthermore, plasma, urine hepcidin, and plasma IL-6 levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 KD patients and controls. Changes in hemoglobin, plasma iron levels, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were also measured in patients with KD. Hemoglobin, iron levels, and TIBC were lower (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, and p < 0.001, respectively) while plasma IL-6 and hepcidin levels (both p < 0.001) were higher in patients with KD than in the controls prior to IVIG administration. Moreover, plasma hepcidin levels were positively and significantly correlated with urine hepcidin levels (p < 0.001) prior to IVIG administration. After IVIG treatment, plasma hepcidin and hemoglobin levels significantly decreased (both p < 0.001). Of particular note was a subsequent gradual increase in hemoglobin levels during the three weeks after IVIG treatment; nevertheless, the hemoglobin levels stayed lower in KD patients than in the controls (p = 0.045). These findings provide a longitudinal study of hemoglobin changes and among the first evidence that hepcidin induces transient anemia and hypoferremia during KD’s acute inflammatory phase. PMID:27187366

Nutritional Ketosis Affects Metabolism and Behavior in Sprague-Dawley Rats in Both Control and Chronic Stress Environments

PubMed Central

Brownlow, Milene L.; Jung, Seung H.; Moore, Raquel J.; Bechmann, Naomi; Jankord, Ryan

2017-01-01

Nutritional ketosis may enhance cerebral energy metabolism and has received increased interest as a way to improve or preserve performance and resilience. Most studies to date have focused on metabolic or neurological disorders while anecdotal evidence suggests that ketosis may enhance performance in the absence of underlying dysfunction. Moreover, decreased availability of glucose in the brain following stressful events is associated with impaired cognition, suggesting the need for more efficient energy sources. We tested the hypotheses that ketosis induced by endogenous or exogenous ketones could: (a) augment cognitive outcomes in healthy subjects; and (b) prevent stress-induced detriments in cognitive parameters. Adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats were used to investigate metabolic and behavioral outcomes in 3 dietary conditions: ketogenic (KD), ketone supplemented (KS), or NIH-31 control diet in both control or chronic stress conditions. Acute administration of exogenous ketones resulted in reduction in blood glucose and sustained ketosis. Chronic experiments showed that in control conditions, only KD resulted in pronounced metabolic alterations and improved performance in the novel object recognition test. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response revealed that KD-fed rats maintained peripheral ketosis despite increases in glucose whereas no diet effects were observed in ACTH or CORT levels. Both KD and KS-fed rats decreased escape latencies on the third day of water maze, whereas only KD prevented stress-induced deficits on the last testing day and improved probe test performance. Stress-induced decrease in hippocampal levels of β-hydroxybutyrate was attenuated in KD group while both KD and KS prevented stress effects on BDNF levels. Mitochondrial enzymes associated with ketogenesis were increased in both KD and KS hippocampal samples and both endothelial and neuronal glucose transporters were affected by stress but only in the control diet group

An increase or a decrease in myosin II phosphorylation inhibits macrophage motility

PubMed Central

1991-01-01

Myosin II purified from mammalian non-muscle cells is phosphorylated on the 20-kD light chain subunit (MLC20) by the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent enzyme myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The importance of MLC20 phosphorylation in regulating cell motility was investigated by introducing either antibodies to MLCK (MK-Ab) or a Ca2+/calmodulin- independent, constitutively active form of MLCK (MK-) into macrophages. The effects of these proteins on cell motility were then determined using a quantitative chemotaxis assay. Chemotaxis is significantly diminished in macrophages containing MK-Ab compared to macrophages containing control antibodies. Moreover, there is an inverse relationship between the number of cells that migrate and the amount of MK-Ab introduced into cells. Interestingly, there is also an inverse relationship between the number of cells that migrate and the amount of MK- introduced into cells. Other experiments demonstrated that MK-Ab decreased intracellular MLC20 phosphorylation while MK- increased MLC20 phosphorylation. MK- also increased the amount of myosin associated with the cytoskeleton. These data demonstrate that the regulation of MLCK is an important aspect of cell motility and suggest that MLC20 phosphorylation must be maintained within narrow limits during translational motility by mammalian cells. PMID:2071674

Sorption behaviour of perfluoroalkyl substances in soils.

PubMed

Milinovic, Jelena; Lacorte, Silvia; Vidal, Miquel; Rigol, Anna

2015-04-01

The sorption behaviour of three perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), was studied in six soils with contrasting characteristics, especially in the organic carbon content. Sorption isotherms were obtained by equilibrating the soil samples with 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2 solutions spiked with increasing concentrations of the target PFAS. The sorption reversibility of PFASs was also tested for some of the samples. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify the target PFASs in the solutions. Both the Freundlich and linear models were appropriate to describe the sorption behaviour of PFASs in soils, and enabled us to derive solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd) for each compound in each soil. Kd values increased from 19 to 295 mL g(-1) for PFOS, from 2.2 to 38 mL g(-1) for PFOA and from 0.4 to 6.8 mL g(-1) for PFBS, and were positively correlated with the organic carbon content of the soil. KOC values obtained from the correlations were 710, 96 and 17 mL g(-1) for PFOS, PFOA and PFBS, respectively. Whereas Kd values decreased in the sequence PFOS>PFOA>PFBS, desorption yields were lower than 13% for PFOS, from 24 to 58% for PFOA, and from 32 to 60% for PFBS. This shows that the physicochemical characteristics of PFASs, basically their hydrophobicity, controlled their sorption behaviour in soils, with PFOS being the most irreversibly sorbed PFAS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The synaptic vesicle-associated protein amphiphysin is the 128-kD autoantigen of Stiff-Man syndrome with breast cancer

PubMed Central

1993-01-01

Stiff-Man syndrome (SMS) is a rare disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by progressive rigidity of the body musculature with superimposed painful spasms. An autoimmune origin of the disease has been proposed. In a caseload of more than 100 SMS patients, 60% were found positive for autoantibodies directed against the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Few patients, all women affected by breast cancer, were negative for GAD autoantibodies but positive for autoantibodies directed against a 128- kD synaptic protein. We report here that this antigen is amphiphysin. GAD and amphiphysin are nonintrinsic membrane proteins that are concentrated in nerve terminals, where a pool of both proteins is associated with the cytoplasmic surface of synaptic vesicles. GAD and amphiphysin are the only two known targets of CNS autoimmunity with this distribution. This finding suggests a possible link between autoimmunity directed against cytoplasmic proteins associated with synaptic vesicles and SMS. PMID:8245793

Effect of N-benzoyl-D-phenylalanine and metformin on insulin receptors in neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: studies on insulin binding to erythrocytes.

PubMed

Ashokkumar, N; Pari, L; Rao, Ch Appa

2006-07-01

In the present study, we focused on the insulin-receptor binding in circulating erythrocytes of N-benzoyl-D-phenylalanine (NBDP) and metformin in neonatal streptozotocin (nSTZ)-induced male Wistar rats. We measured blood levels of glucose and plasma insulin and the binding of insulin to cell-membrane ER receptors in NBDP and metformin-treated diabetic rats. The mean specific binding of insulin to ER was significantly lower in diabetic control rats (DC) (53.0 +/- 3.1%) than in NBDP (62.0 +/- 3.1%), metformin (66.0 +/- 3.3%) and NBDP and metformin combination-treated (72.0 +/- 4.2%) diabetic rats, resulting in a significant decrease in plasma insulin. Scatchard plot analysis demonstrated that the decrease in insulin binding was accounted for by a lower number of insulin receptor sites per cell in DC rats when compared with NBDP and metformin-treated rats. High-affinity (Kd1), low-affinity (Kd2), and kinetic analysis revealed an increase in the average receptor affinity in ER from NBDP and metformin-treated diabetic rats having NBDP 2.0 +/- 0.10 x 10(-10) M(-1) (Kd1); 12.0 +/- 0.85 x 10(-8) M(-1) (Kd2), Metformin 2.1 +/- 0.15 x 10(-10) M(-1) (Kd1); 15.0 +/- 0.80 x 10(-8) M(-1) (Kd2), NBDP and metformin 2.7 +/- 0.10 x 10(-10) M(-1) (Kd1); 20.0 +/- 1.2 x 10(-8) M(-1) (Kd2) compared with 0.9 +/- 0.06 x 10(-10) M(-1) (Kd1); 6.0 +/- 0.30 x 10(-8) M(-1) (Kd2) in DC rats. The results suggest an acute alteration in the number of insulin receptors on ER membranes in nSTZ induced diabetic control rats. Treatment with NBDP along with metformin significantly improved specific insulin binding, with receptor number and affinity binding reaching almost normal non-diabetic levels. The data presented here show that NBDP along with metformin increase total ER membrane insulin binding sites with a concomitant significant increase in plasma insulin.

Trainees May Add Value to Patient Care by Decreasing Addendum Utilization in Radiology Reports.

PubMed

Balthazar, Patricia; Konstantopoulos, Christina; Wick, Carson A; DeSimone, Ariadne K; Tridandapani, Srini; Simoneaux, Stephen; Applegate, Kimberly E

2017-11-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of trainee involvement and other factors on addendum rates in radiology reports. This retrospective study was performed in a tertiary care pediatric hospital. From the institutional radiology data repository, we extracted all radiology reports from January 1 to June 30, 2016, as well as trainee (resident or fellow) involvement, imaging modality, patient setting (emergency, inpatient, or outpatient), order status (routine vs immediate), time of interpretation (regular work hours vs off-hours), radiologist's years of experience, and sex. We grouped imaging modalities as advanced (CT, MRI, and PET) or nonadvanced (any modality that was not CT, MRI, or PET) and radiologist experience level as ≤ 20 years or > 20 years. Our outcome measure was the rate of addenda in radiology reports. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression. From 129,033 reports finalized during the study period, 418 (0.3%) had addenda. Reports generated without trainees were 12 times more likely than reports with trainee involvement to have addenda (odds ratio [OR] = 12.2, p < 0.001). Advanced imaging studies were more likely than nonadvanced studies to be associated with addendum use (OR = 4.7, p < 0.001). Reports generated for patients in emergency or outpatient settings had a slightly higher likelihood of addendum use than those in an inpatient setting (OR = 1.5, p = 0.04; and OR = 1.3, p = 0.04, respectively). Routine orders had a slightly higher likelihood of addendum use compared with immediate orders (OR = 1.3, p = 0.01). We found no difference in addendum use by radiologist's sex, radiologist's years of experience, emergency versus outpatient setting, or time of interpretation. Trainees may add value to patient care by decreasing addendum rates in radiology reports.

Quasiprobability behind the out-of-time-ordered correlator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yunger Halpern, Nicole; Swingle, Brian; Dressel, Justin

2018-04-01

Two topics, evolving rapidly in separate fields, were combined recently: the out-of-time-ordered correlator (OTOC) signals quantum-information scrambling in many-body systems. The Kirkwood-Dirac (KD) quasiprobability represents operators in quantum optics. The OTOC was shown to equal a moment of a summed quasiprobability [Yunger Halpern, Phys. Rev. A 95, 012120 (2017), 10.1103/PhysRevA.95.012120]. That quasiprobability, we argue, is an extension of the KD distribution. We explore the quasiprobability's structure from experimental, numerical, and theoretical perspectives. First, we simplify and analyze Yunger Halpern's weak-measurement and interference protocols for measuring the OTOC and its quasiprobability. We decrease, exponentially in system size, the number of trials required to infer the OTOC from weak measurements. We also construct a circuit for implementing the weak-measurement scheme. Next, we calculate the quasiprobability (after coarse graining) numerically and analytically: we simulate a transverse-field Ising model first. Then, we calculate the quasiprobability averaged over random circuits, which model chaotic dynamics. The quasiprobability, we find, distinguishes chaotic from integrable regimes. We observe nonclassical behaviors: the quasiprobability typically has negative components. It becomes nonreal in some regimes. The onset of scrambling breaks a symmetry that bifurcates the quasiprobability, as in classical-chaos pitchforks. Finally, we present mathematical properties. We define an extended KD quasiprobability that generalizes the KD distribution. The quasiprobability obeys a Bayes-type theorem, for example, that exponentially decreases the memory required to calculate weak values, in certain cases. A time-ordered correlator analogous to the OTOC, insensitive to quantum-information scrambling, depends on a quasiprobability closer to a classical probability. This work not only illuminates the OTOC's underpinnings, but also generalizes

Increased Kawasaki Disease Incidence Associated With Higher Precipitation and Lower Temperatures, Japan, 1991-2004.

PubMed

Abrams, Joseph Y; Blase, Jennifer L; Belay, Ermias D; Uehara, Ritei; Maddox, Ryan A; Schonberger, Lawrence B; Nakamura, Yosikazu

2018-06-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile vasculitis, which primarily affects children. The etiology of KD is unknown; while certain characteristics of the disease suggest an infectious origin, genetic or environmental factors may also be important. Seasonal patterns of KD incidence are well documented, but it is unclear whether these patterns are caused by changes in climate or by other unknown seasonal effects. The relationship between KD incidence and deviations from expected temperature and precipitation were analyzed using KD incidence data from Japanese nationwide epidemiologic surveys (1991-2004) and climate data from 136 weather stations of the Japan Meteorological Agency. Seven separate Poisson-distributed generalized linear regression models were run to examine the effects of temperature and precipitation on KD incidence in the same month as KD onset and the previous 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months, controlling for geography as well as seasonal and long-term trends in KD incidence. KD incidence was negatively associated with temperature in the previous 2, 3, 4 and 5 months and positively associated with precipitation in the previous 1 and 2 months. The model that best predicted variations in KD incidence used climate data from the previous 2 months. An increase in total monthly precipitation by 100 mm was associated with increased KD incidence (rate ratio [RR] 1.012, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.005-1.019), and an increase of monthly mean temperature by 1°C was associated with decreased KD incidence (RR 0.984, 95% CI: 0.978-0.990). KD incidence was significantly affected by temperature and precipitation in previous months independent of other unknown seasonal factors. Climate data from the previous 2 months best predicted the variations in KD incidence. Although fairly minor, the effect of temperature and precipitation independent of season may provide additional clues to the etiology of KD.

Improved Accuracy of Low Affinity Protein-Ligand Equilibrium Dissociation Constants Directly Determined by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaquillard, Lucie; Saab, Fabienne; Schoentgen, Françoise; Cadene, Martine

2012-05-01

There is continued interest in the determination by ESI-MS of equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) that accurately reflect the affinity of a protein-ligand complex in solution. Issues in the measurement of KD are compounded in the case of low affinity complexes. Here we present a KD measurement method and corresponding mathematical model dealing with both gas-phase dissociation (GPD) and aggregation. To this end, a rational mathematical correction of GPD (fsat) is combined with the development of an experimental protocol to deal with gas-phase aggregation. A guide to apply the method to noncovalent protein-ligand systems according to their kinetic behavior is provided. The approach is validated by comparing the KD values determined by this method with in-solution KD literature values. The influence of the type of molecular interactions and instrumental setup on fsat is examined as a first step towards a fine dissection of factors affecting GPD. The method can be reliably applied to a wide array of low affinity systems without the need for a reference ligand or protein.

The oculocerebrorenal syndrome gene product is a 105-kD protein localized to the Golgi complex.

PubMed Central

Olivos-Glander, I M; Jänne, P A; Nussbaum, R L

1995-01-01

The oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL) is a multisystem disorder affecting the lens, kidney, and CNS. The predicted amino acid sequence of the OCRL gene, OCRL-1, was used to develop antibodies against the OCRL-1 protein. Western blot analysis using affinity-purified serum against the amino terminus of the OCRL-1 gene product (ocrl-1) demonstrates a single protein of 105 kD in fibroblasts of a normal individual that is absent in fibroblasts of an OCRL patient who lacks OCRL-1 transcript. A single protein with the same electrophoretic mobility is found by western analysis in various human cultured cell lines, and approximately the same size protein is also found in all mouse tissues tested. Northern analysis of various human and mouse tissues demonstrate that OCRL-1 transcript is expressed in nearly all tissues examined. By immunofluorescence, the ocrl-1 antibody stains a juxtanuclear region in normal fibroblast cells, while no specific staining is evident in the OCRL patient who produces no transcript. Colocalization of the ocrl-1 protein to the Golgi complex was demonstrated using a known monoclonal antibody against a Golgi-specific coat protein, beta-COP (beta coatomer protein). Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:7573041

Metolachlor Sorption and Degradation in Soil Amended with Fresh and Aged Biochars.

PubMed

Trigo, Carmen; Spokas, Kurt A; Hall, Kathleen E; Cox, Lucia; Koskinen, William C

2016-04-27

Addition of organic amendments such as biochar to soils can influence pesticide sorption-desorption processes and, in turn, the amount of pesticide readily availability for transport and biodegradation. Sorption-desorption processes are affected by both the physical and chemical properties of soils and pesticides, as well as soil-pesticide contact time, or aging. Changes in sorption-desorption of metolachlor with aging in soil amended with three macadamia nut shell biochars aged 0 (BCmac-fr), 1 year (BCmac-1yr), and 2 years (BCmac-2yr) and two wood biochars aged 0 (BCwood-fr) and 5 years (BCwood-5yr) were determined. Apparent sorption coefficient (Kd-app) values increased with incubation time to a greater extent in amended soil as compared to unamended soils; Kd-app increased by 1.2-fold for the unamended soil, 2.0-fold for BCwood-fr, 1.4-fold for BCwood-5yr, 2.4-fold for BCmac-fr, 2.5-fold for BCmac-1yr, and 1.9-fold for BCmac-4yr. The increase in calculated Kd-app value was the result of a 15% decrease in the metolachlor solution concentration extractable with CaCl2 solution with incubation time in soil as compared to a 50% decrease in amended soil with very little change in the sorbed concentration. Differences could possibly be due to diffusion to less accessible or stronger binding sites with time, a faster rate of degradation (in solution and on labile sites) than desorption, or a combination of the two in the amended soils. These data show that transport models would overpredict the depth of movement of metolachlor in soil if effects of aging or biochar amendments are not considered.

Decreased knee adduction moment does not guarantee decreased medial contact force during gait.

PubMed

Walter, Jonathan P; D'Lima, Darryl D; Colwell, Clifford W; Fregly, Benjamin J

2010-10-01

Excessive contact force is believed to contribute to the development of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. The external knee adduction moment (KAM) has been identified as a surrogate measure for medial contact force during gait, with an abnormally large peak value being linked to increased pain and rate of disease progression. This study used in vivo gait data collected from a subject with a force-measuring knee implant to assess whether KAM decreases accurately predict corresponding decreases in medial contact force. Changes in both quantities generated via gait modification were analyzed statistically relative to the subject's normal gait. The two gait modifications were a "medial thrust" gait involving knee medialization during stance phase and a "walking pole" gait involving use of bilateral walking poles. Reductions in the first (largest) peak of the KAM (32-33%) did not correspond to reductions in the first peak of the medial contact force. In contrast, reductions in the second peak and angular impulse of the KAM (15-47%) corresponded to reductions in the second peak and impulse of the medial contact force (12-42%). Calculated reductions in both KAM peaks were highly sensitive to rotation of the shank reference frame about the superior-inferior axis of the shank. Both peaks of medial contact force were best predicted by a combination of peak values of the external KAM and peak absolute values of the external knee flexion moment (R(2) = 0.93). Future studies that evaluate the effectiveness of gait modifications for offloading the medial compartment of the knee should consider the combined effect of these two knee moments. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1348-1354, 2010.

Cytochrome and Alternative Pathway Respiration in Tobacco (Effects of Salicylic Acid).

PubMed

Rhoads, D. M.; McIntosh, L.

1993-11-01

In suspension cultures of NT1 tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Bright Yellow) cells the cytochrome pathway capacity increased between d 3 and d 4 following subculturing and reached the highest level observed on d 7. The capacity decreased significantly by d 10 and was at the same level on d 14. Both alternative pathway capacity and the amount of the 35-kD alternative oxidase protein increased significantly between d 5 and d 6, reached the highest point observed on d 7, remained constant until d 10, and decreased by d 14. The highest capacities of the alternative and cytochrome pathways and the highest amount of the 35-kD protein were attained on the day that cell cultures reached a stationary phase of growth. Addition of salicylic acid to cell cultures on d 4 caused a significant increase in alternative pathway capacity and a dramatic accumulation of the 35-kD protein by 12 h. The alternative pathway capacity and the protein level reached the highest level observed by 16 h after salicylic acid addition, and the cytochrome pathway capacity was at about the same level at each time point. The accumulation of the 35-kD alternative oxidase protein was significantly decreased by addition of actinomycin D 1 h before salicylic acid and was blocked by addition of cycloheximide. These results indicate that de novo transcription and translation were necessary for salicylic acid to cause the maximum accumulation of the 35-kD protein.

Decreasing unnecessary utilization in acute bronchiolitis care: results from the value in inpatient pediatrics network.

PubMed

Ralston, Shawn; Garber, Matthew; Narang, Steve; Shen, Mark; Pate, Brian; Pope, John; Lossius, Michele; Croland, Trina; Bennett, Jeff; Jewell, Jennifer; Krugman, Scott; Robbins, Elizabeth; Nazif, Joanne; Liewehr, Sheila; Miller, Ansley; Marks, Michelle; Pappas, Rita; Pardue, Jeanann; Quinonez, Ricardo; Fine, Bryan R; Ryan, Michael

2013-01-01

Acute viral bronchiolitis is the most common diagnosis resulting in hospital admission in pediatrics. Utilization of non-evidence-based therapies and testing remains common despite a large volume of evidence to guide quality improvement efforts. Our objective was to reduce utilization of unnecessary therapies in the inpatient care of bronchiolitis across a diverse network of clinical sites. We formed a voluntary quality improvement collaborative of pediatric hospitalists for the purpose of benchmarking the use of bronchodilators, steroids, chest radiography, chest physiotherapy, and viral testing in bronchiolitis using hospital administrative data. We shared resources within the network, including protocols, scores, order sets, and key bibliographies, and established group norms for decreasing utilization. Aggregate data on 11,568 hospitalizations for bronchiolitis from 17 centers was analyzed for this report. The network was organized in 2008. By 2010, we saw a 46% reduction in overall volume of bronchodilators used, a 3.4 dose per patient absolute decrease in utilization (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-5.8). Overall exposure to any dose of bronchodilator decreased by 12 percentage points as well (95% CI 5%-25%). There was also a statistically significant decline in chest physiotherapy usage, but not for steroids, chest radiography, or viral testing. Benchmarking within a voluntary pediatric hospitalist collaborative facilitated decreased utilization of bronchodilators and chest physiotherapy in bronchiolitis. Copyright © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Atrioventricular depolarization differences identify coronary artery anomalies in Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

Cortez, Daniel; Sharma, Nandita; Jone, Pei-Ni

2017-03-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Signal average electrocardiogram changes in patients during the acute phase of KD with coronary artery anomalies (CAA) include depolarization changes. We set out to determine if 12-lead-derived atrioventricular depolarization differences can identify CAA in patients with KD. A blinded, retrospective case-control study of patients with KD was performed. Deep Q waves, corrected QT-intervals (QTc), spatial QRS-T angles, T-wave vector magnitudes (RMS-T), and a novel parameter for assessment of atrioventricular depolarization difference (the spatial PR angle) and a two dimensional PR angle were assessed. Comparisons between groups were performed to test for significant differences. One hundred one patients with KD were evaluated, with 68 having CAA (67.3%, mean age 3.6 ± 3.0 years, 82.6% male), and 32 without CAA (31.7%, mean age 2.7 ± 3.2 years, 70.4% male). The spatial PR angle significantly discriminated KD patients with CAA from those without, 59.7° ± 31.1° versus 41.6° ± 11.5° (p < .001). A spatial PR angle cutoff value of 56.9° gave positive/negative predictive values and odds ratios of 93.8%, 43.5%, and 11.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.6-52.2). The two dimensional PR angle either below 7° or above 92° gave positive/negative predictive values and odds ratios of 100.0%, 38.8%, and 21.1% (95% CI 1.2-362.8). No other parameters significantly differentiated the groups. Atrioventricular depolarization differences, measured by the spatial or two dimensional PR angle differentiate KD patients with CAA versus those without. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sorption and phase distribution of ethanol and butanol blended gasoline vapours in the vadose zone after release.

PubMed

Ugwoha, Ejikeme; Andresen, John M

2014-03-01

The sorption and phase distribution of 20% ethanol and butanol blended gasoline (E20 and B20) vapours have been examined in soils with varying soil organic matter (SOM) and water contents via laboratory microcosm experiments. The presence of 20% alcohol reduced the sorption of gasoline compounds by soil as well as the mass distribution of the compounds to soil solids. This effect was greater for ethanol than butanol. Compared with the sorption coefficient (Kd) of unblended gasoline compounds, the Kd of E20 gasoline compounds decreased by 54% for pentane, 54% for methylcyclopentane (MCP) and 63% for benzene, while the Kd of B20 gasoline compounds decreased by 39% for pentane, 38% for MCP and 49% for benzene. The retardation factor (R) of E20 gasoline compounds decreased by 53% for pentane, 53% for MCP and 48% for benzene, while the R of B20 gasoline compounds decreased by 39% for pentane, 37% for MCP and 38% for benzene. For all SOM and water contents tested, the Kd and R of all gasoline compounds were in the order of unblended gasoline > B20 > E20, indicating that the use of high ethanol volume in gasoline to combat climate change could put the groundwater at greater risk of contamination. Copyright © 2014 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of the NMR shift-reagents Dy(PPP)2, Dy(TTHA) and Tm(DOTP) on developed pressure in isolated perfused rat hearts. The role of shift-reagent calcium complexes.

PubMed

Gaszner, B; Simor, T; Hild, G; Elgavish, G A

2001-11-01

The 23Na NMR shift-reagent complexes (Dy(PPP)2, Dy(TTHA), and Tm(DOTP)) bind stoichiometric amounts of Ca2+. Thus, in perfused rat heart systems, a supplementation of Ca2+ is required to maintain the requisite extracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(o)]f) and to approximate a physiological level of contractile function. The amount of reagent-bound Ca2+ in a heart perfusate that contains a shift-reagent depends on: (1) Ca2+ binding by excess ligand used during the preparation of the shift-reagent; and (2) the Ca2+ binding affinity of the shift-reagent. To address point 1), we introduced a 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopic titration method to quantify directly the concentration of the excess ligand. We also used this method to minimize the amount of excess ligand (L) and thus the amount of Ca*L complex. To address point (2), we determined the stepwise Kd (microm) values of the Ca complexes of the three shift-reagents.: Dy(PPP)2, Kd=0.09, Kd2=7.9; Dy(TTHA), Kd1=10.66, Kd2=10.12; and Tm(DOTP), K(d1)=0.502, Kd2=4.98. The Kd values of the Ca complexes of the phosphonate and triphosphate based shift-reagents, Tm(DOTP) and Dy(PPP)2, respectively, are lower than those of the polyaminocarboxylate-based Dy(TTHA), indicating stronger Ca binding affinities for the former two types of complexes. We have also shown a positive correlation between [Ca(o)]f and left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in perfused rat hearts. Dy(TTHA) has shown no effect on LVDP v[Ca(o)]f. The LVDP values in the presence of the phosphonate and triphosphate based shift-reagents, however, were significantly higher than expected from the [Ca(o)]f levels alone. Thus a positive inotropic effect, independent of [Ca(o)]f, is evident in the presence of Tm(DOTP) or Dy(PPP)2. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Radioiodine sorption/desorption and speciation transformation by subsurface sediments from the Hanford Site.

PubMed

Xu, Chen; Kaplan, Daniel I; Zhang, Saijin; Athon, Matthew; Ho, Yi-Fang; Li, Hsiu-Ping; Yeager, Chris M; Schwehr, Kathleen A; Grandbois, Russell; Wellman, Dawn; Santschi, Peter H

2015-01-01

During the last few decades, considerable research efforts have been extended to identify more effective remediation treatment technologies to lower the (129)I concentrations to below federal drinking water standards at the Hanford Site (Richland, USA). Few studies have taken iodate into consideration, though recently iodate, instead of iodide, was identified as the major species in the groundwater of 200-West Area within the Hanford Site. The objective of this study was thus to quantify and understand aqueous radioiodine species transformations and uptake by three sediments collected from the semi-arid, carbonate-rich environment of the Hanford subsurface. All three sediments reduced iodate (IO3(-)) to iodide (I(-)), but the loamy-sand sediment reduced more IO3(-) (100% reduced within 7 days) than the two sand-textured sediments (∼20% reduced after 28 days). No dissolved organo-iodine species were observed in any of these studies. Iodate uptake Kd values ([Isolid]/[Iaq]; 0.8-7.6 L/kg) were consistently and appreciably greater than iodide Kd values (0-5.6 L/kg). Furthermore, desorption Kd values (11.9-29.8 L/kg) for both iodate and iodide were consistently and appreciably greater than uptake Kd values (0-7.6 L/kg). Major fractions of iodine associated with the sediments were unexpectedly strongly bound, such that only 0.4-6.6 % of the total sedimentary iodine could be exchanged from the surface with KCl solution, and 0-1.2% was associated with Fe or Mn oxides (weak NH2HCl/HNO3 extractable fraction). Iodine incorporated into calcite accounted for 2.9-39.4% of the total sedimentary iodine, whereas organic carbon (OC) is likely responsible for the residual iodine (57.1-90.6%) in sediments. The OC, even at low concentrations, appeared to be controlling iodine binding to the sediments, as it was found that the greater the OC concentrations in the sediments, the greater the values of uptake Kd, desorption Kd, and the greater residual iodine concentrations (non

Reassessment of carotid intima-media thickness by standard deviation score in children and adolescents after Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

Noto, Nobutaka; Kato, Masataka; Abe, Yuriko; Kamiyama, Hiroshi; Karasawa, Kensuke; Ayusawa, Mamoru; Takahashi, Shori

2015-01-01

Previous studies that used carotid ultrasound have been largely conflicting in regards to whether or not patients after Kawasaki disease (KD) have a greater carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) than controls. To test the hypothesis that there are significant differences between the values of CIMT expressed as absolute values and standard deviation scores (SDS) in children and adolescents after KD and controls, we reviewed 12 published articles regarding CIMT on KD patients and controls. The mean ± SD of absolute CIMT (mm) in the KD patients and controls obtained from each article was transformed to SDS (CIMT-SDS) using age-specific reference values established by Jourdan et al. (J: n = 247) and our own data (N: n = 175), and the results among these 12 articles were compared between the two groups and the references for comparison of racial disparities. There were no significant differences in mean absolute CIMT and mean CIMT-SDS for J between KD patients and controls (0.46 ± 0.06 mm vs. 0.44 ± 0.04 mm, p = 0.133, and 1.80 ± 0.84 vs. 1.25 ± 0.12, p = 0.159, respectively). However, there were significant differences in mean CIMT-SDS for N between KD patients and controls (0.60 ± 0.71 vs. 0.01 ± 0.65, p = 0.042). When we assessed the nine articles on Asian subjects, the difference of CIMT-SDS between the two groups was invariably significant only for N (p = 0.015). Compared with the reference values, CIMT-SDS of controls was within the normal range at a rate of 41.6 % for J and 91.6 % for N. These results indicate that age- and race-specific reference values for CIMT are mandatory for performing accurate assessment of the vascular status in healthy children and adolescents, particularly in those after KD considered at increased long-term cardiovascular risk.

Treatment with mPEG-SPA improves the survival of corneal grafts in rats by immune camouflage.

PubMed

Wang, Shuangyong; Li, Liangliang; Liu, Ying; Li, Chaoyang; Zhang, Min; Wang, Bowen; Huang, Zheqian; Gao, Xinbo; Wang, Zhichong

2015-03-01

We investigated the immune camouflage effects of methoxy polyethylene glycol succinimidyl propionate (mPEG-SPA) on corneal antigens and explored a novel approach for reducing corneal antigenicity, thereby decreasing corneal graft rejection. Importantly, this approach did not alter normal local immunity. Corneal grafts were treated with mPEG-SPA 5KD or 20KD (3% W/V), which could shield major histocompatibility antigen class I molecules (RT1-A) of corneal grafts. Skin grafts of Wistar rats were transplanted to SD rats. Then the splenic lymphocytes were isolated from SD rats. Subsequently, the lymphocytes were co-cultured with autologous corneal grafts or untreated corneal grafts and PEGylated grafts treated with mPEG-SPA 5KD or 20KD obtained from the counterpart skin donors, which were used as autologous control, allogeneic control, mPEG-SPA 5KD group and mPEG-SPA 20KD group, respectively. Lymphocyte proliferation was lower in mPEG-SPA 5KD group and mPEG-SPA 20KD group than in the allogeneic control. SD rats with corneal neovascularisation were used as recipients for high-risk corneal transplantation and were randomly divided into four groups: autologous control, allogeneic control, mPEG-SPA 5KD group and mPEG-SPA 20KD group. The recipients received corneal grafts from Wistar rats. Corneal graft survival was prolonged and graft rejection was reduced in the mPEG-SPA 5KD group and the mPEG-SPA 20KD group compared to the allogeneic control. Thus, we think that mPEG-SPA could immunologically camouflage corneal antigens to prolong corneal grafts survival in high-risk transplantation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of candidate diagnostic serum biomarkers for Kawasaki disease using proteomic analysis

PubMed Central

Kimura, Yayoi; Yanagimachi, Masakatsu; Ino, Yoko; Aketagawa, Mao; Matsuo, Michie; Okayama, Akiko; Shimizu, Hiroyuki; Oba, Kunihiro; Morioka, Ichiro; Imagawa, Tomoyuki; Kaneko, Tetsuji; Yokota, Shumpei; Hirano, Hisashi; Mori, Masaaki

2017-01-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis and childhood febrile disease that can lead to cardiovascular complications. The diagnosis of KD depends on its clinical features, and thus it is sometimes difficult to make a definitive diagnosis. In order to identify diagnostic serum biomarkers for KD, we explored serum KD-related proteins, which differentially expressed during the acute and recovery phases of two patients by mass spectrometry (MS). We identified a total of 1,879 proteins by MS-based proteomic analysis. The levels of three of these proteins, namely lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1), and angiotensinogen (AGT), were higher in acute phase patients. In contrast, the level of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) was decreased. To confirm the usefulness of these proteins as biomarkers, we analyzed a total of 270 samples, including those collected from 55 patients with acute phase KD, by using western blot analysis and microarray enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Over the course of this experiment, we determined that the expression level of these proteins changes specifically in the acute phase of KD, rather than the recovery phase of KD or other febrile illness. Thus, LRG1 could be used as biomarkers to facilitate KD diagnosis based on clinical features. PMID:28262744

A comprehensive study of small non-frameshift insertions/deletions in proteins and prediction of their phenotypic effects by a machine learning method (KD4i)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Small insertion and deletion polymorphisms (Indels) are the second most common mutations in the human genome, after Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Recent studies have shown that they have significant influence on genetic variation by altering human traits and can cause multiple human diseases. In particular, many Indels that occur in protein coding regions are known to impact the structure or function of the protein. A major challenge is to predict the effects of these Indels and to distinguish between deleterious and neutral variants. When an Indel occurs within a coding region, it can be either frameshifting (FS) or non-frameshifting (NFS). FS-Indels either modify the complete C-terminal region of the protein or result in premature termination of translation. NFS-Indels insert/delete multiples of three nucleotides leading to the insertion/deletion of one or more amino acids. Results In order to study the relationships between NFS-Indels and Mendelian diseases, we characterized NFS-Indels according to numerous structural, functional and evolutionary parameters. We then used these parameters to identify specific characteristics of disease-causing and neutral NFS-Indels. Finally, we developed a new machine learning approach, KD4i, that can be used to predict the phenotypic effects of NFS-Indels. Conclusions We demonstrate in a large-scale evaluation that the accuracy of KD4i is comparable to existing state-of-the-art methods. However, a major advantage of our approach is that we also provide the reasons for the predictions, in the form of a set of rules. The rules are interpretable by non-expert humans and they thus represent new knowledge about the relationships between the genotype and phenotypes of NFS-Indels and the causative molecular perturbations that result in the disease. PMID:24742296

A high-fat, ketogenic diet causes hepatic insulin resistance in mice, despite increasing energy expenditure and preventing weight gain.

PubMed

Jornayvaz, François R; Jurczak, Michael J; Lee, Hui-Young; Birkenfeld, Andreas L; Frederick, David W; Zhang, Dongyang; Zhang, Xian-Man; Samuel, Varman T; Shulman, Gerald I

2010-11-01

Low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diets (KD) have been suggested to be more effective in promoting weight loss than conventional caloric restriction, whereas their effect on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism and the mechanisms by which they may promote weight loss remain controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the role of KD on liver and muscle insulin sensitivity, hepatic lipid metabolism, energy expenditure, and food intake. Using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, we studied insulin action in mice fed a KD or regular chow (RC). Body composition was assessed by ¹H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Despite being 15% lighter (P < 0.001) than RC-fed mice because of a 17% increase in energy expenditure (P < 0.001), KD-fed mice manifested severe hepatic insulin resistance, as reflected by decreased suppression (0% vs. 100% in RC-fed mice, P < 0.01) of endogenous glucose production during the clamp. Hepatic insulin resistance could be attributed to a 350% increase in hepatic diacylglycerol content (P < 0.001), resulting in increased activation of PKCε (P < 0.05) and decreased insulin receptor substrate-2 tyrosine phosphorylation (P < 0.01). Food intake was 56% (P < 0.001) lower in KD-fed mice, despite similar caloric intake, and could partly be attributed to a more than threefold increase (P < 0.05) in plasma N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine concentrations. In conclusion, despite preventing weight gain in mice, KD induces hepatic insulin resistance secondary to increased hepatic diacylglycerol content. Given the key role of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the development of type 2 diabetes and the widespread use of KD for the treatment of obesity, these results may have potentially important clinical implications.

New solitary wave solutions of (3 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear extended Zakharov-Kuznetsov and modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equations and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dianchen; Seadawy, A. R.; Arshad, M.; Wang, Jun

In this paper, new exact solitary wave, soliton and elliptic function solutions are constructed in various forms of three dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) in mathematical physics by utilizing modified extended direct algebraic method. Soliton solutions in different forms such as bell and anti-bell periodic, dark soliton, bright soliton, bright and dark solitary wave in periodic form etc are obtained, which have large applications in different branches of physics and other areas of applied sciences. The obtained solutions are also presented graphically. Furthermore, many other nonlinear evolution equations arising in mathematical physics and engineering can also be solved by this powerful, reliable and capable method. The nonlinear three dimensional extended Zakharov-Kuznetsov dynamica equation and (3 + 1)-dimensional modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation are selected to show the reliability and effectiveness of the current method.

Efficacy and safety of ketogenic diet for treatment of pediatric convulsive refractory status epilepticus.

PubMed

Arya, Ravindra; Peariso, Katrina; Gaínza-Lein, Marina; Harvey, Jessica; Bergin, Ann; Brenton, J Nicholas; Burrows, Brian T; Glauser, Tracy; Goodkin, Howard P; Lai, Yi-Chen; Mikati, Mohamad A; Fernández, Iván Sánchez; Tchapyjnikov, Dmitry; Wilfong, Angus A; Williams, Korwyn; Loddenkemper, Tobias

2018-04-27

To describe the efficacy and safety of ketogenic diet (KD) for convulsive refractory status epilepticus (RSE). RSE patients treated with KD at the 6/11 participating institutions of the pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group from January-2011 to December-2016 were included. Patients receiving KD prior to the index RSE episode were excluded. RSE was defined as failure of ≥2 anti-seizure medications, including at least one non-benzodiazepine drug. Ketosis was defined as serum beta-hydroxybutyrate levels >20 mg/dl (1.9 mmol/l). Outcomes included proportion of patients with electrographic (EEG) seizure resolution within 7 days of starting KD, defined as absence of seizures and ≥50% suppression below 10 μV on longitudinal bipolar montage (suppression-burst ratio ≥50%); time to start KD after onset of RSE; time to achieve ketosis after starting KD; and the proportion of patients weaned off continuous infusions 2 weeks after KD initiation. Treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs) were also recorded. Fourteen patients received KD for treatment of RSE (median age 4.7 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.6). KD was started via enteral route in 11/14 (78.6%) patients. KD was initiated a median of 13 days (IQR 12.5) after the onset of RSE, at 4:1 ratio in 8/14 (57.1%) patients. Ketosis was achieved within a median of 2 days (IQR 2.0) after starting KD. EEG seizure resolution was achieved within 7 days of starting KD in 10/14 (71.4%) patients. Also, 11/14 (78.6%) patients were weaned off their continuous infusions within 2 weeks of starting KD. TEAEs, potentially attributable to KD, occurred in 3/14 (21.4%) patients, including gastro-intestinal paresis and hypertriglyceridemia. Three month outcomes were available for 12/14 (85.7%) patients, with 4 patients being seizure-free, and 3 others with decreased seizure frequency compared to pre-RSE baseline. This series suggests efficacy and safety of KD for treatment of pediatric RSE. Copyright © 2018

Aging and loss decision making: increased risk aversion and decreased use of maximizing information, with correlated rationality and value maximization

PubMed Central

Kurnianingsih, Yoanna A.; Sim, Sam K. Y.; Chee, Michael W. L.; Mullette-Gillman, O’Dhaniel A.

2015-01-01

We investigated how adult aging specifically alters economic decision-making, focusing on examining alterations in uncertainty preferences (willingness to gamble) and choice strategies (what gamble information influences choices) within both the gains and losses domains. Within each domain, participants chose between certain monetary outcomes and gambles with uncertain outcomes. We examined preferences by quantifying how uncertainty modulates choice behavior as if altering the subjective valuation of gambles. We explored age-related preferences for two types of uncertainty, risk, and ambiguity. Additionally, we explored how aging may alter what information participants utilize to make their choices by comparing the relative utilization of maximizing and satisficing information types through a choice strategy metric. Maximizing information was the ratio of the expected value of the two options, while satisficing information was the probability of winning. We found age-related alterations of economic preferences within the losses domain, but no alterations within the gains domain. Older adults (OA; 61–80 years old) were significantly more uncertainty averse for both risky and ambiguous choices. OA also exhibited choice strategies with decreased use of maximizing information. Within OA, we found a significant correlation between risk preferences and choice strategy. This linkage between preferences and strategy appears to derive from a convergence to risk neutrality driven by greater use of the effortful maximizing strategy. As utility maximization and value maximization intersect at risk neutrality, this result suggests that OA are exhibiting a relationship between enhanced rationality and enhanced value maximization. While there was variability in economic decision-making measures within OA, these individual differences were unrelated to variability within examined measures of cognitive ability. Our results demonstrate that aging alters economic decision

Aging and loss decision making: increased risk aversion and decreased use of maximizing information, with correlated rationality and value maximization.

PubMed

Kurnianingsih, Yoanna A; Sim, Sam K Y; Chee, Michael W L; Mullette-Gillman, O'Dhaniel A

2015-01-01

We investigated how adult aging specifically alters economic decision-making, focusing on examining alterations in uncertainty preferences (willingness to gamble) and choice strategies (what gamble information influences choices) within both the gains and losses domains. Within each domain, participants chose between certain monetary outcomes and gambles with uncertain outcomes. We examined preferences by quantifying how uncertainty modulates choice behavior as if altering the subjective valuation of gambles. We explored age-related preferences for two types of uncertainty, risk, and ambiguity. Additionally, we explored how aging may alter what information participants utilize to make their choices by comparing the relative utilization of maximizing and satisficing information types through a choice strategy metric. Maximizing information was the ratio of the expected value of the two options, while satisficing information was the probability of winning. We found age-related alterations of economic preferences within the losses domain, but no alterations within the gains domain. Older adults (OA; 61-80 years old) were significantly more uncertainty averse for both risky and ambiguous choices. OA also exhibited choice strategies with decreased use of maximizing information. Within OA, we found a significant correlation between risk preferences and choice strategy. This linkage between preferences and strategy appears to derive from a convergence to risk neutrality driven by greater use of the effortful maximizing strategy. As utility maximization and value maximization intersect at risk neutrality, this result suggests that OA are exhibiting a relationship between enhanced rationality and enhanced value maximization. While there was variability in economic decision-making measures within OA, these individual differences were unrelated to variability within examined measures of cognitive ability. Our results demonstrate that aging alters economic decision-making for

High Pressure Germination of Bacillus subtilis Spores with Alterations in Levels and Types of Germination Proteins

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

a rapidly growing non thermal food processing technology that ensures the safety of meat, fruit juice and seafood products, extends product shelf...spore germination with nutrient germinants are the sum of values for germination via the GerA GR with L valine and the GerB plus GerK GRs with AGFK...gerKD had no significant effect on mHP germination (Fig. 1d). Complementation of a gerKD strain by introduction of a wild type gerKD gene plus its own

Pedotransfer functions for isoproturon sorption on soils and vadose zone materials.

PubMed

Moeys, Julien; Bergheaud, Valérie; Coquet, Yves

2011-10-01

Sorption coefficients (the linear K(D) or the non-linear K(F) and N(F)) are critical parameters in models of pesticide transport to groundwater or surface water. In this work, a dataset of isoproturon sorption coefficients and corresponding soil properties (264 K(D) and 55 K(F)) was compiled, and pedotransfer functions were built for predicting isoproturon sorption in soils and vadose zone materials. These were benchmarked against various other prediction methods. The results show that the organic carbon content (OC) and pH are the two main soil properties influencing isoproturon K(D) . The pedotransfer function is K(D) = 1.7822 + 0.0162 OC(1.5) - 0.1958 pH (K(D) in L kg(-1) and OC in g kg(-1)). For low-OC soils (OC < 6.15 g kg(-1)), clay and pH are most influential. The pedotransfer function is then K(D) = 0.9980 + 0.0002 clay - 0.0990 pH (clay in g kg(-1)). Benchmarking K(D) estimations showed that functions calibrated on more specific subsets of the data perform better on these subsets than functions calibrated on larger subsets. Predicting isoproturon sorption in soils in unsampled locations should rely, whenever possible, and by order of preference, on (a) site- or soil-specific pedotransfer functions, (b) pedotransfer functions calibrated on a large dataset, (c) K(OC) values calculated on a large dataset or (d) K(OC) values taken from existing pesticide properties databases. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

YC-1 BINDING TO THE BETA SUBUNIT OF SOLUBLE GUANYLYL CYCLASE OVERCOMES ALLOSTERIC INHIBITION BY THE ALPHA SUBUNIT

PubMed Central

Purohit, Rahul; Fritz, Bradley G.; The, Juliana; Issaian, Aaron; Weichsel, Andrzej; David, Cynthia L.; Campbell, Eric; Hausrath, Andrew C.; Rassouli-Taylor, Leida; Garcin, Elsa D.; Gage, Matthew J.; Montfort, William R.

2014-01-01

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is a heterodimeric heme protein and the primary nitric oxide receptor. NO binding stimulates cyclase activity, leading to regulation of cardiovascular physiology and making sGC an attractive target for drug discovery. YC-1 and related compounds stimulate sGC both independently and synergistically with NO and CO binding; however, where the compounds bind and how they work remains unknown. Using linked-equilibria binding measurements, surface plasmon resonance, and domain truncations in Manduca sexta and bovine sGC, we demonstrate that YC-1 binds near or directly to the heme-containing domain of the beta subunit. In the absence of CO, YC-1 binds with Kd = 9–21 μM, depending on construct. In the presence of CO, these values decrease to 0.6–1.1 μM. Pfizer compound 25 bound ~10-fold weaker than YC-1 in the absence of CO whereas compound BAY 41–2272 bound particularly tightly in the presence of CO (Kd = 30–90 nM). Additionally, we found that CO binding is much weaker to heterodimeric sGC proteins (Kd = 50–100 μM) than to the isolated heme domain (Kd = 0.2 μM for Manduca beta H-NOX/PAS). YC-1 greatly enhanced CO binding to heterodimeric sGC, as expected (Kd = ~1 μM). These data indicate the alpha subunit induces a heme pocket conformation with lower affinity for CO and NO. YC-1 family compounds bind near the heme domain, overcoming the alpha subunit effect and inducing a heme pocket conformation with high affinity. We propose this high-affinity conformation is required for the full-length protein to achieve high catalytic activity. PMID:24328155

Cytochrome and Alternative Pathway Respiration in Tobacco (Effects of Salicylic Acid).

PubMed Central

Rhoads, D. M.; McIntosh, L.

1993-01-01

In suspension cultures of NT1 tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Bright Yellow) cells the cytochrome pathway capacity increased between d 3 and d 4 following subculturing and reached the highest level observed on d 7. The capacity decreased significantly by d 10 and was at the same level on d 14. Both alternative pathway capacity and the amount of the 35-kD alternative oxidase protein increased significantly between d 5 and d 6, reached the highest point observed on d 7, remained constant until d 10, and decreased by d 14. The highest capacities of the alternative and cytochrome pathways and the highest amount of the 35-kD protein were attained on the day that cell cultures reached a stationary phase of growth. Addition of salicylic acid to cell cultures on d 4 caused a significant increase in alternative pathway capacity and a dramatic accumulation of the 35-kD protein by 12 h. The alternative pathway capacity and the protein level reached the highest level observed by 16 h after salicylic acid addition, and the cytochrome pathway capacity was at about the same level at each time point. The accumulation of the 35-kD alternative oxidase protein was significantly decreased by addition of actinomycin D 1 h before salicylic acid and was blocked by addition of cycloheximide. These results indicate that de novo transcription and translation were necessary for salicylic acid to cause the maximum accumulation of the 35-kD protein. PMID:12231986

Replication and meta-analysis of GWAS identified susceptibility loci in Kawasaki disease confirm the importance of B lymphoid tyrosine kinase (BLK) in disease susceptibility.

PubMed

Chang, Chia-Jung; Kuo, Ho-Chang; Chang, Jeng-Sheng; Lee, Jong-Keuk; Tsai, Fuu-Jen; Khor, Chiea Chuen; Chang, Li-Ching; Chen, Shih-Ping; Ko, Tai-Ming; Liu, Yi-Min; Chen, Ying-Ju; Hong, Young Mi; Jang, Gi Young; Hibberd, Martin L; Kuijpers, Taco; Burgner, David; Levin, Michael; Burns, Jane C; Davila, Sonia; Chen, Yuan-Tsong; Chen, Chien-Hsiun; Wu, Jer-Yuarn; Lee, Yi-Ching

2013-01-01

The BLK and CD40 loci have been associated with Kawasaki disease (KD) in two genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted in a Taiwanese population of Han Chinese ancestry (Taiwanese) and in Japanese cohorts. Here we build on these findings with replication studies of the BLK and CD40 loci in populations of Korean and European descent. The BLK region was significantly associated with KD susceptibility in both populations. Within the BLK gene the rs2736340-located linkage disequilibrium (LD ) comprising the promoter and first intron was strongly associated with KD, with the combined results of Asian studies including Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean populations (2,539 KD patients and 7,021 controls) providing very compelling evidence of association (rs2736340, OR = 1.498, 1.354-1.657; P = 4.74×10(-31)). We determined the percentage of B cells present in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) population and the expression of BLK in the peripheral blood leukocytes (leukocytes) of KD patients during the acute and convalescent stages. The percentage of B cells in the PBMC population and the expression of BLK in leukocytes were induced in patients in the acute stage of KD. In B cell lines derived from KD patients, and in purified B cells from KD patients obtained during the acute stage, those with the risk allele of rs2736340 expressed significantly lower levels of BLK. These results suggest that peripheral B cells play a pathogenic role during the acute stage of KD. Decreased BLK expression in peripheral blood B cells may alter B cell function and predispose individuals to KD. These associative data suggest a role for B cells during acute KD. Understanding the functional implications may facilitate the development of B cell-mediated therapy for KD.

Behaviour of pharmaceuticals in spiked lake sediments - effects and interactions with benthic invertebrates.

PubMed

Gilroy, Ève A M; Balakrishnan, Vimal K; Solomon, Keith R; Sverko, Ed; Sibley, Paul K

2012-02-01

The behaviour and effects of atorvastatin (ATO), carbamazepine (CBZ), and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) were investigated in spiked lake sediments, at concentrations up to 56.5 mg kg(-1)dry weight (dw), with the benthic invertebrates Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Desorption constants were calculated in the presence and absence of animals, using linear isotherms, yielding K(d) values of 28.2, 189.0 and 125.1 L kg(-1) (ATO), 73.7, 201.7 and 263.2 L kg(-1) (CBZ), and 114.9, 114.2 and 519.2 L kg(-1) (EE2) for C. dilutus, H. azteca, and without animals, respectively. For ATO and CBZ, K(d) values were smaller in the presence of C. dilutus, indicating greater desorption to the overlying water from bioturbation, which is consistent with the predominantly benthic occurrence of C. dilutus compared to H. azteca. In contrast, due to its greater hydrophobicity, bioturbation did not significantly affect desorption of EE2. No significant toxicity was observed, indicating decreased bioavailability of the chemicals sorbed to sediments compared with water-only toxicity assays. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lack of association between miR-218 rs11134527 A>G and Kawasaki disease susceptibility.

PubMed

Pi, Lei; Fu, Lanyan; Xu, Yufen; Che, Di; Deng, Qiulian; Huang, Xijing; Li, Meiai; Zhang, Li; Huang, Ping; Gu, Xiaoqiong

2018-05-01

Abstract Kawasaki disease (KD) is a type of disease that includes the development of a fever that lasts at least five days and involves the clinical manifestation of multicellular vasculitis. KD has become one of the most common pediatric cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have reported that miR-218 rs11134527 A>G is associated with susceptibility to various cancer risks. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between this polymorphism and KD risk. This study explored the correlation between the miR-218 rs11134527 A>G polymorphism and the risk of KD. We recruited 532 patients with KD and 623 controls to genotype the miR-218 rs11134527 A>G polymorphism with a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Our results illustrated that the miR-218 rs11134527 A>G polymorphism was not associated with KD risk. In an analysis stratified by age, sex, and coronary artery lesions, we found only that the risk of KD was significantly decreased for children older than 5 years (GG vs. AA/AG: adjusted OR=0.26, 95% CI=0.07-0.94, P =0.041). This study demonstrated that the miR-218 rs1113452 A>G polymorphism may have an age-related relationship with KD susceptibility that has not previously been revealed. ©2018 The Author(s).

Inverse relationship between brain glucose and ketone metabolism in adults during short-term moderate dietary ketosis: A dual tracer quantitative positron emission tomography study.

PubMed

Courchesne-Loyer, Alexandre; Croteau, Etienne; Castellano, Christian-Alexandre; St-Pierre, Valérie; Hennebelle, Marie; Cunnane, Stephen C

2017-07-01

Ketones (principally β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate (AcAc)) are an important alternative fuel to glucose for the human brain, but their utilisation by the brain remains poorly understood. Our objective was to use positron emission tomography (PET) to assess the impact of diet-induced moderate ketosis on cerebral metabolic rate of acetoacetate (CMRa) and glucose (CMRglc) in healthy adults. Ten participants (35 ± 15 y) received a very high fat ketogenic diet (KD) (4.5:1; lipid:protein plus carbohydrates) for four days. CMRa and CMRglc were quantified by PET before and after the KD with the tracers, 11 C-AcAc and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG), respectively. During the KD, plasma ketones increased 8-fold ( p = 0.005) while plasma glucose decreased by 24% ( p = 0.005). CMRa increased 6-fold ( p = 0.005), whereas CMRglc decreased by 20% ( p = 0.014) on the KD. Plasma ketones were positively correlated with CMRa (r = 0.93; p < 0.0001). After four days on the KD, CMRa represented 17% of whole brain energy requirements in healthy adults with a 2-fold difference across brain regions (12-24%). The CMR of ketones (AcAc and β-hydroxybutyrate combined) while on the KD was estimated to represent about 33% of brain energy requirements or approximately double the CMRa. Whether increased ketone availability raises CMR of ketones to the same extent in older people as observed here or in conditions in which chronic brain glucose hypometabolism is present remains to be determined.

Quality and Quantity of Sorghum Hydroponic Fodder from Different Varieties and Harvest Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chrisdiana, R.

2018-02-01

This experiment was designed to compare different varieties and harvest time of sorghum hydroponic fodder based on nutrient content and biomass production. Experimental design for fodder productivity was completely randomized design with 2 x 3 factorial, i.e., sorghum varieties (KD 4 and Super-1) and time of harvesting the sorghum hydroponic fodder (8,12 and 16 d). Total biomass and DM production, were affected significantly (p<0.05) on harvest time. Total biomass and nutrient content were increased in longer harvest time. The nutrient content were increased with decreasing total value of DM. Super-1 varieties produce larger biomass and nutrient content higher than KD4 (p<0.05). Based on sorghum hidroponic fodder quality and quantity, sorghum hidroponic fodder with Super-1 varieties harvested at 12 d had a good quality of fodder and it can be alternative of technology providing quality forage and land saving with a short time planting period and continous production.

Quantifying Protein-Ligand Binding Constants using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: A Systematic Binding Affinity Study of a Series of Hydrophobically Modified Trypsin Inhibitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cubrilovic, Dragana; Biela, Adam; Sielaff, Frank; Steinmetzer, Torsten; Klebe, Gerhard; Zenobi, Renato

2012-10-01

NanoESI-MS is used for determining binding strengths of trypsin in complex with two different series of five congeneric inhibitors, whose binding affinity in solution depends on the size of the P3 substituent. The ligands of the first series contain a 4-amidinobenzylamide as P1 residue, and form a tight complex with trypsin. The inhibitors of the second series have a 2-aminomethyl-5-chloro-benzylamide as P1 group, and represent a model system for weak binders. The five different inhibitors of each group are based on the same scaffold and differ only in the length of the hydrophobic side chain of their P3 residue, which modulates the interactions in the S3/4 binding pocket of trypsin. The dissociation constants (KD) for high affinity ligands investigated by nanoESI-MS ranges from 15 nM to 450 nM and decreases with larger hydrophobic P3 side chains. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments of five trypsin and benzamidine-based complexes show a correlation between trends in KD and gas-phase stability. For the second inhibitor series we could show that the effect of imidazole, a small stabilizing additive, can avoid the dissociation of the complex ions and as a result increases the relative abundance of weakly bound complexes. Here the KD values ranging from 2.9 to 17.6 μM, some 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than the first series. For both ligand series, the dissociation constants (KD) measured via nanoESI-MS were compared with kinetic inhibition constants (Ki) in solution.

Effect of Scoparia dulcis extract on insulin receptors in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats: studies on insulin binding to erythrocytes.

PubMed

Pari, Leelavinothan; Latha, Muniappan; Rao, Chippada Appa

2004-01-01

We investigated the insulin-receptor-binding effect of Scoparia dulcis plant extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced male Wistar rats, using circulating erythrocytes (ER) as a model system. An aqueous extract of S dulcis plant (SPEt) (200 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally. We measured blood levels of glucose and plasma insulin and the binding of insulin to cell-membrane ER receptors. Glibenclamide was used as standard reference drug. The mean specific binding of insulin to ER was significantly lower in diabetic control rats (DC) (55.0 +/- 2.8%) than in SPEt-treated (70.0 +/- 3.5%)- and glibenclamide-treated (65.0 +/- 3.3%) diabetic rats, resulting in a significant decrease in plasma insulin. Scatchard plot analysis demonstrated that the decrease in insulin binding was accounted for by a lower number of insulin receptor sites per cell in DC rats when compared with SPEt- and glibenclamide-treated rats. High-affinity (Kd1), low-affinity (Kd2), and kinetic analysis revealed an increase in the average receptor affinity in ER from SPEt and glibenclamide treated diabetic rats having 2.5 +/- 0.15 x 10(10) M(-1) (Kd1); 17.0 +/- 1.0 x 10(-8) M(-1) (Kd2), and 2.0 +/- 0.1 x 10(-10) M(-1) (Kd1); 12.3 +/- 0.9 x 10(-8) M(-1) (Kd2) compared with 1.0 +/- 0.08 x 10(-10) M(-1) (Kd1); 2.7 +/- 0.25 x 10(-8) M(-1) (Kd2) in DC rats. The results suggest an acute alteration in the number of insulin receptors on ER membranes in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Treatment with SPEt and glibenclamide significantly improved specific insulin binding, with receptor number and affinity binding (p < 0.001) reaching almost normal non-diabetic levels. The data presented here show that SPEt and glibenclamide increase total ER membrane insulin binding sites with a concomitant significant increase in plasma insulin.

Assessing antibiotic sorption in soil: a literature review and new case studies on sulfonamides and macrolides

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

The increased use of veterinary antibiotics in modern agriculture for therapeutic uses and growth promotion has raised concern regarding the environmental impacts of antibiotic residues in soil and water. The mobility and transport of antibiotics in the environment depends on their sorption behavior, which is typically predicted by extrapolating from an experimentally determined soil-water distribution coefficient (Kd). Accurate determination of Kd values is important in order to better predict the environmental fate of antibiotics. In this paper, we examine different analytical approaches in assessing Kd of two major classes of veterinary antibiotics (sulfonamides and macrolides) and compare the existing literature data with experimental data obtained in our laboratory. While environmental parameters such as soil pH and organic matter content are the most significant factors that affect the sorption of antibiotics in soil, it is important to consider the concentrations used, the analytical method employed, and the transformations that can occur when determining Kd values. Application of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry can facilitate accurate determination of Kd at environmentally relevant concentrations. Because the bioavailability of antibiotics in soil depends on their sorption behavior, it is important to examine current practices in assessing their mobility in soil. PMID:24438473

Native ESI Mass Spectrometry Can Help to Avoid Wrong Interpretations from Isothermal Titration Calorimetry in Difficult Situations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolff, Philippe; Da Veiga, Cyrielle; Ennifar, Eric; Bec, Guillaume; Guichard, Gilles; Burnouf, Dominique; Dumas, Philippe

2017-02-01

We studied by native ESI-MS the binding of various DNA-polymerase-derived peptides onto DNA-polymerase processivity rings from Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These homodimeric rings present two equivalent specific binding sites, which leads to successive formation during a titration experiment of singly- and doubly occupied rings. By using the ESI-MS free-ring spectrum as a ruler, we derived by robust linear regression the fractions of the different ring species at each step of a titration experiment. These results led to accurate Kd values (from 0.03 to 0.5 μM) along with the probability of peptide loss due to gas phase dissociation (GPD). We show that this good quality is due to the increased information content of a titration experiment with a homodimer. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) led with the same binding model to Kd(ITC) values systematically higher than their ESI-MS counterparts and, often, to poor fit of the ITC curves. A processing with two competing modes of binding on the same site requiring determination of two (Kd, ΔH) pairs greatly improved the fits and yielded a second Kd(ITC) close to Kd(ESI-MS). The striking features are: (1) ITC detected a minor binding mode ( 20%) of `low-affinity' that did not appear with ESI-MS; (2) the simplest processing of ITC data with only one (Kd, ΔH) pair led wrongly to the Kd of the low-affinity binding mode but to the ΔH of the high-affinity binding mode. Analogous misleading results might well exist in published data based on ITC experiments.

Sorption of Perfluorinated Compounds onto different types of sewage sludge and assessment of its importance during wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Arvaniti, Olga S; Andersen, Henrik R; Thomaidis, Nikolaos S; Stasinakis, Athanasios S

2014-09-01

The distribution coefficient (Kd) and the organic carbon distribution coefficient (KOC) were determined for four Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) to three different types of sludge taken from a conventional Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Batch experiments were performed in six different environmental relevant concentrations (200ngL(-1)to 5μgL(-1)) containing 1gL(-1) sludge. Kd values ranged from 330 to 6015, 329 to 17432 and 162 to 11770Lkg(-1) for primary, secondary and digested sludge, respectively. The effects of solution's pH, ionic strength and cation types on PFCs sorption were also evaluated. Sorption capacities of PFCs significantly decreased with increased pH values from 6 to 8. Furthermore, the divalent cation (Ca(2+)) enhanced PFCs sorption to a higher degree in comparison with the monovalent cation (Na(+)) at the same ionic strength. The obtained Kd values were applied to estimate the sorbed fractions of each PFC in different stages of a typical STP and to calculate their removal through treated wastewater and sludge. In primary settling tank, the predicted sorbed fractions ranged from 3% for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) to 55% for Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA), while in activated sludge tank and anaerobic digester sorption was more than 50% for all target compounds. Almost 86% of initial PFOA load is expected to be detected in treated wastewater; while Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), PFUdA and Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) can be significantly removed (>49%) via sorption to primary and excess secondary sludge. In anaerobic digester, the major part (>76%) of target PFCs is expected to be sorbed to sludge, while almost 3% of initial PFOA load will be detected in sludge leachates. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypoglycemia induced behavioural deficit and decreased GABA receptor, CREB expression in the cerebellum of streptozoticin induced diabetic rats.

PubMed

Sherin, A; Peeyush, K T; Naijil, G; Chinthu, R; Paulose, C S

2010-11-20

Intensive glycemic control during diabetes is associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycemia, which is the major barrier in blood glucose homeostasis during diabetes therapy. The CNS neurotransmitters play an important role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. In the present study, we showed the effects of hypoglycemia in diabetic and non- diabetic rats on motor functions and alterations of GABA receptor and CREB expression in the cerebellum. Cerebellar dysfunction is associated with seizure generation, motor deficits and memory impairment. Scatchard analysis of [(3)H]GABA binding in the cerebellum of diabetic hypoglycemic and control hypoglycemic rats showed significant (P<0.01) decrease in B(max) and K(d) compared to diabetic and control rats. Real-time PCR amplification of GABA receptor subunit GABA(Aα1) and GAD showed significant (P<0.001) down-regulation in the cerebellum of hypoglycemic rats compared to diabetic and control rats. Confocal imaging study confirmed the decreased GABA receptors in hypoglycemic rats. CREB mRNA expression was down-regulated during recurrent hypoglycemia. Both diabetic and non-diabetic hypoglycemic rats showed impaired performance in grid walk test compared to diabetic and control. Impaired GABA receptor and CREB expression along with motor function deficit were more prominent in hypoglycemic rats than hyperglycemic which showed that hypoglycemia is causing more neuronal damage at molecular level. These molecular changes observed during hypo/hyperglycemia contribute to motor and learning deficits which has clinical significance in diabetes treatment. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of membrane thickness and ion concentration on the properties of the gramicidin a channel. Autocorrelation, spectral power density, relaxation and single-channel studies.

PubMed

Kolb, H A; Bamberg, E

1977-01-04

The properties of the gramicidin A channel in membranes made from a series of monoglycerides have been studied. In agreement with previous studies, the dissociation rate constant kD of the dimeric channel was found to increase strongly with increasing chain length of the monoglyceride, corresponding to a decrease of the mean life-time of the channel. The value of kD, however, was not strictly correlated with the membrane thickness, as seen from a comparison of membranes with different solvent content. Furthermore, the life-time of the channel increased with the concentration of the permeable ion. This effect was tentatively explained by an electrostatic stabilization of the channel. The single-channel conductance lambda was found to decrease with increasing membrane thickness d, if d was varied by increasing the chain length of the lipid. On the other hand, if d was changed by varying the solvent content of the membranes formed from one and the same lipid, lambda remained constant. These observations were explained by the assumption of local inhomogeneities in the membrane thickness. A striking difference between the lambda values obtained from autocorrelation analysis in the presence of many presence of many channels (lambda a) and those obtained from single-channel experiments (lambda sc) occurred with membranes from longer chain-length monoglycerides. This difference disappeared at low ion concentrations. Electrostatic interactions between channels in local clusters were proposed for an interpretation of these findings.

Epidemiologic Features of Kawasaki Disease in Shanghai From 2008 Through 2012.

PubMed

Chen, Jing-Jing; Ma, Xiao-Jing; Liu, Fang; Yan, Wei-Li; Huang, Mei-Rong; Huang, Min; Huang, Guo-Ying

2016-01-01

This study was to investigate the epidemiologic trends of Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary arterial lesions (CALs) in Shanghai from 2008 through 2012. Data were collected by using the network of the KD research group established during the first survey in Shanghai to conduct the third survey, covering the period from 2008 through 2012. Clinical records of 2304 patients with acute KD were retrospectively reviewed. Epidemiologic features of KD were investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for CAL in patients with KD. The data were compared with the previous 2 surveys covering the periods from 1998 to 2002 and 2003 to 2007, respectively. The average incidence of KD was 30.3 to 71.9 per 100,000 children aged 0-4 years from 2008 through 2012. Age at onset ranged from 32 days to 11.7 years (median: 2.3 years). The occurrence of KD was more common in summer and spring. A total of 365 (15.9%) cases developed CAL defined as ectasia or aneurysm. Male, age ≤ 1 year, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) unresponsiveness, a smaller administrative dosage and the delayed administration of IVIG (>10 days) were independent risk factors for CAL. The occurrence of CAL seemed less frequent in patients who received IVIG within 5 days after onset of illness. The incidence of KD in children has increased over time, and the development of CAL decreased in the past 5 years in Shanghai. Earlier treatment with IVIG (<5 days) was associated with reduced CAL among patients with KD.

Ketogenic diet improves the spatial memory impairment caused by exposure to hypobaric hypoxia through increased acetylation of histones in rats.

PubMed

Zhao, Ming; Huang, Xin; Cheng, Xiang; Lin, Xiao; Zhao, Tong; Wu, Liying; Yu, Xiaodan; Wu, Kuiwu; Fan, Ming; Zhu, Lingling

2017-01-01

Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia causes neuron cell damage, resulting in impaired cognitive function. Effective interventions to antagonize hypobaric hypoxia-induced memory impairment are in urgent need. Ketogenic diet (KD) has been successfully used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy and improves cognitive behaviors in epilepsy patients and other pathophysiological animal models. In the present study, we aimed to explore the potential beneficial effects of a KD on memory impairment caused by hypobaric hypoxia and the underlying possible mechanisms. We showed that the KD recipe used was ketogenic and increased plasma levels of ketone bodies, especially β-hydroxybutyrate. The results of the behavior tests showed that the KD did not affect general locomotor activity but obviously promoted spatial learning. Moreover, the KD significantly improved the spatial memory impairment caused by hypobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude of 6000 m, 24 h). In addition, the improving-effect of KD was mimicked by intraperitoneal injection of BHB. The western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that KD treatment not only increased the acetylated levels of histone H3 and histone H4 compared to that of the control group but also antagonized the decrease in the acetylated histone H3 and H4 when exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Furthermore, KD-hypoxia treatment also promoted PKA/CREB activation and BDNF protein expression compared to the effects of hypoxia alone. These results demonstrated that KD is a promising strategy to improve spatial memory impairment caused by hypobaric hypoxia, in which increased modification of histone acetylation plays an important role.

Prolonged bed rest decreases skeletal muscle and whole body protein synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrando, A. A.; Lane, H. W.; Stuart, C. A.; Davis-Street, J.; Wolfe, R. R.

1996-01-01

We sought to determine the extent to which the loss of lean body mass and nitrogen during inactivity was due to alterations in skeletal muscle protein metabolism. Six male subjects were studied during 7 days of diet stabilization and after 14 days of stimulated microgravity (-6 degrees bed rest). Nitrogen balance became more negative (P < 0.03) during the 2nd wk of bed rest. Leg and whole body lean mass decreased after bed rest (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol, insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and testosterone values did not change. Arteriovenous model calculations based on the infusion of L-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine in five subjects revealed a 50% decrease in muscle protein synthesis (PS; P < 0.03). Fractional PS by tracer incorporation into muscle protein also decreased by 46% (P < 0.05). The decrease in PS was related to a corresponding decrease in the sum of intracellular amino acid appearance from protein breakdown and inward transport. Whole body protein synthesis determined by [15N]alanine ingestion on six subjects also revealed a 14% decrease (P < 0.01). Neither model-derived nor whole body values for protein breakdown change significantly. These results indicate that the loss of body protein with inactivity is predominantly due to a decrease in muscle PS and that this decrease is reflected in both whole body and skeletal muscle measures.

Effective therapy with infliximab for clinically mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion in an infant with Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

Kurokawa, Yoshie; Masuda, Hiroshi; Kobayashi, Tohru; Ono, Hiroshi; Kato, Hitoshi; Imadome, Ken-Ichi; Abe, Jun; Abe, Yuichi; Ito, Shuichi; Ishiguro, Akira

2017-01-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis in infants. In KD, encephalopathy is rarely (0.1%) associated, however, clinically mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) has previously been reported in some pediatric patients. Here, we report on a 2-year-old girl who had KD complicated with MERS. The patient experienced generalized clonic convulsion and prolonged consciousness disturbance with fever for 2 days. Her head MRI showed a high signal intensity lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum in diffusion-weighted images, and low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values on day 3. An electroencephalogram showed high voltage slow waves on the occipital and parietal head. On the same day, it was confirmed that the patient showed all the main symptoms of KD. Based on these findings, we diagnosed her with MERS-complicated KD. Even though she was treated with immunoglobulin (total 4 g/kg) and pulsed-dose methylprednisolone, her fever and consciousness disturbance continued, and blood tests showed that inflammation markers remained high. We then treated the patient with infliximab on day 9, and within a few hours of the treatment her fever dropped and all symptoms of KD and consciousness disturbance disappeared. No recurrence of KD or other complications of KD occurred, and she was discharged on day 23. We propose that infliximab is an effective optional treatment for immunoglobulin/glucocorticoid-resistant KD with MERS. To clarify this possibility, further case accumulation is warranted.

Claudin-31 contributes to corticosteroid-induced alterations in the barrier properties of the gill epithelium.

PubMed

Kolosov, Dennis; Donini, Andrew; Kelly, Scott P

2017-01-05

The contribution of Claudin-31 (Cldn-31) to corticosteroid-induced tightening of the trout gill epithelium was examined using a primary cultured model preparation. Cldn-31 is a ∼23 kDa protein that localizes to the periphery of gill epithelial cells and diffusely in select gill cells that are Na + -K + -ATPase-immunoreactive. Transcriptional knockdown (KD) of cldn-31 reduced Cldn-31 abundance and increased epithelium permeability. Under simulated in vivo conditions (apical freshwater), cldn-31 KD increased net ion flux rates (≡ efflux). Cortisol treatment increased Cldn-31 abundance and decreased epithelium permeability. This tightening effect was diminished, but not eliminated, by cldn-31 KD, most likely due to other cortisol-sensitive TJ proteins that were transcriptionally unperturbed or enhanced in cortisol-treated cldn-31 KD preparations. However, cldn-31 KD abolished a cortisol-induced increase in Cldn-8d abundance, which may contribute to compromised cldn-31 KD epithelium permeability. Data suggest an important barrier function for Cldn-31 and an integral role for Cldn-31 in corticosteroid-induced gill epithelium tightening. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Screening Utility of the King-Devick Test in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease Dementia.

PubMed

Galetta, Kristin M; Chapman, Kimberly R; Essis, Maritza D; Alosco, Michael L; Gillard, Danielle; Steinberg, Eric; Dixon, Diane; Martin, Brett; Chaisson, Christine E; Kowall, Neil W; Tripodis, Yorghos; Balcer, Laura J; Stern, Robert A

2017-01-01

The King-Devick (K-D) test is a 1 to 2 minute, rapid number naming test, often used to assist with detection of concussion, but also has clinical utility in other neurological conditions (eg, Parkinson disease). The K-D involves saccadic eye and other eye movements, and abnormalities thereof may be an early indicator of Alzheimer disease (AD)-associated cognitive impairment. No study has tested the utility of the K-D in AD and we sought to do so. The sample included 206 [135 controls, 39 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 32 AD dementia] consecutive subjects from the Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center registry undergoing their initial annual evaluation between March 2013 and July 2015. The K-D was administered during this period. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves generated from logistic regression models revealed the K-D test distinguished controls from subjects with cognitive impairment (MCI and AD dementia) [area under the curve (AUC)=0.72], MCI (AUC=0.71) and AD dementia (AUC=0.74). K-D time scores between 48 and 52 seconds were associated with high sensitivity (>90.0%) and negative predictive values (>85.0%) for each diagnostic group. The K-D correlated strongly with validated attention, processing speed, and visual scanning tests. The K-D test may be a rapid and simple effective screening tool to detect cognitive impairment associated with AD.

Adipose Triglyceride Lipase Is Implicated in Fuel- and Non-fuel-stimulated Insulin Secretion*

PubMed Central

Peyot, Marie-Line; Guay, Claudiane; Latour, Martin G.; Lamontagne, Julien; Lussier, Roxane; Pineda, Marco; Ruderman, Neil B.; Haemmerle, Guenter; Zechner, Rudolf; Joly, Érik; Madiraju, S. R. Murthy; Poitout, Vincent; Prentki, Marc

2009-01-01

Reduced lipolysis in hormone-sensitive lipase-deficient mice is associated with impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), suggesting that endogenous β-cell lipid stores provide signaling molecules for insulin release. Measurements of lipolysis and triglyceride (TG) lipase activity in islets from HSL−/− mice indicated the presence of other TG lipase(s) in the β-cell. Using real time-quantitative PCR, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) was found to be the most abundant TG lipase in rat islets and INS832/13 cells. To assess its role in insulin secretion, ATGL expression was decreased in INS832/13 cells (ATGL-knockdown (KD)) by small hairpin RNA. ATGL-KD increased the esterification of free fatty acid (FFA) into TG. ATGL-KD cells showed decreased glucose- or Gln + Leu-induced insulin release, as well as reduced response to KCl or palmitate at high, but not low, glucose. The KATP-independent/amplification pathway of GSIS was considerably reduced in ATGL-KD cells. ATGL−/− mice were hypoinsulinemic and hypoglycemic and showed decreased plasma TG and FFAs. A hyperglycemic clamp revealed increased insulin sensitivity and decreased GSIS and arginine-induced insulin secretion in ATGL−/− mice. Accordingly, isolated islets from ATGL−/− mice showed reduced insulin secretion in response to glucose, glucose + palmitate, and KCl. Islet TG content and FFA esterification into TG were increased by 2-fold in ATGL−/− islets, but glucose usage and oxidation were unaltered. The results demonstrate the importance of ATGL and intracellular lipid signaling for fuel- and non-fuel-induced insulin secretion. PMID:19389712

EGFR Is Regulated by TFAP2C in Luminal Breast Cancer and Is a Target for Vandetanib.

PubMed

De Andrade, James P; Park, Jung M; Gu, Vivian W; Woodfield, George W; Kulak, Mikhail V; Lorenzen, Allison W; Wu, Vincent T; Van Dorin, Sarah E; Spanheimer, Philip M; Weigel, Ronald J

2016-03-01

Expression of TFAP2C in luminal breast cancer is associated with reduced survival and hormone resistance, partially explained through regulation of RET. TFAP2C also regulates EGFR in HER2 breast cancer. We sought to elucidate the regulation and functional role of EGFR in luminal breast cancer. We used gene knockdown (KD) and treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in cell lines and primary cancer isolates to determine the role of RET and EGFR in regulation of p-ERK and tumorigenesis. KD of TFAP2C decreased expression of EGFR in a panel of luminal breast cancers, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) confirmed that TFAP2C targets the EGFR gene. Stable KD of TFAP2C significantly decreased cell proliferation and tumor growth, mediated in part through EGFR. While KD of RET or EGFR reduced proliferation (31% and 34%, P < 0.01), combined KD reduced proliferation greater than either alone (52% reduction, P < 0.01). The effect of the TKI vandetanib on proliferation and tumor growth response of MCF-7 cells was dependent upon expression of TFAP2C, and dual KD of RET and EGFR eliminated the effects of vandetanib. The response of primary luminal breast cancers to TKIs assessed by ERK activation established a correlation with expression of RET and EGFR. We conclude that TFAP2C regulates EGFR in luminal breast cancer. Response to vandetanib was mediated through the TFAP2C target genes EGFR and RET. Vandetanib may provide a therapeutic effect in luminal breast cancer, and RET and EGFR can serve as molecular markers for response. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

EGFR Is Regulated by TFAP2C in Luminal Breast Cancer and Is a Target for Vandetanib

PubMed Central

De Andrade, James P.; Park, Jung M.; Gu, Vivian W.; Woodfield, George W.; Kulak, Mikhail V.; Lorenzen, Allison W.; Wu, Vincent T.; Van Dorin, Sarah E.; Spanheimer, Philip M.; Weigel, Ronald J.

2016-01-01

Expression of TFAP2C in luminal breast cancer is associated with reduced survival and hormone resistance, partially explained through regulation of RET. TFAP2C also regulates EGFR in HER2 breast cancer. We sought to elucidate the regulation and functional role of EGFR in luminal breast cancer. We used gene knockdown (KD) and treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in cell lines and primary cancer isolates to determine the role of RET and EGFR in regulation of p-ERK and tumorigenesis. KD of TFAP2C decreased expression of EGFR in a panel of luminal breast cancers and ChIP-seq confirmed that TFAP2C targets the EGFR gene. Stable KD of TFAP2C significantly decreased cell proliferation and tumor growth, mediated in part through EGFR. While KD of RET or EGFR reduced proliferation (31% and 34%, p < 0.01), combined KD reduced proliferation greater than either alone (52% reduction, p < 0.01). The effect of the TKI vandetanib on proliferation and tumor growth response of MCF-7 cells was dependent upon expression of TFAP2C and dual KD of RET and EGFR eliminated the effects of vandetanib. The response of primary luminal breast cancers to TKIs assessed by ERK activation established a correlation with expression of RET and EGFR. We conclude that TFAP2C regulates EGFR in luminal breast cancer. Response to vandetanib was mediated though the TFAP2C target genes EGFR and RET. Vandetanib may provide a therapeutic effect in luminal breast cancer, and RET and EGFR can serve as molecular markers for response. PMID:26832794

Cause-effect relations between 55 kD soluble TNF receptor concentrations and specific and unspecific symptoms in a patient with mild SLE disease activity: an exploratory time series analysis study.

PubMed

Schubert, Christian; Haberkorn, Julia; Ocaña-Peinado, Francisco M; König, Paul; Sepp, Norbert; Schnapka-Köpf, Mirjam; Fuchs, Dietmar

2015-09-21

This integrative single-case study investigated the 12 h-to-12 h cause-effect relations between 55 kD soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (sTNF-R55) and specific and unspecific symptoms in a 52-year-old Caucasian woman with mild systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. The patient collected her entire urine for 56 days in 12 h-intervals to determine sTNF-R55/creatinine and protein/creatinine levels (ELISA, HPLC). Additionally, twice a day, she took notes on oral ulceration and facial rash; answered questionnaires (VAS) on fatigue, weakness, and joint pain; and measured body temperature orally. Time series analysis consisted of ARIMA modeling and cross-correlational analyses (significance level = p < 0.05). Time series analysis revealed both a circadian and a circasemiseptan rhythm in the urinary sTNF-R55 data. Moreover, several significant lagged correlations between urinary sTNF-R55 concentrations and SLE symptoms in both directions of effect were identified. Specifically, increased urinary sTNF-R55 concentrations preceded decreased urinary protein levels by 36-48 h (r = -0.213) and, in the opposite direction of effect, increased protein levels preceded increased sTNF-R55 concentrations by 24-36 h (r = +0.202). In addition, increased urinary sTNF-R55 levels preceded increased oral ulcers by 36-48 h (r = +0.277) and, conversely, increased oral ulceration preceded decreased sTNF-R55 levels by 36-48 h (r = -0.313). Moreover, increased urinary sTNF-R55 levels preceded decreased facial rash by 36-48 h (r = -0.223) and followed increased body temperature after 36-48 h (r = +0.209). Weakness, fatigue and joint pain were not significantly correlated with urinary sTNF-R55 levels. This study gathered first evidence of real-life, long-term feedback loops between cytokines and SLE symptoms in mild SLE disease activity. Such insights into the potential role of sTNF-R55 in SLE would not have been possible had we applied a pre-post design group study. These

Anomalous decrease in relatively large shocks and increase in the p and b values preceding the April 16, 2016, M7.3 earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nanjo, K. Z.; Yoshida, A.

2017-01-01

The 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes in Kyushu, Japan, started with a magnitude ( M) 6.5 quake on April 14 on the Hinagu fault zone (FZ), followed by active seismicity including an M6.4 quake. Eventually, an M7.3 quake occurred on April 16 on the Futagawa FZ. We investigated if any sign indicative of the M7.3 quake could be found in the space-time changes in seismicity after the M6.5 quake. As a quality control, we determined in advance the threshold magnitude, above which all earthquakes are completely recorded. We then showed that the occurrence rate of relatively large ( M ≥ 3) earthquakes significantly decreased 1 day before the M7.3 quake. Significance of this decrease was evaluated by one standard deviation of sampled changes in the rate of occurrence. We next confirmed that seismicity with M ≥ 3 was well modeled by the Omori-Utsu law with p 1.5 ± 0.3, which indicates that the temporal decay of seismicity was significantly faster than a typical decay with p = 1. The larger p value was obtained when we used data of the longer time period in the analysis. This significance was confirmed by a bootstrapping approach. Our detailed analysis shows that the large p value was caused by the rapid decay of the seismicity in the northern area around the Futagawa FZ. Application of the slope (the b value) of the Gutenberg-Richter frequency-magnitude distribution to the spatiotemporal change in the seismicity revealed that the b value in the northern area increased significantly, the increase being Δ b = 0.3-0.5. Significance was verified by a statistical test of Δ b and a test using bootstrapping errors. Based on our findings, combined with the results obtained by a stress inversion analysis performed by the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, we suggested that stress near the Futagawa FZ had reduced just prior to the occurrence of the M7.3 quake. We proposed, with some other observations, that a reduction in stress might have been

miR-483 Targeting of CTGF Suppresses Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition: Therapeutic Implications in Kawasaki Disease

PubMed Central

He, Ming; Chen, Zhen; Martin, Marcy; Zhang, Jin; Sangwung, Panjamaporn; Woo, Brian; Tremoulet, Adriana H.; Shimizu, Chisato; Jain, Mukesh K.; Burns, Jane C.; Shyy, John Y-J.

2016-01-01

Rationale Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is implicated in myofibroblast-like cell-mediated damage to the coronary arterial wall in acute Kawasaki disease (KD) patients, as evidenced by positive staining for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and EndoMT markers in KD autopsy tissues. However, little is known about the molecular basis of EndoMT involved in KD. Objective We investigated the microRNA (miRNA) regulation of CTGF and the consequent EndoMT in KD pathogenesis. As well, the modulation of this process by statin therapy was studied. Methods and Results Sera from healthy children and KD subjects were incubated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cardiovascular disease-related miRNAs, CTGF, and EndoMT markers were quantified using RT-qPCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. Compared to healthy controls, HUVEC incubated with sera from acute KD patients had decreased miR-483, increased CTGF, and increased EndoMT markers. Bioinformatics analysis followed by functional validation demonstrated that Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) transactivates miR-483, which in turn targets the 3′ untranslated region of CTGF mRNA. Overexpression of KLF4 or pre-miR-483 suppressed, whereas knockdown of KLF4 or anti-miR-483 enhanced, CTGF expression in ECs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, atorvastatin, currently being tested in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in KD children, induced KLF4-miR-483, which suppressed CTGF and EndoMT in ECs. Conclusions KD sera suppress the KLF4-miR-483 axis in ECs leading to increased expression of CTGF and induction of EndoMT. This detrimental process in the endothelium may contribute to coronary artery abnormalities in KD patients. Statin therapy may benefit acute KD patients, in part through the restoration of KLF4-miR-483 expression. Clinical Trial Registration NCT01431105 PMID:27923814

Ketogenic diet for high partial pressure oxygen diving.

PubMed

Valadao, Jason M; Vigilante, John A; DiGeorge, Nicholas W; O'Connor, Sunila E; Bear, Alexandria; Kenyon, Jeffrey; Annis, Heather; Dituri, Joseph; Dituri, Amy E; Whelan, Harry T

2014-01-01

A ketogenic diet (KD) may decrease central nervous system oxygen toxicity symptoms in divers, and in view of this implication a feasibility/ toxicity pilot study was performed to demonstrate tolerance of KD while performing normal diving profiles. The exact mechanism of neuroprotection from the KD remains unknown; however, evidence to support the efficacy of the KD in reducing seizures is present in epilepsy and oxygen toxicity studies, and may provide valuable insight in diving activities. Three divers (two males and one female ages 32-45 with a history of deep diving and high pO2 exposure) on the KD made dives to varying depths in Hawaii using fully closed-circuit MK-15 and Inspiration rebreathers. These rebreathers have an electronically controlled set point, allowing the divers to monitor and control the oxygen level in the breathing loop, which can be varied manually by the divers. Oxygen level was varied during descent, bottom depth and ascent (decompression). Divers fasted for 12-18 hours before diet initiation. The ketosis level was verified by urinating on a Ketostix (reagent strips for urinalysis). Ketosis was achieved and was easily monitored with Ketostix in the simulated operational environment. The KD did not interfere with the diving mission; no seizure activity or signs or symptoms of CNS toxicity were observed, and there were no adverse effects noted by the divers while on the KD.

Evaluation of echogenicity of the heart in Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

Nagata, Hazumu; Yamamura, Kenichiro; Uike, Kiyoshi; Nakashima, Yasutaka; Hirata, Yuichiro; Morihana, Eiji; Mizuno, Yumi; Ishikawa, Shiro; Hara, Toshiro

2014-08-01

Pathologic studies of the heart in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) revealed vasculitis, valvulitis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. However, there have been no studies on the quantitative determination of multi-site echogenicity of the heart in KD patients. It is also undetermined whether the degree of echogenicity of each site of the heart in patients with KD might be related to the response to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. In 81 KD patients and 30 control subjects, we prospectively analyzed echogenicity of the heart. Echogenicity was measured in four sites: coronary artery wall (CAW), mitral valve (MV), papillary muscle (PM), and ascending aortic wall (AAo wall) by the calibrated integrated backscatters (cIBs). The cIB values of all measurement sites at acute phase in KD patients were significantly higher than those in control subjects (KD patients vs control subjects; CAW, 19.8 ± 6.2 dB vs 14.5 ± 2.0 dB, p < 0.05; MV, 23.3 ± 5.3 dB vs 16.0 ± 3.3 dB, p < 0.05; PM, 22.4 ± 5.1 dB vs 12.7 ± 1.9 dB, p < 0.05; AAo wall, 25.3 ± 5.6 dB vs 18.3 ± 3.4 dB, p < 0.05). The cIB values of CAW at the acute phase in IVIG nonresponders were significantly higher than those in responders. Conclusion: Echogenicity of the heart in KD patients at the acute phase increased not only in the coronary artery wall but also in other parts of the heart. Echogenicity of CAW might be helpful in determining the unresponsiveness of IVIG treatment.

Results of a prospective clinical study on the diagnostic performance of standard magnetic resonance imaging in comparison to a combination of 3T MRI and additional CT imaging in Kienböck's disease.

PubMed

Stahl, Stephane; Hentschel, Pascal; Ketelsen, Dominik; Grosse, Ulrich; Held, Manuel; Wahler, Theodora; Syha, Roland; Schaller, Hans-Eberhard; Nikolaou, Konstantin; Grözinger, Gerd

2017-05-01

This prospective clinical study examined standard wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and the incremental value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of Kienböck's disease (KD) with regard to reliability and precision in the different diagnostic steps during diagnostic work-up. Sixty-four consecutive patients referred between January 2009 and January 2014 with positive initial suspicion of KD according to external standard wrist MRI were prospectively included (step one). Institutional review board approval was obtained. Clinical examination by two handsurgeons were followed by wrist radiographs (step two), ultrathin-section CT, and 3T contrast-enhanced MRI (step three). Final diagnosis was established in a consensus conference involving all examiners and all examinations results available from step three. In 12/64 patients, initial suspicion was discarded at step two and in 34/64 patients, the initial suspicion of KD was finally discarded at step three. The final external MRI positive predictive value was 47%. The most common differential diagnoses at step three were intraosseous cysts (n=15), lunate pseudarthrosis (n=13), and ulnar impaction syndrome (n=5). A correlation between radiograph-based diagnoses (step two) with final diagnosis (step three) showed that initial suspicion of stage I KD had the lowest sensitivity for correct diagnosis (2/11). Technical factors associated with a false positive external MRI KD diagnosis were not found. Standard wrist MRI should be complemented with thin-section CT, and interdisciplinary interpretation of images and clinical data, to increase diagnostic accuracy in patients with suspected KD. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Enantiomeric selectivity in adsorption of chiral β-blockers on sludge.

PubMed

Sanganyado, Edmond; Fu, Qiuguo; Gan, Jay

2016-07-01

Adsorption of weakly basic compounds by sludge is poorly understood, although it has important implications on the distribution and fate of such micropollutants in wastewater effluent and sludge. Additionally, many of these compounds are chiral, and it is likely that their interactions with sludge is stereoselective and that the process may be further modified by surfactants that coexist in these systems. Adsorption of (R) and (S)-enantiomers of five commonly used β-blockers, i.e., acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, pindolol and propranolol, on sludge was characterized through batch experiments. Stereoselectivity in adsorption increased with decreases in hydrophobicity of the β-blockers. The enantiomeric fraction (EF) of the amount of acebutolol, atenolol and metoprolol sorbed on sludge were 0.27, 0.55 and 0.32, respectively. Thus, Kd values of the (S)-enantiomers of acebutolol and metoprolol were approximately twice that of the (R)-enantiomer, that is, 109 ± 11 and 57 ± 8 L/kg compared to 52 ± 13 and 22 ± 8 L/kg, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in Kd values of the enantiomers of pindolol and propranolol, suggesting stereoselectivity in adsorption was likely driven by specific polar interactions rather than hydrophobic interactions. The EF value of atenolol decreased from 0.55 ± 0.03 to 0.44 ± 0.04 after modifying the sludge with Triton X 100. These results suggested that surfactants altered adsorption of β-blockers to sludge, likely by forming ion pair complexes that promote hydrophobic interactions with the solid surfaces. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sorption behaviour of nonylphenol and nonylphenol monoethoxylate in soils.

PubMed

Milinovic, J; Lacorte, S; Rigol, A; Vidal, M

2015-11-01

Sorption behaviour of two alkylphenolic compounds (APCs), nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO), was studied in five soils with contrasting characteristics. Sorption isotherms were obtained by equilibrating the soil samples with 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2 solutions containing different initial concentrations of NP or NP1EO. Linear fitting was generally appropriate for describing the sorption behaviour of NP and NP1EO in the soils, with the exception of two cases, for which the Freundlich model was more suitable for describing the sorption pattern of NP1EO. Solid-liquid distribution coefficients derived from sorption isotherms (Kd) varied from 24 to 1059 mL g(-1) for NP and from 51 to 740 mL g(-1) for NP1EO. For most soils, sorption Kd values were higher for NP than for NP1EO due to the higher hydrophobicity of NP. Sorption reversibility of NP and NP1EO was also tested from desorption isotherms. Desorption solid-liquid distribution coefficients (Kd,des), obtained from linear fitting, were between 130 and 1467 mL g(-1) for NP and between 24 and 1285 mL g(-1) for NP1EO. Kd,des values were higher than Kd values, which demonstrated that target compounds were irreversibly sorbed into soils, with the exception of the high desorption yield (45%) of NP1EO in the soil with the lowest content of organic matter. The fraction of soil organic carbon (FOC) was a key parameter that influenced the sorption of NP and NP1EO in soils, with logKOC values of 4.0 and 3.8, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a Water Clarity Index for the Southeastern U.S. As a Climate Indicator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheridan, S. C.; Hu, C.; Lee, C. C.; Barnes, B.; Pirhalla, D.; Ransi, V.; Shein, K. A.

2014-12-01

A common index of water quality is water clarity, which can be estimated by measuring the diffuse attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance (Kd). Kd estimates the availability of light to marine organisms at various depths. Marine habitats, including such species as coral and seagrass, can be negatively affected by extreme episodes of sediment suspension, where water clarity is reduced and little light penetrates. Evidence of increased stress on coastal ecosystems exists, partially due to climate change, yet a systematic analysis of extreme events and trends is difficult due to limited data. To address this concern, we have developed as a potential climate indicator a Kd-Index for nine regions along the US coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in which Kd values have been standardized over time and space to allow for a more holistic assessment of climate drivers and their trends. Variability in the Kd-Index is then assessed with regard to occurrences of surface weather types (using the Spatial Synoptic Classification), a synoptic climatology of mean sea-level-pressure patterns across the region, along with heavy precipitation events. Kd can be estimated from MODIS and SeaWiFS observations from 1997 to date; an earlier period of satellite observations from 1978-86 is also available. A non-linear autoregressive neural network model with external input (NARX) is used to develop the historical relationship between Kd-Index and atmospheric conditions, and then this model is used to simulate a full time series from 1948 to 2013. The modeled data set is strongly correlated with observations, with correlations above 0.8 for many regions. Hit rates of extreme Kd-Index values - those which would most likely be associated with a negative environmental impact - exceed 70% in some regions. Across the full data set, long term trends vary slightly across regions but are generally small. Trends in extreme events appear to be more consistently increasing across the domain.

The Gut Microbiota Mediates the Anti-Seizure Effects of the Ketogenic Diet.

PubMed

Olson, Christine A; Vuong, Helen E; Yano, Jessica M; Liang, Qingxing Y; Nusbaum, David J; Hsiao, Elaine Y

2018-06-14

The ketogenic diet (KD) is used to treat refractory epilepsy, but the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects remain unclear. Here, we show that the gut microbiota is altered by the KD and required for protection against acute electrically induced seizures and spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures in two mouse models. Mice treated with antibiotics or reared germ free are resistant to KD-mediated seizure protection. Enrichment of, and gnotobiotic co-colonization with, KD-associated Akkermansia and Parabacteroides restores seizure protection. Moreover, transplantation of the KD gut microbiota and treatment with Akkermansia and Parabacteroides each confer seizure protection to mice fed a control diet. Alterations in colonic lumenal, serum, and hippocampal metabolomic profiles correlate with seizure protection, including reductions in systemic gamma-glutamylated amino acids and elevated hippocampal GABA/glutamate levels. Bacterial cross-feeding decreases gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity, and inhibiting gamma-glutamylation promotes seizure protection in vivo. Overall, this study reveals that the gut microbiota modulates host metabolism and seizure susceptibility in mice. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cloning and expression of 130-kd mosquito-larvicidal delta-endotoxin gene of Bacillus thuringiensis var. Israelensis in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Angsuthanasombat, C; Chungjatupornchai, W; Kertbundit, S; Luxananil, P; Settasatian, C; Wilairat, P; Panyim, S

1987-07-01

Five recombinant E. coli clones exhibiting toxicity to Aedes aegypti larvae were obtained from a library of 800 clones containing XbaI DNA fragments of 110 kb plasmid from B. thuringiensis var. israelensis. All the five clones (pMU 14/258/303/388/679) had the same 3.8-kb insert and encoded a major protein of 130 kDa which was highly toxic to A. aegypti larvae. Three clones (pMU 258/303/388) transcribed the 130 kD a gene in the same direction as that of lac Z promoter of pUC12 vector whereas the transcription of the other two (pMU 14/679) was in the opposite direction. A 1.9-kb fragment of the 3.8 kb insert coded for a protein of 65 kDa. Partial DNA sequence of the 3.8 kb insert, corresponding to the 5'-terminal of the 130 kDa gene, revealed a continuous reading frame, a Shine-Dalgarno sequence and a tentative 5'-regulatory region. These results demonstrated that the 3.8 kb insert is a minimal DNA fragment containing a regulatory region plus the coding sequence of the 130 kDa protein that is highly toxic to mosquito larvae.

Graphene-coated materials using silica particles as a framework for highly efficient removal of aromatic pollutants in water

PubMed Central

Yang, Kaijie; Chen, Baoliang; Zhu, Lizhong

2015-01-01

The substantial aggregation of pristine graphene nanosheets decreases its powerful adsorption capacity and diminishes its practical applications. To overcome this shortcoming, graphene-coated materials (GCMs) were prepared by loading graphene onto silica nanoparticles (SiO2). With the support of SiO2, the stacked interlamination of graphene was held open to expose the powerful adsorption sites in the interlayers. The adsorption of phenanthrene, a model aromatic pollutant, onto the loaded graphene nanosheets increased up to 100 fold compared with pristine graphene at the same level. The adsorption of GCMs increased with the loading amount of the graphene nanosheets and dramatically decreased with the introduction of oxygen-containing groups in the graphene nanosheets. The highly hydrophobic effect and the strong π-π stacking interactions of the exposed graphene nanosheets contributed to their superior adsorption of GCMs. An unusual GCM peak adsorption coefficient (Kd) was observed with the increase in sorbate concentration. The sorbate concentration at peak Kd shifted to lower values for the reduced graphene oxide and graphene relative to the graphene oxide. Therefore, the replacement of water nanodroplets attached to the graphene nanosheets through weak non-hydrogen bonding with phenanthrene molecules via strong π-π stacking interactions is hypothesized to be an additional adsorption mechanism for GCMs. PMID:26119007

Graphene-coated materials using silica particles as a framework for highly efficient removal of aromatic pollutants in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kaijie; Chen, Baoliang; Zhu, Lizhong

2015-06-01

The substantial aggregation of pristine graphene nanosheets decreases its powerful adsorption capacity and diminishes its practical applications. To overcome this shortcoming, graphene-coated materials (GCMs) were prepared by loading graphene onto silica nanoparticles (SiO2). With the support of SiO2, the stacked interlamination of graphene was held open to expose the powerful adsorption sites in the interlayers. The adsorption of phenanthrene, a model aromatic pollutant, onto the loaded graphene nanosheets increased up to 100 fold compared with pristine graphene at the same level. The adsorption of GCMs increased with the loading amount of the graphene nanosheets and dramatically decreased with the introduction of oxygen-containing groups in the graphene nanosheets. The highly hydrophobic effect and the strong π-π stacking interactions of the exposed graphene nanosheets contributed to their superior adsorption of GCMs. An unusual GCM peak adsorption coefficient (Kd) was observed with the increase in sorbate concentration. The sorbate concentration at peak Kd shifted to lower values for the reduced graphene oxide and graphene relative to the graphene oxide. Therefore, the replacement of water nanodroplets attached to the graphene nanosheets through weak non-hydrogen bonding with phenanthrene molecules via strong π-π stacking interactions is hypothesized to be an additional adsorption mechanism for GCMs.

Graphene-coated materials using silica particles as a framework for highly efficient removal of aromatic pollutants in water.

PubMed

Yang, Kaijie; Chen, Baoliang; Zhu, Lizhong

2015-06-29

The substantial aggregation of pristine graphene nanosheets decreases its powerful adsorption capacity and diminishes its practical applications. To overcome this shortcoming, graphene-coated materials (GCMs) were prepared by loading graphene onto silica nanoparticles (SiO2). With the support of SiO2, the stacked interlamination of graphene was held open to expose the powerful adsorption sites in the interlayers. The adsorption of phenanthrene, a model aromatic pollutant, onto the loaded graphene nanosheets increased up to 100 fold compared with pristine graphene at the same level. The adsorption of GCMs increased with the loading amount of the graphene nanosheets and dramatically decreased with the introduction of oxygen-containing groups in the graphene nanosheets. The highly hydrophobic effect and the strong π-π stacking interactions of the exposed graphene nanosheets contributed to their superior adsorption of GCMs. An unusual GCM peak adsorption coefficient (Kd) was observed with the increase in sorbate concentration. The sorbate concentration at peak Kd shifted to lower values for the reduced graphene oxide and graphene relative to the graphene oxide. Therefore, the replacement of water nanodroplets attached to the graphene nanosheets through weak non-hydrogen bonding with phenanthrene molecules via strong π-π stacking interactions is hypothesized to be an additional adsorption mechanism for GCMs.

Methods for Estimating Adsorbed Uranium(VI) and Distribution Coefficients of Contaminated Sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kohler, M.; Curtis, G.P.; Meece, D.E.; Davis, J.A.

2004-01-01

Assessing the quantity of U(VI) that participates in sorption/desorption processes in a contaminated aquifer is an important task when investigating U migration behavior. U-contaminated aquifer sediments were obtained from 16 different locations at a former U mill tailings site at Naturita, CO (U.S.A.) and were extracted with an artificial groundwater, a high pH sodium bicarbonate solution, hydroxylamine hydrochloride solution, and concentrated nitric acid. With an isotopic exchange method, both a KD value for the specific experimental conditions as well as the total exchangeable mass of U(VI) was determined. Except for one sample, KD values determined by isotopic exchange with U-contaminated sediments that were in equilibrium with atmospheric CO2 agreed within a factor of 2 with KD values predicted from a nonelectrostatic surface complexation model (NEM) developed from U(VI) adsorption experiments with uncontaminated sediments. The labile fraction of U(VI) and U extracted by the bicarbonate solution were highly correlated (r2 = 0.997), with a slope of 0.96 ?? 0.01. The proximity of the slope to one suggests that both methods likely access the same reservoir of U(VI) associated with the sediments. The results indicate that the bicarbonate extraction method is useful for estimating the mass of labile U(VI) in sediments that do not contain U(IV). In-situ KD values calculated from the measured labile U(VI) and the dissolved U(VI) in the Naturita alluvial aquifer agreed within a factor of 3 with in-situ K D values predicted with the NEM and groundwater chemistry at each well.

Cost-effectiveness of carfilzomib plus dexamethasone compared with bortezomib plus dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the United States.

PubMed

Jakubowiak, Andrzej J; Houisse, Ivan; Májer, István; Benedict, Ágnes; Campioni, Marco; Panjabi, Sumeet; Ailawadhi, Sikander

2017-12-01

We assessed the economic value of carfilzomib 56 mg/m 2 and dexamethasone (Kd56) vs. bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM) using ENDEAVOR trial results. Cost-effectiveness of Kd56 vs. Vd was assessed using a partitioned survival model by estimating progression-free survival, overall survival, and direct costs over a lifetime horizon. Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) survival data were extrapolated after matching registry and ENDEAVOR patients. Utilities were sourced from the literature and mapped from patient-reported quality of life in ENDEAVOR to estimate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) from life-years (LYs). The model predicted an average gain of 1.66 LYs and 1.50 QALYs with Kd56 vs. Vd, and lifetime additional costs of $182,699, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $121,828/QALY gained. The ICER was $114,793/QALY in patients with 1 prior treatment; $99,263/QALY in those not transplanted, and <$150,000/QALY up to an 85% discount in bortezomib price. Kd56 is cost-effective for patients with R/RMM at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. Trial data in the model may limit generalizability; however, SEER registry data mitigates this challenge. Kd56 provides additional value in key subgroups, and remains cost-effective after steep comparator discounts.

Involvement of Endogenous Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity.

PubMed

Naert, G; Zussy, C; Tran Van Ba, C; Chevallier, N; Tang, Y-P; Maurice, T; Givalois, L

2015-11-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to be highly involved in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation during adulthood, playing an important role in homeostasis maintenance. The present study aimed to determine the involvement of BDNF in HPA axis activity under basal and stress conditions via partial inhibition of this endogenous neurotrophin. Experiments were conducted in rats and mice with two complementary approaches: (i) BDNF knockdown with stereotaxic delivery of BDNF-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the lateral ventricle of adult male rats and (ii) genetically induced knockdown (KD) of BDNF expression specifically in the central nervous system during the first ontogenesis in mice (KD mice). Delivery of siRNA in the rat brain decreased BDNF levels in the hippocampus (-31%) and hypothalamus (-35%) but not in the amygdala, frontal cortex and pituitary. In addition, siRNA induced no change of the basal HPA axis activity. BDNF siRNA rats exhibited decreased BDNF levels and concomitant altered adrenocortoctrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone responses to restraint stress, suggesting the involvement of BDNF in the HPA axis adaptive response to stress. In KD mice, BDNF levels in the hippocampus and hypothalamus were decreased by 20% in heterozygous and by 60% in homozygous animals compared to wild-type littermates. Although, in heterozygous KD mice, no significant change was observed in the basal levels of plasma ACTH and corticosterone, both hormones were significantly increased in homozygous KD mice, demonstrating that robust cerebral BDNF inhibition (60%) is necessary to affect basal HPA axis activity. All of these results in both rats and mice demonstrate the involvement and importance of a robust endogenous pool of BDNF in basal HPA axis regulation and the pivotal function of de novo BDNF synthesis in the establishment of an adapted response to stress. © 2015 British Society for Neuroendocrinology.

Stress and Protein Turnover in Lemna minor1

PubMed Central

Cooke, Robert J.; Oliver, Jane; Davies, David D.

1979-01-01

Transfer of fronds of Lemna minor L. to adverse growth conditions or stress situations causes a lowering of the growth rate and a loss of soluble protein per frond, the extent of the loss being dependent on the nature of the stress. The loss or protein is due to two factors: (a) a decrease in the rate constant of protein synthesis (ks); (b) an increase in the rate constant of protein degradation (kd). In plants adapted to the stresses, protein synthesis increases and the initially rapid rate of proteolysis is reduced. Addition of abscisic acid both lowers ks and increases kd, whereas benzyladenine seems to alleviate the effects of stress on protein content by decreasing kd rather than by altering ks. Based on the measurement of enzyme activities, stress-induced protein degradation appears to be a general phenomenon, affecting many soluble proteins. The adaptive significance of stress-induced proteolysis is discussed. PMID:16661102

Involvement of serotonin system in bullimia

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

Marazziti, D.; Macchi, E.; Rotondo, A.

1988-01-01

Platelet /sup 3/H-imipramine binding was investigated in 8 patients affected by bulimia according to DSM III criteria, and in 7 health volunteers. The Bmax /+ -/SD (fmol/mg protein) was 356 /+ -/ 53 in patients, and 1144 /+ -/ 134 in controls. The Kd /+ -/ SD (nM) was 1.35 /+ -/ 0.44 in patients, and 1.90 /+ -/ 0.72 in controls. There was a significant difference in Bmax values in the two groups, whereas no significant difference was observed in Kd values. This study suggests the possible involvement of the indoleamine system in bullimia.

WAVE2 regulates epithelial morphology and cadherin isoform switching through regulation of Twist and Abl.

PubMed

Bryce, Nicole S; Reynolds, Albert B; Koleske, Anthony J; Weaver, Alissa M

2013-01-01

Epithelial morphogenesis is a dynamic process that involves coordination of signaling and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements. We analyzed the contribution of the branched actin regulator WAVE2 in the development of 3-dimensional (3D) epithelial structures. WAVE2-knockdown (WAVE2-KD) cells formed large multi-lobular acini that continued to proliferate at an abnormally late stage compared to control acini. Immunostaining of the cell-cell junctions of WAVE2-KD acini revealed weak and heterogeneous E-cadherin staining despite little change in actin filament localization to the same junctions. Analysis of cadherin expression demonstrated a decrease in E-cadherin and an increase in N-cadherin protein and mRNA abundance in total cell lysates. In addition, WAVE2-KD cells exhibited an increase in the mRNA levels of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated transcription factor Twist1. KD of Twist1 expression in WAVE2-KD cells reversed the cadherin switching and completely rescued the aberrant 3D morphological phenotype. Activity of the WAVE2 complex binding partner Abl kinase was also increased in WAVE2-KD cells, as assessed by tyrosine phosphorylation of the Abl substrate CrkL. Inhibition of Abl with STI571 rescued the multi-lobular WAVE2-KD 3D phenotype whereas overexpression of Abl kinase phenocopied the WAVE2-KD phenotype. The WAVE2 complex regulates breast epithelial morphology by a complex mechanism involving repression of Twist1 expression and Abl kinase activity. These data reveal a critical role for WAVE2 complex in regulation of cellular signaling and epithelial morphogenesis.

Benzene and MTBE Sorption in Fine Grain Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leal-Bautista, R. M.; Lenczewski, M. E.

2003-12-01

The practice of adding methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) to gasoline started in the late 1970s and increased dramatically in the 1990s. MTBE first was added as a substitute for tetra-ethyl lead then later as a fuel oxygenate. Although the use of MTBE has resulted in significant reduction in air pollution, it has become a significant groundwater contaminant due to its high solubility in water, high environmental mobility, and low potential for biodegradation. A recent report (1999-2001) by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California in collaboration with United State Geological Survey and the Oregon Health and Science University found that MTBE was the second most frequent detected volatile organic compound in groundwater. In Illinois, MTBE has been found in 26 of the 1,800 public water supplies. MTBE has also been blended in Mexico into two types of gasoline sold in the country by the state oil company (PEMEX) but is not monitored in groundwater at this time. Early research on MTBE considered it unable to adsorb to soils and sediments, however, by increasing the organic matter and decreasing the size of the grains (silts or clays) this may increase sorption. The objective of this study is to determine if fine grained materials have the potential for sorption of MTBE due to its high specific surface area (10-700 m 2/g) and potentially high organic matter (0.5-3.8%). The experiment consisted of sorption isotherms to glacial tills from DeKalb, Illinois and lacustrine clays from Chalco, Mexico. Experiments were performed with various concentrations of MTBE and benzene (10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 ug/L) at 10° C and 25° C. Results showed a range of values for the distribution coefficient (Kd, linear model). At 10° C the Kd value for MTBE was 0.187 mL/g for lacustrine clay while the glacial loess had a value of 0.009 mL/g. The highest Kd values with MTBE were 0.2859 mL/g for organic rich lacustrine clays and 0.014 mL/g for glacial loess at 25° C. The highest

Epidermal growth factor-induced selective phosphorylation of cultured rat hepatocyte 55-kD cytokeratin before filament reorganization and DNA synthesis

PubMed Central

1989-01-01

We have reported previously that the addition of dexamethasone to cultured quiescent suckling rat hepatocytes in the presence of insulin, a culture condition which does not cause growth activation, induces a selective increase in the synthesis of the 49-kD/55-kD cytokeratin (CK49/CK55) pair over a 24-h period. This increased synthesis coincides with the formation of dense filament networks reminiscent of those observed in situ at the cell periphery (Marceau, N., H. Baribault, and I. Leroux-Nicollet. 1985. Can. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 63:448-457). We show here for the first time that when EGF is added 48 h after insulin and dexamethasone, there is an early preferential phosphorylation of the CK55 of the CK49/CK55 pair, an induced filament rearrangement from the cell periphery to the cytoplasm, and a subsequent entry into S phase and mitosis after a lag period of 8 h. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy with monoclonal antibodies to CK49 and CK55 indicate that, while before EGF treatment the cytokeratin filaments were mainly distributed near the cell periphery, the addition of EGF resulted in their reorganization to a predominantly cytoplasmic localization within less than 3 h. Antitubulin and anti-actin antibodies showed no detectable alteration in the distribution of microtubules and microfilaments. Pulse-chase measurements with [35S]methionine showed no apparent change in the turnover of either CK49 or CK55 during the period that precedes the initiation of DNA synthesis. 32P-labeling in vivo followed by SDS-PAGE demonstrated that CK55 was phosphorylated at a much higher level than CK49 in nonstimulated hepatocytes, and that the addition of EGF resulted in a selective stimulation of 32P-CK55 labeling within less than 30 min. Comparative analyses by two-dimensional PAGE of [35S]methionine and 32P- labeled cytokeratins at various times after EGF stimulation demonstrated a rapid increase in a first phosphorylated form of CK55 and the appearance of a second

Temporal Decrease in Upper Atmospheric Chlorine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Froidevaux, L.; Livesey, N. J.; Read, W. G.; Salawitch, R. J.; Waters, J. W.; Drouin, B.; MacKenzie, I. A.; Pumphrey, H. C.; Bernath, P.; Boone, C.;

Effects on interaction kinetics of mutations at the VH-VL interface of Fabs depend on the structural context.

PubMed

Khalifa, M B; Weidenhaupt, M; Choulier, L; Chatellier, J; Rauffer-Bruyère, N; Altschuh, D; Vernet, T

2000-01-01

The influence of framework residues belonging to VH and VL modules of antibody molecules on antigen binding remains poorly understood. To investigate the functional role of such residues, we have performed semi-conservative amino acid replacements at the VH-VL interface. This work was carried out with (i) variants of the same antibody and (ii) with antibodies of different specificities (Fab fragments 145P and 1F1h), in order to check if functional effects are additive and/or similar for the two antibodies. Interaction kinetics of Fab mutants with peptide and protein antigens were measured using a BIACORE instrument. The substitutions introduced at the VH-VL interface had no significant effects on k(a) but showed small, significant effects on k(d). Mutations in the VH module affected k(d) not only for the two different antibodies but also for variants of the same antibody. These effects varied both in direction and in magnitude. In the VL module, the double mutation F(L37)L-Q(L38)L, alone or in combination with other mutations, consistently decreased k(d) about two-fold in Fab 145P. Other mutations in the VL module had no effect on k(d) in 145P, but always decreased k(d) in 1F1h. Moreover, in both systems, small-magnitude non-additive effects on k(d) were observed, but affinity variations seemed to be limited by a threshold. When comparing functional effects in antibodies of different specificity, no general rules could be established. In addition, no clear relationship could be pointed out between the nature of the amino acid change and the observed functional effect. Our results show that binding kinetics are affected by alteration of framework residues remote from the binding site, although these effects are unpredictable for most of the studied changes. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Optical Properties of Otago Shelf Waters: South Island New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfannkuche, J.

2002-10-01

The optical properties and concentrations of optically active water components were measured at 31 stations on the Otago coast. For the broad-band (PAR), diffuse light attenuation decreased 15-fold ( Kd=0·76 to 0·05 m -1) and reflectance 7-fold ( R=11·95 to 1·45%) from the most turbid harbour water to the clearest oceanic sites 30 km offshore. The Kd values therefore suggested, that Otago shelf waters were appreciably clearer than at first thought. The absorption and scattering coefficients ( a and b, respectively) for PAR were calculated using published nomograms. Multiple linear regression showed the dependence of a and b on changes in the concentration of gilvin, g 440, chlorophyll a, [ C], and inorganic particles, [ I]: a (PAR)=0·019+0·221 g440 +0·037[ C]+0·018[ I] b (PAR)=0·239[ C]+0·342[ I] Substituting the mean concentrations of gilvin (0·078 m -1), chlorophyll a (1·58 mg m -3) and inorganic particles (3·23 g m -3) into the above equations suggested that gilvin absorbed 11%, phytoplankton 39%, inorganic particles 38% and water itself 12% of PAR and on average. Phytoplankton cells caused 25% and inorganic sediments 75% of the scattering. Spectral irradiance measurements showed, that absorption by gilvin and suspended sediments could dominate absorption in the blue-green waveband for the most turbid harbour waters. Gilvin and phytoplankton levels were lowest in winter and inorganic sediment concentration were generally low offshore (<1 g m -3). Thus, oceanic waters were clearer and brighter in winter when compared to spring (July: Kd=0·05 m -1; R=3·1%; November: Kd=0·11 m -1; R=2·1% on average). However, spectral irradiance measurements showed anomalous features in R (λ) and Kd(λ) spectra above ˜590 nm which suggested light emission resulting from Raman scattering and chlorophyll fluorescence.

Prediction for Intravenous Immunoglobulin Resistance by Using Weighted Genetic Risk Score Identified From Genome-Wide Association Study in Kawasaki Disease.

PubMed

Kuo, Ho-Chang; Wong, Henry Sung-Ching; Chang, Wei-Pin; Chen, Ben-Kuen; Wu, Mei-Shin; Yang, Kuender D; Hsieh, Kai-Sheng; Hsu, Yu-Wen; Liu, Shih-Feng; Liu, Xiao; Chang, Wei-Chiao

2017-10-01

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the treatment of choice in Kawasaki disease (KD). IVIG is used to prevent cardiovascular complications related to KD. However, a proportion of KD patients have persistent fever after IVIG treatment and are defined as IVIG resistant. To develop a risk scoring system based on genetic markers to predict IVIG responsiveness in KD patients, a total of 150 KD patients (126 IVIG responders and 24 IVIG nonresponders) were recruited for this study. A genome-wide association analysis was performed to compare the 2 groups and identified risk alleles for IVIG resistance. A weighted genetic risk score was calculated by the natural log of the odds ratio multiplied by the number of risk alleles. Eleven single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified by genome-wide association study. The KD patients were categorized into 3 groups based on their calculated weighted genetic risk score. Results indicated a significant association between weighted genetic risk score (groups 3 and 4 versus group 1) and the response to IVIG (Fisher's exact P value 4.518×10 - 03 and 8.224×10 - 10 , respectively). This is the first weighted genetic risk score study based on a genome-wide association study in KD. The predictive model integrated the additive effects of all 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms to provide a prediction of the responsiveness to IVIG. © 2017 The Authors.

DETANONOate, a nitric oxide donor, decreases amiloride-sensitive alveolar fluid clearance in rabbits.

PubMed

Nielsen, V G; Baird, M S; Chen, L; Matalon, S

2000-04-01

Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been administered to animals to selectively reduce pulmonary hypertension via NO donors such as the NONOates. However, vectorial Na(+) transport across confluent monolayers of alveolar type II (ATII) pneumocytes has been decreased by NO. We tested the hypothesis that administration of the NO donor, DETANONOate, would decrease alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) in the rabbit in vivo. We instilled a solution of 5% albumin in 0.9% NaCl with 3 mM DETANONOate into anesthetized rabbits. Two hours later, similar AFC values were measured in the presence and absence of 3 mM DETANONOate (38 +/- 12% versus 43 +/- 13%; mean +/- SD). However, animals coadministered 1 mM amiloride with one of three doses of DETANONOate (100 microM, 300 microM, or 3 mM) had significantly (p < 0.05) greater AFC values (23 +/- 8, 20 +/- 14, 28 +/- 12%, respectively) than those administered amiloride alone (10 +/- 7%). When 5% albumin in a Cl(-)-free solution was administered in the presence or absence of 100 microM DETANONOate, neither AFC values nor alveolar Cl(-) concentrations were different. DETANONOate decreases the amiloride-sensitive fraction of AFC but does not decrease total AFC. DETANONOate does not influence total AFC secondary to an increase in the amiloride-insensitive fraction of AFC that is not associated with a decrease in alveolar Cl(-) secretion.

Ketogenic Diet Improves Brain Ischemic Tolerance and Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Preventing Drp1-Mediated Mitochondrial Fission and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

PubMed Central

Guo, Min; Wang, Xun; Zhao, Yanxin; Yang, Qi; Ding, Hongyan; Dong, Qiang; Chen, Xingdong; Cui, Mei

2018-01-01

Background: Neuroprotective effects of ketogenic diets (KD) have been reported in stroke models, and nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effects of KD on NLRP3 inflammasome and explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: In in vivo study, mice were fed with KD for 3 weeks and then subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R)-injury. In in vitro study, SH-SY-5Y cells were treated with β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) followed by oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). NLRP3 inflammasome activation and related regulatory mechanisms were evaluated. Results: Mice fed with KD had increased tolerance to MCAO/R. KD inhibited endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and suppressed TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the brain. The in vitro study showed BHB (10 mM) prevented the mitochondrial translocation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) to inhibit mitochondrial fission. Furthermore, BHB decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inhibited ROS-NLRP3 pathway in OGD/R-treated cells, and suppressed ER stress-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: KD may suppress ER stress and protect mitochondrial integrity by suppressing the mitochondrial translocation of Drp1 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thus exerting neuroprotective effects. Our findings provide evidence for the potential application of KD in the prevention of ischemic stroke. PMID:29662437

Changes in the Polypeptide Patterns of Barley Seedlings Exposed to Jasmonic Acid and Salinity 1

PubMed Central

Maslenkova, Liliana Todorova; Miteva, Tania Simeonova; Popova, Losanka P.

1992-01-01

Soluble and thylakoid membrane proteins of jasmonic acid (JA)-treated and salt-stressed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings were investigated using 15% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis. High JA concentrations induced marked quantitative and qualitative changes in polypeptide profiles concerning mainly the proteins with approximately equal mobility, as in NaCl-stressed plants. The most obvious increase in thylakoid polypeptide band intensity was at 55 to 57 kilodaltons (kD). The relative share of some polypeptides with apparent molecular masses above 66 kD and of polypeptides with lower molecular masses in the region of 20.5 to 15 kD was enhanced. At the same time, one new band at 31 to 31.5 kD was well expressed at 25 and 250 micromolar JA concentrations and became discernible in the 100 micromolar NaCl-treated plants. The intensity of some polypeptides of soluble proteins (molecular masses of 60, 47, 37, 30, and 23.4 kD) increased with increasing JA concentration, whereas the intensities of other polypeptide bands (55, 21.4, and 15 kD) decreased. Enhanced levels of 60-, 47-, 34-, and 30-kD polypeptides and reduced levels of 55- and 15-kD polypeptides were present in NaCl-treated plants. The appearance of one new polypeptide, of 25.1 kD, was observed only in NaCl-treated plants. At 100 millimolar NaCl, an eightfold increase in proline content was observed while at 250 micromolar JA, the proline content was threefold over the control. It is hypothesized that exogenously applied jasmonates act as stress agents. As such, they provoke alterations in the proline content and they can modulate typical stress responses by induction of stress proteins. ImagesFigure 1Figure 4Figure 5 PMID:16668698

Predicting sorption of pharmaceuticals and personal care products onto soil and digested sludge using artificial neural networks.

PubMed

Barron, Leon; Havel, Josef; Purcell, Martha; Szpak, Michal; Kelleher, Brian; Paull, Brett

2009-04-01

A comprehensive analytical investigation of the sorption behaviour of a large selection of over-the-counter, prescribed pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs to agricultural soils and freeze-dried digested sludges is presented. Batch sorption experiments were carried out to identify which compounds could potentially concentrate in soils as a result of biosolid enrichment. Analysis of aqueous samples was carried out directly using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). For solids analysis, combined pressurised liquid extraction and solid phase extraction methods were used prior to LC-MS/MS. Solid-water distribution coefficients (K(d)) were calculated based on slopes of sorption isotherms over a defined concentration range. Molecular descriptors such as log P, pK(a), molar refractivity, aromatic ratio, hydrophilic factor and topological surface area were collected for all solutes and, along with generated K(d) data, were incorporated as a training set within a developed artificial neural network to predict K(d) for all solutes within both sample types. Therefore, this work represents a novel approach using combined and cross-validated analytical and computational techniques to confidently study sorption modes within the environment. The logarithm plots of predicted versus experimentally determined K(d) are presented which showed excellent correlation (R(2) > 0.88), highlighting that artificial neural networks could be used as a predictive tool for this application. To evaluate the developed model, it was used to predict K(d) for meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen and furosemide and subsequently compared to experimentally determined values in soil. Ratios of experimental/predicted K(d) values were found to be 1.00, 1.00, 1.75 and 1.65, respectively.

The Predominant Proteins that React to the MC-20 Estrogen Receptor Alpha Antibody Differ in Molecular Weight between the Mammary Gland and Uterus in the Mouse and Rat.

PubMed

Bollig-Fischer, Aliccia; Thakur, Archana; Sun, Yuan; Wu, Jiusheng; Liao, D Joshua

2012-03-01

There are many estrogen receptor α (ERα) antibodies available but few of them target a rodent ERα. Using the MC-20 antibody raised against the C-terminus of mouse ERα, we show in this communication that in the mammary gland of female mice and rats, the wild type (wt) ERα was detected on immunoblots as a dominant protein only during lactation, and the protein was lactating specific as it migrated slightly faster than the 67-kD wt ERα in the uterus, likely due to a different phosphorylation status. In contrast, in the nulliparous, pregnant, involuting and involuted mammary glands, the dominant protein recognized by MC-20 was about 61-kD, which is dubbed herein as "MC-20 reactive protein" or MC20RP in abbreviation as its identity is unknown. Our results showed that it was not derived from proteolysis or de-phosphorylation of the 67-kD ERα and was unlikely to be translated from an ERα mRNA variant. Ovariectomy decreased the lactating specific wt ERα but increased the 61-kD MC20RP in the mammary tumors from MMTV-c-myc transgenic mice but these two proteins in the uterus were unaffected. The 61-kD MC20RP was decreased in the mammary tumors, compared with proliferating mammary glands, in estrogen-treated ACI rats. These results suggest that while the lactating specific wt ERα alone or together with the MC20RP may sustain lactation, the MC20RP may support proliferation of the mammary gland and some mammary tumors.

An experimental study of ^{{{{Fe}}^{2 + } {-}{{Mg}}}} K_{{D}} between orthopyroxene and rhyolite: a strong dependence on H2O in the melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waters, Laura E.; Lange, Rebecca A.

2017-06-01

The effect of temperature, pressure, and dissolved H2O in the melt on the Fe2+-Mg exchange coefficient between orthopyroxene and rhyolite melt was investigated with a series of H2O fluid-saturated phase-equilibrium experiments. Experiments were conducted in a rapid-quench cold-seal pressure vessel over a temperature and pressure range of 785-850 °C and 80-185 MPa, respectively. Oxygen fugacity was buffered with the solid Ni-NiO assemblage in a double-capsule assembly. These experiments, when combined with H2O-undersaturated experiments in the literature, show that ^{{{{Fe}}^{2 + } {-}{{Mg}}}} K_{{D}} between orthopyroxene and rhyolite liquid increases strongly (from 0.23 to 0.54) as a function of dissolved water in the melt (from 2.7 to 5.6 wt%). There is no detectable effect of temperature or pressure over an interval of 65 °C and 100 MPa, respectively, on the Fe2+-Mg exchange coefficient values. The data show that Fe-rich orthopyroxene is favored at high water contents, whereas Mg-rich orthopyroxene crystallizes at low water contents. It is proposed that the effect of dissolved water in the melt on the composition of orthopyroxene is analogous to its effect on the composition of plagioclase. In the latter case, dissolved hydroxyl groups preferentially complex with Na+ relative to Ca2+, which reduces the activity of the albite component, leading to a more anorthite-rich (calcic) plagioclase. Similarly, it is proposed that dissolved hydroxyl groups preferentially complex with Mg2+ relative to Fe2+, thus lowering the activity of the enstatite component, leading to a more Fe-rich orthopyroxene at high water contents in the melt. The experimental results presented in this study show that reversely zoned pyroxene (i.e., Mg-rich rims) in silicic magmas may be a result of H2O degassing and not necessarily the result of mixing with a more mafic magma.

Laboratory Biomarkers to Facilitate Differential Diagnosis between Measles and Kawasaki Disease in a Pediatric Emergency Room: A Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Buonsenso, Danilo; Macchiarulo, Giulia; Supino, Maria Chiara; La Penna, Francesco; Scateni, Simona; Marchesi, Alessandra; Reale, Antonino; Boccuzzi, Elena

2018-01-01

This retrospective study was conducted to analyze clinical and laboratoristic parameters to individuate specific differences and facilitate differential diagnosis between Measles and Kawasaki Disease (KD) at first evaluation in an emergency room. We found similar clinical features as duration of fever and number of KD criteria (p > 0.5) but significant differences in white blood cell count, neutrophils, CRP and LDH levels (p < 0.001). LDH value ≥ 800 mg/dl had sensibility of 89% and specificity of 90% for Measles while CRP ≥ 3 mg/dl had sensibility 89% and specificity of 85% for KD. The combined use of CRP, LDH and AST showed accuracy of 86.67%.

Faddeev approach to the reaction K-d →π Σ n at pK=1 GeV /c

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyagawa, K.; Haidenbauer, J.; Kamada, H.

2018-05-01

The reaction K-d →π Σ n is studied within a Faddeev-type approach, with emphasis on the specific kinematics of the E31 experiment at J-PARC, i.e., K- beam momentum of pK=1 GeV/c and neutron angle of θn=0∘ . The employed Faddeev approach requires as main input amplitudes for the two-body subsystems K ¯N →K ¯N and K ¯N →π Σ . For the latter, results from recently published chiral unitary models of the K ¯N interaction are utilized. The K ¯N →K ¯N amplitude itself, however, is taken from a recent partial-wave analysis. Because of the large incoming momentum of the K-, the K ¯N interaction is probed in a kinematical regime where those chiral potentials are no longer applicable. A comparison of the predicted spectrum for various π Σ charge channels with preliminary data is made and reveals a remarkable agreement as far as the magnitude and the line shape in general is concerned. Noticeable differences observed in the π Σ spectrum around the K ¯N threshold, i.e. in the region of the Λ (1405) resonance, indicate a sensitivity to the details of the employed K ¯N →π Σ amplitudes and suggest that pertinent high-precision data could indeed provide substantial constraints on the structure of the Λ (1405).

Nursing values and a changing nurse workforce: values, age, and job stages.

PubMed

McNeese-Smith, Donna K; Crook, Mary

2003-05-01

To identify the extent values are associated with age group and job stage; job satisfaction, productivity, and organizational commitment; as well as education, generation, ethnicity, gender, and role. Values direct the priorities we live by and are related to employee loyalty and commitment. Lack of congruency between a nurse's personal values and those of the organization decrease satisfaction and effectiveness and may lead to burnout and turnover. Little research has been done on whether values differ by age, generations, or job stages. Nurses in all roles (N = 412) in three hospitals in Los Angeles County were randomly surveyed, using valid and reliable instruments to measure the variables of interest. Nurses in the top third for job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and productivity showed higher scores for many values including their associates, creativity, esthetics, and management, while those in the bottom third scored higher in economic returns only. Nurses in different generations differed little; younger generations placed higher values on economic returns and variety. Management strategies to meet nurses' values and increase their satisfaction and retention are presented.

The association between individual counselling and health behaviour change: the See Kidney Disease (SeeKD) targeted screening programme for chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Galbraith, Lauren; Hemmelgarn, Brenda; Manns, Braden; Samuel, Susan; Kappel, Joanne; Valk, Nadine; Ronksley, Paul

2016-01-01

Health behaviour change is an important component of management for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the optimal method to promote health behaviour change for self-management of CKD is unknown. The See Kidney Disease (SeeKD) targeted screening programme screened Canadians at risk for CKD and promoted health behaviour change through individual counselling and goal setting. The objectives of this study are to determine the effectiveness of individual counselling sessions for eliciting behaviour change and to describe participant characteristics associated with behaviour change. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The study setting is the National SeeKD targeted screening programme. The participants are all 'at risk' patients who were screened for CKD and returned a follow-up health behaviour survey (n = 1129). Health behaviour change was defined as a self-reported change in lifestyle, including dietary changes or medication adherence. An individual counselling session was provided to participants by allied healthcare professionals to promote health behaviour change. A survey was mailed to all participants at risk of CKD within 2-4 weeks following the screening event to determine if behaviour changes had been initiated. Descriptive statistics were used to describe respondent characteristics and self-reported behaviour change following screening events. Results were stratified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (< 60 and ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Log binomial regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of behaviour change. Of the 1129 respondents, the majority (89.8 %) reported making a health behaviour change after the screening event. Respondents who were overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25-29.9 kg/m(2)) or obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m(2)) were more likely to report a behaviour change (prevalence rate ratio (PRR) 0.66, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.44-0.99 and PRR 0.49, 95 % CI 0

Characterization, Recovery Opportunities, and Valuation of Metals in Municipal Sludges from U.S. Wastewater Treatment Plants Nationwide.

PubMed

Westerhoff, Paul; Lee, Sungyun; Yang, Yu; Gordon, Gwyneth W; Hristovski, Kiril; Halden, Rolf U; Herckes, Pierre

2015-08-18

U.S. sewage sludges were analyzed for 58 regulated and nonregulated elements by ICP-MS and electron microscopy to explore opportunities for removal and recovery. Sludge/water distribution coefficients (KD, L/kg dry weight) spanned 5 orders of magnitude, indicating significant metal accumulation in biosolids. Rare-earth elements and minor metals (Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) detected in sludges showed enrichment factors (EFs) near unity, suggesting dust or soils as likely dominant sources. In contrast, most platinum group elements (i.e., Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt) showed high EF and KD values, indicating anthropogenic sources. Numerous metallic and metal oxide colloids (<100-500 nm diameter) were detected; the morphology of abundant aggregates of primary particles measuring <100 nm provided clues to their origin. For a community of 1 million people, metals in biosolids were valued at up to US$13 million annually. A model incorporating a parameter (KD × EF × $Value) to capture the relative potential for economic value from biosolids revealed the identity of the 13 most lucrative elements (Ag, Cu, Au, P, Fe, Pd, Mn, Zn, Ir, Al, Cd, Ti, Ga, and Cr) with a combined value of US $280/ton of sludge.

Akt Substrate of 160 kD Regulates Na+,K+-ATPase Trafficking in Response to Energy Depletion and Renal Ischemia

PubMed Central

Alves, Daiane S.; Thulin, Gunilla; Loffing, Johannes; Kashgarian, Michael

2015-01-01

Renal ischemia and reperfusion injury causes loss of renal epithelial cell polarity and perturbations in tubular solute and fluid transport. Na+,K+-ATPase, which is normally found at the basolateral plasma membrane of renal epithelial cells, is internalized and accumulates in intracellular compartments after renal ischemic injury. We previously reported that the subcellular distribution of Na+,K+-ATPase is modulated by direct binding to Akt substrate of 160 kD (AS160), a Rab GTPase-activating protein that regulates the trafficking of glucose transporter 4 in response to insulin and muscle contraction. Here, we investigated the effect of AS160 on Na+,K+-ATPase trafficking in response to energy depletion. We found that AS160 is required for the intracellular accumulation of Na+,K+-ATPase that occurs in response to energy depletion in cultured epithelial cells. Energy depletion led to dephosphorylation of AS160 at S588, which was required for the energy depletion–induced accumulation of Na,K-ATPase in intracellular compartments. In AS160-knockout mice, the effects of renal ischemia on the distribution of Na+,K+-ATPase were substantially reduced in the epithelial cells of distal segments of the renal tubules. These data demonstrate that AS160 has a direct role in linking the trafficking of Na+,K+-ATPase to the energy state of renal epithelial cells. PMID:25788531

Estimating the sorption of pharmaceuticals based on their pharmacological distribution.

PubMed

Williams, Mike; Ong, Poh L; Williams, Desmond B; Kookana, Rai S

2009-12-01

Pharmaceuticals released into aquatic systems are expected to sorb to sediments to varying degrees. Their sorption is likely to influence their fate and, ultimately, the risk they pose to aquatic organisms. This has led to the European Medicines Agency requiring an assessment of affinity to solids, using batch sorption methods, for the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of new human medicines. However, a large body of data is generated before pharmaceuticals are released onto the market, including their extent of distribution throughout the human body, measured by the volume of distribution (VD). In the present study, batch sorption experiments were undertaken using 12 different soils and sediments to determine whether VD was a good indicator of experimental Kd values for 21 pharmaceuticals. The r2 values obtained from the regressions ranged from 0.39 to 0.76 (with a median value of 0.5) and all regressions were found to be significant. The use of this more comprehensive set of soils and sediments was consistent with previous studies comparing VD and Kd, despite the Kd values of the selected pharmaceuticals varying greatly between soils. The relationship between Kd and VD was greatly improved when zwitterionic antibiotics and carbamazepine were not included, possibly due to complex sorption or pharmacokinetic behavior. There are likely to be a number of factors affecting the sorption of pharmaceuticals that cannot be explained by VD. However, further work may elucidate how these factors can be accounted for, enabling VD to be effectively used to facilitate the ERA of human pharmaceuticals with already available information.

WAVE2 Regulates Epithelial Morphology and Cadherin Isoform Switching through Regulation of Twist and Abl

PubMed Central

Bryce, Nicole S.; Reynolds, Albert B.; Koleske, Anthony J.; Weaver, Alissa M.

2013-01-01

Background Epithelial morphogenesis is a dynamic process that involves coordination of signaling and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements. Principal Findings We analyzed the contribution of the branched actin regulator WAVE2 in the development of 3-dimensional (3D) epithelial structures. WAVE2-knockdown (WAVE2-KD) cells formed large multi-lobular acini that continued to proliferate at an abnormally late stage compared to control acini. Immunostaining of the cell-cell junctions of WAVE2-KD acini revealed weak and heterogeneous E-cadherin staining despite little change in actin filament localization to the same junctions. Analysis of cadherin expression demonstrated a decrease in E-cadherin and an increase in N-cadherin protein and mRNA abundance in total cell lysates. In addition, WAVE2-KD cells exhibited an increase in the mRNA levels of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated transcription factor Twist1. KD of Twist1 expression in WAVE2-KD cells reversed the cadherin switching and completely rescued the aberrant 3D morphological phenotype. Activity of the WAVE2 complex binding partner Abl kinase was also increased in WAVE2-KD cells, as assessed by tyrosine phosphorylation of the Abl substrate CrkL. Inhibition of Abl with STI571 rescued the multi-lobular WAVE2-KD 3D phenotype whereas overexpression of Abl kinase phenocopied the WAVE2-KD phenotype. Conclusions The WAVE2 complex regulates breast epithelial morphology by a complex mechanism involving repression of Twist1 expression and Abl kinase activity. These data reveal a critical role for WAVE2 complex in regulation of cellular signaling and epithelial morphogenesis. PMID:23691243

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Lipid Profile in Children With Kawasaki Disease: A Single-Center Follow-up Study After a Mean Duration of 6.9 Years.

PubMed

Gopalan, Kavitha; Singh, Surjit; Vignesh, Pandiarajan; Gupta, Anju; Rohit, Manojkumar; Attri, Savita Verma

2018-03-13

Kawasaki disease (KD) has a predilection to involve coronary arteries, leading to several long-term cardiovascular sequelae. Apart from coronary artery abnormalities, children with KD are also prone to develop premature atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and lipid abnormalities. Some of these complications may occur even in children who have received appropriate treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin in the acute phase. In 2009, we had studied carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and lipid profile in 27 children with KD at least 1 year after the acute episode. In the present study, we have followed up the same cohort of 27 children at least 5 years after the acute episode of KD. We measured the cIMT, a surrogate marker for premature atherosclerosis, and fasting lipid profile in the cohort and compared the results with values obtained in our previous study. There was significantly higher mean cIMT in children with KD as compared with control subjects. However, there was no significant difference in cIMT among children in the cohort at 1 and 5 years of follow-up. Abnormal lipid profile was seen in 7 of 27 children in the present study, 5 of whom also had had lipid abnormality at 1-year follow-up. This suggests that lipid abnormalities in KD may be long lasting. Children with KD need careful long-term follow-up even when they do not have overt and persistent coronary artery abnormalities. It is possible that consequences of KD in childhood may impact health status of young adults several years later.

Decreased NK-Cell Cytotoxicity after Short Flights on the Space Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehta, Satish K.; Grimm, Elizabeth A.; Smid, Christine; Kaur, Indreshpal; Feeback, Daniel L.; Pierson, Duane L.

2000-01-01

Cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cell surface marker expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 11 U.S. astronauts on two different missions were determined before and after 9 or 10 days of spaceflight aboard the space shuttle. Blood samples were collected 10 and 3 days before launch, within 3 hours after landing, and 3 days after landing. All PBMC preparations were cryopreserved and analyzed simultaneously in a 4-hour cytotoxicity "Cr-release assay using NK-sensitive K-562 target cells. Compared to preflight values, NK-cell cytotoxicity (corrected for lymphopenia observed on landing day) was significantly decreased at landing (P < 0.0125). It then apparently began to recover and approached preflight values by 3 days after landing. Consistent with decreased NK-cell cytotoxicity, significant increases from preflight values were found in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone at landing. Plasma and urinary cortisol levels did not change significantly from preflight values. Expression of major lymphocyte surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD16, CD56), determined by flow cytometric analysis, revealed no consistent phenotypic changes in relative percent of NK or other lymphoid cells after 10 days of spaceflight.

Water-Sediment Partition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Nansi Lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Guizhai; Diao, Youjiang

2018-06-01

Based on field data of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment in Nansi Lake. The concentrations and the partitioning characteristic of PAHs in the water and sediment were studied. The lgKd of high molecular weight PAHs were higher than the low molecular weight PAHs. The most of PAHs Kd values were negligible correlated with TOC, soluble salt, clay and pH of the sediment in Nansi Lake.

How To Functionalize Ceramics by Perfluoroalkylsilanes for Membrane Separation Process? Properties and Application of Hydrophobized Ceramic Membranes.

PubMed

Kujawa, Joanna; Cerneaux, Sophie; Kujawski, Wojciech; Bryjak, Marek; Kujawski, Jan

2016-03-23

The combination of microscopic (atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and goniometric (static and dynamic measurements) techniques, and surface characterization (surface free energy determination, critical surface tension, liquid entry pressure, hydraulic permeability) was implemented to discuss the influence of perfluoroalkylsilanes structure and grafting time on the physicochemistry of the created hydrophobic surfaces on the titania ceramic membranes of 5 kD and 300 kD. The impact of molecular structure of perfluoroalkylsilanes modifiers (possessing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms in the fluorinated part of the alkyl chain) and the time of the functionalization process in the range of 5 to 35 h was studied. Based on the scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, it was found that the localization of grafting molecules depends on the membrane pore size (5 kD or 300 kD). In the case of 5 kD titania membranes, modifiers are attached mainly on the surface and only partially inside the membrane pores, whereas, for 300 kD membranes, the perfluoroalkylsilanes molecules are present within the whole porous structure of the membranes. The application of 4 various types of PFAS molecules enabled for interesting observations and remarks. It was explained how to obtain ceramic membrane surfaces with controlled material (contact angle, roughness, contact angle hysteresis) and separation properties. Highly hydrophobic surfaces with low values of contact angle hysteresis and low roughness were obtained. These surfaces possessed also low values of critical surface tension, which means that surfaces are highly resistant to wetting. This finding is crucial in membrane applicability in separation processes. The obtained and characterized hydrophobic membranes were subsequently applied in air-gap membrane distillation processes. All membranes were very efficient in MD processes, showing good transport and selective properties (∼99% of Na

A Neural Network Model for K(λ) Retrieval and Application to Global Kpar Monitoring.

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Zhu, Yuanli; Wu, Yongsheng; Cui, Tingwei; Ishizaka, Joji; Ju, Yongtao

2015-01-01

Accurate estimation of diffuse attenuation coefficients in the visible wavelengths Kd(λ) from remotely sensed data is particularly challenging in global oceanic and coastal waters. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the applicability of a semi-analytical Kd(λ) retrieval model (SAKM) and Jamet's neural network model (JNNM), and then develop a new neural network Kd(λ) retrieval model (NNKM). Based on the comparison of Kd(λ) predicted by these models with in situ measurements taken from the global oceanic and coastal waters, all of the NNKM, SAKM, and JNNM models work well in Kd(λ) retrievals, but the NNKM model works more stable and accurate than both SAKM and JNNM models. The near-infrared band-based and shortwave infrared band-based combined model is used to remove the atmospheric effects on MODIS data. The Kd(λ) data was determined from the atmospheric corrected MODIS data using the NNKM, JNNM, and SAKM models. The results show that the NNKM model produces <30% uncertainty in deriving Kd(λ) from global oceanic and coastal waters, which is 4.88-17.18% more accurate than SAKM and JNNM models. Furthermore, we employ an empirical approach to calculate Kpar from the NNKM model-derived diffuse attenuation coefficient at visible bands (443, 488, 555, and 667 nm). The results show that our model presents a satisfactory performance in deriving Kpar from the global oceanic and coastal waters with 20.2% uncertainty. The Kpar are quantified from MODIS data atmospheric correction using our model. Comparing with field measurements, our model produces ~31.0% uncertainty in deriving Kpar from Bohai Sea. Finally, the applicability of our model for general oceanographic studies is briefly illuminated by applying it to climatological monthly mean remote sensing reflectance for time ranging from July, 2002- July 2014 at the global scale. The results indicate that the high Kd(λ) and Kpar values are usually found around the coastal zones in the high latitude

The impact of Pu speciation on distribution coefficients in Mayak soil.

PubMed

Skipperud, L; Oughton, D; Salbu, B

2000-08-10

To assess the long-term consequences when radionuclides are released into the environment, information on the source term, transport and transformation processes, interaction with soils (KD) and biological uptake (CF) is needed. Among the artificial radionuclides released to the environment by nuclear activities, the transuranium elements are a major concern, due to very long half-lives and their accumulation in bone as well as high radiotoxicity. Plutonium has been produced in greater quantity than other transuranic elements, however, environmental assessments are complicated by the complex environmental behaviour. Physico-chemical forms of Pu will determine the interactions with soils and, thus, the degree to which soils can act as a sink or a potential diffuse source of contaminants. In the present work, dynamic tracer experiments have been performed where different Pu-species are added to a 'Mayak soil-rainwater system' to obtain information on KD values. After a defined contact time, the samples where then sequentially extracted and results are used in a dynamic box model to estimate interaction and fixation rates. The interaction of all Pu-species with soils seems to be rapid and follows a two-step reaction. Up to contact times of a few weeks, the KD for Pu(III,IV) (730 +/- 240 l/kg) is approximately one order of magnitude higher than for Pu(V,VI) (90 +/- 20 l/kg) and Pu(III,IV)-organic (40-60 l/kg). After 3 months contact time, the KD in only the two organic-bound Pu-species were significantly lower. This shows that the initial association with the soil is dependent on the Pu-species in the rainwater. After only 1 h of contact, between 33 and 40% of the plutonium was strongly bound to the soil components, i.e. only extractable with strong HNO3. The extraction of soil-bound Pu followed a similar pattern for all the original species, suggesting that the next step of Pu interaction mechanism with soil was rather independent of the original species. For both the

Calcium affecting protein expression in longan under simulated acid rain stress.

PubMed

Pan, Tengfei; Li, Yongyu; Ma, Cuilan; Qiu, Dongliang

2015-08-01

Longan (Dimocarpus longana Lour. cv. Wulongling) of uniform one-aged seedlings grown in pots were selected to study specific proteins expressed in leaves under simulated acid rain (SiAR) stress and exogenous Ca(2+) regulation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results showed that there was a protein band specifically expressed under SiAR of pH 2.5 stress for 15 days with its molecular weight of about 23 kD. A 17 kD protein band specifically expressed after SiAR stress 5 days. Compared with pH 2.5, the pH 3.5 of SiAR made a less influence to protein expression. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) results showed that six new specific proteins including C4 (20.2 kD pI 6.0), F (24 kD pI 6.35), B3 (22.3 kD pI 6.35), B4 (23.5 kD pI 6.5), C5 (21.8 kD pI 5.6), and C6 (20.2 kD pI 5.6) specifically expressed. C4 always expressed during SiAR stress. F expressed under the stress of pH 2.5 for 15 days and expressed in all pH SiAR stress for 20 days. The expression of proteins including B3, C5, and C6 was related to pH value and stress intensity of SiAR. The expression of B4 resulted from synergistic effects of SiAR and Ca. The expression of G1 (Mr 19.3 kD, pI 4.5), G2 (Mr 17.8 kD, pI 4.65), G3 (Mr 16.6 kD, pI 4.6), and G4 (Mr 14.7 kD, pI 4.4) enhanced under the treatment of 5 mM ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and 2 mM chlorpromazine (CPZ). These proteins showed antagonistic effects and might be relative to the Ca-calmodulin (Ca-CaM) system of longan in response to SiAR stress.

Radiometry from Bio-Argo Floats: a New Strategy to Validate Ocean Color Products at the Global Scale.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Organelli, E.; Claustre, H.; Serra, R.; Bricaud, A.; Schmechtig, C.; D'Ortenzio, F.; Poteau, A.; Mangin, A.; Leymarie, E.; Obolensky, G.; Prieur, L. M.; Dall'Olmo, G.; Xing, X.

2016-02-01

Thanks to a new generation of Bio-Argo floats equipped with sensors for PAR (Photosynthetically Available Irradiance) and downward irradiance measurements at selected wavelengths (i.e., 380, 412 and 490 nm), the number of radiometric measurements has been dramatically increasing and data are available for diverse open ocean systems, including winter periods with harsh seas when ships can hardly sample. More than 6500 radiometric profiles have so far been acquired around solar noon in the upper 250 m of the ocean. These radiometric profiles, acquired simultaneously to other key biogeochemical and bio-optical variables (chlorophyll a, CDOM, light backscattering), represent a fruitful data source for validation of Ocean Color (OC) products. Two different strategies can be implemented: direct validation of satellite OC products and identification of regions characterized by bio-optical anomalies. Diffuse attenuation coefficients (Kd) derived from these profiles, after a specifically developed quality control, are used for these purposes.A good agreement is observed between satellite-derived Kd values at 490 nm and their Bio-Argo counterparts. However, satellite overestimates low in situ Kd values found in very clear waters (e.g., Atlantic and Pacific Sub-Tropical Gyres). The analysis of the spectral Kd variability in the surface ocean shows the potential of Bio-Argo floats in identifying those regions with optical properties departing from global bio-optical relationships. Divergences of the ratio between Kd values at 380 nm and those at 490 nm from global bio-optical models are observed in areas such as the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic in winter. This might cause difficulties in retrieving biogeochemical parameters from satellite data. Hence, delineation of "anomalous" regions by Bio-Argo floats represents a useful strategy for planning dedicated cruises, setting mooring buoys or using CAL/VAL floats in order to improve Ocean Color applications.

Expression of the 68-kilodalton neurofilament gene in aluminum intoxication

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

Muma, N.A.; Troncoso, J.C.; Hoffman, P.N.

1986-03-01

Intrathecal administration of aluminum salts induces accumulation of neurofilaments (NFs) in cell bodies and proximal axons of rabbit spinal motor neurons. Mechanisms leading to this pathological change are not well understood. Although impairments of NF transport have been demonstrated in this model, the hypothesis that NF accumulations are the result of an increase in NF synthesis needs to be explored. In rabbits, a large percentage of neurons develop accumulations of NFs following injections of aluminum lactate directly into the cisterna magna or into a reservoir placed in the lateral ventricle. To study levels of mRNA encoding cytoskeletal proteins, spinal cordmore » RNA was extracted, separated on a denaturing agarose gel, transferred to nitrocellulose paper, and hybridized to (/sup 32/P)-labeled cDNA clones encoding the mouse 68-kilodalton (kd) NF subunit and tubulin. Examining a constant amount of RNA, the radioactivity of labeled mRNA bands for the 68-kd NF subunit and for tubulin was decreased in spinal cords of aluminum-treated rabbits. These preliminary results will be followed up by in situ hybridization to determine levels of mRNA for tubulin and 68-kd NF subunit in affected and in normal spinal neurons. In conclusion, administration of aluminum decreased mRNA for the 608-kd NF protein in spinal neurons.« less

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

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

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

Decreasing trend of groundwater in Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarachi, S.; Moghim, S.; Famiglietti, J. S.

2010-12-01

In these days the increasing demand for water has created problems for availability of its resources. Some recent issues like population growth, global warming and inefficient methods of water consumption, generated the need to find sources of water other than surface water such as ground water. Excess using of groundwater in most parts of the world causes depletion of ground water in those areas. Scientists are trying to find efficient means to quantify these trends. GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) including two satellites launched in March 2002, is making measurements of the Earth's gravity field which is used to display the change of storage of the water on the Earth. GRACE makes it possible to find the trend of the change of storage all over the world.It can show specific areas in the world that have dramatic decreasing trend of water storage. One of these regions that have been considered in this study is Turkey in western Asia, as one of the countries deeply affected by global warming. Turkey is identified as one of the first places where desertification will start in Europe, according to estimates by the UN Environment Program (UNEP). Turkey has 25 underground water tables and they had a decrease in level of 27 meters in the past 25 years (Turkey water report 2009). In this paper the change of the ground water is evaluated by applying the GRACE storage anomalies and the mass conservation equation that concludes the reduction trend in groundwater. The results clarify that decreasing trend of groundwater is more noticeable during recent years, particularly since 2006. Our results show that in recent years the average decrease in ground water level is 2.5 cm per year and the maximum decrease occurred in May 2007 with the value of about 7.9 cm. KEY WORDS: water resources; Ground water; Turkey; GRACE

Leveraging family values to decrease unhealthy alcohol use in aging Latino day laborers.

PubMed

del Pino, Homero E; Méndez-Luck, Carolyn; Bostean, Georgiana; Ramírez, Karina; Portillo, Marlom; Moore, Alison A

2013-10-01

In one Los Angeles study, 20 % of day laborers reported excessive drinking. Older adults are more sensitive to alcohol's effects, yet heavy drinking persists among Latinos until they are in their 60s. No interventions to reduce heavy drinking exist for aging day laborers. We recruited 14 day laborers aged 50 and older in Los Angeles. We identified their unhealthy alcohol use behaviors and comorbidities and conducted semi-structured interviews to understand their perceptions of unhealthy alcohol use. We found social disadvantages and conditions exacerbated by alcohol use, like depression. Participants were concerned with dying and premature aging, and reported that family could influence behavior change. An intervention should consider (1) integrating family values and (2) increasing knowledge about alcohol use and comorbidities. Further studies are needed to explore family influence on aging Latino day laborers.

A Mechanistic Study of Proapoptotic Daxx-Par4 Axis in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

markers of autophagy: Beclin-1, LC3 , and p62 . In culture, Daxx K/D cells also exhibited increased basal and inducible (rapamycin; nutrient...deprivation) autophagy. We observed changes in autophagy markers in Daxx K/D cells in culture, including an increase in the LC3 -II:LC3-I ratio, decreased p62 ...tumors exhibited elevated levels of DAPK1 protein, and also an increase in the autophagy markers Beclin-1 and LC3 , as determined via IHC (Fig. 1B). In

An Extended AE-Rich N-Terminal Trunk in Secreted Pineapple Cystatin Enhances Inhibition of Fruit Bromelain and Is Posttranslationally Removed during Ripening1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Neuteboom, Leon W.; Matsumoto, Kristie O.; Christopher, David A.

2009-01-01

Phytocystatins are potent inhibitors of cysteine proteases and have been shown to participate in senescence, seed and organ biogenesis, and plant defense. However, phytocystatins are generally poor inhibitors of the cysteine protease, bromelain, of pineapple (Ananas comosus). Here, we demonstrated that pineapple cystatin, AcCYS1, inhibited (>95%) stem and fruit bromelain. AcCYS1 is a unique cystatin in that it contains an extended N-terminal trunk (NTT) of 63 residues rich in alanine and glutamate. A signal peptide preceding the NTT is processed in vitro by microsomal membranes giving rise to a 27-kD species. AcCYS1 mRNA was present in roots and leaves but was most abundant in fruit. Using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy with an AcCYS1-specific antiserum, AcCYS1 was found in the apoplasm. Immunoblot analysis identified a 27-kD protein in fruit, roots, and leaves and a 15-kD species in mature ripe fruit. Ripe fruit extracts proteolytically removed the NTT of 27-kD AcCYS1 in vitro to produce the 15-kD species. Mass spectrometry analysis was used to map the primary cleavage site immediately after a conserved critical glycine-94. The AE-rich NTT was required to inhibit fruit and stem bromelain (>95%), whereas its removal decreased inhibition to 20% (fruit) and 80% (stem) and increased the dissociation equilibrium constant by 1.8-fold as determined by surface plasmon resonance assays. We propose that proteolytic removal of the NTT results in the decrease of the inhibitory potency of AcCYS1 against fruit bromelain during fruit ripening to increase tissue proteolysis, softening, and degradation. PMID:19648229

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in long-term dialysis patients display downregulation of PCAF expression and poor angiogenesis activation.

PubMed

Yamanaka, Shuichiro; Yokote, Shinya; Yamada, Akifumi; Katsuoka, Yuichi; Izuhara, Luna; Shimada, Yohta; Omura, Nobuo; Okano, Hirotaka James; Ohki, Takao; Yokoo, Takashi

2014-01-01

We previously demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into functional kidney cells capable of urine and erythropoietin production, indicating that they may be used for kidney regeneration. However, the viability of MSCs from dialysis patients may be affected under uremic conditions. In this study, we isolated MSCs from the adipose tissues of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing long-term dialysis (KD-MSCs; mean: 72.3 months) and from healthy controls (HC-MSCs) to compare their viability. KD-MSCs and HC-MSCs were assessed for their proliferation potential, senescence, and differentiation capacities into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. Gene expression of stem cell-specific transcription factors was analyzed by PCR array and confirmed by western blot analysis at the protein level. No significant differences of proliferation potential, senescence, or differentiation capacity were observed between KD-MSCs and HC-MSCs. However, gene and protein expression of p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) was significantly suppressed in KD-MSCs. Because PCAF is a histone acetyltransferase that mediates regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), we examined the hypoxic response in MSCs. HC-MSCs but not KD-MSCs showed upregulation of PCAF protein expression under hypoxia. Similarly, HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression did not increase under hypoxia in KD-MSCs but did so in HC-MSCs. Additionally, a directed in vivo angiogenesis assay revealed a decrease in angiogenesis activation of KD-MSCs. In conclusion, long-term uremia leads to persistent and systematic downregulation of PCAF gene and protein expression and poor angiogenesis activation of MSCs from patients with ESKD. Furthermore, PCAF, HIF-1α, and VEGF expression were not upregulated by hypoxic stimulation of KD-MSCs. These results suggest that the hypoxic response may be blunted in MSCs from ESKD patients.

Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Long-Term Dialysis Patients Display Downregulation of PCAF Expression and Poor Angiogenesis Activation

PubMed Central

Yamanaka, Shuichiro; Yokote, Shinya; Yamada, Akifumi; Katsuoka, Yuichi; Izuhara, Luna; Shimada, Yohta; Omura, Nobuo; Okano, Hirotaka James; Ohki, Takao; Yokoo, Takashi

2014-01-01

We previously demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into functional kidney cells capable of urine and erythropoietin production, indicating that they may be used for kidney regeneration. However, the viability of MSCs from dialysis patients may be affected under uremic conditions. In this study, we isolated MSCs from the adipose tissues of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing long-term dialysis (KD-MSCs; mean: 72.3 months) and from healthy controls (HC-MSCs) to compare their viability. KD-MSCs and HC-MSCs were assessed for their proliferation potential, senescence, and differentiation capacities into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. Gene expression of stem cell-specific transcription factors was analyzed by PCR array and confirmed by western blot analysis at the protein level. No significant differences of proliferation potential, senescence, or differentiation capacity were observed between KD-MSCs and HC-MSCs. However, gene and protein expression of p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) was significantly suppressed in KD-MSCs. Because PCAF is a histone acetyltransferase that mediates regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), we examined the hypoxic response in MSCs. HC-MSCs but not KD-MSCs showed upregulation of PCAF protein expression under hypoxia. Similarly, HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression did not increase under hypoxia in KD-MSCs but did so in HC-MSCs. Additionally, a directed in vivo angiogenesis assay revealed a decrease in angiogenesis activation of KD-MSCs. In conclusion, long-term uremia leads to persistent and systematic downregulation of PCAF gene and protein expression and poor angiogenesis activation of MSCs from patients with ESKD. Furthermore, PCAF, HIF-1α, and VEGF expression were not upregulated by hypoxic stimulation of KD-MSCs. These results suggest that the hypoxic response may be blunted in MSCs from ESKD patients. PMID:25025381

Diffusion of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite-effect of pH, solution concentration and humic acid.

PubMed

Wang, Xiangke; Chen, Yixue; Wu, Yican

2004-06-01

The effect of pH, Eu(III) solution concentration and humic acid on the diffusion of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite (rho(b) = 1000 +/- 30 kg/m(3)) was studied with "in-diffusion" method at an ionic strength of 0.1M NaClO(4). The results (K(d) values from the first slice and theoretical calculation, apparent and effective diffusion coefficients) derived from the new capillary method are in good agreement with the literature data under similar conditions, and fit the Fick's second law very well. The results suggest that the diffusion of Eu(III) is dependent on pH values and independent on solution concentration in our experimental conditions. Humic acid forms precipitation/complexation with Eu(III) at the surface of compacted bentonite and thus deduces the diffusion/transport of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite. The K(d) values in compacted bentonite are in most cases lower than those in powdered bentonite obtained from batch experiments. The difference between the K(d) values from powdered and compacted bentonite is a strong function of the bulk density of the bentonite. The results suggest that the content of interlaminary space plays a very important role to the diffusion, sorption and migration of Eu(III) in compacted bentonite.

Watershed-scale changes in terrestrial nitrogen cycling during a period of decreased atmospheric nitrate and sulfur deposition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sabo, Robert D.; Scanga, Sara E.; Lawrence, Gregory B.; Nelson, David M.; Eshleman, Keith N.; Zabala, Gabriel A.; Alinea, Alexandria A.; Schirmer, Charles D.

2016-01-01

Recent reports suggest that decreases in atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition throughout Europe and North America may have resulted in declining nitrate export in surface waters in recent decades, yet it is unknown if and how terrestrial N cycling was affected. During a period of decreased atmospheric N deposition, we assessed changes in forest N cycling by evaluating trends in tree-ring δ15N values (between 1980 and 2010; n = 20 trees per watershed), stream nitrate yields (between 2000 and 2011), and retention of atmospherically-deposited N (between 2000 and 2011) in the North and South Tributaries (North and South, respectively) of Buck Creek in the Adirondack Mountains, USA. We hypothesized that tree-ring δ15N values would decline following decreases in atmospheric N deposition (after approximately 1995), and that trends in stream nitrate export and retention of atmospherically deposited N would mirror changes in tree-ring δ15N values. Three of the six sampled tree species and the majority of individual trees showed declining linear trends in δ15N for the period 1980–2010; only two individual trees showed increasing trends in δ15N values. From 1980 to 2010, trees in the watersheds of both tributaries displayed long-term declines in tree-ring δ15N values at the watershed scale (R = −0.35 and p = 0.001 in the North and R = −0.37 and p <0.001 in the South). The decreasing δ15N trend in the North was associated with declining stream nitrate concentrations (−0.009 mg N L−1 yr−1, p = 0.02), but no change in the retention of atmospherically deposited N was observed. In contrast, nitrate yields in the South did not exhibit a trend, and the watershed became less retentive of atmospherically deposited N (−7.3% yr−1, p < 0.001). Our δ15N results indicate a change in terrestrial N availability in both watersheds prior to decreases in atmospheric N deposition, suggesting that decreased atmospheric N deposition was not the sole driver of

Catalysis in human hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase: Asp 137 acts as a general acid/base.

PubMed

Xu, Y; Grubmeyer, C

1998-03-24

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRTase) catalyzes the reversible formation of IMP and GMP from their respective bases hypoxanthine (Hx) and guanine (Gua) and the phosphoribosyl donor 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP). The net formation and cleavage of the nucleosidic bond requires removal/addition of a proton at the purine moiety, allowing enzymic catalysis to reduce the energy barrier associated with the reaction. The pH profile of kcat for IMP pyrophosphorolysis revealed an essential acidic group with pKa of 7.9 whereas those for IMP or GMP formation indicated involvement of essential basic groups. Based on the crystal structure of human HGPRTase, protonation/deprotonation is likely to occur at N7 of the purine ring, and Lys 165 or Asp 137 are each candidates for the general base/acid. We have constructed, purified, and kinetically characterized two mutant HGPRTases to test this hypothesis. D137N displayed an 18-fold decrease in kcat for nucleotide formation with Hx as substrate, a 275-fold decrease in kcat with Gua, and a 500-fold decrease in kcat for IMP pyrophosphorolysis. D137N also showed lower KD values for nucleotides and PRPP. The pH profiles of kcat for D137N were severely altered. In contrast to D137N, the kcat for K165Q was decreased only 2-fold in the forward reaction and was slightly increased in the reverse reaction. The Km and KD values showed that K165Q interacts with substrates more weakly than does the wild-type enzyme. Pre-steady-state experiments with K165Q indicated that the phosphoribosyl transfer step was fast in the forward reaction, as observed with the wild type. In contrast, D137N showed slower phosphoribosyl transfer chemistry, although guanine (3000-fold reduction) was affected much more than hypoxanthine (32-fold reduction). In conclusion, Asp137 acts as a general catalytic acid/base for HGPRTase and Lys165 makes ground-state interactions with substrates.

Novel comprehensive multidimensional liquid chromatography approach for elucidation of the microbosphere of shikimate-producing Escherichia coli SP1.1/pKD15.071 strain.

PubMed

Cacciola, Francesco; Mangraviti, Domenica; Rigano, Francesca; Donato, Paola; Dugo, Paola; Mondello, Luigi; Cortes, Hernan J

2018-06-01

Shikimic acid is a intermediate of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis and the preferred starting material for production of the most commonly prescribed anti-influenza drug, Tamiflu. Its six-membered carbocyclic ring is adorned with several chiral centers and various functionalities, making shikimic acid a valuable chiral synthon. When microbially-produced, in addition to shikimic acid, numerous other metabolites are exported out of the cytoplasm and accumulate in the culture medium. This extracellular matrix of metabolites is referred to as the microbosphere. Due to the high sample complexity, in this study, the microbosphere of shikimate-producing Escherichia coli SP1.1/pKD15.071 was analyzed by liquid chromatography and comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. GC analysis of the trimethylsilyl derivatives was also carried out in order to support the elucidation of the selected metabolites in the microbosphere. The elucidation of the metabolic fraction of this bacterial strain might be of valid aid for improving, through genetic changes, the concentration and yield of shikimic acid synthesized from glucose. Graphical abstract.

Quantitative Comparison of Human Parainfluenza Virus Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Receptor Binding and Receptor Cleavage

PubMed Central

Tappert, Mary M.; Porterfield, J. Zachary; Mehta-D'Souza, Padmaja; Gulati, Shelly

2013-01-01

The human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein binds (H) oligosaccharide receptors that contain N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and cleaves (N) Neu5Ac from these oligosaccharides. In order to determine if one of HN′s two functions is predominant, we measured the affinity of H for its ligands by a solid-phase binding assay with two glycoprotein substrates and by surface plasmon resonance with three monovalent glycans. We compared the dissociation constant (Kd) values from these experiments with previously determined Michaelis-Menten constants (Kms) for the enzyme activity. We found that glycoprotein substrates and monovalent glycans containing Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc bind HN with Kd values in the 10 to 100 μM range. Km values for HN were previously determined to be on the order of 1 mM (M. M. Tappert, D. F. Smith, and G. M. Air, J. Virol. 85:12146–12159, 2011). A Km value greater than the Kd value indicates that cleavage occurs faster than the dissociation of binding and will dominate under N-permissive conditions. We propose, therefore, that HN is a neuraminidase that can hold its substrate long enough to act as a binding protein. The N activity can therefore regulate binding by reducing virus-receptor interactions when the concentration of receptor is high. PMID:23740997

Vesicular acetylcholine transporter knock down-mice are more susceptible to inflammation, c-Fos expression and sickness behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide.

PubMed

Leite, Hércules Ribeiro; Oliveira-Lima, Onésia Cristina de; Pereira, Luciana de Melo; Oliveira, Vinícius Elias de Moura; Prado, Vania Ferreira; Prado, Marco Antônio Máximo; Pereira, Grace Schenatto; Massensini, André Ricardo

2016-10-01

In addition to the well-known functions as a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine (ACh) can modulate of the immune system. Nonetheless, how endogenous ACh release inflammatory responses is still not clear. To address this question, we took advantage of an animal model with a decreased ACh release due a reduction (knockdown) in vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) expression (VAChT-KD(HOM)). These animals were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Afterwards, we evaluated sickness behavior and quantified systemic and cerebral inflammation as well as neuronal activation in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC). VAChT-KD(HOM) mice that were injected with LPS (10mg/kg) showed increased mortality rate as compared to control mice. In line with this result, a low dose of LPS (0.1mg/kg) increased the levels of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in the spleen and brain of VAChT-KD(HOM) mice in comparison with controls. Similarly, serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in VAChT-KD(HOM) mice. This excessive cytokine production was completely prevented by administration of a nicotinic receptor agonist (0.4mg/kg) prior to the LPS injection. Three hours after the LPS injection, c-Fos expression increased in the DVC region of VAChT-KD(HOM) mice compared to controls. In addition, VAChT-KD(HOM) mice showed behavioral changes such as lowered locomotor and exploratory activity and reduced social interaction after the LPS challenge, when compared to control mice. Taken together, our results show that the decreased ability to release ACh exacerbates systemic and cerebral inflammation and promotes neural activation and behavioral changes induced by LPS. In conclusion, our findings support the notion that activity of cholinergic pathways, which can be modulated by VAChT expression, controls inflammatory and neural responses to LPS challenge. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ex vivo evaluation of antifibrotic compounds in skin scarring: EGCG and silencing of PAI-1 independently inhibit growth and induce keloid shrinkage.

PubMed

Syed, Farhatullah; Bagabir, Rania A; Paus, Ralf; Bayat, Ardeshir

2013-08-01

Keloid disease (KD) is a common fibroproliferative disorder of unknown etiopathogenesis. Its unique occurrence in human skin and lack of animal models pose challenges for KD research. The lack of a suitable model in KD and over-reliance on cell culture has hampered the progress in developing new treatments. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of two promising candidate antifibrotic therapies: (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) silencing in a long-term human keloid organ culture (OC). Four millimeters of air-liquid interface (ALI) keloid explants on collagen gel matrix in serum-free medium (n=8 cases) were treated with different modalities (EGCG treatment; PAI-1 knockdown by short interfering RNA (siRNA) and application of dexamethasone (DEX) as control). Normal skin (n=6) was used as control (only for D0 keloid-untreated comparison). Besides routine histology and quantitative (immuno-) histomorphometry, the key phenotypic and growth parameters of KD were assessed. Results demonstrated that EGCG reduced keloid volume significantly (40% by week 4), increased apoptosis (≥40% from weeks 1 to 4), and decreased proliferation (≤17% in week 2). EGCG induced epidermal shrinkage, reduced collagen-I and -III at mRNA and protein levels, depleted 98% of keloid-associated mast cells, and reduced the percentage of both cellularity and blood vessel count by week 4. Knockdown of PAI-1 significantly reduced keloid volume by 28% in week 4, respectively, and reduced collagen-I and -III at both mRNA and protein levels. As expected, DEX increased keloid apoptosis, decreased keloid proliferation, and collagen synthesis, but induced connective tissue growth factor overexpression. In conclusion, using keloid OC model, we provide the first functional evidence for testing candidate antifibrotic compounds in KD. We show that EGCG and PAI-1 silencing effectively inhibits growth and induces shrinkage of human keloid tissue in situ. Therefore

Levels of intra- and extracellular heat shock protein 60 in Kawasaki disease patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin.

PubMed

Yin Ji, Xu; Kang, Mi-Ran; Choi, Jong-Sung; Jeon, Hak-Soo; Han, Heon-Seok; Kim, Ji-Yoon; Son, Bo-Ra; Lee, Young-Min; Hahn, Youn-Soo

2007-09-01

Immune reactivity to autologous heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) has been reported to be associated with a favorable prognosis in autoimmune diseases. To provide a clue for the possible role of HSP60 in Kawasaki disease (KD), we investigated the levels of intra- and extracellular HSP60 in the course of KD. In KD patients, autologous HSP60 was abundantly expressed in CD11c(+) cells during the acute phase and subsequently decreased during the subacute phase. Most of HSP60-expressing CD11c(+) cells observed in the acute phase was composed of CD11c(low) cells instead of CD11c(high) cells, which were dominant in the subacute phase. In contrast, circulating HSP60 levels were higher in the subacute phase than those in the acute phase, reflecting higher level of HSP60 exposure to the immune system of patients during recovery. These changes in the levels of intra- and extracellular HSP60 were not observed in patients with other febrile diseases. The observed features of HSP60 expression in patients with KD are in favor of a role for autologous HSP60 as a regulator for control of inflammation, rather than a proinflammatory mediator in KD.

A cutoff value based on analysis of a reference population decreases overestimation of the prevalence of nocturnal polyuria.

PubMed

van Haarst, Ernst P; Bosch, J L H Ruud

2012-09-01

We sought criteria for nocturnal polyuria in asymptomatic, nonurological adults of all ages by reporting reference values of the ratio of daytime and nighttime urine volumes, and finding nocturia predictors. Data from a database of frequency-volume charts from a reference population of 894 nonurological, asymptomatic volunteers of all age groups were analyzed. The nocturnal polyuria index and the nocturia index were calculated and factors influencing these values were determined by multivariate analysis. The nocturnal polyuria index had wide variation but a normal distribution with a mean ± SD of 30% ± 12%. The 95th percentile of the values was 53%. Above this cutoff a patient had nocturnal polyuria. This value contrasts with the International Continence Society definition of 33% but agrees with several other reports. On multivariate regression analysis with the nocturnal polyuria index as the dependent variable sleeping time, maximum voided volume and age were the covariates. However, the increase in the nocturnal polyuria index by age was small. Excluding polyuria and nocturia from analysis did not alter the results in a relevant way. The nocturnal voiding frequency depended on sleeping time and maximum voided volume but most of all on the nocturia index. The prevalence of nocturnal polyuria is overestimated. We suggest a new cutoff value for the nocturnal polyuria index, that is nocturnal polyuria exists when the nocturnal polyuria index exceeds 53%. The nocturia index is the best predictor of nocturia. Copyright © 2012 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Participant acceptability of exercise in kidney disease (PACE-KD): a feasibility study protocol in renal transplant recipients

PubMed Central

Bishop, Nicolette C; Billany, Roseanne; Smith, Alice C

2017-01-01

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). General population risk scores for CVD underestimate the risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggesting additional non-traditional factors. Renal transplant recipients also exhibit elevated inflammation and impaired immune function. Exercise has a positive impact on these factors in patients with CKD but there is a lack of rigorous research in RTRs, particularly surrounding the feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in this population. This study aims to explore the feasibility of three different supervised aerobic exercise programmes in RTRs to guide the design of future large-scale efficacy studies. Methods and analysis Renal transplant recipients will be randomised to HIIT A (16 min interval training with 4, 2 and 1 min intervals at 80%–90% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak)), HIIT B (4×4 min interval training at 80%–90% VO2peak) or MICT (~40 min cycling at 50%–60% VO2peak) where they will undertake 24 supervised sessions (approximately thrice weekly over 8 weeks). Assessment visits will be at baseline, midtraining, immediate post-training and 3 months post-training. The study will evaluate the feasibility of recruitment, randomisation, retention, assessment procedures and the implementation of the interventions. A further qualitative sub-study QPACE-KD (Qualitative Participant Acceptability of Exercise in Kidney Disease) will explore patient experiences and perspectives through semistructured interviews and focus groups. Ethics and dissemination All required ethical and regulatory approvals have been obtained. Findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, public platforms and academic publications. Trial registration number Prospectively registered; ISRCTN17122775. PMID:28947458

Participant acceptability of exercise in kidney disease (PACE-KD): a feasibility study protocol in renal transplant recipients.

PubMed

Bishop, Nicolette C; Billany, Roseanne; Smith, Alice C

2017-09-24

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). General population risk scores for CVD underestimate the risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggesting additional non-traditional factors. Renal transplant recipients also exhibit elevated inflammation and impaired immune function. Exercise has a positive impact on these factors in patients with CKD but there is a lack of rigorous research in RTRs, particularly surrounding the feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in this population. This study aims to explore the feasibility of three different supervised aerobic exercise programmes in RTRs to guide the design of future large-scale efficacy studies. Renal transplant recipients will be randomised to HIIT A (16 min interval training with 4, 2 and 1 min intervals at 80%-90% of peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak )), HIIT B (4×4 min interval training at 80%-90% VO 2peak ) or MICT (~40 min cycling at 50%-60% VO 2peak ) where they will undertake 24 supervised sessions (approximately thrice weekly over 8 weeks). Assessment visits will be at baseline, midtraining, immediate post-training and 3 months post-training. The study will evaluate the feasibility of recruitment, randomisation, retention, assessment procedures and the implementation of the interventions. A further qualitative sub-study QPACE-KD (Qualitative Participant Acceptability of Exercise in Kidney Disease) will explore patient experiences and perspectives through semistructured interviews and focus groups. All required ethical and regulatory approvals have been obtained. Findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, public platforms and academic publications. Prospectively registered; ISRCTN17122775. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is

Fibrogenic response of hepatic stellate cells in ovariectomised rats exposed to ketogenic diet.

PubMed

Bobowiec, R; Wojcik, M; Jaworska-Adamu, J; Tusinska, E

2013-02-01

The discrepancy about the role of estrogens in hepatic fibrogenesis and lack of studies addressed of ketogenic diet (KD) on hepatic stellate cells (HSC), prompted us to investigate the activity of HSC in control, KD- and thioacetamide (TAA)-administrated rats with different plasma concentration of estradiol (E2). HSC were isolated by the collagenase perfusion methods and separated by the Percoll gradient centrifugation. After the 4(th) and 8(th) day of incubation, lysates of HSC and the media were collected for further analysis. The HSC derived from KD-rats released remarkably more transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 than cells obtained from animals fed with a standard diet. The ovariectomy of KD-rats markedly intensified the secretion of this fibrogenic cytokine on the 8(th) day of incubation (201.33 ±1 7.15 pg/ml). In HSC of rats exposed to E2, the TGF-β1 concentration did not exceed 157 ± 34.39 pg/ml. In respect to the collagen type I, the HSC obtained from ovariectomised KD-rats released an augmented amount of this ECM protein after the 8(th) day of culture (1.83 ± 0.14 U/ml). In the same time, higher quantities of ASMA appeared in the KD rats (1.41 ± 0.3 pg/mg protein). Exposition of rats to E2 did not markedly decrease the amount of ASMA. In summary, KD was able to induce morphological and functional changes in HSC, especially derived from rats deprived of ovarian estrogens. However, the preservation of E2 in ovariectomised rats didn't substantially alter the activation of HSC.

Robust Means for Estimating Black Carbon-Water Sorption Coefficients of Organic Contaminants in Sediments

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-07-01

multiple lines of reasoning should be used to build confidence in what we believe is going on at any particular site. Hence, it will certainly be more...site depends on its Kd value (Fernandez et al., 2009). Consequently, we need to understand factors that go into the Kd sorption parameter in order...models of sorption to GAC (Kamlet et al. 1985, Luehrs et al. 1996, Poole and Poole 1997, Shih and Gschwend 2009) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes ( MWCNT

Vulnerability to omega-3 deprivation in a mouse model of NMDA receptor hypofunction.

PubMed

Islam, Rehnuma; Trépanier, Marc-Olivier; Milenkovic, Marija; Horsfall, Wendy; Salahpour, Ali; Bazinet, Richard P; Ramsey, Amy J

2017-01-01

Several studies have found decreased levels of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the brain and blood of schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, dietary ω-3 supplements may improve schizophrenia symptoms and delay the onset of first-episode psychosis. We used an animal model of NMDA receptor hypofunction, NR1KD mice, to understand whether changes in glutamate neurotransmission could lead to changes in brain and serum fatty acids. We further asked whether dietary manipulations of ω-3, either depletion or supplementation, would affect schizophrenia-relevant behaviors of NR1KD mice. We discovered that NR1KD mice have elevated brain levels of ω-6 fatty acids regardless of their diet. While ω-3 supplementation did not improve any of the NR1KD behavioral abnormalities, ω-3 depletion exacerbated their deficits in executive function. Omega-3 depletion also caused extreme mortality among male mutant mice, with 75% mortality rate by 12 weeks of age. Our studies show that alterations in NMDAR function alter serum and brain lipid composition and make the brain more vulnerable to dietary ω-3 deprivation.

Cerebral blood flow velocity and cranial fluid volume decrease during +Gz acceleration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawai, Y.; Puma, S. C.; Hargens, A. R.; Murthy, G.; Warkander, D.; Lundgren, C. E.

1997-01-01

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity and cranial fluid volume, which is defined as the total volume of intra- and extracranial fluid, were measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and rheoencephalography, respectively, in humans during graded increase of +Gz acceleration (onset rate: 0.1 G/s) without straining maneuvers. Gz acceleration was terminated when subjects' vision decreased to an angle of less than or equal to 60 degrees, which was defined as the physiological end point. In five subjects, mean CBF velocity decreased 48% from a baseline value of 59.4 +/- 11.2 cm/s to 31.0 +/- 5.6 cm/s (p<0.01) with initial loss of peripheral vision at 5.7 +/- 0.9 Gz. On the other hand, systolic CBF velocity did not change significantly during increasing +Gz acceleration. Cranial impedance, which is proportional to loss of cranial fluid volume, increased by 2.0 +/- 0.8% above the baseline value at the physiological end point (p<0.05). Both the decrease of CBF velocity and the increase of cranial impedance correlated significantly with Gz. These results suggest that +Gz acceleration without straining maneuvers decreases CBF velocity to half normal and probably causes a caudal fluid shift from both intra- and extracranial tissues.

29 CFR 778.321 - Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... COMPENSATION Special Problems Reduction in Workweek Schedule with No Change in Pay § 778.321 Decrease in hours without decreasing pay—general. Since the regular rate of pay is the average hourly rate at which an... 29 Labor 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general. 778.321...

29 CFR 778.321 - Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... COMPENSATION Special Problems Reduction in Workweek Schedule with No Change in Pay § 778.321 Decrease in hours without decreasing pay—general. Since the regular rate of pay is the average hourly rate at which an... 29 Labor 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Decrease in hours without decreasing pay-general. 778.321...

Modeling Nitrogen Decrease in Water Lettuce Ponds from Waste Stabilization Ponds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, Gitta Agnes; Sunarsih

2018-02-01

This paper presents about the dynamic modeling of the Water Lettuce ponds as a form of improvement from the Water Hyacinth ponds. The purpose of this paper is to predict nitrogen decrease and nitrogen transformation in Water Lettuce ponds integrated with Waste Stabilization Ponds. The model consists of 4 mass balances, namely Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DON), Particulate Organic Nitrogen (PON), ammonium (NH4+), Nitrate and Nitrite (NOx). The process of nitrogen transformation which considered in a Water Lettuce ponds, namely hydrolysis, mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, plant and bacterial uptake processes. Numerical simulations are performed by giving the values of parameters and the initial values of nitrogen compounds based on a review of previous studies. Numerical results show that the rate of change in the concentration of nitrogen compounds in the integration ponds of waste stabilization and water lettuce decreases and reaches stable at different times.

Striatum-dependent habits are insensitive to both increases and decreases in reinforcer value in mice.

PubMed

Quinn, Jennifer J; Pittenger, Christopher; Lee, Anni S; Pierson, Jamie L; Taylor, Jane R

2013-03-01

The mouse has emerged as an advantageous species for studying the brain circuitry that underlies complex behavior and for modeling neuropsychiatric disease. The transition from flexible, goal-directed actions to inflexible, habitual responses is argued to be a valid and reliable behavioral model for studying a core aspect of corticostriatal systems that is implicated in certain forms of psychopathology. This transition is thought to correspond to a progression of behavioral control from associative to sensorimotor corticobasal ganglia networks. Habits form following extensive training and are characterized by reduced sensitivity of instrumental responding to reinforcer revaluation; few studies have examined this form of behavioral control in mice. Here we examined the involvement of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum in this transition in the C57BL/6 inbred mouse strain. We provided evidence that damage to the dorsolateral striatum disrupted habitual responding, i.e. it preserved sensitivity to changes in outcome value following either outcome devaluation or, shown for the first time in mice, outcome inflation. Together, these data show that instrumental responding in lesioned mice tracks the current value of a reinforcer and provide evidence that neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying habit learning in rats are preserved in the mouse. This will allow for the genetic and molecular dissection of neural factors involved in decision-making and mechanisms of aberrant habit formation. © 2013 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Striatum-dependent habits are insensitive to both increases and decreases in reinforcer value in mice

PubMed Central

Quinn, Jennifer J.; Pittenger, Christopher; Lee, Anni S.; Pierson, Jamie L.; Taylor, Jane R.

2012-01-01

The mouse has emerged as an advantageous species for studying the brain circuitry that underlies complex behavior and for modeling neuropsychiatric disease. The transition from flexible, goal-directed actions to inflexible, habitual responses is argued to be a valid and reliable behavioral model for studying a core aspect of corticostriatal systems that is implicated in certain forms of psychopathology. This transition is thought to correspond to a progression of behavioral control from associative to sensorimotor cortico-basal ganglia networks. Habits form following extensive training and are characterized by reduced sensitivity of instrumental responding to reinforcer revaluation; few studies have examined this form of behavioral control in mice. Here we examine the involvement of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial striatum in this transition in the C57BL/6 inbred mouse strain. We provide evidence that damage to the dorsolateral striatum disrupts habitual responding – that is, it preserves sensitivity to changes in outcome value following either outcome devaluation or, for the first time in mice, outcome inflation. Together, these data show that instrumental responding in lesioned mice tracks the current value of a reinforcer and provide evidence that neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying habit learning in rats are preserved in mouse. This will allow for genetic and molecular dissection of neural factors involved in decision-making and mechanisms of aberrant habit formation. PMID:23298231

Identification of Novel Susceptibility Loci for Kawasaki Disease in a Han Chinese Population by a Genome-Wide Association Study

PubMed Central

Huang, Li-Min; Huang, Fu-Yuan; Chiu, Nan-Chang; Chen, Ming-Ren; Chi, Hsin; Lee, Yann-Jinn; Chang, Li-Ching; Liu, Yi-Min; Wang, Hsiang-Hua; Chen, Chien-Hsiun; Chen, Yuan-Tsong; Wu, Jer-Yuarn

2011-01-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis syndrome that primarily affects infants and young children. Its etiology is unknown; however, epidemiological findings suggest that genetic predisposition underlies disease susceptibility. Taiwan has the third-highest incidence of KD in the world, after Japan and Korea. To investigate novel mechanisms that might predispose individuals to KD, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 250 KD patients and 446 controls in a Han Chinese population residing in Taiwan, and further validated our findings in an independent Han Chinese cohort of 208 cases and 366 controls. The most strongly associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the joint analysis corresponded to three novel loci. Among these KD-associated SNPs three were close to the COPB2 (coatomer protein complex beta-2 subunit) gene: rs1873668 (p = 9.52×10−5), rs4243399 (p = 9.93×10−5), and rs16849083 (p = 9.93×10−5). We also identified a SNP in the intronic region of the ERAP1 (endoplasmic reticulum amino peptidase 1) gene (rs149481, pbest = 4.61×10−5). Six SNPs (rs17113284, rs8005468, rs10129255, rs2007467, rs10150241, and rs12590667) clustered in an area containing immunoglobulin heavy chain variable regions genes, with pbest-values between 2.08×10−5 and 8.93×10−6, were also identified. This is the first KD GWAS performed in a Han Chinese population. The novel KD candidates we identified have been implicated in T cell receptor signaling, regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as antibody-mediated immune responses. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the underlying molecular pathogenesis of KD. PMID:21326860

The impact of processing delay on the exposure index value

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, M. L.; Brennan, P. C.; Last, J.; Rainford, L.

2010-04-01

Digital radiography poses the risk of unnoticed increases in patient dose. Manufacturers responded to this by offering an exposure index (EI) value to clinicians. Use of the EI value in clinical practice is encouraged by the American College of Radiology and American Association of Physicists in Medicine. This study assesses the impact of processing delay on the EI value. An anthropormorphic phantom was used to simulate three radiographic examinations; skull, pelvis and chest. For each examination, the phantom was placed in the optimal position and exposures were chosen in accordance with international guidelines. A Carestream (previously Kodak) computed radiography system was used. The imaging plate was exposed, and processing was delayed in various increments from 30 seconds to 24 hours, representing common delays in clinical practice. The EI value was recorded for each exposure. The EI value decreased considerably with increasing processing delay. The EI value decreased by 100 within 25 minutes delay for the chest, and 20 minutes for the skull and pelvis. Within 1 hour, the EI value had fallen by 180, 160 and 100 for the chest, skull and pelvis respectively. After 24 hours, the value had decreased by 370, 350 and 340 for the chest, skull and pelvis respectively, representing to the clinician more then a halving of exposure to the detector in Carestream systems. The assessment of images using EI values should be approached with caution in clinical practice when delays in processing occur. The use of EI values as a feedback mechanism is questioned.

Materialistic Values and Goals.

PubMed

Kasser, Tim

2016-01-01

Materialism comprises a set of values and goals focused on wealth, possessions, image, and status. These aims are a fundamental aspect of the human value/goal system, standing in relative conflict with aims concerning the well-being of others, as well as one's own personal and spiritual growth. Substantial evidence shows that people who place a relatively high priority on materialistic values/goals consume more products and incur more debt, have lower-quality interpersonal relationships, act in more ecologically destructive ways, have adverse work and educational motivation, and report lower personal and physical well-being. Experimentally activating materialistic aims causes similar outcomes. Given these ills, researchers have investigated means of decreasing people's materialism. Successful interventions encourage intrinsic/self-transcendent values/goals, increase felt personal security, and/or block materialistic messages from the environment. These interventions would likely be more effective if policies were also adopted that diminished contemporary culture's focus on consumption, profit, and economic growth.

Predicting both passive intestinal absorption and the dissociation constant toward albumin using the PAMPA technique.

PubMed

Bujard, Alban; Sol, Marine; Carrupt, Pierre-Alain; Martel, Sophie

2014-10-15

The parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) is a high-throughput screening (HTS) method that is widely used to predict in vivo passive permeability through biological barriers, such as the skin, the blood brain barrier (BBB) and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The PAMPA technique has also been used to predict the dissociation constant (Kd) between a compound and human serum albumin (HSA) while disregarding passive permeability. Furthermore, the assay is based on the use of two separate 5-point kinetic experiments, which increases the analysis time. In the present study, we adapted the hexadecane membrane (HDM)-PAMPA assay to both predict passive gastrointestinal absorption via the permeability coefficient logPe value and determine the Kd. Two assays were performed: one in the presence and one in the absence of HSA in the acceptor compartment. In the absence of HSA, logPe values were determined after a 4-h incubation time, as originally described, but the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) percentage and pH were altered to be compatible with the protein. In parallel, a second PAMPA assay was performed in the presence of HSA during a 16-h incubation period. By adding HSA, a variation in the amount of compound crossing the membrane was observed compared to the permeability measured in the absence of HSA. The concentration of compound reaching the acceptor compartment in each case was used to determine both parameters (logPe and logKd) using numerical simulations, which highlighted the originality of this method because these calculations required only two endpoint measurements instead of a complete kinetic study. It should be noted that the amount of compound that reaches the acceptor compartment in the presence of HSA is modulated by complex dissociation in the receptor compartment. Only compounds that are moderately bound to albumin (-3Kd [M]<-6) can be measured using this method. If compound permeability through the artificial membrane is low in the

[Changes of agroecosystem service value during urbanization of Guangzhou City, South China].

PubMed

Ye, Yan-Qiong; Li, Yi-Mian; Zhang, Jia-En

2011-06-01

Based on the 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008 statistical data of Guangzhou City, and by the methods of marketing valuation, shadow price, afforestation cost, carbon tax, and industrial oxygen-producing, this paper calculated the related service values of various agroecosystems in Guangzhou, and assessed the changes of agroecosystem service value during the rapid urbanization of the City. In 1996-2008, though the service values of farmland, grassland, and water ecosystems had somewhat increase, the overall agroecosystem service value of Guangzhou decreased, mainly due to the more decrease of forest ecosystem service value which occupied more than 90% of the total service value each year. Over the studied period, the proportion of each individual functional service value to the total service value changed little, and the contribution of each individual functional service value was in the order of climate regulation > gases regulation > product service > waste treatment > soil conservation > biodiversity conservation > recreation and culture > water source retention and storage. The sum of climate regulation and gases regulation service values took over 91% of the total agroecosystem service value. There was a significant negative correlation (R = -0.905, P < 0.01)between urbanization rate and total agroecosystem service value, suggesting that the increase of urbanization rate would lead to a decrease of agroecosystem service value. Therefore, it requires an appropriate reservation of various agroecosystems to maintain the regional sustainable development during urbanization.

The Mucin MUC4 and Its Membrane Partner ErbB2 Regulate Biological Properties of Human CAPAN-2 Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Different Signalling Pathways

PubMed Central

Jonckheere, Nicolas; Skrypek, Nicolas; Merlin, Johann; Dessein, Anne Frédérique; Dumont, Patrick; Leteurtre, Emmanuelle; Harris, Ann; Desseyn, Jean-Luc; Susini, Christiane; Frénois, Frédéric; Van Seuningen, Isabelle

2012-01-01

The mucin MUC4 and its membrane partner the ErbB2 oncogenic receptor are potential interacting partners in human pancreatic tumour development. However, the way they function is still largely unknown. In this work, we aimed to identify the cellular mechanisms and the intracellular signalling pathways under the control of both ErbB2 and MUC4 in a human pancreatic adenocarcinomatous cell line. Using co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down, we show that MUC4 and ErbB2 interact in the human pancreatic adenocarcinomatous cell line CAPAN-2 via the EGF domains of MUC4. Stable cell clones were generated in which either MUC4 or ErbB2 were knocked down (KD) by a shRNA approach. Biological properties of these cells were then studied in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that ErbB2-KD cells are more apoptotic and less proliferative (decreased cyclin D1 and increased p27kip1 expression) while migration and invasive properties were not altered. MUC4-KD clones were less proliferative with decreased cyclin D1 expression, G1 cell cycle arrest and altered ErbB2/ErbB3 expression. Their migration properties were reduced whereas invasive properties were increased. Importantly, inhibition of ErbB2 and MUC4 expression did not impair the same signalling pathways (inhibition of MUC4 expression affected the JNK pathway whereas that of ErbB2 altered the MAPK pathway). Finally, ErbB2-KD and MUC4-KD cells showed impaired tumour growth in vivo. Our results show that ErbB2 and MUC4, which interact physically, activate different intracellular signalling pathways to regulate biological properties of CAPAN-2 pancreatic cancer cells. PMID:22393391

The mucin MUC4 and its membrane partner ErbB2 regulate biological properties of human CAPAN-2 pancreatic cancer cells via different signalling pathways.

PubMed

Jonckheere, Nicolas; Skrypek, Nicolas; Merlin, Johann; Dessein, Anne Frédérique; Dumont, Patrick; Leteurtre, Emmanuelle; Harris, Ann; Desseyn, Jean-Luc; Susini, Christiane; Frénois, Frédéric; Van Seuningen, Isabelle

2012-01-01

The mucin MUC4 and its membrane partner the ErbB2 oncogenic receptor are potential interacting partners in human pancreatic tumour development. However, the way they function is still largely unknown. In this work, we aimed to identify the cellular mechanisms and the intracellular signalling pathways under the control of both ErbB2 and MUC4 in a human pancreatic adenocarcinomatous cell line. Using co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down, we show that MUC4 and ErbB2 interact in the human pancreatic adenocarcinomatous cell line CAPAN-2 via the EGF domains of MUC4. Stable cell clones were generated in which either MUC4 or ErbB2 were knocked down (KD) by a shRNA approach. Biological properties of these cells were then studied in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that ErbB2-KD cells are more apoptotic and less proliferative (decreased cyclin D1 and increased p27kip1 expression) while migration and invasive properties were not altered. MUC4-KD clones were less proliferative with decreased cyclin D1 expression, G1 cell cycle arrest and altered ErbB2/ErbB3 expression. Their migration properties were reduced whereas invasive properties were increased. Importantly, inhibition of ErbB2 and MUC4 expression did not impair the same signalling pathways (inhibition of MUC4 expression affected the JNK pathway whereas that of ErbB2 altered the MAPK pathway). Finally, ErbB2-KD and MUC4-KD cells showed impaired tumour growth in vivo. Our results show that ErbB2 and MUC4, which interact physically, activate different intracellular signalling pathways to regulate biological properties of CAPAN-2 pancreatic cancer cells.

It Is a Brave New World: Alternative Payment Models and Value Creation in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Creating Value for TJR, Quality and Cost-Effectiveness Programs.

PubMed

Chen, Kevin K; Harty, Jonathan H; Bosco, Joseph A

2017-06-01

The increasing cost of our country's healthcare is not sustainable. To address this crisis, the federal government is transiting healthcare reimbursement from the traditional volume-based system to a value-based system. As such, increasing healthcare value has become an essential point of discussion for all healthcare stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to discuss the importance of healthcare value as a means to achieve this goal of value-based medicine and 3 methods to create value in total joint arthroplasty. These methods are to: (1) improve outcomes greater than the increased costs to achieve this improvement, (2) decrease costs without affecting outcomes, and (3) decrease costs while simultaneously improving outcomes. Following these guidelines will help practitioners thrive in a bundled care environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Retaining the Value of PV at High Penetration Workshop

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

Kurtz, Sarah; Bolen, Michael

PV prices have dropped and are now attractive without incentives for peaking applications in some locations. Modeling suggests and, empirically, some regions demonstrate that as PV penetration increases its value decreases, predominantly due to a decrease in energy and capacity value. It is not apparent what technologies and price may be needed for PV to supply tens of percent of electricity in the most economically efficient manner. A 1-day workshop was co-sponsored by EPRI and NREL with support from ASU. A dozen presentations and discussions introduced how the interplay of various technologies impact the value of PV, identified technical challengesmore » and gaps impeding implementation, and discussed future R&D needs and opportunities.« less

Does ketogenic diet have any negative effect on cardiac systolic and diastolic functions in children with intractable epilepsy?: One-year follow-up results.

PubMed

Ozdemir, Rahmi; Kucuk, Mehmet; Guzel, Orkide; Karadeniz, Cem; Yilmaz, Unsal; Mese, Timur

2016-10-01

The ketogenic diet (KD) has been referred to as an "effective therapy with side effects" for children with intractable epilepsy. Among the most recognized adverse effects, there are cardiac conduction abnormalities, vascular and myocardial dysfunction. However, very limited and controversial data are available regarding the effects of the KD on cardiac functions. We sought to analyze the mid-term effect of ketogenic diet on cardiac functions in patients with intractable epilepsy who received a ketogenic diet for at least 12months using conventional and relatively new imaging techniques. This prospective study included 61 patients with intractable epilepsy who received ketogenic diet for at least 12months. Clinical examinations, serum carnitine and selenium levels as well as electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations were scheduled prior to the procedure and at 1, 3, 6 and 12months. We utilized two-dimensional, M-mode, colored Doppler, spectral Doppler and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging techniques to investigate ventricular systolic and diastolic functions of this subgroup of patients. In our study, there was no significant difference after 1year of KD therapy compared to baseline values-except a significantly decreased A wave velocity-in terms of pulse wave Doppler echocardiographic measurements of the diastolic function. The tissue Doppler measurements obtained from the lateral wall of tricuspide and mitral annuli were not different at baseline and at month 12 of the treatment, as well. The ketogenic diet appears to have no disturbing effect on ventricular functions in epileptic children in the midterm. Copyright © 2016 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Universal values of Canadian astronauts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brcic, Jelena; Della-Rossa, Irina

2012-11-01

Values are desirable, trans-situational goals, varying in importance, that guide behavior. Research has demonstrated that universal values may alter in importance as a result of major life events. The present study examines the effect of spaceflight and the demands of astronauts' job position as life circumstances that affect value priorities. We employed thematic content analysis for references to Schwartz's well-established value markers in narratives (media interviews, journals, and pre-flight interviews) of seven Canadian astronauts and compared the results to the values of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Russian Space Agency (RKA) astronauts. Space flight did alter the level of importance of Canadian astronauts' values. We found a U-shaped pattern for the values of Achievement and Tradition before, during, and after flight, and a linear decrease in the value of Stimulation. The most frequently mentioned values were Achievement, Universalism, Security, and Self-Direction. Achievement and Self Direction are also within the top 4 values of all other astronauts; however, Universalism was significantly higher among the Canadian astronauts. Within the value hierarchy of Canadian astronauts, Security was the third most frequently mentioned value, while it is in seventh place for all other astronauts. Interestingly, the most often mentioned value marker (sub-category) in this category was Patriotism. The findings have important implications in understanding multi-national crew relations during training, flight, and reintegration into society.

A solid-phase extraction method for rapidly determining the adsorption coefficient of pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge

PubMed Central

Berthod, Laurence; Roberts, Gary; Whitley, David C.; Sharpe, Alan; Mills, Graham A.

2014-01-01

The partitioning of pharmaceuticals in the environment can be assessed by measuring their adsorption coefficients (Kd) between aqueous and solid phases. Measuring this coefficient in sewage sludge gives an indication of their partitioning behaviour in a wastewater treatment plant and hence contributes to an understanding of their subsequent fate. The regulatory approved method for measuring Kd in sewage sludge is the US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) guideline 835.1110, which is labour intensive and time consuming. We describe an alternative method for measuring the Kd of pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge using a modified solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique. SPE cartridges were packed at different sludge/PTFE ratios (0.4, 6.0, 24.0 and 40.0% w/w sludge) and eluted with phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. The approach was tested initially using three pharmaceuticals (clofibric acid, diclofenac and oxytetracycline) that covered a range of Kd values. Subsequently, the sorption behaviour of ten further pharmaceuticals with varying physico-chemical properties was evaluated. Results from the SPE method were comparable to those of the OPPTS test, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93 between the two approaches. SPE cartridges packed with sludge and PTFE were stable for up to one year; use within one month reduced variability in measurements (to a maximum of 0.6 log units). The SPE method is low-cost, easy to use and enables the rapid measurement of Kd values for a large number of chemicals. It can be used as an alternative to the more laborious full OPPTS test in environmental fate studies and risk assessments. PMID:25299795

Factors that influence the reinforcing value of foods and beverages.

PubMed

Temple, Jennifer L

2014-09-01

Behavioral economic principles state that as the cost of a product increases, purchasing or consumption of that product will decrease. To understand the impact of behavioral economics on ingestive behavior, our laboratory utilizes an operant behavior paradigm to measure how much work an individual will engage in to get access to foods and beverages. This task provides an objective measure of the reinforcing value. We have shown that consumption of the same high fat snack food every day for two weeks reduces its reinforcing value in lean individuals, but increases its reinforcing value in a subset of obese individuals. This increase in the reinforcing value of food predicts future weight gain. Similarly, we have shown that repeated intake of caffeinated soda increases its reinforcing value in boys, but not in girls. This increase in reinforcing value is not related to usual caffeine consumption, but may be associated with positive, subjective effects of caffeine that are more likely to be reported by boys than by girls. Because food and beverage reinforcement relates to real-world consumption, it is important to determine factors that increase or decrease the reinforcing value and determine the consequences of these responses. We are especially interested in determining ways to shift the behavioral economic curve in order to develop novel strategies to decrease the reinforcing value of less healthy snack foods and beverages, such as soda, potato chips and candy and to increase the reinforcing value of healthier foods and beverages, such as water, fruits, and vegetables. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Factors that Influence the Reinforcing Value of Foods and Beverages

PubMed Central

Temple, Jennifer L.

2014-01-01

Behavioral economic principles state that as the cost of a product increases, purchasing or consumption of that product will decrease. To understand the impact of behavioral economics on ingestive behavior, our laboratory utilizes an operant behavior paradigm to measure how much work an individual will engage in to get access to foods and beverages. This task provides an objective measure of the reinforcing value. We have shown that consumption of the same high fat snack food every day for two weeks reduces its reinforcing value in lean individuals, but increases its reinforcing value in a subset of obese individuals. This increase in the reinforcing value of food predicts future weight gain. Similarly, we have shown that repeated intake of caffeinated soda increases its reinforcing value in boys, but not in girls. This increase in reinforcing value is not related to usual caffeine consumption, but may be associated with positive, subjective effects of caffeine that are more likely to be reported by boys than by girls. Because food and beverage reinforcement relates to real-world consumption, it is important to determine factors that increase or decrease the reinforcing value and determine the consequences of these responses. We are especially interested in determining ways to shift the behavioral economic curve in order to develop novel strategies to decrease the reinforcing value of less healthy snack foods and beverages, such as soda, potato chips and candy and to increase the reinforcing value of healthier foods and beverages, such a water, fruits, and vegetables. PMID:24793218

Decreasing Fires in Mediterranean Europe

PubMed Central

Turco, Marco; Bedia, Joaquín; Di Liberto, Fabrizio; Fiorucci, Paolo; von Hardenberg, Jost; Koutsias, Nikos; Llasat, Maria-Carmen; Xystrakis, Fotios; Provenzale, Antonello

2016-01-01

Forest fires are a serious environmental hazard in southern Europe. Quantitative assessment of recent trends in fire statistics is important for assessing the possible shifts induced by climate and other environmental/socioeconomic changes in this area. Here we analyse recent fire trends in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and Greece, building on a homogenized fire database integrating official fire statistics provided by several national/EU agencies. During the period 1985-2011, the total annual burned area (BA) displayed a general decreasing trend, with the exception of Portugal, where a heterogeneous signal was found. Considering all countries globally, we found that BA decreased by about 3020 km2 over the 27-year-long study period (i.e. about -66% of the mean historical value). These results are consistent with those obtained on longer time scales when data were available, also yielding predominantly negative trends in Spain and France (1974-2011) and a mixed trend in Portugal (1980-2011). Similar overall results were found for the annual number of fires (NF), which globally decreased by about 12600 in the study period (about -59%), except for Spain where, excluding the provinces along the Mediterranean coast, an upward trend was found for the longer period. We argue that the negative trends can be explained, at least in part, by an increased effort in fire management and prevention after the big fires of the 1980’s, while positive trends may be related to recent socioeconomic transformations leading to more hazardous landscape configurations, as well as to the observed warming of recent decades. We stress the importance of fire data homogenization prior to analysis, in order to alleviate spurious effects associated with non-stationarities in the data due to temporal variations in fire detection efforts. PMID:26982584

Decreasing Fires in Mediterranean Europe.

PubMed

Turco, Marco; Bedia, Joaquín; Di Liberto, Fabrizio; Fiorucci, Paolo; von Hardenberg, Jost; Koutsias, Nikos; Llasat, Maria-Carmen; Xystrakis, Fotios; Provenzale, Antonello

2016-01-01

Forest fires are a serious environmental hazard in southern Europe. Quantitative assessment of recent trends in fire statistics is important for assessing the possible shifts induced by climate and other environmental/socioeconomic changes in this area. Here we analyse recent fire trends in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and Greece, building on a homogenized fire database integrating official fire statistics provided by several national/EU agencies. During the period 1985-2011, the total annual burned area (BA) displayed a general decreasing trend, with the exception of Portugal, where a heterogeneous signal was found. Considering all countries globally, we found that BA decreased by about 3020 km2 over the 27-year-long study period (i.e. about -66% of the mean historical value). These results are consistent with those obtained on longer time scales when data were available, also yielding predominantly negative trends in Spain and France (1974-2011) and a mixed trend in Portugal (1980-2011). Similar overall results were found for the annual number of fires (NF), which globally decreased by about 12600 in the study period (about -59%), except for Spain where, excluding the provinces along the Mediterranean coast, an upward trend was found for the longer period. We argue that the negative trends can be explained, at least in part, by an increased effort in fire management and prevention after the big fires of the 1980's, while positive trends may be related to recent socioeconomic transformations leading to more hazardous landscape configurations, as well as to the observed warming of recent decades. We stress the importance of fire data homogenization prior to analysis, in order to alleviate spurious effects associated with non-stationarities in the data due to temporal variations in fire detection efforts.

[Caloric value and energy allocation of Chloris virgata in northeast grassland].

PubMed

Guo, J; Wang, R; Wang, W

2001-06-01

The rules of seasonal changes in caloric values of individual plant, stem, and leaves of Chloris virgata were similar, which had two peak values from early July to early August, and then decreased gradually. Those of inflorescence assumed U shape, and had two peak values in early August and middle September, respectively. The seasonal changes in caloric values of dead standing were irregular, and the maximum value was appeared in early August. The seasonal changes in existent energy value of the aboveground parts in Chloris virgata population presented double peak curve. The two peak values were appeared in early August and early September respectively, and the maximum value was 7381.27 kJ.m-2 in early September. The energy allocation in different seasons was leaf > stem in early July, stem > leaf > dead standing in middle July, stem > leaf > inflorescence > dead standing in August, stem > inflorescence > leaf > dead standing in early September, and stem > inflorescence > dead standing > leaf in middle September. The vertical structure of energy in the aboveground parts was that the energy value gradually increased from the earth's surface to 20 cm high, and then decreased. The maximum value, which accounted for 25.75% of energy in the aboveground parts, was appeared in the layer of 10-20 cm high. In the underground parts, the energy value progressively decreased with the increase of depth, and the maximum value, which accounted for 74.21% of energy in the underground parts, was appeared in the layer of 0-10 cm depth.

Cholera Toxin Inhibitors Studied with High-Performance Liquid Affinity Chromatography: A Robust Method to Evaluate Receptor–Ligand Interactions

PubMed Central

Bergström, Maria; Liu, Shuang; Kiick, Kristi L.; Ohlson, Sten

2009-01-01

Anti-adhesion drugs may be an alternative to antibiotics to control infection of micro-organisms. The well-characterized interaction between cholera toxin and the cellular glycolipid GM1 makes it an attractive model for inhibition studies in general. In this report, we demonstrate a high-performance liquid affinity chromatography approach called weak affinity chromatography to evaluate cholera toxin inhibitors. The cholera toxin B-subunit was covalently coupled to porous silica and a (weak) affinity column was produced. The KD values of galactose and meta-nitrophenyl α-D-galactoside were determined with weak affinity chromatography to be 52 and 1 mM, respectively, which agree well with IC50 values previously reported. To increase inhibition potency multivalent inhibitors have been developed and the interaction with multivalent glycopolypeptides was also evaluated. The affinity of these compounds was found to correlate with the galactoside content but KD values were not obtained because of the inhomogeneous response and slow off-rate from multivalent interactions. Despite the limitations in obtaining direct KD values of the multivalent galactopolypeptides, weak affinity chromatography represents an additional and valuable tool in the evaluation of monovalent as well as multivalent cholera toxin inhibitors. It offers multiple advantages, such as a low sample consumption, high reproducibility and short analysis time, which are often not observed in other methods of analysis. PMID:19152642

Akap350 Recruits Eb1 to The Spindle Poles, Ensuring Proper Spindle Orientation and Lumen Formation in 3d Epithelial Cell Cultures.

PubMed

Almada, Evangelina; Tonucci, Facundo M; Hidalgo, Florencia; Ferretti, Anabela; Ibarra, Solange; Pariani, Alejandro; Vena, Rodrigo; Favre, Cristián; Girardini, Javier; Kierbel, Arlinet; Larocca, M Cecilia

2017-11-02

The organization of epithelial cells to form hollow organs with a single lumen requires the accurate three-dimensional arrangement of cell divisions. Mitotic spindle orientation is defined by signaling pathways that provide molecular links between specific spots at the cell cortex and astral microtubules, which have not been fully elucidated. AKAP350 is a centrosomal/Golgi scaffold protein, implicated in the regulation of microtubule dynamics. Using 3D epithelial cell cultures, we found that cells with decreased AKAP350 expression (AKAP350KD) formed polarized cysts with abnormal lumen morphology. Analysis of mitotic cells in AKAP350KD cysts indicated defective spindle alignment. We established that AKAP350 interacts with EB1, a microtubule associated protein that regulates spindle orientation, at the spindle poles. Decrease of AKAP350 expression lead to a significant reduction of EB1 levels at spindle poles and astral microtubules. Conversely, overexpression of EB1 rescued the defective spindle orientation induced by deficient AKAP350 expression. The specific delocalization of the AKAP350/EB1complex from the centrosome decreased EB1 levels at astral microtubules and lead to the formation of 3D-organotypic structures which resembled AKAP350KD cysts. We conclude that AKAP350 recruits EB1 to the spindle poles, ensuring EB1 presence at astral microtubules and proper spindle orientation during epithelial morphogenesis.

Patient-perceived changes in the system of values after cancer diagnosis.

PubMed

Greszta, Elżbieta; Siemińska, Maria J

2011-03-01

A cross-sectional study investigated changes in patients' value systems following a diagnosis of cancer. Fifty patients at 1 to 6 months following cancer diagnosis, were asked to compare their current values with their recollection of past values. Using the Rokeach Value Survey we obtained statistically significant results showing that twenty-seven out of thirty-six values changed their importance from the patients' perspective: 16 values significantly increased, while 11 values significantly decreased in importance. Changes with respect to nine values were insignificant. We indentified clusters of values increasing in importance the most: Religious morality (Salvation, Forgiving, Helpful, Clean), Personal orientation (Self-Respect, True Friendship, Happiness), Self-constriction (Self-Controlled, Obedient, Honest), Family security (Family Security, Responsible), and Delayed gratification (Wisdom, Inner Harmony). We also observed that the following value clusters decreased in importance: Immediate gratification (An Exciting Life, Pleasure, A Comfortable Life); Self-expansion (Capable, Ambitious, Broadminded), Competence (A Sense of Accomplishment, Imaginative, Intellectual). The remaining values belonged to clusters that as a group changed slightly or not at all. Practical implications of the study are discussed.

Water clarity in the Florida Keys, USA, as observed from space (1984-2002)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palandro, D. A.; Hu, C.; Andrefouet, S.; Muller-Karger, F. E.; Hallock, P.

2007-12-01

Landsat TM and ETM+ satellite data were used to derive the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd, m-1), a measure of water clarity, for 29 sites throughout the Florida Keys Reef Tract. A total of 28 individual Landsat images between 1984 and 2002 were used, with imagery gathered every two years for spring seasons and every six years for fall seasons. Useful information was obtained by Landsat bands 1 (blue) and 2 (green), except when sites were covered by clouds or showed turbid water. Landsat band 3 (red) provided no consistent data due to the high absorption of red light by water. Because image sampling represented only one or two samples per year on specific days, and because water turbidity may change over short time scales, it was not possible to assess temporal trends at the sites with the Landsat data. Kd values in band 1 were higher in the spring (mean spring = 0.034 m-1, mean fall = 0.031 m-1) and band 2 were higher in the fall (mean spring = 0.056 m-1, mean fall = 0.058 m-1), but the differences were not statistically significant. Spatial variability was high between sites and between regions (Upper, Middle and Lower Keys), with band 1 ranges of 0.019 m-1 - 0.060 m-1 and band 2 ranges of 0.036 m-1 - 0.076 m-1. The highest Kd values were found in the Upper Keys, followed by the Middle Keys and Lower Keys, respectively. This result must be taken in context however, two Middle Keys sites were found to be inconsistent due to high turbidity, obscuring the benthos and altering our assumption of a visible seafloor, which the algorithm is dependent upon. If all Middle Keys data were valid it is likely that this region would have the highest Kd values for both bands. The Landsat-derived Kd values, and inherent variability, may be influenced by the dominant water mass associated with each Florida Keys region, as well as localized oceanic variables. The methodology used here may be applied to other reef areas and used with satellites that offer higher temporal

External pH effects on the depolarization-activated K channels in guard cell protoplasts of Vicia faba

PubMed Central

1994-01-01

Previous studies reveal that the pH of the apoplastic solution in the guard cell walls may vary between 7.2 and 5.1 in closed and open stomata, respectively. During these aperture and pH changes, massive K+ fluxes cross the cellular plasma membrane driving the osmotic turgor and volume changes of guard cells. Therefore, we examined the effect of extracellular pH on the depolarization-activated K channels (KD channels), which constitute the K+ efflux pathway, in the plasma membrane of Vicia faba guard cell protoplasts. We used patch clamp, both in whole cells as well as in excised outside-out membrane patches. Approximately 500 KD channels, at least, could be activated by depolarization in one protoplast (density: approximately 0.6 micron-2). Acidification from ph 8.1 to 4.4 decreased markedly the whole-cell conductance, GK, of the KD channels, shifted its voltage dependence, GK- EM, to the right on the voltage axis, slowed the rate of activation and increased the rate of deactivation, whereas the single channel conductance was not affected significantly. Based on the GK-EM shifts, the estimated average negative surface charge spacing near the KD channel is 39 A. To quantify the effects of protons on the rates of transitions between the hypothesized conformational states of the channels, we fitted the experimental macroscopic steady state conductance-voltage relationship and the voltage dependence of time constants of activation and deactivation, simultaneously, with a sequential three-state model CCO. In terms of this model, protonation affects the voltage-dependent properties via a decrease in localized, rather than homogeneous, surface charge sensed by the gating moieties. In terms of either the CO or CCO model, the protonation of a site with a pKa of 4.8 decreases the voltage-independent number of channels, N, that are available for activation by depolarization. PMID:8035163

Effect of Aerobic Priming on the Response of Echinochloa crus-pavonis to Anaerobic Stress (Protein Synthesis and Phosphorylation).

PubMed Central

Zhang, F.; Lin, J. J.; Fox, T. C.; Mujer, C. V.; Rumpho, M. E.; Kennedy, R. A.

1994-01-01

Echinochloa species differ in their ability to germinate and grow in the absence of oxygen. Seeds of Echinochloa crus-pavonis (H.B.K.) Schult do not germinate under anoxia but remain viable for extended periods (at least 30 d) when incubated in an anaerobic environment. E. crus-pavonis can be induced to germinate and grow in an anaerobic environment if the seeds are first subjected to a short (1-18 h) exposure to aerobic conditions (aerobic priming). Changes in polypeptide patterns (constitutive and de novo synthesized) and protein phosphorylation induced by aerobic priming were investigated. In the absence of aerobic priming protein degradation was not evident under anaerobic conditions, although synthesis of a 20-kD polypeptide was induced. During aerobic priming, however, synthesis of 37- and 55-kD polypeptides was induced and persisted upon return of the seeds to anoxia. Furthermore, phosphorylation of two 18-kD polypeptides was observed only in those seeds that were labeled with 32PO4 during the aerobic priming period. Subsequent chasing in an anaerobic environment resulted in a decrease in phosphorylation of these polypeptides. Likewise, phosphorylation of the 18-kD polypeptides was not observed if the seeds were labeled in an anaerobic atmosphere. These results suggest that the regulated induction of the 20-, 37-, and 55- kD polypeptides may be important for anaerobic germination and growth of E. crus-pavonis and that the specific phosphorylation of the 18-kD polypeptides may be a factor in regulating this induction. PMID:12232272

Decreased femoral arterial flow during simulated microgravity in the rat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roer, Robert D.; Dillaman, Richard M.

1994-01-01

To determine whether the blood supply to the hindlimbs of rats is altered by the tail-suspension model of weightlessness, rats were chronically instrumented for the measurement of femoral artery flow. Ultrasonic transit-time flow probes were implanted into 8-wk-old Wistar-Furth rats under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia, and, after 24 h of recovery, flow was measured in the normal ambulatory posture. Next, rats were suspended and flow was measured immediately and then daily over the next 4-7 days. Rats were subsequently returned to normal posture, and flow was monitored daily for 1-3 days. Mean arterial flow decreased immediately on the rats being suspensed and continued to decrease until a new steady state of approximately 60% of control values was attained at 5 days. On the rats returning to normal posture, flow increased to levels observed before suspension. Quantile-quantile plots of blood flow data revealed a decrease in flow during both systole and diastole. The observed decrease in hindlimb blood flow during suspension suggests a possible role in the etiology of muscular atrophy and bone loss in microgravity.

Effects of Kaempferia parviflora extracts on reproductive parameters and spermatic blood flow in male rats.

PubMed

Chaturapanich, G; Chaiyakul, S; Verawatnapakul, V; Pholpramool, C

2008-10-01

Krachaidum (KD, Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker), a native plant of Southeast Asia, is traditionally used to enhance male sexual function. However, only few scientific data in support of this anecdote have been reported. The present study investigated the effects of feeding three different extracts of KD (alcohol, hexane, and water extracts) for 3-5 weeks on the reproductive organs, the aphrodisiac activity, fertility, sperm motility, and blood flow to the testis of male rats. Sexual performances (mount latency, mount frequency, ejaculatory latency, post-ejaculatory latency) and sperm motility were assessed by a video camera and computer-assisted sperm analysis respectively, while blood flow to the testis was measured by a directional pulsed Doppler flowmeter. The results showed that all extracts of KD had virtually no effect on the reproductive organ weights even after 5 weeks. However, administration of the alcohol extract at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for 4 weeks significantly decreased mount and ejaculatory latencies when compared with the control. By contrast, hexane and water extracts had no influence on any sexual behavior parameters. All types of extracts of KD had no effect on fertility or sperm motility. On the other hand, alcohol extract produced a significant increase in blood flow to the testis without affecting the heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. In a separate study, an acute effect of alcohol extract of KD on blood flow to the testis was investigated. Intravenous injection of KD at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW caused dose-dependent increases in blood flow to the testis. The results indicate that alcohol extract of KD had an aphrodisiac activity probably via a marked increase in blood flow to the testis.

Decreased non-MHC-restricted (CD56+) killer cell cytotoxicity after spaceflight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehta, S. K.; Kaur, I.; Grimm, E. A.; Smid, C.; Feeback, D. L.; Pierson, D. L.

2001-01-01

Cytotoxic activity of non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted (CD56+) (NMHC) killer cells and cell surface marker expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined before and after spaceflight. Ten astronauts (9 men, 1 woman) from two space shuttle missions (9- and 10-day duration) participated in the study. Blood samples were collected 10 days before launch, within 3 h after landing, and 3 days after landing. All peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations were cryopreserved and analyzed simultaneously in a 4-h cytotoxicity (51)Cr release assay using K562 target cells. NMHC killer cell lytic activity was normalized per 1,000 CD56+ cells. When all 10 subjects were considered as one study group, NMHC killer cell numbers did not change significantly during the three sampling periods, but at landing lytic activity had decreased by approximately 40% (P < 0.05) from preflight values. Nine of ten astronauts had decreased lytic activity immediately after flight. NMHC killer cell cytotoxicity of only three astronauts returned toward preflight values by 3 days after landing. Consistent with decreased NMHC killer cell cytotoxicity, urinary cortisol significantly increased after landing compared with preflight levels. Plasma cortisol and ACTH levels at landing were not significantly different from preflight values. No correlation of changes in NMHC killer cell function or hormone levels with factors such as age, gender, mission, or spaceflight experience was found. After landing, expression of the major lymphocyte surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD16, CD56), as determined by flow cytometric analysis, did not show any consistent changes from measurements made before flight.

Effect of ketogenic diet and other dietary therapies on anti-epileptic drug concentrations in patients with epilepsy.

PubMed

Heo, G; Kim, S H; Chang, M J

2017-12-01

The ketogenic diet (KD) is an effective high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for patients with refractory epilepsy. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of the KD and other dietary therapies on the concentrations of anticonvulsants in patients with epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy who were treated with the KD and other dietary therapies for more than 30 days with at least one measurement performed both before and during the diet were evaluated. The mean serum concentrations and the mean serum concentrations per weight per daily dose per bioavailability (F) of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) before and during the treatment were assessed. We also compared the rates of events out of reference ranges of the AEDs between before and during the KD and other dietary therapies. We compared the serum albumin, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase data of patients with valproic acid before and during the KD. One-hundred thirty-nine patients including 81 male patients were enrolled. The median age of the patients was 2.91 (0.15-15.46) years. The median duration of the dietary therapies was 153 (35-2307) days. After the dietary therapies, the serum concentrations of carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, topiramate and valproic acid decreased, whereas that of phenobarbital slightly increased. However, statistical significance was found only with valproic acid (67.07±25.89 μg/mL vs 51.00±20.19 μg/mL, P<.05). The serum concentrations per weight per daily dose per drug F significantly decreased for valproic acid (1.38±1.39×10 -2 vs 0.82±0.82×10 -2  μg d mL -1  F -1 ) and phenobarbital (6.66±7.20×10 -2 vs 4.75±4.07×10 -2  μg d mL -1  F -1 , P<.05). The rate of occurrence of events out of reference ranges significantly increased with valproic acid (36.08% vs 57.23%, P<.05). Most anti-epileptic drug serum concentrations remained stable during the KD and other related dietary therapies except those of valproic

A Genome-Wide RNAi Screen Identifies FOXO4 as a Metastasis-Suppressor through Counteracting PI3K/AKT Signal Pathway in Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Su, Bing; Gao, Lingqiu; Baranowski, Catherine; Gillard, Bryan; Wang, Jianmin; Ransom, Ryan; Ko, Hyun-Kyung; Gelman, Irwin H.

2014-01-01

Activation of the PI3K/AKT signal pathway is a known driving force for the progression to castration-recurrent prostate cancer (CR-CaP), which constitutes the major lethal phenotype of CaP. Here, we identify using a genomic shRNA screen the PI3K/AKT-inactivating downstream target, FOXO4, as a potential CaP metastasis suppressor. FOXO4 protein levels inversely correlate with the invasive potential of a panel of human CaP cell lines, with decreased mRNA levels correlating with increased incidence of clinical metastasis. Knockdown (KD) of FOXO4 in human LNCaP cells causes increased invasion in vitro and lymph node (LN) metastasis in vivo without affecting indices of proliferation or apoptosis. Increased Matrigel invasiveness was found by KD of FOXO1 but not FOXO3. Comparison of differentially expressed genes affected by FOXO4-KD in LNCaP cells in culture, in primary tumors and in LN metastases identified a panel of upregulated genes, including PIP, CAMK2N1, PLA2G16 and PGC, which, if knocked down by siRNA, could decrease the increased invasiveness associated with FOXO4 deficiency. Although only some of these genes encode FOXO promoter binding sites, they are all RUNX2-inducible, and RUNX2 binding to the PIP promoter is increased in FOXO4-KD cells. Indeed, the forced expression of FOXO4 reversed the increased invasiveness of LNCaP/shFOXO4 cells; the forced expression of FOXO4 did not alter RUNX2 protein levels, yet it decreased RUNX2 binding to the PIP promoter, resulting in PIP downregulation. Finally, there was a correlation between FOXO4, but not FOXO1 or FOXO3, downregulation and decreased metastasis-free survival in human CaP patients. Our data strongly suggest that increased PI3K/AKT-mediated metastatic invasiveness in CaP is associated with FOXO4 loss, and that mechanisms to induce FOXO4 re-expression might suppress CaP metastatic aggressiveness. PMID:24983969

Impaired natural killer cell self-education and "missing-self" responses in Ly49-deficient mice.

PubMed

Bélanger, Simon; Tu, Megan M; Rahim, Mir Munir Ahmed; Mahmoud, Ahmad B; Patel, Rajen; Tai, Lee-Hwa; Troke, Angela D; Wilhelm, Brian T; Landry, Josette-Renée; Zhu, Qinzhang; Tung, Kenneth S; Raulet, David H; Makrigiannis, Andrew P

2012-07-19

Ly49-mediated recognition of MHC-I molecules on host cells is considered vital for natural killer (NK)-cell regulation and education; however, gene-deficient animal models are lacking because of the difficulty in deleting this large multigene family. Here, we describe NK gene complex knockdown (NKC(KD)) mice that lack expression of Ly49 and related MHC-I receptors on most NK cells. NKC(KD) NK cells exhibit defective killing of MHC-I-deficient, but otherwise normal, target cells, resulting in defective rejection by NKC(KD) mice of transplants from various types of MHC-I-deficient mice. Self-MHC-I immunosurveillance by NK cells in NKC(KD) mice can be rescued by self-MHC-I-specific Ly49 transgenes. Although NKC(KD) mice display defective recognition of MHC-I-deficient tumor cells, resulting in decreased in vivo tumor cell clearance, NKG2D- or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity-induced tumor cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production induced by activation receptors was efficient in Ly49-deficient NK cells, suggesting MHC-I education of NK cells is a single facet regulating their total potential. These results provide direct genetic evidence that Ly49 expression is necessary for NK-cell education to self-MHC-I molecules and that the absence of these receptors leads to loss of MHC-I-dependent "missing-self" immunosurveillance by NK cells.

Immobilized metal ion affinity electrophoresis. A study with several model proteins containing histidine.

PubMed

Goubran-Botros, H; Nanak, E; Abdul Nour, J; Birkenmeir, G; Vijayalakshmi, M A

1992-04-24

Immobilized metal ion affinity electrophoresis (IMA-Elec) is one among the many methods derived from the immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. Two approaches for incorporating the metal ligand, were studied. One was in the form of insoluble particulate material based on Sepharose 6B and the other in the form of soluble polymer based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) 5000. Both the polymers coupled with iminodiacetate and metallized with copper or zinc were used as ligands, incorporated into soluble agarose as the electrophoretic gel. Several histidine-containing model proteins were studied with both the systems and their metal binding strengths were determined as the dissociation constants, Kd. The results clearly demonstrated that the mechanism of protein recognition by immobilized copper or zinc via the accessible histidyl residues was maintained in the IMA-Elec system. Proteins with increasing numbers of histidine residues showed increasing binding strength (lower Kd values). While this basic mechanism was conserved, the supporting polymers (Sepharose 6B and the PEG 5000) showed significant differences in the metal binding to the protein. The polysaccharide Sepharose 6B enhanced the binding strength compared with PEG 5000. The optimum electrophoretic parameters were determined to be current intensities up to 20 mA and pH ca. 7.0. At pH greater than 8.0, a significant decrease in the affinity was observed, this decrease being greater with PEG 5000 than Sepharose 6B as supporting material.

Fatty acids bind tightly to the N-terminal domain of angiopoietin-like protein 4 and modulate its interaction with lipoprotein lipase.

PubMed

Robal, Terje; Larsson, Mikael; Martin, Miina; Olivecrona, Gunilla; Lookene, Aivar

2012-08-24

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4), a potent regulator of plasma triglyceride metabolism, binds to lipoprotein lipase (LPL) through its N-terminal coiled-coil domain (ccd-Angptl4) inducing dissociation of the dimeric enzyme to inactive monomers. In this study, we demonstrate that fatty acids reduce the inactivation of LPL by Angptl4. This was the case both with ccd-Angptl4 and full-length Angptl4, and the effect was seen in human plasma or in the presence of albumin. The effect decreased in the sequence oleic acid > palmitic acid > myristic acid > linoleic acid > linolenic acid. Surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, fluorescence, and chromatography measurements revealed that fatty acids bind with high affinity to ccd-Angptl4. The interactions were characterized by fast association and slow dissociation rates, indicating formation of stable complexes. The highest affinity for ccd-Angptl4 was detected for oleic acid with a subnanomolar equilibrium dissociation constant (K(d)). The K(d) values for palmitic and myristic acid were in the nanomolar range. Linoleic and linolenic acid bound with much lower affinity. On binding of fatty acids, ccd-Angptl4 underwent conformational changes resulting in a decreased helical content, weakened structural stability, dissociation of oligomers, and altered fluorescence properties of the Trp-38 residue that is located close to the putative LPL-binding region. Based on these results, we propose that fatty acids play an important role in modulating the effects of Angptl4.

Analysis of an inventory model for both linearly decreasing demand and holding cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malik, A. K.; Singh, Parth Raj; Tomar, Ajay; Kumar, Satish; Yadav, S. K.

2016-03-01

This study proposes the analysis of an inventory model for linearly decreasing demand and holding cost for non-instantaneous deteriorating items. The inventory model focuses on commodities having linearly decreasing demand without shortages. The holding cost doesn't remain uniform with time due to any form of variation in the time value of money. Here we consider that the holding cost decreases with respect to time. The optimal time interval for the total profit and the optimal order quantity are determined. The developed inventory model is pointed up through a numerical example. It also includes the sensitivity analysis.

Antiseizure Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Seizures Induced with Pentylenetetrazole, 4-Aminopyridine and Strychnine in Wistar Rats.

PubMed

Sanya, E O; Soladoye, A O; Desalu, O O; Kolo, P M; Olatunji, L A; Olarinoye, J K

2017-03-06

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a cheap and effective alternative therapy for most epilepsy. There are paucity of experimental data in Nigeria on the usefulness of KD in epilepsy models. This is likely to be responsible for the poor clinical acceptability of the diet in the country. This study therefore aimed at providing experimental data on usefulness of KD on seizure models.  The study used 64 Wistar rats that were divided into two dietary groups [normal diet (ND) and ketogenic diet (KD)]. Animal in each group were fed for 35days. Medium chain triglyceride ketogenic diet (MCT-KD) was used and it consisted of 15% carbohydrate in normal rat chow long with 5ml sunflower oil (25% (v/w). The normal diet was the usual rat chow. Seizures were induced with one of Pentelyntetrazole (PTZ), 4-Aminopyridine (AP) and Strychnine (STR). Fasting glucose, ketosis level and serum chemistry were determined and seizure parameters recorded. Serum ketosis was significantly higher in MCT-KD-fed rats (12.7 ±2.6) than ND-fed (5.17±0.86) rats. Fasting blood glucose was higher in ND-fed rats (5.3±0.9mMol/l) than in MCT-KD fed rats (5.1±0.5mMol/l) with p=0.9. Seizure latency was significantly prolonged in ND-fed compared with MCT-KD fed rats after PTZ-induced seizures (61±9sec vs 570±34sec) and AP-induced seizures (49±11sec vs 483±41sec). The difference after Str-induced seizure (51±7 vs 62±8 sec) was not significan. The differences in seizure duration between ND-fed and MCT-KD fed rats with PTZ (4296±77sec vs 366±46sec) and with AP (5238±102sec vs 480±67sec) were significant (p<0.05), but not with STR (3841±94sec vs 3510±89sec) respectively. The mean serum Na+ was significantly higher in MCT-KD fed (141.7±2.1mMol/l) than ND-fed rats (137±2.3mMol/l). There was no significant difference in mean values of other serum electrolytes between the MCT-KD fed and ND-fed animals. MCT-KD caused increase resistance to PTZ-and AP-induced seizures, but has no effect on STR-induced seizures

Modulation of thyroid hormone receptors by non-thyroidal stimuli

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

ErkenBrack, D.E.; Clemons, G.K.

1988-01-01

The ability of non-thyroidal stimuli to affect the binding affinity and capacity of solubilized nuclear receptors for thyroid hormones was studied in a normal homeostatic system (erythropoiesis) and a pathobiologic one (lung-ozone interaction). No significant effects on affinity were found, as Kd control values for receptors derived from rat bone marrow averaged 57 (+/- 28) pM while experimental (hypoxic) values averaged 89 (+/- 55) pM. Kd control values in rat lung were found to average 142 (+/- 22) pM while average values derived from experimental protocols with ozone and methimazole were 267 (+/- 44) pM and 161 (+/- 35) pMmore » respectively. Finally, Kd control values for receptors derived from cultured MEL cells averaged 19 (+/- 2.6) pM while experimental values during exposure to DMSO or IGF1 were 23 (+/- 3.6) pM and 26 (+/- 11) pM respectively. In contrast, binding capacity (expressed as fmoles of hormone bound per unit protein of solubilized receptor) was markedly perturbed in several tissues by various agents: ozone effects on lung were shown by an average control value of 3.3 (+/- 0.4) as opposed to an experimental average of 28 (+/- 1.9); and hypoxia effects on erythroid tissue were displayed by an average control value of 0.7 (+/- 0.07) as opposed to the experimental figure of 1.8 (+/- 0.03). In cultured MEL cells, binding capacity was seen to be increased from control values of 388 (+/- 15) sites/cell to 1243 (+/- 142) sites/cell after DMSO exposure and 2002 (+/- 10) sites/cell after IGF1 exposure. Parallel experiments done with receptors derived from rat liver yielded values similar to those reported by other investigators and were unaffected by the experimental agents.« less

Valuing wetland attributes in the Lake Champlain Basin

Treesearch

Donald F. Dennis; Walter F. Kuentzel

1998-01-01

This research explores the use of conjoint analysis to assess and understand wetland values. A conjoint rating survey was designed and mailed to landowners in the Laplatte River Basin (Lake Champlain) in Vermont. Landowners rated options to protect wetlands that varied by the wetland's ability to decrease pollutants entering Lake Champlain, value in providing food...

Principal component analysis of chemical shift perturbation data of a multiple-ligand-binding system for elucidation of respective binding mechanism.

PubMed

Konuma, Tsuyoshi; Lee, Young-Ho; Goto, Yuji; Sakurai, Kazumasa

2013-01-01

Chemical shift perturbations (CSPs) in NMR spectra provide useful information about the interaction of a protein with its ligands. However, in a multiple-ligand-binding system, determining quantitative parameters such as a dissociation constant (K(d) ) is difficult. Here, we used a method we named CS-PCA, a principal component analysis (PCA) of chemical shift (CS) data, to analyze the interaction between bovine β-lactoglobulin (βLG) and 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS), which is a multiple-ligand-binding system. The CSP on the binding of ANS involved contributions from two distinct binding sites. PCA of the titration data successfully separated the CSP pattern into contributions from each site. Docking simulations based on the separated CSP patterns provided the structures of βLG-ANS complexes for each binding site. In addition, we determined the K(d) values as 3.42 × 10⁻⁴ M² and 2.51 × 10⁻³ M for Sites 1 and 2, respectively. In contrast, it was difficult to obtain reliable K(d) values for respective sites from the isothermal titration calorimetry experiments. Two ANS molecules were found to bind at Site 1 simultaneously, suggesting that the binding occurs cooperatively with a partial unfolding of the βLG structure. On the other hand, the binding of ANS to Site 2 was a simple attachment without a significant conformational change. From the present results, CS-PCA was confirmed to provide not only the positions and the K(d) values of binding sites but also information about the binding mechanism. Thus, it is anticipated to be a general method to investigate protein-ligand interactions. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Thrombospondin-2 predicts response to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin in children with Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

Yang, Shuai; Song, Ruixia; Li, Xiaohui; Zhang, Ting; Fu, Jin; Cui, Xiaodai

2018-01-01

To investigate the predictive value of thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) in assessing the response to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in children with acute Kawasaki disease (KD). This was a cohort study with controls. 71 children with KD were recruited as the case group, including IVIG non-responder (n=17) and IVIG responder (n=54), and healthy children (n=27) and febrile children (n=30) were used as control groups. ELISA was used to measure plasma TSP-2 and TSP-1 levels. The rank-sum test was used to compare groups of non-normally distributed data. Predictive value was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Compared with the control groups, the plasma TSP-2 levels in acute KD were significantly elevated (TSP-2: 31.00 (24.02, 39.28) vs 21.93 (17.00, 24.73) vs 16.23 (14.00, 19.64) ng/mL, P<0.001). The plasma TSP-2 level in the IVIG non-responder was significantly higher than the responder group (37.58 (31.86, 43.98) vs 27.84 (21.88, 33.48) ng/mL, P=0.002). When using an ROC curve to analyse the predictive effect of TSP-2 on non-responsiveness to IVIG treatment, the area under the curve was 0.752 (0.630, 0.875) (P=0.002). When the cut-off value for TSP-2 was 31.50 ng/mL, the sensitivity was 82.35%, the specificity was 64.81%. The plasma TSP-2 level was elevated in acute KD and it might be a novel predictor for IVIG resistance, which could help guide clinicians to choose individualised initial therapeutic regimens.

Europium-labeled epidermal growth factor and neurotensin: novel probes for receptor-binding studies.

PubMed

Mazor, Ohad; Hillairet de Boisferon, Marc; Lombet, Alain; Gruaz-Guyon, Anne; Gayer, Batya; Skrzydelsky, Delphine; Kohen, Fortune; Forgez, Patricia; Scherz, Avigdor; Rostene, William; Salomon, Yoram

2002-02-01

We investigated the possibility of labeling two biologically active peptides, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and neurotensin (NT), with europium (Eu)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. More specifically, we tested them as probes in studying receptor binding using time-resolved fluorescence of Eu3+. The relatively simple synthesis yields ligands with acceptable binding characteristics similar to isotopically labeled derivatives. The binding affinity (Kd) of labeled Eu-EGF to human A431 epidermal carcinoid cells was 3.6 +/- 1.2 nM, similar to the reported Kd values of EGF, whereas the Kd of Eu-NT to human HT29 colon cancer cells (7.4 +/- 0.5 nM) or to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the high-affinity NT receptor (CHO-NT1) were about 10-fold higher than the Kd values of NT. The bioactivity of the Eu-labeled EGF as determined by stimulation of cultured murine D1 hematopoietic cell proliferation was nearly the same as that obtained with native EGF. The maximal stimulation of Ca2+ influx with NT and Eu-NT in CHO-NT1 cells was similar, but the respective K0.5 values were 20 pM and 1 nM, corresponding to differences in the binding affinities previously described. The results of these studies indicate that Eu labeling of peptide hormones and growth factor molecules ranging from 10(3) to 10(5) Da can be conveniently accomplished. Importantly, the Eu-labeled products are stable for approximately 2 years and are completely safe for laboratory use compared to the biohazardous radioligands. Thus, Eu-labeled peptides present an attractive alternative for commonly used radiolabeled ligands in biological studies in general and in receptor assays in particular.

Prognostic value of decreased peripheral congestion detected by Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure: BIVA prognostic value in acute heart failure.

PubMed

Santarelli, Simona; Russo, Veronica; Lalle, Irene; De Berardinis, Benedetta; Vetrone, Francesco; Magrini, Laura; Di Stasio, Enrico; Piccoli, Antonio; Codognotto, Marta; Mion, Monica M; Castello, Luigi M; Avanzi, Gian Carlo; Di Somma, Salvatore

2017-06-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic role of quantitative reduction of congestion during hospitalization assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) serial evaluations in patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF). AHF is a frequent reason for patients to be admitted. Exacerbation of chronic heart failure is linked with a progressive worsening of the disease with increased incidence of death. Fluid overload is the main mechanism underlying acute decompensation in these patients. BIVA is a validated technique able to quantify fluid overload. a prospective, multicentre, observational study in AHF and no AHF patients in three Emergency Departments centres in Italy. Clinical data and BIVA evaluations were performed at admission (t0) and discharge (tdis). A follow-up phone call was carried out at 90 days. Three hundred and thirty-six patients were enrolled (221 AHF and 115 no AHF patients). We found that clinical signs showed the most powerful prognostic relevance. In particular the presence of rales and lower limb oedema at tdis were linked with events relapse at 90 days. At t0, congestion detected by BIVA was observed only in the AHF group, and significantly decreased at tdis. An increase of resistance variation (dR/H) >11 Ω/m during hospitalization was associated with survival. BIVA showed significant results in predicting total events, both at t0 (area under the curve (AUC) 0.56, p<0.04) and at tdis (AUC 0.57, p<0.03). When combined with clinical signs, BIVA showed a very good predictive value for cardiovascular events at 90 days (AUC 0.97, p<0.0001). In AHF patients, an accurate physical examination evaluating the presence of rales and lower limbs oedema remains the cornerstone in the management of patients with AHF. A congestion reduction, obtained as a consequence of therapies and detected through BIVA analysis, with an increase of dR/H >11 Ω/m during hospitalization seems to be associated with increased 90 day

Changes in pH and NADPH regulate the DNA binding activity of neuronal PAS domain protein 2, a mammalian circadian transcription factor.

PubMed

Yoshii, Katsuhiro; Tajima, Fumihisa; Ishijima, Sumio; Sagami, Ikuko

2015-01-20

Neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is a core clock transcription factor that forms a heterodimer with BMAL1 to bind the E-box in the promoter of clock genes and is regulated by various environmental stimuli such as heme, carbon monoxide, and NAD(P)H. In this study, we investigated the effects of pH and NADPH on the DNA binding activity of NPAS2. In an electrophoretic mobility shift (EMS) assay, the pH of the reaction mixture affected the DNA binding activity of the NPAS2/BMAL1 heterodimer but not that of the BMAL1/BMAL1 homodimer. A change in pH from 7.0 to 7.5 resulted in a 1.7-fold increase in activity in the absence of NADPH, and NADPH additively enhanced the activity up to 2.7-fold at pH 7.5. The experiments using truncated mutants revealed that N-terminal amino acids 1-61 of NPAS2 were sufficient to sense the change in both pH and NADPH. We further analyzed the kinetics of formation and DNA binding of the NPAS2/BMAL1 heterodimer at various pH values. In the absence of NADPH, a change in pH from 6.5 to 8.0 decreased the KD(app) value of the E-box from 125 to 22 nM, with an 8-fold increase in the maximal level of DNA binding for the NPAS2/BMAL1 heterodimer. The addition of NADPH resulted in a further decrease in KD(app) to 9 nM at pH 8.0. Furthermore, NPAS2-dependent transcriptional activity in a luciferase assay using NIH3T3 cells also increased with the pH of the culture medium. These results suggest that NPAS2 has a role as a pH and metabolite sensor in regulating circadian rhythms.

Kinetic and Structural Impact of Metal Ions and Genetic Variations on Human DNA Polymerase ι*

PubMed Central

Choi, Jeong-Yun; Patra, Amritaj; Yeom, Mina; Lee, Young-Sam; Zhang, Qianqian; Egli, Martin; Guengerich, F. Peter

2016-01-01

DNA polymerase (pol) ι is a Y-family polymerase involved in translesion synthesis, exhibiting higher catalytic activity with Mn2+ than Mg2+. The human germline R96G variant impairs both Mn2+-dependent and Mg2+-dependent activities of pol ι, whereas the Δ1–25 variant selectively enhances its Mg2+-dependent activity. We analyzed pre-steady-state kinetic and structural effects of these two metal ions and genetic variations on pol ι using pol ι core (residues 1–445) proteins. The presence of Mn2+ (0.15 mm) instead of Mg2+ (2 mm) caused a 770-fold increase in efficiency (kpol/Kd,dCTP) of pol ι for dCTP insertion opposite G, mainly due to a 450-fold decrease in Kd,dCTP. The R96G and Δ1–25 variants displayed a 53-fold decrease and a 3-fold increase, respectively, in kpol/Kd,dCTP for dCTP insertion opposite G with Mg2+ when compared with wild type, substantially attenuated by substitution with Mn2+. Crystal structures of pol ι ternary complexes, including the primer terminus 3′-OH and a non-hydrolyzable dCTP analogue opposite G with the active-site Mg2+ or Mn2+, revealed that Mn2+ achieves more optimal octahedral coordination geometry than Mg2+, with lower values in average coordination distance geometry in the catalytic metal A-site. Crystal structures of R96G revealed the loss of three H-bonds of residues Gly-96 and Tyr-93 with an incoming dNTP, due to the lack of an arginine, as well as a destabilized Tyr-93 side chain secondary to the loss of a cation-π interaction between both side chains. These results provide a mechanistic basis for alteration in pol ι catalytic function with coordinating metals and genetic variation. PMID:27555320

DISTRIBUTION COEFICIENTS (KD) GENERATED FROM A CORE SAMPLE COLLECTED FROM THE SALTSTONE DISPOSAL FACILITY

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

Almond, P.; Kaplan, D.

Core samples originating from Vault 4, Cell E of the Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF) were collected in September of 2008 (Hansen and Crawford 2009, Smith 2008) and sent to SRNL to measure chemical and physical properties of the material including visual uniformity, mineralogy, microstructure, density, porosity, distribution coefficients (K{sub d}), and chemical composition. Some data from these experiments have been reported (Cozzi and Duncan 2010). In this study, leaching experiments were conducted with a single core sample under conditions that are representative of saltstone performance. In separate experiments, reducing and oxidizing environments were targeted to obtain solubility and Kd valuesmore » from the measurable species identified in the solid and aqueous leachate. This study was designed to provide insight into how readily species immobilized in saltstone will leach from the saltstone under oxidizing conditions simulating the edge of a saltstone monolith and under reducing conditions, targeting conditions within the saltstone monolith. Core samples were taken from saltstone poured in December of 2007 giving a cure time of nine months in the cell and a total of thirty months before leaching experiments began in June 2010. The saltstone from Vault 4, Cell E is comprised of blast furnace slag, class F fly ash, portland cement, and Deliquification, Dissolution, and Adjustment (DDA) Batch 2 salt solution. The salt solution was previously analyzed from a sample of Tank 50 salt solution and characterized in the 4QCY07 Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) report (Zeigler and Bibler 2009). Subsequent to Tank 50 analysis, additional solution was added to the tank solution from the Effluent Treatment Project as well as from inleakage from Tank 50 pump bearings (Cozzi and Duncan 2010). Core samples were taken from three locations and at three depths at each location using a two-inch diameter concrete coring bit (1-1, 1-2, 1-3; 2-1, 2-2, 2-3; 3-1, 3-2, 3-3) (Hansen

Changes in Consumption Values Reflected in Chinese Newspaper Advertising.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stout, Daniel A.; And Others

1994-01-01

Uses content analysis of 306 consumer advertisements in "People's Daily" from 1979-91 to examine utilitarian and hedonistic themes and appeals. Finds support for the hypothesis that depictions of utilitarian values are decreasing, and indirect support for the hypothesis that hedonistic values are increasing. Suggests that Chinese…

Activation of T cells recognizing self 60-kD heat shock protein can protect against experimental arthritis

PubMed Central

1995-01-01

Lewis rats are susceptible to several forms of experimental arthritis- induced using heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (adjuvant arthritis, or AA), streptococcal cell walls, collagen type II, and the lipoidal amine CP20961. Prior immunization with the mycobacterial 65-kD heat shock protein (hsp65) was reported to protect against AA, and other athritis models not using M. tuberculosis, via a T cell-mediated mechanism. Hsp65 shares 48% amino acid identity with mammalian hsp60, which is expressed at elevated levels in inflamed synovia. Several studies have reported cross-reactive T cell recognition of mycobacterial hsp65 and self hsp60 in arthritic and normal individuals. We previously described nine major histocompatibility complex class II- restricted epitopes in mycobacterial hsp65 recognized by Lewis rat T cells. Of these only one, covering the 256-270 sequence, primed for cross-reactive T cell responses to the corresponding region of rat hsp60. Here we have tested each hsp65 epitope for protective activity by immunizing rats with synthetic peptides. A peptide containing the 256-270 epitope, which induced cross-reactive T cells, was the only one able to confer protection against AA. Similarly, administration of a T cell line specific for this epitope protected against AA. Preimmunization with the 256-270 epitope induced T cells that responded to heat-shocked syngeneic antigen-presenting cells, and also protected against CP20961-induced arthritis, indicating that activation of T cells, recognizing an epitope in self hsp60 can protect against arthritis induced without mycobacteria. Therefore, in contrast to the accepted concept that cross-reactive T cell recognition of foreign and self antigens might induce aggressive autoimmune disease, we propose that cross-reactivity between bacterial and self hsp60 might also be used to maintain a protective self-reactive T cell population. This discovery might have important implications for understanding T cell- mediated

Adsorption characteristics of 210Pb, 210Po and 7Be onto micro-particle surfaces and the effects of macromolecular organic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Weifeng; Guo, Laodong; Chuang, Chia-Ying; Schumann, Dorothea; Ayranov, Marin; Santschi, Peter H.

2013-04-01

210Po, 210Pb and Be isotopes (e.g. 7Be and 10Be) have long been used as proxies of particle/sediment dynamics, carbon cycling, and oceanographic investigations of coupled processes. However, adsorption characteristics and interactions between these nuclides and particle surfaces remain poorly understood. Laboratory studies have been conducted to examine the adsorption of 210Po, 210Pb and 7Be onto micro-particles, including marine suspended particulate matter, kaolinite, Al2O3, SiO2, CaCO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, and chitin in natural seawater (<1 kDa), and the role of macromolecular organic compounds (MOCs), including humic acids (HA), acid polysaccharides (APS) and proteins (BSA) in regulating the adsorption process. In the absence of MOCs, the partition coefficients (Kd, reported in log Kd) range from 3.02 to 5.19 for 210Po, from 3.22 to 6.29 for 210Pb, and from 3.57 to 4.65 for 7Be. Ferric and manganese oxides are the strongest sorbents of 210Po and 210Pb, comparing with SiO2 and CaCO3. In the presence of the protein BSA, both SiO2 and CaCO3 preferentially adsorb 210Po over 210Pb, whereas the opposite effect was observed in the presence of acid polysaccharides, indicating that proteins could enhance the adsorption of 210Po and acid polysaccharides enhance the adsorption of 210Pb. The log Kd values of both 210Po and 210Pb in the presence of MOCs become similar (log Kd at ˜4.0) for all lithogenic and biogenic particles, suggesting that their adsorption is likely controlled by specific natural organic compounds associated with particle surfaces. For 7Be, the highest and lowest log Kd value was measured, in general, on SiO2 and CaCO3, respectively, consistent with field observations. Nevertheless, the log Kd values of 7Be varied little between particle types regardless of the presence or absence of MOCs, suggesting that the adsorption of Be on particle surfaces is less affected by particle composition or MOCs. These results indicate that 7Be and 10Be could quantitatively

Potential links between the North Atlantic Oscillation and decreasing precipitation and runoff on Sardinia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montaldo, Nicola; Sarigu, Alessio

2017-04-01

Recently, climate change and human activities increased the desertification process in the Mediterranean regions, with dramatic consequences for agriculture and water resources. On the Sardinia island (Italy), runoff decreased significantly in the 1975-2010 period with a mean yearly runoff reduction of more than 50% compared to the previous 1922-1974 period. The decrease in runoff severely impacts the management of water resources on the Sardinia island, resulting in water supply restrictions even for domestic consumption. In the 10 Sardinian basins, with a longer database (at least 40 complete years of data, including data from the past 10 years), the trend of yearly runoff computed with the Mann-Kendall test is negative, with the Mann-Kendall τ values ranging from -0.39 to -0.2. The reason for the decrease in runoff is mainly the alarming decrease in the winter precipitation over the past few decades everywhere on the Sardinia island. Indeed, most of the yearly runoff of the Sardinian basins (on average, 70%) is produced by the winter precipitation due to the typical seasonality of the Mediterranean rainfall regime. Surprisingly, the winter precipitation trend is not homogenous; the negative trend is higher on the Sardinian west coast and becomes lower as one crosses the island toward the east coast. At the rain stations on the east coast, the τ Mann-Kendall values of the winter precipitation become almost half of the τ Mann-Kendall values on the west coast, which is exposed to the western European climate dynamics. In this sense, winter precipitation is highly correlated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which is a weather phenomenon in the North Atlantic Ocean that controls the direction and strength of westerly winds and storm tracks into Europe. High negative correlations (up to -0.45) between winter NAO and winter precipitation are estimated along the west coast. Meanwhile, the correlations decrease as one crosses the island toward the east

A solid-phase extraction method for rapidly determining the adsorption coefficient of pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge.

PubMed

Berthod, Laurence; Roberts, Gary; Whitley, David C; Sharpe, Alan; Mills, Graham A

2014-12-15

The partitioning of pharmaceuticals in the environment can be assessed by measuring their adsorption coefficients (Kd) between aqueous and solid phases. Measuring this coefficient in sewage sludge gives an indication of their partitioning behaviour in a wastewater treatment plant and hence contributes to an understanding of their subsequent fate. The regulatory approved method for measuring Kd in sewage sludge is the US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) guideline 835.1110, which is labour intensive and time consuming. We describe an alternative method for measuring the Kd of pharmaceuticals in sewage sludge using a modified solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique. SPE cartridges were packed at different sludge/PTFE ratios (0.4, 6.0, 24.0 and 40.0% w/w sludge) and eluted with phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. The approach was tested initially using three pharmaceuticals (clofibric acid, diclofenac and oxytetracycline) that covered a range of Kd values. Subsequently, the sorption behaviour of ten further pharmaceuticals with varying physico-chemical properties was evaluated. Results from the SPE method were comparable to those of the OPPTS test, with a correlation coefficient of 0.93 between the two approaches. SPE cartridges packed with sludge and PTFE were stable for up to one year; use within one month reduced variability in measurements (to a maximum of 0.6 log units). The SPE method is low-cost, easy to use and enables the rapid measurement of Kd values for a large number of chemicals. It can be used as an alternative to the more laborious full OPPTS test in environmental fate studies and risk assessments. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Intervention effects of five cations and their correction on hemolytic activity of tentacle extract from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Cations have generally been reported to prevent jellyfish venom-induced hemolysis through multiple mechanisms by spectrophotometry. Little attention has been paid to the potential interaction between cations and hemoglobin, potentially influencing the antagonistic effect of cations. Here, we explored the effects of five reported cations, La3+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+, on a hemolytic test system and the absorbance of hemoglobin, which was further used to measure their effects on the hemolysis of tentacle extract (TE) from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata. All the cations displayed significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on TE-induced hemolysis with various dissociation equilibrium constant (Kd) values as follows: La3+ 1.5 mM, Mn2+ 93.2 mM, Zn2+ 38.6 mM, Cu2+ 71.9 μM and Fe2+ 32.8 mM. The transparent non-selective pore blocker La3+ did not affect the absorbance of hemoglobin, while Mn2+ reduced it slightly. Other cations, including Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+, greatly decreased the absorbance with Kd values of 35.9, 77.5 and 17.6 mM, respectively. After correction, the inhibitory Kd values were 1.4 mM, 45.8 mM, 128.5 μM and 53.1 mM for La3+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Fe2+, respectively. Mn2+ did not inhibit TE-induced hemolysis. Moreover, the inhibitory extent at the maximal given dose of all cations except La3+ was also diminished. These corrected results from spectrophotometry were further confirmed by direct erythrocyte counting under microscopy. Our results indicate that the cations, except for La3+, can interfere with the absorbance of hemoglobin, which should be corrected when their inhibitory effects on hemolysis by jellyfish venoms are examined. The variation in the inhibitory effects of cations suggests that the hemolysis by jellyfish venom is mainly attributed to the formation of non-selective cation pore complexes over other potential mechanisms, such as phospholipases A2 (PLA2), polypeptides, protease and oxidation. Blocking the pore-forming complexes may be a

Cerebral hematocrit decreases with hemodynamic compromise in carotid artery occlusion: a PET study.

PubMed

Yamauchi, H; Fukuyama, H; Nagahama, Y; Katsumi, Y; Okazawa, H

1998-01-01

This study investigated whether in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion the regional cerebral hematocrit correlates with cerebral hemodynamics or metabolic state and, if so, how the regional cerebral hematocrit changes in the hemodynamically compromised region. We used positron emission tomography to study seven patients with unilateral internal carotid artery occlusion and no cortical infarction in the chronic stage. The distributions of red blood cell and plasma volumes were assessed using oxygen-15-labeled carbon monoxide and copper-62-labeled human serum albumin-dithiosemicarbazone tracers, respectively. The calculated hematocrit value was compared with the hemodynamic and metabolic parameters measured with the oxygen-15 steady-state technique. In the cerebral cortex, the value of the cerebral hematocrit varied but was correlated with the hemodynamic and metabolic status. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the large vessel hematocrit, the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, and the cerebral blood flow or the oxygen extraction fraction accounted for a significant proportion of variance of the cerebral hematocrit. The oxygen extraction fraction and the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen negatively correlated with the cerebral hematocrit, whereas the cerebral blood flow correlated positively: patients with reduced blood supply relative to metabolic demand (decreased blood flow with increased oxygen extraction fraction) showed low hematocrit values. In carotid artery occlusion in the chronic stage, regional cerebral hematocrit may vary according to cerebral hemodynamics and metabolic status. Regional cerebral hematocrit may decrease with hemodynamic compromise unless oxygen metabolism concomitantly decreases.

Long-Term Patterns in C-Q Relations in an Adirondack Stream Reveal Decreasing Severity of Episodic Acidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, D. A.; Lawrence, G. B.; Driscoll, C. T.; Sullivan, T. J.; Shao, S.; McDonnell, T. C.

2017-12-01

Episodic acidification occurs when surface water pH and ANC decrease temporarily during rain events and snowmelt. The principal drivers of episodic acidification are increases in sulfuric acid, nitric acid, organic acids, and dilution of base cations. In regions where surface waters are sensitive to acid deposition, ANC values may approach or decline below 0 µeq/L during high flows, which may result in deleterious effects to sensitive aquatic biota. The Adirondack Mountains of New York have abundant streams and lakes, many of which are highly sensitive to the effects of acid deposition. Long-term monitoring data indicate that pH and ANC in regional surface waters are increasing in response to decreases in the acidity of atmospheric deposition that result from decreasing SO2 and NOx emissions as the Clean Air Act and its ancillary rules and amendments have been implemented. Most surface-water monitoring focuses on low-flow and broad seasonal patterns, and less is known about how episodic acidification has responded to emissions decreases. Here, we report on spatial and temporal patterns in episodic acidification through analysis of C-Q relations from surveys that target varying flow conditions as well as data from a few long-term intensively sampled stream monitoring sites. Each stream sample was assigned a Q percentile value based on a resident or nearby gage, and a statistical relation between ANC values and Q percentile was developed. The magnitude of episodic decreases in ANC increases as low-flow ANC increases, a pattern that likely results from an increasing influence of dilution, especially evident when low-flow ANC values exceed 100 µeq/L. Chronically acidic streams with low-flow ANC near 0 µeq/L show little episodic acidification, whereas streams with low-flow ANC values of about 50 µeq/L generally show ANC decreases to less than 0 µeq/L at high flow. Preliminary analysis of a 24-yr data set (1991-2014) at Buck Creek indicates that increases in high

Urine output - decreased

MedlinePlus

... this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003147.htm Urine output - decreased To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Decreased urine output means that you produce less urine than ...

Density increment and decreased survival of rat red blood cells induced by cadmium

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

Kunimoto, M.; Miura, T.

1986-01-01

Male Wistar rats were injected with CdCl/sub 2/ subcutaneously to examine in vivo effects of Cd on density and survival of red blood cells. During the 7 days after administration of 1.0 mg Cd/kg, the following sequence of events occurred: (1) a progressive increase in the amount of more dense red blood cells concomitant with a decrease in that of light red blood cells from the first to the third day; (2) an increase in the spleen weight at the third day; (3) a decrease in the hematocrit value and an increase in the amount of light red blood cellsmore » at the fifth day; and (4) a recovery of the hematocrit value at the seventh day. Five days after administration, the hematocrit value decreased in a dose-dependent mode and the decrease was significant at the 1% level at 1.0 and 1.5 mg Cd/kg. A highly significant splenomegaly was also observed at 0.5 to 1.5 mg Cd/kg. In order to label red blood cells in vivo, (/sup 3/H) diisopropylfluorophosphate ((/sup 3/H)DFP) was injected into rats. At Day 11, Cd at either 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg was administered to (/sup 3/H)DFP-prelabeled animals. Cd administration accelerated /sup 3/H-labeled red cell clearance from the blood. Six days after Cd administration, the radioactivity of red blood cells was 76 and 68% of the control at 0.5 and 1.0 mg Cd/kg, respectively. In vitro treatment of rat red density and accelerated in vivo clearance of red blood cells from the recipient circulation. These results show that Cd at low dose can cause anemia by increasing red cell density and by accelerating red cell sequestration, presumably in the spleen.« less

Identification and Development of 2,3-Dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinazolin-5(1H)-one Inhibitors Targeting Bromodomains within the Switch/Sucrose Nonfermenting Complex

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Bromodomain containing proteins PB1, SMARCA4, and SMARCA2 are important components of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes. We identified bromodomain inhibitors that target these proteins and display unusual binding modes involving water displacement from the KAc binding site. The best compound binds the fifth bromodomain of PB1 with a KD of 124 nM, SMARCA2B and SMARCA4 with KD values of 262 and 417 nM, respectively, and displays excellent selectivity over bromodomains other than PB1, SMARCA2, and SMARCA4. PMID:27119626

Effect of classic ketogenic diet treatment on lipoprotein subfractions in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy.

PubMed

Azevedo de Lima, Patricia; Baldini Prudêncio, Mariana; Murakami, Daniela Kawamoto; Pereira de Brito Sampaio, Leticia; Figueiredo Neto, Antônio Martins; Teixeira Damasceno, Nágila Raquel

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the classic ketogenic diet (KD) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy. This prospective study recruited children and adolescents of either sex, whose epilepsy was refractory to treatment with multiple drugs. To be included, the patient had to have an indication for treatment with the KD and be treated as an outpatient. At baseline and after 3 and 6 mo of the KD, lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerols [TG], LDL cholesterol [LDL-C], and HDL cholesterol [HDL-C]), apolipoproteins (apoA-I and apoB), 10 subfractions of HDL, 7 subfractions of LDL, LDL phenotype, and LDL size were analyzed using the Lipoprint system. The lipid profile components (TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, apoA-I, and apoB) increased during the 3-mo follow-up, and remained consistent after 6 mo of treatment. Similarly, non-HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and apoB/apoA-I ratios, representing atherogenic particles, significantly increased. In contrast, qualitative lipoprotein characteristics progressively changed during the follow-up period. Small LDL subfractions increased, and this profile was related with reduced LDL size (27.3 nm to 26.7 nm). The LDL phenotype became worse; 52.1% of the patients had a non-A phenotype after 6 mo of the KD. Small HDL subfractions decreased only after 6 mo of the KD. KD treatment promotes negative changes in lipoprotein size and phenotype, contributing to atherogenic risk in these patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interface dermatitis in skin lesions of Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease: a histopathological marker of evolution into systemic lupus erythematosus?

PubMed

Paradela, S; Lorenzo, J; Martínez-Gómez, W; Yebra-Pimentel, T; Valbuena, L; Fonseca, E

2008-12-01

Kikuchi's disease (KD) is a self-limiting histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL). Cutaneous manifestations are frequent and usually show histopathological findings similar to those observed in the involved lymph nodes. HNL with superposed histological features to KD has been described in patients with lupus erythematosus (LE), and a group of healthy patients previously reported as having HNL may evolve into LE after several months. Up to date, features to predict which HNL patients will have a self-limiting disease and which could develop LE have been not identified. In order to clarify the characteristics of skin lesions associated with KD, we report a case of HNL with evolution into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a review of previous reports of KD with cutaneous manifestations. A 17-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of fever and generalised lymphadenopathy. A diagnosis of HNL was established based on a lymph node biopsy. One month later, she developed an erythematoedematous rash on her upper body, with histopathological findings of interface dermatitis. After 8 months, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) at titre of 1/320, anti-DNA-ds antibodies and marked decrease of complement levels were detected. During the following 2 years, she developed diagnostic criteria for SLE, with arthralgias, pleuritis, aseptic meningitis, haemolytic anaemia and lupus nephritis. To our knowledge, 27 cases of nodal and cutaneous KD have been reported, 9 of which later developed LE. In all these patients, the skin biopsy revealed interface dermatitis. Skin biopsy revealed a pattern of interface dermatitis in all reviewed KD cases, which evolved into LE. Even this histopathological finding was not previously considered significant; it might be a marker of evolution into LE.

Improved Algorithms for Accurate Retrieval of UV - Visible Diffuse Attenuation Coefficients in Optically Complex, Inshore Waters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cao, Fang; Fichot, Cedric G.; Hooker, Stanford B.; Miller, William L.

2014-01-01

Photochemical processes driven by high-energy ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in inshore, estuarine, and coastal waters play an important role in global bio geochemical cycles and biological systems. A key to modeling photochemical processes in these optically complex waters is an accurate description of the vertical distribution of UVR in the water column which can be obtained using the diffuse attenuation coefficients of down welling irradiance (Kd()). The Sea UV Sea UVc algorithms (Fichot et al., 2008) can accurately retrieve Kd ( 320, 340, 380,412, 443 and 490 nm) in oceanic and coastal waters using multispectral remote sensing reflectances (Rrs(), Sea WiFS bands). However, SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms are currently not optimized for use in optically complex, inshore waters, where they tend to severely underestimate Kd(). Here, a new training data set of optical properties collected in optically complex, inshore waters was used to re-parameterize the published SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms, resulting in improved Kd() retrievals for turbid, estuarine waters. Although the updated SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms perform best in optically complex waters, the published SeaUVSeaUVc models still perform well in most coastal and oceanic waters. Therefore, we propose a composite set of SeaUVSeaUVc algorithms, optimized for Kd() retrieval in almost all marine systems, ranging from oceanic to inshore waters. The composite algorithm set can retrieve Kd from ocean color with good accuracy across this wide range of water types (e.g., within 13 mean relative error for Kd(340)). A validation step using three independent, in situ data sets indicates that the composite SeaUVSeaUVc can generate accurate Kd values from 320 490 nm using satellite imagery on a global scale. Taking advantage of the inherent benefits of our statistical methods, we pooled the validation data with the training set, obtaining an optimized composite model for estimating Kd() in UV wavelengths for almost all marine waters. This

Generation of transgenic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accumulating heterologous endo-xylanase or ferulic acid esterase in the endosperm

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

Harholt, Jesper; Bach, Inga C; Lind-Bouquin, Solveig

2009-12-08

Endo-xylanase (from Bacillus subtilis) or ferulic acid esterase (from Aspergillus niger) were expressed in wheat under the control of the endosperm specific 1DX5 glutenin promoter. Constructs both with and without the endoplasmic reticulum retention signal KDEL were used. Transgenic plants were recovered in all four cases but no qualitative differences could be observed whether KDEL was added or not. Endo-xylanase activity in transgenic grains was increased between two and three fold relative to wild type. The grains were shriveled and had a 25-33% decrease in mass. Extensive analysis of the cell walls showed a 10-15% increase in arabinose to xylosemore » ratio, a 50% increase in the proportion of water extractable arabinoxylan, and a shift in the MW of the water extractable arabinoxylan from being mainly larger than 85 kD to being between 2 kD and 85 kD. Ferulic acid esterase expressing grains were also shriveled and the seed weight was decreased by 20-50%. No ferulic acid esterase activity could be detected in wild type grains whereas ferulic acid esterase activity was detected in transgenic lines. The grain cell walls had 15-40% increase in water unextractable arabinoxylan and a decrease in monomeric ferulic acid between 13 and 34%. In all the plants the observed changes are consistent with a plant response that serves to minimize the effect of the heterologously expressed enzymes by increasing arabinoxylan biosynthesis and cross-linking.« less

Absolute and relative nonlinear optical coefficients of KDP, KD(asterisk)P, BaB2O4, LiIO3, MgO:LiNbO3, and KTP measured by phase-matched second-harmonic generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckardt, Robert C.; Byer, Robert L.; Masuda, Hisashi; Fan, Yuan Xuan

1990-01-01

Both absolute and relative nonlinear optical coefficients of six nonlinear materials measured by second-harmonic generation are discussed. A single-mode, injection-seeded, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with spatially filtered output was used to generate the 1.064-micron fundamental radiation. The following results were obtained: d36(KDP) = 0.38 pm/V, d36(KD/asterisk/P) = 0.37 pm/V, (parallel)d22(BaB2O4)(parallel) = 2.2 pm/V, d31(LiIO3) = -4.1 pm/V, d31(5 percentMgO:MgO LiNbO3) = -4.7 pm/V, and d(eff)(KTP) = 3.2 pm/V. The accuracy of these measurements is estimated to be better than 10 percent.

Chemical and mineralogical composition of the Mongolian rural soils and their uranium sorption behavior.

PubMed

Tserenpil, Sh; Maslov, O D; Norov, N; Liu, Q C; Fillipov, M F; Theng, Benny K G; Belov, A G

2013-04-01

Distribution of uranium (VI) between soil solids and solutions is a key parameter in assessing the risk to the biosphere of disposing uranium-rich waste products from nuclear plants as well as uranium (U) ore mining. Both of these topics have recently been brought to public attention in Mongolia. Regional background levels of soil elements are an important dataset for accessing the actual environmental situation and monitoring pollution levels. Little information, however, is available on background concentrations of various elements in Mongolian soils. Thirteen rural soils were sampled from six provinces in Mongolia, and the concentrations of macro-, micro- and trace elements were measured. The values obtained served as a reference (baseline) for uncontaminated soils. The soils were characterized with slightly acidic to strongly alkaline pH values. With the exception of the sample from a western province, all the soils investigated contained little organic matter. The content of soil elements did not vary widely among geographical regions. The concentration of most micro elements was within the range of worldwide soil values but the value for Zn tended to be moderately higher. The U (VI) sorption into the soils was investigated using the batch technique and the (237)U radionuclide tracer, produced by the photo fission reaction (238)U(γ, n) (237)U at an electron accelerator. The (237)U distribution coefficient (K(d)), derived from the sorption isotherms, was related to solution pH and varying from 9 to 2547 mL g(-1) when the pH ranged between 3 and 7.7. The sorption process was interpreted in terms of the formation of different U (VI) species at given concentrations, calculated using the Speciation program with and without carbonate in the system. The U sorption isotherm displayed two general patterns: one where sorption decreased as solution pH increased, showing a maximum at pH 3, and another pattern revealed an adsorption maximum at pH 5 and then decreased up

Hemodynamic simulations in coronary aneurysms of children with Kawasaki disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Dibyendu; Burns, Jane; Marsden, Alison

2009-11-01

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a serious pediatric illness affecting the cardiovascular system. One of the most serious complications of KD, occurring in about 25% of untreated cases, is the formation of large aneurysms in the coronary arteries, which put patients at risk for myocardial infarction. In this project we performed patient specific computational simulations of blood flow in aneurysmal left and right coronary arteries of a KD patient to gain an understanding about their hemodynamics. Models were constructed from CT data using custom software. Typical pulsatile flow waveforms were applied at the model inlets, while resistance and RCR lumped models were applied and compared at the outlets. Simulated pressure waveforms compared well with typical physiologic data. High wall shear stress values are found in the narrow region at the base of the aneurysm and low shear values occur in regions of recirculation. A Lagrangian approach has been adopted to perform particle tracking and compute particle residence time in the recirculation. Our long-term goal will be to develop links between hemodynamics and the risk for thrombus formation in order to assist in clinical decision-making.

Monocarboxylate transporter 1 contributes to growth factor-induced tumor cell migration independent of transporter activity

PubMed Central

Gray, Alana L.; Coleman, David T.; Shi, Runhua; Cardelli, James A.

2016-01-01

Tumor progression to metastatic disease contributes to the vast majority of incurable cancer. Understanding the processes leading to advanced stage cancer is important for the development of future therapeutic strategies. Here, we establish a connection between tumor cell migration, a prerequisite to metastasis, and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). MCT1 transporter activity is known to regulate aspects of tumor progression and, as such, is a clinically relevant target for treating cancer. Knockdown of MCT1 expression caused decreased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced as well as epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced tumor cell scattering and wound healing. Western blot analysis suggested that MCT1 knockdown (KD) hinders signaling through the HGF receptor (c-Met) but not the EGF receptor. Exogenous, membrane-permeable MCT1 substrates were not able to rescue motility in MCT1 KD cells, nor was pharmacologic inhibition of MCT1 able to recapitulate decreased cell motility as seen with MCT1 KD cells, indicating transporter activity of MCT1 was dispensable for EGF- and HGF-induced motility. These results indicate MCT1 expression, independent of transporter activity, is required for growth factor-induced tumor cell motility. The findings presented herein suggest a novel function for MCT1 in tumor progression independent of its role as a monocarboxylate transporter. PMID:27127175

Improved antibody-based ricin neutralization by affinity maturation is correlated with slower off-rate values.

PubMed

Rosenfeld, Ronit; Alcalay, Ron; Mechaly, Adva; Lapidoth, Gideon; Epstein, Eyal; Kronman, Chanoch; J Fleishman, Sarel; Mazor, Ohad

2017-09-01

While potent monoclonal antibodies against ricin were introduced over the years, the question whether increasing antibody affinity enables better toxin neutralization was not fully addressed yet. The aim of this study was to characterize the contribution of antibody affinity to the ricin neutralization potential of the antibody. cHD23 monoclonal antibody that targets the toxin B-subunit and interferes with its binding to membranal receptors, was isolated. In order to create antibody clones with improved affinity toward ricin, a scFv-phage display library containing mutated versions of the variable regions of cHD23 was constructed and clones with improved binding of ricin were isolated. Structural modeling of these mutants suggests that the inserted mutations may increase the antibody conformational flexibility thus improving its ability to bind ricin. While it was found that the selected clones exhibited improved neutralization of ricin, the correlation between the KD values and potency was only minor (r = 0.55). However, a positive correlation (r = 0.84) exist between the off-rate values (koff) of the affinity matured clones and their ability to neutralize ricin. As cell membranes display inordinately large amounts of potential surface binding sites for ricin, it is suggested that antibodies with improved off-rate values block the ability of the toxin to bind to target receptors, in a highly efficient manner. Currently, antibody-based therapy is the most effective treatment for ricin intoxication and it is anticipated that the findings of this study will provide useful information and a possible strategy to design an improved antibody-based therapy for the toxin. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Transient kinetic studies of pH-dependent hydrolyses by exo-type carboxypeptidase P on a 27-MHz quartz crystal microbalance.

PubMed

Furusawa, Hiroyuki; Takano, Hiroki; Okahata, Yoshio

2008-02-15

pH-Dependent kinetic parameters (k(on), k(off), and k(cat)) of protein (myoglobin) hydrolyses catalyzed by exo-enzyme (carboxypeptidase P, CPP) were obtained by using a protein-immobilized quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in acidic aqueous solutions. The formation of the enzyme-substrate (ES) complex (k(on)), the decay of the ES complex (k(off)), and the formation of the product (k(cat)) could be analyzed by transient kinetics as mass changes on the QCM plate. The Kd (k(off)/k(on)) value was different from the Michaelis constant Km calculated from (k(off) + k(cat))/k(on) due to k(cat) > k(off). The rate-determining step was the binding step (k(on), and the catalytic rate k(cat) was faster than other k(on) and k(off) values. In the range of pH 2.5-5.0, values of k(on) gradually increased with decreasing pH showing a maximum at pH 3.7, values of k(off) were independent of pH, and k(cat) increased gradually with decreasing pH. As a result, the apparent rate constant (k(cat)/Km) showed a maximum at pH 3.7 and gradually increased with decreasing pH. The optimum pH at 3.7 of k(on) is explained by the optimum binding ability of CPP to the COOH terminus of the substrate with hydrogen bonds. The increase of k(cat) at the lower pH correlated with the decrease of alpha-helix contents of the myoglobin substrate on the QCM.

Sentimental value and its influence on hedonic adaptation.

PubMed

Yang, Yang; Galak, Jeff

2015-11-01

Sentimental value is a highly prevalent, yet largely understudied phenomenon. We introduce the construct of sentimental value and investigate how and why sentimental value influences hedonic adaptation. Across 7 studies, we examine the antecedents of sentimental value and demonstrate its effect on hedonic adaptation using both naturally occurring and experimentally manipulated items with sentimental value. We further test the underlying process linking sentimental value and hedonic adaptation by showing that whereas feature-related utility decreases for all items with time, sentimental value typically does not, and that sentimental value moderates the influence of the decrement in feature-related utility on hedonic adaptation. Moreover, this moderating effect of sentimental value is driven by a shift in focus from features of the item to the associations that item possess. We conclude with a discussion of related phenomena and implications for individuals. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Recurrent Kawasaki disease: USA and Japan.

PubMed

Maddox, Ryan A; Holman, Robert C; Uehara, Ritei; Callinan, Laura S; Guest, Jodie L; Schonberger, Lawrence B; Nakamura, Yosikazu; Yashiro, Mayumi; Belay, Ermias D

2015-12-01

Descriptive epidemiologic studies of recurrent and non-recurrent Kawasaki disease (KD) may identify other potentially important differences between these illnesses. Data from the USA and Japan, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national KD surveillance(1984-2008) and the 17th Japanese nationwide survey (2001-2002), respectively, were analyzed to examine recurrent KD patients <18 years of age meeting the CDC KD case or atypical KD case definition. These patients were compared with non-recurrent KD patients. Of the 5557 US KD patients <18 years of age during 1984-2008, 97 (1.7%) were identified as having had recurrent KD. Among the US Asian/Pacific Islander KD patients, 3.5% had recurrent KD, which was similar to the percentage identified among KD patients (3.5%) in the Japanese survey. Compared with non-recurrent KD patients, KD patients [with recurrent KD] were more likely to be older, fulfill the atypical KD case definition, and have coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) despite i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Differences in the age, race, and frequency of CAA exist between recurrent and non-recurrent KD patients. The increased association of CAA with recurrent KD suggests that more aggressive treatment strategies in conjunction with IVIG may be indicated for the second episode of KD. © 2015 Japan Pediatric Society.

Recurrent Kawasaki disease, United States and Japan

PubMed Central

Maddox, Ryan A.; Holman, Robert C.; Uehara, Ritei; Callinan, Laura S.; Guest, Jodie L.; Schonberger, Lawrence B.; Nakamura, Yosikazu; Yashiro, Mayumi; Belay, Ermias D.

2015-01-01

Background Descriptive epidemiologic studies of recurrent and non-recurrent Kawasaki disease (KD) may identify other potentially important differences between these illnesses. Methods Data from the United States and Japan, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national KD surveillance (1984–2008) and the 17th Japanese nationwide survey (2001–2002), respectively, were analyzed to examine recurrent KD patients <18 years of age meeting the CDC KD case or atypical KD case definition. These patients were compared to non-recurrent KD patients. Results Of the 5557 US KD patients <18 years of age during 1984–2008, 97 (1.7%) were identified as having had recurrent KD. Among the US Asian/Pacific Islander KD patients, 3.5% had recurrent KD, which was similar to the percentage identified among KD patients (3.5%) in the Japanese survey. Compared to non-recurrent KD patients, KD patients experiencing a recurrent KD episode were more likely to be older, fulfill the atypical KD case definition, and have coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) despite IVIG treatment. Conclusions Differences in the age, race, and frequency of CAA exist between recurrent and non-recurrent KD patients. The increased association of CAA with recurrent KD suggests that more aggressive treatment strategies in conjunction with IVIG may be indicated for the second episode of KD. PMID:26096590

Dietary lecithin improves dressing percentage and decreases chewiness in the longissimus muscle in finisher gilts.

PubMed

Akit, H; Collins, C L; Fahri, F T; Hung, A T; D'Souza, D N; Leury, B J; Dunshea, F R

2014-03-01

The influence of dietary lecithin at doses of 0, 4, 20 or 80 g/kg fed to finisher gilts for six weeks prior to slaughter on growth performance, carcass quality and pork quality was investigated. M. longissimus lumborum (loin) was removed from 36 pig carcasses at 24h post-mortem for Warner-Bratzler shear force, compression, collagen content and colour analyses. Dietary lecithin increased dressing percentage (P=0.009). Pork chewiness and collagen content were decreased by dietary lecithin (P<0.05, respectively), suggesting that improved chewiness may be due to decreased collagen content. However, dietary lecithin had no effect on shear force, cohesiveness or hardness (P>0.05, respectively). Dietary lecithin reduced loin muscle L* values and increased a* values (P<0.05, respectively) but no changes on b* values (P=0.56). The data showed that dietary lecithin improved dressing percentage and resulted in less chewy and less pale pork. © 2013.

Ultrastructural localization of the C-terminus of the 43-kd dystrophin-associated glycoprotein and its relation to dystrophin in normal murine skeletal myofiber.

PubMed Central

Wakayama, Y.; Shibuya, S.; Takeda, A.; Jimi, T.; Nakamura, Y.; Oniki, H.

1995-01-01

We used single and double immunogold labeling electron microscopy to investigate ultrastructural localization of the C terminus of the 43-kd dystrophin-associated glycoprotein (43-DAG) and its relationship to dystrophin in normal murine skeletal myofibers. Single immunolabeling localized the antibody against the C terminus of 43-DAG to the inside surface of the muscle plasma membrane and the sarcoplasmic side of plasma membrane invaginations. Double immunolabeling co-localized antibodies against dystrophin and the C terminus of 43-DAG to the same site noted in the single immunolabeling localization of 43-DAG. In particular, dystrophin and the C-terminal 43-DAG antibody signals were often observed as doublets separated by less than 30 nm. We compared these results with those obtained from double immunogold labeling with anti-dystrophin and anti-beta-spectrin, as well as anti-C-terminal 43-DAG and anti-beta-spectrin antibodies. The antibodies against dystrophin and beta-spectrin, or beta-spectrin and 43-DAG, also co-localized to similar sites in skeletal muscle fibers. Signals of doublet formations were noted but their frequency was significantly lower than the doublet frequency of antidystrophin and anti-43-DAG antibodies. The results support the presence of dystrophin and 43-DAG linkage at the inside surface of the murine skeletal muscle plasma membrane. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 PMID:7856727

Therapeutic Non-Toxic Doses of TNF Induce Significant Regression in TNFR2-p75 Knockdown Lewis Lung Carcinoma Tumor Implants

PubMed Central

Sasi, Sharath P.; Bae, Sanggyu; Song, Jin; Perepletchikov, Aleksandr; Schneider, Douglas; Carrozza, Joseph; Yan, Xinhua; Kishore, Raj; Enderling, Heiko; Goukassian, David A.

2014-01-01

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) binds to two receptors: TNFR1/p55-cytotoxic and TNFR2/p75-pro-survival. We have shown that tumor growth in p75 knockout (KO) mice was decreased more than 2-fold in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLCs). We hypothesized that selective blocking of TNFR2/p75 LLCs may sensitize them to TNF-induced apoptosis and affect the tumor growth. We implanted intact and p75 knockdown (KD)-LLCs (>90%, using shRNA) into wild type (WT) mice flanks. On day 8 post-inoculation, recombinant murine (rm) TNF-α (12.5 ng/gr of body weight) or saline was injected twice daily for 6 days. Tumor volumes (tV) were measured daily and tumor weights (tW) on day 15, when study was terminated due to large tumors in LLC+TNF group. Tubular bones, spleens and peripheral blood (PB) were examined to determine possible TNF toxicity. There was no significant difference in tV or tW between LLC minus (-) TNF and p75KD/LLC-TNF tumors. Compared to 3 control groups, p75KD/LLC+TNF showed >2-5-fold decreases in tV (p<0.001) and tW (p<0.0001). There was no difference in tV or tW end of study vs. before injections in p75KD/LLC+TNF group. In 3 other groups tV and tW were increased 2.7-4.5-fold (p<0.01, p<0.0002 and p<0.0001). Pathological examination revealed that 1/3 of p75KD/LLC+rmTNF tumors were 100% necrotic, the remaining revealed 40-60% necrosis. No toxicity was detected in bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood. We concluded that blocking TNFR2/p75 in LLCs combined with intra-tumoral rmTNF injections inhibit LLC tumor growth. This could represent a novel and effective therapy against lung neoplasms and a new paradigm in cancer therapeutics. PMID:24664144

Organo-iodine formation in soils and aquifer sediments at ambient concentrations.

PubMed

Schwehr, K A; Santschi, P H; Kaplan, D J; Yeager, C M; Brinkmeyer, R

2009-10-01

One of the key risk drivers at radioactive waste disposal facilities is radioiodine, especially 129I. As iodine mobility varies greatly with iodine speciation, experiments with 129I-contaminated aquifer sediments from the Savannah River Site located in Aiken, SC, were carried out to test iodine interactions with soils and aquifer sediments. Using tracer 125I- and stable 127I- additions, it was shown that such interactions were highly dependent on I- concentrations added to sediment suspensions, contact time with the sediment, and organic carbon (OC) content, resulting in an empirical particle-water partition coefficient (Kd) that was an inverse power function of the added I- concentration. However, Kd values of organically bound 127I were 3 orders of magnitude higher than those determined after 1-2 weeks of tracer equilibration, approaching those of OC. Under ambient conditions, organo-iodine (OI) was a major fraction (67%) of the total iodine in the dissolved phase and by implication of the particulate phase. As the total concentration of amended I- increased, the fraction of detectable dissolved OI decreased. This trend, attributed to OC becoming the limiting factor in the aquifer sediment explains why at elevated I-concentrations OI is often not detected.

Decreased activity and expression of intestinal oligopeptide transporter PEPT1 in rats with hyperthyroidism in vivo.

PubMed

Ashida, Kayoko; Katsura, Toshiya; Saito, Hideyuki; Inui, Ken-ichi

2004-06-01

To examine the effect of thyroid hormone status on PEPT1 in vivo, the activity and expression of PEPT1 in the small intestine were examined in euthyroid and hyperthyroid rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by treating rats with L-thyroxine (12 mg/L) in the drinking water for 21 days. Transport activity was measured by everted small intestinal preparations and in situ intestinal loop technique. Expressions of PEPT1 mRNA and protein were evaluated by competitive polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The uptake of [14C]glycylsarcosine by everted small intestinal preparations was significantly decreased in hyperthyroid rats, whereas that of methyl-alpha-D-[14C(U)]-glucopyranoside was not altered. Kinetic analysis showed that the Vmax value for [14C]glycylsarcosine uptake was significantly decreased in hyperthyroid rats, whereas the Km value was not affected. The mean portal vein concentrations after intrajejunal administration of [14C]glycylsarcosine were also decreased in hyperthyroid rats. Moreover, hyperthyroidism caused a significant decrease in the expression of PEPT1 mRNA in the small intestine, whereas the expression of Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) mRNA was not changed. The level of PEPT1 protein was also decreased in the small intestine of hyperthyroid rats. These results indicate that in hyperthyroid rats, the activity and expression of PEPT1 were decreased in the small intestine.

Relationship Between Earthquake b-Values and Crustal Stresses in a Young Orogenic Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yih-Min; Chen, Sean Kuanhsiang; Huang, Ting-Chung; Huang, Hsin-Hua; Chao, Wei-An; Koulakov, Ivan

2018-02-01

It has been reported that earthquake b-values decrease linearly with the differential stresses in the continental crust and subduction zones. Here we report a regression-derived relation between earthquake b-values and crustal stresses using the Anderson fault parameter (Aϕ) in a young orogenic belt of Taiwan. This regression relation is well established by using a large and complete earthquake catalog for Taiwan. The data set consists of b-values and Aϕ values derived from relocated earthquakes and focal mechanisms, respectively. Our results show that b-values decrease linearly with the Aϕ values at crustal depths with a high correlation coefficient of -0.9. Thus, b-values could be used as stress indicators for orogenic belts. However, the state of stress is relatively well correlated with the surface geological setting with respect to earthquake b-values in Taiwan. Temporal variations in the b-value could constitute one of the main reasons for the spatial heterogeneity of b-values. We therefore suggest that b-values could be highly sensitive to temporal stress variations.

Spatio-Temporal b Value Trends For a PMMA-PMMA Frictional Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, J.; Selvadurai, P. A.; Glaser, S. D.

2016-12-01

We develop a catalog of seismic events observed on a well-characterized PMMA-PMMA frictional interface to allow for an in depth study of spatio-temporal trends in along-fault b values. Recent studies of the 2009 L'Aquila [Gulia et al., GRL, 2016] and 2011 Tohoku-oki [Tormann et al., Nature Geo., 2015] events have found significant decrease in b values near the epicenters in the months leading up to rupture. Here, a fault is experimentally modeled using two Poly(methyl methacrylate) samples in a direct shear configuration. The initial, non-uniform distribution of asperities along the frictional interface was measured using a pressure sensitive film. Prior to a stick-slip event, localized seismicity was captured using 16 acoustic emission (AE) sensors, which provide the catalog events and b value analysis. We observe similar decreasing trends in b values prior to failure as observed in nature. We discuss the spatio-temporal variations in b values with respect to a slowly expanding shear rupture captured using dense `along-strike' arrays of 9 slip sensors and 24 strain gauges. The rate at which the shear rupture moved along the interface depended on the shear strength heterogeneity characterized by the non-uniform distribution of asperities. In the latter stages of nucleation, b values decrease primarily in a region with larger and more densely distributed asperities. The combined analysis will help confirm recent field observations and provide insight into the mechanics of foreshock sequences leading to earthquake rupture.

Serum ferritin values in Nigerian pregnant women.

PubMed

Nnatu, S N; Oluboyede, O A

1986-04-01

Serum ferritin values have been studied in 28 indigenous Nigerian pregnant women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The mean serum ferritin value in the second trimester is higher than that in the third trimester, however, the difference is not statistically significant. When our results are related to those of Fenton and co-workers in 1977 (Fenton V, Cavill I, Fisher J: Iron stores in pregnancy. Br J Haem 37: 145, 1977) it appears that serum ferritin decreases in early pregnancy and that this decrease is maintained through the second and third trimesters and towards term, irrespective of adequate iron supplementation. It also seems that the pre-pregnancy serum ferritin level is achieved 5-8 weeks post-delivery. Our results also underline the sensitivity of serum ferritin evaluation in pregnancy, and reinforce the concept that fetal requirement for iron occurs significantly during the later half of pregnancy.

Molecular recognition of live methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus cells using DNA aptamers

PubMed Central

Turek, Diane; Van Simaeys, Dimitri; Johnson, Judith; Ocsoy, Ismail; Tan, Weihong

2014-01-01

AIM To generate DNA-aptamers binding to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS The Cell-Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) technology was used to run the selection against MRSA bacteria and develop target-specific aptamers. MRSA bacteria were targeted while Enterococcus faecalis bacteria were used for counter selection during that process. Binding assays to determine the right aptamer candidates as well as binding assays on clinical samples were performed through flow cytometry and analyzed using the FlowJo software. The characterization of the aptamers was done by determination of their Kd values and determined by analysis of flow data at different aptamer concentration using SigmaPlot. Finally, the recognition of the complex Gold-nanoparticle-aptamer to the bacteria cells was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS During the cell-SELEX selection process, 17 rounds were necessary to generate enrichment of the pool. While the selection was run using fixed cells, it was shown that the binding of the pools with live cells was giving similar results. After sequencing and analysis of the two last pools, four sequences were identified to be aptamer candidates. The characterization of those aptamers showed that based on their Kd values, DTMRSA4 presented the best binding with a Kd value of 94.61 ± 18.82 nmol/L. A total of ten clinical samples of MRSA , S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis were obtained to test those aptamers and determine their binding on a panel of samples. DTMRSA1 and DTMRSA3 showed the best results regarding their specificity to MRSA , DTMRSA1 being the most specific of all. Finally, those aptamers were coupled with gold-nanoparticle and their binding to MRSA cells was visualized through TEM showing that adduction of nanoparticles on the aptamers did not change their binding property. CONCLUSION A total of four aptamers that bind to MRSA were obtained with Kd values ranking

Calcium-buffering effects of gluconate and nucleotides, as determined by a novel fluorimetric titration method.

PubMed

Woehler, Andrew; Lin, Kun-Han; Neher, Erwin

2014-11-15

Significantly more Ca(2+) influx is required for eliciting release of neurotransmitter during whole cell patch clamp recording in the Calyx of Held, when gluconate with 3 mm free ATP is used as pipette filling solution, as compared to a methanesulfonate-based solution with excess Mg(2+). This reduction in efficiency of Ca(2+) in eliciting release is due to low-affinity Ca(2+) binding of both gluconate and ATP(2-) anions. To study these effects we developed a simple fluorimeteric titration procedure, which reports the dissociation constant, KD, of a given Ca(2+) indicator dye, multiplied by 1 plus the sum of Ca(2+) binding ratios of any anions, which act as low-affinity Ca(2+) ligands. For solutions without Ca(2+) binding anions we find KD values for Fura2FF ranging from 11.5 ± 1.7 to 15.6 ± 7.47 μm depending on the dominant anion used. For Fura6F and KCl-based solutions we find KD = 17.8 ± 1.3 μm. For solutions with gluconate as the main anion and for solutions that contain nucleotides, such as ATP and GTP, we find much higher values for the product. Assuming that the KD of the indicator dye is equal to that of KCl-based solutions we calculate the summed Ca(2+) binding ratios and find a value of 3.55 for a solution containing 100 mm potassium gluconate and 4 mm ATP. Gluconate contributes a value of 1.75 to this number, while the contribution of ATP depends strongly on the presence of Mg(2+) and varies from 0.8 (with excess Mg(2+)) to 13.8 (in the presence of 3 mm free ATP). Methanesulfonate has negligible Ca(2+) binding capacity. These results explain the reduced efficiency of Ca(2+) influx in the presence of gluconate or nucleotides, as these anions are expected to intercept Ca(2+) ions at short distance. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2014 The Physiological Society.

Value-based purchasing of medical devices.

PubMed

Obremskey, William T; Dail, Teresa; Jahangir, A Alex

2012-04-01

Health care in the United States is known for its continued innovation and production of new devices and techniques. While the intention of these devices is to improve the delivery and outcome of patient care, they do not always achieve this goal. As new technologies enter the market, hospitals and physicians must determine which of these new devices to incorporate into practice, and it is important these devices bring value to patient care. We provide a model of a physician-engaged process to decrease cost and increase review of physician preference items. We describe the challenges, implementation, and outcomes of cost reduction and product stabilization of a value-based process for purchasing medical devices at a major academic medical center. We implemented a physician-driven committee that standardized and utilized evidence-based, clinically sound, and financially responsible methods for introducing or consolidating new supplies, devices, and technology for patient care. This committee worked with institutional finance and administrative leaders to accomplish its goals. Utilizing this physician-driven committee, we provided access to new products, standardized some products, decreased costs of physician preference items 11% to 26% across service lines, and achieved savings of greater than $8 million per year. The implementation of a facility-based technology assessment committee that critically evaluates new technology can decrease hospital costs on implants and standardize some product lines.

The Influence of a Personal Values Intervention on Cold Pressor-Induced Distress Tolerance.

PubMed

Smith, Brooke M; Villatte, Jennifer L; Ong, Clarissa W; Butcher, Grayson M; Twohig, Michael P; Levin, Michael E; Hayes, Steven C

2018-06-01

Research has demonstrated that values and acceptance interventions can increase distress tolerance, but the individual contribution of each remains unclear. The current study examined the isolated effect of a values intervention on immersion time in a cold pressor. Participants randomized to Values ( n = 18) and Control ( n = 14) conditions completed two cold pressor tasks, separated by a 30-min values or control intervention. Immersion time increased 51.06 s for participants in the Values condition and decreased by 10.79 s for those in the Control condition. Increases in self-reported pain and distress predicted decreases in immersion time for Control, but not Values, participants. The best-fitting model accounted for 39% of the variance in immersion time change. Results suggest that a brief isolated values exercise can be used to improve distress tolerance despite increased perceptions of pain and distress, such that values alone may be sufficient to facilitate openness to difficult experiences.

Fast inverse distance weighting-based spatiotemporal interpolation: a web-based application of interpolating daily fine particulate matter PM2:5 in the contiguous U.S. using parallel programming and k-d tree.

PubMed

Li, Lixin; Losser, Travis; Yorke, Charles; Piltner, Reinhard

2014-09-03

Epidemiological studies have identified associations between mortality and changes in concentration of particulate matter. These studies have highlighted the public concerns about health effects of particulate air pollution. Modeling fine particulate matter PM2.5 exposure risk and monitoring day-to-day changes in PM2.5 concentration is a critical step for understanding the pollution problem and embarking on the necessary remedy. This research designs, implements and compares two inverse distance weighting (IDW)-based spatiotemporal interpolation methods, in order to assess the trend of daily PM2.5 concentration for the contiguous United States over the year of 2009, at both the census block group level and county level. Traditionally, when handling spatiotemporal interpolation, researchers tend to treat space and time separately and reduce the spatiotemporal interpolation problems to a sequence of snapshots of spatial interpolations. In this paper, PM2.5 data interpolation is conducted in the continuous space-time domain by integrating space and time simultaneously, using the so-called extension approach. Time values are calculated with the help of a factor under the assumption that spatial and temporal dimensions are equally important when interpolating a continuous changing phenomenon in the space-time domain. Various IDW-based spatiotemporal interpolation methods with different parameter configurations are evaluated by cross-validation. In addition, this study explores computational issues (computer processing speed) faced during implementation of spatiotemporal interpolation for huge data sets. Parallel programming techniques and an advanced data structure, named k-d tree, are adapted in this paper to address the computational challenges. Significant computational improvement has been achieved. Finally, a web-based spatiotemporal IDW-based interpolation application is designed and implemented where users can visualize and animate spatiotemporal interpolation

Fast Inverse Distance Weighting-Based Spatiotemporal Interpolation: A Web-Based Application of Interpolating Daily Fine Particulate Matter PM2.5 in the Contiguous U.S. Using Parallel Programming and k-d Tree

PubMed Central

Li, Lixin; Losser, Travis; Yorke, Charles; Piltner, Reinhard

2014-01-01

Epidemiological studies have identified associations between mortality and changes in concentration of particulate matter. These studies have highlighted the public concerns about health effects of particulate air pollution. Modeling fine particulate matter PM2.5 exposure risk and monitoring day-to-day changes in PM2.5 concentration is a critical step for understanding the pollution problem and embarking on the necessary remedy. This research designs, implements and compares two inverse distance weighting (IDW)-based spatiotemporal interpolation methods, in order to assess the trend of daily PM2.5 concentration for the contiguous United States over the year of 2009, at both the census block group level and county level. Traditionally, when handling spatiotemporal interpolation, researchers tend to treat space and time separately and reduce the spatiotemporal interpolation problems to a sequence of snapshots of spatial interpolations. In this paper, PM2.5 data interpolation is conducted in the continuous space-time domain by integrating space and time simultaneously, using the so-called extension approach. Time values are calculated with the help of a factor under the assumption that spatial and temporal dimensions are equally important when interpolating a continuous changing phenomenon in the space-time domain. Various IDW-based spatiotemporal interpolation methods with different parameter configurations are evaluated by cross-validation. In addition, this study explores computational issues (computer processing speed) faced during implementation of spatiotemporal interpolation for huge data sets. Parallel programming techniques and an advanced data structure, named k-d tree, are adapted in this paper to address the computational challenges. Significant computational improvement has been achieved. Finally, a web-based spatiotemporal IDW-based interpolation application is designed and implemented where users can visualize and animate spatiotemporal interpolation

l-Proline and RNA Duplex m-Value Temperature Dependence.

PubMed

Schwinefus, Jeffrey J; Baka, Nadia L; Modi, Kalpit; Billmeyer, Kaylyn N; Lu, Shutian; Haase, Lucas R; Menssen, Ryan J

2017-08-03

The temperature dependence of l-proline interactions with the RNA dodecamer duplex surface exposed after unfolding was quantified using thermal and isothermal titration denaturation monitored by uv-absorbance. The m-value quantifying proline interactions with the RNA duplex surface area exposed after unfolding was measured using RNA duplexes with GC content ranging between 17 and 83%. The m-values from thermal denaturation decreased with increasing GC content signifying increasingly favorable proline interactions with the exposed RNA surface area. However, m-values from isothermal titration denaturation at 25.0 °C were independent of GC content and less negative than those from thermal denaturation. The m-value from isothermal titration denaturation for a 50% GC RNA duplex decreased (became more negative) as the temperature increased and was in nearly exact agreement with the m-value from thermal denaturation. Since RNA duplex transition temperatures increased with GC content, the more favorable proline interactions with the high GC content duplex surface area observed from thermal denaturation resulted from the temperature dependence of proline interactions rather than the RNA surface chemical composition. The enthalpy contribution to the m-value was positive and small (indicating a slight increase in duplex unfolding enthalpy with proline) while the entropic contribution to the m-value was positive and increased with temperature. Our results will facilitate proline's use as a probe of solvent accessible surface area changes during biochemical reactions at different reaction temperatures.

Diagnostic potential of Western blot analysis of sera from dogs with leishmaniasis in endemic areas and significance of the pattern.

PubMed

Aisa, M J; Castillejo, S; Gallego, M; Fisa, R; Riera, M C; de Colmenares, M; Torras, S; Roura, X; Sentis, J; Portus, M

1998-02-01

Serum samples collected from 237 dogs in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) were screened by Western blot analysis to detect the presence of antibodies specific to different Leishmania infantum polypeptide fractions. Leishmaniasis was confirmed in 72 of these dogs by direct examination and/or culture. Another 165 animals from the Priorat region were studied periodically for 2-8 years between 1987 and 1995, giving a total of 565 determinations. A control group of 93 dogs from nonendemic areas was also studied. Sera from dogs with leishmaniasis recognized antigens with molecular weights ranging from 12 to 85 kD. The most sensitive antigens were those of 70, 65, 46, 30, 28, 14, and 12 kD, which were recognized by 75%, 75%, 78%, 75%, 81%, 79%, and 75%, respectively, of the sera from dogs with positive parasitologic examination results. Antigens of 70 and 65 kD were also recognized by two dogs from nonendemic areas. Antigens of 14 and 12 kD were the first to be recognized by sera of asymptomatic dogs with titers less than the cut-off value of the dot-ELISA that increased during the longitudinal study, and the presence of antibodies specific for these fractions was observed for up to six years before seroconversion observed by dot-ELISA. These antibodies were also the first to disappear in dogs in which the disease was self-limited. The study corroborates the high sensitivity and specificity of Western blots in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis when the bands of low molecular weight (less than 46 kD) are considered, and indicates that fractions of 14 and 12 kD are useful in detecting early forms of the disease.

Postoperative Decrease in Platelet Counts Is Associated with Delayed Liver Function Recovery and Complications after Partial Hepatectomy.

PubMed

Takahashi, Kazuhiro; Kurokawa, Tomohiro; Oshiro, Yukio; Fukunaga, Kiyoshi; Sakashita, Shingo; Ohkohchi, Nobuhiro

2016-05-01

Peripheral platelet counts decrease after partial hepatectomy; however, the implications of this phenomenon are unclear. We assessed if the observed decrease in platelet counts was associated with postoperative liver function and morbidity (complications grade ≤ II according to the Clavien-Dindo classification). We enrolled 216 consecutive patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for primary liver cancers, metastatic liver cancers, benign tumors, and donor hepatectomy. We classified patients as either low or high platelet percentage (postoperative platelet count/preoperative platelet count) using the optimal cutoff value calculated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and analyzed risk factors for delayed liver functional recovery and morbidity after hepatectomy. Delayed liver function recovery and morbidity were significantly correlated with the lowest value of platelet percentage based on ROC analysis. Using a cutoff value of 60% acquired by ROC analysis, univariate and multivariate analysis determined that postoperative lowest platelet percentage ≤ 60% was identified as an independent risk factor of delayed liver function recovery (odds ratio (OR) 6.85; P < 0.01) and morbidity (OR, 4.90; P < 0.01). Furthermore, patients with the lowest platelet percentage ≤ 60% had decreased postoperative prothrombin time ratio and serum albumin level and increased serum bilirubin level when compared with patients with platelet percentage ≥ 61%. A greater than 40% decrease in platelet count after partial hepatectomy was an independent risk factor for delayed liver function recovery and postoperative morbidity. In conclusion, the decrease in platelet counts is an early marker to predict the liver function recovery and complications after hepatectomy.

Identification and quantification of human kidney atrial natriuretic peptide receptors.

PubMed

Kahana, L; Yechiely, H; Mecz, Y; Lurie, A

1995-04-01

The present study determined 125I-label atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) binding sites in human kidney glomerular and papillary membranes. The membranes were prepared from non-malignant renal tissue obtained at nephrectomy of patients with renal carcinoma. To evaluate the proportion of ANP receptor classes ANP-R1 (ANPR-A, -B) versus ANP-R2 (ANPR-C), competitive binding studies were performed using [125I]-ANP in the presence of increasing concentrations of ANP or an internally ring-deleted analog, des(Gln116, Ser117, Gly118, Leu119, Gly120)ANP(102-121), called C-ANP, which binds selectively to ANPR-C receptors. Analysis of the competitive binding curve with ANP in glomerular membranes suggested the presence of one group of high-affinity receptors with dissociation constant Kd = 26 +/- 12 pmol/l and density Bmax = 101 +/- 47 nmol/kg protein. A decrease of 10-30% in Bmax with no change in Kd was obtained in the presence of excess (10(-6) mol/l) C-ANP, suggesting the existence of a small amount of a second class of receptors, the ANPR-C class. The densities of ANPR-A, -B versus ANPR-C receptors in human glomeruli, calculated from competitive inhibition experiments, were 75 +/- 42 and 22 +/- 16 nmol/kg protein (N = 8). Autoradiography of the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions showed two bands: a highly labeled 130kD band and a weakly labeled 66 kD band, both displaced by ANP. Only the 66-kD band was displaced by the C-ANP analog. Human papilla membrane, as shown by competition binding studies and SDS gel electrophoresis, presented only one class of receptors with Kd = 40 +/- 23 pmol/l (mean +/- SD, N = 3) and Bmax = 17 +/- 6.3 nmol/kg protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A Pea Plasma Membrane Protein Exhibiting Blue Light-Induced Phosphorylation Retains Photosensitivity following Triton Solubilization.

PubMed Central

Short, T. W.; Reymond, P.; Briggs, W. R.

1993-01-01

Phosphorylation of a polypeptide of approximately 120 kD in pea (Pisum sativum L.) plasma membranes in response to blue light has been shown to be involved in phototropic curvature, but the relationship of this protein to the kinase and photoreceptor acting upon it is uncertain. Using two-phase aqueous partitioning to isolate right-side-out plasma membrane vesicles, we have obtained evidence suggesting that the photoreceptor, kinase, and substrate are localized to the plasma membrane fraction. Latent phosphorylation accessible through Triton X-100 or freeze/thaw treatments of purified plasma membrane vesicles indicates that at least the kinase moiety is present on the internal face of the plasma membrane. Effects of solubilization of vesicles on fluence-response characteristics and on phosphorylation levels provide evidence that the receptor, kinase, and protein substrate are present together in individual mixed detergent micelles, either as a stable complex or as domains of a single polypeptide. In vivo blue-light irradiation results in a small but significant decrease in mobility of the 120-kD phosphorylated protein on sodium dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis. This mobility shift is evident on Coomassie-stained gels and on western blots probed with polyclonal antibodies raised against the 120-kD protein. Among the plasma membrane proteins bound to the reactive nucleotide analog fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenine (FSBA), a distinct protein band at 120 kD can be detected on blots probed with anti-FSBA antibodies. This band exhibits an in vivo light-dependent mobility shift identical to that observed for the protein band and antibodies specific for the 120-kD protein, implying that the 120-kD protein has an integral nucleotide binding site and consistent with the possibility that the substrate protein is also a kinase. PMID:12231721

Impact of uranyl-calcium-carbonato complexes on uranium(VI) adsorption to synthetic and natural sediments.

PubMed

Stewart, Brandy D; Mayes, Melanie A; Fendorf, Scott

2010-02-01

Adsorption on soil and sediment solids may decrease aqueous uranium concentrations and limit its propensity for migration in natural and contaminated settings. Uranium adsorption will be controlled in large part by its aqueous speciation, with a particular dependence on the presence of dissolved calcium and carbonate. Here we quantify the impact of uranyl speciation on adsorption to both goethite and sediments from the Hanford Clastic Dike and Oak Ridge Melton Branch Ridgetop formations. Hanford sediments were preconditioned with sodium acetate and acetic acid to remove carbonate grains, and Ca and carbonate were reintroduced at defined levels to provide a range of aqueous uranyl species. U(VI) adsorption is directly linked to UO(2)(2+) speciation, with the extent of retention decreasing with formation of ternary uranyl-calcium-carbonato species. Adsorption isotherms under the conditions studied are linear, and K(d) values decrease from 48 to 17 L kg(-1) for goethite, from 64 to 29 L kg (-1) for Hanford sediments, and from 95 to 51 L kg(-1) for Melton Branch sediments as the Ca concentration increases from 0 to 1 mM at pH 7. Our observations reveal that, in carbonate-bearing waters, neutral to slightly acidic pH values ( approximately 5) and limited dissolved calcium are optimal for uranium adsorption.

Skin surface hydration decreases rapidly during long distance flights.

PubMed

Guéhenneux, Sabine; Gardinier, Sophie; Morizot, Frederique; Le Fur, Isabelle; Tschachler, Erwin

2012-05-01

Dehydration of the stratum corneum leads to sensations and symptoms of 'dry skin' such as skin tightness and itchiness. As these complaints are frequently experienced by airline travellers, the aim of this study was to investigate the changes in skin surface hydration during long distance flights. The study was performed on four healthy Caucasian, and on four Japanese women aged 29-39 years, travelling on long distance flights. They had stopped using skin care products at least 12 h before, and did not apply them during the flights. The air temperature and relative humidity inside the cabin, as well as skin capacitance of the face and forearm of participants, were registered at several time points before and during the flights. Relative humidity of the aircraft cabin dropped to levels below 10% within 2 h after take-off and stayed at this value throughout the flight. Skin capacitance decreased rapidly on both the face and forearms with most pronounced changes on the cheeks where it decreased by up to 37%. Our results demonstrate that during long distance flights, the aircraft cabin environment leads to a rapid decrease in stratum corneum hydration, an alteration, which probably accounts for the discomfort experienced by long distance aircraft travellers. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Two-soliton interaction as an elementary act of soliton turbulence in integrable systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelinovsky, E. N.; Shurgalina, E. G.; Sergeeva, A. V.; Talipova, T. G.; El, G. A.; Grimshaw, R. H. J.

2013-01-01

Two-soliton interactions play a definitive role in the formation of the structure of soliton turbulence in integrable systems. To quantify the contribution of these interactions to the dynamical and statistical characteristics of the nonlinear wave field of soliton turbulence we study properties of the spatial moments of the two-soliton solution of the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. While the first two moments are integrals of the KdV evolution, the 3rd and 4th moments undergo significant variations in the dominant interaction region, which could have strong effect on the values of the skewness and kurtosis in soliton turbulence.

Exact solutions to the time-fractional differential equations via local fractional derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guner, Ozkan; Bekir, Ahmet

2018-01-01

This article utilizes the local fractional derivative and the exp-function method to construct the exact solutions of nonlinear time-fractional differential equations (FDEs). For illustrating the validity of the method, it is applied to the time-fractional Camassa-Holm equation and the time-fractional-generalized fifth-order KdV equation. Moreover, the exact solutions are obtained for the equations which are formed by different parameter values related to the time-fractional-generalized fifth-order KdV equation. This method is an reliable and efficient mathematical tool for solving FDEs and it can be applied to other non-linear FDEs.

Increased water deficit decreases Douglas fir growth throughout western US forests.

PubMed

Restaino, Christina M; Peterson, David L; Littell, Jeremy

2016-08-23

Changes in tree growth rates can affect tree mortality and forest feedbacks to the global carbon cycle. As air temperature increases, evaporative demand also increases, increasing effective drought in forest ecosystems. Using a spatially comprehensive network of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) chronologies from 122 locations that represent distinct climate environments in the western United States, we show that increased temperature decreases growth via vapor pressure deficit (VPD) across all latitudes. Using an ensemble of global circulation models, we project an increase in both the mean VPD associated with the lowest growth extremes and the probability of exceeding these VPD values. As temperature continues to increase in future decades, we can expect deficit-related stress to increase and consequently Douglas fir growth to decrease throughout its US range.

Increased water deficit decreases Douglas fir growth throughout western US forests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Restaino, Christina M; Peterson, David L.; Littell, Jeremy

2016-01-01

Changes in tree growth rates can affect tree mortality and forest feedbacks to the global carbon cycle. As air temperature increases, evaporative demand also increases, increasing effective drought in forest ecosystems. Using a spatially comprehensive network of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) chronologies from 122 locations that experience distinctly different climate in the western United States, we show that increased temperature decreases growth via vapor pressure deficit (VPD) across all latitudes. Under an ensemble of global circulation models, we project an increase in both the mean VPD associated with the lowest growth extremes and the probability of exceeding these VPD values. As temperature continues to increase in future decades, we can expect deficit-related stress to increase and consequently Douglas-fir growth to decrease throughout its US range.

Stability of Viscous St. Venant Roll Waves: From Onset to Infinite Froude Number Limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barker, Blake; Johnson, Mathew A.; Noble, Pascal; Rodrigues, L. Miguel; Zumbrun, Kevin

2017-02-01

We study the spectral stability of roll wave solutions of the viscous St. Venant equations modeling inclined shallow water flow, both at onset in the small Froude number or "weakly unstable" limit F→ 2^+ and for general values of the Froude number F, including the limit F→ +∞ . In the former, F→ 2^+, limit, the shallow water equations are formally approximated by a Korteweg-de Vries/Kuramoto-Sivashinsky (KdV-KS) equation that is a singular perturbation of the standard Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation modeling horizontal shallow water flow. Our main analytical result is to rigorously validate this formal limit, showing that stability as F→ 2^+ is equivalent to stability of the corresponding KdV-KS waves in the KdV limit. Together with recent results obtained for KdV-KS by Johnson-Noble-Rodrigues-Zumbrun and Barker, this gives not only the first rigorous verification of stability for any single viscous St. Venant roll wave, but a complete classification of stability in the weakly unstable limit. In the remainder of the paper, we investigate numerically and analytically the evolution of the stability diagram as Froude number increases to infinity. Notably, we find transition at around F=2.3 from weakly unstable to different, large- F behavior, with stability determined by simple power-law relations. The latter stability criteria are potentially useful in hydraulic engineering applications, for which typically 2.5≤ F≤ 6.0.

Diagnosis of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis after treatment for presumed Kawasaki disease.

PubMed

Dong, Siwen; Bout-Tabaku, Sharon; Texter, Karen; Jaggi, Preeti

2015-05-01

To estimate the incidence of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA) within 6 months after treatment for presumed Kawasaki disease (KD) (presumed patients with KD with subsequent diagnosis of SoJIA [pKD/SoJIA]) and describe presentation differences from sole KD. We identified patients treated for KD at Nationwide Children's Hospital and from the Pediatric Health Information System from 2009-2013. We then identified the subset of children, pKD/SoJIA, who received an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for SoJIA and had it listed at least once 3 months after and within 6 months after KD diagnosis. Demographic characteristics, readmission rates, treatments, and complications were noted. A literature review was also performed to identify clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data of previously documented patients with KD later diagnosed with SoJIA. There were 6745 total treated patients with KD in the Pediatric Health Information System database during the study period; 10 patients were identified to have pKD/SoJIA (0.2% of cohort). Those with pKD/SoJIA were predominantly Caucasian compared with patients with KD (90% and 46.8%, respectively; P=.003). Macrophage activation syndrome was more common in patients with pKD/SoJIA than in sole patients with KD (30% and 0.30%, respectively; P<.001). Fifteen cases of pKD/SoJIA were identified by literature and chart review, 12 of whom were initially diagnosed with incomplete KD. We reported a 0.2% incidence of pKD/SoJIA, which was associated with Caucasian race, macrophage activation syndrome, and an incomplete KD phenotype. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a hospital-based program focused on improving healthcare value.

PubMed

Moriates, Christopher; Mourad, Michelle; Novelero, Maria; Wachter, Robert M

2014-10-01

Frontline physicians face increasing pressure to improve the quality of care they deliver while simultaneously decreasing healthcare costs. Although hospitals and physicians are beginning to implement initiatives targeting this new goal of healthcare value, few of them have a well-developed infrastructure to support this work. In March 2012, we launched a high-value care (HVC) program within the Division of Hospital Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. The HVC program is co-led by a physician and the division's administrator, and includes other hospitalists, resident physicians, pharmacists, and administrators. The program aims to (1) use financial and clinical data to identify areas with clear evidence of waste in the hospital, (2) promote evidence-based interventions that improve both quality of care and value, and (3) pair interventions with evidence-based cost awareness education to drive culture change. We identified 6 ongoing projects during our first year. Preliminary data for our inaugural projects are encouraging. One initiative, which targeted decreasing nebulizer use on a high-acuity medical floor (often using metered-dose inhalers instead) led to a decrease in rates of more than 50%. The HVC program is proving to be a successful mechanism to promote improved healthcare value and clinician engagement. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Sensing small molecule interactions with lipid membranes by local pH modulation.

PubMed

Huang, Da; Zhao, Tao; Xu, Wei; Yang, Tinglu; Cremer, Paul S

2013-11-05

Herein, we utilized a label-free sensing platform based on pH modulation to detect the interactions between tetracaine, a positively charged small molecule used as a local anesthetic, and planar supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). The SLBs were patterned inside a flow cell, allowing for various concentrations of tetracaine to be introduced over the surface in a buffer solution. Studies with membranes containing POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) yielded an equilibrium dissociation constant value of Kd = 180 ± 47 μm for this small molecule-membrane interaction. Adding cholesterol to the SLBs decreased the affinity between tetracaine and the bilayers, while this interaction tightened when POPE (1-hexadecanoyl-2-(9-Z-octadecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) was added. Studies were also conducted with three negatively charged membrane lipids, POPG (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt)), POPS (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (sodium salt)), and ganglioside GM1. All three measurements gave rise to a similar tightening of the apparent Kd value compared with pure POPC membranes. The lack of chemical specificity with the identity of the negatively charged lipid indicated that the tightening was largely electrostatic. Through a direct comparison with ITC measurements, it was found that the pH modulation sensor platform offers a facile, inexpensive, highly sensitive, and rapid method for the detection of interactions between putative drug candidates and lipid bilayers. As such, this technique may potentially be exploited as a screen for drug development and analysis.

Forearm muscle oxygenation decreases with low levels of voluntary contraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, G.; Kahan, N. J.; Hargens, A. R.; Rempel, D. M.

1997-01-01

The purpose of our investigation was to determine if the near infrared spectroscopy technique was sensitive to changes in tissue oxygenation at low levels of isometric contraction in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. Nine subjects were seated with the right arm abducted to 45 degrees, elbow flexed to 85 degrees, forearm pronated 45 degrees, and wrist and forearm supported on an armrest throughout the protocol. Altered tissue oxygenation was measured noninvasively with near infrared spectroscopy. The near infrared spectroscopy probe was placed over the extensor carpi radialis brevis of the subject's right forearm and secured with an elastic wrap. After 1 minute of baseline measurements taken with the muscle relaxed, four different loads were applied just proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint such that the subjects isometrically contracted the extensor carpi radialis brevis at 5, 10, 15, and 50% of the maximum voluntary contraction for 1 minute each. A 3-minute recovery period followed each level of contraction. At the end of the protocol, with the probe still in place, a value for ischemic tissue oxygenation was obtained for each subject. This value was considered the physiological zero and hence 0% tissue oxygenation. Mean tissue oxygenation (+/-SE) decreased from resting baseline (100% tissue oxygenation) to 89 +/- 4, 81 +/- 8, 78 +/- 8, and 47 +/- 8% at 5, 10, 15, and 50% of the maximum voluntary contraction, respectively. Tissue oxygenation levels at 10, 15, and 50% of the maximum voluntary contraction were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the baseline value. Our results indicate that tissue oxygenation significantly decreases during brief, low levels of static muscle contraction and that near infrared spectroscopy is a sensitive technique for detecting deoxygenation noninvasively at low levels of forearm muscle contraction. Our findings have important implications in occupational medicine because oxygen depletion induced by low levels of muscle

Mid-term Risk for Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Chronic Myocarditis in Children with Kawasaki Disease and Transient Coronary Abnormalities.

PubMed

Parihar, Mansingh; Singh, Surjit; Vignesh, Pandiarajan; Gupta, Anju; Rohit, Manojkumar

2017-08-01

There is evidence for premature atherosclerosis and systemic arterial stiffening during follow-up of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and coronary artery abnormalities (CAA). Moreover, patients with KD may also have subclinical myocardial involvement and inhomogeneous ventricular repolarization. The inhomogeneous ventricular repolarization manifests as increased QT dispersion on electrocardiography. There is a paucity of studies in endothelial dysfunction and QT dispersion in children with KD and transient CAA. Twenty children with KD and transient CAA were studied at least 1 year after resolution of CAA. Mean follow-up period between KD onset and enrolment in the study was 53.7 months. Twenty age and sex-matched controls were enrolled. High-resolution B-mode ultrasonography was used to analyze brachial artery dilatation in response to reactive hyperemia (cases and controls) and sublingual nitroglycerine (cases only). Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and stiffness index were calculated. The difference between maximum and minimum QTc intervals on 12 lead electrocardiogram was calculated as QTc dispersion (QTcd). No statistically significant difference was noted in percent flow-mediated dilatation of brachial arteries in response to reactive hyperemia between cases (13.31 ± 10.41%) and controls (12.86 ± 7.09%). Sublingual nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation in children with KD was 14.88 ± 12.03%. Mean cIMT was similar in cases (0.036 ± 0.015 cm) and controls (0.035 ± 0.076 cm; p = 0.791). No statistically significant difference between groups was observed in mean QTcd values (0.057 ± 0.018 s vs. 0.059 ± 0.015 s in controls, p = 0.785). No evidence of significant endothelial dysfunction or increased QT dispersion in patients with KD and transient coronary artery abnormalities was found in our cohort when studied at a mean follow-up of 53.7 months. This is reassuring, and indicates that risk of subclinical atherosclerosis

Appetite - decreased

MedlinePlus

Loss of appetite; Decreased appetite; Anorexia ... Any illness can reduce appetite. If the illness is treatable, the appetite should return when the condition is cured. Loss of appetite can cause weight ...

Unusual Cosmic Ray Variations During the Forbush Decreases of June 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samara, E.; Smponias, A.; Lytrosyngounis, I.; Lingri, D.; Mavromichalaki, H.; Sgouropoulos, C.

2018-04-01

Although the current Solar Cycle 24 is characterized by low solar activity, an intense geomagnetic storm (G4) was recorded in June 2015. It was a complex phenomenon that began on 22 June 2015 as the result of intense solar activity, accompanied by several flares and coronal mass ejections that interacted with the Earth's magnetic field. A Forbush decrease was also recorded at the neutron monitors of the worldwide network, with an amplitude of 8.4%, and in its recovery phase, a second Forbush decrease followed, with an amplitude of 4.0% for cosmic rays of 10 GV obtained with the global survey method. The Dst index reached a minimum value of -204 nT that was detected on 23 June 2015 at 05:00 - 06:00 UT, while the Kp index reached the value eight. For our analysis, we used hourly cosmic-ray intensity data recorded by polar, mid-, and high-latitude neutron monitor stations obtained from the High Resolution Neutron Monitor Database. The cosmic-ray anisotropy variation at the ecliptic plane was also estimated and was found to be highly complex. We study and discuss the unusual and complex cosmic-ray and geomagnetic response to these solar events.

Effect of ionizing radiation on some quality attributes of nutraceutically valued lotus seeds.

PubMed

Bhat, Rajeev; Karim, A A

2009-01-01

Radiation processing has been employed successfully for value addition of food and agricultural products. Preliminary studies were undertaken to evaluate the changes induced by ionizing radiation (up to 30 kGy), in the form of gamma irradiation and electron beam irradiation, on some quality attributes and nutritive values of nutraceutically valued lotus seeds. Significant loss in seed firmness was recorded between control and irradiated seeds, irrespective of radiation source. Similarly, the specific viscosity of irradiated lotus seeds decreased significantly up to a dose of 7.5 kGy. Starch increased after exposure to gamma or electron beam irradiation, whereas the total phenolic contents were decreased. Gamma irradiation revealed an enhancement in protein, while the electron beam showed a decrease. Partial oxidation of the seeds during radiation treatments might have occurred as evidenced from the decomposition profiles (thermogravimetry) during heating. It is evident that ionizing radiation brought about significant and variable changes in the quality and nutritive values of lotus seed. Further exploration of this technology for safety and quality is warranted.

Decrease in gamma-band activity tracks sequence learning

PubMed Central

Madhavan, Radhika; Millman, Daniel; Tang, Hanlin; Crone, Nathan E.; Lenz, Fredrick A.; Tierney, Travis S.; Madsen, Joseph R.; Kreiman, Gabriel; Anderson, William S.

2015-01-01

Learning novel sequences constitutes an example of declarative memory formation, involving conscious recall of temporal events. Performance in sequence learning tasks improves with repetition and involves forming temporal associations over scales of seconds to minutes. To further understand the neural circuits underlying declarative sequence learning over trials, we tracked changes in intracranial field potentials (IFPs) recorded from 1142 electrodes implanted throughout temporal and frontal cortical areas in 14 human subjects, while they learned the temporal-order of multiple sequences of images over trials through repeated recall. We observed an increase in power in the gamma frequency band (30–100 Hz) in the recall phase, particularly in areas within the temporal lobe including the parahippocampal gyrus. The degree of this gamma power enhancement decreased over trials with improved sequence recall. Modulation of gamma power was directly correlated with the improvement in recall performance. When presenting new sequences, gamma power was reset to high values and decreased again after learning. These observations suggest that signals in the gamma frequency band may play a more prominent role during the early steps of the learning process rather than during the maintenance of memory traces. PMID:25653598

Binding affinities of NKG2D and CD94 to sialyl Lewis X-expressing N-glycans and heparin.

PubMed

Higai, Koji; Suzuki, Chiho; Imaizumi, Yuzo; Xin, Xin; Azuma, Yutaro; Matsumoto, Kojiro

2011-01-01

Lectin-like receptors natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) and CD94 on natural killer (NK) cells bind to α2,3-NeuAc-containing N-glycans and heparin/heparan sulfate (HS). Using recombinant glutathione S-transferase-fused extracellular lectin-like domains of NKG2D (rGST-NKG2Dlec) and CD94 (rGST-CD94lec), we evaluated their binding affinities (K(d)) to high sialyl Lewis X (sLeX)-expressing transferrin secreted by HepG2 cells (HepTf) and heparin-conjugated bovine serum albumin (Heparin-BSA), using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) microplate methods. K(d) values obtained by linear reciprocal plots revealed good coincidence between the two methods. K(d) values of rGST-NKG2Dlec obtained by QCM and EIA, respectively, were 1.19 and 1.11 µM for heparin-BSA >0.30 and 0.20 µM for HepTf, while those of rGST-CD94lec were 1.31 and 1.45 µM for HepTf >0.37 and 0.36 µM for heparin-BSA. These results suggested that these glycans can interact with NKG2D and CD94 to modulate NK cell-dependent cytotoxicity.

Correlations between community size and student perceptions of value.

PubMed

Anderson, Susan M; Simanton, Edward

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if medical students' feeling of being valued was correlated to community size. The study, conducted in several communities in South Dakota, examined students' feeling of value relating to attending physicians, healthcare teams and patients. Student value items were added to student satisfaction surveys sent out to students at the end of their primary clinical year and data collected from two graduating classes of students (n=114). Student responses were grouped by clinical campus and mean responses by community size were calculated. Additionally, student encounter logs were reviewed for study participants to gauge participation levels during clinical encounters. The degree to which students felt valued by their physician attending, the healthcare team and the patients decreased consistently as community size increased. Differences were statistically significant between students in the smallest and largest communities. Additionally, students in the community of 15 000 felt significantly more valued than students in the community of 170 000. Furthermore, there also appears to be a relationship between the percentage of participation in patient care by students and community size. Students in the smaller, rural communities participated at a higher percentage rather than observing. There appears to be a relationship between community size and the extent to which students feel value. The degree to which students felt valued decreased consistently as community size increased. Differences were statistically significant between students in the smallest communities and the two largest communities. Students in the smaller, rural communities participated at a higher percentage. Additional studies are needed to address whether students participate more as a result of feeling valued, or whether participation leads to an enhanced perception of value by students.

Decreased Libido

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Featured Resource Find an Endocrinologist Search Decreased Libido Editors Bradley Anawalt, MD Maria Yialamas, MD Additional Resources: Mayo Clinic NIDDK MedlinePlus What is libido? Libido is the desire to engage in sexual ...

Ketone EC50 values in the Microtox test.

PubMed

Chen, H F; Hee, S S

1995-03-01

The Microtox EC50 values for the following ketones are reported in the following homologous series: straight chain methyl ketones (acetone, 2-butanone, 2-pentanone, 2-hepatonone, 2-octanone, 2-decanone, and 2-tridecanone); methyl ketones substituted at one alpha carbon (3-methyl-2-butanone; 3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone); methyl substituted at two alpha carbons (2,4-dimethyl-3-pentanone; 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-pentanone); phenyl groups replacing methyl in acetone (acetophenone; benzophenone); methyl groups substituted at the alpha carbons of cyclohexanone; and 2,3- 2,4-, and 2,5-hexanediones, most for the first time. While there were linear relationships between log EC50 and MW for the straight chain methyl ketones, and for methyl substitution at the alpha carbon for methyl ketones, there were no other linear relationships. As molecular weight increased, the EC50 values of soluble ketones decreased; as distance between two carbonyl groups decreased so too did EC50 values. Thus, for the ketones the geometry around the carbonyl group is an important determinant of toxicity as well as MW, water solubility, and octanol/water coefficient.

Sorption of atrazine and ametryn by carbonatic and non-carbonatic soils of varied origin.

PubMed

Kasozi, G N; Nkedi-Kizza, P; Li, Y; Zimmerman, A R

2012-10-01

Sorption of two s-triazines, atrazine and ametryn, by carbonatic soils, Histosols, Spodosols and Oxisols was examined. Linear isotherms were observed and sorption coefficients (K(d)) of both compounds were significantly lower (α = 0.05) onto carbonatic soils compared to non-carbonatic soils. Furthermore, among carbonatic soil types, the marl-carbonatic soils had the lowest sorption affinities. K(d) and organic carbon content were highly correlated, suggesting predominant influence of organic carbon in the sorption of the s-triazine, except in Oxisols and Spodosols where variations suggest other factors. Upon removal of organic matter (OM) using sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide, the K(d) values were reduced by ~90%, indicating minimal contribution of mineral surfaces. Thus OM compositional differences likely explain the large variation in s-triazine sorption within and between soil orders. This study highlights the need to consider OM composition in addition to quantity when determining pesticide applications rates, particularly for carbonatic soils. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Increased water deficit decreases Douglas fir growth throughout western US forests

PubMed Central

Restaino, Christina M.; Peterson, David L.; Littell, Jeremy

2016-01-01

Changes in tree growth rates can affect tree mortality and forest feedbacks to the global carbon cycle. As air temperature increases, evaporative demand also increases, increasing effective drought in forest ecosystems. Using a spatially comprehensive network of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) chronologies from 122 locations that represent distinct climate environments in the western United States, we show that increased temperature decreases growth via vapor pressure deficit (VPD) across all latitudes. Using an ensemble of global circulation models, we project an increase in both the mean VPD associated with the lowest growth extremes and the probability of exceeding these VPD values. As temperature continues to increase in future decades, we can expect deficit-related stress to increase and consequently Douglas fir growth to decrease throughout its US range. PMID:27503880

Values in First-Episode Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Agid, Ofer; Mcdonald, Krysta; Fervaha, Gagan; Littrell, Romie; Thoma, Jessica; Zipursky, Robert B; Foussias, George; Remington, Gary

2015-11-01

Functional impairment continues to represent a major challenge in schizophrenia. Surprisingly, patients with schizophrenia report a level of happiness comparable with control subjects, even in the face of the prominent functional deficits, a finding at odds with evidence indicating a positive relation between happiness and level of functioning. In attempting to reconcile these findings, we chose to examine the issue of values, defined as affectively infused criteria or motivational goals used to select and justify actions, people, and the self, as values are related to both happiness and functioning. Fifty-six first-episode patients in remission and 56 healthy control subjects completed happiness and values measures. Statistical analyses included correlations, analysis of variance, structural equation modelling, and smallest space analysis. Results indicated that patients with schizophrenia placed significantly greater priority on the value dimensions of Tradition (P = 0.02) and Power (P = 0.03), and significantly less priority on Self-direction (P = 0.007) and Stimulation, (P = 0.008). Essentially, people with schizophrenia place more emphasis on the customs and ideas that traditional culture or religion provide in conjunction with a decreased interest in change, which is at odds with the expectations of early adulthood. This value difference could be related to functional deficits. To this point, we have assumed that people hold to the same values that guided them before the illness' onset, but this may not be the case. Our study indicates that values differ in people with schizophrenia, compared with control subjects, even early in the illness and in the face of symptomatic remission.

Decreasing GABA function within the medial prefrontal cortex or basolateral amygdala decreases sociability.

PubMed

Paine, Tracie A; Swedlow, Nathan; Swetschinski, Lucien

2017-01-15

Decreased sociability is a symptom of psychiatric conditions including autism-spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Both of these conditions are associated with decreases in GABA function, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA); structures that are components of the social brain. Here, we determined if decreasing GABA transmission within either the PFC or the BLA decreases social behavior. Rats were implanted with cannulae aimed at either the medial PFC or the BLA and then were tested on up to 4 behavioral tests following bilateral infusions of 0.5μl bicuculline methiodide (BMI, a GABA A receptor antagonist) at doses of 0, 25, or 50ng/μl. Rats were tested in the social interaction test, the social preference test, the sucrose preference test and for locomotor activity (BLA infusions only). Intra-BLA or PFC BMI infusions decreased the amount of time and the number of social interactions in the social interaction test. Further, in the social preference test, rats infused with 50ng BMI no longer exhibited a preference to explore a social over a non-social stimulus. The change in sociability was not due to a change in reward processing or locomotor behavior. Decreasing GABA transmission in either the medial PFC or BLA decreased sociability. Thus, changes in GABA signaling observed in conditions such as autism or schizophrenia may mediate the social withdrawal characteristic of these conditions. Moreover, they suggest that social withdrawal may be treated by drugs that potentiate GABA transmission. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sorption and stability of the polycyclic nitramine explosive CL-20 in soil.

PubMed

Balakrishnan, Vimal K; Monteil-Rivera, Fanny; Gautier, Mathieu A; Hawari, Jalal

2004-01-01

The polycyclic nitramine CL-20 (2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane) is being considered for use as a munition, but its environmental fate and impact are unknown. The present study consisted of two main elements. First, sorption-desorption data were measured with soils and minerals to evaluate the respective contributions of organic matter and minerals to CL-20 immobilization. Second, since CL-20 hydrolyzes at a pH of >7, the effect of sorption on CL-20 degradation was examined in alkaline soils. Sorption-desorption isotherms measured using five slightly acidic soils (5.1 < pH < 6.9) containing various amounts of total organic carbon (TOC) revealed a nonlinear sorption that increased with TOC [K(d) (0.33% TOC) = 2.4 L kg(-1); K(d) (20% TOC) = 311 L kg(-1)]. Sorption to minerals (Fe(2)O(3), silica, kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite) was very low (0 < K(d) < 0.6 L kg(-1)), suggesting that mineral phases do not contribute significantly to CL-20 sorption. Degradation of CL-20 in sterile soils having different pH values increased as follows: sandy agricultural topsoil from Varennes, QC, Canada (VT) (pH = 5.6; K(d) = 15 L kg(-1); 8% loss) < clay soil from St. Sulpice, QC, Canada (CSS) (pH = 8.1; K(d) = 1 L kg(-1); 82% loss) < sandy soil provided by Agriculture Canada (SAC) (pH = 8.1, K(d) = approximately 0 L kg(-1); 100% loss). The faster degradation in SAC soil compared with CSS soil was attributed to the absence of sorption in the former. In summary, CL-20 is highly immobilized by soils rich in organic matter. Although sorption retards abiotic degradation, CL-20 still decomposes in soils where pH is >7.5, suggesting that it will not persist in even slightly alkaline soils.

Experimental determination of Pb partitioning between sulfide melt and basalt melt as a function of P, T and X

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hart, Stanley R.; Gaetani, Glenn A.

2016-07-01

We have measured the partition coefficient of Pb (KdPb) between FeS melt and basalt melt at temperatures of 1250-1523 °C, pressures of 1.0-3.5 GPa and oxygen fugacities at iron-wustite and wustite-magnetite. The total observed range of KdPb is 4.0-66.6, with a strong negative dependence on pressure and a strong negative dependence on FeO of the silicate melt (Fe+2 only). The FeO control was constrained over a wide range of FeO (4.2-39.5%). We found that the effect of oxygen fugacity can be subsumed under the FeO control parameter. Prior work has established the lack of a significant effect of temperature (Kiseeva and Wood, 2015; Li and Audétat, 2015). Our data are parameterized as: KdPb = 4.8 + (512 - 119*P in GPa)*(1/FeO - 0.021). We also measured a single value of KdPb between clinopyroxene and basalt melt at 2.0 GPa of 0.020 ± 0.001. This experimental data supports the ;natural; partitioning of Pb measured on sulfide globules in MORB (Patten et al., 2013), but not the low KdPb of ∼3 inferred from sulfides in abyssal peridotites by Warren and Shirey (2012). It also quantitatively affirms the modeling of Hart and Gaetani (2006) with respect to using sulfide to buffer the canonical Nd/Pb ratio for MORB and OIB (Hofmann, 2003). For the low FeO and pressure of segregation typical of MORB, KdPb ∼ 45, and the Nd/Pb ratio of erupted basalts will be the same as the Nd/Pb ratio of the mantle source. The remaining puzzle is why MORB and OIB have the same Nd/Pb when they clearly have different FeO and pressure of melt segregation.

Anti-nuclear liberals and the bomb: A comparative history of Kampf dem Atomtod and the Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy, 1957-1963

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

Thiede, B.

The premises of Kampf dem Atomtod (KdA) and Citizens for a Sane Nuclear Policy (SANE) were based on nineteenth century traditions of liberal peace advocacy. Both groups gained substantial public support for their goals to prevent the nuclear armament of the Bundeswehr and to stop nuclear testing. Both organizations won well-educated middle-class and mostly white supporter. The dissertation examines the role of women: whether housewife or doctor, women stressed their special concerns as mothers. Both KdA and SANE had troubled relations with the labor movement. Their leaders hoped to gain government leaders' respect by winning a respectable, non-Communist constituency andmore » claiming their goals were reasonable ones. Government officials attacked KdA and SANE as dupes of Moscow. Many supporters left the organizations because of their strict anti-Communism. Local groups accused their leaders of lacking initative. KdA and SANE's leaders wasted time and energy rehashing issues and postponing decisions. After a period of providing initiatives and ideas local committees disintegrated. Both organizations considered education their paramount goal but their arguments primarily reached the converted, who often preferred more political action. KdA and SANE's leaders instead chose to support respectable projects based on humanitarian ideals. Since these projects offered little in the way of concrete action agendas, supporters defected to more active organizations or slipped into apathy. Neither organization achieved its national goals. Both governments generally denied them access to the policymaking process, ignored them as irrelavant, or attacked them as Communist sympathizers. While SANE and KdA were heard by those concerned by nuclear policy, and while members of SANE's National Board did help muster support for the Partial Test Ban Treaty, both organizations failed to make liberal peace values productive in the nuclear decisionmaking process.« less

Cardiopulmonary Function, Exercise Capacity, and Echocardiography Finding of Pediatric Patients With Kawasaki Disease: An Observational Study.

PubMed

Tuan, Sheng-Hui; Li, Min-Hui; Hsu, Miao-Ju; Tsai, Yun-Jeng; Chen, Yin-Han; Liao, Tin-Yun; Lin, Ko-Long

2016-01-01

Coronary artery (CA) abnormalities influence exercise capacity (EC) of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD), and Z-score of CA is a well established method for detecting CA aneurysm. We studied the influence of KD on cardiopulmonary function and EC; meanwhile we analyzed echocardiographic findings of KD patients. We also assessed the correlation between CA Z-score and EC of KD patients to see if CA Z-score of KD patients could reflect EC during exercise.Sixty-three KD patients were recruited as KD group 1 from children (aged 5-18 y) who received transthoracic echocardiographic examinations and symptom-limited treadmill exercise test for regular follow-up of KD from January 2010 to October 2014 in 1 medical center. We then divided KD group 1 into KD group 2 (<5 y, n = 12) and KD group 3 (≥5 y, n = 51) according to time interval between KD onset to when patients received test. Control groups were matched by age, sex, and body mass index. Max-Z of CA was defined as the maximal Z-score of the proximal LCA or RCA by Dalliarre equation or Fuse calculator.All routine parameters measured during standard exercise test were similar between KD and control groups, except that peak rate pressure products (PRPPs) in KD group 1 to 3 were all lower than corresponding control groups significantly (P = 0.010, 0.020, and 0.049, respectively). PRPPs correlated with Max-Z of CA by both equations modest inversely (by Dallaire, P = 0.017, Spearman rho = -0.301; by Fuse, P = 0.014, Spearman rho = -0.309).Our study recruited larger number of KD patients and provided a newer data of EC of KD patients. Our finding suggests that after acute stage of KD, patients could maintain normal cardiorespiratory fitness. Therefore, we believe that it is important to promote cardiovascular health to KD patients and KD patients should exercise as normal peers. However, since KD patients might still have compromised coronary perfusion during exercise, it remains crucial to

Cardiopulmonary Function, Exercise Capacity, and Echocardiography Finding of Pediatric Patients With Kawasaki Disease

PubMed Central

Tuan, Sheng-Hui; Li, Min-Hui; Hsu, Miao-Ju; Tsai, Yun-Jeng; Chen, Yin-Han; Liao, Tin-Yun; Lin, Ko-Long

2016-01-01

Abstract Coronary artery (CA) abnormalities influence exercise capacity (EC) of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD), and Z-score of CA is a well established method for detecting CA aneurysm. We studied the influence of KD on cardiopulmonary function and EC; meanwhile we analyzed echocardiographic findings of KD patients. We also assessed the correlation between CA Z-score and EC of KD patients to see if CA Z-score of KD patients could reflect EC during exercise. Sixty-three KD patients were recruited as KD group 1 from children (aged 5–18 y) who received transthoracic echocardiographic examinations and symptom-limited treadmill exercise test for regular follow-up of KD from January 2010 to October 2014 in 1 medical center. We then divided KD group 1 into KD group 2 (<5 y, n = 12) and KD group 3 (≥5 y, n = 51) according to time interval between KD onset to when patients received test. Control groups were matched by age, sex, and body mass index. Max-Z of CA was defined as the maximal Z-score of the proximal LCA or RCA by Dalliarre equation or Fuse calculator. All routine parameters measured during standard exercise test were similar between KD and control groups, except that peak rate pressure products (PRPPs) in KD group 1 to 3 were all lower than corresponding control groups significantly (P = 0.010, 0.020, and 0.049, respectively). PRPPs correlated with Max-Z of CA by both equations modest inversely (by Dallaire, P = 0.017, Spearman rho = −0.301; by Fuse, P = 0.014, Spearman rho = −0.309). Our study recruited larger number of KD patients and provided a newer data of EC of KD patients. Our finding suggests that after acute stage of KD, patients could maintain normal cardiorespiratory fitness. Therefore, we believe that it is important to promote cardiovascular health to KD patients and KD patients should exercise as normal peers. However, since KD patients might still have compromised coronary perfusion during exercise, it

Characterization of WY 14,643 and its Complex with Aldose Reductase

DOE PAGES

Sawaya, Michael R.; Verma, Malkhey; Balendiran, Vaishnavi; ...

2016-10-10

The peroxisome proliferator, WY 14,643 exhibits a pure non-competitive inhibition pattern in the aldehyde reduction and in alcohol oxidation activities of human Aldose reductase (hAR). Fluorescence emission measurements of the equilibrium dissociation constants, Kd, of oxidized (hAR•NADP+) and reduced (hAR•NADPH) holoenzyme complexes display a 2-fold difference between them. Kd values for the dissociation of WY 14,643 from the oxidized (hAR•NADP+•WY 14,643) and reduced (hAR•NADPH•WY 14,643) ternary complexes are comparable to each other. The ternary complex structure of hAR•NADP+•WY 14,643 reveals the first structural evidence of a fibrate class drug binding to hAR. These observations demonstrate how fibrate molecules such asmore » WY 14,643, besides being valued as agonists for PPAR, also inhibit hAR.« less

Characterization of WY 14,643 and its Complex with Aldose Reductase

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

Sawaya, Michael R.; Verma, Malkhey; Balendiran, Vaishnavi

The peroxisome proliferator, WY 14,643 exhibits a pure non-competitive inhibition pattern in the aldehyde reduction and in alcohol oxidation activities of human Aldose reductase (hAR). Fluorescence emission measurements of the equilibrium dissociation constants, Kd, of oxidized (hAR•NADP+) and reduced (hAR•NADPH) holoenzyme complexes display a 2-fold difference between them. Kd values for the dissociation of WY 14,643 from the oxidized (hAR•NADP+•WY 14,643) and reduced (hAR•NADPH•WY 14,643) ternary complexes are comparable to each other. The ternary complex structure of hAR•NADP+•WY 14,643 reveals the first structural evidence of a fibrate class drug binding to hAR. These observations demonstrate how fibrate molecules such asmore » WY 14,643, besides being valued as agonists for PPAR, also inhibit hAR.« less

Characterization of WY 14,643 and its Complex with Aldose Reductase

PubMed Central

Sawaya, Michael R.; Verma, Malkhey; Balendiran, Vaishnavi; Rath, Nigam P.; Cascio, Duilio; Balendiran, Ganesaratnam K.

2016-01-01

The peroxisome proliferator, WY 14,643 exhibits a pure non-competitive inhibition pattern in the aldehyde reduction and in alcohol oxidation activities of human Aldose reductase (hAR). Fluorescence emission measurements of the equilibrium dissociation constants, Kd, of oxidized (hAR•NADP+) and reduced (hAR•NADPH) holoenzyme complexes display a 2-fold difference between them. Kd values for the dissociation of WY 14,643 from the oxidized (hAR•NADP+•WY 14,643) and reduced (hAR•NADPH•WY 14,643) ternary complexes are comparable to each other. The ternary complex structure of hAR•NADP+•WY 14,643 reveals the first structural evidence of a fibrate class drug binding to hAR. These observations demonstrate how fibrate molecules such as WY 14,643, besides being valued as agonists for PPAR, also inhibit hAR. PMID:27721416

E-cadherin suppression accelerates squamous cell carcinoma progression in three-dimensional, human tissue constructs.

PubMed

Margulis, Alexander; Zhang, Weitian; Alt-Holland, Addy; Crawford, Howard C; Fusenig, Norbert E; Garlick, Jonathan A

2005-03-01

We studied the link between loss of E-cadherin-mediated adhesion and acquisition of malignant properties in three-dimensional, human tissue constructs that mimicked the initial stages of squamous cell cancer progression. Suppression of E-cadherin expression in early-stage, skin-derived tumor cells (HaCaT-II-4) was induced by cytoplasmic sequestration of beta-catenin upon stable expression of a dominant-negative E-cadherin fusion protein (H-2Kd-Ecad). In monolayer cultures, expression of H-2Kd-Ecad resulted in decreased levels of E-cadherin, redistribution of beta-catenin to the cytoplasm, and complete loss of intercellular adhesion when compared with control II-4 cells. This was accompanied by a 7-fold decrease in beta-catenin-mediated transcription and a 12-fold increase in cell migration. In three-dimensional constructs, E-cadherin-deficient tissues showed disruption of architecture, loss of adherens junctional proteins from cell contacts, and focal tumor cell invasion. Invasion was linked to activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated degradation of basement membrane in H-2Kd-Ecad-expressing tissue constructs that was blocked by MMP inhibition (GM6001). Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed a 2.5-fold increase in MMP-2 and an 8-fold increase in MMP-9 in cells expressing the H-2Kd-Ecad fusion protein when compared with controls, and gel zymography showed increased MMP protein levels. Following surface transplantation of three-dimensional tissues, suppression of E-cadherin expression greatly accelerated tumorigenesis in vivo by inducing a switch to high-grade carcinomas that resulted in a 5-fold increase in tumor size after 4 weeks. Suppression of E-cadherin expression and loss of its function fundamentally modified squamous cell carcinoma progression by activating a highly invasive, aggressive tumor phenotype, whereas maintenance of E-cadherin prevented invasion in vitro and limited tumor progression in vivo.

Rotation-induced nonlinear wavepackets in internal waves

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

Whitfield, A. J., E-mail: ashley.whitfield.12@ucl.ac.uk; Johnson, E. R., E-mail: e.johnson@ucl.ac.uk

2014-05-15

The long time effect of weak rotation on an internal solitary wave is the decay into inertia-gravity waves and the eventual formation of a localised wavepacket. Here this initial value problem is considered within the context of the Ostrovsky, or the rotation-modified Korteweg-de Vries (KdV), equation and a numerical method for obtaining accurate wavepacket solutions is presented. The flow evolutions are described in the regimes of relatively-strong and relatively-weak rotational effects. When rotational effects are relatively strong a second-order soliton solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation accurately predicts the shape, and phase and group velocities of the numerically determined wavepackets.more » It is suggested that these solitons may form from a local Benjamin-Feir instability in the inertia-gravity wave-train radiated when a KdV solitary wave rapidly adjusts to the presence of strong rotation. When rotational effects are relatively weak the initial KdV solitary wave remains coherent longer, decaying only slowly due to weak radiation and modulational instability is no longer relevant. Wavepacket solutions in this regime appear to consist of a modulated KdV soliton wavetrain propagating on a slowly varying background of finite extent.« less

[The role of Cd-binding proteins and phytochelatins in the formation of cadmium resistance in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia cell lines].

PubMed

Fenik, S I; Solodushko, V G; Kaliniak, T B; Blium, Ia B

2007-01-01

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia callus lines with the equal resistance to cadmium have been produced under different selective conditions--either without inhibition of the phytochelatin synthesis (line Cd-R) or in the presence of the inhibitor butionine sulfoximine (line Cd-Ri). The level of phytochelatin synthesis in the line Cd-R five-fold exceeded the control value and in the line Cd-Ri it was twice as much as in the control. It was shown that in the control line mainly three cadmium-binding proteins are expressed of the molecular weihgts 41, 34 and 19 kD. The common feature of the both resistant lines is the expression of the cadmium-binding proteins of 40, 37 and 19 kD. The resistant lines differ with respect to the synthesis of relatively low-molecular cadmium-binding proteins. The proteins of the molecular weights 12.5, 11.5 and 9 kD are expressed in the line Cd-R, while the proteins of 13 and 10 kD are expressed in the line Cd-Ri. It was supposed that both the phytochelatins and the Cd-binding proteins contribute to the resisitance of N. plumbaginifolia callus lines to cadmium and the lack of the phytochelatins can be equilibrated by the changes in the low-molecular Cd-binding protein synthesis.

Examination of Technetium Transport Through Soils Under Contrasting Redox Conditions: Batch and Column Work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dozier, R.; Montgomery, D.; Wylie, E. M.; Dogan, M.; Moysey, S. M.; Powell, B. A.; Martinez, N. E.

2015-12-01

Experiments were performed under various reducing conditions to evaluate the transport behavior of technetium-99 (99Tc) in the presence of sandy clay loam soil from the Savannah River Site (SRS) and goethite, magnetite, and iron sulfide, which were selected for their increasing reducing potential. The experiments were conducted to investigate how redox reaction equilibria and rates affect the overall mobility of 99Tc as it transitions between the mobile Tc(VII) and immobile Tc(IV). Under oxygen-rich conditions, batch sorption isotherms measured for TcO4- across the concentration range 0.5 to 50 μg/L were linear with distribution coefficients (Kd) of 0.78 mL/g or lower, with decreasing sorption for goethite, magnetite, and iron sulfide, respectively. Addition of Na2S resulted in a marked increase in apparent 99Tc sorption to the solid phase, with Kd of 43 mL/g, 35 mL/g, and 29 mL/g, following the same mineral trend as previously. The increased Kd values are possibly due to reduction of Tc(VII) to Tc(IV), resulting in the formation of TcO2(s). SRS soil batch sorption isotherms measured for TcO4- across the same concentration range were also linear, with Kd of 0.7 mL/g for unadjusted pH, 5.1 mL/g for pH of around 6, and 6.7 mL/g for pH of around 4. Kinetic batch sorption tests showed less than 10% 99Tc sorption in an oxidizing environment and greater than 95% sorption in a reducing environment, with both reactions occurring on the order of minutes. In contrast, desorption experiments initiated by transferring the samples from a reducing environment (0.1% H2(g)/99.9% N2(g)) to atmospheric conditions resulted in a slow desorption step on the order of days. Column experiments conducted with the SRS sands indicate a retardation factor of 1.17 for 99Tc under oxygen rich conditions. Additional column experiments are being conducted to evaluate 99Tc transport dependencies on transitions between oxygen rich and poor conditions.

Molecular modelling for the design of chimaeric biomimetic dye-ligands and their interaction with bovine heart mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase.

PubMed Central

Labrou, N E; Eliopoulos, E; Clonis, Y D

1996-01-01

Molecular modelling and kinetic inhibition studies, as well as KD determinations by both difference-spectra and enzyme-inactivation studies, were employed to assess the ability of purpose-designed chimaeric biomimetic dyes (BM dyes) to act as affinity ligands for bovine heart L-malate dehydrogenase (MDH). Each BM dye was composed of two enzyme-recognition moieties. The terminal biomimetic moiety bore a carboxyl or a keto acid structure linked to the triazine ring, thus mimicking the substrate of MDH. The chromophore anthraquinone moiety remained unchanged and the same as that of the parent dye Vilmafix Blue A-R (VBAR), recognizing the nucleotide-binding site of MDH. The monochlorotriazine BM dyes did not inactivate MDH but competitively inhibited inactivation by the parent dichlorotriazine dye VBAR. Dye binding to MDH was accompanied by a characteristic spectral change in the range 500-850 nm. This phenomenon was reversed after titration with increasing amounts of NADH. When compared with VBAR, Cibacron Blue 3GA and two control non-biomimetic anthraquinone dyes, all BM dyes exhibited lower KD values and therefore higher affinity for MDH. The enzyme bound preferably to BM ligands substituted with a biomimetic aromatic moiety bearing an alpha-keto acid group and an amide linkage, rather than a monocarboxyl group. Thus the biomimetic dye bearing p-aminobenzyloxanilic acid as its terminal biomimetic moiety (BM5) exhibited the highest affinity (KD 1.3 microM, which corresponded to a 219-fold decrease over the KD of a control dye). BM5 displayed competitive inhibition with respect to both NADH (Ki 2.7 microM) and oxaloacetate (Ki 9.6 microM). A combination of molecular modelling and experimental studies has led to certain conclusions. The positioning of the dye in the enzyme is primarily achieved by the recognition and positioning of the nucleotide-pseudomimetic anthraquinone moiety. The hydrophobic groups of the dye provide the driving force for positioning of the

Role of the Excitability Brake Potassium Current IKD in Cold Allodynia Induced by Chronic Peripheral Nerve Injury.

PubMed

González, Alejandro; Ugarte, Gonzalo; Restrepo, Carlos; Herrera, Gaspar; Piña, Ricardo; Gómez-Sánchez, José Antonio; Pertusa, María; Orio, Patricio; Madrid, Rodolfo

2017-03-22

Cold allodynia is a common symptom of neuropathic and inflammatory pain following peripheral nerve injury. The mechanisms underlying this disabling sensory alteration are not entirely understood. In primary somatosensory neurons, cold sensitivity is mainly determined by a functional counterbalance between cold-activated TRPM8 channels and Shaker-like Kv1.1-1.2 channels underlying the excitability brake current I KD Here we studied the role of I KD in damage-triggered painful hypersensitivity to innocuous cold. We found that cold allodynia induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in mice, was related to both an increase in the proportion of cold-sensitive neurons (CSNs) in DRGs contributing to the sciatic nerve, and a decrease in their cold temperature threshold. I KD density was reduced in high-threshold CSNs from CCI mice compared with sham animals, with no differences in cold-induced TRPM8-dependent current density. The electrophysiological properties and neurochemical profile of CSNs revealed an increase of nociceptive-like phenotype among neurons from CCI animals compared with sham mice. These results were validated using a mathematical model of CSNs, including I KD and TRPM8, showing that a reduction in I KD current density shifts the thermal threshold to higher temperatures and that the reduction of this current induces cold sensitivity in former cold-insensitive neurons expressing low levels of TRPM8-like current. Together, our results suggest that cold allodynia is largely due to a functional downregulation of I KD in both high-threshold CSNs and in a subpopulation of polymodal nociceptors expressing TRPM8, providing a general molecular and neural mechanism for this sensory alteration. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This paper unveils the critical role of the brake potassium current I KD in damage-triggered cold allodynia. Using a well-known form of nerve injury and combining behavioral analysis, calcium imaging, patch clamping, and

Langmuir wave damping decreases slowly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, Harvey

2006-10-01

The onset of stimulated Raman scatter in a single laser speckle occurs (D. S. Montgomery et al., Phys. Plasmas, 9, 2311 (2002)) at lower laser intensity, I, than predicted by linear theory based on classical Landau damping, νL, of the SRS daughter Langmuir wave. Does this imply that SRS onset in a speckled laser beam, propagating through long scale length plasma, is also at odds with linear theory? It has been shown (Harvey A. Rose and D. F. DuBois, Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 2883 (1994)) that linear convective gain in speckles with large fluctuations of I about the average, , leads to onset at a value of , Ic, small compared to that for onset in a uniform beam. While nonlinear electron trapping effects may occur in very intense speckles, whether or not these effects are sufficient to lower the onset value of below Ic depends on how strongly electrons must be trapped before there is significant reduction in νL. As the amplitude of an SRS daughter Langmuir wave increases, its νL decreases by the factor ν/φb, due to the competition between electron trapping, with electron bounce frequency, φb, and escape of these trapped electrons by advection out of a speckle's side, at rate ν. This result (Harvey A. Rose and David A. Russell, Phys. Plasmas, 8, 4784 (2001)) is valid for ν/φb 1. In this talk I present a nonlinear, transit time damping, calculation of νL and find that reduction by a factor of two does not occur until φb/ν 5. This slow turn on of trapping effects suggests that the linear calculation of Ic is NIF relevant.