Low-cost, ready-to-use therapeutic foods can be designed using locally available commodities with the aid of linear programming.

PubMed

Dibari, Filippo; Diop, El Hadji I; Collins, Steven; Seal, Andrew

2012-05-01

According to the United Nations (UN), 25 million children <5 y of age are currently affected by severe acute malnutrition and need to be treated using special nutritional products such as ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF). Improved formulations are in demand, but a standardized approach for RUTF design has not yet been described. A method relying on linear programming (LP) analysis was developed and piloted in the design of a RUTF prototype for the treatment of wasting in East African children and adults. The LP objective function and decision variables consisted of the lowest formulation price and the weights of the chosen commodities (soy, sorghum, maize, oil, and sugar), respectively. The LP constraints were based on current UN recommendations for the macronutrient content of therapeutic food and included palatability, texture, and maximum food ingredient weight criteria. Nonlinear constraints for nutrient ratios were converted to linear equations to allow their use in LP. The formulation was considered accurate if laboratory results confirmed an energy density difference <10% and a protein or lipid difference <5 g · 100 g(-1) compared to the LP formulation estimates. With this test prototype, the differences were 7%, and 2.3 and -1.0 g · 100 g(-1), respectively, and the formulation accuracy was considered good. LP can contribute to the design of ready-to-use foods (therapeutic, supplementary, or complementary), targeting different forms of malnutrition, while using commodities that are cheaper, regionally available, and meet local cultural preferences. However, as with all prototype feeding products for medical use, composition analysis, safety, acceptability, and clinical effectiveness trials must be conducted to validate the formulation.

A comprehensive linear programming tool to optimize formulations of ready-to-use therapeutic foods: An application to Ethiopia

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is the standard of care for children suffering from noncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The objective was to develop a comprehensive linear programming (LP) tool to create novel RUTF formulations for Ethiopia. A systematic approach that surveyed inter...

Sequential computation of elementary modes and minimal cut sets in genome-scale metabolic networks using alternate integer linear programming

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

Song, Hyun-Seob; Goldberg, Noam; Mahajan, Ashutosh

Elementary (flux) modes (EMs) have served as a valuable tool for investigating structural and functional properties of metabolic networks. Identification of the full set of EMs in genome-scale networks remains challenging due to combinatorial explosion of EMs in complex networks. It is often, however, that only a small subset of relevant EMs needs to be known, for which optimization-based sequential computation is a useful alternative. Most of the currently available methods along this line are based on the iterative use of mixed integer linear programming (MILP), the effectiveness of which significantly deteriorates as the number of iterations builds up. Tomore » alleviate the computational burden associated with the MILP implementation, we here present a novel optimization algorithm termed alternate integer linear programming (AILP). Results: Our algorithm was designed to iteratively solve a pair of integer programming (IP) and linear programming (LP) to compute EMs in a sequential manner. In each step, the IP identifies a minimal subset of reactions, the deletion of which disables all previously identified EMs. Thus, a subsequent LP solution subject to this reaction deletion constraint becomes a distinct EM. In cases where no feasible LP solution is available, IP-derived reaction deletion sets represent minimal cut sets (MCSs). Despite the additional computation of MCSs, AILP achieved significant time reduction in computing EMs by orders of magnitude. The proposed AILP algorithm not only offers a computational advantage in the EM analysis of genome-scale networks, but also improves the understanding of the linkage between EMs and MCSs.« less

Analysis of programming properties and the row-column generation method for 1-norm support vector machines.

PubMed

Zhang, Li; Zhou, WeiDa

2013-12-01

This paper deals with fast methods for training a 1-norm support vector machine (SVM). First, we define a specific class of linear programming with many sparse constraints, i.e., row-column sparse constraint linear programming (RCSC-LP). In nature, the 1-norm SVM is a sort of RCSC-LP. In order to construct subproblems for RCSC-LP and solve them, a family of row-column generation (RCG) methods is introduced. RCG methods belong to a category of decomposition techniques, and perform row and column generations in a parallel fashion. Specially, for the 1-norm SVM, the maximum size of subproblems of RCG is identical with the number of Support Vectors (SVs). We also introduce a semi-deleting rule for RCG methods and prove the convergence of RCG methods when using the semi-deleting rule. Experimental results on toy data and real-world datasets illustrate that it is efficient to use RCG to train the 1-norm SVM, especially in the case of small SVs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Farm-Level Effects of Soil Conservation and Commodity Policy Alternatives: Model and Data Documentation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sutton, John D.

This report documents a profit-maximizing linear programming (LP) model of a farm typical of a major corn-soybean producing area in the Southern Michigan-Northern Indiana Drift Plain. Following an introduction, a complete description of the farm is provided. The next section presents the LP model, which is structured to help analyze after-tax…

Optimization Research of Generation Investment Based on Linear Programming Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Juan; Ge, Xueqian

Linear programming is an important branch of operational research and it is a mathematical method to assist the people to carry out scientific management. GAMS is an advanced simulation and optimization modeling language and it will combine a large number of complex mathematical programming, such as linear programming LP, nonlinear programming NLP, MIP and other mixed-integer programming with the system simulation. In this paper, based on the linear programming model, the optimized investment decision-making of generation is simulated and analyzed. At last, the optimal installed capacity of power plants and the final total cost are got, which provides the rational decision-making basis for optimized investments.

A Hybrid Method to Estimate Specific Differential Phase and Rainfall With Linear Programming and Physics Constraints

DOE PAGES

Huang, Hao; Zhang, Guifu; Zhao, Kun; ...

2016-10-20

A hybrid method of combining linear programming (LP) and physical constraints is developed to estimate specific differential phase (K DP) and to improve rain estimation. Moreover, the hybrid K DP estimator and the existing estimators of LP, least squares fitting, and a self-consistent relation of polarimetric radar variables are evaluated and compared using simulated data. Our simulation results indicate the new estimator's superiority, particularly in regions where backscattering phase (δ hv) dominates. Further, a quantitative comparison between auto-weather-station rain-gauge observations and K DP-based radar rain estimates for a Meiyu event also demonstrate the superiority of the hybrid K DP estimatormore » over existing methods.« less

Analysis Balance Parameter of Optimal Ramp metering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Duan, N.; Yang, X.

2018-05-01

Ramp metering is a motorway control method to avoid onset congestion through limiting the access of ramp inflows into the main road of the motorway. The optimization model of ramp metering is developed based upon cell transmission model (CTM). With the piecewise linear structure of CTM, the corresponding motorway traffic optimization problem can be formulated as a linear programming (LP) problem. It is known that LP problem can be solved by established solution algorithms such as SIMPLEX or interior-point methods for the global optimal solution. The commercial software (CPLEX) is adopted in this study to solve the LP problem within reasonable computational time. The concept is illustrated through a case study of the United Kingdom M25 Motorway. The optimal solution provides useful insights and guidances on how to manage motorway traffic in order to maximize the corresponding efficiency.

Nonlinear-programming mathematical modeling of coal blending for power plant

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

Tang Longhua; Zhou Junhu; Yao Qiang

At present most of the blending works are guided by experience or linear-programming (LP) which can not reflect the coal complicated characteristics properly. Experimental and theoretical research work shows that most of the coal blend properties can not always be measured as a linear function of the properties of the individual coals in the blend. The authors introduced nonlinear functions or processes (including neural network and fuzzy mathematics), established on the experiments directed by the authors and other researchers, to quantitatively describe the complex coal blend parameters. Finally nonlinear-programming (NLP) mathematical modeling of coal blend is introduced and utilized inmore » the Hangzhou Coal Blending Center. Predictions based on the new method resulted in different results from the ones based on LP modeling. The authors concludes that it is very important to introduce NLP modeling, instead of NL modeling, into the work of coal blending.« less

Engineering calculations for communications satellite systems planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reilly, C. H.; Levis, C. A.; Mount-Campbell, C.; Gonsalvez, D. J.; Wang, C. W.; Yamamura, Y.

1985-01-01

Computer-based techniques for optimizing communications-satellite orbit and frequency assignments are discussed. A gradient-search code was tested against a BSS scenario derived from the RARC-83 data. Improvement was obtained, but each iteration requires about 50 minutes of IBM-3081 CPU time. Gradient-search experiments on a small FSS test problem, consisting of a single service area served by 8 satellites, showed quickest convergence when the satellites were all initially placed near the center of the available orbital arc with moderate spacing. A transformation technique is proposed for investigating the surface topography of the objective function used in the gradient-search method. A new synthesis approach is based on transforming single-entry interference constraints into corresponding constraints on satellite spacings. These constraints are used with linear objective functions to formulate the co-channel orbital assignment task as a linear-programming (LP) problem or mixed integer programming (MIP) problem. Globally optimal solutions are always found with the MIP problems, but not necessarily with the LP problems. The MIP solutions can be used to evaluate the quality of the LP solutions. The initial results are very encouraging.

A comprehensive linear programming tool to optimize formulations of ready-to-use therapeutic foods: an application to Ethiopia.

PubMed

Ryan, Kelsey N; Adams, Katherine P; Vosti, Stephen A; Ordiz, M Isabel; Cimo, Elizabeth D; Manary, Mark J

2014-12-01

Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is the standard of care for children suffering from noncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The objective was to develop a comprehensive linear programming (LP) tool to create novel RUTF formulations for Ethiopia. A systematic approach that surveyed international and national crop and animal food databases was used to create a global and local candidate ingredient database. The database included information about each ingredient regarding nutrient composition, ingredient category, regional availability, and food safety, processing, and price. An LP tool was then designed to compose novel RUTF formulations. For the example case of Ethiopia, the objective was to minimize the ingredient cost of RUTF; the decision variables were ingredient weights and the extent of use of locally available ingredients, and the constraints were nutritional and product-quality related. Of the new RUTF formulations found by the LP tool for Ethiopia, 32 were predicted to be feasible for creating a paste, and these were prepared in the laboratory. Palatable final formulations contained a variety of ingredients, including fish, different dairy powders, and various seeds, grains, and legumes. Nearly all of the macronutrient values calculated by the LP tool differed by <10% from results produced by laboratory analyses, but the LP tool consistently underestimated total energy. The LP tool can be used to develop new RUTF formulations that make more use of locally available ingredients. This tool has the potential to lead to production of a variety of low-cost RUTF formulations that meet international standards and thereby potentially allow more children to be treated for SAM. © 2014 American Society for Nutrition.

An algorithm for the solution of dynamic linear programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Psiaki, Mark L.

1989-01-01

The algorithm's objective is to efficiently solve Dynamic Linear Programs (DLP) by taking advantage of their special staircase structure. This algorithm constitutes a stepping stone to an improved algorithm for solving Dynamic Quadratic Programs, which, in turn, would make the nonlinear programming method of Successive Quadratic Programs more practical for solving trajectory optimization problems. The ultimate goal is to being trajectory optimization solution speeds into the realm of real-time control. The algorithm exploits the staircase nature of the large constraint matrix of the equality-constrained DLPs encountered when solving inequality-constrained DLPs by an active set approach. A numerically-stable, staircase QL factorization of the staircase constraint matrix is carried out starting from its last rows and columns. The resulting recursion is like the time-varying Riccati equation from multi-stage LQR theory. The resulting factorization increases the efficiency of all of the typical LP solution operations over that of a dense matrix LP code. At the same time numerical stability is ensured. The algorithm also takes advantage of dynamic programming ideas about the cost-to-go by relaxing active pseudo constraints in a backwards sweeping process. This further decreases the cost per update of the LP rank-1 updating procedure, although it may result in more changes of the active set that if pseudo constraints were relaxed in a non-stagewise fashion. The usual stability of closed-loop Linear/Quadratic optimally-controlled systems, if it carries over to strictly linear cost functions, implies that the saving due to reduced factor update effort may outweigh the cost of an increased number of updates. An aerospace example is presented in which a ground-to-ground rocket's distance is maximized. This example demonstrates the applicability of this class of algorithms to aerospace guidance. It also sheds light on the efficacy of the proposed pseudo constraint relaxation scheme.

Microcomputer Scheduling of Reference Desk Staff.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cornick, Donna; Owen, Willy

1988-01-01

Presents a model that can accommodate staff preferences when determining a reference desk schedule using a microcomputer, the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software, and the linear programing software LP83. (eight references) (MES)

Sequential computation of elementary modes and minimal cut sets in genome-scale metabolic networks using alternate integer linear programming.

PubMed

Song, Hyun-Seob; Goldberg, Noam; Mahajan, Ashutosh; Ramkrishna, Doraiswami

2017-08-01

Elementary (flux) modes (EMs) have served as a valuable tool for investigating structural and functional properties of metabolic networks. Identification of the full set of EMs in genome-scale networks remains challenging due to combinatorial explosion of EMs in complex networks. It is often, however, that only a small subset of relevant EMs needs to be known, for which optimization-based sequential computation is a useful alternative. Most of the currently available methods along this line are based on the iterative use of mixed integer linear programming (MILP), the effectiveness of which significantly deteriorates as the number of iterations builds up. To alleviate the computational burden associated with the MILP implementation, we here present a novel optimization algorithm termed alternate integer linear programming (AILP). Our algorithm was designed to iteratively solve a pair of integer programming (IP) and linear programming (LP) to compute EMs in a sequential manner. In each step, the IP identifies a minimal subset of reactions, the deletion of which disables all previously identified EMs. Thus, a subsequent LP solution subject to this reaction deletion constraint becomes a distinct EM. In cases where no feasible LP solution is available, IP-derived reaction deletion sets represent minimal cut sets (MCSs). Despite the additional computation of MCSs, AILP achieved significant time reduction in computing EMs by orders of magnitude. The proposed AILP algorithm not only offers a computational advantage in the EM analysis of genome-scale networks, but also improves the understanding of the linkage between EMs and MCSs. The software is implemented in Matlab, and is provided as supplementary information . hyunseob.song@pnnl.gov. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Published by Oxford University Press 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and are in the public domain in the US.

Optimal Load Shedding and Generation Rescheduling for Overload Suppression in Large Power Systems.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Young-Hyun

Ever-increasing size, complexity and operation costs in modern power systems have stimulated the intensive study of an optimal Load Shedding and Generator Rescheduling (LSGR) strategy in the sense of a secure and economic system operation. The conventional approach to LSGR has been based on the application of LP (Linear Programming) with the use of an approximately linearized model, and the LP algorithm is currently considered to be the most powerful tool for solving the LSGR problem. However, all of the LP algorithms presented in the literature essentially lead to the following disadvantages: (i) piecewise linearization involved in the LP algorithms requires the introduction of a number of new inequalities and slack variables, which creates significant burden to the computing facilities, and (ii) objective functions are not formulated in terms of the state variables of the adopted models, resulting in considerable numerical inefficiency in the process of computing the optimal solution. A new approach is presented, based on the development of a new linearized model and on the application of QP (Quadratic Programming). The changes in line flows as a result of changes to bus injection power are taken into account in the proposed model by the introduction of sensitivity coefficients, which avoids the mentioned second disadvantages. A precise method to calculate these sensitivity coefficients is given. A comprehensive review of the theory of optimization is included, in which results of the development of QP algorithms for LSGR as based on Wolfe's method and Kuhn -Tucker theory are evaluated in detail. The validity of the proposed model and QP algorithms has been verified and tested on practical power systems, showing the significant reduction of both computation time and memory requirements as well as the expected lower generation costs of the optimal solution as compared with those obtained from computing the optimal solution with LP. Finally, it is noted that an efficient reactive power compensation algorithm is developed to suppress voltage disturbances due to load sheddings, and that a new method for multiple contingency simulation is presented.

Comparison of linear and nonlinear programming approaches for "worst case dose" and "minmax" robust optimization of intensity-modulated proton therapy dose distributions.

PubMed

Zaghian, Maryam; Cao, Wenhua; Liu, Wei; Kardar, Laleh; Randeniya, Sharmalee; Mohan, Radhe; Lim, Gino

2017-03-01

Robust optimization of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) takes uncertainties into account during spot weight optimization and leads to dose distributions that are resilient to uncertainties. Previous studies demonstrated benefits of linear programming (LP) for IMPT in terms of delivery efficiency by considerably reducing the number of spots required for the same quality of plans. However, a reduction in the number of spots may lead to loss of robustness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the performance in terms of plan quality and robustness of two robust optimization approaches using LP and nonlinear programming (NLP) models. The so-called "worst case dose" and "minmax" robust optimization approaches and conventional planning target volume (PTV)-based optimization approach were applied to designing IMPT plans for five patients: two with prostate cancer, one with skull-based cancer, and two with head and neck cancer. For each approach, both LP and NLP models were used. Thus, for each case, six sets of IMPT plans were generated and assessed: LP-PTV-based, NLP-PTV-based, LP-worst case dose, NLP-worst case dose, LP-minmax, and NLP-minmax. The four robust optimization methods behaved differently from patient to patient, and no method emerged as superior to the others in terms of nominal plan quality and robustness against uncertainties. The plans generated using LP-based robust optimization were more robust regarding patient setup and range uncertainties than were those generated using NLP-based robust optimization for the prostate cancer patients. However, the robustness of plans generated using NLP-based methods was superior for the skull-based and head and neck cancer patients. Overall, LP-based methods were suitable for the less challenging cancer cases in which all uncertainty scenarios were able to satisfy tight dose constraints, while NLP performed better in more difficult cases in which most uncertainty scenarios were hard to meet tight dose limits. For robust optimization, the worst case dose approach was less sensitive to uncertainties than was the minmax approach for the prostate and skull-based cancer patients, whereas the minmax approach was superior for the head and neck cancer patients. The robustness of the IMPT plans was remarkably better after robust optimization than after PTV-based optimization, and the NLP-PTV-based optimization outperformed the LP-PTV-based optimization regarding robustness of clinical target volume coverage. In addition, plans generated using LP-based methods had notably fewer scanning spots than did those generated using NLP-based methods. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

An Exploratory Research and Development Program Leading to Specifications for Aviation Turbine Fuel from Whole Crude Shale Oil. Part V.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

Velocity LP Linear Program LP Sep Low Pressure Separator Mo Molybdenum N2 Nitrogen Gas NA Not Available NH3 Ammonia Gas xiv LIST OF SYMBOLS AND...part, is present as heterocyclic compounds. It is reduced to ammonia and re- moved as such or the heterocyclic compounds are saturated to basic nitro...the carbon-nitrogen bond and then removing the nitrogen from the amine as ammonia .(4) -2- ------- C5HI 1 NH2 +H2 -5l H . - 2C5H2 + NH3 N N H It can be

Applying EXCEL Solver to a watershed management goal-programming problem

Treesearch

J. E. de Steiguer

2000-01-01

This article demonstrates the application of EXCEL® spreadsheet linear programming (LP) solver to a watershed management multiple use goal programming (GP) problem. The data used to demonstrate the application are from a published study for a watershed in northern Colorado. GP has been used by natural resource managers for many years. However, the GP solution by means...

INTEGRATED PLANNING MODEL - EPA APPLICATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The Integrated Planning Model (IPM) is a multi-regional, dynamic, deterministic linear programming (LP) model of the electric power sector in the continental lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. It provides forecasts up to year 2050 of least-cost capacity expansion, elec...

Finding all solutions of nonlinear equations using the dual simplex method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamura, Kiyotaka; Fujioka, Tsuyoshi

2003-03-01

Recently, an efficient algorithm has been proposed for finding all solutions of systems of nonlinear equations using linear programming. This algorithm is based on a simple test (termed the LP test) for nonexistence of a solution to a system of nonlinear equations using the dual simplex method. In this letter, an improved version of the LP test algorithm is proposed. By numerical examples, it is shown that the proposed algorithm could find all solutions of a system of 300 nonlinear equations in practical computation time.

Comparison of Integer Programming (IP) Solvers for Automated Test Assembly (ATA). Research Report. ETS RR-15-05

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donoghue, John R.

2015-01-01

At the heart of van der Linden's approach to automated test assembly (ATA) is a linear programming/integer programming (LP/IP) problem. A variety of IP solvers are available, ranging in cost from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this paper, I compare several approaches to solving the underlying IP problem. These approaches range from…

A depth-first search algorithm to compute elementary flux modes by linear programming.

PubMed

Quek, Lake-Ee; Nielsen, Lars K

2014-07-30

The decomposition of complex metabolic networks into elementary flux modes (EFMs) provides a useful framework for exploring reaction interactions systematically. Generating a complete set of EFMs for large-scale models, however, is near impossible. Even for moderately-sized models (<400 reactions), existing approaches based on the Double Description method must iterate through a large number of combinatorial candidates, thus imposing an immense processor and memory demand. Based on an alternative elementarity test, we developed a depth-first search algorithm using linear programming (LP) to enumerate EFMs in an exhaustive fashion. Constraints can be introduced to directly generate a subset of EFMs satisfying the set of constraints. The depth-first search algorithm has a constant memory overhead. Using flux constraints, a large LP problem can be massively divided and parallelized into independent sub-jobs for deployment into computing clusters. Since the sub-jobs do not overlap, the approach scales to utilize all available computing nodes with minimal coordination overhead or memory limitations. The speed of the algorithm was comparable to efmtool, a mainstream Double Description method, when enumerating all EFMs; the attrition power gained from performing flux feasibility tests offsets the increased computational demand of running an LP solver. Unlike the Double Description method, the algorithm enables accelerated enumeration of all EFMs satisfying a set of constraints.

A set-covering based heuristic algorithm for the periodic vehicle routing problem.

PubMed

Cacchiani, V; Hemmelmayr, V C; Tricoire, F

2014-01-30

We present a hybrid optimization algorithm for mixed-integer linear programming, embedding both heuristic and exact components. In order to validate it we use the periodic vehicle routing problem (PVRP) as a case study. This problem consists of determining a set of minimum cost routes for each day of a given planning horizon, with the constraints that each customer must be visited a required number of times (chosen among a set of valid day combinations), must receive every time the required quantity of product, and that the number of routes per day (each respecting the capacity of the vehicle) does not exceed the total number of available vehicles. This is a generalization of the well-known vehicle routing problem (VRP). Our algorithm is based on the linear programming (LP) relaxation of a set-covering-like integer linear programming formulation of the problem, with additional constraints. The LP-relaxation is solved by column generation, where columns are generated heuristically by an iterated local search algorithm. The whole solution method takes advantage of the LP-solution and applies techniques of fixing and releasing of the columns as a local search, making use of a tabu list to avoid cycling. We show the results of the proposed algorithm on benchmark instances from the literature and compare them to the state-of-the-art algorithms, showing the effectiveness of our approach in producing good quality solutions. In addition, we report the results on realistic instances of the PVRP introduced in Pacheco et al. (2011)  [24] and on benchmark instances of the periodic traveling salesman problem (PTSP), showing the efficacy of the proposed algorithm on these as well. Finally, we report the new best known solutions found for all the tested problems.

A set-covering based heuristic algorithm for the periodic vehicle routing problem

PubMed Central

Cacchiani, V.; Hemmelmayr, V.C.; Tricoire, F.

2014-01-01

We present a hybrid optimization algorithm for mixed-integer linear programming, embedding both heuristic and exact components. In order to validate it we use the periodic vehicle routing problem (PVRP) as a case study. This problem consists of determining a set of minimum cost routes for each day of a given planning horizon, with the constraints that each customer must be visited a required number of times (chosen among a set of valid day combinations), must receive every time the required quantity of product, and that the number of routes per day (each respecting the capacity of the vehicle) does not exceed the total number of available vehicles. This is a generalization of the well-known vehicle routing problem (VRP). Our algorithm is based on the linear programming (LP) relaxation of a set-covering-like integer linear programming formulation of the problem, with additional constraints. The LP-relaxation is solved by column generation, where columns are generated heuristically by an iterated local search algorithm. The whole solution method takes advantage of the LP-solution and applies techniques of fixing and releasing of the columns as a local search, making use of a tabu list to avoid cycling. We show the results of the proposed algorithm on benchmark instances from the literature and compare them to the state-of-the-art algorithms, showing the effectiveness of our approach in producing good quality solutions. In addition, we report the results on realistic instances of the PVRP introduced in Pacheco et al. (2011)  [24] and on benchmark instances of the periodic traveling salesman problem (PTSP), showing the efficacy of the proposed algorithm on these as well. Finally, we report the new best known solutions found for all the tested problems. PMID:24748696

A homogeneous superconducting magnet design using a hybrid optimization algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Zhipeng; Wang, Qiuliang; Liu, Feng; Yan, Luguang

2013-12-01

This paper employs a hybrid optimization algorithm with a combination of linear programming (LP) and nonlinear programming (NLP) to design the highly homogeneous superconducting magnets for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The whole work is divided into two stages. The first LP stage provides a global optimal current map with several non-zero current clusters, and the mathematical model for the LP was updated by taking into account the maximum axial and radial magnetic field strength limitations. In the second NLP stage, the non-zero current clusters were discretized into practical solenoids. The superconducting conductor consumption was set as the objective function both in the LP and NLP stages to minimize the construction cost. In addition, the peak-peak homogeneity over the volume of imaging (VOI), the scope of 5 Gauss fringe field, and maximum magnetic field strength within superconducting coils were set as constraints. The detailed design process for a dedicated 3.0 T animal MRI scanner was presented. The homogeneous magnet produces a magnetic field quality of 6.0 ppm peak-peak homogeneity over a 16 cm by 18 cm elliptical VOI, and the 5 Gauss fringe field was limited within a 1.5 m by 2.0 m elliptical region.

Contribution to the development of a food guide in Benin: linear programming for the optimization of local diets.

PubMed

Levesque, Sarah; Delisle, Hélène; Agueh, Victoire

2015-03-01

Food guides are important tools for nutrition education. While developing a food guide in Benin, the objective was to determine the daily number of servings per food group and the portion sizes of common foods to be recommended. Linear programming (LP) was used to determine, for each predefined food group, the optimal number and size of servings of commonly consumed foods. Two types of constraints were introduced into the LP models: (i) WHO/FAO Recommended Nutrient Intakes and dietary guidelines for the prevention of chronic diseases; and (ii) dietary patterns based on local food consumption data recently collected in southern Benin in 541 adults. Dietary intakes of the upper tertile of participants for diet quality based on prevention and micronutrient adequacy scores were used in the LP algorithms. Southern area of the Republic of Benin. Local key-players in nutrition (n 30) from the government, academic institutions, international organizations and civil society were partners in the development of the food guide directed at the population. The number of servings per food group and the portion size for eight age-sex groups were determined. For four limiting micronutrients (Fe, Ca, folate and Zn), local diets could be optimized to meet only 70 % of the Recommended Nutrient Intakes, not 100 %. It was possible to determine the daily number of servings and the portion sizes of common foods that can be recommended in Benin with the help of LP to optimize local diets, although Recommended Nutrient Intakes were not fully met for a few critical micronutrients.

Interior point techniques for LP and NLP

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

Evtushenko, Y.

By using surjective mapping the initial constrained optimization problem is transformed to a problem in a new space with only equality constraints. For the numerical solution of the latter problem we use the generalized gradient-projection method and Newton`s method. After inverse transformation to the initial space we obtain the family of numerical methods for solving optimization problems with equality and inequality constraints. In the linear programming case after some simplification we obtain Dikin`s algorithm, affine scaling algorithm and generalized primal dual interior point linear programming algorithm.

A depth-first search algorithm to compute elementary flux modes by linear programming

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The decomposition of complex metabolic networks into elementary flux modes (EFMs) provides a useful framework for exploring reaction interactions systematically. Generating a complete set of EFMs for large-scale models, however, is near impossible. Even for moderately-sized models (<400 reactions), existing approaches based on the Double Description method must iterate through a large number of combinatorial candidates, thus imposing an immense processor and memory demand. Results Based on an alternative elementarity test, we developed a depth-first search algorithm using linear programming (LP) to enumerate EFMs in an exhaustive fashion. Constraints can be introduced to directly generate a subset of EFMs satisfying the set of constraints. The depth-first search algorithm has a constant memory overhead. Using flux constraints, a large LP problem can be massively divided and parallelized into independent sub-jobs for deployment into computing clusters. Since the sub-jobs do not overlap, the approach scales to utilize all available computing nodes with minimal coordination overhead or memory limitations. Conclusions The speed of the algorithm was comparable to efmtool, a mainstream Double Description method, when enumerating all EFMs; the attrition power gained from performing flux feasibility tests offsets the increased computational demand of running an LP solver. Unlike the Double Description method, the algorithm enables accelerated enumeration of all EFMs satisfying a set of constraints. PMID:25074068

Analytical aids in land management planning

Treesearch

David R. Betters

1978-01-01

Quantitative techniques may be applied to aid in completing various phases of land management planning. Analytical procedures which have been used include a procedure for public involvement, PUBLIC; a matrix information generator, MAGE5; an allocation procedure, linear programming (LP); and an input-output economic analysis (EA). These techniques have proven useful in...

Using linear programming to minimize the cost of nurse personnel.

PubMed

Matthews, Charles H

2005-01-01

Nursing personnel costs make up a major portion of most hospital budgets. This report evaluates and optimizes the utility of the nurse personnel at the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Linear programming (LP) was employed to determine the effective combination of nurses that would allow for all weekly clinic tasks to be covered while providing the lowest possible cost to the department. Linear programming is a standard application of standard spreadsheet software that allows the operator to establish the variables to be optimized and then requires the operator to enter a series of constraints that will each have an impact on the ultimate outcome. The application is therefore able to quantify and stratify the nurses necessary to execute the tasks. With the report, a specific sensitivity analysis can be performed to assess just how sensitive the outcome is to the stress of adding or deleting a nurse to or from the payroll. The nurse employee cost structure in this study consisted of five certified nurse assistants (CNA), three licensed practicing nurses (LPN), and five registered nurses (RN). The LP revealed that the outpatient clinic should staff four RNs, three LPNs, and four CNAs with 95 percent confidence of covering nurse demand on the floor. This combination of nurses would enable the clinic to: 1. Reduce annual staffing costs by 16 percent; 2. Force each level of nurse to be optimally productive by focusing on tasks specific to their expertise; 3. Assign accountability more efficiently as the nurses adhere to their specific duties; and 4. Ultimately provide a competitive advantage to the clinic as it relates to nurse employee and patient satisfaction. Linear programming can be used to solve capacity problems for just about any staffing situation, provided the model is indeed linear.

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

Huang, Hao; Zhang, Guifu; Zhao, Kun

A hybrid method of combining linear programming (LP) and physical constraints is developed to estimate specific differential phase (K DP) and to improve rain estimation. Moreover, the hybrid K DP estimator and the existing estimators of LP, least squares fitting, and a self-consistent relation of polarimetric radar variables are evaluated and compared using simulated data. Our simulation results indicate the new estimator's superiority, particularly in regions where backscattering phase (δ hv) dominates. Further, a quantitative comparison between auto-weather-station rain-gauge observations and K DP-based radar rain estimates for a Meiyu event also demonstrate the superiority of the hybrid K DP estimatormore » over existing methods.« less

Why Clothes Don't Fall Apart: Tension Transmission in Staple Yarns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, Patrick B.; Ball, Robin C.; Goldstein, Raymond E.

2018-04-01

The problem of how staple yarns transmit tension is addressed within abstract models in which the Amontons-Coulomb friction laws yield a linear programing (LP) problem for the tensions in the fiber elements. We find there is a percolation transition such that above the percolation threshold the transmitted tension is in principle unbounded. We determine that the mean slack in the LP constraints is a suitable order parameter to characterize this supercritical state. We argue the mechanism is generic, and in practical terms, it corresponds to a switch from a ductile to a brittle failure mode accompanied by a significant increase in mechanical strength.

Controller design approach based on linear programming.

PubMed

Tanaka, Ryo; Shibasaki, Hiroki; Ogawa, Hiromitsu; Murakami, Takahiro; Ishida, Yoshihisa

2013-11-01

This study explains and demonstrates the design method for a control system with a load disturbance observer. Observer gains are determined by linear programming (LP) in terms of the Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion and the final-value theorem. In addition, the control model has a feedback structure, and feedback gains are determined to be the linear quadratic regulator. The simulation results confirmed that compared with the conventional method, the output estimated by our proposed method converges to a reference input faster when a load disturbance is added to a control system. In addition, we also confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method by performing an experiment with a DC motor. © 2013 ISA. Published by ISA. All rights reserved.

Triple/quadruple patterning layout decomposition via linear programming and iterative rounding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yibo; Xu, Xiaoqing; Yu, Bei; Baldick, Ross; Pan, David Z.

2017-04-01

As the feature size of the semiconductor technology scales down to 10 nm and beyond, multiple patterning lithography (MPL) has become one of the most practical candidates for lithography, along with other emerging technologies, such as extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), e-beam lithography (EBL), and directed self-assembly. Due to the delay of EUVL and EBL, triple and even quadruple patterning is considered to be used for lower metal and contact layers with tight pitches. In the process of MPL, layout decomposition is the key design stage, where a layout is split into various parts and each part is manufactured through a separate mask. For metal layers, stitching may be allowed to resolve conflicts, whereas it is forbidden for contact and via layers. We focus on the application of layout decomposition where stitching is not allowed, such as for contact and via layers. We propose a linear programming (LP) and iterative rounding solving technique to reduce the number of nonintegers in the LP relaxation problem. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms can provide high quality decomposition solutions efficiently while introducing as few conflicts as possible.

Moving multiple sinks through wireless sensor networks for lifetime maximization.

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

Petrioli, Chiara; Carosi, Alessio; Basagni, Stefano

2008-01-01

Unattended sensor networks typically watch for some phenomena such as volcanic events, forest fires, pollution, or movements in animal populations. Sensors report to a collection point periodically or when they observe reportable events. When sensors are too far from the collection point to communicate directly, other sensors relay messages for them. If the collection point location is static, sensor nodes that are closer to the collection point relay far more messages than those on the periphery. Assuming all sensor nodes have roughly the same capabilities, those with high relay burden experience battery failure much faster than the rest of themore » network. However, since their death disconnects the live nodes from the collection point, the whole network is then dead. We consider the problem of moving a set of collectors (sinks) through a wireless sensor network to balance the energy used for relaying messages, maximizing the lifetime of the network. We show how to compute an upper bound on the lifetime for any instance using linear and integer programming. We present a centralized heuristic that produces sink movement schedules that produce network lifetimes within 1.4% of the upper bound for realistic settings. We also present a distributed heuristic that produces lifetimes at most 25:3% below the upper bound. More specifically, we formulate a linear program (LP) that is a relaxation of the scheduling problem. The variables are naturally continuous, but the LP relaxes some constraints. The LP has an exponential number of constraints, but we can satisfy them all by enforcing only a polynomial number using a separation algorithm. This separation algorithm is a p-median facility location problem, which we can solve efficiently in practice for huge instances using integer programming technology. This LP selects a set of good sensor configurations. Given the solution to the LP, we can find a feasible schedule by selecting a subset of these configurations, ordering them via a traveling salesman heuristic, and computing feasible transitions using matching algorithms. This algorithm assumes sinks can get a schedule from a central server or a leader sink. If the network owner prefers the sinks make independent decisions, they can use our distributed heuristic. In this heuristic, sinks maintain estimates of the energy distribution in the network and move greedily (with some coordination) based on local search. This application uses the new SUCASA (Solver Utility for Customization with Automatic Symbol Access) facility within the PICO (Parallel Integer and Combinatorial Optimizer) integer programming solver system. SUCASA allows rapid development of customized math programming (search-based) solvers using a problem's natural multidimensional representation. In this case, SUCASA also significantly improves runtime compared to implementations in the ampl math programming language or in perl.« less

The use of linear programming to determine whether a formulated complementary food product can ensure adequate nutrients for 6- to 11-month-old Cambodian infants.

PubMed

Skau, Jutta K H; Bunthang, Touch; Chamnan, Chhoun; Wieringa, Frank T; Dijkhuizen, Marjoleine A; Roos, Nanna; Ferguson, Elaine L

2014-01-01

A new software tool, Optifood, developed by the WHO and based on linear programming (LP) analysis, has been developed to formulate food-based recommendations. This study discusses the use of Optifood for predicting whether formulated complementary food (CF) products can ensure dietary adequacy for target populations in Cambodia. Dietary data were collected by 24-h recall in a cross-sectional survey of 6- to 11-mo-old infants (n = 78). LP model parameters were derived from these data, including a list of foods, median serving sizes, and dietary patterns. Five series of LP analyses were carried out to model the target population's baseline diet and 4 formulated CF products [WinFood (WF), WinFood-Lite (WF-L), Corn-Soy-Blend Plus (CSB+), and Corn-Soy-Blend Plus Plus (CSB++)], which were added to the diet in portions of 33 g/d dry weight (DW) for infants aged 6-8 mo and 40 g/d DW for infants aged 9-11 mo. In each series of analyses, the nutritionally optimal diet and theoretical range, in diet nutrient contents, were determined. The LP analysis showed that baseline diets could not achieve the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin B-12, calcium, iron, and zinc (range: 14-91% of RNI in the optimal diets) and that none of the formulated CF products could cover the nutrient gaps for thiamin, niacin, iron, and folate (range: 22-86% of the RNI). Iron was the key limiting nutrient, for all modeled diets, achieving a maximum of only 48% of the RNI when CSB++ was included in the diet. Only WF and WF-L filled the nutrient gap for calcium. WF-L, CSB+, and CSB++ filled the nutrient gap for zinc (9- to 11-mo-olds). The formulated CF products improved the nutrient adequacy of complementary feeding diets but could not entirely cover the nutrient gaps. These results emphasize the value of using LP to evaluate special CF products during the intervention planning phase. The WF study was registered at controlled-trials.com as ISRCTN19918531.

Linear programming model to construct phylogenetic network for 16S rRNA sequences of photosynthetic organisms and influenza viruses.

PubMed

Mathur, Rinku; Adlakha, Neeru

2014-06-01

Phylogenetic trees give the information about the vertical relationships of ancestors and descendants but phylogenetic networks are used to visualize the horizontal relationships among the different organisms. In order to predict reticulate events there is a need to construct phylogenetic networks. Here, a Linear Programming (LP) model has been developed for the construction of phylogenetic network. The model is validated by using data sets of chloroplast of 16S rRNA sequences of photosynthetic organisms and Influenza A/H5N1 viruses. Results obtained are in agreement with those obtained by earlier researchers.

Parameter estimation in spiking neural networks: a reverse-engineering approach.

PubMed

Rostro-Gonzalez, H; Cessac, B; Vieville, T

2012-04-01

This paper presents a reverse engineering approach for parameter estimation in spiking neural networks (SNNs). We consider the deterministic evolution of a time-discretized network with spiking neurons, where synaptic transmission has delays, modeled as a neural network of the generalized integrate and fire type. Our approach aims at by-passing the fact that the parameter estimation in SNN results in a non-deterministic polynomial-time hard problem when delays are to be considered. Here, this assumption has been reformulated as a linear programming (LP) problem in order to perform the solution in a polynomial time. Besides, the LP problem formulation makes the fact that the reverse engineering of a neural network can be performed from the observation of the spike times explicit. Furthermore, we point out how the LP adjustment mechanism is local to each neuron and has the same structure as a 'Hebbian' rule. Finally, we present a generalization of this approach to the design of input-output (I/O) transformations as a practical method to 'program' a spiking network, i.e. find a set of parameters allowing us to exactly reproduce the network output, given an input. Numerical verifications and illustrations are provided.

lpNet: a linear programming approach to reconstruct signal transduction networks.

PubMed

Matos, Marta R A; Knapp, Bettina; Kaderali, Lars

2015-10-01

With the widespread availability of high-throughput experimental technologies it has become possible to study hundreds to thousands of cellular factors simultaneously, such as coding- or non-coding mRNA or protein concentrations. Still, extracting information about the underlying regulatory or signaling interactions from these data remains a difficult challenge. We present a flexible approach towards network inference based on linear programming. Our method reconstructs the interactions of factors from a combination of perturbation/non-perturbation and steady-state/time-series data. We show both on simulated and real data that our methods are able to reconstruct the underlying networks fast and efficiently, thus shedding new light on biological processes and, in particular, into disease's mechanisms of action. We have implemented the approach as an R package available through bioconductor. This R package is freely available under the Gnu Public License (GPL-3) from bioconductor.org (http://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/lpNet.html) and is compatible with most operating systems (Windows, Linux, Mac OS) and hardware architectures. bettina.knapp@helmholtz-muenchen.de Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Adaptation of New Colombian Food-based Complementary Feeding Recommendations Using Linear Programming.

PubMed

Tharrey, Marion; Olaya, Gilma A; Fewtrell, Mary; Ferguson, Elaine

2017-12-01

The aim of the study was to use linear programming (LP) analyses to adapt New Complementary Feeding Guidelines (NCFg) designed for infants aged 6 to 12 months living in poor socioeconomic circumstances in Bogota to ensure dietary adequacy for young children aged 12 to 23 months. A secondary data analysis was performed using dietary and anthropometric data collected from 12-month-old infants (n = 72) participating in a randomized controlled trial. LP analyses were performed to identify nutrients whose requirements were difficult to achieve using local foods as consumed; and to test and compare the NCFg and alternative food-based recommendations (FBRs) on the basis of dietary adequacy, for 11 micronutrients, at the population level. Thiamine recommended nutrient intakes for these young children could not be achieved given local foods as consumed. NCFg focusing only on meat, fruits, vegetables, and breast milk ensured dietary adequacy at the population level for only 4 micronutrients, increasing to 8 of 11 modelled micronutrients when the FBRs promoted legumes, dairy, vitamin A-rich vegetables, and chicken giblets. None of the FBRs tested ensured population-level dietary adequacy for thiamine, niacin, and iron unless a fortified infant food was recommended. The present study demonstrated the value of using LP to adapt NCFg for a different age group than the one for which they were designed. Our analyses suggest that to ensure dietary adequacy for 12- to 23-month olds these adaptations should include legumes, dairy products, vitamin A-rich vegetables, organ meat, and a fortified food.

Modeling and optimization of the multiobjective stochastic joint replenishment and delivery problem under supply chain environment.

PubMed

Wang, Lin; Qu, Hui; Liu, Shan; Dun, Cai-xia

2013-01-01

As a practical inventory and transportation problem, it is important to synthesize several objectives for the joint replenishment and delivery (JRD) decision. In this paper, a new multiobjective stochastic JRD (MSJRD) of the one-warehouse and n-retailer systems considering the balance of service level and total cost simultaneously is proposed. The goal of this problem is to decide the reasonable replenishment interval, safety stock factor, and traveling routing. Secondly, two approaches are designed to handle this complex multi-objective optimization problem. Linear programming (LP) approach converts the multi-objective to single objective, while a multi-objective evolution algorithm (MOEA) solves a multi-objective problem directly. Thirdly, three intelligent optimization algorithms, differential evolution algorithm (DE), hybrid DE (HDE), and genetic algorithm (GA), are utilized in LP-based and MOEA-based approaches. Results of the MSJRD with LP-based and MOEA-based approaches are compared by a contrastive numerical example. To analyses the nondominated solution of MOEA, a metric is also used to measure the distribution of the last generation solution. Results show that HDE outperforms DE and GA whenever LP or MOEA is adopted.

Modeling and Optimization of the Multiobjective Stochastic Joint Replenishment and Delivery Problem under Supply Chain Environment

PubMed Central

Dun, Cai-xia

2013-01-01

As a practical inventory and transportation problem, it is important to synthesize several objectives for the joint replenishment and delivery (JRD) decision. In this paper, a new multiobjective stochastic JRD (MSJRD) of the one-warehouse and n-retailer systems considering the balance of service level and total cost simultaneously is proposed. The goal of this problem is to decide the reasonable replenishment interval, safety stock factor, and traveling routing. Secondly, two approaches are designed to handle this complex multi-objective optimization problem. Linear programming (LP) approach converts the multi-objective to single objective, while a multi-objective evolution algorithm (MOEA) solves a multi-objective problem directly. Thirdly, three intelligent optimization algorithms, differential evolution algorithm (DE), hybrid DE (HDE), and genetic algorithm (GA), are utilized in LP-based and MOEA-based approaches. Results of the MSJRD with LP-based and MOEA-based approaches are compared by a contrastive numerical example. To analyses the nondominated solution of MOEA, a metric is also used to measure the distribution of the last generation solution. Results show that HDE outperforms DE and GA whenever LP or MOEA is adopted. PMID:24302880

A Pareto analysis approach to assess relevant marginal CO{sub 2} footprint for petroleum products

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

Tehrani, Nejad M. Alireza, E-mail: alireza.tehraninejad@gmail.com

2015-07-15

Recently, linear programing (LP) models have been extended to track the marginal CO{sub 2} intensity of automotive fuels at the refinery gate. The obtained CO{sub 2} data are recommended for policy making because they capture the economic and environmental tensions as well as the processing effects related to oil products. However, they are proven to be extremely sensitive to small perturbations and therefore useless in practice. In this paper, we first investigate the theoretical reasons of this drawback. Then, we develop a multiple objective LP framework to assess relevant marginal CO{sub 2} footprints that preserve both defensibility and stability atmore » a satisfactory level of acceptance. A case study illustrates this new methodology. - Highlights: • Refining LP models have limitations to provide useful marginal CO{sub 2} footprints. • A multi objective optimization framework is developed to assess relevant CO{sub 2} data. • Within a European Refinig industry, diesel is more CO{sub 2} intensive than gasoline.« less

Design of cladding rods-assisted depressed-core few-mode fibers with improved modal spacing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jiawei; Zhang, Jie

2018-03-01

This paper investigates the design details of cladding rods-assisted (CRA) depressed-core (DC) few-mode fibers (FMFs) that feature more equally spaced linearly polarized (LP) modal effective indices, suitable for high-spatial-density weakly-coupled mode-division multiplexing systems. The influences of the index profile of cladding rods on LP mode-resolved effective index, bending sensitivity, and effective area Aeff, are numerically described. Based on the design considerations of LP modal Aeff-dependent spatial efficiency and LP modal bending loss-dependent robustness, the small LP21-LP02 and LP22-LP03 modal spacing limitations, encountered in state-of-the-art weakly-coupled step-index FMFs, have been substantially improved by at least 25%. In addition, the proposed CRA DC FMFs also show sufficiently large effective areas (in excess of 110 μm2) for all guided LP modes, which are expected to exhibit good nonlinear performance.

Selective excitation of LP01 and LP02 in dual-concentric cores fiber using an adiabatically tapered microstructured mode converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sammouda, Marwa; Taher, Aymen Belhadj; Bahloul, Faouzi; Bin, Philippe Di

2016-09-01

We propose to connect a single-mode fiber (SMF) to a dual-concentric cores fiber (DCCF) using an adiabatically tapered microstructured mode converter, and to evaluate the SMF LP01 mode and the DCCF LP01 and LP02 modes selective excitations performances. We theoretically and numerically study this selective excitation method by calculating the effective indices of the propagated modes, the adiabaticity criteria, the coupling loss, and the modes amplitudes along the tapered structure. This study shows that this method is able to achieve excellent selective excitations of the first two linearly polarized modes (LP01 and LP02) among the five guided modes in the DCCF with a negligible loss. The part of the LP01 and LP02 modes from the total power are 99% and 84% corresponding to 0.1 and 0.8 dB losses, respectively.

The Distributed Air Wing

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

Cruise Missile LCS Littoral Combat Ship LEO Low Earth Orbit LER Loss-Exchange-Ration LHA Landing Helicopter Assault LIDAR Laser Imaging Detection and...Ranging LOC Lines of Communication LP Linear Programming LRASM Long Range Anti-Ship Missile LT Long Ton MANA Map-Aware Non-uniform Automata ME...enemy’s spy satellites. Based on open source information, China currently has 25 satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit ( LEO ), each operates at an

Whole Genome Sequence and Comparative Genomics of the Novel Lyme Borreliosis Causing Pathogen, Borrelia mayonii.

PubMed

Kingry, Luke C; Batra, Dhwani; Replogle, Adam; Rowe, Lori A; Pritt, Bobbi S; Petersen, Jeannine M

2016-01-01

Borrelia mayonii, a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) genospecies, was recently identified as a cause of Lyme borreliosis (LB) among patients from the upper midwestern United States. By microscopy and PCR, spirochete/genome loads in infected patients were estimated at 105 to 106 per milliliter of blood. Here, we present the full chromosome and plasmid sequences of two B. mayonii isolates, MN14-1420 and MN14-1539, cultured from blood of two of these patients. Whole genome sequencing and assembly was conducted using PacBio long read sequencing (Pacific Biosciences RSII instrument) followed by hierarchical genome-assembly process (HGAP). The B. mayonii genome is ~1.31 Mbp in size (26.9% average GC content) and is comprised of a linear chromosome, 8 linear and 7 circular plasmids. Consistent with its taxonomic designation as a new Bbsl genospecies, the B. mayonii linear chromosome shares only 93.83% average nucleotide identity with other genospecies. Both B. mayonii genomes contain plasmids similar to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto lp54, lp36, lp28-3, lp28-4, lp25, lp17, lp5, 5 cp32s, cp26, and cp9. The vls locus present on lp28-10 of B. mayonii MN14-1420 is remarkably long, being comprised of 24 silent vls cassettes. Genetic differences between the two B. mayonii genomes are limited and include 15 single nucleotide variations as well as 7 fewer silent vls cassettes and a lack of the lp5 plasmid in MN14-1539. Notably, 68 homologs to proteins present in B. burgdorferi sensu stricto appear to be lacking from the B. mayonii genomes. These include the complement inhibitor, CspZ (BB_H06), the fibronectin binding protein, BB_K32, as well as multiple lipoproteins and proteins of unknown function. This study shows the utility of long read sequencing for full genome assembly of Bbsl genomes, identifies putative genome regions of B. mayonii that may be linked to clinical manifestation or tissue tropism, and provides a valuable resource for pathogenicity, diagnostic and vaccine studies.

Whole Genome Sequence and Comparative Genomics of the Novel Lyme Borreliosis Causing Pathogen, Borrelia mayonii

PubMed Central

Batra, Dhwani; Replogle, Adam; Rowe, Lori A.; Pritt, Bobbi S.; Petersen, Jeannine M.

2016-01-01

Borrelia mayonii, a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) genospecies, was recently identified as a cause of Lyme borreliosis (LB) among patients from the upper midwestern United States. By microscopy and PCR, spirochete/genome loads in infected patients were estimated at 105 to 106 per milliliter of blood. Here, we present the full chromosome and plasmid sequences of two B. mayonii isolates, MN14-1420 and MN14-1539, cultured from blood of two of these patients. Whole genome sequencing and assembly was conducted using PacBio long read sequencing (Pacific Biosciences RSII instrument) followed by hierarchical genome-assembly process (HGAP). The B. mayonii genome is ~1.31 Mbp in size (26.9% average GC content) and is comprised of a linear chromosome, 8 linear and 7 circular plasmids. Consistent with its taxonomic designation as a new Bbsl genospecies, the B. mayonii linear chromosome shares only 93.83% average nucleotide identity with other genospecies. Both B. mayonii genomes contain plasmids similar to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto lp54, lp36, lp28-3, lp28-4, lp25, lp17, lp5, 5 cp32s, cp26, and cp9. The vls locus present on lp28-10 of B. mayonii MN14-1420 is remarkably long, being comprised of 24 silent vls cassettes. Genetic differences between the two B. mayonii genomes are limited and include 15 single nucleotide variations as well as 7 fewer silent vls cassettes and a lack of the lp5 plasmid in MN14-1539. Notably, 68 homologs to proteins present in B. burgdorferi sensu stricto appear to be lacking from the B. mayonii genomes. These include the complement inhibitor, CspZ (BB_H06), the fibronectin binding protein, BB_K32, as well as multiple lipoproteins and proteins of unknown function. This study shows the utility of long read sequencing for full genome assembly of Bbsl genomes, identifies putative genome regions of B. mayonii that may be linked to clinical manifestation or tissue tropism, and provides a valuable resource for pathogenicity, diagnostic and vaccine studies. PMID:28030649

Solving LP Relaxations of Large-Scale Precedence Constrained Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bienstock, Daniel; Zuckerberg, Mark

We describe new algorithms for solving linear programming relaxations of very large precedence constrained production scheduling problems. We present theory that motivates a new set of algorithmic ideas that can be employed on a wide range of problems; on data sets arising in the mining industry our algorithms prove effective on problems with many millions of variables and constraints, obtaining provably optimal solutions in a few minutes of computation.

The role of service areas in the optimization of FSS orbital and frequency assignments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levis, C. A.; Wang, C. W.; Yamamura, Y.; Reilly, C. H.; Gonsalvez, D. J.

1985-01-01

A relationship is derived, on a single-entry interference basis, for the minimum allowable spacing between two satellites as a function of electrical parameters and service-area geometries. For circular beams, universal curves relate the topocentric satellite spacing angle to the service-area separation angle measured at the satellite. The corresponding geocentric spacing depends only weakly on the mean longitude of the two satellites, and this is true also for alliptical antenna beams. As a consequence, if frequency channels are preassigned, the orbital assignment synthesis of a satellite system can be formulated as a mixed-integer programming (MIP) problem or approximated by a linear programming (LP) problem, with the interference protection requirements enforced by constraints while some linear function is optimized. Possible objective-function choices are discussed and explicit formulations are presented for the choice of the sum of the absolute deviations of the orbital locations from some prescribed ideal location set. A test problem is posed consisting of six service areas, each served by one satellite, all using elliptical antenna beams and the same frequency channels. Numerical results are given for the three ideal location prescriptions for both the MIP and LP formulations. The resulting scenarios also satisfy reasonable aggregate interference protection requirements.

Nutritionally Optimized, Culturally Acceptable, Cost-Minimized Diets for Low Income Ghanaian Families Using Linear Programming.

PubMed

Nykänen, Esa-Pekka A; Dunning, Hanna E; Aryeetey, Richmond N O; Robertson, Aileen; Parlesak, Alexandr

2018-04-07

The Ghanaian population suffers from a double burden of malnutrition. Cost of food is considered a barrier to achieving a health-promoting diet. Food prices were collected in major cities and in rural areas in southern Ghana. Linear programming (LP) was used to calculate nutritionally optimized diets (food baskets (FBs)) for a low-income Ghanaian family of four that fulfilled energy and nutrient recommendations in both rural and urban settings. Calculations included implementing cultural acceptability for families living in extreme and moderate poverty (food budget under USD 1.9 and 3.1 per day respectively). Energy-appropriate FBs minimized for cost, following Food Balance Sheets (FBS), lacked key micronutrients such as iodine, vitamin B12 and iron for the mothers. Nutritionally adequate FBs were achieved in all settings when optimizing for a diet cheaper than USD 3.1. However, when delimiting cost to USD 1.9 in rural areas, wild foods had to be included in order to meet nutritional adequacy. Optimization suggested to reduce roots, tubers and fruits and to increase cereals, vegetables and oil-bearing crops compared with FBS. LP is a useful tool to design culturally acceptable diets at minimum cost for low-income Ghanaian families to help advise national authorities how to overcome the double burden of malnutrition.

Nutritionally Optimized, Culturally Acceptable, Cost-Minimized Diets for Low Income Ghanaian Families Using Linear Programming

PubMed Central

Robertson, Aileen

2018-01-01

The Ghanaian population suffers from a double burden of malnutrition. Cost of food is considered a barrier to achieving a health-promoting diet. Food prices were collected in major cities and in rural areas in southern Ghana. Linear programming (LP) was used to calculate nutritionally optimized diets (food baskets (FBs)) for a low-income Ghanaian family of four that fulfilled energy and nutrient recommendations in both rural and urban settings. Calculations included implementing cultural acceptability for families living in extreme and moderate poverty (food budget under USD 1.9 and 3.1 per day respectively). Energy-appropriate FBs minimized for cost, following Food Balance Sheets (FBS), lacked key micronutrients such as iodine, vitamin B12 and iron for the mothers. Nutritionally adequate FBs were achieved in all settings when optimizing for a diet cheaper than USD 3.1. However, when delimiting cost to USD 1.9 in rural areas, wild foods had to be included in order to meet nutritional adequacy. Optimization suggested to reduce roots, tubers and fruits and to increase cereals, vegetables and oil-bearing crops compared with FBS. LP is a useful tool to design culturally acceptable diets at minimum cost for low-income Ghanaian families to help advise national authorities how to overcome the double burden of malnutrition. PMID:29642444

Linear perspective limitations on virtual reality and realistic displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Temme, Leonard A.

2007-04-01

The visual images of the natural world, with their immediate intuitive appeal, seem like the logical gold standard for evaluating displays. After all, since photorealistic displays look so increasingly like the real world, what could be better? Part of the shortcoming of this intuitive appeal for displays is its naivete. Realism itself is full of potential illusions that we do not notice because, most of the time, realism is good enough for our everyday tasks. But when confronted with tasks that go beyond those for which our visual system has evolved, we may be blindsided. If we survive, blind to our erroneous perceptions and oblivious to our good fortune at having survived, we will not be any wiser next time. Realist displays depend on linear perspective (LP), the mathematical mapping of three dimensions onto two. Despite the fact that LP is a seductively elegant system that predicts results with defined mathematical procedures, artists do not stick to the procedures, not because they are math-phobic but because LP procedures, if followed explicitly, produce ugly, limited, and distorted images. If artists bother with formal LP procedures at all, they invariably temper the renderings by eye. The present paper discusses LP assumptions, limitations, and distortions. It provides examples of kluges to cover some of these LP shortcomings. It is important to consider the limitations of LP so that we do not let either naive assumptions or the seductive power of LP guide our thinking or expectations unrealistically as we consider its possible uses in advanced visual displays.

Influence and Correction from the Human Body on the Measurement of a Power-Frequency Electric Field Sensor

PubMed Central

Xiao, Dongping; Liu, Huaitong; Zhou, Qiang; Xie, Yutong; Ma, Qichao

2016-01-01

According to the operating specifications of existing electric field measuring instruments, measuring technicians must be located far from the instruments to eliminate the influence of the human body occupancy on a spatial electric field. Nevertheless, in order to develop a portable safety protection instrument with an effective electric field warning function for working staff in a high-voltage environment, it is necessary to study the influence of an approaching human body on the measurement of an electric field and to correct the measurement results. A single-shaft electric field measuring instrument called the Type LP-2000, which was developed by our research team, is used as the research object in this study. First, we explain the principle of electric field measurement and describe the capacitance effect produced by the human body. Through a theoretical analysis, we show that the measured electric field value decreases as a human body approaches. Their relationship is linearly proportional. Then, the ratio is identified as a correction coefficient to correct for the influence of human body proximity. The conclusion drawn from the theoretical analysis is proved via simulation. The correction coefficient kb = 1.8010 is obtained on the basis of the linear fitting of simulated data. Finally, a physical experiment is performed. When no human is present, we compare the results from the Type LP-2000 measured with Narda EFA-300 and the simulated value to verify the accuracy of the Type LP-2000. For the case of an approaching human body, the correction coefficient kb* = 1.9094 is obtained by comparing the data measured with the Type LP-2000 to the simulated value. The correction coefficient obtained from the experiment (i.e., kb*) is highly consistent with that obtained from the simulation (i.e., kb). Two experimental programs are set; under these programs, the excitation voltages and distance measuring points are regulated to produce different electric field intensities. Using kb = 1.9094, the corrected measurement of electric field intensity can accurately reflect the original environmental electric field intensity, and the maximal error is less than 6% in all the data comparisons. These results verify the effectiveness of our proposed method. PMID:27294936

Influence and Correction from the Human Body on the Measurement of a Power-Frequency Electric Field Sensor.

PubMed

Xiao, Dongping; Liu, Huaitong; Zhou, Qiang; Xie, Yutong; Ma, Qichao

2016-06-10

According to the operating specifications of existing electric field measuring instruments, measuring technicians must be located far from the instruments to eliminate the influence of the human body occupancy on a spatial electric field. Nevertheless, in order to develop a portable safety protection instrument with an effective electric field warning function for working staff in a high-voltage environment, it is necessary to study the influence of an approaching human body on the measurement of an electric field and to correct the measurement results. A single-shaft electric field measuring instrument called the Type LP-2000, which was developed by our research team, is used as the research object in this study. First, we explain the principle of electric field measurement and describe the capacitance effect produced by the human body. Through a theoretical analysis, we show that the measured electric field value decreases as a human body approaches. Their relationship is linearly proportional. Then, the ratio is identified as a correction coefficient to correct for the influence of human body proximity. The conclusion drawn from the theoretical analysis is proved via simulation. The correction coefficient kb = 1.8010 is obtained on the basis of the linear fitting of simulated data. Finally, a physical experiment is performed. When no human is present, we compare the results from the Type LP-2000 measured with Narda EFA-300 and the simulated value to verify the accuracy of the Type LP-2000. For the case of an approaching human body, the correction coefficient kb* = 1.9094 is obtained by comparing the data measured with the Type LP-2000 to the simulated value. The correction coefficient obtained from the experiment (i.e., kb*) is highly consistent with that obtained from the simulation (i.e., kb). Two experimental programs are set; under these programs, the excitation voltages and distance measuring points are regulated to produce different electric field intensities. Using kb = 1.9094, the corrected measurement of electric field intensity can accurately reflect the original environmental electric field intensity, and the maximal error is less than 6% in all the data comparisons. These results verify the effectiveness of our proposed method.

Optimal dietary patterns designed from local foods to achieve maternal nutritional goals.

PubMed

Raymond, Jofrey; Kassim, Neema; Rose, Jerman W; Agaba, Morris

2018-04-04

Achieving nutritional requirements for pregnant and lactating mothers in rural households while maintaining the intake of local and culture-specific foods can be a difficult task. Deploying a linear goal programming approach can effectively generate optimal dietary patterns that incorporate local and culturally acceptable diets. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a realistic and affordable diet that achieves nutritional goals for rural pregnant and lactating women can be formulated from locally available foods in Tanzania. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess dietary intakes of 150 pregnant and lactating women using a weighed dietary record (WDR), 24 h dietary recalls and a 7-days food record. A market survey was also carried out to estimate the cost per 100 g of edible portion of foods that are frequently consumed in the study population. Dietary survey and market data were then used to define linear programming (LP) model parameters for diet optimisation. All LP analyses were done using linear program solver to generate optimal dietary patterns. Our findings showed that optimal dietary patterns designed from locally available foods would improve dietary adequacy for 15 and 19 selected nutrients in pregnant and lactating women, respectively, but inadequacies remained for iron, zinc, folate, pantothenic acid, and vitamin E, indicating that these are problem nutrients (nutrients that did not achieve 100% of their RNIs in optimised diets) in the study population. These findings suggest that optimal use of local foods can improve dietary adequacy for rural pregnant and lactating women aged 19-50 years. However, additional cost-effective interventions are needed to ensure adequate intakes for the identified problem nutrients.

Corner Polyhedron and Intersection Cuts

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a...19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT unclassified b. ABSTRACT unclassified c. THIS PAGE unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98... finding valid inequalities for the set (1) that are violated by the point x̄. Typically, x̄ is an optimal solution of the linear programming (LP

Translation of incremental talk test responses to steady-state exercise training intensity.

PubMed

Lyon, Ellen; Menke, Miranda; Foster, Carl; Porcari, John P; Gibson, Mark; Bubbers, Terresa

2014-01-01

The Talk Test (TT) is a submaximal, incremental exercise test that has been shown to be useful in prescribing exercise training intensity. It is based on a subject's ability to speak comfortably during exercise. This study defined the amount of reduction in absolute workload intensity from an incremental exercise test using the TT to give appropriate absolute training intensity for cardiac rehabilitation patients. Patients in an outpatient rehabilitation program (N = 30) performed an incremental exercise test with the TT given every 2-minute stage. Patients rated their speech comfort after reciting a standardized paragraph. Anything other than a "yes" response was considered the "equivocal" stage, while all preceding stages were "positive" stages. The last stage with the unequivocally positive ability to speak was the Last Positive (LP), and the preceding stages were (LP-1 and LP-2). Subsequently, three 20-minute steady-state training bouts were performed in random order at the absolute workload at the LP, LP-1, and LP-2 stages of the incremental test. Speech comfort, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded every 5 minutes. The 20-minute exercise training bout was completed fully by LP (n = 19), LP-1 (n = 28), and LP-2 (n = 30). Heart rate, RPE, and speech comfort were similar through the LP-1 and LP-2 tests, but the LP stage was markedly more difficult. Steady-state exercise training intensity was easily and appropriately prescribed at intensity associated with the LP-1 and LP-2 stages of the TT. The LP stage may be too difficult for patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Automated Test Assembly Using lp_Solve Version 5.5 in R

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diao, Qi; van der Linden, Wim J.

2011-01-01

This article reviews the use of the software program lp_solve version 5.5 for solving mixed-integer automated test assembly (ATA) problems. The program is freely available under Lesser General Public License 2 (LGPL2). It can be called from the statistical language R using the lpSolveAPI interface. Three empirical problems are presented to…

A linear programming model for protein inference problem in shotgun proteomics.

PubMed

Huang, Ting; He, Zengyou

2012-11-15

Assembling peptides identified from tandem mass spectra into a list of proteins, referred to as protein inference, is an important issue in shotgun proteomics. The objective of protein inference is to find a subset of proteins that are truly present in the sample. Although many methods have been proposed for protein inference, several issues such as peptide degeneracy still remain unsolved. In this article, we present a linear programming model for protein inference. In this model, we use a transformation of the joint probability that each peptide/protein pair is present in the sample as the variable. Then, both the peptide probability and protein probability can be expressed as a formula in terms of the linear combination of these variables. Based on this simple fact, the protein inference problem is formulated as an optimization problem: minimize the number of proteins with non-zero probabilities under the constraint that the difference between the calculated peptide probability and the peptide probability generated from peptide identification algorithms should be less than some threshold. This model addresses the peptide degeneracy issue by forcing some joint probability variables involving degenerate peptides to be zero in a rigorous manner. The corresponding inference algorithm is named as ProteinLP. We test the performance of ProteinLP on six datasets. Experimental results show that our method is competitive with the state-of-the-art protein inference algorithms. The source code of our algorithm is available at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/prolp/. zyhe@dlut.edu.cn. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Online.

Quality evaluation of millet-soy blended extrudates formulated through linear programming.

PubMed

Balasubramanian, S; Singh, K K; Patil, R T; Onkar, Kolhe K

2012-08-01

Whole pearl millet, finger millet and decorticated soy bean blended (millet soy) extrudates formulations were designed using a linear programming (LP) model to minimize the total cost of the finished product. LP formulated composite flour was extruded through twin screw food extruder at different feed rate (6.5-13.5 kg/h), screw speed (200-350 rpm, constant feed moisture (14% wb), barrel temperature (120 °C) and cutter speed (15 rpm). The physical, functional, textural and pasting characteristics of extrudates were examined and their responses were studied. Expansion index (2.31) and sectional expansion index (5.39) was found to be was found maximum for feed rate and screw speed combination 9.5 kg/h and 250 rpm. However, density (0.25 × 10(-3) g/mm(3)) was maximum for 9.5 kg/h and 300 rpm combination. Maximum color change (10.32) was found for 9.5 kg/h feed rate and 200 rpm screw speed. The lower hardness was obtained for the samples extruded at lowest feed rate (6.5 kg/h) for all screw speed and feed rate at 9.5 kg/h for 300-350 rpm screw speed. Peak viscosity decreases with all screw speed of 9.5 kg/h feed rate.

LP01 to LP11 mode convertor based on side-polished small-core single-mode fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yan; Li, Yang; Li, Wei-dong

2018-03-01

An all-fiber LP01-LP11 mode convertor based on side-polished small-core single-mode fibers (SMFs) is numerically demonstrated. The linearly polarized incident beam in one arm experiences π shift through a fiber half waveplate, and the side-polished parts merge into an equivalent twin-core fiber (TCF) which spatially shapes the incident LP01 modes to the LP11 mode supported by the step-index few-mode fiber (FMF). Optimum conditions for the highest conversion efficiency are investigated using the beam propagation method (BPM) with an approximate efficiency as high as 96.7%. The proposed scheme can operate within a wide wavelength range from 1.3 μm to1.7 μm with overall conversion efficiency greater than 95%. The effective mode area and coupling loss are also characterized in detail by finite element method (FEM).

Reference values for Lactate Pro 2™ in fetal blood sampling during labor: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Birgisdottir, Brynhildur Tinna; Holzmann, Malin; Varli, Ingela Hulthén; Graner, Sofie; Saltvedt, Sissel; Nordström, Lennart

2017-04-01

Lactate Pro™ (LP1) is the only lactate meter evaluated for fetal scalp blood sampling (FBS) in intrapartum use. The reference values for this meter are: normal value <4.2 mmol/L, preacidemia 4.2-4.8 mmol/L, and acidemia >4.8 mmol/L. The production of this meter has been discontinued. An updated version, Lactate Pro 2TM (LP2), has been launched and is shown to be differently calibrated. The aims of the study were to retrieve a conversion equation to convert lactate values in FBS measured with LP2 to an estimated value if using LP1 and to define reference values for clinical management when using LP2. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in Sweden. A total of 113 laboring women with fetal heart rate abnormalities on cardiotocography (CTG) had FBS carried out. Lactate concentration was measured bedside with both LP1 and LP2 from the same blood sample capillary. A linear regression model was constructed to retrieve a conversion equation to convert LP2 values to LP1 values. LP2 measured higher values than LP1 in all analyses. We found that 4.2 mmol/L with LP1 corresponded to 6.4 mmol/L with LP2. Likewise, 4.8 mmol/L with LP1 corresponded to 7.3 mmol/L with LP2. The correlation between the analyses was excellent (Spearman's rank correlation, r=0.97). We recommend the following guidelines when interpreting lactate concentration in FBS with LP2: <6.4 mmol/L to be interpreted as normal, 6.4-7.3 mmol/L as preacidemia indicating a follow-up FBS within 20-30 min, and >7.3 mmol/L as acidemia indicating intervention.

The Relationship between Lichen Planus and Carotid Intima Media Thickness.

PubMed

C, Koseoglu; M, Erdogan; G, Koseoglu; O, Kurmus; Ag, Ertem; Th, Efe; Gi, Kurmus; T, Durmaz; T, Keles; E, Bozkurt

2016-11-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Although the association between chronic inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis has been reported in the literature, the relationship between LP and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between LP and CIMT. One hundred eleven LP patients and 105 controls were enrolled in the study. Then, CIMT examination was performed with an ultrasonography device. Cross-sectional associations of LP with CIMT were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for related confounders. No statistical difference was found between LP and the controls except for the female gender, white blood cell, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (p = 0.046, p = 0.019, p = 0.011 and p = 0.013, respectively). Significant difference was found between the groups in terms of CIMT (0.90 ± 0.2 mm vs. 0.61 ± 0.3 mm, p = 0.001). CIMT was correlated with longevity of the LP, but we did not find LP to be an independent predictor of increased CIMT in logistic regression analysis (r = 0.449, p < 0.001, β = -0.117, p = 0.092; respectively). The results of our study suggested that LP was associated with increased mean CIMT, and furthermore that CIMT was correlated with longevity of LP. However, LP was not an independent predictor of increased CIMT.

The Relationship between Lichen Planus and Carotid Intima Media Thickness

PubMed Central

C, Koseoglu; M, Erdogan; G, Koseoglu; O, Kurmus; AG, Ertem; TH, Efe; GI, Kurmus; T, Durmaz; T, Keles; E, Bozkurt

2016-01-01

Background Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Although the association between chronic inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis has been reported in the literature, the relationship between LP and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between LP and CIMT. Methods One hundred eleven LP patients and 105 controls were enrolled in the study. Then, CIMT examination was performed with an ultrasonography device. Cross-sectional associations of LP with CIMT were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for related confounders. Results No statistical difference was found between LP and the controls except for the female gender, white blood cell, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (p = 0.046, p = 0.019, p = 0.011 and p = 0.013, respectively). Significant difference was found between the groups in terms of CIMT (0.90 ± 0.2 mm vs. 0.61 ± 0.3 mm, p = 0.001). CIMT was correlated with longevity of the LP, but we did not find LP to be an independent predictor of increased CIMT in logistic regression analysis (r = 0.449, p < 0.001, β = -0.117, p = 0.092; respectively). Conclusions The results of our study suggested that LP was associated with increased mean CIMT, and furthermore that CIMT was correlated with longevity of LP. However, LP was not an independent predictor of increased CIMT. PMID:27899862

Men exhibit greater fatigue resistance than women in alternated bench press and leg press exercises.

PubMed

Monteiro, Estêvão R; Steele, James; Novaes, Jefferson S; Brown, Amanda F; Cavanaugh, Mark T; Vingren, Jakob L; Behm, David G

2017-11-17

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of sex, exercise order, and rest interval on neuromuscular fatigue resistance for an alternated strength training sequence of bench press (BP) and leg press (LP) exercises. Twelve women and 16 men, both recreationally trained, performed four sessions in a random order: 1) BP followed by LP with three-minutes rest (BP+LP with rest), 2) LP followed by BP with three-minutes rest (LP+BP with rest), 3) BP followed by LP without rest interval (BP+LP no rest), and 4) LP followed by BP without rest interval (LP+BP no rest). Participants performed four sets with 100% of 10RM load to concentric failure with the goal of completing the maximum number of repetitions in both exercises. The fatigue index was analyzed from the first and last sets of each exercise bout. A main effect for sex showed that women exhibited 25.5% (p=0.001) and 24.5% (p=0.001) greater BP and LP fatigue than men respectively when performing 10RM. Men exhibited greater BP (p<0.0001; 34.1%) and LP (p<0.0001; 30.5%) fatigue resistance when a rest period was provided. Men did not show an exercise order effect for BP fatigue and exhibited greater (p=0.0003; 14.5%) LP fatigue resistance when BP was performed first. The present study demonstrated the greater fatigue resistance of men when performing 10RM BP and LP exercises. Since men tend to experience less fatigue with the second exercise in the exercise pairing, women's training programs should be adjusted to ensure they do not parallel men's resistance training programs.

Optimal formulations of local foods to achieve nutritional adequacy for 6–23-month-old rural Tanzanian children

PubMed Central

Raymond, Jofrey; Kassim, Neema; Rose, Jerman W.; Agaba, Morris

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Achieving nutritional goals of infants and young children while maintaining the intake of local and culture-specific foods can be a daunting task. Diet optimisation using linear goal programming (LP) can effectively generate optimal formulations incorporating local and culturally acceptable foods. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a realistic and affordable diet that achieves dietary recommended intakes (DRIs) for 22 selected nutrients can be formulated for rural 6–23-month-old children in Tanzania. Design: Dietary intakes of 400 children aged 6–23 months were assessed using a weighed dietary record (WDR), 24-hour dietary recalls and a 7-days food record. A market survey was also carried out to estimate the cost per 100 g of edible portion of foods that are commonly consumed in the study area. Dietary and market survey data were then used to define LP model parameters for diet optimisation. All LP analyses were done using linear program solver (LiPS) version 1.9.4 to generate optimal food formulations. Results: Optimal formulations that achieved DRIs for 20 nutrients for children aged 6–11 months and all selected nutrients for children aged 12–23 months were successfully developed at a twofold cost of the observed food purchase across age groups. Optimal formulations contained a mixture of ingredients such as wholegrain cereals, Irish potatoes, pulses and seeds, fish and poultry meat as well as fruits and vegetables that can be sourced locally. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that given the available food choices, it is possible to develop optimal formulations that can improve dietary adequacy for rural 6–23-month-old children if food budget for the child’s diets is doubled. These findings suggest the need for setting alternative interventions which can help households increase access to nutrient-dense foods that can fill the identified nutrient gaps. PMID:28814951

A tutorial description of an interior point method and its applications to security-constrained economic dispatch

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

Vargas, L.S.; Quintana, V.H.; Vannelli, A.

This paper deals with the use of Successive Linear Programming (SLP) for the solution of the Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) problem. The authors tutorially describe an Interior Point Method (IPM) for the solution of Linear Programming (LP) problems, discussing important implementation issues that really make this method far superior to the simplex method. A study of the convergence of the SLP technique and a practical criterion to avoid oscillatory behavior in the iteration process are also proposed. A comparison of the proposed method with an efficient simplex code (MINOS) is carried out by solving SCED problems on two standard IEEEmore » systems. The results show that the interior point technique is reliable, accurate and more than two times faster than the simplex algorithm.« less

Optimization of COS/FUV Spectrum Placement at Lifetime Position 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Rosa, Gisella

2017-08-01

We give a summary of the rationale, structure and preliminary analysis of the Lifetime Position 4 (LP4) special calibration program 14841, aimed at determining the optimal placement of the spectra at LP4. The program obtained deep (S/N = 60 per resel) exposures of the standard star WD0308-565 with G130M/1291 and G130M/1222 settings at -2.52" below LP3 in the cross dispersion direction. These particular settings were chosen because they have the widest footprints on the detectors. Science spectra were successfully extracted at this position without any contamination due to gain-sag at LP3.

Prenatal programming of renal salt wasting resets postnatal salt appetite, which drives food intake in the rat.

PubMed

Alwasel, Saleh H; Barker, David J P; Ashton, Nick

2012-03-01

Sodium retention has been proposed as the cause of hypertension in the LP rat (offspring exposed to a maternal low-protein diet in utero) model of developmental programming because of increased renal NKCC2 (Na+/K+/2Cl- co-transporter 2) expression. However, we have shown that LP rats excrete more rather than less sodium than controls, leading us to hypothesize that LP rats ingest more salt in order to maintain sodium balance. Rats were fed on either a 9% (low) or 18% (control) protein diet during pregnancy; male and female offspring were studied at 4 weeks of age. LP rats of both sexes held in metabolism cages excreted more sodium and urine than controls. When given water to drink, LP rats drank more and ate more food than controls, hence sodium intake matched excretion. However, when given a choice between saline and water to drink, the total volume of fluid ingested by LP rats fell to control levels, but the volume of saline taken was significantly larger [3.8±0.1 compared with 8.8±1.3 ml/24 h per 100 g of body weight in control and LP rats respectively; P<0.001]. Interestingly food intake also fell to control levels. Total body sodium content and ECF (extracellular fluid) volumes were greater in LP rats. These results show that prenatal programming of renal sodium wasting leads to a compensatory increase in salt appetite in LP rats. We speculate that the need to maintain salt homoeostasis following malnutrition in utero stimulates greater food intake, leading to accelerated growth and raised BP (blood pressure).

Towards lexicographic multi-objective linear programming using grossone methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cococcioni, Marco; Pappalardo, Massimo; Sergeyev, Yaroslav D.

2016-10-01

Lexicographic Multi-Objective Linear Programming (LMOLP) problems can be solved in two ways: preemptive and nonpreemptive. The preemptive approach requires the solution of a series of LP problems, with changing constraints (each time the next objective is added, a new constraint appears). The nonpreemptive approach is based on a scalarization of the multiple objectives into a single-objective linear function by a weighted combination of the given objectives. It requires the specification of a set of weights, which is not straightforward and can be time consuming. In this work we present both mathematical and software ingredients necessary to solve LMOLP problems using a recently introduced computational methodology (allowing one to work numerically with infinities and infinitesimals) based on the concept of grossone. The ultimate goal of such an attempt is an implementation of a simplex-like algorithm, able to solve the original LMOLP problem by solving only one single-objective problem and without the need to specify finite weights. The expected advantages are therefore obvious.

Novel enzymatic method for assaying Lp-PLA2 in serum.

PubMed

Yamaura, Saki; Sakasegawa, Shin-Ichi; Koguma, Emisa; Ueda, Shigeru; Kayamori, Yuzo; Sugimori, Daisuke; Karasawa, Ken

2018-06-01

Measurement of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) can be used as an adjunct to traditional cardiovascular risk factors for identifying individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular events. This can be performed by quantification of the protein concentration using an ELISA platform or by measuring Lp-PLA 2 activity using platelet-activating factor (PAF) analog as substrate. Here, an enzymatic Lp-PLA 2 activity assay method using 1-O-Hexadecyl-2-acetyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (rac C 16 PAF) was developed. The newly revealed substrate specificity of lysoplasmalogen-specific phospholipase D (lysophospholipase D (LysoPLD)) was exploited. Lp-PLA 2 hydrolyzes 1-O-Hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C 16 PAF) to 1-O-Hexadecyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (LysoPAF). LysoPLD acted on LysoPAF, and the hydrolytically released choline was detected by choline oxidase. Regression analysis of Lp-PLA 2 activity measured by the enzymatic Lp-PLA 2 activity assay vs. two chemical Lp-PLA 2 activity assays, i.e. LpPLA 2 FS and PLAC® test, and ELISA, gave the following correlation coefficients: 0.990, 0.893 and 0.785, respectively (n = 30). Advantages of this enzymatic Lp-PLA 2 activity assay compared with chemical Lp-PLA 2 methods include the following; (i) only requires two reagents enabling a simple two-point linear calibration method with one calibrator (ii) no need for inhibitors of esterase-like activity in serum. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison between linear and daily undulating periodized resistance training to increase strength.

PubMed

Prestes, Jonato; Frollini, Anelena B; de Lima, Cristiane; Donatto, Felipe F; Foschini, Denis; de Cássia Marqueti, Rita; Figueira, Aylton; Fleck, Steven J

2009-12-01

To determine the most effective periodization model for strength and hypertrophy is an important step for strength and conditioning professionals. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of linear (LP) and daily undulating periodized (DUP) resistance training on body composition and maximal strength levels. Forty men aged 21.5 +/- 8.3 and with a minimum 1-year strength training experience were assigned to an LP (n = 20) or DUP group (n = 20). Subjects were tested for maximal strength in bench press, leg press 45 degrees, and arm curl (1 repetition maximum [RM]) at baseline (T1), after 8 weeks (T2), and after 12 weeks of training (T3). Increases of 18.2 and 25.08% in bench press 1 RM were observed for LP and DUP groups in T3 compared with T1, respectively (p < or = 0.05). In leg press 45 degrees , LP group exhibited an increase of 24.71% and DUP of 40.61% at T3 compared with T1. Additionally, DUP showed an increase of 12.23% at T2 compared with T1 and 25.48% at T3 compared with T2. For the arm curl exercise, LP group increased 14.15% and DUP 23.53% at T3 when compared with T1. An increase of 20% was also found at T2 when compared with T1, for DUP. Although the DUP group increased strength the most in all exercises, no statistical differences were found between groups. In conclusion, undulating periodized strength training induced higher increases in maximal strength than the linear model in strength-trained men. For maximizing strength increases, daily intensity and volume variations were more effective than weekly variations.

Teaching and Learning Logic Programming in Virtual Worlds Using Interactive Microworld Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vosinakis, Spyros; Anastassakis, George; Koutsabasis, Panayiotis

2018-01-01

Logic Programming (LP) follows the declarative programming paradigm, which novice students often find hard to grasp. The limited availability of visual teaching aids for LP can lead to low motivation for learning. In this paper, we present a platform for teaching and learning Prolog in Virtual Worlds, which enables the visual interpretation and…

Diagnostic classification of eating disorders in children and adolescents: How does DSM-IV-TR compare to empirically-derived categories?

PubMed Central

Eddy, Kamryn T.; le Grange, Daniel; Crosby, Ross D.; Hoste, Renee Rienecke; Doyle, Angela Celio; Smyth, Angela; Herzog, David B.

2009-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to empirically derive eating disorder phenotypes in a clinical sample of children and adolescents using latent profile analysis (LPA) and compare these latent profile (LP) groups to the DSM-IV-TR eating disorder categories. Method Eating disorder symptom data collected from 401 youth (ages 7–19; mean 15.14 ± 2.35y) seeking eating disorder treatment were included in LPA; general linear models were used to compare LP groups to DSM-IV-TR eating disorder categories on pre-treatment and outcome indices. Results Three LP groups were identified: LP1 (n=144), characterized binge eating and purging (“Binge/purge”); LP2 (n=126), characterized by excessive exercise and extreme eating disorder cognitions (“Exercise-extreme cognitions”); and LP3 (n=131), characterized by minimal eating disorder behaviors and cognitions (“Minimal behaviors/cognitions”). Identified LPs imperfectly resembled DSM-IV-TR eating disorders. LP1 resembled bulimia nervosa; LP2 and LP3 broadly resembled anorexia nervosa with a relaxed weight criterion, differentiated by excessive exercise and severity of eating disorder cognitions. LP groups were more differentiated than the DSM-IV-TR categories across pre-treatment eating disorder and general psychopathology indices, as well as weight change at follow-up. Neither LP nor DSM-IV-TR categories predicted change in binge/purge behaviors. Validation analyses suggest these empirically-derived groups improve upon the current DSM-IV-TR categories. Conclusions In children and adolescents, revisions for DSM-V should consider recognition of patients with minimal cognitive eating disorder symptoms. PMID:20410717

Estimating added sugars in US consumer packaged goods: An application to beverages in 2007-08.

PubMed

Ng, Shu Wen; Bricker, Gregory; Li, Kuo-Ping; Yoon, Emily Ford; Kang, Jiyoung; Westrich, Brian

2015-11-01

This study developed a method to estimate added sugar content in consumer packaged goods (CPG) that can keep pace with the dynamic food system. A team including registered dietitians, a food scientist and programmers developed a batch-mode ingredient matching and linear programming (LP) approach to estimate the amount of each ingredient needed in a given product to produce a nutrient profile similar to that reported on its nutrition facts label (NFL). Added sugar content was estimated for 7021 products available in 2007-08 that contain sugar from ten beverage categories. Of these, flavored waters had the lowest added sugar amounts (4.3g/100g), while sweetened dairy and dairy alternative beverages had the smallest percentage of added sugars (65.6% of Total Sugars; 33.8% of Calories). Estimation validity was determined by comparing LP estimated values to NFL values, as well as in a small validation study. LP estimates appeared reasonable compared to NFL values for calories, carbohydrates and total sugars, and performed well in the validation test; however, further work is needed to obtain more definitive conclusions on the accuracy of added sugar estimates in CPGs. As nutrition labeling regulations evolve, this approach can be adapted to test for potential product-specific, category-level, and population-level implications.

Estimating added sugars in US consumer packaged goods: An application to beverages in 2007–08

PubMed Central

Ng, Shu Wen; Bricker, Gregory; Li, Kuo-ping; Yoon, Emily Ford; Kang, Jiyoung; Westrich, Brian

2015-01-01

This study developed a method to estimate added sugar content in consumer packaged goods (CPG) that can keep pace with the dynamic food system. A team including registered dietitians, a food scientist and programmers developed a batch-mode ingredient matching and linear programming (LP) approach to estimate the amount of each ingredient needed in a given product to produce a nutrient profile similar to that reported on its nutrition facts label (NFL). Added sugar content was estimated for 7021 products available in 2007–08 that contain sugar from ten beverage categories. Of these, flavored waters had the lowest added sugar amounts (4.3g/100g), while sweetened dairy and dairy alternative beverages had the smallest percentage of added sugars (65.6% of Total Sugars; 33.8% of Calories). Estimation validity was determined by comparing LP estimated values to NFL values, as well as in a small validation study. LP estimates appeared reasonable compared to NFL values for calories, carbohydrates and total sugars, and performed well in the validation test; however, further work is needed to obtain more definitive conclusions on the accuracy of added sugar estimates in CPGs. As nutrition labeling regulations evolve, this approach can be adapted to test for potential product-specific, category-level, and population-level implications. PMID:26273127

[Influence of transport parameters values on volume flows in the double-membrane system].

PubMed

Slezak, Andrzej; Bryll, Arkadiusz

2005-01-01

On the basis of Kedem-Katchalsky non-linear equations for the double-membrane system, research were carried out upon the influence of the transmembrane transport parameters, i.e. hydraulic permeability (Lp), reflection (sigma) and solute (omega) coefficients on the volume flows in the double-membrane system. The membrane system was composed of two membranes Ml and Mr characterized by coefficients, respectively Lpl, sigmal, omegal and Lp(r), sigmar, omegar, that separated the solutions at concentrations Cl, Cm, Cr. In order to show the influence of the membranes parameters values on the volume flow intensity, there were calculated the following dependencies: J(v sigma) = f omega(Lp)ii, Jv = f sigma(omega r)Lp,i), Jv = f sigma(sigma(omega r Lp,li), Jv = f sigma(sigma omega l Lp,ri) , (i = l, r), in conditions of set out mechanic pressure (Pl = Pr = Po = const.) and set concentrations (Cl = Cr = C = const.). The graphical pictures of the two first equations are hyperbolas and straight lines in particular cases, whereas the graphical pictures of further two dependencies are more complex.

Ordinal feature selection for iris and palmprint recognition.

PubMed

Sun, Zhenan; Wang, Libin; Tan, Tieniu

2014-09-01

Ordinal measures have been demonstrated as an effective feature representation model for iris and palmprint recognition. However, ordinal measures are a general concept of image analysis and numerous variants with different parameter settings, such as location, scale, orientation, and so on, can be derived to construct a huge feature space. This paper proposes a novel optimization formulation for ordinal feature selection with successful applications to both iris and palmprint recognition. The objective function of the proposed feature selection method has two parts, i.e., misclassification error of intra and interclass matching samples and weighted sparsity of ordinal feature descriptors. Therefore, the feature selection aims to achieve an accurate and sparse representation of ordinal measures. And, the optimization subjects to a number of linear inequality constraints, which require that all intra and interclass matching pairs are well separated with a large margin. Ordinal feature selection is formulated as a linear programming (LP) problem so that a solution can be efficiently obtained even on a large-scale feature pool and training database. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LP formulation is advantageous over existing feature selection methods, such as mRMR, ReliefF, Boosting, and Lasso for biometric recognition, reporting state-of-the-art accuracy on CASIA and PolyU databases.

PSEUDO-CODEWORD LANDSCAPE

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

CHERTKOV, MICHAEL; STEPANOV, MIKHAIL

2007-01-10

The authors discuss performance of Low-Density-Parity-Check (LDPC) codes decoded by Linear Programming (LP) decoding at moderate and large Signal-to-Noise-Ratios (SNR). Frame-Error-Rate (FER) dependence on SNR and the noise space landscape of the coding/decoding scheme are analyzed by a combination of the previously introduced instanton/pseudo-codeword-search method and a new 'dendro' trick. To reduce complexity of the LP decoding for a code with high-degree checks, {ge} 5, they introduce its dendro-LDPC counterpart, that is the code performing identifically to the original one under Maximum-A-Posteriori (MAP) decoding but having reduced (down to three) check connectivity degree. Analyzing number of popular LDPC codes andmore » their dendro versions performing over the Additive-White-Gaussian-Noise (AWGN) channel, they observed two qualitatively different regimes: (i) error-floor sets early, at relatively low SNR, and (ii) FER decays with SNR increase faster at moderate SNR than at the largest SNR. They explain these regimes in terms of the pseudo-codeword spectra of the codes.« less

Equitably Distributing Quality of Marine Security Guards Using Integer Programming

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

Model for Fix-It Shop-Assignment (From Balakrishnan et al ., 2007...LP; Balakrishnan et al ., 2007). The Soviet mathematician A. N. Kolmogorov is recognized as the first person to conceptually develop the idea of LP...commercial sector today. Balakrishnan et al . (2007) captured the three major steps in LP, which are formulation, solution, and interpretation and

Determination of cloxacillin residues in dairy cows after intramammary administration.

PubMed

Burmańczuk, A; Grabowski, T; Osypiuk, M; Polska, B; Kowalski, C

2017-10-01

The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the characteristics of cloxacillin (CLO) (MRL of withdrawal in bovine milk is 30 ng/g) after a single intramammary (IMM) dose in the dry period (DP) and lactation (LP), and to establish a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical method for CLO detection in milk. The research was conducted on a group of 10 cows in DP and 10 in LP. A single dose of 600 mg of CLO was administrated by the IMM route for a single quarter in DP and 500 mg for a single quarter in LP. CLO concentration was analyzed by HPLC. CLO was monitored at a wavelength of 206 nm. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed using Phoenix ® WinNonlin ® 6.4 software. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 13.03-28 019.00 ng/g with the coefficient of determination R 2  > 0.999. CLO withdrawal in both the LP and DP group had a biphasic nature. The total CLO elimination in the DP and LP group was reached after 36 and 6.5 days, respectively. A quantitative and confirmatory method for the determination of CLO in fresh milk has been established. We have confirmed that the withdrawal of CLO in the DP group is not a linear process and has a stepwise character. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Interactive effect of inoculant and dried jujube powder on the fermentation quality and nitrogen fraction of alfalfa silage.

PubMed

Tian, Jipeng; Li, Zhenzhen; Yu, Zhu; Zhang, Qing; Li, Xujiao

2017-04-01

The interactive effect of inoculants and dried jujube powder (DJP) on the fermentation and nitrogen fraction (PA, PB1, PB2, PB3 and PC fractions) of alfalfa silage was investigated. Three of the Lactobacillus plantarum inoculants (LP1, LP2 or LP3) were used. The DJP was added at rates of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 or 15% of the whole fresh forage. The combination of DJP and inoculants decreased the pH value and ammonia nitrogen content and increased the PC portion. As the DJP ratio increased, there was a peak in lactic acid : acetic acid ratio (12% of DJP ratio) and PB2 fraction (9% of DJP ratio) while the PA content decreased linearly. The LP1 and LP2 had the highest lactic acid content. Inoculants decreased the PB1 portion of true protein. The LP1 treated silage had the highest acetic acid content with the lowest lactic acid : acetic acid ratio and had lower PB3 and PC and higher PB2 than LP2 or LP3 treated silages. The result showed that the application of DJP or inoculants have positive effect on the fermentation, nutrition and N fraction value in the high moisture alfalfa silages, and the combination of DJP and inoculants preserves best. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Fourth COS FUV Lifetime Position: Cross-Dispersion Profiles, Flux, and Flat-Field Calibration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafelski, Marc

2016-10-01

Obtain observations of spectrophotometric white dwarf standard stars at all cenwaves (excepting G130M/1055 and G130M/1096) and FP-POS to determine flux calibrations to S/N>30 and concurrently, the 1-D L- and P-flat templates, and 2-D cross-dispersion profiles required for improved extraction, at LP4. This program ties the spectroscopic sensitivity monitoring at LP4 with that at LP3, in case rapid evolution of gain at LP4 is discovered in coordination with program 14854. The main requirements for this program are S/N 50/resel, which is driven by two requirements: (1) for high S/N 2-D spectral profiles which are calculated by scaling Program 12806 profiles and requiring that profile contours can be located such that flux errors are less than 1-2%, and (2) for the flat fielding of pixel-to-pixel variations (p-flats). WD 0308-565 is the primary target for this program due to its status as a flux standard and TDS target. GD 71 is used to more efficiently calibrate Segment A in the G160M modes.

Spatial-mode switchable ring fiber laser based on low mode-crosstalk all-fiber mode MUX/DEMUX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Fang; Yu, Jinyi; Wang, Jianping

2018-05-01

We report an all-fiber ring laser that emits linearly polarized (LP) modes based on the intracavity all-fiber mode multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX). Multiple LP modes in ring fiber laser are generated by taking advantage of mode MUX/DEMUX. The all-fiber mode MUX/DEMUX are composed of cascaded mode-selective couplers (MSCs). The output lasing mode of the ring fiber laser can be switched among the three lowest-order LP modes by employing combination of a mode MUX and a simple N × 1 optical switch. The slope efficiencies, optical spectra and mode profiles are measured.

Passive shimming of a superconducting magnet using the L1-norm regularized least square algorithm.

PubMed

Kong, Xia; Zhu, Minhua; Xia, Ling; Wang, Qiuliang; Li, Yi; Zhu, Xuchen; Liu, Feng; Crozier, Stuart

2016-02-01

The uniformity of the static magnetic field B0 is of prime importance for an MRI system. The passive shimming technique is usually applied to improve the uniformity of the static field by optimizing the layout of a series of steel shims. The steel pieces are fixed in the drawers in the inner bore of the superconducting magnet, and produce a magnetizing field in the imaging region to compensate for the inhomogeneity of the B0 field. In practice, the total mass of steel used for shimming should be minimized, in addition to the field uniformity requirement. This is because the presence of steel shims may introduce a thermal stability problem. The passive shimming procedure is typically realized using the linear programming (LP) method. The LP approach however, is generally slow and also has difficulty balancing the field quality and the total amount of steel for shimming. In this paper, we have developed a new algorithm that is better able to balance the dual constraints of field uniformity and the total mass of the shims. The least square method is used to minimize the magnetic field inhomogeneity over the imaging surface with the total mass of steel being controlled by an L1-norm based constraint. The proposed algorithm has been tested with practical field data, and the results show that, with similar computational cost and mass of shim material, the new algorithm achieves superior field uniformity (43% better for the test case) compared with the conventional linear programming approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Complementary feeding recommendations based on locally available foods in Indonesia.

PubMed

Fahmida, Umi; Santika, Otte; Kolopaking, Risatianti; Ferguson, Elaine

2014-12-01

Affordable, locally contextual complementary feeding recommendations (CFRs) that take into account cultural diversity and differences in food availability will be more likely to result in long-term improvements in complementary feeding practices than general recommendations. More objective approaches, such as linear programming (LP), have been recommended to identify optimal but CFRs to meet nutrient requirements given local food availability, food patterns, food portions, and cost. To present results of our previous studies in which we developed CFRs using LP and to provide an example of how these CFRs can be put into practice in a community intervention trial in Indonesia. Dietary data were obtained using single 24-hour dietary recall or 1-day weighed diet record combined with 1-day 24-hour recall and 5-day food intake tally. With the use of the LP approach, nutrient intakes were optimized while ensuring that a realistic diet was selected by using constraints such as the diet's energy content, food patterns, food portions, and cost. The price per 100 g of edible portion was obtained from market surveys in two or three local markets in each study area. LP analysis was performed using Super Solver in MS Excel or Optifood software. Iron, zinc, calcium, and niacin were problem nutrients in all age groups of children (6 to 8, 9 to 11, and 12 to 23 months) in both rural and periurban areas, except among children of higher socioeconomic status in urban areas. Thiamin and folate were also problem nutrients found in some settings. Animal-source foods (meat, fish, poultry, and eggs [MFPE] and fortified foods were the nutrient-dense foods identified by LP to fill the nutrient gaps of these problem nutrients. Iron, calcium, zinc, niacin, and potentially folate and thiamine are typical "problem nutrients" in complementary foods of Indonesian children. However, the extent of dietary inadequacy varies across age groups, area, and socioeconomic level. MFPE and fortified foods can improve micronutrient adequacy in complementary feeding diets and should be promoted in CFRs.

COS LP4 FUV Target Acquisition Enabling and Verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penton, Steven V.

2016-10-01

This LP4 program is designed to verify the ability of the LV0058/LV0059 COS FSW to place an isolated point source at the center of the PSA, using FUV dispersed light target acquisition (TA) for COS (LP4-TA-COS). Tests will be performed for all 3 FUV TA modes (ACQ/SEARCH, ACQ/PEAKD, and ACQ/PEAKXD). It is sufficient to test ACQ/SEARCH and ACQ/PEAKD with only one grating, but all three FUV gratings need to be tested for the new (as of LV0054) ACQ/PEAKXD with NUM_POS>1 (also known internally, and in the spt files, as OPMODE=ACQ/PEAKD(XD) at the Fourth Lifetime Position (LP4). This program is modeled after the LP2 and LP3 versions of this program; 12797 and 13636.This program has specific visits to test each portion of the FUV spectroscopic TA process. Visits 01-05 will use the target AV18, while Visit 06 will observe (WD1657+343). Both targets are visible year round. For the LP4 enabling, several improvements to APT, the ground system, and the flight software (FSW) have greatly simplified the enabling process. There are now no non-standard exposures, or special commanding, in this program.Specifically; 1) We now use the LIFETIME-POS = LP4 functionality in APT & FSW to specify the LP. The old procedure of using LIFETIME-POS ="ALTERNATE" has been removed. FUV LPs are now called out by number (e.g., LP4). 2) We will be using the new NUM_POS > 1 PEAKXD algorithm at LP4 due to large geometric distortions (GD) at the "Y" detector positions of LP4. FUVA is particularly affected by GD rendering the old PEAKXD algorithm unable to center a target to the required XD accuracy at LP4. 3) Numerous FSW Patchable constants that were essential for PEAKXD operations at previous LPs are no longer required. These are the WCA-to-PSA offsets and XD plate-scales. Like PEAKD, the NUM_POS > 1 PEAKXD requires no patchable constant updates. At previous LPs, numerous updates to the patchable constants were required, this is not necessary for LP4 TA enabling.Prior to the submission of this program, all LP4 SIAF, aperture mechanism positions, TA subarrays, and grating foci have been appropriately installed (SMS2017.058). Visits 01-05 will test these parameters and a further update will be initiated, if required. The FSW at the beginning of this program is the patch updated LV0058. Between Visits 02 and 03 of thisprogram, LV0059 will be installed. This was instaled on May 8, 2017. Visits 03-06 will be executed using LV0059.Visit 01 tests ACQ/SEARCH and Visit 02 tests ACQ/PEAKD using the G130M grating. Visit 01 uses the C1291 cenwave as this produces the widest in XD (tallest) spectrum of any cenwave for which TA is allowed that fully covers both detector segments. Visit 02 uses the C1327 cenwave as this is the most different of the TA enabled G130M cenwaves. Visit 03-05 test ACQ/PEAKXD in its new NUM_POS > 1 form for each of the FUV gratings. This extension of the ACQ/PEAKD algorithm in the cross-dispersion direction (XD) has been available in the FSW since LV0054 and was put in place to handle the much larger geometric distortions found in the LP4 detector regions. Visit 03 tests ACQ/PEAKXD with the widest in XD (tallest) G130M cenwave, C1291. Visit 04 tests ACQ/PEAKXD with G160M/1600 and Visit 05 uses G140L/1280.Finally, Visit 06 tests all of the TA modes together, in combination, on a separate target (WD1657+343). This visit should be the first FUV Spectroscopic TA executed at LP4.The specific details of the testing of each visit are given in the Observing Description section and in the visit level comments.Visit 01 of this program (the ACQ/SEARCH test) will provide an initial test of the TA subarrays and SIAF entries. If needed, the subarrays and/or the SIAF entries will be adjusted before the execution of Visit 02. For this reason, Visit 02 is configured to execute 4-5 weeks after Visit 01.Visit 02 of this program (14907), the ACQ/PEAKD test, will verify and further test any updates that result from the Visit 01 analysis. In particular, this visit will test the TA subarrays during large along-dispersion AD offsets and provide the G130M AD plate scales.Visits 03-05 (the ACQ/PEAKXD tests) will further test the TA subarrays with large XD offsets and provide XD plate scales and WCA-to-PSA offsets for each FUV grating. (APT25.2.2)Visits 01 and 02 will occur before APT25.2 will be released ( June 2017) and will therefore not test the entire LP4 system end-to-end. APT25.2 exposes the new ACQ/PEAKXD to GOs and contains defaults suitable for LP4 FUV TAs. Visits 03-05 can execute as early as 4-5 weeks after Visit 02. However, we must test APT25.2, its associated TRANS, ground system commanding, and LV0059 using its new NUM_POS and STEP_SIZE in this program. We prefer to test this with all 3 FUV gratings and therefore require that Visits 03-05 should execute using the full APT25.2.2 configuration.Prior to Visit 06, LV0059 and APT25.2 must have been installed and the official switch to LP4 operations must have occurred. We request that Visit 06 be the first FUV Spectroscopic TA executed at LP4 and no other FUV spectroscopic TAs should occur for at least two weeks after the move to LP4 to ensure that LP4 spectroscopic TAs are working properly end-to-end from APT-to-archive.NUV imaging TAs are used to determine the correct (and initial) desired locations for LP4 FUV spectra.Note that the ETC runs here were made using ETC 25.1.1 and are therefore valid for Summer 2017. Some TDS drop may have occurred before these visits execute, but we have plenty of counts to do what we need to do in this program.Each visit intentionally moves the target in the AD or XD, using POS-TARGs, and with targets that are offset in RA and DEC. The RA/DEC target offsets are required for testing the accuracy of the TA, while the POS-TARGs are useful for determining the plate scales and validating the TA subarrays. In order for the targets to be offset correctly in AD and/or XD, the RA and DEC target offsets are tied to a Visit-specific orientation. These orientation requirements produce visits which are only valid for an 10-day window. Should a visit get delayed, new target RA and DEC offsets and orients must be re-calculated and the program re-submitted. Visit specific offsets and orientations are discussed in the visit level comments.

Factors associated with lipoprotein(a) in chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Uhlig, Katrin; Wang, Shin-Ru; Beck, Gerald J; Kusek, John W; Marcovina, Santica M; Greene, Tom; Levey, Andrew S; Sarnak, Mark J

2005-01-01

It is unclear whether lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are elevated as a result of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or other factors associated with CKD. The goal of this study is to describe the association of Lp(a) level with GFR in the context of apoprotein(a) (apo[a]) isoform size, race, and other kidney disease-related factors, such as proteinuria, serum albumin level, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and serum lipid levels. Lp(a) and apo(a) isoforms were measured in serum samples obtained at baseline from 804 participants in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study (GFR range, 13 to 55 mL/min/1.73 m2). The cross-sectional association between Lp(a) level and GFR, apo(a) isoform size, race, and other variables was analyzed in univariate and multivariate linear regression. Median Lp(a) level was greater in blacks than whites (97.5 versus 28.1 nmol/L; P < 0.001). Those with a low-molecular-weight apo(a) isoform size had greater Lp(a) levels than those with a high-molecular-weight apo(a) isoform size (57.5 versus 21.3 nmol/L; P < 0.001). Lp(a) level was not associated with GFR. Low-molecular-weight apo(a), black race, and greater levels of proteinuria, CRP, and triglycerides were independently associated with greater Lp(a) levels. In this population with CKD stages 3 to 4, GFR was not associated with Lp(a) level, whereas other factors related to CKD, such as proteinuria, CRP level, and triglyceride level, as well as genetic factors such as apo(a) isoform size and race, were associated with Lp(a) level.

Supermodes in Coupled Multi-Core Waveguide Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

and therefore can be treated as linear polarization (LP) modes. In essence, the LP modes are scalar approximations of the vector mode fields and contain...field, including the discovery of optical discrete solitons , Bragg and vector solitons in fibers, nonlinear surface waves, and the discovery of self...increased for an isolated core, it can guide high-order modes. For optical fibers with low re- fractive index contrast, the vector modes are weakly guided

Detection of Linear Polarization from SNR Cassiopeia A at Low Radio Frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raja, Wasim; Deshpande, Avinash A.

2015-03-01

We report detection of the weak but significant linear polarization from the Supernova Remnant Cas A at low radio frequencies (327 MHz) using the GMRT. The spectro-polarimetric data (16 MHz bandwidth with 256 spectral channels) was analyzed using the technique of Faraday Tomography. Ascertaining association of this weak polarization to the source is non-trivial in the presence of the remnant instrumental polarization (<1% in our case) - the expected anti-correlation ρlp,x, between the linear polarized intensity and the soft X-ray counts gets masked by the correlation between the Stokes-I dependent instrumental leakage and the X-radiation that is spatially correlated with Stokes-I, if ρ lp,x is computed naively. Hence, we compute ρ lp,x using pixels within ultra narrow bins of Stokes-I within which the instrumental leakage is expected to remain constant, and establish the anti-correlation as well as the correspondence of this correlation with the mean X-ray profile (Figure 1). Given the angular and RM-resolution in our data, the observed depolarization relative to that at higher frequencies, implies that the mixing of thermal and non-thermal plasma within the source might be occurring on spatial scales ~ 1000 AU, assuming random superposition of polarization states.

Progressive response of large intestinal bacterial community and fermentation to the stepwise decrease of dietary crude protein level in growing pigs.

PubMed

Peng, Yu; Yu, Kaifan; Mu, Chunlong; Hang, Suqin; Che, Lianqiang; Zhu, Weiyun

2017-07-01

The study aimed to determine the effects of reduction of dietary crude protein (CP) level with balanced essential amino acids (EAA) on intestinal bacteria and their metabolites of growing pigs. Forty pigs (initial BW 13.50 ± 0.50 kg, 45 ± 2 days of age) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing CP levels at 20.00% (normal crude protein, NP); 17.16% (medium crude protein, MP); 15.30% (low crude protein, LP); and 13.90% (extremely low crude protein, ELP), respectively. Crystalline AAs were added to meet the EAA requirement of pigs. After 4-week feeding, eight pigs per treatment (n = 8) were randomly selected and slaughtered for sampling of ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta and mucosa. Pigs with moderately reduced CP level had increased bacterial diversity, with the Shannon diversity indices for the colon digesta in the LP group and mucosa in the MP and LP groups significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the NP and ELP groups. As the CP level reduces, the Bifidobacterium population were linearly decreased (P < 0.05) both in ileum, cecum, and colon, and the ELP group had the lowest Bifidobacterium population in the cecum and colon, with its value significantly lower than NP and MP groups (P < 0.05). However, the ELP group had the highest population of Escherichia coli in the colon, with its value significantly higher than the LP group (P < 0.05). For bacterial metabolites, as CP level decreased, total short-chain fatty acid (T-SCFA), acetate, and butyrate were linearly increased (linear, P < 0.05) in the ileum, while all SCFAs except formate in the cecum and T-SCFA and acetate in the colon, were linearly decreased (P < 0.05). Reducing CP level led to a linear decrease of microbial crude protein (MCP) in the ileum (P < 0.05) and ammonia in all intestine segments (P < 0.05). The spermidine in cecum and total amines, cadaverine, methylamine, and spermidine in colon were shown a quadratic change (P < 0.05) as dietary CP decreases, with the highest concentration in LP group. These findings suggest that moderate reduction of dietary CP level may benefit large intestinal bacterial community and its fermentation, which was negatively affected by extremely low CP diet.

Effects of high-fat diet on somatic growth, metabolic parameters and function of peritoneal macrophages of young rats submitted to a maternal low-protein diet.

PubMed

Alheiros-Lira, Maria Cláudia; Jurema-Santos, Gabriela Carvalho; da-Silva, Helyson Tomaz; da-Silva, Amanda Cabral; Moreno Senna, Sueli; Ferreira E Silva, Wylla Tatiana; Ferraz, José Candido; Leandro, Carol Góis

2017-03-01

This study evaluated the effects of a post-weaning high-fat (HF) diet on somatic growth, food consumption, metabolic parameters, phagocytic rate and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophages in young rats submitted to a maternal low-protein (LP) diet. Male Wistar rats (aged 60 d) were divided in two groups (n 22/each) according to their maternal diet during gestation and lactation: control (C, dams fed 17 % casein) and LP (dams fed 8 % casein). At weaning, half of the groups were fed HF diet and two more groups were formed (HF and low protein-high fat (LP-HF)). Somatic growth, food and energy intake, fat depots, serum glucose, cholesterol and leptin concentrations were evaluated. Phagocytic rate and NO production were analysed in peritoneal macrophages under stimulation of zymosan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+interferon γ (IFN-γ), respectively. The maternal LP diet altered the somatic parameters of growth and development of pups. LP and LP-HF pups showed a higher body weight gain and food intake than C pups. HF and LP-HF pups showed increased retroperitoneal and epididymal fat depots, serum level of TAG and total cholesterol compared with C and LP pups. After LPS+IFN-γ stimulation, LP and LP-HF pups showed reduced NO production when compared with their pairs. Increased phagocytic activity and NO production were seen in LP but not LP-HF peritoneal macrophages. However, peritoneal macrophages of LP pups were hyporesponsive to LPS+IFN-γ induced NO release, even after a post-weaning HF diet. Our data demonstrated that there was an immunomodulation related to dietary fatty acids after the maternal LP diet-induced metabolic programming.

Comparison study for multiple ionization of carbonyl sulfide by linearly and circularly polarized intense femtosecond laser fields using Coulomb explosion imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Pan; Wang, Chuncheng; Luo, Sizuo; Yu, Xitao; Li, Xiaokai; Wang, Zhenzhen; Hu, Wenhui; Yu, Jiaqi; Yang, Yizhang; Tian, Xu; Cui, Zhonghua; Ding, Dajun

2018-05-01

We studied the relative yields and dissociation dynamics for two- and three-body Coulomb explosion (CE) channels from highly charged carbonyl sulfide molecules in intense laser fields using the CE imaging technique. The electron recollision contributions are evaluated by comparing the relative yields for the multiple ionization process in linearly polarized and circularly polarized (LP and CP) laser fields. The nonsequential multiple ionization is only confirmed for the charge states of 2 to 4 because the energy for further ionization from the inner orbital is much larger than the maximum recollision energy, 3.2U p . The novel deviations of kinetic energy releases distributions between LP and CP pulses are observed for the charge states higher than 4. It can be attributed to the stronger molecular bending in highly charged states before three-body CE with CP light, in which the bending wave packet is initialed by the triple or quartic ionization and spread along their potential curves. Compared to LP light, CP light ionizes a larger fraction of bending molecules in the polarization plane.

Wavelength-Dependent Plasmon-Mediated Coalescence of Two Gold Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liaw, Jiunn-Woei; Lin, Wu-Chun; Kuo, Mao-Kuen

2017-04-01

Plasmon-mediated coalescence of two nearby gold nanorods (NRs) suspended in water induced by the illumination of a linearly polarized (LP) light was studied theoretically. We analyzed the coupled optical forces and torques in terms of Maxwell’s stress tensor upon two identical NRs irradiated by a LP plane wave using the multiple multipole method to estimate the optomechanical outcome. Numerical results show that the light-matter interaction can perform attraction or repulsion, depending on their initial configurations. For the attraction, the end-to-end or side-by-side coalescence of the two gold NRs could be caused by the LP light, depending on the wavelength. For example, the side-by-side coalescence of two adjacent NRs of r = 15 nm and L = 120 nm is most likely induced by 800-nm LP laser beam, whereas the end-to-end coalescence by 1064-nm or 1700-nm LP laser. These distinct phenomena are attributed to the perpendicular or parallel alignment of NR to the polarization of LP light in different wavelength ranges. The magnitude of optical force, proportional to the light’s fluence, could be stronger than van der Waals force. The estimation based on quasi-static model without considering the fluid dynamics may provide an insight to optical manipulation on the self-assembly of gold colloid.

Bioinformatic Analysis of Plasma Apolipoproteins A-I and A-II Revealed Unique Features of A-I/A-II HDL Particles in Human Plasma

PubMed Central

Kido, Toshimi; Kurata, Hideaki; Kondo, Kazuo; Itakura, Hiroshige; Okazaki, Mitsuyo; Urata, Takeyoshi; Yokoyama, Shinji

2016-01-01

Plasma concentration of apoA-I, apoA-II and apoA-II-unassociated apoA-I was analyzed in 314 Japanese subjects (177 males and 137 females), including one (male) homozygote and 37 (20 males and 17 females) heterozygotes of genetic CETP deficiency. ApoA-I unassociated with apoA-II markedly and linearly increased with HDL-cholesterol, while apoA-II increased only very slightly and the ratio of apoA-II-associated apoA-I to apoA-II stayed constant at 2 in molar ratio throughout the increase of HDL-cholesterol, among the wild type and heterozygous CETP deficiency. Thus, overall HDL concentration almost exclusively depends on HDL with apoA-I without apoA-II (LpAI) while concentration of HDL containing apoA-I and apoA-II (LpAI:AII) is constant having a fixed molar ratio of 2 : 1 regardless of total HDL and apoA-I concentration. Distribution of apoA-I between LpAI and LpAI:AII is consistent with a model of statistical partitioning regardless of sex and CETP genotype. The analysis also indicated that LpA-I accommodates on average 4 apoA-I molecules and has a clearance rate indistinguishable from LpAI:AII. Independent evidence indicated LpAI:A-II has a diameter 20% smaller than LpAI, consistent with a model having two apoA-I and one apoA-II. The functional contribution of these particles is to be investigated. PMID:27526664

Optimizing Biorefinery Design and Operations via Linear Programming Models

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

Talmadge, Michael; Batan, Liaw; Lamers, Patrick

The ability to assess and optimize economics of biomass resource utilization for the production of fuels, chemicals and power is essential for the ultimate success of a bioenergy industry. The team of authors, consisting of members from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), has developed simple biorefinery linear programming (LP) models to enable the optimization of theoretical or existing biorefineries. The goal of this analysis is to demonstrate how such models can benefit the developing biorefining industry. It focuses on a theoretical multi-pathway, thermochemical biorefinery configuration and demonstrates how the biorefinery can use LPmore » models for operations planning and optimization in comparable ways to the petroleum refining industry. Using LP modeling tools developed under U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office (DOE-BETO) funded efforts, the authors investigate optimization challenges for the theoretical biorefineries such as (1) optimal feedstock slate based on available biomass and prices, (2) breakeven price analysis for available feedstocks, (3) impact analysis for changes in feedstock costs and product prices, (4) optimal biorefinery operations during unit shutdowns / turnarounds, and (5) incentives for increased processing capacity. These biorefinery examples are comparable to crude oil purchasing and operational optimization studies that petroleum refiners perform routinely using LPs and other optimization models. It is important to note that the analyses presented in this article are strictly theoretical and they are not based on current energy market prices. The pricing structure assigned for this demonstrative analysis is consistent with $4 per gallon gasoline, which clearly assumes an economic environment that would favor the construction and operation of biorefineries. The analysis approach and examples provide valuable insights into the usefulness of analysis tools for maximizing the potential benefits of biomass utilization for production of fuels, chemicals and power.« less

A singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular cone based robotic radiotherapy.

PubMed

Liang, Bin; Li, Yongbao; Wei, Ran; Guo, Bin; Xu, Xuang; Liu, Bo; Li, Jiafeng; Wu, Qiuwen; Zhou, Fugen

2018-01-05

With robot-controlled linac positioning, robotic radiotherapy systems such as CyberKnife significantly increase freedom of radiation beam placement, but also impose more challenges on treatment plan optimization. The resampling mechanism in the vendor-supplied treatment planning system (MultiPlan) cannot fully explore the increased beam direction search space. Besides, a sparse treatment plan (using fewer beams) is desired to improve treatment efficiency. This study proposes a singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular collimator based robotic radiotherapy. The SVDLP approach initializes the input beams by simulating the process of covering the entire target volume with equivalent beam tapers. The requirements on dosimetry distribution are modeled as hard and soft constraints, and the sparsity of the treatment plan is achieved by compressive sensing. The proposed linear programming (LP) model optimizes beam weights by minimizing the deviation of soft constraints subject to hard constraints, with a constraint on the l 1 norm of the beam weight. A singular value decomposition (SVD) based acceleration technique was developed for the LP model. Based on the degeneracy of the influence matrix, the model is first compressed into lower dimension for optimization, and then back-projected to reconstruct the beam weight. After beam weight optimization, the number of beams is reduced by removing the beams with low weight, and optimizing the weights of the remaining beams using the same model. This beam reduction technique is further validated by a mixed integer programming (MIP) model. The SVDLP approach was tested on a lung case. The results demonstrate that the SVD acceleration technique speeds up the optimization by a factor of 4.8. Furthermore, the beam reduction achieves a similar plan quality to the globally optimal plan obtained by the MIP model, but is one to two orders of magnitude faster. Furthermore, the SVDLP approach is tested and compared with MultiPlan on three clinical cases of varying complexities. In general, the plans generated by the SVDLP achieve steeper dose gradient, better conformity and less damage to normal tissues. In conclusion, the SVDLP approach effectively improves the quality of treatment plan due to the use of the complete beam search space. This challenging optimization problem with the complete beam search space is effectively handled by the proposed SVD acceleration.

A singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular cone based robotic radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Bin; Li, Yongbao; Wei, Ran; Guo, Bin; Xu, Xuang; Liu, Bo; Li, Jiafeng; Wu, Qiuwen; Zhou, Fugen

2018-01-01

With robot-controlled linac positioning, robotic radiotherapy systems such as CyberKnife significantly increase freedom of radiation beam placement, but also impose more challenges on treatment plan optimization. The resampling mechanism in the vendor-supplied treatment planning system (MultiPlan) cannot fully explore the increased beam direction search space. Besides, a sparse treatment plan (using fewer beams) is desired to improve treatment efficiency. This study proposes a singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular collimator based robotic radiotherapy. The SVDLP approach initializes the input beams by simulating the process of covering the entire target volume with equivalent beam tapers. The requirements on dosimetry distribution are modeled as hard and soft constraints, and the sparsity of the treatment plan is achieved by compressive sensing. The proposed linear programming (LP) model optimizes beam weights by minimizing the deviation of soft constraints subject to hard constraints, with a constraint on the l 1 norm of the beam weight. A singular value decomposition (SVD) based acceleration technique was developed for the LP model. Based on the degeneracy of the influence matrix, the model is first compressed into lower dimension for optimization, and then back-projected to reconstruct the beam weight. After beam weight optimization, the number of beams is reduced by removing the beams with low weight, and optimizing the weights of the remaining beams using the same model. This beam reduction technique is further validated by a mixed integer programming (MIP) model. The SVDLP approach was tested on a lung case. The results demonstrate that the SVD acceleration technique speeds up the optimization by a factor of 4.8. Furthermore, the beam reduction achieves a similar plan quality to the globally optimal plan obtained by the MIP model, but is one to two orders of magnitude faster. Furthermore, the SVDLP approach is tested and compared with MultiPlan on three clinical cases of varying complexities. In general, the plans generated by the SVDLP achieve steeper dose gradient, better conformity and less damage to normal tissues. In conclusion, the SVDLP approach effectively improves the quality of treatment plan due to the use of the complete beam search space. This challenging optimization problem with the complete beam search space is effectively handled by the proposed SVD acceleration.

In vitro CpG methylation increases the transformation efficiency of Borrelia burgdorferi strains harboring the endogenous linear plasmid lp56.

PubMed

Chen, Qiang; Fischer, Joshua R; Benoit, Vivian M; Dufour, Nicholas P; Youderian, Philip; Leong, John M

2008-12-01

Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne illness in the Northern hemisphere. Low-passage-number infectious strains of B. burgdorferi exhibit extremely low transformation efficiencies-so low, in fact, as to hinder the genetic study of putative virulence factors. Two putative restriction-modification (R-M) systems, BBE02 contained on linear plasmid 25 (lp25) and BBQ67 contained on lp56, have been postulated to contribute to this poor transformability. Restriction barriers posed by other bacteria have been overcome by the in vitro methylation of DNA prior to transformation. To test whether a methylation-sensitive restriction system contributes to poor B. burgdorferi transformability, shuttle plasmids were treated with the CpG methylase M.SssI prior to the electroporation of a variety of strains harboring different putative R-M systems. We found that for B. burgdorferi strains that harbor lp56, in vitro methylation increased transformation by at least 1 order of magnitude. These results suggest that in vitro CpG methylation protects exogenous DNA from degradation by an lp56-contained R-M system, presumably BBQ67. The utility of in vitro methylation for the genetic manipulation of B. burgdorferi was exemplified by the ease of plasmid complementation of a B. burgdorferi B31 A3 BBK32 kanamycin-resistant (B31 A3 BBK32::Kan(r)) mutant, deficient in the expression of the fibronectin- and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding adhesin BBK32. Consistent with the observation that several surface proteins may promote GAG binding, the B. burgdorferi B31 A3 BBK32::Kan(r) mutant demonstrated no defect in the ability to bind purified GAGs or GAGs expressed on the surfaces of cultured cells.

Racial variation in lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in older adults

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a predictor of cardiovascular events that has been shown to vary with race. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with this racial variation. Methods We measured Lp-PLA2 mass and activity in 714 healthy older adults with no clinical coronary heart disease and not taking dyslipidemia medication. We evaluated the association between race and Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels after adjustment for various covariates using multivariable linear regression. These covariates included age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, lipid measurements, C-reactive protein, smoking status, physical activity, diet, income, and education level. We further examined genetic covariates that included three single nucleotide polymorphisms shown to be associated with Lp-PLA2 activity levels. Results The mean age was 66 years. Whites had the highest Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels, followed by Hispanics and Asians, and then African-Americans; in age and sex adjusted analyses, these differences were significant for each non-White race as compared to Whites (p < 0.0001). For example, African-Americans were predicted to have a 55.0 ng/ml lower Lp-PLA2 mass and 24.7 nmol/ml-min lower activity, compared with Whites, independent of age and sex (p < 0.0001). After adjustment for all covariates, race remained significantly correlated with Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels (p < 0.001) with African-Americans having 44.8 ng/ml lower Lp-PLA2 mass and 17.3 nmol/ml-min lower activity compared with Whites (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Biological, lifestyle, demographic, and select genetic factors do not appear to explain variations in Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels between Whites and non-Whites, suggesting that Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels may need to be interpreted differently for various races. PMID:21714927

Increased stroke risk and lipoprotein(a) in a multiethnic community: the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study.

PubMed

Boden-Albala, Bernadette; Kargman, Douglas E; Lin, I-Feng; Paik, Myunghee C; Sacco, Ralph L; Berglund, Lars

2010-08-01

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with ischemic stroke (IS) among Whites, but data is sparse for non-White populations. Using a population-based case-control study design with subjects from the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study, we assessed whether Lp(a) levels were independently associated with IS risk among Whites, Blacks and Hispanics. Lp(a) levels were measured in 317 IS cases (mean age 69 +/- 13 years; 56% women; 16% Whites, 31% Blacks and 52% Hispanics) and 413 community-based controls, matched by age, race/ethnicity and gender. In-person assessments included demographics, socioeconomic status, presence of vascular risk factors and fasting lipid levels. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent association of Lp(a) and IS. Stratified analyses investigated gender and race/ethnic differences. Mean Lp(a) levels were greater among cases than controls (46.3 +/- 41.0 vs. 38.9 +/- 38.2 mg/dl; p < 0.01). After adjusting for stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, cigarette smoking), lipid levels, and socioeconomic status, Lp(a) levels > or =30 mg/dl were independently associated with an increased stroke risk in the overall cohort (adjusted odds ratio, OR, 1.8, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.20-2.6; p = 0.004). There was a significant linear dose-response relationship between Lp(a) levels and IS risk. The association between IS risk and Lp(a) > or =30 mg/dl was more pronounced among men (adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.5; p = 0.02) and among Blacks (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.2; p = 0.02). Elevated Lp(a) levels were significantly and independently associated with increased stroke risk, suggesting that Lp(a) is a risk factor for IS across White, Black and Hispanic race/ethnic groups. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Third COS FUV Lifetime Position: FUV Target Acquisition Parameter Update {LENA3}

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penton, Steven

2013-10-01

Verify the ability of the Cycle 22 COS FSW to place an isolated point source at the center of the PSA, using FUV dispersed light target acquisition (TA) from the object and all three FUV gratings at the Third Lifetime Position (LP3). This program is modeled from the activity summary of LENA3.This program should be executed after the LP3 HV, XD spectral positions, aperture mechanism position, and focus are determined and updated. In addition, initial estimates of the LIFETIME=ALTERNATE TA FSW parameters and subarrays should be updated prior to execution of this program. After Visit 01, the subarrays will be updated. After Visit 2, the FUV WCA-to-PSA offsets will be updateded. Prior to Visit 6, LV56 will be installed will include new values for the LP3 FUV plate scales. VISIT 6 exposures use the default lifetime position (LP3).NUV imaging TAs have previously been used to determine the correct locations for FUV spectra. We follow the same procedure here.Note that the ETC runs here were made using ETC22.2 and are therefore valid for Mach 2014. Some TDS drop will likely have occured before these visits execute, but we have plenty of count to go what we need to do in this program.

Extrapolation of operators acting into quasi-Banach spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lykov, K. V.

2016-01-01

Linear and sublinear operators acting from the scale of L_p spaces to a certain fixed quasinormed space are considered. It is shown how the extrapolation construction proposed by Jawerth and Milman at the end of 1980s can be used to extend a bounded action of an operator from the L_p scale to wider spaces. Theorems are proved which generalize Yano's extrapolation theorem to the case of a quasinormed target space. More precise results are obtained under additional conditions on the quasinorm. Bibliography: 35 titles.

Convergence of neural networks for programming problems via a nonsmooth Lojasiewicz inequality.

PubMed

Forti, Mauro; Nistri, Paolo; Quincampoix, Marc

2006-11-01

This paper considers a class of neural networks (NNs) for solving linear programming (LP) problems, convex quadratic programming (QP) problems, and nonconvex QP problems where an indefinite quadratic objective function is subject to a set of affine constraints. The NNs are characterized by constraint neurons modeled by ideal diodes with vertical segments in their characteristic, which enable to implement an exact penalty method. A new method is exploited to address convergence of trajectories, which is based on a nonsmooth Lojasiewicz inequality for the generalized gradient vector field describing the NN dynamics. The method permits to prove that each forward trajectory of the NN has finite length, and as a consequence it converges toward a singleton. Furthermore, by means of a quantitative evaluation of the Lojasiewicz exponent at the equilibrium points, the following results on convergence rate of trajectories are established: (1) for nonconvex QP problems, each trajectory is either exponentially convergent, or convergent in finite time, toward a singleton belonging to the set of constrained critical points; (2) for convex QP problems, the same result as in (1) holds; moreover, the singleton belongs to the set of global minimizers; and (3) for LP problems, each trajectory converges in finite time to a singleton belonging to the set of global minimizers. These results, which improve previous results obtained via the Lyapunov approach, are true independently of the nature of the set of equilibrium points, and in particular they hold even when the NN possesses infinitely many nonisolated equilibrium points.

The programming effects of nutrition-induced catch-up growth on gut microbiota and metabolic diseases in adult mice.

PubMed

Zheng, Jia; Xiao, Xinhua; Zhang, Qian; Yu, Miao; Xu, Jianping; Qi, Cuijuan; Wang, Tong

2016-04-01

Substantial evidence indicated that catch-up growth could increase the susceptibility to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood. However, investigations into the "programming" effects of catch-up growth on gut microbiota in the offspring are limited. C57/BL6 mice were fed on either low protein (LP) or normal chow (NC) diet throughout gestation and lactation. Then, the offspring were randomly weaned to either NC or high fat (HF) diet until 32 weeks of age, generating four experimental groups: NC-NC, NC-HF, LP-NC, and LP-HF. Metabolic parameters and gut microbiota were examined in the offspring. It showed that the NC-HF and LP-HF offspring displayed higher body weight (P < 0.05), impaired glucose tolerance (P < 0.001), and elevated serum lipids (P < 0.05) at 32 weeks of age. Both the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and the Shannon indexes (P < 0.05) showed significantly lower microbial diversity in NC-HF and LP-HF offspring. There were significant variations in the compositions of gut microbiota in the NC-HF and LP-HF offspring, compared with NC-NC offspring (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it indicated Lactobacillus percentage was negatively associated with blood glucose concentrations of intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (r = -0.886, P = 0.019). In conclusion, catch-up growth predisposes the offspring to gut microbiota perturbation, obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Our study is novel in showing the "programming" effects of nutrition-induced catch-up growth on gut microbiota and metabolic diseases in later life. © 2016 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The association among lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels, total antioxidant capacity and arousal in male patients with OSA.

PubMed

Bekci, Taha T; Kayrak, Mehmet; Kiyici, Aysel; Maden, Emin; Ari, Hatem; Kaya, Zeynettin; Teke, Turgut; Akilli, Hakan

2011-01-01

The mechanisms of the increased cardiac and vascular events in patients with OSA are not well understood. Arousal which is an important component of OSA was associated with increased sympathetic activation and electrocardiographic changes which prone to arrhythmias. We planned to examine the association among arousal, circulating Lp-PLA2 and total antioxidant capacity in male patients with OSA. Fifty male patients with newly diagnosed OSA were enrolled the study. A full-night polysomnography was performed and arousal index was obtained. Lp-PLA2 concentrations were measured in serum samples with the PLAC Test. Total antioxidant capacity in patients was determined with Antioxidant Assay Kit. Arousal was positively correlated with LP-PLA2 levels (r=0.43, p=0.002) and was negatively correlated with total antioxidant capacity (r= -0.29, p=0.04). Elevated LP-PLA2 levels and decreased total antioxidant activities were found in the highest arousal quartile compared with the lowest and 2nd quartiles (p=0.02, p=0.05, respectively). LP-PLA2 was an independently predictor of arousal index in regression model (β=0.357, p=0.002) This study demonstrated a moderate linear relationship between arousal and LP-PLA2 levels. Also, total antioxidant capacities were decreased in the higher arousal index. Based on the study result, the patients with higher arousal index may be prone to vascular events.

Microwave birefringent metamaterials for polarization conversion based on spoof surface plasmon polariton modes

PubMed Central

Li, Yongfeng; Zhang, Jieqiu; Ma, Hua; Wang, Jiafu; Pang, Yongqiang; Feng, Dayi; Xu, Zhuo; Qu, Shaobo

2016-01-01

We propose the design of wideband birefringent metamaterials based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). Spatial k-dispersion design of SSPP modes in metamaterials is adopted to achieve high-efficiency transmission of electromagnetic waves through the metamaterial layer. By anisotropic design, the transmission phase accumulation in metamaterials can be independently modulated for x- and y-polarized components of incident waves. Since the dispersion curve of SSPPs is nonlinear, frequency-dependent phase differences can be obtained between the two orthogonal components of transmitted waves. As an example, we demonstrate a microwave birefringent metamaterials composed of fishbone structures. The full-polarization-state conversions on the zero-longitude line of Poincaré sphere can be fulfilled twice in 6–20 GHz for both linearly polarized (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) waves incidence. Besides, at a given frequency, the full-polarization-state conversion can be achieved by changing the polarization angle of the incident LP waves. Both the simulation and experiment results verify the high-efficiency polarization conversion functions of the birefringent metamaterial, including circular-to-circular, circular-to-linear(linear-to-circular), linear-to-linear polarization conversions. PMID:27698443

Image Processing Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-30

systems a linear model results in an object f being mappad into an image _ by a point spread function matrix H. Thus with noise j +Hf +n (1) The simplest... linear models for imaging systems are given by space invariant point spread functions (SIPSF) in which case H is block circulant. If the linear model is...Ij,...,k-IM1 is a set of two dimensional indices each distinct and prior to k. Modeling Procedare: To derive the linear predictor (block LP of figure

Multiple-Band Linear-Polarization Conversion and Circular Polarization in Reflection Mode Using a Symmetric Anisotropic Metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Bao-Qin; Guo, Jian-Xin; Chu, Peng; Huo, Wen-Jun; Xing, Zhuo; Huang, Bai-Gang; Wu, Lan

2018-02-01

In this work, we propose a multiband linear-polarization (LP) conversion and circular polarization (CP) maintaining reflector using a symmetric anisotropic metasurface. The anisotropic metasurface is composed of a square array of a two-corner-cut square multiring disk printed on a grounded dielectric substrate, which is a symmetric structure with a pair of mutually perpendicular symmetric axes u and v along the ±45 ° directions with respect to the y -axis direction. The simulated results show that the reflector can realize LP conversion in five frequency bands at both x - and y -polarized incidence, the first four bands all have a certain bandwidth, and the fourth one, especially, is an ultrawideband. In addition, because of the symmetry of the reflector structure, the polarization state of a CP wave can be maintained after reflection, and the magnitude of the copolarized reflection coefficient at the CP incidence is just equal to that of the cross-polarized reflection coefficient at the x - and y -polarized incidence. We analyze the root cause of the multiband LP conversion and CP maintaining reflection, and carry out one experiment to verify the proposed reflector.

Up-regulation of renal renin-angiotensin system and inflammatory mechanisms in the prenatal programming by low-protein diet: beneficial effect of the post-weaning losartan treatment.

PubMed

Watanabe, I K M; Jara, Z P; Volpini, R A; Franco, M D C; Jung, F F; Casarini, D E

2018-05-06

Previous studies have shown that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is affected by adverse maternal nutrition during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a maternal low-protein diet on proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species and RAS components in kidney samples isolated from adult male offspring. We hypothesized that post-weaning losartan treatment would have beneficial effects on RAS activity and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in these animals. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a control (20% casein) or low-protein diet (LP) (6% casein) throughout gestation. After weaning, the LP pups were randomly assigned to LP and LP-losartan groups (AT1 receptor blockade: 10 mg/kg/day until 20 weeks of age). At 20 weeks of age, blood pressure levels were higher and renal RAS was activated in the LP group. We also observed several adverse effects in the kidneys of the LP group, including a higher number of CD3, CD68 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and higher levels of collagen and reactive oxygen species in the kidney. Further, our results revealed that post-weaning losartan treatment completely abolished immune cell infiltration and intrarenal RAS activation in the kidneys of LP rats. The prevention of augmentation of angiotensin (Ang II) concentration abolished inflammatory and fibrotic events, indicating that Ang II via the AT1 receptor is essential for pathological initiation. Our results suggest that the prenatal programming of hypertension is dependent on the up-regulation of local RAS and presence of immune cells in the kidney.

Segmental sodium reabsorption by the renal tubule in prenatally programmed hypertension in the rat.

PubMed

Alwasel, Saleh H; Ashton, Nick

2012-02-01

Hypertension and renal dysfunction can be programmed in the rat by prenatal exposure to a low-protein (LP) diet. Expression of the renal thick ascending limb (TAL) sodium transporter NKCC2 is up-regulated, which has been predicted to result in greater sodium reabsorption. However, we have shown that LP rats excrete more not less sodium. The aim of this study was to determine whether the increased abundance of sodium:potassium:chloride (Na(+):K(+):2Cl(-)) co-transporter (NKCC2) leads to enhanced sodium uptake by the TAL. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed a control (18%) or LP (9%) diet. Amiloride (AM), bendroflumethiazide (BF), and furosemide (FUR) were administered acutely to male offspring at 4 weeks of age. Fractional excretion of sodium (FE(Na)) was significantly greater in vehicle-infused LP rats (3.0 ± 0.3%) compared with controls (1.7 ± 0.5, P < 0.01). FE(Na) by the LP proximal tubule did not differ from controls, whereas FE(Na) by the distal tubule was significantly greater (P < 0.01). These differences were abolished by the administration of AM + BF (equivalent to the outflow from the TAL) and AM + BF + FUR (equivalent to the outflow from the proximal tubule), suggesting that the increase in NKCC2 expression was not functional. However, during acute salt loading, the LP rat pressure natriuresis curve was shifted rightward, implying that raised systemic blood pressure is required to match urinary sodium excretion with dietary intake. These data suggest that renal sodium handling is impaired in the LP rat but that this is not due to increased NKCC2 expression.

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

Vanderbei, Robert J., E-mail: rvdb@princeton.edu; P Latin-Small-Letter-Dotless-I nar, Mustafa C., E-mail: mustafap@bilkent.edu.tr; Bozkaya, Efe B.

An American option (or, warrant) is the right, but not the obligation, to purchase or sell an underlying equity at any time up to a predetermined expiration date for a predetermined amount. A perpetual American option differs from a plain American option in that it does not expire. In this study, we solve the optimal stopping problem of a perpetual American option (both call and put) in discrete time using linear programming duality. Under the assumption that the underlying stock price follows a discrete time and discrete state Markov process, namely a geometric random walk, we formulate the pricing problemmore » as an infinite dimensional linear programming (LP) problem using the excessive-majorant property of the value function. This formulation allows us to solve complementary slackness conditions in closed-form, revealing an optimal stopping strategy which highlights the set of stock-prices where the option should be exercised. The analysis for the call option reveals that such a critical value exists only in some cases, depending on a combination of state-transition probabilities and the economic discount factor (i.e., the prevailing interest rate) whereas it ceases to be an issue for the put.« less

Lipoprotein(a) and HIV: Allele-Specific Apolipoprotein(a) Levels Predict Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in HIV-Infected Young Women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study.

PubMed

Enkhmaa, Byambaa; Anuurad, Erdembileg; Zhang, Wei; Li, Chin-Shang; Kaplan, Robert; Lazar, Jason; Merenstein, Dan; Karim, Roksana; Aouizerat, Brad; Cohen, Mardge; Butler, Kenneth; Pahwa, Savita; Ofotokun, Igho; Adimora, Adaora A; Golub, Elizabeth; Berglund, Lars

2017-05-01

In the general population, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been established as an independent causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) levels are to a major extent regulated by a size polymorphism in the apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] gene. The roles of Lp(a)/apo(a) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related elevated cardiovascular disease risk remain unclear. The associations between total plasma Lp(a) level, allele-specific apo(a) level, an Lp(a) level carried by individual apo(a) alleles, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness were assessed in 150 HIV-infected and 100 HIV-uninfected women in the WIHS (Women's Interagency HIV Study). Linear regression analyses with and without adjustments were used. The cohort was young (mean age, ≈31 years), with the majority being Blacks (≈70%). The prevalence of a small size apo(a) (≤22 Kringle repeats) or a high Lp(a) level (≥30 mg/dL) was similar by HIV status. Total plasma Lp(a) level ( P =0.029) and allele-specific apo(a) level carried by the smaller apo(a) sizes ( P =0.022) were significantly associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness in the HIV-infected women only. After accounting for confounders (age, race, smoking, body mass index, blood pressure, hepatitis C virus coinfection, menopause, plasma lipids, treatment status, CD4 + T cell count, and HIV/RNA viral load), the association remained significant for both Lp(a) ( P =0.035) and allele-specific apo(a) level carried by the smaller apo(a) sizes ( P =0.010) in the HIV-infected women. Notably, none of the other lipids/lipoproteins was associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness. Lp(a) and allele-specific apo(a) levels predict carotid artery intima-media thickness in HIV-infected young women. Further research is needed to identify underlying mechanisms of an increased Lp(a) atherogenicity in HIV infection. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Tonic 5nM DA stabilizes neuronal output by enabling bidirectional activity-dependent regulation of the hyperpolarization activated current via PKA and calcineurin.

PubMed

Krenz, Wulf-Dieter C; Rodgers, Edmund W; Baro, Deborah J

2015-01-01

Volume transmission results in phasic and tonic modulatory signals. The actions of tonic dopamine (DA) at type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs) are largely undefined. Here we show that tonic 5nM DA acts at D1Rs to stabilize neuronal output over minutes by enabling activity-dependent regulation of the hyperpolarization activated current (I h). In the presence but not absence of 5nM DA, I h maximal conductance (G max) was adjusted according to changes in slow wave activity in order to maintain spike timing. Our study on the lateral pyloric neuron (LP), which undergoes rhythmic oscillations in membrane potential with depolarized plateaus, demonstrated that incremental, bi-directional changes in plateau duration produced corresponding alterations in LP I hG max when preparations were superfused with saline containing 5nM DA. However, when preparations were superfused with saline alone there was no linear correlation between LP I hGmax and duty cycle. Thus, tonic nM DA modulated the capacity for activity to modulate LP I h G max; this exemplifies metamodulation (modulation of modulation). Pretreatment with the Ca2+-chelator, BAPTA, or the specific PKA inhibitor, PKI, prevented all changes in LP I h in 5nM DA. Calcineurin inhibitors blocked activity-dependent changes enabled by DA and revealed a PKA-mediated, activity-independent enhancement of LP I hG max. These data suggested that tonic 5nM DA produced two simultaneous, PKA-dependent effects: a direct increase in LP I h G max and a priming event that permitted calcineurin regulation of LP I h. The latter produced graded reductions in LP I hG max with increasing duty cycles. We also demonstrated that this metamodulation preserved the timing of LP's first spike when network output was perturbed with bath-applied 4AP. In sum, 5nM DA permits slow wave activity to provide feedback that maintains spike timing, suggesting that one function of low-level, tonic modulation is to stabilize specific features of a dynamic output.

77 FR 11019 - Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-24

... booster rotors and rework or replacement of them as terminating action to the repetitive inspections. We... address this condition, RRD has developed an inspection program and a rework for the affected LP... is found, replacement with a serviceable part. This AD also requires rework of all affected LP...

A techno-economic model for optimum regeneration of surface mined land

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhopadhyay, Manas K.; Sinha, Indra N.

2006-07-01

The recent global scenario in the mineral sector may be characterized by rising competitiveness, increasing production costs and a slump in market price. This has pushed the mineral sector in general and that in the developing countries in particular to a situation where the industry has a limited capacity to sustain unproductive costs. This, more often than not, results in a situation where the industry fails to ensure environmental safeguards during and after mineral extraction. The situation is conspicuous in the Indian coal mining industry where more than 73% production comes from surface operations. India has an ambitious power augmentation projection for the coming 10 years. A phenomenal increase in coal production is proposed from the power grade coalfields in India. One of the most likely fall-outs of land degradation due to mining in these areas would be significant reduction of agricultural and other important land-uses. Currently, backfilling costs are perceived as prohibitive and abandonment of land is the easy way out. This study attempts to provide mine planners with a mathematical model that distributes generated overburden at defined disposal options while ensuring maximization of backfilled land area at minimum direct and economic costs. Optimization has been accomplished by linear programming (LP) for optimum distribution of each year’s generated overburden. Previous year’s disposal quantity outputs are processed as one set of the inputs to the LP model for generation of current year’s disposal output. From various geo-mining inputs, site constants of the LP constraints are calculated. Arrived value of economic vectors, which guide the programming statement, decides the optimal overburden distribution in defined options. The case example (with model test run) indicates that overburden distribution is significantly sensitive to coal seam gradient. The model has universal applicability to cyclic system (shovel dumper combination) of opencast mining of stratified deposits.

The role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in LP-BPM5 murine retroviral disease progression.

PubMed

O'Connor, Megan A; Green, William R

2013-05-17

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an immunomodulatory intracellular enzyme involved in tryptophan degradation. IDO is induced during cancer and microbial infections by cytokines, ligation of co-stimulatory molecules and/or activation of pattern recognition receptors, ultimately leading to modulation of the immune response. LP-BM5 murine retroviral infection induces murine AIDS (MAIDS), which is characterized by profound and broad immunosuppression of T- and B-cell responses. Our lab has previously described multiple mechanisms regulating the development of immunodeficiency of LP-BM5-induced disease, including Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), IL-10, and T-regulatory (Treg) cells. Immunosuppressive roles of IDO have been demonstrated in other retroviral models, suggesting a possible role for IDO during LP-BM5-induced retroviral disease progression and/or development of viral load. Mice deficient in IDO (B6.IDO-/-) and wildtype C57BL/6 (B6) mice were infected with LP-BM5 murine retrovirus. MAIDS and LP-BM5 viral load were assessed at termination. As expected, IDO was un-inducible in B6.IDO-/- during LP-BM5 infection. B6.IDO-/- mice infected with LP-BM5 retrovirus succumbed to MAIDS as indicated by splenomegaly, serum hyper IgG2a and IgM, decreased responsiveness to B- and T-cell mitogens, conversion of a proportion of CD4+ T cells from Thy1.2+ to Thy1.2-, and increased percentages of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells. LP-BM5 infected B6.IDO-/- mice also demonstrated the development of roughly equivalent disease kinetics as compared to infected B6 mice. Splenic viral loads of B6 and B6.IDO-/- mice were also equivalent after infection as measured by LP-BM5-specific Def Gag and Eco Gag viral mRNA, determined by qRT-PCR. Collectively, these results demonstrate IDO neither plays an essential role, nor is required, in LP-BM5-induced disease progression or LP-BM5 viral load.

Decay of the 3D viscous liquid-gas two-phase flow model with damping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yinghui

2016-08-01

We establish the optimal Lp - L2(1 ≤ p < 6/5) time decay rates of the solution to the Cauchy problem for the 3D viscous liquid-gas two-phase flow model with damping and analyse the influences of the damping on the qualitative behaviors of solution. It is observed that the fraction effect of the damping affects the dispersion of fluids and enhances the time decay rate of solution. Our method of proof consists of Hodge decomposition technique, Lp - L2 estimates for the linearized equations, and delicate energy estimates.

Polarized-pixel performance model for DoFP polarimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Bin; Shi, Zelin; Liu, Haizheng; Liu, Li; Zhao, Yaohong; Zhang, Junchao

2018-06-01

A division of a focal plane (DoFP) polarimeter is manufactured by placing a micropolarizer array directly onto the focal plane array (FPA) of a detector. Each element of the DoFP polarimeter is a polarized pixel. This paper proposes a performance model for a polarized pixel. The proposed model characterizes the optical and electronic performance of a polarized pixel by three parameters. They are respectively major polarization responsivity, minor polarization responsivity and polarization orientation. Each parameter corresponds to an intuitive physical feature of a polarized pixel. This paper further extends this model to calibrate polarization images from a DoFP (division of focal plane) polarimeter. This calibration work is evaluated quantitatively by a developed DoFP polarimeter under varying illumination intensity and angle of linear polarization. The experiment proves that our model reduces nonuniformity to 6.79% of uncalibrated DoLP (degree of linear polarization) images, and significantly improves the visual effect of DoLP images.

Tonic 5nM DA Stabilizes Neuronal Output by Enabling Bidirectional Activity-Dependent Regulation of the Hyperpolarization Activated Current via PKA and Calcineurin

PubMed Central

Krenz, Wulf-Dieter C.; Rodgers, Edmund W.; Baro, Deborah J.

2015-01-01

Volume transmission results in phasic and tonic modulatory signals. The actions of tonic dopamine (DA) at type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs) are largely undefined. Here we show that tonic 5nM DA acts at D1Rs to stabilize neuronal output over minutes by enabling activity-dependent regulation of the hyperpolarization activated current (I h). In the presence but not absence of 5nM DA, I h maximal conductance (G max) was adjusted according to changes in slow wave activity in order to maintain spike timing. Our study on the lateral pyloric neuron (LP), which undergoes rhythmic oscillations in membrane potential with depolarized plateaus, demonstrated that incremental, bi-directional changes in plateau duration produced corresponding alterations in LP I hG max when preparations were superfused with saline containing 5nM DA. However, when preparations were superfused with saline alone there was no linear correlation between LP I hGmax and duty cycle. Thus, tonic nM DA modulated the capacity for activity to modulate LP I h G max; this exemplifies metamodulation (modulation of modulation). Pretreatment with the Ca2+-chelator, BAPTA, or the specific PKA inhibitor, PKI, prevented all changes in LP I h in 5nM DA. Calcineurin inhibitors blocked activity-dependent changes enabled by DA and revealed a PKA-mediated, activity-independent enhancement of LP I hG max. These data suggested that tonic 5nM DA produced two simultaneous, PKA-dependent effects: a direct increase in LP I h G max and a priming event that permitted calcineurin regulation of LP I h. The latter produced graded reductions in LP I hG max with increasing duty cycles. We also demonstrated that this metamodulation preserved the timing of LP’s first spike when network output was perturbed with bath-applied 4AP. In sum, 5nM DA permits slow wave activity to provide feedback that maintains spike timing, suggesting that one function of low-level, tonic modulation is to stabilize specific features of a dynamic output. PMID:25692473

Involvement of Renal Corpuscle microRNA Expression on Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Maternal Low Protein Diet in Adult Programmed Rats

PubMed Central

Sene, Letícia de Barros; Mesquita, Flávia Fernandes; de Moraes, Leonardo Nazário; Santos, Daniela Carvalho; Carvalho, Robson; Gontijo, José Antônio Rocha; Boer, Patrícia Aline

2013-01-01

Prior study shows that maternal protein-restricted (LP) 16-wk-old offspring have pronounced reduction of nephron number and arterial hypertension associated with unchanged glomerular filtration rate, besides enhanced glomerular area, which may be related to glomerular hyperfiltration/overflow and which accounts for the glomerular filtration barrier breakdown and early glomerulosclerosis. In the current study, LP rats showed heavy proteinuria associated with podocyte simplification and foot process effacement. TGF-β1 glomerular expression was significantly enhanced in LP. Isolated LP glomeruli show a reduced level of miR-200a, miR-141, miR-429 and ZEB2 mRNA and upregulated collagen 1α1/2 mRNA expression. By western blot analyzes of whole kidney tissue, we found significant reduction of both podocin and nephrin and enhanced expression of mesenchymal protein markers such as desmin, collagen type I and fibronectin. From our present knowledge, these are the first data showing renal miRNA modulation in the protein restriction model of fetal programming. The fetal-programmed adult offspring showed pronounced structural glomerular disorders with an accentuated and advanced stage of fibrosis, which led us to state that the glomerular miR-200 family would be downregulated by TGF-β1 action inducing ZEB 2 expression that may subsequently cause glomeruli epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. PMID:23977013

A Large-Particle Monte Carlo Code for Simulating Non-Linear High-Energy Processes Near Compact Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stern, Boris E.; Svensson, Roland; Begelman, Mitchell C.; Sikora, Marek

1995-01-01

High-energy radiation processes in compact cosmic objects are often expected to have a strongly non-linear behavior. Such behavior is shown, for example, by electron-positron pair cascades and the time evolution of relativistic proton distributions in dense radiation fields. Three independent techniques have been developed to simulate these non-linear problems: the kinetic equation approach; the phase-space density (PSD) Monte Carlo method; and the large-particle (LP) Monte Carlo method. In this paper, we present the latest version of the LP method and compare it with the other methods. The efficiency of the method in treating geometrically complex problems is illustrated by showing results of simulations of 1D, 2D and 3D systems. The method is shown to be powerful enough to treat non-spherical geometries, including such effects as bulk motion of the background plasma, reflection of radiation from cold matter, and anisotropic distributions of radiating particles. It can therefore be applied to simulate high-energy processes in such astrophysical systems as accretion discs with coronae, relativistic jets, pulsar magnetospheres and gamma-ray bursts.

Development of an internet version of the Lidcombe Program of early stuttering intervention: A trial of Part 1.

PubMed

Van Eerdenbrugh, Sabine; Packman, Ann; Onslow, Mark; O'brian, Sue; Menzies, Ross

2018-04-01

There is evidence that access to treatment for early stuttering is not available for all who need it. An internet version of the Lidcombe Program for early stuttering (Internet-LP) has been developed to deal with this shortfall. The LP is suitable for such development because it is delivered by parents in the child's everyday environment, with training by a speech-language pathologist. A Phase I trial of Internet-LP Part 1, comprising parent training, is reported here. Eight parents of pre-schoolers who stutter were recruited and six completed the trial. Post-trial assessment indicated that the parents scored well for identifying and measuring stuttering and for knowledge about conducting practice sessions, including how to present verbal contingencies during practice sessions. The results prompted minor adjustments to Part 1 and guided the construction of Part 2, which instructs parents during the remainder of the treatment process.

Detection of partial-thickness tears in ligaments and tendons by Stokes-polarimetry imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jihoon; John, Raheel; Walsh, Joseph T.

2008-02-01

A Stokes polarimetry imaging (SPI) system utilizes an algorithm developed to construct degree of polarization (DoP) image maps from linearly polarized light illumination. Partial-thickness tears of turkey tendons were imaged by the SPI system in order to examine the feasibility of the system to detect partial-thickness rotator cuff tear or general tendon pathology. The rotating incident polarization angle (IPA) for the linearly polarized light provides a way to analyze different tissue types which may be sensitive to IPA variations. Degree of linear polarization (DoLP) images revealed collagen fiber structure, related to partial-thickness tears, better than standard intensity images. DoLP images also revealed structural changes in tears that are related to the tendon load. DoLP images with red-wavelength-filtered incident light may show tears and related organization of collagen fiber structure at a greater depth from the tendon surface. Degree of circular polarization (DoCP) images exhibited well the horizontal fiber orientation that is not parallel to the vertically aligned collagen fibers of the tendon. The SPI system's DOLP images reveal alterations in tendons and ligaments, which have a tissue matrix consisting largely of collagen, better than intensity images. All polarized images showed modulated intensity as the IPA was varied. The optimal detection of the partial-thickness tendon tears at a certain IPA was observed. The SPI system with varying IPA and spectral information can improve the detection of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears by higher visibility of fiber orientations and thereby improve diagnosis and treatment of tendon related injuries.

Weakly-coupled 4-mode step-index FMF and demonstration of IM/DD MDM transmission.

PubMed

Hu, Tao; Li, Juhao; Ge, Dawei; Wu, Zhongying; Tian, Yu; Shen, Lei; Liu, Yaping; Chen, Su; Li, Zhengbin; He, Yongqi; Chen, Zhangyuan

2018-04-02

Weakly coupled-mode division multiplexing (MDM) over few-mode fibers (FMF) for short-reach transmission has attracted great interest, which can avoid multiple-input-multiple-output digital signal processing (MIMO-DSP) by greatly suppressing modal crosstalk. In this paper, step-index FMF supporting 4 linearity polarization (LP) modes for MIMO-free transmission is designed and fabricated for the first time, to our knowledge. Modal crosstalk of the fiber is suppressed by increasing the mode effective refractive index differences. The same fabrication method as standard single-mode fiber is adopted so that it is practical and cost-effective. The mode multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) consists of cascaded mode-selective couplers (MSCs), which are designed and fabricated by tapering the proposed FMF with single-mode fiber (SMF). The mode MUX and DEMUX achieve very low modal crosstalk not only for the multiplexing/demultiplexing but also for the coupling to/from the FMF. Based on the fabricated FMF and mode MUX/DEMUX, we successfully demonstrate the first simultaneous 4-modes (LP 01 , LP 11 , LP 21 & LP 31 ) 10-km FMF transmission with 10-Gb/s intensity modulation and MIMO-free direct detection (IM/DD). The modal crosstalk of the whole transmission link is successfully suppressed to less than -16.5 dB. The experimental results indicate that FMF with simple step-index structure supporting 4 weakly-coupled modes is feasible.

The role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in LP-BPM5 murine retroviral disease progression

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an immunomodulatory intracellular enzyme involved in tryptophan degradation. IDO is induced during cancer and microbial infections by cytokines, ligation of co-stimulatory molecules and/or activation of pattern recognition receptors, ultimately leading to modulation of the immune response. LP-BM5 murine retroviral infection induces murine AIDS (MAIDS), which is characterized by profound and broad immunosuppression of T- and B-cell responses. Our lab has previously described multiple mechanisms regulating the development of immunodeficiency of LP-BM5-induced disease, including Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), IL-10, and T-regulatory (Treg) cells. Immunosuppressive roles of IDO have been demonstrated in other retroviral models, suggesting a possible role for IDO during LP-BM5-induced retroviral disease progression and/or development of viral load. Methods Mice deficient in IDO (B6.IDO−/−) and wildtype C57BL/6 (B6) mice were infected with LP-BM5 murine retrovirus. MAIDS and LP-BM5 viral load were assessed at termination. Results As expected, IDO was un-inducible in B6.IDO−/− during LP-BM5 infection. B6.IDO−/− mice infected with LP-BM5 retrovirus succumbed to MAIDS as indicated by splenomegaly, serum hyper IgG2a and IgM, decreased responsiveness to B- and T-cell mitogens, conversion of a proportion of CD4+ T cells from Thy1.2+ to Thy1.2-, and increased percentages of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells. LP-BM5 infected B6.IDO−/− mice also demonstrated the development of roughly equivalent disease kinetics as compared to infected B6 mice. Splenic viral loads of B6 and B6.IDO−/− mice were also equivalent after infection as measured by LP-BM5-specific Def Gag and Eco Gag viral mRNA, determined by qRT-PCR. Conclusions Collectively, these results demonstrate IDO neither plays an essential role, nor is required, in LP-BM5-induced disease progression or LP-BM5 viral load. PMID:23680027

Transgenerational programming of longevity and reproduction by post-eclosion dietary manipulation in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Xia, Brian; de Belle, Steven

2016-01-01

Accumulating evidence suggests that early-life diet may program one's health status by causing permanent alternations in specific organs, tissues, or metabolic or homeostatic pathways, and such programming effects may propagate across generations through heritable epigenetic modifications. However, it remains uninvestigated whether postnatal dietary changes may program longevity across generations. To address this question of important biological and public health implications, newly-born flies (F0) were collected and subjected to various post-eclosion dietary manipulations (PDMs) with different protein-carbohydrate (i.e., LP, IP or HP for low-, intermediate- or high-protein) contents or a control diet (CD). Longevity and fecundity analyses were performed with these treated F0 flies and their F1, F2 and F3 offspring, while maintained on CD at all times. The LP and HP PDMs shortened longevity, while the IP PDM extended longevity significantly up to the F3 generation. Furthermore, the LP reduced while the IP PDM increased lifetime fecundity across the F0-F2 generations. Our observations establish the first animal model for studying transgenerational inheritance of nutritional programming of longevity, making it possible to investigate the underlying epigenetic mechanisms and identify gene targets for drug discovery in future studies. PMID:27025190

Role of postnatal dietary sodium in prenatally programmed hypertension.

PubMed

Stewart, Tyrus; Ascani, Jeannine; Craver, Randall D; Vehaskari, V Matti

2009-09-01

In this study we examined the short- and long-term impact of early life dietary sodium (Na) on prenatally programmed hypertension. Hypertension was induced in rat offspring by a maternal low protein (LP) diet. Control and LP offspring were randomized to a high (HS), standard (SS), or low (LS) Na diet after weaning. On the SS diet, the LP pups developed hypertension by 6 weeks of age. The development of hypertension was prevented by the LS diet and exacerbated by the HS diet. Kidney nitrotyrosine content, a measure of oxidative stress, was reduced by the LS diet compared with the HS diet. The modified diets had no effect on control pups. A group of animals on the SS diet was followed up to 51 weeks of age after an early life 3-week exposure to the HS or LS diet. This brief early exposure of LP animals to the LS diet prevented the later development of hypertension and ameliorated the nephrosclerosis observed after early exposure to the HS diet. The LP offspring with early exposure to LS diet had lost their salt-sensitivity when challenged with the HS diet at the age of 43-49 weeks. No effect of early life dietary Na was observed in control animals. These results show that hypertension in this model is salt sensitive and may, in part, be mediated by salt-induced renal oxidative stress and that there may exist a developmental window which allows postnatal "reprogramming" of the hypertension.

Coinductive Logic Programming with Negation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Richard; Gupta, Gopal

We introduce negation into coinductive logic programming (co-LP) via what we term Coinductive SLDNF (co-SLDNF) resolution. We present declarative and operational semantics of co-SLDNF resolution and present their equivalence under the restriction of rationality. Co-LP with co-SLDNF resolution provides a powerful, practical and efficient operational semantics for Fitting's Kripke-Kleene three-valued logic with restriction of rationality. Further, applications of co-SLDNF resolution are also discussed and illustrated where Co-SLDNF resolution allows one to develop elegant implementations of modal logics. Moreover it provides the capability of non-monotonic inference (e.g., predicate Answer Set Programming) that can be used to develop novel and effective first-order modal non-monotonic inference engines.

Can hydro-economic river basin models simulate water shadow prices under asymmetric access?

PubMed

Kuhn, A; Britz, W

2012-01-01

Hydro-economic river basin models (HERBM) based on mathematical programming are conventionally formulated as explicit 'aggregate optimization' problems with a single, aggregate objective function. Often unintended, this format implicitly assumes that decisions on water allocation are made via central planning or functioning markets such as to maximize social welfare. In the absence of perfect water markets, however, individually optimal decisions by water users will differ from the social optimum. Classical aggregate HERBMs cannot simulate that situation and thus might be unable to describe existing institutions governing access to water and might produce biased results for alternative ones. We propose a new solution format for HERBMs, based on the format of the mixed complementarity problem (MCP), where modified shadow price relations express spatial externalities resulting from asymmetric access to water use. This new problem format, as opposed to commonly used linear (LP) or non-linear programming (NLP) approaches, enables the simultaneous simulation of numerous 'independent optimization' decisions by multiple water users while maintaining physical interdependences based on water use and flow in the river basin. We show that the alternative problem format allows the formulation HERBMs that yield more realistic results when comparing different water management institutions.

Triple/quadruple patterning layout decomposition via novel linear programming and iterative rounding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yibo; Xu, Xiaoqing; Yu, Bei; Baldick, Ross; Pan, David Z.

2016-03-01

As feature size of the semiconductor technology scales down to 10nm and beyond, multiple patterning lithography (MPL) has become one of the most practical candidates for lithography, along with other emerging technologies such as extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), e-beam lithography (EBL) and directed self assembly (DSA). Due to the delay of EUVL and EBL, triple and even quadruple patterning are considered to be used for lower metal and contact layers with tight pitches. In the process of MPL, layout decomposition is the key design stage, where a layout is split into various parts and each part is manufactured through a separate mask. For metal layers, stitching may be allowed to resolve conflicts, while it is forbidden for contact and via layers. In this paper, we focus on the application of layout decomposition where stitching is not allowed such as for contact and via layers. We propose a linear programming and iterative rounding (LPIR) solving technique to reduce the number of non-integers in the LP relaxation problem. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms can provide high quality decomposition solutions efficiently while introducing as few conflicts as possible.

Implementation of Online Peer Assessment in a Design for Learning and Portfolio (D4L+P) Program to Help Students Complete Science Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wuttisela, Karntarat; Wuttiprom, Sura; Phonchaiya, Sonthi; Saengsuwan, Sayant

2016-01-01

Peer assessment was one of the most effective strategies to improve students' understanding, metacognitive skills, and social interaction. An online tool, "Designing for Learning and Portfolio (D4L+P)", was developed solely to support the T5 (tasks, tools, tutorials, topicresources, and teamwork) method of teaching and learning. This…

Instantaneous microwave frequency measurement with improved resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yueqin; Pei, Li; Li, Jing; Zheng, Jingjing; Wang, Yiqun; Yuan, Jin; Tang, Yu

2015-11-01

An approach of instantaneous microwave frequency measurement with improved resolution is proposed and analyzed. The primary component employed in the proposal is a polarization modulator (PolM) followed by a linear polarizer (LP) and a spool of dispersive fiber. To obtain a flexible amplitude comparison function (ACF), the polarization state between the PolM and the LP should be properly adjusted. It is found that the notch point of the ACF can be widely shifted by simply adjusting the bias voltage applied to the PolM, especially, a greater first-order derivative of the ACF ensures that the measurement resolution can be improved when compared with the work in the reference.

Co-control of urban air pollutants and greenhouse gases in Mexico City.

PubMed

West, J Jason; Osnaya, Patricia; Laguna, Israel; Martínez, Julia; Fernández, Adrián

2004-07-01

This study addresses the synergies of mitigation measures to control urban air pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in developing integrated "co-control" strategies for Mexico City. First, existing studies of emissions reduction measures--PROAIRE (the air quality plan for Mexico City) and separate GHG studies--are used to construct a harmonized database of options. Second, linear programming (LP) is developed and applied as a decision-support tool to analyze least-cost strategies for meeting co-control targets for multiple pollutants. We estimate that implementing PROAIRE measures as planned will reduce 3.1% of the 2010 metropolitan CO2 emissions, in addition to substantial local air pollutant reductions. Applying the LP, PROAIRE emissions reductions can be met at a 20% lower cost, using only the PROAIRE measures, by adjusting investments toward the more cost-effective measures; lower net costs are possible by including cost-saving GHG mitigation measures, but with increased investment. When CO2 emission reduction targets are added to PROAIRE targets, the most cost-effective solutions use PROAIRE measures for the majority of local pollutant reductions, and GHG measures for additional CO2 control. Because of synergies, the integrated planning of urban-global co-control can be beneficial, but we estimate that for Mexico City these benefits are often small.

Optimal Policy of Cross-Layer Design for Channel Access and Transmission Rate Adaptation in Cognitive Radio Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Hao; Wang, Jun; Zhu, Jiang; Li, Shaoqian

2010-12-01

In this paper, we investigate the cross-layer design of joint channel access and transmission rate adaptation in CR networks with multiple channels for both centralized and decentralized cases. Our target is to maximize the throughput of CR network under transmission power constraint by taking spectrum sensing errors into account. In centralized case, this problem is formulated as a special constrained Markov decision process (CMDP), which can be solved by standard linear programming (LP) method. As the complexity of finding the optimal policy by LP increases exponentially with the size of action space and state space, we further apply action set reduction and state aggregation to reduce the complexity without loss of optimality. Meanwhile, for the convenience of implementation, we also consider the pure policy design and analyze the corresponding characteristics. In decentralized case, where only local information is available and there is no coordination among the CR users, we prove the existence of the constrained Nash equilibrium and obtain the optimal decentralized policy. Finally, in the case that the traffic load parameters of the licensed users are unknown for the CR users, we propose two methods to estimate the parameters for two different cases. Numerical results validate the theoretic analysis.

Lens power in Iranian schoolchildren: a population-based study.

PubMed

Hashemi, Hassan; Pakzad, Reza; Iribarren, Rafael; Khabazkhoob, Mehdi; Emamian, Mohammad Hassan; Fotouhi, Akbar

2018-06-01

To evaluate lens power (LP) in schoolchildren aged 6-12 years. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shahroud, northeast Iran. The students were selected through random cluster sampling and underwent the measurements of biometry, uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction. The LP was calculated using the Bennett formula. Of 6624 invited children, 5620 (84.8%) participated in the study and data of 4870 children were finally analysed. The mean age of the participants was 9.7 years and 2277 participants (46.02%) were girls. The mean LPs were 22.86 dioptres (D) in total study population, 23.91 D in 6 and 22.10 D in 12-year-old children. The mean LP was higher in girls than boys (23.48 D vs 22.34 D), in rural children than urban children (23.17 D vs 22.83 D) and in children with hyperopia (23.25 D) than children with myopia or emmetropia (22.64 D and 22.86 D, respectively). In the multiple linear regression model, lens thickness (β=1.59, p<0.001), anterior chamber depth (β=2.21, p<0.001) and female sex (β=0.016, p=0.015) were associated with an increase in the LP, while axial length (AL) (β=-4.41, p<0.001), corneal power (CP) (β=-1.47, p<0.001), spherical equivalent (SE) (β=-1.50, p<0.001) and age (β=-0.005, p=0.001) were associated with a decrease in the LP. AL and sex had the highest and lowest impact on LP, respectively. LP decreased with age between 6 and 12 years and was associated with a shorter AL, deeper ACD, higher SE, thicker lens and lower CP. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Source mechanism of small long-period events at Mount St. Helens in July 2005 using template matching, phase-weighted stacking, and full-waveform inversion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Matoza, Robin S.; Chouet, Bernard A.; Dawson, Phillip B.; Shearer, Peter M.; Haney, Matthew M.; Waite, Gregory P.; Moran, Seth C.; Mikesell, T. Dylan

2015-01-01

Long-period (LP, 0.5-5 Hz) seismicity, observed at volcanoes worldwide, is a recognized signature of unrest and eruption. Cyclic LP “drumbeating” was the characteristic seismicity accompanying the sustained dome-building phase of the 2004–2008 eruption of Mount St. Helens (MSH), WA. However, together with the LP drumbeating was a near-continuous, randomly occurring series of tiny LP seismic events (LP “subevents”), which may hold important additional information on the mechanism of seismogenesis at restless volcanoes. We employ template matching, phase-weighted stacking, and full-waveform inversion to image the source mechanism of one multiplet of these LP subevents at MSH in July 2005. The signal-to-noise ratios of the individual events are too low to produce reliable waveform-inversion results, but the events are repetitive and can be stacked. We apply network-based template matching to 8 days of continuous velocity waveform data from 29 June to 7 July 2005 using a master event to detect 822 network triggers. We stack waveforms for 359 high-quality triggers at each station and component, using a combination of linear and phase-weighted stacking to produce clean stacks for use in waveform inversion. The derived source mechanism pointsto the volumetric oscillation (~10 m3) of a subhorizontal crack located at shallow depth (~30 m) in an area to the south of Crater Glacier in the southern portion of the breached MSH crater. A possible excitation mechanism is the sudden condensation of metastable steam from a shallow pressurized hydrothermal system as it encounters cool meteoric water in the outer parts of the edifice, perhaps supplied from snow melt.

Supported Employment in a Rural Environment: Riverview Recycling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tice, Carolyn; Shealy, Marilyn

1992-01-01

Provides an overview of supported employment programs for disabled individuals in rural areas. Describes a successful program in rural southeastern Ohio that employs 89 developmentally disabled persons in a countywide recycling program. Suggests methods for developing supported employment programs in rural areas. (LP)

Poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrates (PHB) are Atherogenic Components of Lipoprotein Lp(a).

PubMed

Reusch, Rosetta N

2015-12-01

The hypothesis is that poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrates (PHB), linear polymers of the ketone body, R-3-hydroxybutyrate (R-3HB), are atherogenic components of lipoprotein Lp(a). PHB are universal constituents of biological cells and are thus components of all foods. Medium chain-length PHB (<200 residues) (mPHB) are located in membranes and organelles, and short-chain PHB (<15 residues) are covalently attached to certain proteins (cPHB). PHB are highly insoluble in water, but soluble in lipids in which they exhibit a high intrinsic viscosity. They have a higher density than other cellular lipids and they are very adhesive, i.e. they engage in multiple noncovalent interactions with other molecules and salts via hydrogen, hydrophobic and coordinate bonds, thus producing insoluble deposits. Following digestive processes, PHB enter the circulation in chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). The majority of the PHB (>70%) are absorbed by albumin, which transports them to the liver for disposal. When the amount of PHB in the diet exceed the capacity of albumin to safely remove them from the circulation, the excess PHB remain in the lipid core of LDL particles that become constituents of lipoprotein Lp(a), and contribute to the formation of arterial deposits. In summary, the presence of PHB – water-insoluble, dense, viscous, adhesive polymers – in the lipid cores of the LDL moieties of Lp(a) particles supports the hypothesis that PHB are atherogenic components of Lp(a).

Impact of climate change on electricity systems and markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandramowli, Shankar N.

Climate change poses a serious threat to human welfare. There is now unequivocal scientific evidence that human actions are the primary cause of climate change. The principal climate forcing factor is the increasing accumulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) due to combustion of fossil fuels for transportation and electricity generation. Generation of electricity account for nearly one-third of the greenhouse (GHG) emissions globally (on a CO2-equivalent basis). Any kind of economy-wide mitigation or adaptation effort to climate change must have a prominent focus on the electric power sector. I have developed a capacity expansion model for the power sector called LP-CEM (Linear Programming based Capacity Expansion Model). LP-CEM incorporates both the long-term climate change effects and the state/regional-level macroeconomic trends. This modeling framework is demonstrated for the electric power system in the Northeast region of United States. Some of the methodological advances introduced in this research are: the use of high-resolution temperature projections in a power sector capacity expansion model; the incorporation of changes in sectoral composition of electricity demand over time; the incorporation of the effects of climate change and variability on both the demand and supply-side of power sector using parameters estimated in the literature; and an inter-model coupling link with a macroeconomic model to account for price elasticity of demand and other effects on the broader macro-economy. LP-CEM-type models can be of use to state/regional level policymakers to plan for future mitigation and adaptation measures for the electric power sector. From the simulation runs, it is shown that scenarios with climate change effects and with high economic growth rates have resulted in higher capacity addition, optimal supply costs, wholesale/retail prices and total ratepayers' costs. LP-CEM is also adapted to model the implications of the proposed Clean Power Plan (Section 111 (d)) rules for the U.S. Northeast region. This dissertation applies an analytical model and an optimization model to investigate the implications of co-implementing an emission cap and an RPS policy for this region. A simplified analytical model of LP-CEM is specified and the first order optimality conditions are derived. The results from this analytical model are corroborated by running LP-CEM simulations under different carbon cap and RPS policy assumptions. A combination of these policies is shown to have a long-term beneficial effect for the final ratepayers in the region. This research conceptually explores the future implications of climate change and extreme weather events on the regional electricity market framework. The significant findings from this research and future policy considerations are discussed in the conclusion chapter.

Annual Conference on HAN-Based Liquid Propellants. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

Fischer . This situation is obviously not ideal and effort is being made to find a suitable method . However we have been assured that there has been...CLASSIFICATION OF HAN-BASED LIQUID PROPELLANT LP101. S. Westlake --..---- ------------ 64 POSSIBLE TEST METHODS TO STUDY THE THERMAL STABILITY OF...specifications for LP. The phase of the program which is now in progress has dealt with (1) reviewing. recommending and developing applicable analytical methods

Development of an Interactive Computer Program to Produce Body Description Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

arbitrary and has varied over the time that the CVS Program and the ATB Model have been in existence. Program GOOD produces data describing an upper torso...N NN NfU NJ JANNJ NN N5~SA NJN N a~mn ain itn ft atK 0 ,0 9a fK C ca I n k0 rC 91 01 tol s 6, -Inb v v P w Dvf 4oa 0 0 0 IS t. faa 0 o In - v - allT...NAMES/ SUSTYP(4),-SEGLAB(1 5)*J.JTLA9C¶14),PLTSY4!(29), 014NIN(-1 :31 )PTTLEPUNlITS( 3,-1:1) REAL MEAN(C:lp2:3)p STDEVCO:lp2: 3) CHARACTER SU83TYP*20

Decreased insulin secretion in pregnant rats fed a low protein diet.

PubMed

Gao, Haijun; Ho, Eric; Balakrishnan, Meena; Yechoor, Vijay; Yallampalli, Chandra

2017-10-01

Low protein (LP) diet during pregnancy leads to reduced plasma insulin levels in rodents, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Glucose is the primary insulin secretagogue, and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in beta cells contributes to compensation for insulin resistance and maintenance of glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. In this study, we hypothesized that plasma insulin levels in pregnant rats fed LP diet are reduced due to disrupted GSIS of pancreatic islets. We first confirmed reduced plasma insulin levels, then investigated in vivo insulin secretion by glucose tolerance test and ex vivo GSIS of pancreatic islets in the presence of glucose at different doses, and KCl, glibenclamide, and L-arginine. Main findings include (1) plasma insulin levels were unaltered on day 10, but significantly reduced on days 14-22 of pregnancy in rats fed LP diet compared to those of control (CT) rats; (2) insulin sensitivity was unchanged, but glucose intolerance was more severe in pregnant rats fed LP diet; (3) GSIS in pancreatic islets was lower in LP rats compared to CT rats in the presence of glucose, KCl, and glibenclamide, and the response to L-arginine was abolished in LP rats; and (4) the total insulin content in pancreatic islets and expression of Ins2 were reduced in LP rats, but expression of Gcg was unaltered. These studies demonstrate that decreased GSIS in beta cells of LP rats contributes to reduced plasma insulin levels, which may lead to placental and fetal growth restriction and programs hypertension and other metabolic diseases in offspring. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for the Study of Reproduction. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Nucleotide polymorphisms in a pine ortholog of the Arabidopsis degrading enzyme cellulase KORRIGAN are associated with early growth performance in Pinus pinaster.

PubMed

Cabezas, José Antonio; González-Martínez, Santiago C; Collada, Carmen; Guevara, María Angeles; Boury, Christophe; de María, Nuria; Eveno, Emmanuelle; Aranda, Ismael; Garnier-Géré, Pauline H; Brach, Jean; Alía, Ricardo; Plomion, Christophe; Cervera, María Teresa

2015-09-01

We have carried out a candidate-gene-based association genetic study in Pinus pinaster Aiton and evaluated the predictive performance for genetic merit gain of the most significantly associated genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We used a second generation 384-SNP array enriched with candidate genes for growth and wood properties to genotype mother trees collected in 20 natural populations covering most of the European distribution of the species. Phenotypic data for total height, polycyclism, root-collar diameter and biomass were obtained from a replicated provenance-progeny trial located in two sites with contrasting environments (Atlantic vs Mediterranean climate). General linear models identified strong associations between growth traits (total height and polycyclism) and four SNPs from the korrigan candidate gene, after multiple testing corrections using false discovery rate. The combined genomic breeding value predictions assessed for the four associated korrigan SNPs by ridge regression-best linear unbiased prediction (RR-BLUP) and cross-validation accounted for up to 8 and 15% of the phenotypic variance for height and polycyclic growth, respectively, and did not improve adding SNPs from other growth-related candidate genes. For root-collar diameter and total biomass, they accounted for 1.6 and 1.1% of the phenotypic variance, respectively, but increased to 15 and 4.1% when other SNPs from lp3.1, lp3.3 and cad were included in RR-BLUP models. These results point towards a desirable integration of candidate-gene studies as a means to pre-select relevant markers, and aid genomic selection in maritime pine breeding programs. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Supplier Selection Using Weighted Utility Additive Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karande, Prasad; Chakraborty, Shankar

2015-10-01

Supplier selection is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem which mainly involves evaluating a number of available suppliers according to a set of common criteria for choosing the best one to meet the organizational needs. For any manufacturing or service organization, selecting the right upstream suppliers is a key success factor that will significantly reduce purchasing cost, increase downstream customer satisfaction and improve competitive ability. The past researchers have attempted to solve the supplier selection problem employing different MCDM techniques which involve active participation of the decision makers in the decision-making process. This paper deals with the application of weighted utility additive (WUTA) method for solving supplier selection problems. The WUTA method, an extension of utility additive approach, is based on ordinal regression and consists of building a piece-wise linear additive decision model from a preference structure using linear programming (LP). It adopts preference disaggregation principle and addresses the decision-making activities through operational models which need implicit preferences in the form of a preorder of reference alternatives or a subset of these alternatives present in the process. The preferential preorder provided by the decision maker is used as a restriction of a LP problem, which has its own objective function, minimization of the sum of the errors associated with the ranking of each alternative. Based on a given reference ranking of alternatives, one or more additive utility functions are derived. Using these utility functions, the weighted utilities for individual criterion values are combined into an overall weighted utility for a given alternative. It is observed that WUTA method, having a sound mathematical background, can provide accurate ranking to the candidate suppliers and choose the best one to fulfill the organizational requirements. Two real time examples are illustrated to prove its applicability and appropriateness in solving supplier selection problems.

Decomposition of complex microbial behaviors into resource-based stress responses

PubMed Central

Carlson, Ross P.

2009-01-01

Motivation: Highly redundant metabolic networks and experimental data from cultures likely adapting simultaneously to multiple stresses can complicate the analysis of cellular behaviors. It is proposed that the explicit consideration of these factors is critical to understanding the competitive basis of microbial strategies. Results: Wide ranging, seemingly unrelated Escherichia coli physiological fluxes can be simply and accurately described as linear combinations of a few ecologically relevant stress adaptations. These strategies were identified by decomposing the central metabolism of E.coli into elementary modes (mathematically defined biochemical pathways) and assessing the resource investment cost–benefit properties for each pathway. The approach capitalizes on the inherent tradeoffs related to investing finite resources like nitrogen into different pathway enzymes when the pathways have varying metabolic efficiencies. The subset of ecologically competitive pathways represented 0.02% of the total permissible pathways. The biological relevance of the assembled strategies was tested against 10 000 randomly constructed pathway subsets. None of the randomly assembled collections were able to describe all of the considered experimental data as accurately as the cost-based subset. The results suggest these metabolic strategies are biologically significant. The current descriptions were compared with linear programming (LP)-based flux descriptions using the Euclidean distance metric. The current study's pathway subset described the experimental fluxes with better accuracy than the LP results without having to test multiple objective functions or constraints and while providing additional ecological insight into microbial behavior. The assembled pathways seem to represent a generalized set of strategies that can describe a wide range of microbial responses and hint at evolutionary processes where a handful of successful metabolic strategies are utilized simultaneously in different combinations to adapt to diverse conditions. Contact: rossc@biofilms.montana.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:19008248

Optimizing and controlling earthmoving operations using spatial technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alshibani, Adel

This thesis presents a model designed for optimizing, tracking, and controlling earthmoving operations. The proposed model utilizes, Genetic Algorithm (GA), Linear Programming (LP), and spatial technologies including Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support the management functions of the developed model. The model assists engineers and contractors in selecting near optimum crew formations in planning phase and during construction, using GA and LP supported by the Pathfinder Algorithm developed in a GIS environment. GA is used in conjunction with a set of rules developed to accelerate the optimization process and to avoid generating and evaluating hypothetical and unrealistic crew formations. LP is used to determine quantities of earth to be moved from different borrow pits and to be placed at different landfill sites to meet project constraints and to minimize the cost of these earthmoving operations. On the one hand, GPS is used for onsite data collection and for tracking construction equipment in near real-time. On the other hand, GIS is employed to automate data acquisition and to analyze the collected spatial data. The model is also capable of reconfiguring crew formations dynamically during the construction phase while site operations are in progress. The optimization of the crew formation considers: (1) construction time, (2) construction direct cost, or (3) construction total cost. The model is also capable of generating crew formations to meet, as close as possible, specified time and/or cost constraints. In addition, the model supports tracking and reporting of project progress utilizing the earned-value concept and the project ratio method with modifications that allow for more accurate forecasting of project time and cost at set future dates and at completion. The model is capable of generating graphical and tabular reports. The developed model has been implemented in prototype software, using Object-Oriented Programming, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), and has been coded using visual C++ V.6. Microsoft Access is employed as database management system. The developed software operates in Microsoft windows' environment. Three example applications were analyzed to validate the development made and to illustrate the essential features of the developed model.

FPGA/NIOS Implementation of an Adaptive FIR Filter Using Linear Prediction to Reduce Narrow-Band RFI for Radio Detection of Cosmic Rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szadkowski, Zbigniew; Fraenkel, E. D.; van den Berg, Ad M.

2013-10-01

We present the FPGA/NIOS implementation of an adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filter based on linear prediction to suppress radio frequency interference (RFI). This technique will be used for experiments that observe coherent radio emission from extensive air showers induced by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. These experiments are designed to make a detailed study of the development of the electromagnetic part of air showers. Therefore, these radio signals provide information that is complementary to that obtained by water-Cherenkov detectors which are predominantly sensitive to the particle content of an air shower at ground. The radio signals from air showers are caused by the coherent emission due to geomagnetic and charge-excess processes. These emissions can be observed in the frequency band between 10-100 MHz. However, this frequency range is significantly contaminated by narrow-band RFI and other human-made distortions. A FIR filter implemented in the FPGA logic segment of the front-end electronics of a radio sensor significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio. In this paper we discuss an adaptive filter which is based on linear prediction. The coefficients for the linear predictor (LP) are dynamically refreshed and calculated in the embedded NIOS processor, which is implemented in the same FPGA chip. The Levinson recursion, used to obtain the filter coefficients, is also implemented in the NIOS and is partially supported by direct multiplication in the DSP blocks of the logic FPGA segment. Tests confirm that the LP can be an alternative to other methods involving multiple time-to-frequency domain conversions using an FFT procedure. These multiple conversions draw heavily on the power consumption of the FPGA and are avoided by the linear prediction approach. Minimization of the power consumption is an important issue because the final system will be powered by solar panels. The FIR filter has been successfully tested in the Altera development kits with the EP4CE115F29C7 from the Cyclone IV family and the EP3C120F780C7 from the Cyclone III family at a 170 MHz sampling rate, a 12-bit I/O resolution, and an internal 30-bit dynamic range. Most of the slow floating-point NIOS calculations have been moved to the FPGA logic segments as extended fixed-point operations, which significantly reduced the refreshing time of the coefficients used in the LP. We conclude that the LP is a viable alternative to other methods such as non-adaptive methods involving digital notch filters or multiple time-to-frequency domain conversions using an FFT procedure.

Programming to Retain Experienced Campers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corpuel, Michael H.

1993-01-01

Blending traditional programming with new ideas is the key to retention of adolescent campers. Options include increasing program opportunities along with the age of the camper and offering programs outside of camp such as biking, golf, and sports clinics. Equally important are hiring effective teachers and maintaining quality facilities. (LP)

Protective effect of Euterpe oleracea Mart (açaí) extract on programmed changes in the adult rat offspring caused by maternal protein restriction during pregnancy.

PubMed

de Bem, Graziele Freitas; da Costa, Cristiane Aguiar; de Oliveira, Paola Raquel Braz; Cordeiro, Viviane Silva Cristino; Santos, Izabelle Barcellos; de Carvalho, Lenize Costa Reis Marins; Souza, Marcelo Augusto Vieira; Ognibene, Dayane Texeira; Daleprane, Julio Beltrame; Sousa, Pergentino José Cunha; Resende, Angela Castro; de Moura, Roberto Soares

2014-09-01

This study examined the effect of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) seed extract (ASE) on cardiovascular and renal alterations in adult offspring, whose mothers were fed a low-protein (LP) diet during pregnancy. Four groups of rats were fed: control diet (20% protein); ASE (200 mg/kg per day); and LP (6% protein); LP + ASE (6% protein + ASE) during pregnancy. After weaning, all male offspring were fed a control diet and sacrificed at 4 months old. We evaluated the blood pressure, vascular function, serum and urinary parameters, plasma and kidney oxidative damage, and antioxidant activity and renal structural changes. Hypertension and the reduced acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in the LP group were prevented by ASE. Serum levels of urea, creatinine and fractional excretion of sodium were increased in LP and reduced in LP + ASE. ASE improved nitrite levels and the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in LP, with a corresponding decrease of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels. Kidney volume and glomeruli number were reduced and glomerular volume was increased in LP. These renal alterations were prevented by ASE. Treatment of protein-restricted dams with ASE provides protection from later-life hypertension, oxidative stress, renal functional and structural changes, probably through a vasodilator and antioxidant activity. © 2014 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Land processes distributed active archive center product lifecycle plan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Daucsavage, John C.; Bennett, Stacie D.

2014-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Science Data System Program worked together to establish, develop, and operate the Land Processes (LP) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) to provide stewardship for NASA’s land processes science data. These data are critical science assets that serve the land processes science community with potential value beyond any immediate research use, and therefore need to be accounted for and properly managed throughout their lifecycle. A fundamental LP DAAC objective is to enable permanent preservation of these data and information products. The LP DAAC accomplishes this by bridging data producers and permanent archival resources while providing intermediate archive services for data and information products.

Consumerism and its impact on robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PubMed

Alkhateeb, Sultan; Lawrentschuk, Nathan

2011-12-01

• Many experts consider that media coverage, marketing and/or direct-to-consumer advertising, particularly Internet-based forms, are fundamental to the widespread adoption of robotic-assisted prostatectomy (RARP). However, this has not been explored previously. • The primary objective of the present study was to delineate the role of media coverage and marketing of RARP on the Internet, whereas the secondary goal focused on website quality with respect to the presentation of prostatectomy. • Website content was evaluated for direct-to-consumer advertising after the retrieval of the first 50 websites using Google and Yahoo for each of the terms: 'robotic prostatectomy, laparoscopic prostatectomy (LP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP)'. • A linear regression analysis was performed for the annual number of Internet news hits over the last decade for each procedure. Website quality assessment was performed using WHO Honesty on the Internet (HON) code principles. • Of the retrieved sites, the proportion containing direct-to-consumer advertising for RARP vs LP vs ORP using Google was 64% vs 14% vs 0%, respectively (P < 0.001) and, using Yahoo, 80% vs 16% vs 0%, respectively (P < 0.001). • In a linear regression analysis, the r(2) values for news hits for each year over the last 10 years were 0.89, 0.74 and 0.76 for RARP, LP and ORP, respectively. • Website quality assessment found that a minority of the websites were accredited with HONcode principles, with no difference between procedure types (P > 0.05). • Media coverage and marketing of RARP on the Internet is more widespread compared to LP and ORP. • Disturbingly, the quality of websites using any technique for prostatectomy was of poor quality when using principles of honest information presenting and such findings need to be discussed with respect to obtaining informed consent from patients. © 2011 THE AUTHORS. BJU INTERNATIONAL © 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL.

Outdoor Education and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Alistair

1993-01-01

Discusses the importance of increasing effective communication in outdoor education programs. Examines sensory preferences and how they affect vocabulary, voice tone, and body language. Describes ways that outdoor educators can use this information to improve their communication skills. (LP)

A Prescription for Success.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oros, Tia

1993-01-01

Describes the Native American Pharmacy Program at North Dakota State University (Fargo), which recruits Native American students into the field of pharmacy, offers summer enrichment programs for Native American secondary and college students and provides scholarships and student support services. (LP)

Large-Scale Topographic Features on Venus: A Comparison by Geological Mapping in Four Quadrangles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, M. A.; Head, J. W.

2002-05-01

We have conducted geological mapping in four quadrangles under the NASA program of geological mapping of Venus. Two quadrangles portray large equidimensional lowlands (Lavinia, V55, and Atalanta, V4, Planitiae) and two more areas are characterized by a large corona (Quetzalpetlatl corona, QC, V66), and Lakshmi Planum (LP, V7). Geological mapping of these large-scale features allows for their broad comparisons by both sets of typical structures and sequences of events. The Planitiae share a number of similar characteristics. (1) Lavinia and Atalanta are broad quasi-circular lowlands 1-2 km deep. (2) The central portions of the basins lack both coronae and large volcanoes. (3) The belts of tectonic deformation characterize the central portions of the basins. (4) There is evidence in both lowlands that they subsided predominantly before the emplacement of regional plains. (5) Recent volcanism is shifted toward the periphery of the basins and occurred after or at the late stages the formation of the lowlands. The above characteristics of the lowlands are better reconciled with the scenario in which their formation is due to a broad-scale mantle downwelling that started relatively early in the visible geologic history of Venus. The QC and LP are elevated structures roughly comparable in size. The formation of QC is commonly attributed to large-scale mantle positive diapirism while the formation of LP remains controversial and both mantle upwelling and downwelling models exist. QC and LP have similar characteristics such as broadly circular shape in plan-view, association with regional highlands, associated relatively young volcanism, and a topographic moat bordering both QC and LP from the North. Despite the above similarities, the striking differences between QC and LP are obvious too. LP is crowned by the highest mountain ranges on Venus and QC is bordered from the North by a common belt of ridges. LP itself makes up a regional highland within the upland of Ishtar Terra while QC produces a much less significant topographic anomaly on the background of the highland of Lada Terra. Highly deformed, tessera-like, terrain apparently makes up the basement of LP, and QC formed in the tessera-free area. Volcanic activity is concentrated in the central portion of LP while QC is a regionally important center of young volcanism. These differences, which probably can not be accounted for by simple difference in the size of LP and QC, suggest non-similar modes of the formation of both regional structures and do not favor the upwelling models of the formation of LP.

Exploring an Ecologically Sustainable Scheme for Landscape Restoration of Abandoned Mine Land: Scenario-Based Simulation Integrated Linear Programming and CLUE-S Model

PubMed Central

Zhang, Liping; Zhang, Shiwen; Huang, Yajie; Cao, Meng; Huang, Yuanfang; Zhang, Hongyan

2016-01-01

Understanding abandoned mine land (AML) changes during land reclamation is crucial for reusing damaged land resources and formulating sound ecological restoration policies. This study combines the linear programming (LP) model and the CLUE-S model to simulate land-use dynamics in the Mentougou District (Beijing, China) from 2007 to 2020 under three reclamation scenarios, that is, the planning scenario based on the general land-use plan in study area (scenario 1), maximal comprehensive benefits (scenario 2), and maximal ecosystem service value (scenario 3). Nine landscape-scale graph metrics were then selected to describe the landscape characteristics. The results show that the coupled model presented can simulate the dynamics of AML effectively and the spatially explicit transformations of AML were different. New cultivated land dominates in scenario 1, while construction land and forest land account for major percentages in scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. Scenario 3 has an advantage in most of the selected indices as the patches combined most closely. To conclude, reclaiming AML by transformation into more forest can reduce the variability and maintain the stability of the landscape ecological system in study area. These findings contribute to better mapping AML dynamics and providing policy support for the management of AML. PMID:27023575

Exploring an Ecologically Sustainable Scheme for Landscape Restoration of Abandoned Mine Land: Scenario-Based Simulation Integrated Linear Programming and CLUE-S Model.

PubMed

Zhang, Liping; Zhang, Shiwen; Huang, Yajie; Cao, Meng; Huang, Yuanfang; Zhang, Hongyan

2016-03-24

Understanding abandoned mine land (AML) changes during land reclamation is crucial for reusing damaged land resources and formulating sound ecological restoration policies. This study combines the linear programming (LP) model and the CLUE-S model to simulate land-use dynamics in the Mentougou District (Beijing, China) from 2007 to 2020 under three reclamation scenarios, that is, the planning scenario based on the general land-use plan in study area (scenario 1), maximal comprehensive benefits (scenario 2), and maximal ecosystem service value (scenario 3). Nine landscape-scale graph metrics were then selected to describe the landscape characteristics. The results show that the coupled model presented can simulate the dynamics of AML effectively and the spatially explicit transformations of AML were different. New cultivated land dominates in scenario 1, while construction land and forest land account for major percentages in scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. Scenario 3 has an advantage in most of the selected indices as the patches combined most closely. To conclude, reclaiming AML by transformation into more forest can reduce the variability and maintain the stability of the landscape ecological system in study area. These findings contribute to better mapping AML dynamics and providing policy support for the management of AML.

Critical Evaluation of Prediction Models for Phosphorus Partition between CaO-based Slags and Iron-based Melts during Dephosphorization Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xue-Min; Li, Jin-Yan; Chai, Guo-Ming; Duan, Dong-Ping; Zhang, Jian

2016-08-01

According to the experimental results of hot metal dephosphorization by CaO-based slags at a commercial-scale hot metal pretreatment station, the collected 16 models of equilibrium quotient k_{{P}} or phosphorus partition L_{{P}} between CaO-based slags and iron-based melts from the literature have been evaluated. The collected 16 models for predicting equilibrium quotient k_{{P}} can be transferred to predict phosphorus partition L_{{P}} . The predicted results by the collected 16 models cannot be applied to be criteria for evaluating k_{{P}} or L_{{P}} due to various forms or definitions of k_{{P}} or L_{{P}} . Thus, the measured phosphorus content [pct P] in a hot metal bath at the end point of the dephosphorization pretreatment process is applied to be the fixed criteria for evaluating the collected 16 models. The collected 16 models can be described in the form of linear functions as y = c0 + c1 x , in which independent variable x represents the chemical composition of slags, intercept c0 including the constant term depicts the temperature effect and other unmentioned or acquiescent thermodynamic factors, and slope c1 is regressed by the experimental results of k_{{P}} or L_{{P}} . Thus, a general approach to developing the thermodynamic model for predicting equilibrium quotient k_{{P}} or phosphorus partition L P or [pct P] in iron-based melts during the dephosphorization process is proposed by revising the constant term in intercept c0 for the summarized 15 models except for Suito's model (M3). The better models with an ideal revising possibility or flexibility among the collected 16 models have been selected and recommended. Compared with the predicted result by the revised 15 models and Suito's model (M3), the developed IMCT- L_{{P}} model coupled with the proposed dephosphorization mechanism by the present authors can be applied to accurately predict phosphorus partition L_{{P}} with the lowest mean deviation δ_{{L_{{P}} }} of log L_{{P}} as 2.33, as well as to predict [pct P] in a hot metal bath with the smallest mean deviation δ_{{[% {{ P}}]}} of [pct P] as 12.31.

Agronomic threshold of soil available phosphorus in grey desert soils in Xinjiang, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, B.; Liu, H.; Hao, X. Y.; Wang, X. H.; Sun, J. S.; Li, J. M.; Ma, Y. B.

2016-08-01

Based on 23 years of data, yields of maize, wheat and cotton were modelled under different fertilizer management practices and at different levels of available phosphorus (Olsen-P) in soil. Three types of threshold models were used, namely linear-linear (LL), linear- plateau (LP), and Mitscherlich type exponential (Exp). The agronomic thresholds of available phosphorus were 25.4 mgkg-1 for cotton, 14.8 mgkg-1 for wheat, 13.1 mgkg-1 for maize and 25.4 mgkg-1 for the grey desert soil regions of Xinjiang in China as a whole.

1994 Winds of Change Guide to Summer Co-ops, Internships and Minority School Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winds of Change, 1994

1994-01-01

Profiles 40 companies, agencies, and colleges that offer summer internships and cooperative education programs for American Indian high school, college, and graduate students. Includes program descriptions, prerequisites, deadline and requirements for application, and name and address of contact persons. (LP)

Further Results on the Disturbance Response of a Double Integrator Controlled by Saturating Linear Static State Feedback

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-13

Anton A. Stoorvogel b, Håvard Fjær Grip a aSchool of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2752...utwente.nl ( Anton A. Stoorvogel), grip@ieee.org (Håvard Fjær Grip). of a double integrator controlled by a saturating linear static state feedback...References Chitour, Y., 2001. On the Lp stabilization of the double integrator subject to input saturation. ESAIM: Control, Optimization and Calculus

Structural and functional development of small intestine in intrauterine growth retarded porcine offspring born to gilts fed diets with differing protein ratios throughout pregnancy.

PubMed

Mickiewicz, M; Zabielski, R; Grenier, B; Le Normand, L; Savary, G; Holst, J J; Oswald, I P; Metges, C C; Guilloteau, P

2012-06-01

Protein level in the maternal diet plays a crucial role in fetal programming during pregnancy. Low or high protein level increases the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). The aim of this study was to investigate the structural and functional development of the small intestine in piglets from sows fed a control (C, 12.1% protein), a high protein (HP, 30% protein), or a low protein (LP, 6.5% protein) diet during pregnancy. Newborns were classified as IUGR (birth weight ≤1.18 kg) and non-IUGR (birth weight >1.18 kg). The piglets were euthanized on postnatal day (PD)1, PD28 and PD188. The LP diet in non-IUGR neonates resulted in decreased body weight on PD1. The LP and HP diets resulted in both decreased body weight and delayed catch-up growth in the IUGR piglets. The HP and LP-diets increased the length of villi on PD1 in non-IUGRs but not in IUGRs. At birth, the expressions of Ki67 and active caspase 3 in mid-jejunum epithelium of HP and LP non-IUGR neonates were significantly lower as compared to C non-IUGRs whilst in IUGRs the respective expressions were as high as in C non-IUGRs. The postnatal dynamics of brush border enzyme activities and vacuolated enterocytes disappearance showed significant drop in enterocyte maturation in IUGR as compared to non-IUGR neonates. In conclusion, both HP and LP diets led to retarded development of non-IUGR piglets. In IUGR piglets both HP and LP diets resulted in delayed catch-up growth, without adaptive changes in brush border digestive enzymes.

Evaluation of Flagging Criteria of United States Kidney Transplant Center Performance: How to Best Define Outliers?

PubMed

Schold, Jesse D; Miller, Charles M; Henry, Mitchell L; Buccini, Laura D; Flechner, Stuart M; Goldfarb, David A; Poggio, Emilio D; Andreoni, Kenneth A

2017-06-01

Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients report cards of US organ transplant center performance are publicly available and used for quality oversight. Low center performance (LP) evaluations are associated with changes in practice including reduced transplant rates and increased waitlist removals. In 2014, Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients implemented new Bayesian methodology to evaluate performance which was not adopted by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In May 2016, CMS altered their performance criteria, reducing the likelihood of LP evaluations. Our aims were to evaluate incidence, survival rates, and volume of LP centers with Bayesian, historical (old-CMS) and new-CMS criteria using 6 consecutive program-specific reports (PSR), January 2013 to July 2015 among adult kidney transplant centers. Bayesian, old-CMS and new-CMS criteria identified 13.4%, 8.3%, and 6.1% LP PSRs, respectively. Over the 3-year period, 31.9% (Bayesian), 23.4% (old-CMS), and 19.8% (new-CMS) of centers had 1 or more LP evaluation. For small centers (<83 transplants/PSR), there were 4-fold additional LP evaluations (52 vs 13 PSRs) for 1-year mortality with Bayesian versus new-CMS criteria. For large centers (>183 transplants/PSR), there were 3-fold additional LP evaluations for 1-year mortality with Bayesian versus new-CMS criteria with median differences in observed and expected patient survival of -1.6% and -2.2%, respectively. A significant proportion of kidney transplant centers are identified as low performing with relatively small survival differences compared with expected. Bayesian criteria have significantly higher flagging rates and new-CMS criteria modestly reduce flagging. Critical appraisal of performance criteria is needed to assess whether quality oversight is meeting intended goals and whether further modifications could reduce risk aversion, more efficiently allocate resources, and increase transplant opportunities.

Decay of the 3D inviscid liquid-gas two-phase flow model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yinghui

2016-06-01

We establish the optimal {Lp-L2(1 ≤ p < 6/5)} time decay rates of the solution to the Cauchy problem for the 3D inviscid liquid-gas two-phase flow model and analyze the influences of the damping on the qualitative behaviors of solution. Compared with the viscous liquid-gas two-phase flow model (Zhang and Zhu in J Differ Equ 258:2315-2338, 2015), our results imply that the friction effect of the damping is stronger than the dissipation effect of the viscosities and enhances the decay rate of the velocity. Our proof is based on Hodge decomposition technique, the {Lp-L2} estimates for the linearized equations and an elaborate energy method.

The Staircase and Related Structures in Integer Programming.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

objective value of the incumbent x; 38 zk(i) = optimal objective value of the LP relaxation of node i (descended from subproblem k); GPk (i) = maximum...following fathoming conditions holds at the current node i: (a) the LP relaxation of node i is infeasible. (b) cumobj + FLOOR(Zk(i) + GPk (i)) + maxc(k...zk(i) + GPk (i), where (as before) GPk (i) is the maximum Gomory penalty associated with node i of subproblem k, and zk(i) is the objective value of the

Determining the Surface-to-Air Missile Requirement for Western and Southern Part of the Turkish Air Defense System

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

been shown to yield success in such applications as well. ( Daskin ,1995). LP optimization, matrix row reduction, a combination of both, or cutting...integer solution (Current, 2002). If the LP relaxation of the SCLP results in a fractional solution, Current, Daskin , and Schilling (2002) recommend...coverage for a given number of SAM sites. The model is formulated as an integer program, and the LINGO 10 software package is used to solve the model

Calibration of Fuji BAS-SR type imaging plate as high spatial resolution x-ray radiography recorder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ji; Zheng, Jianhua; Zhang, Xing; Chen, Li; Wei, Minxi

2017-05-01

Image Plates as x-ray recorder have advantages including reusable, high dynamic range, large active area, and so on. In this work, Fuji BAS-SR type image plate combined with BAS-5000 scanner is calibrated. The fade rates of Image Plates has been measured using x-ray diffractometric in different room temperature; the spectral response of Image Plates has been measured using 241Am radioactive sealed source and fitting with linear model; the spatial resolution of Image Plates has been measured using micro-focus x-ray tube. The results show that Image Plates has an exponent decade curve and double absorption edge response curve. The spatial resolution of Image Plates with 25μ/50μ scanner resolution is 6.5lp/mm, 11.9lp/mm respectively and gold grid radiography is collected with 80lp/mm spatial resolution using SR-type Image Plates. BAS-SR type Image Plates can do high spatial resolution and quantitative radiographic works. It can be widely used in High energy density physics (HEDP), inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and laboratory astronomy physics.

Advanced Computational Methods for Security Constrained Financial Transmission Rights: Structure and Parallelism

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

Elbert, Stephen T.; Kalsi, Karanjit; Vlachopoulou, Maria

Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) help power market participants reduce price risks associated with transmission congestion. FTRs are issued based on a process of solving a constrained optimization problem with the objective to maximize the FTR social welfare under power flow security constraints. Security constraints for different FTR categories (monthly, seasonal or annual) are usually coupled and the number of constraints increases exponentially with the number of categories. Commercial software for FTR calculation can only provide limited categories of FTRs due to the inherent computational challenges mentioned above. In this paper, a novel non-linear dynamical system (NDS) approach is proposed tomore » solve the optimization problem. The new formulation and performance of the NDS solver is benchmarked against widely used linear programming (LP) solvers like CPLEX™ and tested on large-scale systems using data from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). The NDS is demonstrated to outperform the widely used CPLEX algorithms while exhibiting superior scalability. Furthermore, the NDS based solver can be easily parallelized which results in significant computational improvement.« less

Community Participation in the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) Mission: an Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gehrz, R. D.; Beichman, C. A.; Bicay, M. D.; Caroff, L. J.; Christian, C. A.; Clemens, D. P.; Cruikshank, D. P.; Cutri, R. M.; Greenhouse, M. A.; Hanner, M. S.; Jones, T. J.; Miller, R. B.; Rieke, M. J.; Thronson, H. A., Jr.; Weiler, E. J.; Werner, M. W.; Woodward, C. E.

1996-12-01

Seventy five to eighty percent of the observing time on SIRTF will be awarded to the general astronomical community through Legacy Project (LP), Guest Observer (GO), Target of Opportunity (ToO), and Director's Discretionary Observations (DDO) programs. We describe the organization of the community of potential SIRTF observers under the auspices of the SIRTF Community Task Force (CTF) and summarize the activities of the CTF since its organization in late 1994. The CTF has appointed Working Groups (WGs) that include broad community representation to explore issues related to the definition of the LP, GO, and ToO Programs. Additional Wgs have been designated to study SIRTF Solar System Science and Data Archiving and Analysis. White papers delineating the major issues currently before the WGs can be read on the SIRTF-homepage at http://www.ipac.caltech.edu/SIRTF. An interactive forum on the homepage will enable the community to participate actively during the mission definition phase. Activities conducted at the SIRTF Community Workshops held at the 185th (January 1995, Tucson, AZ), 187th (January 1996, Austin, TX), and 189th (January, 1997, Toronto Canada) AAS meetings are summarized. A current version of the SIRTF Science Activities Timeline (SSAT) is presented. The SSAT defines the schedule for community activities that are necessary to conduct the SIRTF mission through its design, development, construction, preflight testing, and flight phases. Major milestones to be described include a series of workshops to define the LP program, NASA Research Announcement (NRA) releases for the LP and GO Programs, and NRA releases for flight-phase data archiving and analysis activities. An estimate of the fractional distribution of SIRTF observing time among Guaranteed Time Observations (GTOs), LPS, GOs, ToOs, and DDOs during the flight phase is presented. Further information regarding community activities in support of this NASA mission can be found on the SIRTF-homepage.

Effects of High vs. Low Protein Intake on Body Composition and Maximal Strength in Aspiring Female Physique Athletes Engaging in an 8-Week Resistance Training Program.

PubMed

Campbell, Bill I; Aguilar, Danielle; Conlin, Laurin; Vargas, Andres; Schoenfeld, Brad Jon; Corson, Amey; Gai, Chris; Best, Shiva; Galvan, Elfego; Couvillion, Kaylee

2018-02-06

Aspiring female physique athletes are often encouraged to ingest relatively high levels of dietary protein in conjunction with their resistance-training programs. However, there is little to no research investigating higher vs. lower protein intakes in this population. This study examined the influence of a high vs. low protein diet in conjunction with an 8-week resistance training program in this population. Seventeen females (21.2±2.1 years; 165.1±5.1 cm; 61±6.1 kg) were randomly assigned to a high protein diet (HP: 2.5g/kg/day; n=8) or a low protein diet (LP: 0.9g/kg/day, n=9) and were assessed for body composition and maximal strength prior to and after the 8-week protein intake and exercise intervention. Fat-free mass (FFM) increased significantly more in the HP group as compared to the LP group (p=0.009), going from 47.1 ± 4.5kg to 49.2 ± 5.4kg (+2.1kg) and from 48.1 ± 2.7kg to 48.7 ± 2 (+0.6kg) in the HP and LP groups, respectively. Fat mass significantly decreased over time in the HP group (14.1 ± 3.6kg to 13.0 ± 3.3kg; p<0.01) but no change was observed in the LP group (13.2 ± 3.7kg to 12.5 ± 3.0kg). While maximal strength significantly increased in both groups, there were no differences in strength improvements between the two groups. In aspiring female physique athletes, a higher protein diet is superior to a lower protein diet in terms of increasing FFM in conjunction with a resistance training program.

76 FR 9771 - SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; Notice of Filing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-22

..., L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on February 10, 2011, the SFPP, L.P. filed with the Commission a proposal to provide refunds to shippers who were not... orders dated December 8, 2006 (SFPP, L.P., 117 FERC ] 61, 285 (2007)), December 26, 2007 (SFPP, L.P., 121...

Stuttering in Preschool Children: Direct Versus Indirect Treatment.

PubMed

Nippold, Marilyn A

2018-01-09

The purpose of this article is to discuss the controversial topic of stuttering in preschool children and how to evaluate the options for treatment, emphasizing the role of external research evidence. A hypothetical but realistic case study of a 3-year-old boy who stutters is described. Two contrasting approaches to treatment are presented, the Lidcombe Program (LP) and the demands and capacities model (DCM). Studies published in peer-reviewed research journals that have examined the effectiveness of each approach are summarized and critiqued. The review indicates that the LP is the preferred treatment approach for stuttering in preschool children and that it offers the best opportunity for rapid success. The LP should be carried out by knowledgeable, experienced, and flexible speech-language pathologists who are able to accommodate the individual needs and differences of every child and family.

Effect of intensive insulin treatment on plasma levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and secretory phospholipase A2 in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Lin, Xiu-Hong; Xu, Ming-Tong; Tang, Jv-Ying; Mai, Li-Fang; Wang, Xiao-Yi; Ren, Meng; Yan, Li

2016-11-23

China has the highest absolute disease burden of diabetes worldwide. For diabetic patients, diabetes-related vascular complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality. The roles of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) and secretory phospholipase A 2 (sPLA 2 ) as inflammatory markers have been recently evaluated in the pathogenesis of both diabetes and atherosclerosis. We aimed to determine the mechanism through which patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes gain long-term vascular benefit from intensive insulin therapy by evaluating the change in Lp-PLA 2 and sPLA 2 levels after early intensive insulin treatment and its relevance with insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell function. In total, 90 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled. All patients received continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) for approximately 2 weeks. Intravenous glucose-tolerance test (IVGTT) and oral glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) were performed, and plasma concentrations of Lp-PLA 2 and sPLA 2 were measured before and after CSII. Levels of Lp-PLA 2 and sPLA 2 were significantly higher in diabetic patients with macroangiopathy than in those without (P < 0.05). After CSII, the sPLA 2 level decreased significantly in all diabetic patients (P < 0.05), while the Lp-PLA2 level changed only in those with macroangiopathy (P < 0.05). The area under the curve of insulin in IVGTT and OGTT, the acute insulin response (AIR 3-5 ), early phase of insulin secretion (ΔIns30/ΔG30), modified β-cell function index, and homeostatic model assessment for β-cell function (HOMA-β) increased after treatment even when adjusted for the influence of insulin resistance (IR; P < 0.001). The HOMA-IR was lower after treatment, and the three other indicators adopted to estimate insulin sensitivity (ISI ced , IAI, and QUICKI) were higher after treatment (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the decrease in the Lp-PLA 2 and sPLA 2 levels was positively correlated with a reduction in HOMA-IR after CSII (P < 0.05). Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis showed that Lp-PLA 2 and sPLA 2 independently correlated with HOMA-IR (P < 0.05). Lp-PLA 2 and sPLA 2 are closely related to insulin resistance and macroangiopathy in diabetic patients. Intensive insulin therapy might help improve IR and protect against diabetic macroangiopathy by influencing the Lp-PLA 2 and sPLA 2 levels. ChiCTR-TRC-10001618 2010 September 16.

Location and wavefield attributes of long-period signals at Villarrica volcano (Chile) determined by array and polarization-moveout analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehr, Johanna; Thorwart, Martin; Rabbel, Wolfgang

2016-04-01

Villarrica Volcano is the most active volcano in Chile whose latest eruption occurred in March 2015. Increasing the knowledge on its processes, structure and behavior is thus crucial to an effective monitoring and hazard assessment. In this context, long-period volcanic signals (LP) are considered to be a key to the understanding of fluid dynamics and volcanic plumbing systems, accessible by seismological observations. However, standard seismological location tools usually fail due to the emergent onset of the signal and its serious distortion caused by attenuation and scattering in a complex geology. Therefore, alternative methods are needed. In March 2012, a dense seismic network was installed at Villarrica for two weeks with 50 stations covering the volcanic edifice including 6 subarrays. About 400 LP events were identified. LP-events recorded on crater stations look similar to typical earthquakes arrivals with distinguishable P- and S-wave onsets indicating a source near the crater. But with increasing source distance waveforms gradually change into typical LP-events. To investigate how to locate these LP-events we tested two approaches at the basis of a show-case event. In a first trial, records of the subarrays were used to determine backazimuths and slowness by beamforming in the time domain. The analysis was performed in a moving window, using semblance to measure the beam quality. The epicenter was derived by intersecting azimuthal rays. It locates ca. 1 km southeast of the summit crater. Slownesses range from 0.5 s/km up to 2.0 s/km. At frequencies above 2 Hz, additional maxima appear in the semblance distribution of near-summit arrays which can be interpreted as side-scattered signals. Since the crossing points of the backazimuth rays showed some scattering we tested polarization analysis (applied to the subset of 3-component stations) as an alternative location method. Although the direct interpretation of the backazimuths was unreliable, we identified two characteristic patterns within the time series of rectilinearity that can be interpreted as "onsets": the starting point of a 2 to 10 s long time interval of almost constant rectilinearity (value of 0.7 to 0.9 indicating elongated elliptical to almost linear polarization), and a follow-up minimum (with rectilinearity at 0.0, indicating circular polarization). Both patterns can be clearly identified on several stations. The corresponding arrival times show nearly linear moveouts of 550 m/s and 270 m/s, respectively. At corresponding frequencies and stations, similar apparent horizontal velocities are found by the beamforming. A grid search approach was performed to find the epicenter of the LP event by fitting the "onset"-times. The resulting epicenter lies 2 km southeast of the crater thus close to the one found by beamforming. The good accordance in the results of the new polarization and the conventional beamforming method makes the moveout approach, at least in the case of this data set, a promising amendment to the existing LP-location toolbox. A thorough test of its general applicability is planned.

Duonix Beatrice Determination Letter

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Determination letter in response to the petition from Duonix Beatrice, LP regarding their production process for biodiesel from non-food grade corn oil under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) program.

The power of light: socio-economic and environmental implications of a rural electrification program in Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borges da Silveira Bezerra, Paula; Ludovique Callegari, Camila; Ribas, Aline; Lucena, André F. P.; Portugal-Pereira, Joana; Koberle, Alexandre; Szklo, Alexandre; Schaeffer, Roberto

2017-09-01

Universal access to electricity is deemed critical for improving living standards and indispensable for eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development. In 2003, the ‘Luz para Todos’ (LpT—Light for All) program was launched aiming to universalize access to electricity in Brazil. The program focused on rural and isolated areas, also targeting to bring development to those regions along with electrification. This paper evaluates the results of the LpT program in improving socio-economic development in the poorest regions of Brazil. After an initial qualitative analysis, an empirical quantitative assessment of the influence of increased electrification rates on the components of the Human Development Index (HDI) is performed. The empirical results of this study showed that electrification had a positive influence on all dimensions of the HDI, with the education component having the strongest effect. Although complementary policies were needed to achieve this, results show that electricity access is a major requirement to improve quality of life.

Evaluation of the DoD Safety Program: DoD Guard & Reserve Safety Survey

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-12

Alexandria,VA,22350-1500 8 . PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S... 8 -98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 hot line D E PA R T M E N T O F D E F E N S E To report fraud, waste, mismanagement, and abuse of authority...Results 2007 Table 1 Percentile Scores, Percent Distribution of Responses, and Average Response Scores - 8 - sse oe LP oe sse SP LP SSA sse

Analysis of Liquid Propellant Exposed to Elastomeric Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

Rubber LP-l NBR -2 B. Nitrile Rubber LP-2 N-BR-8 LP-3 NBR -9 LP-4 1203-F60-R2, RADIAN LP-5 VT-380 ( NBR /PVC), RADIAN LP-6 BJLT MI-40, UNIROYAL LP-7 OZO-HA...0221 (70% NBR /30% PVC), UNIROYAL C. Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber LP-8 XNBR-2 LP-9 XN BR-3 LP-10 XNBR-6 D. Polychioroprene Rubber LP-11 CR-i LP-12 CR-2...compatibility of liquid propellants is also determined by the degradation of the propellant by decomposition, by the solution of ballistically undesirable

Comparing specialist medical care with specialist medical care plus the Lightning Process for chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (SMILE Trial).

PubMed

Crawley, Esther; Mills, Nicola; Hollingworth, Will; Deans, Zuzana; Sterne, Jonathan A; Donovan, Jenny L; Beasant, Lucy; Montgomery, Alan

2013-12-26

Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a relatively common and potentially serious condition with a limited evidence base for treatment. Specialist treatment for paediatric CFS/ME uses interventions recommended by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) including cognitive behavioural therapy, graded exercise therapy and activity management. The Lightning Process (LP) is a trademarked intervention derived from osteopathy, life-coaching and neuro-linguistic programming, delivered over three consecutive days as group sessions. Although over 250 children with CFS/ME attend LP courses each year, there are no reported studies on the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness. This pragmatic randomised controlled trial is set within a specialist paediatric CFS/ME service in the south west of England. Children and young people with CFS/ME (n = 80 to 112), aged 12 to 18 years old will be randomised to specialist medical care (SMC) or SMC plus the LP. The primary outcome will be physical function (SF-36 physical function short form) and fatigue (Chalder Fatigue Scale). This study will tell us whether adding the LP to SMC is effective and cost-effective compared to SMC alone. This study will also provide detailed information on the implementation of the LP and SMC. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN81456207 (31 July 2012).

Stoneflies and Campers: Teaching Campers about Aquatic Environments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edelstein, Karen

1994-01-01

Summer camps can implement a biomonitoring program that determines water quality through study of aquatic insects. Such a program requires a minimum of equipment and allows campers to explore the natural world and absorb information that will affect their views of science and the environment. (LP)

Nutrition surveillance using a small open cohort: experience from Burkina Faso.

PubMed

Altmann, Mathias; Fermanian, Christophe; Jiao, Boshen; Altare, Chiara; Loada, Martin; Myatt, Mark

2016-01-01

Nutritional surveillance remains generally weak and early warning systems are needed in areas with high burden of acute under-nutrition. In order to enhance insight into nutritional surveillance, a community-based sentinel sites approach, known as the Listening Posts (LP) Project, was piloted in Burkina Faso by Action Contre la Faim (ACF). This paper presents ACF's experience with the LP approach and investigates potential selection and observational biases. Six primary sampling units (PSUs) were selected in each livelihood zone using the centric systematic area sampling methodology. In each PSU, 22 children aged between 6 and 24 months were selected by proximity sampling. The prevalence of GAM for each month from January 2011 to December 2013 was estimated using a Bayesian normal-normal conjugate analysis followed by PROBIT estimation. To validate the LP approach in detecting changes over time, the time trends of MUAC from LP and from five cross-sectional surveys were modelled using polynomial regression and compared by using a Wald test. The differences between prevalence estimates from the two data sources were used to assess selection and observational biases. The 95 % credible interval around GAM prevalence estimates using LP approach ranged between +6.5 %/-6.0 % on a prevalence of 36.1 % and +3.5 %/-2.9 % on a prevalence of 10.8 %. LP and cross-sectional surveys time trend models were well correlated (p = 0.6337). Although LP showed a slight but significant trend for GAM to decrease over time at a rate of -0.26 %/visit, the prevalence estimates from the two data sources showed good agreement over a 3-year period. The LP methodology has proved to be valid in following trends of GAM prevalence for a period of 3 years without selection bias. However, a slight observational bias was observed, requiring a periodical reselection of the sentinel sites. This kind of surveillance project is suited to use in areas with high burden of acute under-nutrition where early warning systems are strongly needed. Advocacy is necessary to develop sustainable nutrition surveillance system and to support the use of surveillance data in guiding nutritional programs.

Decision Support System for Reservoir Management and Operation in Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navar, D. A.

2016-12-01

Africa is currently experiencing a surge in dam construction for flood control, water supply and hydropower production, but ineffective reservoir management has caused problems in the region, such as water shortages, flooding and loss of potential hydropower generation. Our research aims to remedy ineffective reservoir management by developing a novel Decision Support System(DSS) to equip water managers with a technical planning tool based on the state of the art in hydrological sciences. The DSS incorporates a climate forecast model, a hydraulic model of the watershed, and an optimization model to effectively plan for the operation of a system of cascade large-scale reservoirs for hydropower production, while treating water supply and flood control as constraints. Our team will use the newly constructed hydropower plants in the Omo Gibe basin of Ethiopia as the test case. Using the basic HIDROTERM software developed in Brazil, the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) utilizes a combination of linear programing (LP) and non-linear programming (NLP) in conjunction with real time hydrologic and energy demand data to optimize the monthly and daily operations of the reservoir system. We compare the DSS model results with the current reservoir operating policy used by the water managers of that region. We also hope the DSS will eliminate the current dangers associated with the mismanagement of large scale water resources projects in Africa.

An optimization of the FPGA/NIOS adaptive FIR filter using linear prediction to reduce narrow band RFI for the next generation ground-based ultra-high energy cosmic-ray experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szadkowski, Zbigniew; Fraenkel, E. D.; Glas, Dariusz; Legumina, Remigiusz

2013-12-01

The electromagnetic part of an extensive air shower developing in the atmosphere provides significant information complementary to that obtained by water Cherenkov detectors which are predominantly sensitive to the muonic content of an air shower at ground. The emissions can be observed in the frequency band between 10 and 100 MHz. However, this frequency range is significantly contaminated by narrow-band RFI and other human-made distortions. The Auger Engineering Radio Array currently suppresses the RFI by multiple time-to-frequency domain conversions using an FFT procedure as well as by a set of manually chosen IIR notch filters in the time-domain. An alternative approach developed in this paper is an adaptive FIR filter based on linear prediction (LP). The coefficients for the linear predictor are dynamically refreshed and calculated in the virtual NIOS processor. The radio detector is an autonomous system installed on the Argentinean pampas and supplied from a solar panel. Powerful calculation capacity inside the FPGA is a factor. Power consumption versus the degree of effectiveness of the calculation inside the FPGA is a figure of merit to be minimized. Results show that the RFI contamination can be significantly suppressed by the LP FIR filter for 64 or less stages.

Hunger in the Midst of Affluence: Task Force Combats Hunger in Contra Costa County.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fujii, Mary Lavender

1994-01-01

Research conducted by the Hunger Task Force in Contra Costa County (California) revealed a significant increase in the number of families, especially with young children, who live in poverty and who are going hungry. A food stamp outreach program, a countywide school breakfast program, and food distribution programs have been initiated. (LP)

GenomeDiagram: a python package for the visualization of large-scale genomic data.

PubMed

Pritchard, Leighton; White, Jennifer A; Birch, Paul R J; Toth, Ian K

2006-03-01

We present GenomeDiagram, a flexible, open-source Python module for the visualization of large-scale genomic, comparative genomic and other data with reference to a single chromosome or other biological sequence. GenomeDiagram may be used to generate publication-quality vector graphics, rastered images and in-line streamed graphics for webpages. The package integrates with datatypes from the BioPython project, and is available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X systems. GenomeDiagram is freely available as source code (under GNU Public License) at http://bioinf.scri.ac.uk/lp/programs.html, and requires Python 2.3 or higher, and recent versions of the ReportLab and BioPython packages. A user manual, example code and images are available at http://bioinf.scri.ac.uk/lp/programs.html.

Compressive sensing of electrocardiogram signals by promoting sparsity on the second-order difference and by using dictionary learning.

PubMed

Pant, Jeevan K; Krishnan, Sridhar

2014-04-01

A new algorithm for the reconstruction of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and a dictionary learning algorithm for the enhancement of its reconstruction performance for a class of signals are proposed. The signal reconstruction algorithm is based on minimizing the lp pseudo-norm of the second-order difference, called as the lp(2d) pseudo-norm, of the signal. The optimization involved is carried out using a sequential conjugate-gradient algorithm. The dictionary learning algorithm uses an iterative procedure wherein a signal reconstruction and a dictionary update steps are repeated until a convergence criterion is satisfied. The signal reconstruction step is implemented by using the proposed signal reconstruction algorithm and the dictionary update step is implemented by using the linear least-squares method. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm yields improved reconstruction performance for temporally correlated ECG signals relative to the state-of-the-art lp(1d)-regularized least-squares and Bayesian learning based algorithms. Also for a known class of signals, the reconstruction performance of the proposed algorithm can be improved by applying it in conjunction with a dictionary obtained using the proposed dictionary learning algorithm.

Effects of laser polarization on electrostatic shock ion acceleration in near-critical plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Young-Kuk; Kang, Teyoun; Hur, Min Sup

2016-10-01

Collisionless electrostatic shock ion acceleration has become a major regime of laser-driven ion acceleration owing to generation of quasi-monoenergetic ion beams from moderate parametric conditions of lasers and plasmas in comparison with target-normal-sheath-acceleration or radiation pressure acceleration. In order to construct the shock, plasma heating is an essential condition for satisfying Mach number condition 1.5

Protein-restriction diet during the suckling phase programs rat metabolism against obesity and insulin resistance exacerbation induced by a high-fat diet in adulthood.

PubMed

Martins, Isabela Peixoto; de Oliveira, Júlio Cezar; Pavanello, Audrei; Matiusso, Camila Cristina Ianoni; Previate, Carina; Tófolo, Laize Peron; Ribeiro, Tatiane Aparecida; da Silva Franco, Claudinéia Conationi; Miranda, Rosiane Aparecida; Prates, Kelly Valério; Alves, Vander Silva; Francisco, Flávio Andrade; de Moraes, Ana Maria Praxedes; de Freitas Mathias, Paulo Cezar; Malta, Ananda

2018-04-03

Protein restriction during the suckling phase can malprogram rat offspring to a lean phenotype associated with metabolic dysfunctions later in life. We tested whether protein-caloric restriction during lactation can exacerbate the effect of a high-fat (HF) diet at adulthood. To test this hypothesis, we fed lactating Wistar dams with a low-protein (LP; 4% protein) diet during the first 2 weeks of lactation or a normal-protein (NP; 23% protein) diet throughout lactation. Rat offspring from NP and LP mothers received a normal-protein diet until 60 days old. At this time, a batch of animals from both groups was fed an HF (35% fat) diet, while another received an NF (7% fat) diet. Maternal protein-caloric restriction provoked lower body weight and fat pad stores, hypoinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, higher insulin sensitivity, reduced insulin secretion and altered autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in adult rat offspring. At 90 days old, NP rats fed an HF diet in adulthood displayed obesity, impaired glucose homeostasis and altered insulin secretion and ANS activity. Interestingly, the LP/HF group also presented fat pad and body weight gain, altered glucose homeostasis, hyperleptinemia and impaired insulin secretion but at a smaller magnitude than the NP-HF group. In addition, LP/HF rats displayed elevated insulin sensitivity. We concluded that protein-caloric restriction during the first 14 days of life programs the rat metabolism against obesity and insulin resistance exacerbation induced by an obesogenic HF diet. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lp(a) (Lipoprotein(a)) Levels Predict Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Subjects With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease on Intensive Lipid Therapy: An Analysis of the AIM-HIGH (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome With Low HDL/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health Outcomes) Carotid Magnetic Resonance Imaging Substudy-Brief Report.

PubMed

Hippe, Daniel S; Phan, Binh An P; Sun, Jie; Isquith, Daniel A; O'Brien, Kevin D; Crouse, John R; Anderson, Todd; Huston, John; Marcovina, Santica M; Hatsukami, Thomas S; Yuan, Chun; Zhao, Xue-Qiao

2018-03-01

To assess whether Lp(a) (lipoprotein(a)) levels and other lipid levels were predictive of progression of atherosclerosis burden as assessed by carotid magnetic resonance imaging in subjects who have been treated with LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol)-lowering therapy and participated in the AIM-HIGH trial (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome With Low HDL/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health Outcomes). AIM-HIGH was a randomized, double-blind study of subjects with established vascular disease, elevated triglycerides, and low HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). One hundred fifty-two AIM-HIGH subjects underwent both baseline and 2-year follow-up carotid artery magnetic resonance imaging. Plaque burden was measured by the percent wall volume (%WV) of the carotid artery. Associations between annualized change in %WV with baseline and on-study (1 year) lipid variables were evaluated using multivariate linear regression and the Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. Average %WV at baseline was 41.6±6.8% and annualized change in %WV over 2 years ranged from -3.2% to 3.7% per year (mean: 0.2±1.1% per year; P =0.032). Increases in %WV were significantly associated with higher baseline Lp(a) (β=0.34 per 1-SD increase of Lp(a); 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.52; P <0.001) after adjusting for clinical risk factors and other lipid levels. On-study Lp(a) had a similar positive association with %WV progression (β=0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.52; P <0.001). Despite intensive lipid therapy, aimed at aggressively lowering LDL-C to <70 mg/dL, carotid atherosclerosis continued to progress as assessed by carotid magnetic resonance imaging and that elevated Lp(a) levels were independent predictors of increases in atherosclerosis burden. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

All-in-one model for designing optimal water distribution pipe networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aklog, Dagnachew; Hosoi, Yoshihiko

2017-05-01

This paper discusses the development of an easy-to-use, all-in-one model for designing optimal water distribution networks. The model combines different optimization techniques into a single package in which a user can easily choose what optimizer to use and compare the results of different optimizers to gain confidence in the performances of the models. At present, three optimization techniques are included in the model: linear programming (LP), genetic algorithm (GA) and a heuristic one-by-one reduction method (OBORM) that was previously developed by the authors. The optimizers were tested on a number of benchmark problems and performed very well in terms of finding optimal or near-optimal solutions with a reasonable computation effort. The results indicate that the model effectively addresses the issues of complexity and limited performance trust associated with previous models and can thus be used for practical purposes.

Texture Classification with Change Point Statistics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

it is necessary to let T approach the value of n for an nxn image. This is motivated by the fact that the computation of Ut, T is so costly, and if T...LP4 - - + ML4 + + + pS4 + - + LP5 + - + ML5 + + + PS5 + + + LP6 + - + ML6 + + + PS6 + - + LP7 - + - ML7 - + - PS7 + - + LP8 - + - ML8 - - - PS8...LP2 + + + ML2 - - - PS2 + - - LP3 - + - ML3 - - - PS3 + + + LP4 - + + ML4 + + + PS4 - - - LP5 - - + ML5 - + - PS5 - + + LP6 - + + KL6 - - - PS6

Test Report Emission Test Program EPA Information Collection Request for Delayed Coking Units 736 Coker Unit

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

ARI Environmental, Inc. (ARI) was retained by Houston Refining LP (HRO) to conduct an emission test program at their refinery located in Houston, Texas. The testing was conducted on on the 736 Delayed Coking Unit (DCU) in response to EPA's ICR.

The REAL Path to Homegrown Enterprise.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Casto, James E.

1996-01-01

REAL Enterprises, Inc. (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) is an academic program that helps students learn the basics of starting and nurturing a new business. West Virginia is 1 of 17 states offering the program with the goal of preparing youth to take advantage of economic opportunities in their own communities. (LP)

LP II--A GOAL PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR MEDIA.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CHARNES, A.; AND OTHERS

A GOAL PROGRAMING MODEL FOR SELECTING MEDIA IS PRESENTED WHICH ALTERS THE OBJECTIVE AND EXTENDS PREVIOUS MEDIA MODELS BY ACCOUNTING FOR CUMULATIVE DUPLICATING AUDIENCES OVER A VARIETY OF TIME PERIODS. THIS PERMITS DETAILED CONTROL OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF MESSAGE FREQUENCIES DIRECTED AT EACH OF NUMEROUS MARKETING TARGETS OVER A SEQUENCE OF…

Meta-Analysis in Stata Using Gllamm

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bagos, Pantelis G.

2015-01-01

There are several user-written programs for performing meta-analysis in Stata (Stata Statistical Software: College Station, TX: Stata Corp LP). These include metan, metareg, mvmeta, and glst. However, there are several cases for which these programs do not suffice. For instance, there is no software for performing univariate meta-analysis with…

Heterogeneity of Systemic Oxidative Stress Profiles in COPD: A Potential Role of Gender.

PubMed

Maury, Jonathan; Gouzi, Farés; De Rigal, Philippe; Heraud, Nelly; Pincemail, Joël; Molinari, Nicolas; Pomiès, Pascal; Laoudj-Chenivesse, Dalila; Mercier, Jacques; Préfaut, Christian; Hayot, Maurice

2015-01-01

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the muscle impairment and exercise capacity of COPD patients. However, the literature reveals that systemic OS markers show great heterogeneity, which may hinder the prescription of effective antioxidant supplementation. This study therefore aimed to identify OS markers imbalance of COPD patients, relative to validated normal reference values, and to investigate the possibility of systemic OS profiles. We measured systemic enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidant and lipid peroxidation (LP) levels in 54 stable COPD patients referred for a rehabilitation program. The main systemic antioxidant deficits in these patients concerned vitamins and trace elements. Fully 89% of the COPD patients showed a systemic antioxidant imbalance which may have caused the elevated systemic LP levels in 69% of them. Interestingly, two patient profiles (clusters 3 and 4) had a more elevated increase in LP combined with increased copper and/or decreased vitamin C, GSH, and GPx. Further analysis revealed that the systemic LP level was higher in COPD women and associated with exercise capacity. Our present data therefore support future supplementations with antioxidant vitamins and trace elements to improve exercise capacity, but COPD patients will probably show different positive responses.

Inactivation modeling of human enteric virus surrogates, MS2, Qβ, and ΦX174, in water using UVC-LEDs, a novel disinfecting system.

PubMed

Kim, Do-Kyun; Kim, Soo-Ji; Kang, Dong-Hyun

2017-01-01

In order to assure the microbial safety of drinking water, UVC-LED treatment has emerged as a possible technology to replace the use of conventional low pressure (LP) mercury vapor UV lamps. In this investigation, inactivation of Human Enteric Virus (HuEV) surrogates with UVC-LEDs was investigated in a water disinfection system, and kinetic model equations were applied to depict the surviving infectivities of the viruses. MS2, Qβ, and ΦX 174 bacteriophages were inoculated into sterile distilled water (DW) and irradiated with UVC-LED printed circuit boards (PCBs) (266nm and 279nm) or conventional LP lamps. Infectivities of bacteriophages were effectively reduced by up to 7-log after 9mJ/cm 2 treatment for MS2 and Qβ, and 1mJ/cm 2 for ΦX 174. UVC-LEDs showed a superior viral inactivation effect compared to conventional LP lamps at the same dose (1mJ/cm 2 ). Non-log linear plot patterns were observed, so that Weibull, Biphasic, Log linear-tail, and Weibull-tail model equations were used to fit the virus survival curves. For MS2 and Qβ, Weibull and Biphasic models fit well with R 2 values approximately equal to 0.97-0.99, and the Weibull-tail equation accurately described survival of ΦX 174. The level of UV-susceptibility among coliphages measured by the inactivation rate constant, k, was statistically different (ΦX 174 (ssDNA)>MS2, Qβ (ssRNA)), and indicated that sensitivity to UV was attributed to viral genetic material. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A method to calculate Stokes parameters and angle of polarization of skylight from polarized CIMEL sun/sky radiometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, L.; Li, Z.; Li, K.; Blarel, L.; Wendisch, M.

2014-12-01

The polarized CIMEL sun/sky radiometers have been routinely operated within the Sun/sky-radiometer Observation NETwork (SONET) in China and some sites of the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) around the world. However, the polarization measurements are not yet widely used due to in a certain degree the lack of Stokes parameters derived directly from these polarization measurements. Meanwhile, it have been shown that retrievals of several microphysical properties of aerosol particles can be significantly improved by using degree of linear polarization (DoLP) measurements of polarized CIMEL sun/sky radiometers (CE318-DP). The Stokes parameters Q and U, as well as angle of polarization (AoP) contain additional information about linear polarization and its orientation. A method to calculate Stokes parameters Q, U, and AoP from CE318-DP polarized skylight measurements is introduced in this study. A new polarized almucantar geometry based on CE318-DP is measured to illustrate abundant variation features of these parameters. The polarization parameters calculated in this study are consistent with previous results of DoLP and I, and also comparable to vector radiative transfer simulations.

PLC-based mode multi/demultiplexers for mode division multiplexing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saitoh, Kunimasa; Hanzawa, Nobutomo; Sakamoto, Taiji; Fujisawa, Takeshi; Yamashita, Yoko; Matsui, Takashi; Tsujikawa, Kyozo; Nakajima, Kazuhide

2017-02-01

Recently developed PLC-based mode multi/demultiplexers (MUX/DEMUXs) for mode division multiplexing (MDM) transmission are reviewed. We firstly show the operation principle and basic characteristics of PLC-based MUX/DEMUXs with an asymmetric directional coupler (ADC). We then demonstrate the 3-mode (2LP-mode) multiplexing of the LP01, LP11a, and LP11b modes by using fabricated PLC-based mode MUX/DEMUX on one chip. In order to excite LP11b mode in the same plane, a PLC-based LP11 mode rotator is introduced. Finally, we show the PLC-based 6-mode (4LP-mode) MUX/DEMUX with a uniform height by using ADCs, LP11 mode rotators, and tapered waveguides. It is shown that the LP21a mode can be excited from the LP11b mode by using ADC, and the two nearly degenerated LP21b and LP02 modes can be (de)multiplexed separately by using tapered mode converter from E13 (E31) mode to LP21b (LP02) mode.

In-line optofluidic refractive index sensing in a side-channel photonic crystal fiber.

PubMed

Zhang, Nan; Humbert, Georges; Wu, Zhifang; Li, Kaiwei; Shum, Perry Ping; Zhang, Nancy Meng Ying; Cui, Ying; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Dinh, Xuan Quyen; Wei, Lei

2016-11-28

An in-line optofluidic refractive index (RI) sensing platform is constructed by splicing a side-channel photonic crystal fiber (SC-PCF) with side-polished single mode fibers. A long-period grating (LPG) combined with an intermodal interference between LP₀₁ and LP₁₁ core modes is used for sensing the RI of the liquid in the side channel. The resonant dip shows a nonlinear wavelength shift with increasing RI over the measured range from 1.3330 to 1.3961. The RI response of this sensing platform for a low RI range of 1.3330-1.3780 is approximately linear, and exhibits a sensitivity of 1145 nm/RIU. Besides, the detection limit of our sensing scheme is improved by around one order of magnitude by introducing the intermodal interference.

Exploratory Phase for Optimizing Lifetime Position 4 of the COS/FUV Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roman-Duval, Julia; Indriolo, Nick; De Rosa, Gisella; Fox, Andrew; Oliveira, Cristina; Penton, Steve; Sahnow, David; Sonnentrucker, Paule; White, James

2018-05-01

The COS/FUV detector uses a microchannel plate, whose response (gain) decreases with usage, a process called gain-sag. To mitigate these gain-sag effects, COS/FUV science spectra are periodically moved to pristine locations of the detector, i.e. different lifetime positions (LP). Preparations for the move from LP3 to LP4 started with an exploratory phase between May and October 2016, while the LP4 move occurred on October 2, 2017. This ISR describes the LP4 exploratory phase, during which the feasibility of placing LP4 at -2.5'' below LP3 (-5'' below LP1) was examined, the effects of the LP4 move on the science quality and calibration accuracy of spectra were investigated, and the final location of LP4 (- 2.5'' below LP3) was determined. We describe in detail the strategy adopted for the LP4 exploratory phase to ensure that all potential issues were identified and resolved well in advance of the LP4 move.

Effectiveness in improving knowledge, practices, and intakes of "key problem nutrients" of a complementary feeding intervention developed by using linear programming: experience in Lombok, Indonesia.

PubMed

Fahmida, Umi; Kolopaking, Risatianti; Santika, Otte; Sriani, Sriani; Umar, Jahja; Htet, Min Kyaw; Ferguson, Elaine

2015-03-01

Complementary feeding recommendations (CFRs) with the use of locally available foods can be developed by using linear programming (LP). Although its potential has been shown for planning phases of food-based interventions, the effectiveness in the community setting has not been tested to our knowledge. We aimed to assess effectiveness of promoting optimized CFRs for improving maternal knowledge, feeding practices, and child intakes of key problem nutrients (calcium, iron, niacin, and zinc). A community-intervention trial with a quasi-experimental design was conducted in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, on children aged 9-16 mo at baseline. A CFR group (n = 240) was compared with a non-CFR group (n = 215). The CFRs, which were developed using LP, were promoted in an intervention that included monthly cooking sessions and weekly home visits. The mother's nutrition knowledge and her child's feeding practices and the child's nutrient intakes were measured before and after the 6-mo intervention by using a structured interview, 24-h recall, and 1-wk food-frequency questionnaire. The CFR intervention improved mothers' knowledge and children's feeding practices and improved children's intakes of calcium, iron, and zinc. At the end line, median (IQR) nutrient densities were significantly higher in the CFR group than in the non-CFR group for iron [i.e., 0.6 mg/100 kcal (0.4-0.8 mg/100 kcal) compared with 0.5 mg/100 kcal (0.4-0.7 mg/100 kcal)] and niacin [i.e., 0.8 mg/100 kcal (0.5-1.0 mg/100 kcal) compared with 0.6 mg/100 kcal (0.4-0.8 mg/100 kcal)]. However, median nutrient densities for calcium, iron, niacin, and zinc in the CFR group (23, 0.6, 0.7, and 0.5 mg/100 kcal, respectively) were still below desired densities (63, 1.0, 0.9, and 0.6 mg/100 kcal, respectively). The CFRs significantly increased intakes of calcium, iron, niacin, and zinc, but nutrient densities were still below desired nutrient densities. When the adoption of optimized CFRs is constrained by economic access for or acceptability of nutrient-dense foods, other strategies need to be incorporated into interventions to ensure adequate intakes of these nutrients. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Short-Term Unilateral Resistance Training Results in Cross Education of Strength Without Changes in Muscle Size, Activation, or Endocrine Response.

PubMed

Beyer, Kyle S; Fukuda, David H; Boone, Carleigh H; Wells, Adam J; Townsend, Jeremy R; Jajtner, Adam R; Gonzalez, Adam M; Fragala, Maren S; Hoffman, Jay R; Stout, Jeffrey R

2016-05-01

Short-term unilateral resistance training results in cross education of strength without changes in muscle size, activation, or endocrine response. J Strength Cond Res 30(5): 1213-1223, 2016-The purpose of this study was to assess the cross education of strength and changes in the underlying mechanisms (muscle size, activation, and hormonal response) after a 4-week unilateral resistance training (URT) program. A group of 9 untrained men completed a 4-week URT program on the dominant leg (DOM), whereas cross education was measured in the nondominant leg (NON); and were compared with a control group (n = 8, CON). Unilateral isometric force (PKF), leg press (LP) and leg extension (LE) strength, muscle size (by ultrasonography) and activation (by electromyography) of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis, and the hormonal response (testosterone, growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1) were tested pretraining and posttraining. Group × time interactions were present for PKF, LP, LE, and muscle size in DOM and for LP in NON. In all interactions, the URT group improved significantly better than CON. There was a significant acute hormonal response to URT, but no chronic adaptation after the 4-week training program. Four weeks of URT resulted in an increase in strength and size of the trained musculature, and cross education of strength in the untrained musculature, which may occur without detectable changes in muscle size, activation, or the acute hormonal response.

Using MERRA-2 analysis fields to simulate limb scattered radiance profiles for inhomogeneous atmospheric lines of sight: Preparation for data assimilation of OMPS LP radiances through 2D single-scattering GSLS radiative transfer model development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loughman, R. P.; Bhartia, P. K.; Moy, L.; Kramarova, N. A.; Wargan, K.

2016-12-01

Many remote sensing techniques used to monitor the Earth's upper atmosphere fall into the broad category of "limb viewing" (LV) measurements, which includes any method for which the line of sight (LOS) fails to intersect the surface. Occultation, limb emission and limb scattering (LS) measurements are all LV methods that offer strong sensitivity to changes in the atmosphere near the tangent point of the LOS, due to the enhanced geometric path through the tangent layer (where the concentration also typically peaks, for most atmospheric species). But many of the retrieval algorithms used to interpret LV measurements assume that the atmosphere consists of "spherical shells", in which the atmospheric properties vary only with altitude (creating a 1D atmosphere). This assumption simplifies the analysis, but at the possible price of misinterpreting measurements made in the real atmosphere. In this presentation, we focus on the problem of LOS inhomogeneity for LS measurements made by the OMPS Limb Profiler (LP) instrument during the 2015 ozone hole period. The GSLS radiative transfer model (RTM) used in the default OMPS LP algorithms assumes a spherical-shell atmosphere defined at levels spaced 1 km apart, with extinction coefficients assumed to vary linearly with height between levels. Several recent improvements enable an updated single-scattering version of the GSLS RTM to ingest 3D MERRA-2 analysis fields (including temperature, pressure, and ozone concentration) when creating the model atmosphere, by introducing flexible altitude grids, flexible atmospheric specification along the LOS, and improved treatment of the radiative transfer within each atmospheric layer. As a result, the effect of LOS inhomogeneity on the current (1D) OMPS LP retrieval algorithm can now be studied theoretically, using realistic 3D atmospheric profiles. This work also represents a step towards enabling OMPS LP data to be ingested as part of future data assimilation efforts.

COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING WITH FORTIFIED SPREAD IS LIKELY TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF SEVERE STUNTING AMONG 6–18 MONTH OLD RURAL MALAWIAN INFANTS

PubMed Central

Phuka, John C.; Maleta, Kenneth; Thakwalakwa, Chrissie; Cheung, Yin Bun; Briend, André; Manary, Mark J.; Ashorn, Per

2013-01-01

Objective To compare growth and incidence of malnutrition among infants receiving long-term dietary complementation with ready-to-use fortified spread (FS) or micronutrient fortified maize-soy flour (LP). Design Randomized, controlled, single-blind trial Setting Rural Malawian population with high incidence of malnutrition Participants 182 six-month-old infants. Intervention Participants were randomized to receive 1-year-long daily supplementation with either 71g of LP (282 kcal energy / day), 50g FS50 (256 kcal), or 25g FS25 (127 kcal). Main outcome measures Weight and length gain, incidence of severe stunting, underweight, and wasting. Results The mean weight and length gains in LP, FS50 and FS25 groups were 2.37, 2.47, and 2.37 kg (p= 0.658) and 12.7, 13.5, and 13.2 cm (p=0.234), respectively. In the same groups, cumulative 12-month incidence of severe stunting was 14.0%, 0.0% and 4.0% (p=0.011), severe underweight 15.0%, 22.5% and 16.9% (p=0.706), and severe wasting 1.8%, 1.9% and 1.8% (p=0.999). Compared to LP-supplemented infants, those given FS50 gained on average (95%CI;p) 100 g (−143 to 343; p=0.419) more weight and 0.8 cm (−0.1 to 1.7; p=0.091) more length. There was a significant interaction between baseline length and intervention (p=0.042); among children with below-median length at enrolment, those given FS50 gained on average 1.9 cm (0.3 to 3.5; p=0.020) more than individuals receiving LP. Conclusions One-year-long complementary feeding with FS does not have significantly larger effect than maize-soy flour on the average weight gain of all infants, but it seems to boost linear growth in the disadvantaged individuals and hence decrease the incidence of severe stunting. PMID:18606932

Low acylation stimulating protein levels are associated with cardiometabolic disorders–secondary to autoimmune activation?

PubMed Central

Onat, Altan; Altay, Servet; Yüksel, Murat; Karadeniz, Yusuf; Can, Günay; Yüksel, Hüsniye; Ademoğlu, Evin

2017-01-01

Objective: We investigated the possible association of serum acylation stimulating protein (ASP) with cardiometabolic disorders and the evidence of autoimmune activation. Methods: Population-based randomly selected 1024 participants were cross-sectionally and prospectively analyzed. ASP concentrations were measured with a validated ELISA kit. Correlations were sought separately in subjects with no cardiometabolic disorders (n=427) designated as “healthy.” Results: ASP was positively correlated with total testosterone and inversely correlated with platelet activating factor (PAF), PAF-acetylhydrolase (AH), in each gender, and positively correlated in “healthy” men with lipoprotein [Lp](a) and apolipoprotein B. Correlations of ASP with PAF values ≥22 nmol/L were abolished, contrasted to a strongly inverse one in subjects with PAF <22 nmol/L. In linear regression analyses in the whole sample, ASP was inversely associated independently with PAF and PAF-AH and, in men, positively with Lp(a) and sex hormone-binding globulin. Prevalent and (at 2.0 years’ follow-up) incident metabolic syndrome (MetS, n=393), diabetes (n=154), and coronary heart disease (CHD, n=171) were analyzed by sex-, age-, and Lp(a)-adjusted logistic regression, using tertiles of ASP and PAF. The lower two (<42 nmol/L) ASP tertiles were a risk factor in combined sexes for MetS and diabetes. In women, incident CHD was predicted by either reduced or elevated ASP tertiles. Conclusion: Findings can be explained by the notion of operation of immune responses against both ASP and oxidized PAF-like lipids of Lp(a) to yield for “reduced” values and increased likelihood of cardiometabolic disorders. PMID:27599666

Job Future's Bright for the Chefs of Muskingum Tech.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffman, Carl

1993-01-01

A two-year culinary arts program at Muskingum College (Zanesville, Ohio) prepares students for jobs in an emerging service-based economy. Students receive intensive classroom instruction and hands-on learning in a high-tech kitchen. Twenty-five full-time and 12 part-time students are completing their first year in the program. (LP)

Radiation health consequences for astronauts: mechanisms, monitoring and prevention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neyfakh, E.

During space flights crews are exposed chronically to uneven irradiation of enhanced bioefficiency following with significant elevation for chromosomal aberrations as minimum. To protect in space rationally monitoring and preventing of health radiogenic individual primary consequences for astronauts are of high importance. Majority of Chernobyl-touched population has some common etiologic radiogenic mechanisms and radioloads with astronauts ones during long-term missions and former is able to be used well as the close ground-level model. Primary radiogenic deviations. Two radiogenic pathologies as lipoperoxic ( LP ) stress with coupled deficits for essential bioantioxidants ( BAO ) were typical for chronic low-dose Chernobyl-touched contingents. When BAO expenditure had led to their subnormal levels, radiogenic free radical chain -b ranched LP processes occurred in vivo hyperbolically. Catabolites and their free radicals of the abnormal LP cascade are known to be toxic, mutagenic / carcinogenic and teratogenic factors as such, as they are for retinol and tocopherol deficiencies. Both coupled pathogenic factors interrelated synergistically. Simultaneous dysbalances for LP and / or BAO systems were evaluated as the cause and markers for metabolic disregulations. Human LP stress was proved to be the most radiosensible known marker to mo nitor least invasively of blood microsamples in a ground lab via the developed PC Program. But for capsule conditions the best approach is assumed to be LP monitoring via skin ultraweak green-blue chemiluminescence ( CL ) caused by recombination of peroxyl radicals. CL from surfaces of organs was embedded first ( E. Neyfakh, 1964 - 71 ) to reflect their internal LP velocities in vivo and it is the non-invasive on-line simple method of the highest sensitivity, supplying with data transmissible to the ground directly. Related deviations. a) Radiogenic hypermutagenesis: LP catabolites and their free radicals are responsible for direct DNA impairments and enhanced chromosomal mutations, which were inverse correlated with BAO levels too. Radiogenic mutations occurred hyperbolic if both factors had acted. b) Bioage acceleration: Healthy people were calibrated by calendar aging markers via their blood levels for LP and BAO as components of lipofuscinic age pigments (lipoperoxides, carbonyls, retinol). Bioage acceleration related to radioloads was evaluated f r Chernobyl-o touched population, as it is suspected for some astronauts . BAO therapy. All evaluated biochemphysical and somatic deviations were cured or prevented synchronously with adequate natural BAO as the rational radioprotective peroral therapy. Extra aberrations were eliminated or prevented during the therapy. Conclusion. To health control of astronauts being irradiated during long-term missions, rational approach is individual monitoring of their LP stata to support them in norm by the preventive therapy maintaining body BAO near to normal upper limits. Sudden acute irradiation demands adequate BAO defence.

Maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation alters central leptin signalling, increases food intake, and decreases bone mass in 1 year old rat offspring.

PubMed

Qasem, Rani J; Li, Jing; Tang, Hee Man; Pontiggia, Laura; D'mello, Anil P

2016-04-01

The effects of perinatal nutrition on offspring physiology have mostly been examined in young adult animals. Aging constitutes a risk factor for the progressive loss of metabolic flexibility and development of disease. Few studies have examined whether the phenotype programmed by perinatal nutrition persists in aging offspring. Persistence of detrimental phenotypes and their accumulative metabolic effects are important for disease causality. This study determined the effects of maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation on food consumption, central leptin sensitivity, bone health, and susceptibility to high fat diet-induced adiposity in 1-year-old male offspring. Sprague-Dawley rats received either a control or a protein restricted diet throughout pregnancy and lactation and pups were weaned onto laboratory chow. One-year-old low protein (LP) offspring exhibited hyperphagia. The inability of an intraperitoneal (i.p.) leptin injection to reduce food intake indicated that the hyperphagia was mediated by decreased central leptin sensitivity. Hyperphagia was accompanied by lower body weight suggesting increased energy expenditure in LP offspring. Bone density and bone mineral content that are negatively regulated by leptin acting via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), were decreased in LP offspring. LP offspring did not exhibit increased susceptibility to high fat diet induced metabolic effects or adiposity. The results presented here indicate that the programming effects of perinatal protein restriction are mediated by specific decreases in central leptin signalling to pathways involved in the regulation of food intake along with possible enhancement of different CNS leptin signalling pathways acting via the SNS to regulate bone mass and energy expenditure. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Photonic Crystal Fiber Based Entangled Photon Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

5 Figure 2: The diagram of the counter- propagating scheme. FP: fiber port ( free - space to fiber). PBS: polarization beam splitter. LP: Linear... entangled photon -pairs using the highly nonlinear fiber in a counter- propagating scheme (CPS). With the HNLF at room temperature, we obtain a... propagating scheme for generating polarization entangled photon pairs at telecom wavelengths. We use 10 m of highly nonlinear fiber. We measure a

Lipoprotein(a): more interesting than ever after 50 years.

PubMed

Dubé, Joseph B; Boffa, Michael B; Hegele, Robert A; Koschinsky, Marlys L

2012-04-01

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease; we highlight the most recent research initiatives that have sought to define Lp(a)-dependent pathogenicity as well as pharmacologic approaches to lowering Lp(a). Recent large-scale meta-analyses have confirmed elevated Lp(a) concentrations to be a moderate but consistent prospective coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor. The Mendelian randomization approach has also associated LPA variants with Lp(a) concentration and CHD risk. Discoveries linking Lp(a) to oxidized phospholipid burden have implicated a proinflammatory role for Lp(a) hinting at a new mechanism underlying the association with CHD risk, which adds to previous atherogenic and thrombogenic mechanisms. Most existing Lp(a)-lowering drug treatments almost always show simultaneous effects on other lipoproteins, making it difficult to assign any clinical outcome specifically to the effects of Lp(a) lowering. Early experiments with antisense oligonucleotides targeting apolipoprotein(a) mRNA seem to indicate the pleiotropic effects of Lp(a) reduction on LDL and HDL in mice. The mechanism linking Lp(a) concentration with concentrations of other blood lipids remains unknown but may provide an insight into Lp(a) metabolism. Despite the wealth of epidemiologic evidence supporting Lp(a) concentration as a CHD risk factor, the lack of a definitive functional mechanism involving an Lp(a)-dependent pathway in CHD pathogenesis has limited the potential clinical connotation of Lp(a). However, the application of novel technologies to the long-standing mysteries of Lp(a) biology seems to provide the opportunity for expanding our understanding of Lp(a) and its complex role in cardiovascular health.

Transverse stress induced LP 02-LP 21 modal interference of stimulated Raman scattered light in a few-mode optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, A.; Posey, R.

1996-02-01

Four-photon mixing followed by stimulated Raman scattering is observed in LP 02 mode in a 7.9 μm core diameter optical fiber. A localized transverse stress efficiency couples LP 02 to the LP 21 mode with a macroscopic beat length of 1.8 mm. LP 02-LP 21 modal interference is investigated by detecting the 550-590 nm SRS through a pinhole in the far field exit plane. Quantitative explanation of wavelength dependent intensity modulation results in a precise experimental determination of {∂[β 02(λ) - β 21(λ)] }/{∂λ}, for mode-propagation constants β02( λ) and β21( λ) of LP 02 and LP 21 modes respectively, as well as Δ, the relative core-cladding refractive index difference. The LP 02-LP 21 modal interference is used for sensing of temperature between 50-300°C.

COS NUV Target Acquisition Monitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penton, Steven V.

2017-08-01

Visits PA, BA, & BB of this program verify all ACQ/IMAGE mode co-alignments by bootstrapping from PSA+MIRRORA. The assumption, which should be tested at some point, is that the PSA+MIRRORA WCA-to-PSA FSW offsets are still as accurate in defining the center of the PSA relative to the WCA as there were in SMOV. The details of the observations are given is the observing section.Visit PB was an on-hold contingency visit in case, for whatever reason, visit 2A of 14452, did not execute as planned in the fall of 2017. This program was replaced with a better program for aligning the FGGs so we needed to activate this visit to obtain the PSA/MIRRORA to PSA/MIRRORB ACQ/IMAGE alignment. Visit BA of this program takes back-to-back PSA/MIRRORB & BOA/MIRRORA ACQ/Images and images (with flashes) and also takes G230L, G285M as well as FUV LP3 G130M and G140L spectra to test the WCA-to-PSA offsets.Visit BB of this program takes back-to-back BOA/MIRRORA & BOA/MIRRORB ACQ/Images and images (with flashes) and also takes G225M, G185M, and FUV LP3 G160M spectra to test the WCA-to-PSA offsets. Visit BA of this program bootstraps off VIsit PB to co-align the PSA+MIRRORB ACQ/IMAGE mode to the BOA+MIRRORA. Visit BB of this program follows the style of Visit BA and bootstraps from the BOA+MIRRORA mode to the BOA+MIRRORB TA imaging mode. In all visits, lamp+target images are taken before and after the TA imaging mode that is being co-aligned (the second ACQ/IMAGE of the program.)All visits in this program are single orbit visits. This program is very similar to the NUV portion of the C24 version (14857). This program differs from the Cycle 23 version in that Visit PB (the old Visit 03) has been permanently upgraded from contingency to operational status. NOTE: Beginning with Cycle 25. ALL FUV exposures in this program have been moved to a separate monitoring program. This program will sequentially test the XD accuracy of FUV LP4 spectra. As needed, NUV ACQ/IMAGEs will reset the centering between grating tests.

A randomized controlled trial of physical activity, dietary habit, and distress management with the Leadership and Coaching for Health (LEACH) program for disease-free cancer survivors.

PubMed

Yun, Young Ho; Kim, Young Ae; Lee, Myung Kyung; Sim, Jin Ah; Nam, Byung-Ho; Kim, Sohee; Lee, Eun Sook; Noh, Dong-Young; Lim, Jae-Young; Kim, Sung; Kim, Si-Young; Cho, Chi-Heum; Jung, Kyung Hae; Chun, Mison; Lee, Soon Nam; Park, Kyong Hwa; Park, Sohee

2017-05-02

We aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of the Leadership and Coaching for Health (LEACH) program on physical activity (PA), dietary habits, and distress management in cancer survivors. We randomly assigned 248 cancer survivors with an allocation ratio of two-to-one to the LEACH program (LP) group, coached by long-term survivors, or the usual care (UC) group. At baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months, we used PA scores, the intake of vegetables and fruits (VF), and the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) as primary outcomes and, for secondary outcomes, the Ten Rules for Highly Effective Health Behavior adhered to and quality of life (QOL), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). For primary outcomes, the two groups did not significantly differ in PA scores or VF intake but differed marginally in PTGI. For secondary outcomes, the LP group showed a significantly greater improvement in the HADS anxiety score, the social functioning score, and the appetite loss and financial difficulties scores of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scales from baseline to 3 months. From baseline to 12 months, the LP group showed a significantly greater decrease in the EORTC QLQ-C30 fatigue score and a significantly greater increase in the number of the Ten Rules for Highly Effective Health Behavior. Our findings indicate that the LEACH program, coached by long-term survivors, can provide effective management of the QOL of cancer survivors but not of their PA or dietary habits. Clinical trial information can be found for the following: NCT01527409 (the date when the trial was registered: February 2012).

Experimental demonstration of time- and mode-division multiplexed passive optical network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Fang; Li, Juhao; Tang, Ruizhi; Hu, Tao; Yu, Jinyi; Mo, Qi; He, Yongqi; Chen, Zhangyuan; Li, Zhengbin

2017-07-01

A time- and mode-division multiplexed passive optical network (TMDM-PON) architecture is proposed, in which each optical network unit (ONU) communicates with the optical line terminal (OLT) independently utilizing both different time slots and switched optical linearly polarized (LP) spatial modes. Combination of a mode multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEUX) and a simple N × 1 optical switch is employed to select the specific LP mode in each ONU. A mode-insensitive power splitter is used for signal broadcast/combination between OLT and ONUs. We theoretically propose a dynamic mode and time slot assignment scheme for TMDM-PON based on inter-ONU priority rating, in which the time delay and packet loss ratio's variation tendency are investigated by simulation. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate 2-mode TMDM-PON transmission over 10 km FMF with 10-Gb/s on-off keying (OOK) signal and direct detection.

New imaging algorithm in diffusion tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klibanov, Michael V.; Lucas, Thomas R.; Frank, Robert M.

1997-08-01

A novel imaging algorithm for diffusion/optical tomography is presented for the case of the time dependent diffusion equation. Numerical tests are conducted for ranges of parameters realistic for applications to an early breast cancer diagnosis using ultrafast laser pulses. This is a perturbation-like method which works for both homogeneous a heterogeneous background media. Its main innovation lies in a new approach for a novel linearized problem (LP). Such an LP is derived and reduced to a boundary value problem for a coupled system of elliptic partial differential equations. As is well known, the solution of such a system amounts to the factorization of well conditioned, sparse matrices with few non-zero entries clustered along the diagonal, which can be done very rapidly. Thus, the main advantages of this technique are that it is fast and accurate. The authors call this approach the elliptic systems method (ESM). The ESM can be extended for other data collection schemes.

LP DAAC MEaSUREs Project Artifact Tracking Via the NASA Earthdata Collaboration Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, S. D.

2015-12-01

The Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC) is a NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Data and Information System (EOSDIS) DAAC that supports selected EOS Community non-standard data products such as the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Global Emissivity Database (GED), and also supports NASA Earth Science programs such as Making Earth System Data Records for Use in Research Environments (MEaSUREs) to contribute in providing long-term, consistent, and mature data products. As described in The LP DAAC Project Lifecycle Plan (Daucsavage, J.; Bennett, S., 2014), key elements within the Project Inception Phase fuse knowledge between NASA stakeholders, data producers, and NASA data providers. To support and deliver excellence for NASA data stewardship, and to accommodate long-tail data preservation with Community and MEaSUREs products, the LP DAAC is utilizing NASA's own Earthdata Collaboration Environment to bridge stakeholder communication divides. By leveraging a NASA supported platform, this poster describes how the Atlassian Confluence software combined with a NASA URS/Earthdata support can maintain each project's members, status, documentation, and artifact checklist. Furthermore, this solution provides a gateway for project communities to become familiar with NASA clients, as well as educating the project's NASA DAAC Scientists for NASA client distribution.

Bivalent rLP2086 (Trumenba®): Development of a well-characterized vaccine through commercialization.

PubMed

Sunasara, Khurram; Cundy, John; Srinivasan, Sriram; Evans, Brad; Sun, Weiqiang; Cook, Scott; Bortell, Eric; Farley, John; Griffin, Daniel; Bailey Piatchek, Michele; Arch-Douglas, Katherine

2018-05-24

The phrase "Process is the Product" is often applied to biologics, including multicomponent vaccines composed of complex components that evade complete characterization. Vaccine production processes must be defined and locked early in the development cycle to ensure consistent quality of the vaccine throughout scale-up, clinical studies, and commercialization. This approach of front-loading the development work helped facilitate the accelerated approval of the Biologic License Application for the well-characterized vaccine bivalent rLP2086 (Trumenba®, Pfizer Inc) in 2014 under Breakthrough Therapy Designation. Bivalent rLP2086 contains two rLP2086 antigens and is licensed for the prevention of meningococcal meningitis disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in individuals 10-25years of age in the United States. This paper discusses the development of the manufacturing process of the two antigens for the purpose of making it amenable to any manufacturing facility. For the journey to commercialization, the operating model used to manage this highly accelerated program led to a framework that ensured "right the first time" execution, robust process characterization, and proactive process monitoring. This framework enabled quick problem identification and proactive resolutions, resulting in a robust control strategy for the commercial process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

LP-LPA: A link influence-based label propagation algorithm for discovering community structures in networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berahmand, Kamal; Bouyer, Asgarali

2018-03-01

Community detection is an essential approach for analyzing the structural and functional properties of complex networks. Although many community detection algorithms have been recently presented, most of them are weak and limited in different ways. Label Propagation Algorithm (LPA) is a well-known and efficient community detection technique which is characterized by the merits of nearly-linear running time and easy implementation. However, LPA has some significant problems such as instability, randomness, and monster community detection. In this paper, an algorithm, namely node’s label influence policy for label propagation algorithm (LP-LPA) was proposed for detecting efficient community structures. LP-LPA measures link strength value for edges and nodes’ label influence value for nodes in a new label propagation strategy with preference on link strength and for initial nodes selection, avoid of random behavior in tiebreak states, and efficient updating order and rule update. These procedures can sort out the randomness issue in an original LPA and stabilize the discovered communities in all runs of the same network. Experiments on synthetic networks and a wide range of real-world social networks indicated that the proposed method achieves significant accuracy and high stability. Indeed, it can obviously solve monster community problem with regard to detecting communities in networks.

PAPR reduction in FBMC using an ACE-based linear programming optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Neut, Nuan; Maharaj, Bodhaswar TJ; de Lange, Frederick; González, Gustavo J.; Gregorio, Fernando; Cousseau, Juan

2014-12-01

This paper presents four novel techniques for peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction in filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) modulation systems. The approach extends on current PAPR reduction active constellation extension (ACE) methods, as used in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), to an FBMC implementation as the main contribution. The four techniques introduced can be split up into two: linear programming optimization ACE-based techniques and smart gradient-project (SGP) ACE techniques. The linear programming (LP)-based techniques compensate for the symbol overlaps by utilizing a frame-based approach and provide a theoretical upper bound on achievable performance for the overlapping ACE techniques. The overlapping ACE techniques on the other hand can handle symbol by symbol processing. Furthermore, as a result of FBMC properties, the proposed techniques do not require side information transmission. The PAPR performance of the techniques is shown to match, or in some cases improve, on current PAPR techniques for FBMC. Initial analysis of the computational complexity of the SGP techniques indicates that the complexity issues with PAPR reduction in FBMC implementations can be addressed. The out-of-band interference introduced by the techniques is investigated. As a result, it is shown that the interference can be compensated for, whilst still maintaining decent PAPR performance. Additional results are also provided by means of a study of the PAPR reduction of the proposed techniques at a fixed clipping probability. The bit error rate (BER) degradation is investigated to ensure that the trade-off in terms of BER degradation is not too severe. As illustrated by exhaustive simulations, the SGP ACE-based technique proposed are ideal candidates for practical implementation in systems employing the low-complexity polyphase implementation of FBMC modulators. The methods are shown to offer significant PAPR reduction and increase the feasibility of FBMC as a replacement modulation system for OFDM.

Simulation of Plasma Jet Merger and Liner Formation within the PLX- α Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samulyak, Roman; Chen, Hsin-Chiang; Shih, Wen; Hsu, Scott

2015-11-01

Detailed numerical studies of the propagation and merger of high Mach number argon plasma jets and the formation of plasma liners have been performed using the newly developed method of Lagrangian particles (LP). The LP method significantly improves accuracy and mathematical rigor of common particle-based numerical methods such as smooth particle hydrodynamics while preserving their main advantages compared to grid-based methods. A brief overview of the LP method will be presented. The Lagrangian particle code implements main relevant physics models such as an equation of state for argon undergoing atomic physics transformation, radiation losses in thin optical limit, and heat conduction. Simulations of the merger of two plasma jets are compared with experimental data from past PLX experiments. Simulations quantify the effect of oblique shock waves, ionization, and radiation processes on the jet merger process. Results of preliminary simulations of future PLX- alpha experiments involving the ~ π / 2 -solid-angle plasma-liner configuration with 9 guns will also be presented. Partially supported by ARPA-E's ALPHA program.

Gibberellin inhibitors improve embryogenic tissue initiation in conifers.

PubMed

Pullman, Gerald S; Mein, J; Johnson, S; Zhang, Y

2005-02-01

Somatic embryogenesis (SE), the most promising technology to multiply high-value coniferous trees from advanced breeding and genetic engineering programs, is expected to play an important role in increasing productivity, sustainability, and uniformity of future forests in the United States. For commercial use, SE technology must work with a variety of genetically diverse trees. Initiation in loblolly pine (LP; Pinus taeda L.), our main focus species, is often recalcitrant for desirable genotypes. Initiation of LP, slash pine (SP; Pinus elliottii), Douglas-fir (DF; Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Norway spruce (NS; Picea abies) were improved through the use of paclobutrazol, a gibberellin synthesis inhibitor. Paclobutrazol was effective at concentrations ranging from 0.25 mg/l to 3.0 mg/l (0.85-10.2 microM) and optimal in LP at 1.0 mg/l. Using control media (no paclobutrazol) and 0.33-1.0 mg/l paclobutrazol, initiation percentages in LP, SP, DF, and NS were improved from 37.7% to 44.2% (across experiments), 19.3% to 28.5%, 16.9% to 23.7%, and 38.8% to 48.5%, respectively. Other gibberellin inhibitors such as flurprimidol, chlormequat-Cl, and daminozide also caused statistically significant increases in LP initiation when added to the medium at concentrations of 0.34, 10.0, and 1.0 microM, respectively. No detrimental effects on subsequent embryo development were observed when 29 new initiations from medium without GA inhibitor and 28 new initiations from medium containing paclobutrazol were tracked through culture capture, liquid culture establishment, cotyledonary embryo development, and germination.

Chiral resolution of spin angular momentum in linearly polarized and unpolarized light

PubMed Central

Hernández, R. J.; Mazzulla, A.; Provenzano, C.; Pagliusi, P.; Cipparrone, G.

2015-01-01

Linearly polarized (LP) and unpolarized (UP) light are racemic entities since they can be described as superposition of opposite circularly polarized (CP) components of equal amplitude. As a consequence they do not carry spin angular momentum. Chiral resolution of a racemate, i.e. separation of their chiral components, is usually performed via asymmetric interaction with a chiral entity. In this paper we provide an experimental evidence of the chiral resolution of linearly polarized and unpolarized Gaussian beams through the transfer of spin angular momentum to chiral microparticles. Due to the interplay between linear and angular momentum exchange, basic manipulation tasks, as trapping, spinning or orbiting of micro-objects, can be performed by light with zero helicity. The results might broaden the perspectives for development of miniaturized and cost-effective devices. PMID:26585284

75 FR 22400 - Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; Petition To Object to Title V Permit for Wheelabrator...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-28

... ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-9142-6] Clean Air Act Operating Permit Program; Petition To Object to Title V Permit for Wheelabrator Baltimore, L.P., Baltimore City, MD AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of final action. SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 505(b)(2) of the Clean...

Elevated serum β₂-GPI-Lp(a) complexes levels in children with nephrotic syndrome.

PubMed

Zhang, Chunni; Luo, Yang; Huang, Zhongwei; Xia, Zhengkun; Cai, Xiaoyi; Yang, Yuhua; Niu, Dongmei; Wang, Junjun

2012-10-09

The complexes of β₂-glycoprotein I (β₂-GPI) with lipoprotein(a) [β₂-GPI-Lp(a)] exist in human circulation and are increased in serum from patients with some autoimmune diseases. This study aims to investigate the concentration of β₂-GPI-Lp(a) in serum of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) and its relationship with serum lipids, oxidized lipoprotein and renal function parameters to explore the potential of the complexes as an additional marker for evaluating pediatric NS. Serum concentrations of β₂-GPI-Lp(a) complexes and oxidized Lp(a) [ox-Lp(a)] were measured by "Sandwich" ELISAs in 80 NS children and 82 age/sex-matched healthy controls. The levels of serum lipids and kidney parameters were also determined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlate of β₂-GPI-Lp(a) and NS. The serum concentrations of β₂-GPI-Lp(a) complexes in children with NS were significantly higher than those in controls (median 0.95 U/ml vs 0.28 U/ml, P<0.0001). Ox-Lp(a) levels were also markedly elevated (median 14.55 mg/l vs 2.60 mg/l, P<0.0001] in NS children. The concentrations of β₂-GPI-Lp(a) were positively correlated with ox-Lp(a) (r=0.246, P=0.028), but not with Lp(a) level, and the concentrations of ox-Lp(a) were positively related with Lp(a) (r=0.301, P=0.007) in NS children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a positive association between NS and β₂-GPI-Lp(a) (OR=13.694, 95% CI 6.400-29.299, P<0.0001), after adjusting for kidney function parameters, serum lipids and ox-Lp(a). Elevated β₂-GPI-Lp(a) level was an independent and significant risk factor for pediatric NS and, enhanced Lp(a) oxidation partly contributes to the formation of β₂-GPI-Lp(a) complexes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of Leading Programs in Doctoral Education: A New Type of Leadership Education in the Sciences at University of Hyogo, Japan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okamoto, Maya; Matsuzaka, Hiroshi

2015-01-01

Fostering global leaders for the next generation is an important mission of universities. In Japan, Leading Programs in Doctoral Education (LP) has been implemented in many graduate schools. The main goal of this program is to foster PhDs with deep specialization and peer leadership who will be able to compete well internationally. The Graduate…

Teachers' and Researchers' Beliefs of Learning and the use of Learning Progressions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clapp, Francis Neely

In the last decade, science education reform in the United States has emphasized the exploration of cognitive learning pathways, which are theories on how a person learns a particular science subject matter. These theories are based, in part, by Piagetian developmental theory. One such model, called Learning Progressions (LP), has become prominent within science education reform. Science education researchers design LPs which in turn are used by science educators to sequence their curricula. The new national science standards released in April 2013 (Next Generation Science Standards) are, in part, grounded in the LP model. Understanding how teachers apply and use LPs, therefore, is valuable because professional development programs are likely to use this model, given the federal attention LP have received in science education reform. I sought to identify the beliefs and discourse that both LP developers and intended LP implementers have around student learning, teaching, and learning progressions. However, studies measuring beliefs or perspectives of LP-focused projects are absent in published works. A qualitative research is therefore warranted to explore this rather uncharted research area. Research questions were examined through the use of an instrumental case study. A case study approach was selected over other methodologies, as the research problem is, in part, bound within a clearly identifiable case (a professional development experience centering on a single LP model). One of the broadest definitions of a case study is noted by Becker (1968), who stated that goals of case studies are "to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the groups under study" and to develop "general theoretical statements about regularities in social structure and process." (p.233). Based on Merriam (1985) the general consensus in the case study literature is that the assumptions underlying this method are common to naturalistic inquiry with research conducted primarily in the field with little control of variables. Beyond this similarity, different researchers have varying definitions to case studies. Merriam's (1985) provided a summary of the delineations and varying types of case studies. Merriam divided the various case study methods by their functions, with a marked divide between theory building and non-theory building methods. Non-theory building case studies are generally descriptive, and interpretive methods that apply theory to a case or context allow researchers to better understand the phenomena observed (Lijphart, 1971; Merriam, 1985). Conversely, theory building case studies focus on hypothesis generation, theory confirming, theory informing, or theory refuting (Lijphart, 1971; Merriam, 1985). Though there are many definitions and methods labeled as 'case studies,' for the purpose of this study, Yin's (1981) definition of a case study will be used. Yin (1981) defined a case study as a method to examine "(a) a contemporary phenomenon in its real-life context, especially when (b) the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident" (p. 59). My study seeks to apply theory and study phenomena in their context, as I will examine teachers' practice in context of their respective classrooms. This study focuses on the lived experiences of both teacher and research stakeholders within the study. Specifically, I interviewed teachers who participated in a year-long teacher-in-residence (TiR) program. In addition, researchers/content experts who conceptualized the LP were also interviewed. Because the TiR experience was a form of professional development, I propose to study the impact that it had on participants' perceptions of the LP and any teacher-reported changes in their respective classrooms. However, because beliefs influence the language that we use to describe phenomena (such as learning and teaching), it is informative to also describe patterns in how LP developers explain learning and teaching. Subsequently, the results of this study will inform literature on both science teacher professional development and LPs theory to practice.

75 FR 39680 - Houston Pipe Line Company LP, Worsham-Steed Gas Storage, L.P., Energy Transfer Fuel, LP, Mid...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-12

... Company LP, Worsham-Steed Gas Storage, L.P., Energy Transfer Fuel, LP, Mid Continent Market Center, L.L.C... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR10-44-000; Docket No. PR10... the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE...

Prevalence of Oral, Skin, and Oral and Skin Lesions of Lichen Planus in Patients Visiting a Dental School in Southern India

PubMed Central

Omal, PM; Jacob, Vimal; Prathap, Akhilesh; Thomas, Nebu George

2012-01-01

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous disease that is relatively common among adult population. LP can present as skin and oral lesions. This study highlights the prevalence of oral, skin, and oral and skin lesions of LP. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral, skin, and oral and skin lesions of LP from a population of patients attending the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiodiagnosis, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of oral, skin, and oral and skin lesions of LP. This is a ongoing prospective study with results of 2 years being reported. LP was diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation and histopathological analysis of mucosal and skin biopsy done for all patients suspected of having LP. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) software version 14. To test the statistical significance, chi-square test was used. Results: Out of 18,306 patients screened, 8,040 were males and 10,266 females. LP was seen in 118 cases (0.64%). Increased prevalence of LP was observed in middle age adults (40–60 years age group) with lowest age of 12 years and highest age of 65 years. No statistically significant differences were observed between the genders in skin LP group (P=0.12) and in oral and skin LP groups (P=0.06); however, a strong female predilection was seen in oral LP group (P=0.000036). The prevalence of cutaneous LP in oral LP patients was 0.06%. Conclusion: This study showed an increased prevalence of oral LP than skin LP, and oral and skin LP with a female predominance. PMID:22615505

Effect of resistance training and hypocaloric diets with different protein content on body composition and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic obese women.

PubMed

García-Unciti, M; Martinez, J A; Izquierdo, M; Gorostiaga, E M; Grijalba, A; Ibañez, J

2012-01-01

Lifestyle changes such as following a hypocaloric diet and regular physical exercise are recognized as effective non-pharmacological interventions to reduce body fat mass and prevent cardiovascular disease risk factors. To evaluate the interactions of a higher protein (HP) vs. a lower protein (LP) diet with or without a concomitant progressive resistance training program (RT) on body composition and lipoprotein profile in hypercholesterolemic obese women. Retrospective study derived from a 16-week randomized controlled-intervention clinical trial. Twenty five sedentary, obese (BMI: 30-40 kg/m²) women, aged 40-60 with hypercholesterolemia were assigned to a 4-arm trial using a 2 x 2 factorial design (Diet x Exercise). Prescribed diets had the same calorie restriction (-500 kcal/day), and were categorized according to protein content as: lower protein (< 22% daily energy intake, LP) vs. higher protein (> 22% daily energy intake, HP). Exercise comparisons involved habitual activity (control) vs. a 16-week supervised whole-body resistance training program (RT), two sessions/wk. A significant decrease in weight and waist circumference was observed in all groups. A significant decrease in LDL-C and Total-Cholesterol levels was observed only when a LP diet was combined with a RT program, the RT being the most determining factor. Interestingly, an interaction between diet and exercise was found concerning LDL-C values. In this study, resistance training plays a key role in improving LDL-C and Total-Cholesterol; however, a lower protein intake (< 22% of daily energy intake as proteins) was found to achieve a significantly greater reduction in LDL-C.

Lipoprotein(a) in patients with aortic stenosis: Insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance

PubMed Central

Vassiliou, Vassilios S.; Flynn, Paul D.; Raphael, Claire E.; Newsome, Simon; Khan, Tina; Ali, Aamir; Halliday, Brian; Studer Bruengger, Annina; Malley, Tamir; Sharma, Pranev; Selvendran, Subothini; Aggarwal, Nikhil; Sri, Anita; Berry, Helen; Donovan, Jackie; Lam, Willis; Auger, Dominique; Cook, Stuart A.; Pennell, Dudley J.; Prasad, Sanjay K.

2017-01-01

Background Aortic stenosis is the most common age-related valvular pathology. Patients with aortic stenosis and myocardial fibrosis have worse outcome but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Lipoprotein(a) is associated with adverse cardiovascular risk and is elevated in patients with aortic stenosis. Although mechanistic pathways could link Lipoprotein(a) with myocardial fibrosis, whether the two are related has not been previously explored. In this study, we investigated whether elevated Lipoprotein(a) was associated with the presence of myocardial replacement fibrosis. Methods A total of 110 patients with mild, moderate and severe aortic stenosis were assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance to identify fibrosis. Mann Whitney U tests were used to assess for evidence of an association between Lp(a) and the presence or absence of myocardial fibrosis and aortic stenosis severity and compared to controls. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis were undertaken to identify possible predictors of Lp(a). Results Thirty-six patients (32.7%) had no LGE enhancement, 38 (34.6%) had midwall enhancement suggestive of midwall fibrosis and 36 (32.7%) patients had subendocardial myocardial fibrosis, typical of infarction. The aortic stenosis patients had higher Lp(a) values than controls, however, there was no significant difference between the Lp(a) level in mild, moderate or severe aortic stenosis. No association was observed between midwall or infarction pattern fibrosis and Lipoprotein(a), in the mild/moderate stenosis (p = 0.91) or severe stenosis patients (p = 0.42). Conclusion There is no evidence to suggest that higher Lipoprotein(a) leads to increased myocardial midwall or infarction pattern fibrosis in patients with aortic stenosis. PMID:28704465

Prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococci, other than Staphylococcus aureus, in bovine mastitis.

PubMed

Roberson, J R; Fox, L K; Hancock, D D; Gay, J M; Besser, T E

1996-01-01

To determine prevalence and relevance of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus hyicus and S intermedius intramammary infections (IMI) in dairy cows and determine the ability of the 4-hour tube coagulase (TC) test to differentiate the coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS). Prevalence of CPS was determined for primiparous cows (point prevalence and prevalence at first parturition) and multiparous cows (point prevalence) of 2 herd groups: < 6% CPS IMI prevalence = low prevalence (LP); > 10% CPS IMI prevalence = high prevalence (HP). For prevalence, cows of 22 dairy herds. For TC, 1,038 CPS strains isolated from cow milk. Speciation of CPS from aseptically collected composite milk samples was performed. Coagulase-positive isolates from 4 cow groups were tested for their ability to coagulate rabbit plasma by 4 hours: LP and HP primiparous cows at parturition, and LP and HP cows any time after first parturition. Of 487 CPS in the prevalence study, 82.1% were S aureus, 17.7% were coagulase-positive S hyicus, and 0.2% were S intermedius. Of all CPS IMI in LP herds, 34% were coagulase-positive S hyicus; of all CPS IMI in HP herds, 9% were coagulase-positive S hyicus. Coagulase-positive S hyicus appeared to persist to the end of lactation in 4 cows (mean linear somatic cell count = 3.7). The TC test was > or = 97% sensitive, < or = 33% specific, and had a predictive value positive range of 60 to 97% for S aureus isolates. Coagulase-positive S hyicus appears capable of inducing chronic, low-grade IMI. Staphylococcus intermedius does not appear to be an important mastitis pathogen. The TC test is not valid to use as the sole method to differentiate CPS species.

Aortic arch calcification detectable on chest X-ray films is associated with plasma diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites in patients with type 2 diabetes but without cardiovascular disease.

PubMed

Watanabe, Kentaro; Ohara, Makoto; Suzuki, Tatsuya; Ouchi, Motoshi; Suzuki, Kazunari; Hashimoto, Masao; Saigusa, Taro; Aoyama, Junya; Nakano, Hiroshi; Oba, Kenzo

2013-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) detectable on chest X-ray films and plasma diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) in patients with type 2 diabetes but without cardiovascular disease. Forty-nine patients with type 2 diabetes but without cardiovascular disease were evaluated with chest X-ray examinations and divided into those with AAC (n=26) and those without AAC (n=23). Biochemical variables, including plasma levels of d-ROMS, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), were evaluated after an overnight fast. The relationships of AAC with both inflammation and oxidative-stress variables were evaluated. The plasma level of d-ROMs in subjects with AAC was significantly higher than that in subjects without AAC, whereas plasma levels of hsCRP, PAI-1, and Lp(a) in subjects with AAC were higher, but not significantly so, than those in subjects without AAC. Multivariate linear regression analysis with AAC grade as the dependent variable and plasma levels of d-ROMs, hsCRP, PAI-1, or Lp(a) as independent variables demonstrated a significant association of AAC grade with plasma levels of d-ROMs but not with plasma levels of hsCRP, PAI-1, or Lp(a). The plasma level of d-ROMs is associated with AAC in patients with type 2 diabetes but without cardiovascular disease. Hence, the results of the present study suggest that AAC in these patients is strongly associated with oxidative stress. Furthermore, patients with type 2 diabetes and AAC may be at high risk for the development and progression of various diabetic complications induced by oxidative stress.

Biosorption of phenanthrene by pure algae and field-collected planktons and their fractions.

PubMed

Zhang, Dainan; Ran, Chenyang; Yang, Yu; Ran, Yong

2013-09-01

The biosorption isotherms for phenanthrene (Phen) by cultured algae, field-collected plankton, and market algae samples (OSs) and their fractions (lipid-LP, lipid free carbon-LF, alkaline nonhydrolyzable carbon-ANHC, and acid nonhydrolyzable carbon-NHC) were established. All the biosorption isotherms are well fitted by the Freundlich model. The biosorption isotherms for the ANHC and NHC fractions are nonlinear and for the other fractions are linear. It was found that the NHC fractions are chemically and structurally different from other fractions by using elemental analysis and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), consisting mainly of aliphatic polymethylene carbon. The average KOC values for Phen at Ce=0.005Sw are 10706±2768mLg(-1) and 95843±55817mLg(-1) for the bulk market algal samples and their NHC isolates, respectively. As the NHC fraction for Porphyra contains higher polymethylene carbon than that for Seaweed or Spirulina, it exhibits higher biosorption capacity. Moreover, the logKOC values are significantly higher for the field-collected samples than for the market algae and cultured algae samples. The multivariate correlation shows that the logKOC values are positively related to the LP contents, and negatively to the C/N ratios for the original algal samples. Furthermore, the logKOC values are negatively related to the polarity indices (O/C and O+N/C) for the original samples and their fractions excluding LP fractions. These observations help to understand the role of polarity, LP and NHC fractions, and aliphatic structures in the biosorption of Phen, which requires more attention in the examination of sorption processes in the natural environment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

78 FR 36232 - Announcement of Funding Awards; Service Coordinators in Multifamily Housing Program, Fiscal Year...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-17

.... Preservation LP. MI....... Romulus Non- Whispering 11100 Wayne Rd. Romulus 65 159,643 Profit Housing Willows...'Keefe 2130 SW White San Antonio 50 246,302 Apartments. Apts. Rd. VA....... Holiday Village Holiday...

78 FR 63976 - Arlington Storage Company, LLC, LP; Notice of Reopening of Comment Period

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-25

... issued a notice setting October 15, 2013, as the date to file comments regarding the Gallery 2 Expansion Project Environmental Assessment. Because of the limited funding to federal programs and resources between...

77 FR 58371 - Allegheny Hydro No. 8, L.P., Allegheny Hydro No. 9, L.P., and U.S. Bank National Association...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-20

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 3021-088] Allegheny Hydro No. 8, L.P., Allegheny Hydro No. 9, L.P., and U.S. Bank National Association Allegheny Hydro, LLC... 31, 2012, Allegheny Hydro No. 8, L.P., Allegheny Hydro No. 9, L.P., and U.S. Bank National...

Device orientation of a leadless pacemaker and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in canine and human subjects and the effect on intrabody communication.

PubMed

Quast, Anne-Floor B E; Tjong, Fleur V Y; Koop, Brendan E; Wilde, Arthur A M; Knops, Reinoud E; Burke, Martin C

2018-02-14

The development of communicating modular cardiac rhythm management systems relies on effective intrabody communication between a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) and a leadless pacemaker (LP), using conducted communication. Communication success is affected by the LP and S-ICD orientation. This study is designed to evaluate the orientation of the LP and S-ICD in canine subjects and measure success and threshold of intrabody communication. To gain more human insights, we will explore device orientation in LP and S-ICD patients. Canine subjects implanted with a prototype S-ICD and LP (both Boston Scientific, MA, USA) with anterior-posterior fluoroscopy images were included in this analysis. For comparison, a retrospective analysis of human S-ICD and LP patients was performed. The angle of the long axis of the LP towards the vertical axis of 0°, and distance between the coil and LP were measured. Twenty-three canine subjects were analysed. Median angle of the LP was 29° and median distance of the S-ICD coil to LP was 0.8 cm. All canine subjects had successful communication. The median communicating threshold was 2.5 V. In the human retrospective analysis, 72 LP patients and 100 S-ICD patients were included. The mean angle of the LP was 56° and the median distance between the S-ICD coil and LP was 4.6 cm. Despite the less favourable LP orientation in canine subjects, all communication attempts were successful. In the human subjects, we observed a greater and in theory more favourable LP angle towards the communication vector. These data suggests suitability of human anatomy for conductive intrabody communication.

PLC-based LP₁₁ mode rotator for mode-division multiplexing transmission.

PubMed

Saitoh, Kunimasa; Uematsu, Takui; Hanzawa, Nobutomo; Ishizaka, Yuhei; Masumoto, Kohei; Sakamoto, Taiji; Matsui, Takashi; Tsujikawa, Kyozo; Yamamoto, Fumihiko

2014-08-11

A PLC-based LP11 mode rotator is proposed. The proposed mode rotator is composed of a waveguide with a trench that provides asymmetry of the waveguide. Numerical simulations show that converting LP11a (LP11b) mode to LP11b (LP11a) mode can be achieved with high conversion efficiency (more than 90%) and little polarization dependence over a wide wavelength range from 1450 nm to 1650 nm. In addition, we fabricate the proposed LP11 mode rotator using silica-based PLC. It is confirmed that the fabricated mode rotator can convert LP11a mode to LP11b mode over a wide wavelength range.

CO2 laser preionisation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spiers, Gary D.

1991-01-01

The final report for work done during the reporting period of January 25, 1990 to January 24, 1991 is presented. A literature survey was conducted to identify the required parameters for effective preionization in TEA CO2 lasers and the methods and techniques for characterizing preionizers are reviewed. A numerical model of the LP-140 cavity was used to determine the cause of the transverse mode stability improvement obtained when the cavity was lengthened. The measurement of the voltage and current discharge pulses on the LP-140 were obtained and their subsequent analysis resulted in an explanation for the low efficiency of the laser. An assortment of items relating to the development of high-voltage power supplies is also provided. A program for analyzing the frequency chirp data files obtained with the HP time and frequency analyzer is included. A program to calculate the theoretical LIMP chirp is also included and a comparison between experiment and theory is made. A program for calculating the CO2 linewidth and its dependence on gas composition and pressure is presented. The program also calculates the number of axial modes under the FWHM of the line for a given resonator length. A graphical plot of the results is plotted.

Immunogenicity of recombinant Lactobacillus casei-expressing F4 (K88) fimbrial adhesin FaeG in conjunction with a heat-labile enterotoxin A (LTAK63) and heat-labile enterotoxin B (LTB) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli as an oral adjuvant in mice.

PubMed

Yu, M; Qi, R; Chen, C; Yin, J; Ma, S; Shi, W; Wu, Y; Ge, J; Jiang, Y; Tang, L; Xu, Y; Li, Y

2017-02-01

The aims of this study were to develop an effective oral vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection and to design new and more versatile mucosal adjuvants. Genetically engineered Lactobacillus casei strains expressing F4 (K88) fimbrial adhesin FaeG (rLpPG-2-FaeG) and either co-expressing heat-labile enterotoxin A (LTA) subunit with an amino acid mutation associated with reduced virulence (LTAK63) and a heat-labile enterotoxin B (LTB) subunit of E. coli (rLpPG-2-LTAK63-co-LTB) or fused-expressing LTAK63 and LTB (rLpPG-2-LTAK63-fu-LTB) were constructed. The immunogenicity of rLpPG-2-FaeG in conjunction with rLpPG-2-LTAK63-co-LTB or rLpPG-2-LTAK63-fu-LTB as an orally administered mucosal adjuvant in mice was evaluated. Results showed that the levels of FaeG-specific serum IgG and mucosal sIgA, as well as the proliferation of lymphocytes, were significantly higher in mice orally co-administered rLpPG-2-FaeG and rLpPG-2-LTAK63-fu-LTB compared with those administered rLpPG-2-FaeG alone, and were lower than those co-administered rLpPG-2-FaeG and rLpPG-2-LTAK63-co-LTB. Moreover, effective protection was observed after challenge with F4+ ETEC strain CVCC 230 in mice co-administered rLpPG-2-FaeG and rLpPG-2-LTAK63-co-LTB or rLpPG-2-FaeG and rLpPG-2-LTAK63-fu-LTB group compared with those that received rLpPG-2-FaeG alone. rLpPG-2-FaeG showed greater immunogenicity in combination with LTAK63 and LTB as molecular adjuvants. Recombinant Lactobacillus provides a promising platform for the development of vaccines against F4+ ETEC infection. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Power-constrained supercomputing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, Peter E.

As we approach exascale systems, power is turning from an optimization goal to a critical operating constraint. With power bounds imposed by both stakeholders and the limitations of existing infrastructure, achieving practical exascale computing will therefore rely on optimizing performance subject to a power constraint. However, this requirement should not add to the burden of application developers; optimizing the runtime environment given restricted power will primarily be the job of high-performance system software. In this dissertation, we explore this area and develop new techniques that extract maximum performance subject to a particular power constraint. These techniques include a method to find theoretical optimal performance, a runtime system that shifts power in real time to improve performance, and a node-level prediction model for selecting power-efficient operating points. We use a linear programming (LP) formulation to optimize application schedules under various power constraints, where a schedule consists of a DVFS state and number of OpenMP threads for each section of computation between consecutive message passing events. We also provide a more flexible mixed integer-linear (ILP) formulation and show that the resulting schedules closely match schedules from the LP formulation. Across four applications, we use our LP-derived upper bounds to show that current approaches trail optimal, power-constrained performance by up to 41%. This demonstrates limitations of current systems, and our LP formulation provides future optimization approaches with a quantitative optimization target. We also introduce Conductor, a run-time system that intelligently distributes available power to nodes and cores to improve performance. The key techniques used are configuration space exploration and adaptive power balancing. Configuration exploration dynamically selects the optimal thread concurrency level and DVFS state subject to a hardware-enforced power bound. Adaptive power balancing efficiently predicts where critical paths are likely to occur and distributes power to those paths. Greater power, in turn, allows increased thread concurrency levels, CPU frequency/voltage, or both. We describe these techniques in detail and show that, compared to the state-of-the-art technique of using statically predetermined, per-node power caps, Conductor leads to a best-case performance improvement of up to 30%, and an average improvement of 19.1%. At the node level, an accurate power/performance model will aid in selecting the right configuration from a large set of available configurations. We present a novel approach to generate such a model offline using kernel clustering and multivariate linear regression. Our model requires only two iterations to select a configuration, which provides a significant advantage over exhaustive search-based strategies. We apply our model to predict power and performance for different applications using arbitrary configurations, and show that our model, when used with hardware frequency-limiting in a runtime system, selects configurations with significantly higher performance at a given power limit than those chosen by frequency-limiting alone. When applied to a set of 36 computational kernels from a range of applications, our model accurately predicts power and performance; our runtime system based on the model maintains 91% of optimal performance while meeting power constraints 88% of the time. When the runtime system violates a power constraint, it exceeds the constraint by only 6% in the average case, while simultaneously achieving 54% more performance than an oracle. Through the combination of the above contributions, we hope to provide guidance and inspiration to research practitioners working on runtime systems for power-constrained environments. We also hope this dissertation will draw attention to the need for software and runtime-controlled power management under power constraints at various levels, from the processor level to the cluster level.

78 FR 40738 - Proposed CERCLA Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement; Double H Pesticide Burial Site

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-08

... are Double H, L.P.; James T. Hansen; Linda L. Hansen; George W. Higgins; and Edith M. Higgins. The... their original terms. Dated: June 27, 2013. Chris D. Field, Manager, Emergency Management Program, U.S...

Transcriptional response of skeletal muscle to a low-protein gestation diet in porcine offspring accumulates in growth- and cell cycle-regulating pathways.

PubMed

Oster, Michael; Murani, Eduard; Metges, Cornelia C; Ponsuksili, Siriluck; Wimmers, Klaus

2012-08-17

Inadequate maternal protein supply during gestation represents an environmental factor that affects physiological signaling pathways with long-term consequences for growth, function, and structure of various tissues. Hypothesizing that the offspring's transcriptome is persistently altered by maternal diets, we used a porcine model to monitor the longitudinal expression changes in muscle to identify pathways relevant to fetal initiation of postnatal growth and development. German Landrace gilts were fed isoenergetic gestational diets containing 6.5% (LP) or 12.1% protein. The longissimus dorsi samples were collected from offspring at 94 days postconception (dpc) and 1, 28, and 188 days postnatum (dpn) for expression profiling. At 94 dpc, 1 dpn, and 28 dpn relatively few transcripts (<130) showed an altered abundance between the dietary groups. In fact, at 94 dpc genes of G2/M checkpoint regulation and mitotic roles of Polo-like kinases showed lowered transcript abundance in LP. At 188 dpn 677 transcripts were altered including those related to oxidative phosphorylation, citrate cycle, fatty acid metabolism (higher abundance in LP) and cell cycle regulation (lower abundance in LP). Correspondingly, transcriptional alterations during pre and postnatal development differed considerably among dietary groups, particularly for genes related to cell cycle regulation (G1/S and G2/M checkpoint regulation; cyclines), growth factor signaling (GH, IGF1, mTOR, RAN, VEGF, INSR), lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and nucleic acid metabolism. In skeletal muscle, fetal programming related to maternal LP diets disturbed gene expression in growth-related pathways into adulthood. Diet-dependent gene expression may hamper proper development, thereby affecting signaling pathways related to energy utilization.

Polarization and propagation characteristics of switchable first-order azimuthally asymmetric beam generated in dual-mode fiber.

PubMed

Khan, Saba N; Chatterjee, Sudip K; Chaudhuri, Partha Roy

2015-02-20

We report here the controlled generation of a linearly polarized first-order azimuthally asymmetric beam (F-AAB) in a dual-mode fiber (DMF) by appropriate superposition of selectively excited zeroth-order vector modes that are doughnut-shaped azimuthally symmetric beams (D-ASBs). We first demonstrate continually switching polarization mode structures having an identical two-lobe intensity profile (i.e., intra-F-AAB conversion). Then, under a distinct launching state, we generate mode structures progressively toggling between the doughnut-shaped profile and two-lobe pattern having dissimilar polarization orientations (i.e., F-AAB to D-ASB conversion). Interestingly, a decentralized elliptical Gaussian beam possessing homogenous spatial polarization is obtained by enhancing the contribution of the fundamental mode (HE₁₁/LP₀₁) in selectively excited F-AAB. A smoothly varying azimuth of the input beam in this situation resulted in redistribution of transverse energy procuring a unique and exciting unconventional two-grain T-polarized beam having mutually orthogonal state of polarization (SOP). All of the above three were achieved under a given set of launching conditions (tilt/offset) of a Gaussian mode (TEM₀₀) devised with changing SOP of the input beam. A strong modulation in the output beam characteristics was also observed with the variation in propagation distance (for a fixed input SOP) owing to the large difference in propagation constants of the participating modes (LP₀₁ and one of the F-AABs). Finally, this particular study led to a design for a low-cost highly sensitive strain measuring device based on tracking the centroid movement of the output intensity pattern. Each of our experimentally observed intensity/polarization distributions is theoretically mapped on a one-to-one basis considering a linear superposition of appropriately excited LP basis modes of the waveguide toward a complete understanding of the polarization and mode propagation in the dual-mode structure.

A Simulation-Optimization Model for the Management of Seawater Intrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanko, Z.; Nishikawa, T.

2012-12-01

Seawater intrusion is a common problem in coastal aquifers where excessive groundwater pumping can lead to chloride contamination of a freshwater resource. Simulation-optimization techniques have been developed to determine optimal management strategies while mitigating seawater intrusion. The simulation models are often density-independent groundwater-flow models that may assume a sharp interface and/or use equivalent freshwater heads. The optimization methods are often linear-programming (LP) based techniques that that require simplifications of the real-world system. However, seawater intrusion is a highly nonlinear, density-dependent flow and transport problem, which requires the use of nonlinear-programming (NLP) or global-optimization (GO) techniques. NLP approaches are difficult because of the need for gradient information; therefore, we have chosen a GO technique for this study. Specifically, we have coupled a multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) with a density-dependent groundwater-flow and transport model to simulate and identify strategies that optimally manage seawater intrusion. GA is a heuristic approach, often chosen when seeking optimal solutions to highly complex and nonlinear problems where LP or NLP methods cannot be applied. The GA utilized in this study is the Epsilon-Nondominated Sorted Genetic Algorithm II (ɛ-NSGAII), which can approximate a pareto-optimal front between competing objectives. This algorithm has several key features: real and/or binary variable capabilities; an efficient sorting scheme; preservation and diversity of good solutions; dynamic population sizing; constraint handling; parallelizable implementation; and user controlled precision for each objective. The simulation model is SEAWAT, the USGS model that couples MODFLOW with MT3DMS for variable-density flow and transport. ɛ-NSGAII and SEAWAT were efficiently linked together through a C-Fortran interface. The simulation-optimization model was first tested by using a published density-independent flow model test case that was originally solved using a sequential LP method with the USGS's Ground-Water Management Process (GWM). For the problem formulation, the objective is to maximize net groundwater extraction, subject to head and head-gradient constraints. The decision variables are pumping rates at fixed wells and the system's state is represented with freshwater hydraulic head. The results of the proposed algorithm were similar to the published results (within 1%); discrepancies may be attributed to differences in the simulators and inherent differences between LP and GA. The GWM test case was then extended to a density-dependent flow and transport version. As formulated, the optimization problem is infeasible because of the density effects on hydraulic head. Therefore, the sum of the squared constraint violation (SSC) was used as a second objective. The result is a pareto curve showing optimal pumping rates versus the SSC. Analysis of this curve indicates that a similar net-extraction rate to the test case can be obtained with a minor violation in vertical head-gradient constraints. This study shows that a coupled ɛ-NSGAII/SEAWAT model can be used for the management of groundwater seawater intrusion. In the future, the proposed methodology will be applied to a real-world seawater intrusion and resource management problem for Santa Barbara, CA.

Lp-dual affine surface area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Wang; Binwu, He

2008-12-01

According to the notion of Lp-affine surface area by Lutwak, in this paper, we introduce the concept of Lp-dual affine surface area. Further, we establish the affine isoperimetric inequality and the Blaschke-Santaló inequality for Lp-dual affine surface area. Besides, the dual Brunn-Minkowski inequality for Lp-dual affine surface area is presented.

Advanced Computational Methods for Security Constrained Financial Transmission Rights

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

Kalsi, Karanjit; Elbert, Stephen T.; Vlachopoulou, Maria

Financial Transmission Rights (FTRs) are financial insurance tools to help power market participants reduce price risks associated with transmission congestion. FTRs are issued based on a process of solving a constrained optimization problem with the objective to maximize the FTR social welfare under power flow security constraints. Security constraints for different FTR categories (monthly, seasonal or annual) are usually coupled and the number of constraints increases exponentially with the number of categories. Commercial software for FTR calculation can only provide limited categories of FTRs due to the inherent computational challenges mentioned above. In this paper, first an innovative mathematical reformulationmore » of the FTR problem is presented which dramatically improves the computational efficiency of optimization problem. After having re-formulated the problem, a novel non-linear dynamic system (NDS) approach is proposed to solve the optimization problem. The new formulation and performance of the NDS solver is benchmarked against widely used linear programming (LP) solvers like CPLEX™ and tested on both standard IEEE test systems and large-scale systems using data from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). The performance of the NDS is demonstrated to be comparable and in some cases is shown to outperform the widely used CPLEX algorithms. The proposed formulation and NDS based solver is also easily parallelizable enabling further computational improvement.« less

High SMAD7 and p-SMAD2,3 expression is associated with environmental enteropathy in children.

PubMed

Syed, Sana; Dinallo, Vincenzo; Iqbal, Najeeha T; Di Iorio, Laura; Di Fusco, Davide; Guleria, Shan; Amadi, Beatrice C; Sadiq, Kamran; Moskaluk, Christopher; Ali, S Asad; Kelly, Paul; Monteleone, Giovanni

2018-02-01

Enteropathies such as Crohn's disease are associated with enteric inflammation characterized by impaired TGF-β signaling, decreased expression of phosphorylated (p)-SMAD2,3 and increased expression of SMAD7 (an inhibitor of SMAD3 phosphorylation). Environmental enteropathy (EE) is an acquired inflammatory disease of the small intestine (SI), which is associated with linear growth disruption, cognitive deficits, and reduced oral vaccine responsiveness in children <5 y in resource-poor countries. We aimed to characterize EE inflammatory pathways by determining SMAD7 and p-SMAD2,3 levels (using Western blotting) in EE duodenal biopsies (N = 19 children, 7 from Pakistan, 12 from Zambia) and comparing these with healthy controls (Ctl) and celiac disease (CD) patients from Italy. Densitometric analysis of immunoblots showed that EE SI biopsies expressed higher levels of both SMAD7 (mean±SD in arbitrary units [a.u.], Ctl = 0.47±0.20 a.u., EE = 1.13±0.25 a.u., p-value = 0.03) and p-SMAD2,3 (mean±SD, Ctl = 0.38±0.14 a.u., EE = 0.60±0.10 a.u., p-value = 0.03). Immunohistochemistry showed that, in EE, SMAD7 is expressed in both the epithelium and in mononuclear cells of the lamina propria (LP). In contrast, p-SMAD3 in EE is expressed much more prominently in epithelial cells than in the LP. The high SMAD7 immunoreactivity and lack of p-SMAD3 expression in the LP suggests defective TGF-β signaling in the LP in EE similar to a previously reported SMAD7-mediated inflammatory pathway in refractory CD and Crohn's disease. However, Western blot densitometry showed elevated p-SMAD2,3 levels in EE, possibly suggesting a different inflammatory pathway than Crohn's disease but more likely reflecting cumulative protein expression from across all compartments of the mucosa as opposed to the LP alone. Further studies are needed to substantiate these preliminary results and to illustrate the relationship between SMAD proteins, TGF-β signaling, and inflammatory cytokine production, all of which may be potential therapeutic targets.

A benders decomposition approach to multiarea stochastic distributed utility planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCusker, Susan Ann

Until recently, small, modular generation and storage options---distributed resources (DRs)---have been installed principally in areas too remote for economic power grid connection and sensitive applications requiring backup capacity. Recent regulatory changes and DR advances, however, have lead utilities to reconsider the role of DRs. To a utility facing distribution capacity bottlenecks or uncertain load growth, DRs can be particularly valuable since they can be dispersed throughout the system and constructed relatively quickly. DR value is determined by comparing its costs to avoided central generation expenses (i.e., marginal costs) and distribution investments. This requires a comprehensive central and local planning and production model, since central system marginal costs result from system interactions over space and time. This dissertation develops and applies an iterative generalized Benders decomposition approach to coordinate models for optimal DR evaluation. Three coordinated models exchange investment, net power demand, and avoided cost information to minimize overall expansion costs. Local investment and production decisions are made by a local mixed integer linear program. Central system investment decisions are made by a LP, and production costs are estimated by a stochastic multi-area production costing model with Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Law constraints. The nested decomposition is a new and unique method for distributed utility planning that partitions the variables twice to separate local and central investment and production variables, and provides upper and lower bounds on expected expansion costs. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law imposes nonlinear, nonconvex constraints that preclude use of LP if transmission capacity is available in a looped transmission system. This dissertation develops KVL constraint approximations that permit the nested decomposition to consider new transmission resources, while maintaining linearity in the three individual models. These constraints are presented as a heuristic for the given examples; future research will investigate conditions for convergence. A ten-year multi-area example demonstrates the decomposition approach and suggests the ability of DRs and new transmission to modify capacity additions and production costs by changing demand and power flows. Results demonstrate that DR and new transmission options may lead to greater capacity additions, but resulting production cost savings more than offset extra capacity costs.

Impact of Apolipoprotein(a) Isoform Size on Lipoprotein(a) Lowering in the HPS2-THRIVE Study

PubMed Central

Hopewell, Jemma C.; Hill, Michael R.; Marcovina, Santica; Valdes-Marquez, Elsa; Haynes, Richard; Offer, Alison; Pedersen, Terje R.; Baigent, Colin; Collins, Rory; Landray, Martin; Armitage, Jane

2018-01-01

Background: Genetic studies have shown lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) to be an important causal risk factor for coronary disease. Apolipoprotein(a) isoform size is the chief determinant of Lp(a) levels, but its impact on the benefits of therapies that lower Lp(a) remains unclear. Methods: HPS2-THRIVE (Heart Protection Study 2–Treatment of HDL to Reduce the Incidence of Vascular Events) is a randomized trial of niacin–laropiprant versus placebo on a background of simvastatin therapy. Plasma Lp(a) levels at baseline and 1 year post-randomization were measured in 3978 participants from the United Kingdom and China. Apolipoprotein(a) isoform size, estimated by the number of kringle IV domains, was measured by agarose gel electrophoresis and the predominantly expressed isoform identified. Results: Allocation to niacin–laropiprant reduced mean Lp(a) by 12 (SE, 1) nmol/L overall and 34 (6) nmol/L in the top quintile by baseline Lp(a) level (Lp[a] ≥128 nmol/L). The mean proportional reduction in Lp(a) with niacin–laropiprant was 31% but varied strongly with predominant apolipoprotein(a) isoform size (PTrend=4×10−29) and was only 18% in the quintile with the highest baseline Lp(a) level and low isoform size. Estimates from genetic studies suggest that these Lp(a) reductions during the short term of the trial might yield proportional reductions in coronary risk of ≈2% overall and 6% in the top quintile by Lp(a) levels. Conclusions: Proportional reductions in Lp(a) were dependent on apolipoprotein(a) isoform size. Taking this into account, the likely benefits of niacin–laropiprant on coronary risk through Lp(a) lowering are small. Novel therapies that reduce high Lp(a) levels by at least 80 nmol/L (≈40%) may be needed to produce worthwhile benefits in people at the highest risk because of Lp(a). Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00461630. PMID:29449329

Influence of Lewy Pathology on Alzheimer's Disease Phenotype: A Retrospective Clinico-Pathological Study.

PubMed

Roudil, Jennifer; Deramecourt, Vincent; Dufournet, Boris; Dubois, Bruno; Ceccaldi, Mathieu; Duyckaerts, Charles; Pasquier, Florence; Lebouvier, Thibaud

2018-01-01

Studies have shown the frequent coexistence of Lewy pathology (LP) in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of LP on the clinical and cognitive phenotype in a cohort of patients with a neuropathological diagnosis of AD. We reviewed neuropathologically proven AD cases, reaching Braak stages V and VI in the brain banks of Lille and Paris between 1993 and 2016, and classified them according to LP extension (amygdala, brainstem, limbic, or neocortical). We then searched patient files for all available clinical and neuropsychiatric features and neuropsychological data. Thirty-three subjects were selected for this study, among which 16 were devoid of LP and 17 presented AD with concomitant LP. The latter were stratified into two subgroups according to LP distribution: 7 were AD with amygdala LP and 10 were AD with 'classical' (brainstem, limbic or neocortical) LP. When analyzing the incidence of each clinical feature at any point during the disease course, we found no significant difference in symptom frequency between the three groups. However, fluctuations appeared significantly earlier in patients with classical LP (2±3.5 years) than in patients without LP (7±1.7 years) or with amygdala LP (8±2.8 years; p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in cognitive profiles. Our findings suggest that the influence of LP on the clinical phenotype of AD is subtle. Core features of dementia with Lewy bodies do not allow clinical diagnosis of a concomitant LP on a patient-to-patient basis.

Light-driven self-assembly of hetero-shaped gold nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liaw, Jiunn-Woei; Chao, Hsueh-Yu; Huang, Cheng-Wei; Kuo, Mao-Kuen

2018-01-01

Light-driven self-assembly and coalescence of two nearby hetero-shaped gold nanorods (GNRs) with different lengths are studied theoretically. The optical forces and torques, in terms of Maxwell's stress tensor, upon these GNRs provided by a linearly polarized (LP) plane wave are analyzed using the multiple multipole (MMP) method. Numerical results show that the optical torque dominates their alignments and the optical force their attraction. The most likely outcome of the plasmon-mediated light-matter interaction is wavelength dependent. Three different coalescences of the two GNRs could be induced by a LP light in three different wavelength regimes, respectively. For example, the side-by-side coalescence of two GNRs with radius of 15 nm and different lengths (120 and 240 nm) is induced in water as irradiated by a LP light at 633 nm, the T-shaped one at 1064 nm, and the end-to-end one at 1700 nm. The plasmonic attractive force and heating power densities inside GNRs with different gaps are also studied; the smaller the gap, the larger the attractive force and heating power. The results imply that the plasmonic coalescence and heating of two discrete GNRs may cause the local fusion at the junction of the assembly and the subsequent annealing (even recrystallization). Because the heating makes the two discrete GNRs fused to become a new nanostructure, the plasmonic coalescence of optical manipulation is irreversible.

Trees for Mother Earth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greer, Sandy

1993-01-01

Describes Trees for Mother Earth, a program in which secondary students raise funds to buy fruit trees to plant during visits to the Navajo Reservation. Benefits include developing feelings of self-worth among participants, promoting cultural exchange and understanding, and encouraging self-sufficiency among the Navajo. (LP)

Gestational low-protein intake enhances whole-kidney miR-192 and miR-200 family expression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in rat adult male offspring.

PubMed

Sene, Letícia B; Rizzi, Victor Hugo Gonçalves; Gontijo, José A R; Boer, Patricia A

2018-05-22

Studies have shown that adult offspring of mothers fed a protein-restricted diet during pregnancy present a pronounced reduction of nephron number associated with decreased fractional urinary sodium excretion and arterial hypertension. Additionally, recent advances in our understanding of the molecular pathways that govern the association of gestational nutritional restriction, intrauterine growth retardation and inflammation with impaired nephrogenesis, nephron underdosing and kidney fibrosis point to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a common factor. In the current study, protein and sodium urinary excretion rates were evaluated in rats, and immunohistochemistry and western blot techniques were used to characterize kidney structure changes in 16 week old male offspring of mothers fed a low-protein diet during pregnancy (LP group) compared with age-matched (NP) controls. We also verified the expression of miRNA, mRNA and protein markers of fibrosis and the EMT in whole kidney prepared from LP offspring. We found, surprisingly, that arterial hypertension and long-term hyperfiltration, manifest by proteinuria, were associated with increased renal miR-192 and miR-200 family expression in 16 week old LP relative to age-matched NP rats. Measurement of kidney fibrosis and EMT-related protein markers, by histochemistry and immunoblot techniques, showed a significant rise of TGF-β1 and type-I collagen content in glomeruli and tubulointerstitial areas, accompanied by enhanced fibronectin and ZEB1 and decreased E-cadherin immunoreactivity in 16 week old LP offspring. The results were partially confirmed by increased gene (mRNA) expression of collagen 1α1, collagen 1α2 and ZEB1 in LP whole kidneys compared with those of age-matched NP offspring. In view of the presumed functional overload in the remaining nephrons, we suggest that hypertension and proteinuria development following maternal protein restriction may be a preponderant factor for EMT and structural kidney changes in LP offspring. However, our study was not wholly able to establish the precise role of miRNAs in LP kidney disorders. Thus, further studies will be required to assess the contribution of the miR family to renal injury in a gestational protein-restricted model of fetal programming. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

77 FR 59393 - Jordan Cove Energy Project LP; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline LP; Notice of Additional Public...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-27

...-17-000] Jordan Cove Energy Project LP; Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline LP; Notice of Additional Public..., and 11, 2012, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) Office of Energy Projects... additional public scoping meetings to take comments on Jordan Cove Energy Project LP's (Jordan Cove) proposed...

77 FR 61753 - Granting of Request for Early Termination of the Waiting Period Under the Premerger Notification...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-11

..., Inc.; Astria Semiconductor Holdings, Inc.; FormFactor, Inc. 20121365 G ABRY Partners VII, L.P.; Source.... 20121303 G Wind Point Partners L.P.; Mistral Equity Partners, LP; Wind Point Partners VII-A, L.P. 20121307... Dillard. 20121364 G Apollo Investment Fund VII, L.P.; Jimmy Sanders Incorporated; Apollo Investment Fund...

Appendixes L-P. Vol. II, A Plan for Managing the Development, Implementation and Operation of a Model Elementary Teacher Education Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oregon Coll. of Education, Monmouth.

Five appendixes make up this part of the final report on the elementary teacher education program. Appendix L is a summary chart of the orientation meetings, giving dates, locations, and participants. Appendix M is a listing of the seven school districts actively participating in the OCE coalition, with a brief description of their essential…

The presence of lysylpyridinoline in the hypertrophic cartilage of newly hatched chicks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orth, M. W.; Martinez, D. A.; Cook, M. E.; Vailas, A. C.

1993-01-01

The presence of lysylpyridinoline (LP) as a nonreducible cross-link in appreciable quantities has primarily been limited to the mineralized tissues, bone and dentin. However, the results reported here show that LP is not only present in the hypertrophic cartilage of the tibiotarsus isolated from newly hatched broiler chicks, but it is approx. 4-fold as concentrated as hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP). Bone and articular cartilage surrounding the hypertrophic cartilage do not contain measurable quantities of LP. Purified LP has a fluorescent scan similar to purified HP and literature values, confirming that we indeed were measuring LP. Also, the cartilage lesion produced by immature chondrocytes from birds with tibial dyschondroplasia had LP but the HP:LP ratio was > 1. Thus, the low HP:LP ratio could be a marker for hypertrophic cartilage in avians.

Thorough clinical evaluation of skin, as well as oral, genital and anal mucosa is beneficial in lichen planus patients.

PubMed

Stojanovic, Larisa; Lunder, Tomaz; Rener-Sitar, Ksenija; Mlakar, Bostjan; Maticic, Mojca

2011-03-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a common mucocutaneous disease of unknown aetiology with various geographical prevalence, may be related to some serious disorders such as squamous cell carcinoma and often remains underdiagnosed. The aim of this retrospective study was to thoroughly determine localization and clinical characteristics of LP lesions in a cohort of 173 Slovenian patients in association to the presence of accompanying symptoms and history of potential stressful events. Isolated cutaneous lesions of LP were found in 56.6% and isolated oral LP in 3.5% of patients. Thirty-four percent presented orocutaneous LP, whereas genitocutaneous LP was noted in 1.2%, orogenito-cutaneous LP in 4% and orogenital LP in 0.5% of patients. Underlying stressful events were noted in 36 out of 137 (26.3%) patients. Despite obviously visible localization of the lesions various medical specialists should be familiar with LP and thoroughly examine the complete skin, as well as oral, genital and anal mucosa in each LP patient to avoid a delay in diagnosing this disease and possibly disclose a much serious underlying condition. Psychological support should be offered, if needed.

Updated Status and Performance at the Fourth HST COS FUV Lifetime Position

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Joanna M.; De Rosa, Gisella; Fix, Mees B.; Fox, Andrew; Indriolo, Nick; James, Bethan; Jedrzejewski, Robert I.; Oliveira, Cristina M.; Penton, Steven V.; Plesha, Rachel; Proffitt, Charles R.; Rafelski, Marc; Roman-Duval, Julia; Sahnow, David J.; Snyder, Elaine M.; Sonnentrucker, Paule; White, James

2017-06-01

To mitigate the adverse effects of gain sag on the spectral quality and accuracy of Hubble Space Telescope’s Cosmic Origins Spectrograph FUV observations, COS FUV spectra will be moved from Lifetime Position 3 (LP3) to a new pristine location on the detectors at LP4 in July 2017. To achieve maximal spectral resolution while preserving detector area, the spectra will be shifted in the cross-dispersion (XD) direction by -2.5" (about -31 pixels) from LP3 or -5” (about 62 pixels) from the original LP1. At LP4, the wavelength calibration lamp spectrum can overlap with the previously gain-sagged LP2 PSA spectrum location. If lamp lines fall in the gain sag holes from LP2, it can cause line ratios to change and the wavelength calibration to fail. As a result, we have updated the Wavecal Parameters Reference Table and CalCOS to address this issue. Additionally, it was necessary to extend the current geometric correction in order to encompass the entire LP4 location. Here we present 2-D template profiles and 1-D spectral trace centroids derived at LP4 as well as LP4-related updates to the wavelength calibration, and geometric correction.

Ice-binding proteins confer freezing tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Bredow, Melissa; Vanderbeld, Barbara; Walker, Virginia K

2017-01-01

Lolium perenne is a freeze-tolerant perennial ryegrass capable of withstanding temperatures below -13 °C. Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) presumably help prevent damage associated with freezing by restricting the growth of ice crystals in the apoplast. We have investigated the expression, localization and in planta freezing protection capabilities of two L. perenne IBP isoforms, LpIRI2 and LpIRI3, as well as a processed IBP (LpAFP). One of these isoforms, LpIRI2, lacks a conventional signal peptide and was assumed to be a pseudogene. Nevertheless, both LpIRI2 and LpIRI3 transcripts were up-regulated following cold acclimation. LpIRI2 also demonstrated ice-binding activity when produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli. Both the LpIRI3 and LpIRI2 isoforms appeared to accumulate in the apoplast of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In contrast, the fully processed isoform, LpAFP, remained intracellular. Transgenic plants expressing either LpIRI2 or LpIRI3 showed reduced ion leakage (12%-39%) after low-temperature treatments, and significantly improved freezing survival, while transgenic LpAFP-expressing lines did not confer substantial subzero protection. Freeze protection was further enhanced by with the introduction of more than one IBP isoform; ion leakage was reduced 26%-35% and 10% of plants survived temperatures as low as -8 °C. Our results demonstrate that apoplastic expression of multiple L. perenne IBP isoforms shows promise for providing protection to crops susceptible to freeze-induced damage. © 2016 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Study of a Large Prototype TPC for the ILC using Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Münnich, A.; LCTPC Collaboration

2016-04-01

In the last decade, R&D for detectors for the future International Linear Collider (ILC) has been performed by the community. The International Large Detector (ILD) is one of two detector concepts at the ILC. Its tracking system consists of a Si vertex detector, forward tracking disks and a large volume Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Within the LCTPC collaboration, a Large Prototype (LP) TPC has been built as a demonstrator. Its endplate is able to house up to seven identical modules with Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGD) amplification. Recently, the LP has been equipped with resistive anode Micromegas (MM) or Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) modules. Both the MM and GEM technologies have been studied with an electron beam up to 6 GeV in a 1 Tesla solenoid magnet. After introducing the current R&D status, recent results will be presented including field distortions, ion gating and spatial resolution as well as future plans of the LCTPC R&D.

High-sensitivity and low-temperature magnetic field sensor based on tapered two-mode fiber interference.

PubMed

Sun, Bing; Fang, Fang; Zhang, Zuxing; Xu, Jing; Zhang, Lin

2018-03-15

A high-sensitivity and low-temperature fiber-optic magnetic field sensor based on a tapered two-mode fiber (TTMF) sandwiched between two single-mode fibers has been proposed and demonstrated. The section of TTMF has a specifically designed transition region as an efficient tool to filter higher-order modes, where the uniform modal interferometer just involved with LP 01 and LP 11 modes is achieved. The transmission spectral characteristics and the magnetic response of the proposed sensors have been investigated. The experimental results show that a maximum sensitivity of 98.2  pm/Oe within a linear magnetic field intensity ranging from 0 to 140 Oe can be achieved. Significantly, the temperature cross-sensitivity problem can be resolved owing to the lower thermal expansion coefficient of the TTMF. Finally, with its low insertion loss, compactness, and ease of fabrication, the proposed sensor would find potential applications in the measurement of a magnetic field.

Serum lipoprotein(a) concentration as a cardiovascular risk factor in Kuwaiti type 2 diabetic patients.

PubMed

Abdella, N A; Mojiminiyi, O A; Akanji, A O; Al Mohammadi, H; Moussa, M A

2001-01-01

Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) in some nondiabetic populations, is largely under genetic control and varies among ethnic and racial groups. We evaluated serum Lp(a) concentration and its relationship with traditional CHD risk factors (age, sex, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia) as well as stage of diabetic nephropathy in 345 type 2 diabetic patients. Lp(a) concentration was skewed with median (2.5th, 97.5th percentiles) of 25.0 (8.1, 75.7) mg/dl. Twenty-three of 55 (41.8%) patients with CHD had increased (>30 mg/dl) Lp(a) compared with 102 of 290 (35.1%) patients without CHD (P=.35). Twelve of 27 (44.4%) female patients with CHD had increased Lp(a) compared to 11 of 28 (39.3%) males (P=.70). Lp(a) was significantly (P<.05) higher in females than males, but the logistic regression analysis showed significant association of Lp(a), LDL-C, and duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) with CHD in male patients only. Although female patients with CHD and macroalbuminuria had significantly (P<.05) higher Lp(a) than normoalbuminuric female patients without CHD, no such association was found in males and no significant association was found between Lp(a) and the degree of albuminuria. Partial correlation analysis controlling for age, sex, and BMI showed significant correlation of Lp(a) with total cholesterol only (P=.03) and no correlation was found with other lipid parameters. Multiple regression analysis did not show significant associations of Lp(a) with standard CHD risk factors, HbA(1c), and plasma creatinine. This study is in agreement with studies in other populations, which showed that Lp(a) may not be an independent risk factor for CHD in patients with DM. However, as Lp(a) could promote atherogenesis via several mechanisms, follow-up studies in our patients will confirm if increased Lp(a) concentration can partly account for the poorer prognosis when diabetic patients develop CHD.

Transcriptomic changes of Legionella pneumophila in water.

PubMed

Li, Laam; Mendis, Nilmini; Trigui, Hana; Faucher, Sébastien P

2015-08-26

Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is a water-borne opportunistic pathogen. In water, Lp can survive for an extended period of time until it encounters a permissive host. Therefore, identifying genes that are required for survival in water may help develop strategies to prevent Legionella outbreaks. We compared the global transcriptomic response of Lp grown in a rich medium to that of Lp exposed to an artificial freshwater medium (Fraquil) for 2, 6 and 24 hours. We uncovered successive changes in gene expression required for the successful adaptation to a nutrient-limited water environment. The repression of major pathways involved in cell division, transcription and translation, suggests that Lp enters a quiescent state in water. The induction of flagella associated genes (flg, fli and mot), enhanced-entry genes (enh) and some Icm/Dot effector genes suggests that Lp is primed to invade a suitable host in response to water exposure. Moreover, many genes involved in resistance to antibiotic and oxidative stress were induced, suggesting that Lp may be more tolerant to these stresses in water. Indeed, Lp exposed to water is more resistant to erythromycin, gentamycin and kanamycin than Lp cultured in rich medium. In addition, the bdhA gene, involved in the degradation pathway of the intracellular energy storage compound polyhydroxybutyrate, is also highly expressed in water. Further characterization show that expression of bdhA during short-term water exposure is dependent upon RpoS, which is required for the survival of Lp in water. Deletion of bdhA reduces the survival of Lp in water at 37 °C. The increase of antibiotic resistance and the importance of bdhA to the survival of Lp in water seem consistent with the observed induction of these genes when Lp is exposed to water. Other genes that are highly induced upon exposure to water could also be necessary for Lp to maintain viability in the water environment.

Biosynthesis and processing of bovine cartilage link proteins.

PubMed

Hering, T M; Sandell, L J

1990-02-05

We have examined posttranslational modifications which are responsible for converting an apparently single precursor (Hering, T. M., and Sandell, L. J. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 1030-1036) to the two major forms of link protein in bovine articular cartilage. Resistance to endoglycosidases H and F suggests that Asn-linked oligosaccharides of link protein secreted by bovine chondrocytes in culture are of the complex or hybrid type. There is no evidence for O-linked oligosaccharides. There is no apparent precursor-product relationship between link protein (LP)1 and LP2, since after a short pulse with [3H]leucine two forms are present, consistent with the existence of two glycosylation sites. An immunoprecipitate of LP1 from pulse-labeled chondrocytes was observed to show a decrease in electrophoretic mobility and increased microheterogeneity during transit through the Golgi, whereas LP2 did not change. During processing both LP1 and LP2 become endoglycosidase H resistant. LP1, but not LP2, can be biosynthetically labeled with [35S]sulfate. Incorporation of [35S]sulfate is inhibited by tunicamycin, indicating that the sulfate is associated with Asn-linked carbohydrate. Sulfation may be important for normal processing, secretion, or degradation of link protein and with sialylation may confer considerable charge heterogeneity upon LP1. We conclude that there are considerable biochemical differences between glycoproteins LP1 and LP2 which may provide a basis for functional differences.

Osteoblast adhesion on novel machinable calcium phosphate/lanthanum phosphate composites for orthopedic applications.

PubMed

Ergun, Celaletdin; Liu, Huinan; Webster, Thomas J

2009-06-01

Lanthanum phosphate (LaPO(4), LP) was combined with either hydroxyapatite (HA) or tricalcium phosphate (TCP) to form novel composites for orthopedic applications. In this study, these composites were prepared by wet chemistry synthesis and subsequent powder mixing. These HA/LP and TCP/LP composites were characterized in terms of phase stability and microstructure evolution during sintering using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their machinability was evaluated using a direct drilling test. For HA/LP composites, LP reacted with HA during sintering and formed a new phase, Ca(8)La(2)(PO(4))(6)O(2), as a reaction by-product. However, TCP/LP composites showed phase stability and the formation of a weak interface between TCP and LP machinability when sintered at 1100 degrees C, which is crucial for achieving desirable properties. Thus, these novel TCP/LP composites fulfilled the requirements for machinability, a key consideration for manufacturing orthopedic implants. Moreover, the biocompatibility of these novel LP composites was studied, for the first time, in this paper. In vitro cell culture tests demonstrated that the LP and its composites supported osteoblast (bone-forming cell) adhesion similar to natural bioceramics (such as HA and TCP). In conclusion, these novel LP composites should be further studied and developed for more effectively treating bone related diseases or injuries. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Molecular characterization of an Apolipophorin-III gene from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae).

PubMed

Liu, Qiu-Ning; Lin, Kun-Zhang; Yang, Lin-Nan; Dai, Li-Shang; Wang, Lei; Sun, Yu; Qian, Cen; Wei, Guo-Qing; Liu, Dong-Ran; Zhu, Bao-Jian; Liu, Chao-Liang

2015-03-01

Apolipophorin-III (ApoLp-III) acts in lipid transport, lipoprotein metabolism, and innate immunity in insects. In this study, an ApoLp-III gene of Antheraea pernyi pupae (Ap-ApoLp-III) was isolated and characterized. The full-length cDNA of Ap-ApoLp-III is 687 bp, including a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 40 bp, 3'-UTR of 86 bp and an open reading frame of 561 bp encoding a polypeptide of 186 amino acids that contains an Apolipophorin-III precursor domain (PF07464). The deduced Ap-apoLp-III protein sequence has 68, 59, and 23% identity with its orthologs of Manduca sexta, Bombyx mori, and Aedes aegypti, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Ap-apoLp-III was close to that of Bombycoidea. qPCR analysis revealed that Ap-ApoLp-III expressed during the four developmental stages and in integument, fat body, and ovaries. After six types of microorganism infections, expression levels of the Ap-ApoLp-III gene were upregulated significantly at different time points compared with control. RNA interference (RNAi) of Ap-ApoLp-III showed that the expression of Ap-ApoLp-III was significantly downregulated using qPCR after injection of E. coli. We infer that the Ap-ApoLp-III gene acts in the innate immunity of A. pernyi. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Role of learning potential in cognitive remediation: Construct and predictive validity.

PubMed

Davidson, Charlie A; Johannesen, Jason K; Fiszdon, Joanna M

2016-03-01

The construct, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of Learning Potential (LP) was evaluated in a trial of cognitive remediation for adults with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. LP utilizes a dynamic assessment approach to prospectively estimate an individual's learning capacity if provided the opportunity for specific related learning. LP was assessed in 75 participants at study entry, of whom 41 completed an eight-week cognitive remediation (CR) intervention, and 22 received treatment-as-usual (TAU). LP was assessed in a "test-train-test" verbal learning paradigm. Incremental predictive validity was assessed as the degree to which LP predicted memory skill acquisition above and beyond prediction by static verbal learning ability. Examination of construct validity confirmed that LP scores reflected use of trained semantic clustering strategy. LP scores correlated with executive functioning and education history, but not other demographics or symptom severity. Following the eight-week active phase, TAU evidenced little substantial change in skill acquisition outcomes, which related to static baseline verbal learning ability but not LP. For the CR group, LP significantly predicted skill acquisition in domains of verbal and visuospatial memory, but not auditory working memory. Furthermore, LP predicted skill acquisition incrementally beyond relevant background characteristics, symptoms, and neurocognitive abilities. Results suggest that LP assessment can significantly improve prediction of specific skill acquisition with cognitive training, particularly for the domain assessed, and thereby may prove useful in individualization of treatment. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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

Davis, C.G.

Starting with the initial understanding that pulsation in variable stars is caused by the heat engine of Hydrogen and Helium ionization in their atmospheres (A.S. Eddington in Cox 1980) it was soon realized that non-linear effects were responsible for the detailed features on their light and velocity curves. With the advent of the computer we were able to solve the coupled set of hydrodynamics and radiation diffusion equations to model these non-linear features. This paper describes some recent model results for long period (LP) Cepheids in an attempt to get another handle on Cepheid masses. Section II discusses these resultsmore » and Section III considers the implications of these model results on the problem of the Cepheid mass discrepancy.« less

Camping for Youth with Chronic Illnesses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burns, Joanna L.; Keller, M. Jean

1994-01-01

Camp Fortnight brought 25 British children with cystic fibrosis to experience a 2-week camping program in Texas. Campers (ages 11-15) participated in wilderness experiences, a challenge course, fishing, horseback riding, creative arts, cooking, hiking, outdoor camping, and field trips. Profiles campers and their experiences. (LP)

LP01 to LP0m mode converters using all-fiber two-stage tapers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mellah, Hakim; Zhang, Xiupu; Shen, Dongya

2015-11-01

A mode converter between LP01 and LP0m modes is proposed using two stages of tapers. The first stage is formed by an adiabatically tapering a circular fiber to excite the desirable LP0m mode. The second stage is formed by inserting an inner core (tapered from both sides) with a refractive index smaller than the original core. This second stage is used to obtain low insertion loss and high extinction ratio of the desired LP0m mode. Three converters between LP01 and LP0m, m=2, 3, and 4, are designed for C-band, and simulation results show that less than 0.24, 0.54 and 0.7 dB insertion loss and higher than 15, 16, and 17.5 dB extinction ratio over the entire band were obtained for the three converters, respectively.

Identifying equivalent sound sources from aeroacoustic simulations using a numerical phased array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pignier, Nicolas J.; O'Reilly, Ciarán J.; Boij, Susann

2017-04-01

An application of phased array methods to numerical data is presented, aimed at identifying equivalent flow sound sources from aeroacoustic simulations. Based on phased array data extracted from compressible flow simulations, sound source strengths are computed on a set of points in the source region using phased array techniques assuming monopole propagation. Two phased array techniques are used to compute the source strengths: an approach using a Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse and a beamforming approach using dual linear programming (dual-LP) deconvolution. The first approach gives a model of correlated sources for the acoustic field generated from the flow expressed in a matrix of cross- and auto-power spectral values, whereas the second approach results in a model of uncorrelated sources expressed in a vector of auto-power spectral values. The accuracy of the equivalent source model is estimated by computing the acoustic spectrum at a far-field observer. The approach is tested first on an analytical case with known point sources. It is then applied to the example of the flow around a submerged air inlet. The far-field spectra obtained from the source models for two different flow conditions are in good agreement with the spectra obtained with a Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings integral, showing the accuracy of the source model from the observer's standpoint. Various configurations for the phased array and for the sources are used. The dual-LP beamforming approach shows better robustness to changes in the number of probes and sources than the pseudo-inverse approach. The good results obtained with this simulation case demonstrate the potential of the phased array approach as a modelling tool for aeroacoustic simulations.

Linking ecosystem services with state-and-transition models to evaluate rangeland management decisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohani, S.; Heilman, P.; deSteiguer, J. E.; Guertin, D. P.; Wissler, C.; McClaran, M. P.

2014-12-01

Quantifying ecosystem services is a crucial topic for land management decision making. However, market prices are usually not able to capture all the ecosystem services and disservices. Ecosystem services from rangelands, that cover 70% of the world's land area, are even less well-understood since knowledge of rangelands is limited. This study generated a management framework for rangelands that uses remote sensing to generate state and transition models (STMs) for a large area and a linear programming (LP) model that uses ecosystem services to evaluate natural and/or management induced transitions as described in the STM. The LP optimization model determines the best management plan for a plot of semi-arid land in the Empire Ranch in southeastern Arizona. The model allocated land among management activities (do nothing, grazing, fire, and brush removal) to optimize net benefits and determined the impact of monetizing environmental services and disservices on net benefits, acreage allocation and production output. The ecosystem services under study were forage production (AUM/ac/yr), sediment (lbs/ac/yr), water runoff (inches/yr), soil loss (lbs/ac/yr) and recreation (thousands of number of visitors/ac/yr). The optimization model was run for three different scenarios - private rancher, public rancher including environmental services and excluding disservices, and public rancher including both services and disservices. The net benefit was the highest for the public rancher excluding the disservices. A result from the study is a constrained optimization model that incorporates ecosystem services to analyze investments on conservation and management activities. Rangeland managers can use this model to understand and explain, not prescribe, the tradeoffs of management investments.

Development of complementary feeding recommendations for 12-23-month-old children from low and middle socio-economic status in West Java, Indonesia: contribution of fortified foods towards meeting the nutrient requirement.

PubMed

Fahmida, Umi; Santika, Otte

2016-07-01

Inadequate nutrient intake as part of a complementary feeding diet is attributable to poor feeding practices and poor access to nutritious foods. Household socio-economic situation (SES) has an influence on food expenditure and access to locally available, nutrient-dense foods and fortified foods. This study aimed to develop and compare complementary feeding recommendations (CFR) for 12-23-month-old children in different SES and evaluate the contribution of fortified foods in meeting nutrient requirements. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in low and medium SES households (n 114/group) in urban Bandung district, West Java province, Indonesia. Food pattern, portion size and affordability were assessed, and CFR were developed for the low SES (LSES) and middle SES (MSES) using a linear programming (LP) approach; two models - with and without fortified foods - were run using LP, and the contribution of fortified foods in the final CFR was identified. Milk products, fortified biscuits and manufactured infant cereals were the most locally available and consumed fortified foods in the market. With the inclusion of fortified foods, problem nutrients were thiamin in LSES and folate and thiamin in MSES groups. Without fortified foods, more problem nutrients were identified in LSES, that is, Ca, Fe, Zn, niacin and thiamin. As MSES consumed more fortified foods, removing fortified foods was not possible, because most of the micronutrient-dense foods were removed from their food basket. There were comparable nutrient adequacy and problem nutrients between LSES and MSES when fortified foods were included. Exclusion of fortified foods in LSES was associated with more problem nutrients in the complementary feeding diet.

Fast-SNP: a fast matrix pre-processing algorithm for efficient loopless flux optimization of metabolic models

PubMed Central

Saa, Pedro A.; Nielsen, Lars K.

2016-01-01

Motivation: Computation of steady-state flux solutions in large metabolic models is routinely performed using flux balance analysis based on a simple LP (Linear Programming) formulation. A minimal requirement for thermodynamic feasibility of the flux solution is the absence of internal loops, which are enforced using ‘loopless constraints’. The resulting loopless flux problem is a substantially harder MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) problem, which is computationally expensive for large metabolic models. Results: We developed a pre-processing algorithm that significantly reduces the size of the original loopless problem into an easier and equivalent MILP problem. The pre-processing step employs a fast matrix sparsification algorithm—Fast- sparse null-space pursuit (SNP)—inspired by recent results on SNP. By finding a reduced feasible ‘loop-law’ matrix subject to known directionalities, Fast-SNP considerably improves the computational efficiency in several metabolic models running different loopless optimization problems. Furthermore, analysis of the topology encoded in the reduced loop matrix enabled identification of key directional constraints for the potential permanent elimination of infeasible loops in the underlying model. Overall, Fast-SNP is an effective and simple algorithm for efficient formulation of loop-law constraints, making loopless flux optimization feasible and numerically tractable at large scale. Availability and Implementation: Source code for MATLAB including examples is freely available for download at http://www.aibn.uq.edu.au/cssb-resources under Software. Optimization uses Gurobi, CPLEX or GLPK (the latter is included with the algorithm). Contact: lars.nielsen@uq.edu.au Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:27559155

Supercontinuum Emission from Water using 40 fs Pulses in the External Tight Focusing Limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sreeja, S.; Rao, S. Venugopal; Bagchi, Suman; Sreedhar, S.; Prashant, T. Shuvan; Radhakrishnan, P.; Tewari, Surya P.; Kiran, P. Prem

2011-10-01

We present our results from the measurements of Supereonlinuum emission (SCE) resulting from the propagation ol" tightly foe used 40 femtosecond laser pulses through distilled water. The e fleet of linearly polarized (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) light pulses on the SCE: in different external focal geometries (f/6 & f/12) is studied in detail. A considerable shift in the minimum wavelength of SCF under tighter focusing limit is observed.

High Work, High-Efficiency Turbines for Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

controlling highly loaded LP turbine blades have been demonstrated in a low speed linear cascade at the AFRL Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT) facility that...34, pp. 1570-1577. [34] Selig M. S. and Mcgranahan, B. D., “ Wind Tunnel Aerodynamic Tests of Six Airfoils for Use on Small Wind Turbines .” National...aerodynamic flows is of interest in many design domains such as air vehicles, turbomachinery, and wind turbines . Micro-air-vehicles (MAV) which have small

Point Judith, Rhode Island, Breakwater Risk Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

output stations. Beach zones considered included the sandy beach to the west side of the HoR, which had significant dune features and was fronting...time dependency for crest height and wave parameters is assumed, hc = total damaged crest height of structure from toe , Lp is the local wave length...computed using linear wave theory and Tp, h is the toe depth, hc’ = total undamaged crest height of structure from toe , At = area of structure enclosed

78 FR 21491 - DeltaPoint Capital IV, L.P., DeltaPoint Capital IV (New York), L.P.; Notice Seeking Exemption...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-10

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [License No. 02/02-0662, 02/02-0661] DeltaPoint Capital IV, L.P., DeltaPoint Capital IV (New York), L.P.; Notice Seeking Exemption Under Section 312 of the Small Business Investment Act, Conflicts of Interest Notice is hereby given that DeltaPoint Capital IV, L.P. and DeltaPoint...

76 FR 38178 - Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-29

..., New York, New York 10045-0001: 1. Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Fund VI, L.P., Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Parallel Fund VI, L.P., Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) Parallel (DT) Fund VI, L.P., THL FBC Equity Investors, L.P., THL Advisors (Alternative) VI, L.P., Thomas H. Lee (Alternative) VI, Ltd., THL Managers VI...

The design of a low-cost Thomson Scattering system for use on the ORNL PhIX device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biewer, T. M.; Lore, J.; Goulding, R. H.; Hillis, D. L.; Owen, L.; Rapp, J.

2012-10-01

Study of the plasma-material interface (PMI) under high power and particle flux on linear plasma devices is an active area of research that is relevant to fusion-grade toroidal devices such as ITER and DEMO. ORNL is assembling a 15 cm diameter, ˜3 m long linear machine, called the Physics Integration eXperiment (PhIX), which incorporates a helicon plasma source, electron heating, and a material target. The helicon source has demonstrated coupling of up to 100 kW of rf power, and produced ne >= 4 x 10^19 m-3 in D, and He fueled plasmas, measured with interferometry and Langmuir probes (LP). Optical emission spectroscopy was used to confirm LP measurements that Te is about 10 eV in helicon heated plasmas, which will presumably increase when electron heating is applied. Plasma parameters (ne, Te, n0) of the PhIX device will be measured with a novel, low-cost Thomson Scattering (TS) system. The data will be used to characterize the PMI regime with multiple profile measurements in front of the target. Profiles near the source and target will be used to determine the parallel transport regime via comparison to 2D fluid plasma simulations. This work was supported by the US. D.O.E. contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.

Short-Term Effects of a Ready-to-Drink Pre-Workout Beverage on Exercise Performance and Recovery.

PubMed

Collins, Patrick B; Earnest, Conrad P; Dalton, Ryan L; Sowinski, Ryan J; Grubic, Tyler J; Favot, Christopher J; Coletta, Adriana M; Rasmussen, Christopher; Greenwood, Mike; Kreider, Richard B

2017-08-01

In a double-blind, randomized and crossover manner, 25 resistance-trained participants ingested a placebo (PLA) beverage containing 12 g of dextrose and a beverage (RTD) containing caffeine (200 mg), β-alanine (2.1 g), arginine nitrate (1.3 g), niacin (65 mg), folic acid (325 mcg), and Vitamin B12 (45 mcg) for 7-days, separated by a 7-10-day. On day 1 and 6, participants donated a fasting blood sample and completed a side-effects questionnaire (SEQ), hemodynamic challenge test, 1-RM and muscular endurance tests (3 × 10 repetitions at 70% of 1-RM with the last set to failure on the bench press (BP) and leg press (LP)) followed by ingesting the assigned beverage. After 15 min, participants repeated the hemodynamic test, 1-RM tests, and performed a repetition to fatigue (RtF) test at 70% of 1-RM, followed by completing the SEQ. On day 2 and 7, participants donated a fasting blood sample, completed the SEQ, ingested the assigned beverage, rested 30 min, and performed a 4 km cycling time-trial (TT). Data were analyzed by univariate, multivariate, and repeated measures general linear models (GLM), adjusted for gender and relative caffeine intake. Data are presented as mean change (95% CI). An overall multivariate time × treatment interaction was observed on strength performance variables ( p = 0.01). Acute RTD ingestion better maintained LP 1-RM (PLA: -0.285 (-0.49, -0.08); RTD: 0.23 (-0.50, 0.18) kg/kg FFM , p = 0.30); increased LP RtF (PLA: -2.60 (-6.8, 1.6); RTD: 4.00 (-0.2, 8.2) repetitions, p = 0.031); increased BP lifting volume (PLA: 0.001 (-0.13, 0.16); RTD: 0.03 (0.02, 0.04) kg/kg FFM , p = 0.007); and, increased total lifting volume (PLA: -13.12 (-36.9, 10.5); RTD: 21.06 (-2.7, 44.8) kg/kg FFM , p = 0.046). Short-term RTD ingestion maintained baseline LP 1-RM (PLA: -0.412 (-0.08, -0.07); RTD: 0.16 (-0.50, 0.18) kg/kg FFM , p = 0.30); LP RtF (PLA: 0.12 (-3.0, 3.2); RTD: 3.6 (0.5, 6.7) repetitions, p = 0.116); and, LP lifting volume (PLA: 3.64 (-8.8, 16.1); RTD: 16.25 (3.8, 28.7) kg/kg FFM , p = 0.157) to a greater degree than PLA. No significant differences were observed between treatments in cycling TT performance, hemodynamic assessment, fasting blood panels, or self-reported side effects.

LpMab-23-recognizing cancer-type podoplanin is a novel predictor for a poor prognosis of early stage tongue cancer.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Akihiro; Nakai, Hiromi; Sonoda, Tomoko; Hirohashi, Yoshihiko; Kaneko, Mika K; Kato, Yukinari; Sawa, Yoshihiko; Hiratsuka, Hiroyoshi

2018-04-20

We report that the reactivity of a novel monoclonal antibody LpMab-23 for human cancer-type podoplanin (PDPN) is a predictor for a poor prognosis of tongue cancer. The association between LpMab-23-recognizing cancer-type PDPN expression and clinical/pathological features were analyzed on 60 patients with stage I and II tongue cancer treated with transoral resection of the primary tumor. In the mode of invasion, the LpMab-23-dull/negative cases were significantly larger in cases with low-grade malignancies and without late cervical lymph node metastasis, than in cases with high-grade malignancies and the metastasis. In the high-grade malignant cases, LpMab-23-positive cases were significantly larger than LpMab-23-dull/negative cases. The Kaplan-Meier curves of the five-year metastasis-free survival rate (MFS) were significantly lower in the LpMab-23 positive patients than in LpMab-23 dull/negative patients. The LpMab-23-dull/negative cases showed the highest MFS in all of the clinical/pathological features and particularly, the MFS of the LpMab-23 positive cases decreased to less than 60% in the first year. In the Cox proportional hazard regression models a comparison of the numbers of LpMab-23 dull/negative with positive cases showed the highest hazard ratio with statistical significance in all of the clinical/pathological features. LpMab-23 positive cases may be considered to present a useful predictor of poor prognosis for early stage tongue cancer.

Increased systolic blood pressure in rat offspring following a maternal low-protein diet is normalized by maternal dietary choline supplementation.

PubMed

Bai, S Y; Briggs, D I; Vickers, M H

2012-10-01

An adverse prenatal environment may induce long-term metabolic consequences, in particular hypertension and cardiovascular disease. A maternal low-protein (LP) diet is well known to result in increased blood pressure (BP) in offspring. Choline has been shown to have direct BP-reducing effects in humans and animals. It has been suggested that endogenous choline synthesis via phosphatidylcholine is constrained during maternal LP exposure. The present study investigates the effect of choline supplementation to mothers fed a LP diet during pregnancy on systolic BP (SBP) in offspring as measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. Wistar rats were assigned to one of three diets to be fed ad libitum throughout pregnancy: (1) control diet (CONT, 20% protein); (2) an LP diet (9% protein); and (3) LP supplemented with choline (LP + C). Dams were fed the CONT diet throughout lactation and offspring were fed the CONT diet from weaning for the remainder of the trial. At postnatal day 150, SBP and retroperitoneal fat mass was significantly increased in LP offspring compared with CONT animals and was normalized in LP + C offspring. Effects of LP + C reduction in SBP were similar in both males and females. Plasma choline and phosphatidylcholine concentrations were not different across treatment groups, but maternal choline supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in homocysteine concentrations in LP + C offspring compared with LP and CONT animals. The present trial shows for the first time that maternal supplementation with dietary choline during periods of LP exposure can normalize increased SBP and fat mass observed in offspring in later life.

ChLpMab-23: Cancer-Specific Human-Mouse Chimeric Anti-Podoplanin Antibody Exhibits Antitumor Activity via Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity.

PubMed

Kaneko, Mika K; Nakamura, Takuro; Kunita, Akiko; Fukayama, Masashi; Abe, Shinji; Nishioka, Yasuhiko; Yamada, Shinji; Yanaka, Miyuki; Saidoh, Noriko; Yoshida, Kanae; Fujii, Yuki; Ogasawara, Satoshi; Kato, Yukinari

2017-06-01

Podoplanin is expressed in many cancers, including oral cancers and brain tumors. The interaction between podoplanin and its receptor C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) has been reported to be involved in cancer metastasis and tumor malignancy. We previously established many monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human podoplanin using the cancer-specific mAb (CasMab) technology. LpMab-23 (IgG 1 , kappa), one of the mouse anti-podoplanin mAbs, was shown to be a CasMab. However, we have not shown the usefulness of LpMab-23 for antibody therapy against podoplanin-expressing cancers. In this study, we first determined the minimum epitope of LpMab-23 and revealed that Gly54-Leu64 peptide, especially Gly54, Thr55, Ser56, Glu57, Asp58, Arg59, Tyr60, and Leu64 of podoplanin, is a critical epitope of LpMab-23. We further produced human-mouse chimeric LpMab-23 (chLpMab-23) and investigated whether chLpMab-23 exerts antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antitumor activity. In flow cytometry, chLpMab-23 showed high sensitivity against a podoplanin-expressing glioblastoma cell line, LN319, and an oral cancer cell line, HSC-2. chLpMab-23 also showed ADCC activity against podoplanin-expressing CHO cells (CHO/podoplanin). In xenograft models with HSC-2 and CHO/podoplanin, chLpMab-23 exerts antitumor activity using human natural killer cells, indicating that chLpMab-23 could be useful for antibody therapy against podoplanin-expressing cancers.

77 FR 73637 - Alliance Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-11

... Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Application Take notice that on November 26, 2012, Alliance Pipeline L.P..., Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Alliance Pipeline Ltd. on behalf of Alliance Pipeline L.P., 800, 605-5 Ave...] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P ...

78 FR 45592 - DeltaPoint Capital IV, LP;

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-29

... Regulations (13 CFR 107.730). DeltaPoint Capital IV, L.P. provided financing to BioMaxx, Inc., 1 Fishers Road... York), L.P., an Associate of DeltaPoint Capital IV, L.P., owns more than ten percent of BioMaxx, Inc...

The Lp_3561 and Lp_3562 Enzymes Support a Functional Divergence Process in the Lipase/Esterase Toolkit from Lactobacillus plantarum

PubMed Central

Esteban-Torres, María; Reverón, Inés; Santamaría, Laura; Mancheño, José M.; de las Rivas, Blanca; Muñoz, Rosario

2016-01-01

Lactobacillus plantarum species is a good source of esterases since both lipolytic and esterase activities have been described for strains of this species. No fundamental biochemical difference exists among esterases and lipases since both share a common catalytic mechanism. L. plantarum WCFS1 possesses a protein, Lp_3561, which is 44% identical to a previously described lipase, Lp_3562. In contrast to Lp_3562, Lp_3561 was unable to degrade esters possessing a chain length higher than C4 and the triglyceride tributyrin. As in other L. plantarum esterases, the electrostatic potential surface around the active site in Lp_3561 is predicted to be basic, whereas it is essentially neutral in the Lp_3562 lipase. The fact that the genes encoding both proteins were located contiguously in the L. plantarum WCFS1 genome, suggests that they originated by tandem duplication, and therefore are paralogs as new functions have arisen during evolution. The presence of the contiguous lp_3561 and lp_3562 genes was studied among L. plantarum strains. They are located in a 8,903 bp DNA fragment that encodes proteins involved in the catabolism of sialic acid and are predicted to increase bacterial adaptability under certain growth conditions. PMID:27486450

Three Drought-Responsive Members of the Nonspecific Lipid-Transfer Protein Gene Family in Lycopersicon pennellii Show Different Developmental Patterns of Expression1

PubMed Central

Treviño, Marcela B.; Connell, Mary A. O'

1998-01-01

Genomic clones of two nonspecific lipid-transfer protein genes from a drought-tolerant wild species of tomato (Lycopersicon pennellii Corr.) were isolated using as a probe a drought- and abscisic acid (ABA)-induced cDNA clone (pLE16) from cultivated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Both genes (LpLtp1 and LpLtp2) were sequenced and their corresponding mRNAs were characterized; they are both interrupted by a single intron at identical positions and predict basic proteins of 114 amino acid residues. Genomic Southern data indicated that these genes are members of a small gene family in Lycopersicon spp. The 3′-untranslated regions from LpLtp1 and LpLtp2, as well as a polymerase chain reaction-amplified 3′-untranslated region from pLE16 (cross-hybridizing to a third gene in L. pennellii, namely LpLtp3), were used as gene-specific probes to describe expression in L. pennellii through northern-blot analyses. All LpLtp genes were exclusively expressed in the aerial tissues of the plant and all were drought and ABA inducible. Each gene had a different pattern of expression in fruit, and LpLtp1 and LpLtp2, unlike LpLtp3, were both primarily developmentally regulated in leaf tissue. Putative ABA-responsive elements were found in the proximal promoter regions of LpLtp1 and LpLtp2. PMID:9536064

Ethnicity and lipoprotein(a) polymorphism in Native Mexican populations.

PubMed

Cardoso-Saldaña, G; De La Peña-Díaz, A; Zamora-González, J; Gomez-Ortega, R; Posadas-Romero, C; Izaguirre-Avila, R; Malvido-Miranda, E; Morales-Anduaga, M E; Anglés-Cano, E

2006-01-01

Lp(a) is a lipoparticle of unknown function mainly present in primates and humans. It consists of a low-density lipoprotein and apo(a), a polymorphic glycoprotein. Apo(a) shares sequence homology and fibrin binding with plasminogen, inhibiting its fibrinolytic properties. Lp(a) is considered a link between atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Marked inter-ethnic differences in Lp(a) concentration related to the genetic polymorphism of apo(a) have been reported in several populations. The study examined the structural and functional features of Lp(a) in three Native Mexican populations (Mayos, Mazahuas and Mayas) and in Mestizo subjects. We determined the plasma concentration of Lp(a) by immunonephelometry, apo(a) isoforms by Western blot, Lp(a) fibrin binding by immuno-enzymatic assay and short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphic marker genetic analysis by capillary electrophoresis. Mestizos presented the less skewed distribution and the highest median Lp(a) concentration (13.25 mg dL(-1)) relative to Mazahuas (8.2 mg dL(-1)), Mayas (8.25 mg dL(-1)) and Mayos (6.5 mg dL(-1)). Phenotype distribution was different in Mayas and Mazahuas as compared with the Mestizo group. The higher Lp(a) fibrin-binding capacity was found in the Maya population. There was an inverse relationship between the size of apo(a) polymorphs and both Lp(a) levels and Lp(a) fibrin binding. There is evidence of significative differences in Lp(a) plasma concentration and phenotype distribution in the Native Mexican and the Mestizo group.

Modifying glycyrrhetinic acid liposomes with liver-targeting ligand of galactosylated derivative: preparation and evaluations

PubMed Central

Cheng, Yi; Gao, Youheng; Zheng, Pinjing; Li, Chuangnan; Tong, Yidan; Li, Zhao; Luo, Wenhui; Chen, Zhao

2017-01-01

In this study, novel glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) liposomes modified with a liver-targeting galactosylated derivative ligand (Gal) were prepared using a film-dispersion method. To characterize the samples, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency were performed. Moreover, plasma and tissues were pre-treated by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results showed that the mean residence times (MRTs) and the area under the curve (AUC) of GA liposomes with Gal (Gal-GA-LP), and GA liposomes (GA-LP) were higher than the GA solution (GA-S) in plasma. The tissue (liver) distribution of Gal-GA-LP was significantly different in contrast to GA-LP. The relative intake rate (Re) of Gal-GA-LP and GA-LP in the liver was 4.752 and 2.196, respectively. The peak concentration ratio (Ce) of Gal-GA-LP and GA-LP in the liver was 2.796 and 1.083, respectively. The targeting efficiency (Te) of Gal-GA-LP and GA-LP in the liver was 48.193% and 34.718%, respectively. Taken together, the results indicate that Gal-GA-LP is an ideal complex for liver-targeting, and has great potential application in the clinical treatment of hepatic diseases. Drug loading and releasing experiments also indicated that most liposomes are spherical structures and have good dispersity under physiologic conditions, which could prolong GA release efficiency in vitro. PMID:29254224

Ethnicity and lipoprotein(a) polymorphism in Native Mexican populations

PubMed Central

Cardoso-Saldaña, Guillermo; De La Peña-Díaz, Aurora; Zamora-González, José; Gomez-Ortega, Rocio; Posadas-Romero, Carlos; Izaguirre-Avila, Raul; Malvido-Miranda, Elsa; Morales-Anduaga, Maria Elena; Angles-Cano, Eduardo

2006-01-01

Background Lp(a) is a lipoparticle of unknown function mainly present in primates and humans. It consists of a low-density lipoprotein and apo(a), a polymorphic glycoprotein. Apo(a) shares sequence homology and fibrin-binding with plasminogen inhibiting its fibrinolytic properties. Lp(a) is considered a link between atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Marked inter-ethnic differences in Lp(a) concentration related to the genetic polymorphism of apo(a), have been reported in several populations. Aim To study the structural and functional features of Lp(a) in three Native Mexican populations (Mayos, Mazahuas and Mayas) and in Mestizo subjects. Methods We determined the plasma concentration of Lp(a) by immunonephelometry, apo(a) isoforms by Western blot, Lp(a) fibrin-binding by immuno-enzymatic assay and STR polymorphic markers genetic analysis by capillary electrophoresis. Results Mestizos presented the less skewed distribution and the highest median Lp(a) concentration (13.25 mg/dL) relative to Mazahuas (8.2 mg/dL), Mayas (8.25 mg/dL) and Mayos (6.5 mg/dL). Phenotype distribution was different in Mayas and Mazahuas as compared to the Mestizo group. The higher Lp(a) fibrin-binding capacity was found in the Maya population. There was an inverse relationship between the size of apo(a) polymorphs and both Lp(a) levels and Lp(a) fibrin binding. Conclusion There is evidence of significative differences in Lp(a) plasma concentration and phenotype distribution in Native Mexican and the Mestizo group. PMID:16684693

Anthocyanins and flavonols are responsible for purple color of Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet pods.

PubMed

Cui, Baolu; Hu, Zongli; Zhang, Yanjie; Hu, Jingtao; Yin, Wencheng; Feng, Ye; Xie, Qiaoli; Chen, Guoping

2016-06-01

Lablab pods, as dietary vegetable, have high nutritional values similar to most of edible legumes. Moreover, our studies confirmed that purple lablab pods contain the natural pigments of anthocyanins and flavonols. Compared to green pods, five kinds of anthocyanins (malvidin, delphinidin and petunidin derivatives) were found in purple pods by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and the major contents were delphinidin derivatives. Besides, nine kinds of polyphenol derivatives (quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol and apigenin derivatives) were detected by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and the major components were quercetin and myricetin derivatives. In order to discover their molecular mechanism, expression patterns of biosynthesis and regulatory gens of anthocyanins and flavonols were investigated. Experimental results showed that LpPAL, LpF3H, LpF3'H, LpDFR, LpANS and LpPAP1 expressions were significantly induced in purple pods compared to green ones. Meanwhile, transcripts of LpFLS were more abundant in purple pods than green or yellow ones, suggestind that co-pigments of anthocyanins and flavonols are accumulated in purple pods. Under continuously dark condition, no anthocyanin accumulation was detected in purple pods and transcripts of LpCHS, LpANS, LpFLS and LpPAP1 were remarkably repressed, indicating that anthocyanins and flavonols biosynthesis in purple pods was regulated in light-dependent manner. These results indicate that co-pigments of anthocyanins and flavonols contribute to purple pigmentations of pods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Outdoor Education and the Peel Board of Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaw, Katherine

1994-01-01

Describes efforts of an advocacy group of parents, outdoor educators, and classroom teachers to preserve outdoor education in Peel in the face of budget cuts. Despite efforts, a task force recommended the elimination of numerous teaching positions, resulting in reduced programming at outdoor education centers. (LP)

Forage fiber effects on particle size reduction, ruminal stratification, and selective retention in heifers fed highly digestible grass/clover silages.

PubMed

Schulze, A K S; Weisbjerg, M R; Storm, A C; Nørgaard, P

2014-06-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NDF content in highly digestible grass/clover silage on particle size reduction, ruminal stratification, and selective retention in dairy heifers. The reduction in particle size from feed to feces was evaluated and related to feed intake, chewing activity, and apparent digestibility. Four grass/clover harvests (Mixtures of Lolium perenne, Trifolium pratense, and Trifolium repens) were performed from early May to late August at different maturities, at different regrowth stages, and with different clover proportions, resulting in silages with NDF contents of 312, 360, 371, and 446 g/kg DM, respectively, and decreasing NDF digestibility with greater NDF content. Four rumen-fistulated dairy heifers were fed silage at 90% of ad libitum level as the only feed source in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Silage, ingested feed boluses, medial and ventral ruminal digesta, and feces samples were washed with neutral detergent in nylon bags of 10-μm pore size, freeze dried, and divided into small (<0.212 mm), medium (0.212 to 1 mm), and large : LP; >1 mm) particles by dry-sieving. Chewing activity, rumen pool size, and apparent digestibility were measured. Intake of NDF increased linearly from 2.3 to 2.8 kg/d with greater NDF content of forages (P = 0.01), but silages were exposed to similar eating time (P = 0.55) and rumination time per kg NDF (P = 0.35). No linear effect of NDF content was found on proportion of LP in ingested feed boluses (P = 0.31), medial rumen digesta (P = 0.95), ventral rumen digesta (P = 0.84), and feces (P = 0.09). Greater proportions of DM (P < 0.001) and particulate DM (P = 0.008) were found in medial ruminal digesta compared with ventral rumen, and differences in DM proportion increased with greater NDF content (P = 0.02). Particle size distributions were similar for digesta from the medial and ventral rumen regardless of NDF content of the silages (P > 0.13). The LP proportion was >30% of particles in the ventral and medial rumen, whereas in the feces, the LP proportion was <2%. Particle size stratification of the rumen was undetectable regardless of NDF content of the silages, stressing that the retention mechanism of large undigested particles lies elsewhere than with particle entrapment in the rumen mat. In this study, forage particle breakdown, ruminal stratification, and retention of particles in the rumen were not affected by NDF content of highly digestible grass/clover silages.

Prevention and Mitigation of Acute Radiation Syndrome in Mice by Synthetic Lipopeptide Agonists of Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2)

PubMed Central

Shakhov, Alexander N.; Singh, Vijay K.; Bone, Frederick; Cheney, Alec; Kononov, Yevgeniy; Krasnov, Peter; Bratanova-Toshkova, Troitza K.; Shakhova, Vera V.; Young, Jason; Weil, Michael M.; Panoskaltsis-Mortari, Angela; Orschell, Christie M.; Baker, Patricia S.; Gudkov, Andrei; Feinstein, Elena

2012-01-01

Bacterial lipoproteins (BLP) induce innate immune responses in mammals by activating heterodimeric receptor complexes containing Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). TLR2 signaling results in nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)-dependent upregulation of anti-apoptotic factors, anti-oxidants and cytokines, all of which have been implicated in radiation protection. Here we demonstrate that synthetic lipopeptides (sLP) that mimic the structure of naturally occurring mycoplasmal BLP significantly increase mouse survival following lethal total body irradiation (TBI) when administered between 48 hours before and 24 hours after irradiation. The TBI dose ranges against which sLP are effective indicate that sLP primarily impact the hematopoietic (HP) component of acute radiation syndrome. Indeed, sLP treatment accelerated recovery of bone marrow (BM) and spleen cellularity and ameliorated thrombocytopenia of irradiated mice. sLP did not improve survival of irradiated TLR2-knockout mice, confirming that sLP-mediated radioprotection requires TLR2. However, sLP was radioprotective in chimeric mice containing TLR2-null BM on a wild type background, indicating that radioprotection of the HP system by sLP is, at least in part, indirect and initiated in non-BM cells. sLP injection resulted in strong transient induction of multiple cytokines with known roles in hematopoiesis, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). sLP-induced cytokines, particularly G-CSF, are likely mediators of the radioprotective/mitigative activity of sLP. This study illustrates the strong potential of LP-based TLR2 agonists for anti-radiation prophylaxis and therapy in defense and medical scenarios. PMID:22479357

Lipoprotein(a) levels predict adverse vascular events after acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Mitsuda, Takayuki; Uemura, Yusuke; Ishii, Hideki; Takemoto, Kenji; Uchikawa, Tomohiro; Koyasu, Masayoshi; Ishikawa, Shinji; Miura, Ayako; Imai, Ryo; Iwamiya, Satoshi; Ozaki, Yuta; Kato, Tomohiro; Shibata, Rei; Watarai, Masato; Murohara, Toyoaki

2016-12-01

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], which is genetically determined, has been reported as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. However, the prognostic value of Lp(a) for secondary vascular events in patients after coronary artery disease has not been fully elucidated. This 3-year observational study included a total of 176 patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), whose Lp(a) levels were measured within 24 h after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We divided enrolled patients into two groups according to Lp(a) level and investigated the association between Lp(a) and the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). A Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with higher Lp(a) levels had a higher incidence of MACCE than those with lower Lp(a) levels (log-rank P = 0.034). A multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that Lp(a) levels were independently correlated with the occurrence of MACCE after adjusting for other classical risk factors of atherosclerotic vascular diseases (hazard ratio 1.030, 95 % confidence interval: 1.011-1.048, P = 0.002). In receiver-operating curve analysis, the cutoff value to maximize the predictive power of Lp(a) was 19.0 mg/dl (area under the curve = 0.674, sensitivity 69.2 %, specificity 62.0 %). Evaluation of Lp(a) in addition to the established coronary risk factors improved their predictive value for the occurrence of MACCE. In conclusion, Lp(a) levels at admission independently predict secondary vascular events in patients with STEMI. Lp(a) might provide useful information for the development of secondary prevention strategies in patients with myocardial infarction.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in LPA Explain Most of the Ancestry-Specific Variation in Lp(a) Levels in African Americans

PubMed Central

Lawson, Kim; Kao, W. H. Linda; Reich, David; Tandon, Arti; Akylbekova, Ermeg; Patterson, Nick; Mosley, Thomas H.; Boerwinkle, Eric; Taylor, Herman A.

2011-01-01

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an important causal cardiovascular risk factor, with serum Lp(a) levels predicting atherosclerotic heart disease and genetic determinants of Lp(a) levels showing association with myocardial infarction. Lp(a) levels vary widely between populations, with African-derived populations having nearly 2-fold higher Lp(a) levels than European Americans. We investigated the genetic basis of this difference in 4464 African Americans from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) using a panel of up to 1447 ancestry informative markers, allowing us to accurately estimate the African ancestry proportion of each individual at each position in the genome. In an unbiased genome-wide admixture scan for frequency-differentiated genetic determinants of Lp(a) level, we found a convincing peak (LOD = 13.6) at 6q25.3, which spans the LPA locus. Dense fine-mapping of the LPA locus identified a number of strongly associated, common biallelic SNPs, a subset of which can account for up to 7% of the variation in Lp(a) level, as well as >70% of the African-European population differences in Lp(a) level. We replicated the association of the most strongly associated SNP, rs9457951 (p = 6×10−22, 27% change in Lp(a) per allele, ∼5% of Lp(a) variance explained in JHS), in 1,726 African Americans from the Dallas Heart Study and found an even stronger association after adjustment for the kringle(IV) repeat copy number. Despite the strong association with Lp(a) levels, we find no association of any LPA SNP with incident coronary heart disease in 3,225 African Americans from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. PMID:21283670

Prevention and mitigation of acute radiation syndrome in mice by synthetic lipopeptide agonists of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2).

PubMed

Shakhov, Alexander N; Singh, Vijay K; Bone, Frederick; Cheney, Alec; Kononov, Yevgeniy; Krasnov, Peter; Bratanova-Toshkova, Troitza K; Shakhova, Vera V; Young, Jason; Weil, Michael M; Panoskaltsis-Mortari, Angela; Orschell, Christie M; Baker, Patricia S; Gudkov, Andrei; Feinstein, Elena

2012-01-01

Bacterial lipoproteins (BLP) induce innate immune responses in mammals by activating heterodimeric receptor complexes containing Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). TLR2 signaling results in nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)-dependent upregulation of anti-apoptotic factors, anti-oxidants and cytokines, all of which have been implicated in radiation protection. Here we demonstrate that synthetic lipopeptides (sLP) that mimic the structure of naturally occurring mycoplasmal BLP significantly increase mouse survival following lethal total body irradiation (TBI) when administered between 48 hours before and 24 hours after irradiation. The TBI dose ranges against which sLP are effective indicate that sLP primarily impact the hematopoietic (HP) component of acute radiation syndrome. Indeed, sLP treatment accelerated recovery of bone marrow (BM) and spleen cellularity and ameliorated thrombocytopenia of irradiated mice. sLP did not improve survival of irradiated TLR2-knockout mice, confirming that sLP-mediated radioprotection requires TLR2. However, sLP was radioprotective in chimeric mice containing TLR2-null BM on a wild type background, indicating that radioprotection of the HP system by sLP is, at least in part, indirect and initiated in non-BM cells. sLP injection resulted in strong transient induction of multiple cytokines with known roles in hematopoiesis, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). sLP-induced cytokines, particularly G-CSF, are likely mediators of the radioprotective/mitigative activity of sLP. This study illustrates the strong potential of LP-based TLR2 agonists for anti-radiation prophylaxis and therapy in defense and medical scenarios.

Isolating and evaluating lactic acid bacteria strains for effectiveness of Leymus chinensis silage fermentation.

PubMed

Zhang, Q; Li, X J; Zhao, M M; Yu, Z

2014-10-01

Five LAB strains were evaluated using the acid production ability test, morphological observation, Gram staining, physiological, biochemical and acid tolerance tests. All five strains (LP1, LP2, LP3, LC1 and LC2) grew at pH 4·0, and LP1 grew at 15°C. Strains LP1, LP2 and LP3 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, whereas LC1 and LC2 were classified as Lactobacillus casei by sequencing 16S rDNA. The five isolated strains and two commercial inoculants (PS and CL) were added to native grass and Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. for ensiling. All five isolated strains decreased the pH and ammonia nitrogen content, increased the lactic acid content and LP1, LP2 and LP3 increased the acetic content and lactic/acetic acid ratio of L. chinensis silage significantly. The five isolated strains and two commercial inoculants decreased the butyric acid content of the native grass silage. LP2 treatment had lower butyric acid content and ammonia nitrogen content than the other treatments. The five isolated strains improved the quality of L. chinensis silage. The five isolated strains and the two commercial inoculants were not effective in improving the fermentation quality of the native grass silage, but LP2 performed better comparatively. Significance and impact of the study: Leymus chinensis is an important grass in China and Russia, being the primary grass of the short grassland 'steppe' regions of central Asia. However, it has been difficult to make high-quality silage of this species because of low concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). Isolating and evaluating lactic acid bacteria strains will be helpful for improving the silage quality of this extensively grown species. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Mipomersen, an antisense oligonucleotide to apolipoprotein B-100, reduces lipoprotein(a) in various populations with hypercholesterolemia: results of 4 phase III trials.

PubMed

Santos, Raul D; Raal, Frederick J; Catapano, Alberico L; Witztum, Joseph L; Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth; Tsimikas, Sotirios

2015-03-01

Lp(a) is an independent, causal, genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis. Current pharmacological lipid-lowering therapies do not optimally lower Lp(a), particularly in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). In 4 phase III trials, 382 patients on maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapy were randomized 2:1 to weekly subcutaneous mipomersen 200 mg (n=256) or placebo (n=126) for 26 weeks. Populations included homozygous FH, heterozygous FH with concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD), severe hypercholesterolemia, and hypercholesterolemia at high risk for CAD. Lp(a) was measured 8× between baseline and week 28 inclusive. Of the 382 patients, 57% and 44% had baseline Lp(a) levels >30 and >50 mg/dL, respectively. In the pooled analysis, the mean percent decrease (median, interquartile range in Lp(a) at 28 weeks was significantly greater in the mipomersen group compared with placebo (-26.4 [-42.8, -5.4] versus -0.0 [-10.7, 15.3]; P<0.001). In the mipomersen group in patients with Lp(a) levels >30 or >50 mg/dL, attainment of Lp(a) values ≤30 or ≤50 mg/dL was most frequent in homozygous FH and severe hypercholesterolemia patients. In the combined groups, modest correlations were present between percent change in apolipoprotein B-100 and Lp(a) (r=0.43; P<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and Lp(a) (r=0.36; P<0.001) plasma levels. Mipomersen consistently and effectively reduced Lp(a) levels in patients with a variety of lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk. Modest correlations were present between apolipoprotein B-100 and Lp(a) lowering but the mechanistic relevance mediating Lp(a) reduction is currently unknown. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

PLC-based mode multi/demultiplexer for MDM transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanzawa, N.; Saitoh, K.; Sakamoto, T.; Matsui, T.; Tsujikawa, K.; Koshiba, M.; Yamamoto, F.

2013-12-01

We propose a PLC-based multi/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) with a mode conversion function for mode division multiplexing (MDM) transmission applications. The PLC-based mode MUX/DEMUX can realize a low insertion loss and a wide working wavelength bandwidth. We designed and demonstrated a two-mode (LP01 and LP11 modes) and a three-mode (LP01, LP11, and LP21 modes) MUX/DEMUX for use in the C-band.

77 FR 7572 - Alliance Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-13

...] Alliance Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Application Take notice that on January 25, 2012, Alliance Pipeline L.P... Pipeline Inc., Managing General Partner of Alliance Pipeline L.P., 800, 605--5 Ave. SW., Calgary, Alberta...; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717-01-P ...

Cutaneous and Mucosal Lichen Planus: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Subtypes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Prognosis

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most often affects middle-aged adults. LP can involve the skin or mucous membranes including the oral, vulvovaginal, esophageal, laryngeal, and conjunctival mucosa. It has different variants based on the morphology of the lesions and the site of involvement. The literature suggests that certain presentations of the disease such as esophageal or ophthalmological involvement are underdiagnosed. The burden of the disease is higher in some variants including hypertrophic LP and erosive oral LP, which may have a more chronic pattern. LP can significantly affect the quality of life of patients as well. Drugs or contact allergens can cause lichenoid reactions as the main differential diagnosis of LP. LP is a T-cell mediated immunologic disease but the responsible antigen remains unidentified. In this paper, we review the history, epidemiology, and clinical subtypes of LP. We also review the histopathologic aspects of the disease, differential diagnoses, immunopathogenesis, and the clinical and genetic correlations. PMID:24672362

Consensus guidelines for lumbar puncture in patients with neurological diseases.

PubMed

Engelborghs, Sebastiaan; Niemantsverdriet, Ellis; Struyfs, Hanne; Blennow, Kaj; Brouns, Raf; Comabella, Manuel; Dujmovic, Irena; van der Flier, Wiesje; Frölich, Lutz; Galimberti, Daniela; Gnanapavan, Sharmilee; Hemmer, Bernhard; Hoff, Erik; Hort, Jakub; Iacobaeus, Ellen; Ingelsson, Martin; Jan de Jong, Frank; Jonsson, Michael; Khalil, Michael; Kuhle, Jens; Lleó, Alberto; de Mendonça, Alexandre; Molinuevo, José Luis; Nagels, Guy; Paquet, Claire; Parnetti, Lucilla; Roks, Gerwin; Rosa-Neto, Pedro; Scheltens, Philip; Skårsgard, Constance; Stomrud, Erik; Tumani, Hayrettin; Visser, Pieter Jelle; Wallin, Anders; Winblad, Bengt; Zetterberg, Henrik; Duits, Flora; Teunissen, Charlotte E

2017-01-01

Cerebrospinal fluid collection by lumbar puncture (LP) is performed in the diagnostic workup of several neurological brain diseases. Reluctance to perform the procedure is among others due to a lack of standards and guidelines to minimize the risk of complications, such as post-LP headache or back pain. We provide consensus guidelines for the LP procedure to minimize the risk of complications. The recommendations are based on (1) data from a large multicenter LP feasibility study (evidence level II-2), (2) systematic literature review on LP needle characteristics and post-LP complications (evidence level II-2), (3) discussion of best practice within the Joint Programme Neurodegenerative Disease Research Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's Disease and Biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis consortia (evidence level III). Our consensus guidelines address contraindications, as well as patient-related and procedure-related risk factors that can influence the development of post-LP complications. When an LP is performed correctly, the procedure is well tolerated and accepted with a low complication rate.

Ascorbic acid deficiency in patients with lichen planus.

PubMed

Nicolae, Ilinca; Mitran, Cristina Iulia; Mitran, Madalina Irina; Ene, Corina Daniela; Tampa, Mircea; Georgescu, Simona Roxana

2017-01-01

Recent studies have highlighted the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of lichen planus (LP). In the present study, the interest of the authors is focused on the investigation of ascorbic acid status in patients with LP and identification of parameters that might influence the level of this vitamin. We analyzed the level of urinary ascorbic acid (reflectometric method) in 77 patients with LP (cutaneous LP (CLP)-49 cases; oral LP (OLP)-28 cases) and 50 control subjects. The evaluation of all participants included clinical examination and laboratory and imaging tests. Compared to the control group (19.82 mg/dl) the level of ascorbic acid was significantly lower both in patients with CLP (8.47 mg/dl, p = 0.001) and in those with OLP (8.04 mg/dl, p = 0.001). In patients with LP it was found that the deficiency of ascorbic acid increases with age (r = -0.318, p = 0.032). The urinary concentrations of ascorbic acid were significantly lower in patients with LP associated with infections compared to patients with LP without infections. The urinary ascorbic acid level may be a useful parameter in identifying patients with LP who are at risk of developing viral or bacterial infections.

Roles of the low density lipoprotein receptor and related receptors in inhibition of lipoprotein(a) internalization by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9.

PubMed

Romagnuolo, Rocco; Scipione, Corey A; Marcovina, Santica M; Gemin, Matthew; Seidah, Nabil G; Boffa, Michael B; Koschinsky, Marlys L

2017-01-01

Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms underlying Lp(a) clearance from plasma remain unclear, which is an obvious barrier to the development of therapies to specifically lower levels of this lipoprotein. Recently, it has been documented that monoclonal antibody inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) can lower plasma Lp(a) levels by 30%. Since PCSK9 acts primarily through the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), this result is in conflict with the prevailing view that the LDLR does not participate in Lp(a) clearance. To support our recent findings in HepG2 cells that the LDLR can act as a bona fide receptor for Lp(a) whose effects are sensitive to PCSK9, we undertook a series of Lp(a) internalization experiments using different hepatic cells, with different variants of PCSK9, and with different members of the LDLR family. We found that PCSK9 decreased Lp(a) and/or apo(a) internalization by Huh7 human hepatoma cells and by primary mouse and human hepatocytes. Overexpression of human LDLR appeared to enhance apo(a)/Lp(a) internalization in both types of primary cells. Importantly, internalization of Lp(a) by LDLR-deficient mouse hepatocytes was not affected by PCSK9, but the effect of PCSK9 was restored upon overexpression of human LDLR. In HepG2 cells, Lp(a) internalization was decreased by gain-of-function mutants of PCSK9 more than by wild-type PCSK9, and a loss-of function variant had a reduced ability to influence Lp(a) internalization. Apo(a) internalization by HepG2 cells was not affected by apo(a) isoform size. Finally, we showed that very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), LDR-related protein (LRP)-8, and LRP-1 do not play a role in Lp(a) internalization or the effect of PCSK9 on Lp(a) internalization. Our findings are consistent with the idea that PCSK9 inhibits Lp(a) clearance through the LDLR, but do not exclude other effects of PCSK9 such as on Lp(a) biosynthesis.

Roles of the low density lipoprotein receptor and related receptors in inhibition of lipoprotein(a) internalization by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9

PubMed Central

Marcovina, Santica M.; Gemin, Matthew; Seidah, Nabil G.; Boffa, Michael B.

2017-01-01

Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms underlying Lp(a) clearance from plasma remain unclear, which is an obvious barrier to the development of therapies to specifically lower levels of this lipoprotein. Recently, it has been documented that monoclonal antibody inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) can lower plasma Lp(a) levels by 30%. Since PCSK9 acts primarily through the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), this result is in conflict with the prevailing view that the LDLR does not participate in Lp(a) clearance. To support our recent findings in HepG2 cells that the LDLR can act as a bona fide receptor for Lp(a) whose effects are sensitive to PCSK9, we undertook a series of Lp(a) internalization experiments using different hepatic cells, with different variants of PCSK9, and with different members of the LDLR family. We found that PCSK9 decreased Lp(a) and/or apo(a) internalization by Huh7 human hepatoma cells and by primary mouse and human hepatocytes. Overexpression of human LDLR appeared to enhance apo(a)/Lp(a) internalization in both types of primary cells. Importantly, internalization of Lp(a) by LDLR-deficient mouse hepatocytes was not affected by PCSK9, but the effect of PCSK9 was restored upon overexpression of human LDLR. In HepG2 cells, Lp(a) internalization was decreased by gain-of-function mutants of PCSK9 more than by wild-type PCSK9, and a loss-of function variant had a reduced ability to influence Lp(a) internalization. Apo(a) internalization by HepG2 cells was not affected by apo(a) isoform size. Finally, we showed that very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), LDR-related protein (LRP)-8, and LRP-1 do not play a role in Lp(a) internalization or the effect of PCSK9 on Lp(a) internalization. Our findings are consistent with the idea that PCSK9 inhibits Lp(a) clearance through the LDLR, but do not exclude other effects of PCSK9 such as on Lp(a) biosynthesis. PMID:28750079

Consuming Lower-Protein Nutrition Bars with Added Leucine Elicits Postprandial Changes in Appetite Sensations in Healthy Women.

PubMed

Bolster, Douglas R; Rahn, Maike; Kamil, Alison G; Bristol, Lindsey T; Goltz, Shellen R; Leidy, Heather J; Blaze Mt, Melvin; Nunez, Michael A; Guo, Elizabeth; Wang, Jianquan; Harkness, Laura S

2018-04-20

Higher-protein meals (>25 g protein/meal) have been associated with enhanced satiety but the role of amino acids is unclear. Leucine has been proposed to stimulate satiety in rodents but has not been assessed in humans. We assessed the acute effects of lower-protein nutrition bars, enhanced with a leucine peptide (LP), on postprandial appetite sensations in combination with plasma leucine and peptide YY (PYY) in healthy women. Utilizing a double-blind randomized crossover design, 40 healthy women [28 ± 7.5 y; body mass index (BMI, in kg/m2): 23.5 ± 2.4] consumed the following isocaloric (180 kcal) pre-loads on 3 separate visits: control bar [9 g protein with 0 g added LP (0-g LP)] or treatment bars [11 g protein with 2 g added LP (2-g LP) or 13 g protein with 3 g added LP (3-g LP)]. Pre- and postprandial hunger, desire to eat, prospective food consumption (PFC), fullness, and plasma leucine were assessed every 30 min for 240 min. Plasma PYY was assessed hourly for 240 min (n = 24). Main effects of time (P < 0.0001) and treatment (P < 0.03) were detected for postprandial hunger, desire to eat, PFC, and fullness. Post hoc analyses revealed that the 2-g and 3-g LP bars elicited greater increases in fullness and greater decreases in PFC compared with 0-g LP (all, P < 0.05) with no differences between the 2-g and 3-g LP bars. The 2-g bar elicited greater decreases in hunger and desire to eat compared with the 0-g LP bar (both, P ≤ 0.01), whereas 3-g LP did not. Appetite incremental areas under the curves (iAUCs) and PYY outcomes were not different between bars. A treatment × time interaction was detected for plasma leucine with increases occurring in a leucine-dose-dependent manner (P < 0.0001). Despite the dose-dependent increases in plasma leucine following the consumption of lower-protein bars enhanced with LP, only the 2-g LP bar elicited consistent postprandial changes in select appetite sensations compared with the 0-g LP bar. This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02091570.

75 FR 38514 - Application to Export Electric Energy; Brookfield Energy Marketing LP

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-02

... Energy Marketing LP AGENCY: Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, DOE. ACTION: Notice of application. SUMMARY: Brookfield Energy Marketing LP (BEM LP) has applied for authority to transmit electric... surplus energy purchased from electric utilities, Federal power marketing agencies and other entities...

78 FR 11567 - Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-19

... Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft... Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream G150... Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39...

Is Lp(a) ready for prime time use in the clinic? A pros-and-cons debate.

PubMed

Kostner, Karam M; Kostner, Gert M; Wierzbicki, Anthony S

2018-04-30

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is a cholesterol-rich lipoprotein known since 1963. In spite of extensive research on Lp(a), there are still numerous gaps in our knowledge relating to its function, biosynthesis and catabolism. One reason for this might be that apo(a), the characteristic glycoprotein of Lp(a), is expressed only in primates. Results from experiments using transgenic animals therefore may need verification in humans. Studies on Lp(a) are also handicapped by the great number of isoforms of apo(a) and the heterogeneity of apo(a)-containing fractions in plasma. Quantification of Lp(a) in the clinical laboratory for a long time has not been standardized. Starting from its discovery, reports accumulated that Lp(a) contributed to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Early reports were based on case control studies but in the last decades a great deal of prospective studies have been published that highlight the increased risk for CVD and MI in patients with elevated Lp(a). Final answers to the question of whether Lp(a) is ready for wider clinical use will come from intervention studies with novel selective Lp(a) lowering medications that are currently underway. This article expounds arguments for and against this proposition from currently available data. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lactobacillus paracasei metabolism of rice bran reveals metabolome associated with Salmonella Typhimurium growth reduction.

PubMed

Nealon, N J; Worcester, C R; Ryan, E P

2017-06-01

This study aimed to determine the effect of a cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus paracasei ATCC 27092 with and without rice bran extract (RBE) on Salmonella Typhimurium 14028s growth, and to identify a metabolite profile with antimicrobial functions. Supernatant was collected from overnight cultures of L. paracasei incubated in the presence (LP+RBE) or absence (LP) of RBE and applied to S. Typhimurium. LP+RBE reduced 13·1% more S. Typhimurium growth than LP after 16 h (P < 0·05). Metabolite profiles of LP and LP+RBE were examined using nontargeted global metabolomics consisting of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A comparison of LP and LP+RBE revealed 84 statistically significant metabolites (P < 0·05), where 20 were classified with antimicrobial functions. LP+RBE reduced S. Typhimurium growth to a greater extent than LP, and the metabolite profile distinctions suggested that RBE favourably modulates the metabolism of L. paracasei. These findings warrant continued investigation of probiotic and RBE antimicrobial activities across microenvironments and matrices where S. Typhimurium exposure is problematic. This study showed a novel metabolite profile of probiotic L. paracasei and prebiotic rice bran that increased antimicrobial activity against S. Typhimurium. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Large particle breakdown by cattle eating ryegrass and alfalfa.

PubMed

McLeod, M N; Minson, D J

1988-04-01

The proportion of large particles (LP) broken down to small, insoluble particles by primary mastication (eating), rumination, digestion and detrition (rubbing) was determined for separated leaf and stem fractions of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fed to cattle cannulated at the esophagus. Large particles were defined as those particles retained during wet sieving on a screen with an aperture of 1.18 mm. Reduction in weight of particles caused by solubilizing or digestion was not considered to be particle breakdown per se, and particles were corrected for this loss in weight. The proportion of LP in the forage broken down by primary mastication was 25 +/- 1.9% (means +/- SE). Breakdown of LP by rumination was calculated from the weight of total particles regurgitated and the proportion of LP in the regurgitated and swallowed remasticated material. The weight of LP regurgitated was corrected for the dry matter lost by digestion using lignin ratio in the LP entering the rumen and of the regurgitated digesta. Rumination accounted for 50 +/- 1.5% of LP breakdown. Fecal loss accounted for 8 +/- .8% of the LP in forage. Breakdown of LP by digestion and detrition was calculated as 17 +/- 1.3% from the difference between the LP eaten and those broken down by primary mastication, rumination and passing out in the feces. The significance of these results for predicting voluntary intake from laboratory analysis is considered.

The Lipid Parameters and Lipoprotein(a) Excess in Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

PubMed

Yetkin, D O; Dogantekin, B

2015-01-01

Objective. The risk of atherosclerotic heart disease is increased in autoimmune thyroiditis, although the reason is not clear. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) excess has been identified as a powerful predictor of premature atherosclerotic vascular diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Lp(a) levels and thyroid hormones in Hashimoto patients. Method. 154 premenopausal female Hashimoto patients (48 patients with overthypothyroid (OH), 50 patients with subclinical hypothyroid (SH), and 56 patients with euthyroid Hashimoto to (EH)) were enrolled in this study. The control group consists of 50 age matched volunteers. In every group, thyroid function tests and lipid parameters with Lp(a) were measured. Lp(a) excess was defined as Lp(a) > 30 mg/dL. Results. Total-C, LDL-C, TG, and Lp(a) levels were increased in Hashimoto group. Total-C, LDL-C, and TG levels were higher in SH group than in the control group. Total-C and LDL-C levels were also higher in EH group compared to controls. Lp(a) levels were similar in SH and EH groups with controls. However, excess Lp(a) was more common in subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid Hashimoto group than in the control group. Conclusion. The Total-C and LDL-C levels and excess Lp(a) were higher even in euthyroid Hashimoto patients. Thyroid autoimmunity may have some effect on Lp(a) and lipid metabolism.

The Lipid Parameters and Lipoprotein(a) Excess in Hashimoto Thyroiditis

PubMed Central

Yetkin, D. O.; Dogantekin, B.

2015-01-01

Objective. The risk of atherosclerotic heart disease is increased in autoimmune thyroiditis, although the reason is not clear. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) excess has been identified as a powerful predictor of premature atherosclerotic vascular diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Lp(a) levels and thyroid hormones in Hashimoto patients. Method. 154 premenopausal female Hashimoto patients (48 patients with overthypothyroid (OH), 50 patients with subclinical hypothyroid (SH), and 56 patients with euthyroid Hashimoto to (EH)) were enrolled in this study. The control group consists of 50 age matched volunteers. In every group, thyroid function tests and lipid parameters with Lp(a) were measured. Lp(a) excess was defined as Lp(a) > 30 mg/dL. Results. Total-C, LDL-C, TG, and Lp(a) levels were increased in Hashimoto group. Total-C, LDL-C, and TG levels were higher in SH group than in the control group. Total-C and LDL-C levels were also higher in EH group compared to controls. Lp(a) levels were similar in SH and EH groups with controls. However, excess Lp(a) was more common in subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid Hashimoto group than in the control group. Conclusion. The Total-C and LDL-C levels and excess Lp(a) were higher even in euthyroid Hashimoto patients. Thyroid autoimmunity may have some effect on Lp(a) and lipid metabolism. PMID:26064115

Immune-Enhancing Effect of Nanometric Lactobacillus plantarum nF1 (nLp-nF1) in a Mouse Model of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression.

PubMed

Choi, Dae-Woon; Jung, Sun Young; Kang, Jisu; Nam, Young-Do; Lim, Seong-Il; Kim, Ki Tae; Shin, Hee Soon

2018-02-28

Nanometric Lactobacillus plantarum nF1 (nLp-nF1) is a biogenics consisting of dead L. plantarum cells pretreated with heat and a nanodispersion process. In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing effects of nLp-nF1 in vivo and in vitro. To evaluate the immunostimulatory effects of nLp-nF1, mice immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide (CPP) treatment were administered with nLp-nF1. As expected, CPP restricted the immune response of mice, whereas oral administration of nLp-nF1 significantly increased the total IgG in the serum, and cytokine production (interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) in bone marrow cells. Furthermore, nLp-nF1 enhanced the production of splenic cytokines such as IL-12, TNF-α, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). In vitro, nLp-nF1 stimulated the immune response by enhancing the production of cytokines such as IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Moreover, nLp-nF1 given a food additive enhanced the immune responses when combined with various food materials in vitro. These results suggest that nLp-nF1 could be used to strengthen the immune system and recover normal immunity in people with a weak immune system, such as children, the elderly, and patients.

Minimum-Impact Camping in the Front Woods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schatz, Curt

1994-01-01

Minimum-impact camping techniques that can be applied to resident camp programs include controlling group size and behavior, designing camp sites, moving groups frequently, proper use of fires, proper disposal of food and human wastes, use of biodegradable soaps, and encouraging staff and camper awareness of impacts on the environment. (LP)

Experimental Treatment of Early Stuttering: A Preliminary Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franken, Marie-Christine J.; Kielstra-Van der Schalk, Carine J.; Boelens, Harrie

2005-01-01

This pilot study compared two treatments for stuttering in preschool-age children. Thirty children were randomly assigned to either a Lidcombe Program (LP) treatment or a Demands and Capacities Model (DCM) treatment. Stuttering frequencies and severity ratings were obtained immediately before and after treatment (12 weeks). The stuttering…

78 FR 53487 - Equinox Funds Trust and Equinox Institutional Asset Management LP; Notice of Application

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-29

... Funds Trust and Equinox Institutional Asset Management LP; Notice of Application August 23, 2013. AGENCY...: Equinox Funds Trust (the ``Trust'') and Equinox Institutional Asset Management LP (the ``Initial Adviser... Institutional Asset Management LP, 47 Hulfish Street, Suite 510, Princeton, NJ 08542; Daniel Prezioso, Equinox...

75 FR 26255 - Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisition of Shares of Bank or Bank Holding Companies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-11

... Street, San Francisco, California 94105-1579: 1. Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund VI, L.P.; Thomas H. Lee Parallel Fund VI, L.P.; Thomas H. Lee Parallel (DT) Fund VI, L.P.; and THL Sterling Equity Investors, L.P...

XRD- and infrared-probed anisotropic thermal expansion properties of an organic semiconducting single crystal.

PubMed

Mohanraj, J; Capria, E; Benevoli, L; Perucchi, A; Demitri, N; Fraleoni-Morgera, A

2018-01-17

The anisotropic thermal expansion properties of an organic semiconducting single crystal constituted by 4-hydroxycyanobenzene (4HCB) have been probed by XRD in the range 120-300 K. The anisotropic thermal expansion coefficients for the three crystallographic axes and for the crystal volume have been determined. A careful analysis of the crystal structure revealed that the two different H-bonds stemming from the two independent, differently oriented 4HCB molecules composing the unit cell have different rearrangement patterns upon temperature variations, in terms of both bond length and bond angle. Linearly Polarized Mid InfraRed (LP-MIR) measurements carried out in the same temperature range, focused on the O-H bond spectral region, confirm this finding. The same LP-MIR measurements, on the basis of a semi-empirical relation and of geometrical considerations and assumptions, allowed calculation of the -CNH-O- hydrogen bond length along the a and b axes of the crystal. In turn, the so-calculated -CNH-O- bond lengths were used to derive the thermal expansion coefficients along the corresponding crystal axes, as well as the volumetric one, using just the LP-MIR data. Reasonable to good agreement with the same values obtained from XRD measurements was obtained. This proof-of-principle opens interesting perspectives about the possible development of a rapid, low cost and industry-friendly assessment of the thermal expansion properties of organic semiconducting single crystals (OSSCs) involving hydrogen bonds.

Topological data analysis of financial time series: Landscapes of crashes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gidea, Marian; Katz, Yuri

2018-02-01

We explore the evolution of daily returns of four major US stock market indices during the technology crash of 2000, and the financial crisis of 2007-2009. Our methodology is based on topological data analysis (TDA). We use persistence homology to detect and quantify topological patterns that appear in multidimensional time series. Using a sliding window, we extract time-dependent point cloud data sets, to which we associate a topological space. We detect transient loops that appear in this space, and we measure their persistence. This is encoded in real-valued functions referred to as a 'persistence landscapes'. We quantify the temporal changes in persistence landscapes via their Lp-norms. We test this procedure on multidimensional time series generated by various non-linear and non-equilibrium models. We find that, in the vicinity of financial meltdowns, the Lp-norms exhibit strong growth prior to the primary peak, which ascends during a crash. Remarkably, the average spectral density at low frequencies of the time series of Lp-norms of the persistence landscapes demonstrates a strong rising trend for 250 trading days prior to either dotcom crash on 03/10/2000, or to the Lehman bankruptcy on 09/15/2008. Our study suggests that TDA provides a new type of econometric analysis, which complements the standard statistical measures. The method can be used to detect early warning signals of imminent market crashes. We believe that this approach can be used beyond the analysis of financial time series presented here.

Using Seismic Signals to Forecast Volcanic Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvage, R.; Neuberg, J. W.

2012-04-01

Understanding seismic signals generated during volcanic unrest have the ability to allow scientists to more accurately predict and understand active volcanoes since they are intrinsically linked to rock failure at depth (Voight, 1988). In particular, low frequency long period signals (LP events) have been related to the movement of fluid and the brittle failure of magma at depth due to high strain rates (Hammer and Neuberg, 2009). This fundamentally relates to surface processes. However, there is currently no physical quantitative model for determining the likelihood of an eruption following precursory seismic signals, or the timing or type of eruption that will ensue (Benson et al., 2010). Since the beginning of its current eruptive phase, accelerating LP swarms (< 10 events per hour) have been a common feature at Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat prior to surface expressions such as dome collapse or eruptions (Miller et al., 1998). The dynamical behaviour of such swarms can be related to accelerated magma ascent rates since the seismicity is thought to be a consequence of magma deformation as it rises to the surface. In particular, acceleration rates can be successfully used in collaboration with the inverse material failure law; a linear relationship against time (Voight, 1988); in the accurate prediction of volcanic eruption timings. Currently, this has only been investigated for retrospective events (Hammer and Neuberg, 2009). The identification of LP swarms on Montserrat and analysis of their dynamical characteristics allows a better understanding of the nature of the seismic signals themselves, as well as their relationship to surface processes such as magma extrusion rates. Acceleration and deceleration rates of seismic swarms provide insights into the plumbing system of the volcano at depth. The application of the material failure law to multiple LP swarms of data allows a critical evaluation of the accuracy of the method which further refines current understanding of the relationship between seismic signals and volcanic eruptions. It is hoped that such analysis will assist the development of real time forecasting models.

Lipoprotein(a): Biology and Clinical Importance

PubMed Central

McCormick, Sally P A

2004-01-01

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a unique lipoprotein that has emerged as an independent risk factor for developing vascular disease. Plasma Lp(a) levels above the common cut-off level of 300 mg/L place individuals at risk of developing heart disease particularly if combined with other lipid and thrombogenic risk factors. Studies in humans have shown Lp(a) levels to be hugely variable and under strict genetic control, largely by the apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] gene. In general, Lp(a) levels have proven difficult to manipulate, although some factors have been identified that can influence levels. Research has shown that Lp(a) has a high affinity for the arterial wall and displays many athero-thrombogenic properties. While a definite function for Lp(a) has not been identified, the last two decades of research have provided much information on the biology and clinical importance of Lp(a). PMID:18516206

Serum lipoprotein (a) concentrations among Arab children: a hospital-based study in Kuwait.

PubMed

Alsaeid, M; Alsaeid, K; Fatania, H R; Sharma, P N; Abd-Elsalam, R

1998-09-01

Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, both of which are prevalent among Kuwaitis. Our objective was to measure serum lipids, including Lp(a), in Arab children and compare them with values reported for other ethnic groups. To that end, serum concentrations of Lp(a), total cholesterol [T-CHOL], high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglyceride [TG] were assessed in 103 Arab children. The mean and median Lp(a) were 140.4 mg/l and 95 mg/l, respectively. The Lp(a) frequency distribution was skewed to the right with the highest frequencies appearing at low levels. Serum Lp(a) correlated positively with T-CHOL and LDL but did not correlate with age, HDL and TG. Only nine children (8.7%) had serum Lp(a) levels associated with increased cardiovascular risk, namely > or = 300 mg/l.

The Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Golon, Danielle K.

2016-10-03

The Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC) operates as a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and is 1 of 12 DAACs within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS). The LP DAAC ingests, archives, processes, and distributes NASA Earth science remote sensing data. These data are provided to the public at no charge. Data distributed by the LP DAAC provide information about Earth’s surface from daily to yearly intervals and at 15 to 5,600 meter spatial resolution. Data provided by the LP DAAC can be used to study changes in agriculture, vegetation, ecosystems, elevation, and much more. The LP DAAC provides several ways to access, process, and interact with these data. In addition, the LP DAAC is actively archiving new datasets to provide users with a variety of data to study the Earth.

Meta-analysis in Stata using gllamm.

PubMed

Bagos, Pantelis G

2015-12-01

There are several user-written programs for performing meta-analysis in Stata (Stata Statistical Software: College Station, TX: Stata Corp LP). These include metan, metareg, mvmeta, and glst. However, there are several cases for which these programs do not suffice. For instance, there is no software for performing univariate meta-analysis with correlated estimates, for multilevel or hierarchical meta-analysis, or for meta-analysis of longitudinal data. In this work, we show with practical applications that many disparate models, including but not limited to the ones mentioned earlier, can be fitted using gllamm. The software is very versatile and can handle a wide variety of models with applications in a wide range of disciplines. The method presented here takes advantage of these modeling capabilities and makes use of appropriate transformations, based on the Cholesky decomposition of the inverse of the covariance matrix, known as generalized least squares, in order to handle correlated data. The models described earlier can be thought of as special instances of a general linear mixed-model formulation, but to the author's knowledge, a general exposition in order to incorporate all the available models for meta-analysis as special cases and the instructions to fit them in Stata has not been presented so far. Source code is available at http:www.compgen.org/tools/gllamm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

76 FR 67017 - Praesidian Capital Opportunity Fund III, LP License No. 02/02-0647; Notice Seeking Exemption...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-28

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-30

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-26

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Coupling analysis of non-circular-symmetric modes and design of orientation-insensitive few-mode fiber couplers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiaxiong; Du, Jiangbing; Ma, Lin; Li, Ming-Jun; Jiang, Shoulin; Xu, Xiao; He, Zuyuan

2017-01-01

We study the coupling between two identical weakly-coupled few-mode fibers based on coupled-mode theory. The coupling behavior of non-circular-symmetric modes, such as LP11 and LP21, is investigated analytically and numerically. By carefully choosing the fiber core separation and coupler length, we can design orientation-insensitive fiber couplers for non-circular-symmetric modes at arbitrary coupling ratios. Based on the design method, we propose an orientation-insensitive two-mode fiber coupler at 850 nm working as a mode multiplexer/demultiplexer for two-mode transmission using standard single-mode fiber. Within the band from 845 to 855 nm, the insertion losses of LP01 and LP11 modes are less than 0.03 dB and 0.24 dB, respectively. When the two-mode fiber coupler is used as mode demultiplexer, the LP01/LP11 and LP11/LP01 extinction ratios in the separated branches are respectively above 12.6 dB and 21.2 dB. Our design method can be extended to two-mode communication or sensing systems at other wavelengths.

Characterization of a Novel Maltose-Forming α-Amylase from Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum ST-III.

PubMed

Jeon, Hye-Yeon; Kim, Na-Ri; Lee, Hye-Won; Choi, Hye-Jeong; Choung, Woo-Jae; Koo, Ye-Seul; Ko, Dam-Seul; Shim, Jae-Hoon

2016-03-23

A novel maltose (G2)-forming α-amylase from Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum ST-III was expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized. Analysis of conserved amino acid sequence alignments showed that L. plantarum maltose-producing α-amylase (LpMA) belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 13. The recombinant enzyme (LpMA) was a novel G2-producing α-amylase. The properties of purified LpMA were investigated following enzyme purification. LpMA exhibited optimal activity at 30 °C and pH 3.0. It produced only G2 from the hydrolysis of various substrates, including maltotriose (G3), maltopentaose (G5), maltosyl β-cyclodextrin (G2-β-CD), amylose, amylopectin, and starch. However, LpMA was unable to hydrolyze cyclodextrins. Reaction pattern analysis using 4-nitrophenyl-α-d-maltopentaoside (pNPG5) demonstrated that LpMA hydrolyzed pNPG5 from the nonreducing end, indicating that LpMA is an exotype α-amylase. Kinetic analysis revealed that LpMA had the highest catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km ratio) toward G2-β-CD. Compared with β-amylase, a well-known G2-producing enzyme, LpMA produced G2 more efficiently from liquefied corn starch due to its ability to hydrolyze G3.

Dynamic changes of the intraocular pressure and the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid in nonglaucomatous neurological patients.

PubMed

González-Camarena, Pedro Iván; San-Juan, Daniel; González-Olhovich, Irene; Rodríguez-Arévalo, David; Lozano-Elizondo, David; Trenado, Carlos; Anschel, David J

2017-03-01

To describe the dynamic changes of the intraocular pressure (IOP) and intracranial pressure (ICP) with normal or pathological values (intracranial hypertension) in nonglaucomatous neurological patients during lumbar punction (LP). Case-control study, prospective measurement of tonometry in both groups referred for LP. Intraocular pressure, ICP and translaminar pressure difference (TPD) were compared pre- and post-LP. Thirty-six patients (72 eyes) with mean age of 38.5 (16-64) years and BMI of 26.81 kg/m 2 were analysed. The initial mean ICP was 12.81 (± 6.6) mmHg. The mean TPD before and after the LP was 1.48 mmHg and 0.65 mmHg, respectively. The mean IOP of both eyes decreased to 0.8 mmHg post-LP in patients with pathological ICP (p = 0.0193) and normal ICP (p = 0.006). We found a statistically significant decrease of the IOP post-LP compared to the pre-LP in both groups, being higher in patients with pathological ICP. There were no significant differences of the IOP in patients with normal versus pathological ICP pre-LP/post-LP; neither was found a correlation between ICP and IOP. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The relationship between root hydraulics and scion vigour across Vitis rootstocks: what role do root aquaporins play?

PubMed Central

McElrone, A. J.

2012-01-01

Vitis vinifera scions are commonly grafted onto rootstocks of other grape species to influence scion vigour and provide resistance to soil-borne pests and abiotic stress; however, the mechanisms by which rootstocks affect scion physiology remain unknown. This study characterized the hydraulic physiology of Vitis rootstocks that vary in vigour classification by investigating aquaporin (VvPIP) gene expression, fine-root hydraulic conductivity (Lp r), % aquaporin contribution to Lp r, scion transpiration, and the size of root systems. Expression of several VvPIP genes was consistently greater in higher-vigour rootstocks under favourable growing conditions in a variety of media and in root tips compared to mature fine roots. Similar to VvPIP expression patterns, fine-root Lp r and % aquaporin contribution to Lp r determined under both osmotic (Lp r Osm) and hydrostatic (Lp r Hyd) pressure gradients were consistently greater in high-vigour rootstocks. Interestingly, the % aquaporin contribution was nearly identical for Lp r Osm and Lp r Hyd even though a hydrostatic gradient would induce a predominant flow across the apoplastic pathway. In common scion greenhouse experiments, leaf area-specific transpiration (E) and total leaf area increased with rootstock vigour and were positively correlated with fine-root Lp r. These results suggest that increased canopy water demands for scion grafted onto high-vigour rootstocks are matched by adjustments in root-system hydraulic conductivity through the combination of fine-root Lp r and increased root surface area. PMID:23136166

Dietary medium-chain triglycerides attenuate hepatic lipid deposition in growing rats with protein malnutrition.

PubMed

Kuwahata, Masashi; Kubota, Hiroyo; Amano, Saki; Yokoyama, Meiko; Shimamura, Yasuhiro; Ito, Shunsuke; Ogawa, Aki; Kobayashi, Yukiko; Miyamoto, Ken-ichi; Kido, Yasuhiro

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on hepatic lipid accumulation in growing rats with protein malnutrition. Weaning rats were fed either a low-protein diet (3%, LP) or control protein diet (20%, CP), in combination with or without MCT. The four groups were as follows: CP-MCT, CP+MCT, LP-MCT, and LP+MCT. Rats in the CP-MCT, CP+MCT and LP+MCT groups were pair-fed their respective diets based on the amount of diet consumed by the LP-MCT group. Rats were fed each experimental diet for 30 d. Four weeks later, the respiratory quotient was higher in the LP-MCT group than those in the other groups during the fasting period. Hepatic triglyceride content increased in the LP groups compared with the CP groups. Hepatic triglyceride content in the LP+MCT group, however, was significantly decreased compared with that in the LP-MCT group. Levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1a mRNA and CPT2 mRNA were significantly decreased in the livers of the LP-MCT group, as compared with corresponding mRNA levels of the other groups. These results suggest that ingestion of a low-protein diet caused fatty liver in growing rats. However, when rats were fed the low-protein diet with MCT, hepatic triglyceride deposition was attenuated, and mRNA levels encoding CPT1a and CPT2 were preserved at the levels of rats fed control protein diets.

Variation of mucin adhesion, cell surface characteristics, and molecular mechanisms among Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from different habitats.

PubMed

Buntin, Nirunya; de Vos, Willem M; Hongpattarakere, Tipparat

2017-10-01

The adhesion ability to mucin varied greatly among 18 Lactobacillus plantarum isolates depending on their isolation habitats. Such ability remained at high level even though they were sequentially exposed to the gastrointestinal (GI) stresses. The majority of L. plantarum isolated from shrimp intestine and about half of food isolates exhibited adhesion ability (51.06-55.04%) about the same as the well-known adhesive L. plantarum 299v. Interestingly, five infant isolates of CIF17A2, CIF17A4, CIF17A5, CIF17AN2, and CIF17AN8 exhibited extremely high adhesion ranging from 62.69 to 72.06%. Such highly adhesive property correlating to distinctively high cell surface hydrophobicity was significantly weaken after pretreatment with LiCl and guanidine-HCl confirming the entailment of protein moiety. Regarding the draft genome information, all molecular structures of major cell wall-anchored proteins involved in the adhesion based on L. plantarum WCSF1, including lp_0964, lp_1643, lp_3114, lp_2486, lp_3127, and lp_3059 orthologues were detected in all isolates. Exceptionally, the gene-trait matching between yeast agglutination assay and the relevant mannose-specific adhesin (lp_1229) encoding gene confirmed the Msa absence in five infant isolates expressed distinctively high adhesion. Interestingly, the predicted flagellin encoding genes (fliC) firstly revealed in lp_1643, lp_2486, and lp_3114 orthologues may potentially contribute to such highly adhesive property of these isolates.

Discovery and in vivo evaluation of novel RGD-modified lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.

PubMed

Zhao, Yinbo; Lin, Dayong; Wu, Fengbo; Guo, Li; He, Gu; Ouyang, Liang; Song, Xiangrong; Huang, Wei; Li, Xiang

2014-09-29

In the current study, the lipid-shell and polymer-core hybrid nanoparticles (lpNPs) modified by Arg-Gly-Asp(RGD) peptide, loaded with curcumin (Cur), were developed by emulsification-solvent volatilization method. The RGD-modified hybrid nanoparticles (RGD-lpNPs) could overcome the poor water solubility of Cur to meet the requirement of intravenous administration and tumor active targeting. The obtained optimal RGD-lpNPs, composed of PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid))-mPEG (methoxyl poly(ethylene- glycol)), RGD-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cholesterol (Chol) copolymers and lipids, had good entrapment efficiency, submicron size and negatively neutral surface charge. The core-shell structure of RGD-lpNPs was verified by TEM. Cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that the RGD-lpNPs encapsulated Cur retained potent anti-tumor effects. Flow cytometry analysis revealed the cellular uptake of Cur encapsulated in the RGD-lpNPs was increased for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Furthermore, Cur loaded RGD-lpNPs were more effective in inhibiting tumor growth in a subcutaneous B16 melanoma tumor model. The results of immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical studies by Cur loaded RGD-lpNPs therapies indicated that more apoptotic cells, fewer microvessels, and fewer proliferation-positive cells were observed. In conclusion, RGD-lpNPs encapsulating Cur were developed with enhanced anti-tumor activity in melanoma, and Cur loaded RGD-lpNPs represent an excellent tumor targeted formulation of Cur which might be an attractive candidate for cancer therapy.

The Apo(a) gene is the major determinant of variation in plasma Lp(a) levels in African Americans.

PubMed Central

Mooser, V; Scheer, D; Marcovina, S M; Wang, J; Guerra, R; Cohen, J; Hobbs, H H

1997-01-01

The distributions of plasma lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), levels differ significantly among ethnic groups. Individuals of African descent have a two- to threefold higher mean plasma level of Lp(a) than either Caucasians or Orientals. In Caucasians, variation in the plasma Lp(a) levels has been shown to be largely determined by sequence differences at the apo(a) locus, but little is known about either the genetic architecture of plasma Lp(a) levels in Africans or why they have higher levels of plasma Lp(a). In this paper we analyze the plasma Lp(a) levels of 257 sibling pairs from 49 independent African American families. The plasma Lp(a) levels were much more similar in the sibling pairs who inherited both apo(a) alleles identical by descent (IBD) (r = .85) than in those that shared one (r = .48) or no (r = .22) parental apo(a) alleles in common. On the basis of these findings, it was estimated that 78% of the variation in plasma Lp(a) levels in African Americans is attributable to polymorphism at either the apo(a) locus or sequences closely linked to it. Thus, the apo(a) locus is the major determinant of variation in plasma Lp(a) levels in African Americans, as well as in Caucasians. No molecular evidence was found for a common "high-expressing" apo(a) allele in the African Americans. We propose that the higher plasma levels of Lp(a) in Africans are likely due to a yet-to-be-identified trans-acting factor(s) that causes an increase in the rate of secretion of apo(a) or a decrease in its catabolism. PMID:9311746

Effects of bezafibrate and of 2 HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on lipoprotein (a) level in hypercholesterolemic patients.

PubMed

Branchi, A; Rovellini, A; Fiorenza, A M; Sommariva, D

1995-06-01

Lp(a) level is relatively stable in each individual and is mainly under genetic control. Attempts made to lower Lp(a) with pharmacological means gave conflicting results. In order to further evaluate the effect of hypocholesterolemic drugs on Lp(a) level, 66 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia were selected. The vast majority of the patients had Lp(a) concentration at the low end of the range of distribution, 7 had undetectable Lp(a) levels and only 2 had Lp(a) higher than 30 mg/dl. No relationship was found between Lp(a) level and serum and lipoprotein lipids. In 12 patients serum cholesterol was well controlled by diet alone and the patients continued the diet for up to 8 months. The other patients were randomly subdivided into 3 groups of therapy. The first group received slow release bezafibrate 400 mg once a day, the second one pravastatin 20 mg once a day and the third one simvastatin 10-40 mg once a day. Drug therapy lasted for 8 months. At the end of the period, 22 of 29 patients treated with the 2 HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors had Lp(a) higher than baseline. The difference was statistically significant in both groups of patients. No significant change in Lp(a) was observed in diet and in bezafibrate group. Serum and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased in all the 3 drug groups. The increase in Lp(a) after the 2 HMG-CoA reductase was small enough to have negligible effects on cardiovascular risk, but raises the problem of the role of LDL receptor in the catabolism of Lp(a).

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum LP-Onlly on gut flora and colitis in interleukin-10 knockout mice.

PubMed

Xia, Yang; Chen, Hong-Qi; Zhang, Min; Jiang, Yan-Qun; Hang, Xiao-Min; Qin, Huan-Long

2011-02-01

Probiotics are used in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to determine the effects of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum LP-Onlly (LP) on gut flora and colitis in interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10(-/-) ) mice, a model of spontaneous colitis. IL-10(-/-) and wild-type mice were used at 8 weeks of age and LP by gavage was administered at a dose of 10(9) cells/day per mice for 4 weeks. Mice were maintained for another one week without LP treatment. The colonic tissues were collected for histological and ultrastructural analysis at death after 4 weeks treatment of LP, and the feces were collected at 1-week intervals throughout the experiment for the analysis of gut flora and LP using selective culture-based techniques. Compared with control mice, IL-10(-/-) mice developed a severe intestinal inflammation and tissue damage, and had an abnormal composition of gut microflora. LP administration attenuated colitis with the decreased inflammatory scoring and histological injury in the colon of IL-10(-/-) mice. In addition, LP administration increased the numbers of beneficial total bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and decreased the numbers of potential pathogenic enterococci and Clostridium perfringens, although the decrease of coliforms was not significant after LP treatment in IL-10(-/-) mice. Oral administration of LP was effective in the treatment of colitis, with the direct modification of gut microflora in IL-10(-/-) mice. This probiotic strain could be used as a potential adjuvant in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease, although further studies are required in human. © 2011 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

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

Sattison, M.B.; Thatcher, T.A.; Knudsen, J.K.

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has been using full-power. Level 1, limited-scope risk models for the Accident Sequence Precursor (ASP) program for over fifteen years. These models have evolved and matured over the years, as have probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) and computer technologies. Significant upgrading activities have been undertaken over the past three years, with involvement from the Offices of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR), Analysis and Evaluation of Operational Data (AEOD), and Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), and several national laboratories. Part of these activities was an RES-sponsored feasibility study investigating the ability to extend the ASP models to includemore » contributors to core damage from events initiated with the reactor at low power or shutdown (LP/SD), both internal events and external events. This paper presents only the LP/SD internal event modeling efforts.« less

Gestational Protein Restriction Impairs Insulin-Regulated Glucose Transport Mechanisms in Gastrocnemius Muscles of Adult Male Offspring

PubMed Central

Blesson, Chellakkan S.; Sathishkumar, Kunju; Chinnathambi, Vijayakumar

2014-01-01

Type II diabetes originates from various genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies showed that an adverse uterine environment such as that caused by a gestational low-protein (LP) diet can cause insulin resistance in adult offspring. The mechanism of insulin resistance induced by gestational protein restriction is not clearly understood. Our aim was to investigate the role of insulin signaling molecules in gastrocnemius muscles of gestational LP diet–exposed male offspring to understand their role in LP-induced insulin resistance. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed a control (20% protein) or isocaloric LP (6%) diet from gestational day 4 until delivery and a normal diet after weaning. Only male offspring were used in this study. Glucose and insulin responses were assessed after a glucose tolerance test. mRNA and protein levels of molecules involved in insulin signaling were assessed at 4 months in gastrocnemius muscles. Muscles were incubated ex vivo with insulin to evaluate insulin-induced phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), Insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt, and AS160. LP diet-fed rats gained less weight than controls during pregnancy. Male pups from LP diet–fed mothers were smaller but exhibited catch-up growth. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were elevated in LP offspring when subjected to a glucose tolerance test; however, fasting levels were comparable. LP offspring showed increased expression of IR and AS160 in gastrocnemius muscles. Ex vivo treatment of muscles with insulin showed increased phosphorylation of IR (Tyr972) in controls, but LP rats showed higher basal phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Insulin receptor substrate-1 (Tyr608, Tyr895, Ser307, and Ser318) and AS160 (Thr642) were defective in LP offspring. Further, glucose transporter type 4 translocation in LP offspring was also impaired. A gestational LP diet leads to insulin resistance in adult offspring by a mechanism involving inefficient insulin-induced IR, Insulin receptor substrate-1, and AS160 phosphorylation and impaired glucose transporter type 4 translocation. PMID:24797633

The effects of gene disruption of Kre6-like proteins on the phenotype of β-glucan-producing Aureobasidium pullulans.

PubMed

Uchiyama, Hirofumi; Iwai, Atsushi; Dohra, Hideo; Ohnishi, Toshiyuki; Kato, Tatsuya; Park, Enoch Y

2018-05-01

Killer toxin resistant 6 (Kre6) and its paralog, suppressor of Kre null 1 (Skn1), are thought to be involved in the biosynthesis of cell wall β-(1 → 6)-D-glucan in baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Δkre6Δskn1 mutant of S. cerevisiae and other fungi shows severe growth defects due to the failure to synthesize normal cell walls. In this study, two homologs of Kre6, namely, K6LP1 (Kre6-like protein 1) and K6LP2 (Kre6-like protein 2), were identified in Aureobasidium pullulans M-2 by draft genome analysis. The Δk6lp1, Δk6lp2, and Δk6lp1Δk6lp2 mutants were generated in order to confirm the functions of the Kre6-like proteins in A. pullulans M-2. The cell morphologies of Δk6lp1 and Δk6lp1Δk6lp2 appeared to be different from those of wild type and Δk6lp2 in both their yeast and hyphal forms. The productivity of the extracellular polysaccharides, mainly composed of β-(1 → 3),(1 → 6)-D-glucan (β-glucan), of the mutants was 5.1-17.3% less than that of wild type, and the degree of branching in the extracellular β-glucan of mutants was 14.5-16.8% lower than that of wild type. This study showed that the gene disruption of Kre6-like proteins affected the cell morphology, the productivity of extracellular polysaccharides, and the structure of extracellular β-glucan, but it did not have a definite effect on the cell viability even in Δk6lp1Δk6lp2, unlike in the Δkre6Δskn1 of S. cerevisiae.

Mipomersen, an antisense oligonucleotide to apolipoprotein B-100, reduces lipoprotein(a) in various populations with hypercholesterolemia: Results of 4 Phase III Trials

PubMed Central

Santos, Raul D.; Raal, MD Frederick J.; Catapano, Alberico L.; Witztum, Joseph L; Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth; Tsimikas, Sotirios

2015-01-01

Objective Lp(a) is an independent, causal, genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis. Current pharmacologic lipid-lowering therapies do not optimally lower Lp(a), particularly in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Approach and Results In four Phase III trials, 382 patients on maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapy were randomized 2:1 to weekly subcutaneous mipomersen 200 mg (n=256) or placebo (n=126) for 26 weeks. Populations included homozygous FH (HoFH), heterozygous FH (HeFH) with concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD), severe hypercholesterolemia (HC), and HC at high risk for CAD. Lp(a) was measured eight times between baseline and week 28 inclusive. Of the 382 patients, 57% and 44% had baseline Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dL and >50 mg/dL, respectively. In the pooled analysis, the mean percent decrease (median, interquartile range, IQR) in Lp(a) at 28 weeks was significantly greater in the mipomersen group compared with placebo (-26.4 (-42.8, 5.4) vs. -0.0 (10.7, 15.3), p<0.001). In the mipomersen group in patients with Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dL or >50 mg/dL, attainment of Lp(a) values ≤30 mg/dL or ≤50 mg/dL was most frequent in HoFH and severe HC patients. In the combined groups, modest correlations were present between percent change in apoB and Lp(a) (r=0.43, p<0.001) and LDL-C and Lp(a) (r=0.36, p<0.001) plasma levels. Conclusions Mipomersen consistently and effectively reduced Lp(a) levels in patients with a variety of lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk. Modest correlations were present between apoB and Lp(a) lowering but the mechanistic relevance mediating Lp(a) reduction is currently unknown. PMID:25614280

Genomic organization, sequence characterization and expression analysis of Tenebrio molitor apolipophorin-III in response to an intracellular pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Noh, Ju Young; Patnaik, Bharat Bhusan; Tindwa, Hamisi; Seo, Gi Won; Kim, Dong Hyun; Patnaik, Hongray Howrelia; Jo, Yong Hun; Lee, Yong Seok; Lee, Bok Luel; Kim, Nam Jung; Han, Yeon Soo

2014-01-25

Apolipophorin III (apoLp-III) is a well-known hemolymph protein having a functional role in lipid transport and immune response of insects. We cloned full-length cDNA encoding putative apoLp-III from larvae of the coleopteran beetle, Tenebrio molitor (TmapoLp-III), by identification of clones corresponding to the partial sequence of TmapoLp-III, subsequently followed with full length sequencing by a clone-by-clone primer walking method. The complete cDNA consists of 890 nucleotides, including an ORF encoding 196 amino acid residues. Excluding a putative signal peptide of the first 20 amino acid residues, the 176-residue mature apoLp-III has a calculated molecular mass of 19,146Da. Genomic sequence analysis with respect to its cDNA showed that TmapoLp-III was organized into four exons interrupted by three introns. Several immune-related transcription factor binding sites were discovered in the putative 5'-flanking region. BLAST and phylogenetic analyses reveal that TmapoLp-III has high sequence identity (88%) with Tribolium castaneum apoLp-III but shares little sequence homologies (<26%) with other apoLp-IIIs. Homology modeling of Tm apoLp-III shows a bundle of five amphipathic alpha helices, including a short helix 3'. The 'helix-short helix-helix' motif was predicted to be implicated in lipid binding interactions, through reversible conformational changes and accommodating the hydrophobic residues to the exterior for stability. Highest level of TmapoLp-III mRNA was detected at late pupal stages, albeit it is expressed in the larval and adult stages at lower levels. The tissue specific expression of the transcripts showed significantly higher numbers in larval fat body and adult integument. In addition, TmapoLp-III mRNA was found to be highly upregulated in late stages of L. monocytogenes or E. coli challenge. These results indicate that TmapoLp-III may play an important role in innate immune responses against bacterial pathogens in T. molitor. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PLA2G7 genotype, Lp-PLA2 activity and coronary heart disease risk in 10,494 cases and 15,624 controls of European ancestry

PubMed Central

Casas, Juan P.; Ninio, Ewa; Panayiotou, Andrie; Palmen, Jutta; Cooper, Jackie A; Ricketts, Sally L; Sofat, Reecha; Nicolaides, Andrew N; Corsetti, James P; Fowkes, F Gerry R; Tzoulaki, Ioanna; Kumari, Meena; Brunner, Eric J; Kivimaki, Mika; Marmot, Michael G; Hoffmann, Michael M; Winkler, Karl; März, Winfred; Ye, Shu; Stirnadel, Heide A; MBBChir, Kay-Tee Khaw; Humphries, Steve E; Sandhu, Manjinder S; Hingorani, Aroon D; Talmud, Philippa J

2012-01-01

Background Higher Lp-PLA2 activity is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), making Lp-PLA2 a potential therapeutic target. PLA2G7 variants associated with Lp-PLA2 activity could evaluate whether this relationship is causal. Methods and Results A meta-analysis including a total of 12 studies (5 prospective, 4 case-control, 1 case-only and 2 cross-sectional, n=26,118) was undertaken to examine the association of: (i) LpPLA2 activity vs. cardiovascular biomarkers and risk factors and CHD events (two prospective studies; n=4884); ii) PLA2G7 SNPs and Lp-PLA2 activity (3 prospective, 2 case-control, 2 cross-sectional studies; up to n=6094); and iii) PLA2G7 SNPs and angiographic coronary artery disease (2 case-control, 1 case-only study; n=4971 cases) and CHD events (5 prospective, 2 case-control studies; n=5523). Lp-PLA2 activity correlated with several CHD risk markers. Hazard ratio for CHD events top vs. bottom quartile of Lp-PLA2 activity was 1.61 (95%CI: 1.31, 1.99) and 1.17 (95%CI: 0.91, 1.51) after adjustment for baseline traits. Of seven SNPs, rs1051931 (A379V) showed the strongest association with Lp-PLA2 activity, VV subjects having 7.2% higher activity than AAs. Genotype was not associated with risk markers, angiographic coronary disease (OR 1.03 (95%CI 0.80, 1.32), or CHD events (OR 0.98 (95%CI 0.82, 1.17). Conclusions Unlike Lp-PLA2 activity, PLA2G7 variants associated with modest effects on Lp-PLA2 activity were not associated with cardiovascular risk markers, coronary atheroma or CHD. Larger association studies, identification of SNPs with larger effects, or randomised trials of specific Lp-PLA2 inhibitors are needed to confirm/refute a contributory role for Lp-PLA2 in CHD. PMID:20479152

Simvastatin but not bezafibrate decreases plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ mass in type 2 diabetes mellitus: relevance of high sensitive C-reactive protein, lipoprotein profile and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) electronegativity.

PubMed

Constantinides, Alexander; de Vries, Rindert; van Leeuwen, Jeroen J J; Gautier, Thomas; van Pelt, L Joost; Tselepis, Alexandros D; Lagrost, Laurent; Dullaart, Robin P F

2012-10-01

Plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) levels predict incident cardiovascular disease, impacting Lp-PLA(2) as an emerging therapeutic target. We determined Lp-PLA(2) responses to statin and fibrate administration in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and assessed relationships of changes in Lp-PLA(2) with subclinical inflammation and lipoprotein characteristics. A placebo-controlled cross-over study (three 8-week treatment periods with simvastatin (40 mg daily), bezafibrate (400mg daily) and their combination) was carried out in 14 male type 2 diabetic patients. Plasma Lp-PLA(2) mass was measured by turbidimetric immunoassay. Plasma Lp-PLA(2) decreased (-21 ± 4%) in response to simvastatin (p<0.05 from baseline and placebo), but was unaffected by bezafibrate (1 ± 5%). The drop in Lp-PLA(2) during combined treatment (-17 ± 3%, p<0.05) was similar compared to that during simvastatin alone. The Lp-PLA(2) changes during the 3 active lipid lowering treatment periods were related positively to baseline levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio and less LDL electronegativity (p<0.02 to p<0.01), and inversely to baseline Lp-PLA(2) (p<0.01). LpPLA(2) responses correlated inversely with changes in non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio during treatment (p<0.05 to p<0.02). In type 2 diabetes mellitus, plasma Lp-PLA(2) is likely to be lowered by statin treatment only. Enhanced subclinical inflammation and more severe dyslipidemia may predict diminished LpPLA(2) responses during lipid lowering treatment, which in turn appear to be quantitatively dissociated from decreases in apolipoprotein B lipoproteins. Conventional lipid lowering treatment may be insufficient for optimal LpPLA(2) lowering in diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2012 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultradeformable Archaeosomes for Needle Free Nanovaccination with Leishmania braziliensis Antigens.

PubMed

Higa, Leticia H; Arnal, Laura; Vermeulen, Mónica; Perez, Ana Paula; Schilrreff, Priscila; Mundiña-Weilenmann, Cecilia; Yantorno, Osvaldo; Vela, María Elena; Morilla, María José; Romero, Eder Lilia

2016-01-01

Total antigens from Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes, solubilized with sodium cholate (dsLp), were formulated within ultradeformable nanovesicles (dsLp-ultradeformable archaeosomes, (dsLp-UDA), and dsLp-ultradeformable liposomes (dsLp-UDL)) and topically administered to Balb/c mice. Ultradeformable nanovesicles can penetrate the intact stratum corneum up to the viable epidermis, with no aid of classical permeation enhancers that can damage the barrier function of the skin. Briefly, 100 nm unilamellar dsLp-UDA (soybean phosphatidylcholine: Halorubrum tebenquichense total polar lipids (TPL): sodium cholate, 3:3:1 w:w) of -31.45 mV Z potential, containing 4.84 ± 0.53% w/w protein/lipid dsLp, 235 KPa Young modulus were prepared. In vitro, dsLp-UDA was extensively taken up by J774A1 and bone marrow derive cells, and the only that induced an immediate secretion of IL-6, IL-12p40 and TNF-α, followed by IL-1β, by J774A1 cells. Such extensive uptake is a key feature of UDA ascribed to the highly negatively charged archaeolipids of the TPL, which are recognized by a receptor specialized in uptake and not involved in downstream signaling. Despite dsLp alone was also immunostimulatory on J774A1 cells, applied twice a week on consecutive days along 7 weeks on Balb/c mice, it raised no measurable response unless associated to UDL or UDA. The highest systemic response, IgGa2 mediated, 1 log lower than im dsLp Al2O3, was elicited by dsLp-UDA. Such findings suggest that in vivo, UDL and UDA acted as penetration enhancers for dsLp, but only dsLp-UDA, owed to its pronounced uptake by APC, succeeded as topical adjuvants. The actual TPL composition, fully made of sn2,3 ether linked saturated archaeolipids, gives the UDA bilayer resistance against chemical, physical and enzymatic attacks that destroy ordinary phospholipids bilayers. Together, these properties make UDA a promising platform for topical drug targeted delivery and vaccination, that may be of help for countries with a deficient healthcare system.

Antisense oligonucleotide directed to human apolipoprotein B-100 reduces lipoprotein(a) levels and oxidized phospholipids on human apolipoprotein B-100 particles in lipoprotein(a) transgenic mice.

PubMed

Merki, Esther; Graham, Mark J; Mullick, Adam E; Miller, Elizabeth R; Crooke, Rosanne M; Pitas, Robert E; Witztum, Joseph L; Tsimikas, Sotirios

2008-08-12

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a genetic cardiovascular risk factor that preferentially binds oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) in plasma. There is a lack of therapeutic agents that reduce plasma Lp(a) levels. Transgenic mice overexpressing human apolipoprotein B-100 (h-apoB-100 [h-apoB mice]) or h-apoB-100 plus human apo(a) to generate genuine Lp(a) particles [Lp(a) mice] were treated with the antisense oligonucleotide mipomersen directed to h-apoB-100 mRNA or control antisense oligonucleotide for 11 weeks by intraperitoneal injection. Mice were then followed up for an additional 10 weeks off therapy. Lp(a) levels [apo(a) bound to apoB-100] and apo(a) levels ["free" apo(a) plus apo(a) bound to apoB-100] were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunoassay and commercial assays, respectively. The content of OxPL on h-apoB-100 particles (OxPL/h-apoB) was measured by capturing h-apoB-100 in microtiter wells and detecting OxPL by antibody E06. As expected, mipomersen significantly reduced plasma h-apoB-100 levels in both groups of mice. In Lp(a) mice, mipomersen significantly reduced Lp(a) levels by approximately 75% compared with baseline (P<0.0001) but had no effect on apo(a) levels or hepatic apo(a) mRNA expression. OxPL/h-apoB levels were much higher at baseline in Lp(a) mice compared with h-ApoB mice (P<0.0001) but decreased in a time-dependent fashion with mipomersen. There was no effect of the control antisense oligonucleotide on lipoprotein levels or oxidative parameters. Mipomersen significantly reduced Lp(a) and OxPL/apoB levels in Lp(a) mice. The present study demonstrates that h-apoB-100 is a limiting factor in Lp(a) particle synthesis in this Lp(a) transgenic model. If applicable to humans, mipomersen may represent a novel therapeutic approach to reducing Lp(a) levels and their associated OxPL.

Metabolic and anthropometric determinants of serum Lp(a) concentrations and Apo(a) polymorphism in a healthy Arab population.

PubMed

Akanji, A O; al-Shayji, I A; Kumar, P

1999-08-01

Blood lipoprotein(a) Lp(a) concentrations are an important risk factor for atherosclerosis. The basis for this atherogenic property of Lp(a) and the factors that influence its cross-population levels, however, remain poorly understood. To investigate the relationship between serum Lp(a) and metabolic and anthropometric parameters in a healthy Kuwaiti population. Cross-sectional study. 177 (72 male, 105 female) randomly recruited healthy Kuwait Arabs aged 17-60 y Metabolic parameters in serum: Lp(a), apo(a) phenotypes, lipids and lipoproteins, glucose and urate. Anthropometric parameters: body mass index (BMI) and waist:hip-ratio (WHR). The distribution of Lp(a) concentrations was positively skewed (median 153 mg/l, range 0-1086). Women had higher concentrations-(194, 0-1086) than men (117, 0-779), P = 0.069. Lp(a) and insulin concentrations were significantly higher when the men and women were obese. In all subjects, there were significant correlations between Lp(a) and BMI (r = 0.23), total cholesterol (TC) (r = 0.17) and LDL (r = 0.20). Lp(a) correlated only with glucose in men (r = 0.28). In women it correlated with age (r = 0.20), BMI (r = 0.30), BP (r = 0.20), TC (r = 0.20) and LDL (r = 0.26). Multivariate analyses confirmed BMI and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as the significant determinants of serum Lp(a). On apo (a) phenotyping, 114 (67%), 51 (30%) and 6 (4%) had single, double and null phenotypes respectively. The isoforms and their corresponding kringle IV repeat numbers were: F (14 repeats in 3%, mean Lp(a) 497 mg/l); S1 (19 repeats in 14%, mean 245 mg/l); S2 (23 repeats in 16%, mean 264 mg/l); S3 (27 repeats in 35%, mean 236 mg/l); and S4 (35 repeats in 28%, mean 235 mg/l). The results from the Kuwaiti population studied suggest that: (1) serum Lp(a) concentrations and distribution are similar to the pattern in Caucasians and Asians but not African-Americans or Africans; (2) serum Lp(a) is variably influenced by BMI and LDL--the impact of either factor differs between the sexes; (3) there is a high frequency of the single-banded phenotype; (4) contrary to reports in some Caucasian and Asian populations, there is no simple relationship between kringle IV repeat numbers and plasma Lp(a) concentrations.

Liposomal 64Cu-PET Imaging of Anti-VEGF Drug Effects on Liposomal Delivery to Colon Cancer Xenografts.

PubMed

Blocker, Stephanie J; Douglas, Kirk A; Polin, Lisa Anne; Lee, Helen; Hendriks, Bart S; Lalo, Enxhi; Chen, Wei; Shields, Anthony F

2017-01-01

Liposomes (LP) deliver drug to tumors due to enhanced permeability and retention (EPR). LP were labeled with 64 Cu for positron emission tomography (PET) to image tumor localization. Bevacizumab (bev), a VEGF targeted antibody, may modify LP delivery by altering tumor EPR and this change can also be imaged. Objective : Assess the utility of 64 Cu-labeled LP for PET in measuring altered LP delivery early after treatment with bev. Methods: HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma tumors were grown subcutaneously in SCID mice. Empty LP MM-DX-929 (Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cambridge, MA) were labeled with 64 CuCl 2 chelated with 4-DEAP-ATSC. Tumor-bearing mice received ~200-300 μCi of 64 Cu-MM-DX-929 and imaged with microPET. All mice were scanned before and after the treatment period, in which half of the mice received bev for one week. Scans were compared for changes in LP accumulation during this time. Initially, tissues were collected after the second PET for biodistribution measurements and histological analysis. Subsequent groups were divided for further treatment. Tumor growth following bev treatment, with or without LP-I, was assessed compared to untreated controls. Results : PET scans of untreated mice showed increased uptake of 64 Cu-MM-DX-929, with a mean change in tumor SUV max of 43.9%±6.6% (n=10) after 7 days. Conversely, images of treated mice showed that liposome delivery did not increase, with changes in SUV max of 7.6%±4.8% (n=12). Changes in tumor SUV max were significantly different between both groups (p=0.0003). Histology of tumor tissues indicated that short-term bev was able to alter vessel size. Therapeutically, while bev monotherapy, LP-I monotherapy, and treatment with bev followed by LP-I all slowed HT-29 tumor growth compared to controls, combination provided no therapeutic benefit. Conclusions: PET with tracer LP 64 Cu-MM-DX-929 can detect significant differences in LP delivery to colon tumors treated with bev when compared to untreated controls. Imaging with 64 Cu-MM-DX-929 is sensitive enough to measure drug-induced changes in LP localization which can have an effect on outcomes of treatment with LP.

Modeling and Numerical Challenges in Eulerian-Lagrangian Computations of Shock-driven Multiphase Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diggs, Angela; Balachandar, Sivaramakrishnan

2015-06-01

The present work addresses the numerical methods required for particle-gas and particle-particle interactions in Eulerian-Lagrangian simulations of multiphase flow. Local volume fraction as seen by each particle is the quantity of foremost importance in modeling and evaluating such interactions. We consider a general multiphase flow with a distribution of particles inside a fluid flow discretized on an Eulerian grid. Particle volume fraction is needed both as a Lagrangian quantity associated with each particle and also as an Eulerian quantity associated with the flow. In Eulerian Projection (EP) methods, the volume fraction is first obtained within each cell as an Eulerian quantity and then interpolated to each particle. In Lagrangian Projection (LP) methods, the particle volume fraction is obtained at each particle and then projected onto the Eulerian grid. Traditionally, EP methods are used in multiphase flow, but sub-grid resolution can be obtained through use of LP methods. By evaluating the total error and its components we compare the performance of EP and LP methods. The standard von Neumann error analysis technique has been adapted for rigorous evaluation of rate of convergence. The methods presented can be extended to obtain accurate field representations of other Lagrangian quantities. Most importantly, we will show that such careful attention to numerical methodologies is needed in order to capture complex shock interaction with a bed of particles. Supported by U.S. Department of Defense SMART Program and the U.S. Department of Energy PSAAP-II program under Contract No. DE-NA0002378.

75 FR 64306 - Shell Energy North America (US), LP; Notice of Institution of Proceeding and Refund Effective Date

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-19

...] Shell Energy North America (US), LP; Notice of Institution of Proceeding and Refund Effective Date...), concerning the justness and reasonableness of Shell Energy North America (US), LP's market- based rate authority in the Central and Southwest balancing authority area. Shell Energy North America (US), LP, 133...

76 FR 53440 - Freeport LNG Development, LP; Freeport LNG Expansion, LP; FLNG Liquefaction LLC; Notice of Intent...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-26

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PF11-2-000] Freeport LNG Development, LP; Freeport LNG Expansion, LP; FLNG Liquefaction LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Planned Liquefaction Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting The...

77 FR 74179 - TexStar Transmission, LP; TEAK Texana Transmission Company, LP; Notice of Baseline Filings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-13

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR13-16-000; Docket No. PR13-17-000; Not Consolidated] TexStar Transmission, LP; TEAK Texana Transmission Company, LP; Notice of Baseline Filings Take notice that on December 6, 2012, the applicants listed above submitted a baseline...

78 FR 22872 - TexStar Transmission, LP; TEAK Texana Transmission Company, LP; Notice of Filings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-17

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR13-16-001; Docket No. PR13-17-001; Not Consolidated] TexStar Transmission, LP; TEAK Texana Transmission Company, LP; Notice of Filings Take notice that on April 5, 2013, the applicants listed above submitted an amendment to the...

Verification and Planning Based on Coinductive Logic Programming

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Ajay; Min, Richard; Simon, Luke; Mallya, Ajay; Gupta, Gopal

2008-01-01

Coinduction is a powerful technique for reasoning about unfounded sets, unbounded structures, infinite automata, and interactive computations [6]. Where induction corresponds to least fixed point's semantics, coinduction corresponds to greatest fixed point semantics. Recently coinduction has been incorporated into logic programming and an elegant operational semantics developed for it [11, 12]. This operational semantics is the greatest fix point counterpart of SLD resolution (SLD resolution imparts operational semantics to least fix point based computations) and is termed co- SLD resolution. In co-SLD resolution, a predicate goal p( t) succeeds if it unifies with one of its ancestor calls. In addition, rational infinite terms are allowed as arguments of predicates. Infinite terms are represented as solutions to unification equations and the occurs check is omitted during the unification process. Coinductive Logic Programming (Co-LP) and Co-SLD resolution can be used to elegantly perform model checking and planning. A combined SLD and Co-SLD resolution based LP system forms the common basis for planning, scheduling, verification, model checking, and constraint solving [9, 4]. This is achieved by amalgamating SLD resolution, co-SLD resolution, and constraint logic programming [13] in a single logic programming system. Given that parallelism in logic programs can be implicitly exploited [8], complex, compute-intensive applications (planning, scheduling, model checking, etc.) can be executed in parallel on multi-core machines. Parallel execution can result in speed-ups as well as in larger instances of the problems being solved. In the remainder we elaborate on (i) how planning can be elegantly and efficiently performed under real-time constraints, (ii) how real-time systems can be elegantly and efficiently model- checked, as well as (iii) how hybrid systems can be verified in a combined system with both co-SLD and SLD resolution. Implementations of co-SLD resolution as well as preliminary implementations of the planning and verification applications have been developed [4]. Co-LP and Model Checking: The vast majority of properties that are to be verified can be classified into safety properties and liveness properties. It is well known within model checking that safety properties can be verified by reachability analysis, i.e, if a counter-example to the property exists, it can be finitely determined by enumerating all the reachable states of the Kripke structure.

Outer midplane scrape-off layer profiles and turbulence in simulations of Alcator C-Mod inner-wall limited discharges

DOE PAGES

Halpern, Federico D.; LaBombard, Brian; Terry, James L.; ...

2017-06-27

A region of steep plasma gradients, the so-called ”narrow-feature”, has been found in the near scrape-off layer (SOL) of inner-wall limited (IWL) discharges. Dedicated IWL discharges were carried out in Alcator C-Mod [E.S. Marmar et al., Nucl. Fusion 55, (2015)] to study this phenomenon, allowing detailed observations of the plasma profiles and fluctuations. Langmuir probe (LP) measurements show a clear two decay length n e and T e profile structure at the outer midplane. The Gas-Puff Imaging (GPI) diagnostic shows large turbulent fluctuations across the last closed flux-surface, hence supporting the hypothesis that turbulent phenomena play a role in settingmore » the profile steepness. We have carried out the flux-driven non-linear turbulence simulations of two C-Mod discharges which allows a three-way comparison between LP, GPI, and simulation data. Observations and simulations correlate the steep gradient region characterizing the narrow feature with sheared poloidal flows and a deviation of the plasma potential from its floating value. Furthermore, the E x B shear rate exceeds the linear ballooning growth rate, indicating that the narrow feature could result from the effects of sheared flows, although causality could not be established. The fluctuation level in the narrow feature remains of order unity across the entire SOL, indicating that the transport reduction in the near-SOL cannot result from a simple quench rule.« less

Outer midplane scrape-off layer profiles and turbulence in simulations of Alcator C-Mod inner-wall limited discharges

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

Halpern, Federico D.; LaBombard, Brian; Terry, James L.

A region of steep plasma gradients, the so-called ”narrow-feature”, has been found in the near scrape-off layer (SOL) of inner-wall limited (IWL) discharges. Dedicated IWL discharges were carried out in Alcator C-Mod [E.S. Marmar et al., Nucl. Fusion 55, (2015)] to study this phenomenon, allowing detailed observations of the plasma profiles and fluctuations. Langmuir probe (LP) measurements show a clear two decay length n e and T e profile structure at the outer midplane. The Gas-Puff Imaging (GPI) diagnostic shows large turbulent fluctuations across the last closed flux-surface, hence supporting the hypothesis that turbulent phenomena play a role in settingmore » the profile steepness. We have carried out the flux-driven non-linear turbulence simulations of two C-Mod discharges which allows a three-way comparison between LP, GPI, and simulation data. Observations and simulations correlate the steep gradient region characterizing the narrow feature with sheared poloidal flows and a deviation of the plasma potential from its floating value. Furthermore, the E x B shear rate exceeds the linear ballooning growth rate, indicating that the narrow feature could result from the effects of sheared flows, although causality could not be established. The fluctuation level in the narrow feature remains of order unity across the entire SOL, indicating that the transport reduction in the near-SOL cannot result from a simple quench rule.« less

SU-E-J-28: Gantry Speed Significantly Affects Image Quality and Imaging Dose for 4D Cone-Beam Computed Tomography On the Varian Edge Platform

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

Santoso, A; Song, K; Gardner, S

Purpose: 4D-CBCT facilitates assessment of tumor motion at treatment position. We investigated the effect of gantry speed on 4D-CBCT image quality and dose using the Varian Edge On-Board Imager (OBI). Methods: A thoracic protocol was designed using a 125 kVp spectrum. Image quality parameters were obtained via 4D acquisition using a Catphan phantom with a gating system. A sinusoidal waveform was executed with a five second period and superior-inferior motion. 4D-CBCT scans were sorted into 4 and 10 phases. Image quality metrics included spatial resolution, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), uniformity index (UI), Hounsfield unit (HU) sensitivity, and RMS error (RMSE) ofmore » motion amplitude. Dosimetry was accomplished using Gafchromic XR-QA2 films within a CIRS Thorax phantom. This was placed on the gating phantom using the same motion waveform. Results: High contrast resolution decreased linearly from 5.93 to 4.18 lp/cm, 6.54 to 4.18 lp/cm, and 5.19 to 3.91 lp/cm for averaged, 4 phase, and 10 phase 4DCBCT volumes respectively as gantry speed increased from 1.0 to 6.0 degs/sec. CNRs decreased linearly from 4.80 to 1.82 as the gantry speed increased from 1.0 to 6.0 degs/sec, respectively. No significant variations in UIs, HU sensitivities, or RMSEs were observed with variable gantry speed. Ion chamber measurements compared to film yielded small percent differences in plastic water regions (0.1–9.6%), larger percent differences in lung equivalent regions (7.5–34.8%), and significantly larger percent differences in bone equivalent regions (119.1–137.3%). Ion chamber measurements decreased from 17.29 to 2.89 cGy with increasing gantry speed from 1.0 to 6.0 degs/sec. Conclusion: Maintaining technique factors while changing gantry speed changes the number of projections used for reconstruction. Increasing the number of projections by decreasing gantry speed decreases noise, however, dose is increased. The future of 4DCBCT’s clinical utility relies on further investigation of image optimization.« less

The importance of age and statin therapy in the interpretation of Lp-PLA(2) in ACS patients, and relation to CRP.

PubMed

Franeková, J; Kettner, J; Kubíček, Z; Jabor, A

2015-01-01

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of arterial inflammation while lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is related to plaque instability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the risk of unstable plaque presenting as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and Lp-PLA(2), and to assess the influence of statins on interpretation of Lp-PLA(2). A total of 362 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain suggestive of ACS were evaluated by cardiologists as STEMI, NSTEMI, or unstable angina, and non-ACS. Serum biomarkers measured on admission: troponin I, C-reactive protein (Abbott), and Lp-PLA(2) (DiaDexus). Four groups were defined according to the final diagnosis and history of statin medication: ACS/statin-; ACS/statin+; non-ACS/statin-; non-ACS/statin+. Lp-PLA(2) was highest in ACS/statin- group; statins decreased Lp-PLA(2) both in ACS and non-ACS of about 20 %. Lp-PLA(2) was higher in ACS patients in comparison with non-ACS patients group without respect to statin therapy (p<0.001). Lp-PLA(2) predicted worse outcome (in terms of acute coronary syndrome) effectively in patients up to 62 years; limited prediction was found in older patients. C-reactive protein (CRP) failed to discriminate four groups of patients. Statin therapy and age should be taken into consideration while interpreting Lp-PLA(2) concentrations and lower cut-off values should be used for statin-treated persons.

ApoA-I/A-II-HDL positively associates with apoB-lipoproteins as a potential atherogenic indicator.

PubMed

Kido, Toshimi; Kondo, Kazuo; Kurata, Hideaki; Fujiwara, Yoko; Urata, Takeyoshi; Itakura, Hiroshige; Yokoyama, Shinji

2017-11-29

We recently reported distinct nature of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) subgroup particles with apolipoprotein (apo) A-I but not apoA-II (LpAI) and HDL having both (LpAI:AII) based on the data from 314 Japanese. While plasma HDL level almost exclusively depends on concentration of LpAI having 3 to 4 apoA-I molecules, LpAI:AII appeared with almost constant concentration regardless of plasma HDL levels having stable structure with two apoA-I and one disulfide-dimeric apoA-II molecules (Sci. Rep. 6; 31,532, 2016). The aim of this study is further characterization of LpAI:AII with respect to its role in atherogenesis. Association of LpAI, LpAI:AII and other HDL parameters with apoB-lipoprotein parameters was analyzed among the cohort data above. ApoA-I in LpAI negatively correlated with the apoB-lipoprotein parameters such as apoB, triglyceride, nonHDL-cholesterol, and nonHDL-cholesterol + triglyceride, which are apparently reflected in the relations of the total HDL parameters to apoB-lipoproteins. In contrast, apoA-I in LpAI:AII and apoA-II positively correlated to the apoB-lipoprotein parameters even within their small range of variation. These relationships are independent of sex, but may slightly be influenced by the activity-related CETP mutations. The study suggested that LpAI:AII is an atherogenic indicator rather than antiatherogenic. These sub-fractions of HDL are to be evaluated separately for estimating atherogenic risk of the patients.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION--TEST REPORT OF MOBILE SOURCE EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES, FLINT HILLS RESOURCES, LP, CCD15010 DIESEL FUEL FORMULATION WITH HITEC4121 ADDITIVE

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program to facilitate the deployment of innovative or improved environmental technologies through performance verification and dissemination of information. ETV seeks to ach...

Manpower Planning for Municipal Wastewater Treatment in Texas, LP-8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas State Dept. of Water Resources, Austin.

This report presents the implementation results of a pilot test of a manpower planning methodology developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water Programs. Project outputs and projections are described and illustrated in sections of the report dealing with work to be done, organizational staffing plan, transfers and…

Recreation Vehicle Service Technician: Apprenticeship Course Outline. Apprenticeship and Industry Training. 4507.1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 2007

2007-01-01

The graduate of the Recreational Vehicle Service Technician apprenticeship program is a certified journeyperson who will be able to: (1) know the standards and regulations that relate to recreation vehicles; (2) install, repair and maintain LP gas distribution systems and appliances; (3) install, repair and maintain plumbing and electrical…

[Lipoprotein (a) in an urban population of Venezuela: Evidence that estrogenic deprivation increase in lipoprotein (a) levels is transitory].

PubMed

Bermúdez Pirela, V; Cabrera de Bravo, M; Mengual Moreno, E; Cano Ponce, C; Leal González, E; Lemus Antepaz, M; Amell de Díaz, A; Sorell Gómez, L

2007-07-01

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and normal serum levels of this particle is not known in our country. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine plasma Lp (a) concentration in a population sample of Maracaibo. Fifth hundred out-patients, consulting at Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino-Metabólicas "Dr. Félix Gómez" were randomly underwent to venipunction to obtain a fasting blood simple to assess Lp (a) by a ELISA assay. No significantly differences were found when compared by sex or age separately, higher levels in Lp (a) was found in female 40-44 year group (median: 20,9 mg/dl). Thus, female population was divided in two sub-groups: < 40 years (median: 13 mg/dl) 40 yr and more (median: 16 mg/dl), finding higher Lp (a) levels in the second group (p < 0,02). Hormonal replace therapy was assessed by age, resulting that women subjected this approach shows lower levels of Lp (a) (p < 0,01), except in 60-64 year group. Lp (a) in a Maracaibo was within normal levels. Hormonal replace therapy diminishes Lp (a) concentration in menopausal women, but in menopausal women without hormonal therapy Lp (a) levels experienced a sustained decrease to normal levels in a age-depended manner.

Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 Supplementation Improves Exercise Performance and Increases Muscle Mass in Mice

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi-Ming; Wei, Li; Chiu, Yen-Shuo; Hsu, Yi-Ju; Tsai, Tsung-Yu; Wang, Ming-Fu; Huang, Chi-Chang

2016-01-01

Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) is a well-known probiotic among the ingested-microorganism probiotics (i.e., ingested microorganisms associated with beneficial effects for the host). However, few studies have examined the effects of L. plantarum TWK10 (LP10) supplementation on exercise performance, physical fatigue, and gut microbial profile. Male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) strain mice were divided into three groups (n = 8 per group) for oral administration of LP10 for six weeks at 0, 2.05 × 108, or 1.03 × 109 colony-forming units/kg/day, designated the vehicle, LP10-1X and LP10-5X groups, respectively. LP10 significantly decreased final body weight and increased relative muscle weight (%). LP10 supplementation dose-dependently increased grip strength (p < 0.0001) and endurance swimming time (p < 0.001) and decreased levels of serum lactate (p < 0.0001), ammonia (p < 0.0001), creatine kinase (p = 0.0118), and glucose (p = 0.0151) after acute exercise challenge. The number of type I fibers (slow muscle) in gastrocnemius muscle significantly increased with LP10 treatment. In addition, serum levels of albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and triacylglycerol significantly decreased with LP10 treatment. Long-term supplementation with LP10 may increase muscle mass, enhance energy harvesting, and have health-promotion, performance-improvement, and anti-fatigue effects. PMID:27070637

The renaissance of lipoprotein(a): Brave new world for preventive cardiology?

PubMed

Ellis, Katrina L; Boffa, Michael B; Sahebkar, Amirhossein; Koschinsky, Marlys L; Watts, Gerald F

2017-10-01

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a highly heritable cardiovascular risk factor. Although discovered more than 50 years ago, Lp(a) has recently re-emerged as a major focus in the fields of lipidology and preventive cardiology owing to findings from genetic studies and the possibility of lowering elevated plasma concentrations with new antisense therapy. Data from genetic, epidemiological and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence establishing Lp(a) as a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, major gaps in knowledge remain and the identification of the mechanistic processes governing both Lp(a) pathobiology and metabolism are an ongoing challenge. Furthermore, the complex structure of Lp(a) presents a major obstacle to the accurate quantification of plasma concentrations, and a universally accepted and standardized approach for measuring Lp(a) is required. Significant progress has been made in the development of novel therapeutics for selectively lowering Lp(a). However, before these therapies can be widely implemented further investigations are required to assess their efficacy, safety, and cost-efficiency in the prevention of cardiovascular events. We review recent advances in molecular and biochemical aspects, epidemiology, and pathobiology of Lp(a), and provide a contemporary update on the significance of Lp(a) in clinical medicine. "Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be." (Khalil Gibran). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

75 FR 32181 - Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisition of Shares of Bank or Bank Holding Companies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-07

... Investment Management, L.L.C.; TC Group, L.L.C.; and TCG Holdings, L.L.C., all of Wilmington, Delaware; to... Partners, L.P.; TCG Financial Services, L.P.; Carlyle Financial Services, Ltd.; TC Group Cayman Investment Holdings, L.P.; TCG Holdings Cayman II, L.P.; DBD Cayman, Limited; TCG Financial Services Investment...

Lipoprotein(a) levels, apo(a) isoform size, and coronary heart disease risk in the Framingham Offspring Study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The aim of this study was to assess the independent contributions of plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], Lp(a) cholesterol, and of apo(a) isoform size to prospective coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Plasma Lp(a) and Lp(a) cholesterol levels, and apo(a) isoform size were measured at examinati...

Intestinal lamina propria dendritic cells maintain T cell homeostasis but do not affect commensalism

PubMed Central

Welty, Nathan E.; Staley, Christopher; Ghilardi, Nico; Sadowsky, Michael J.; Igyártó, Botond Z.

2013-01-01

Dendritic cells (DCs) in the intestinal lamina propria (LP) are composed of two CD103+ subsets that differ in CD11b expression. We report here that Langerin is expressed by human LP DCs and that transgenic human langerin drives expression in CD103+CD11b+ LP DCs in mice. This subset was ablated in huLangerin-DTA mice, resulting in reduced LP Th17 cells without affecting Th1 or T reg cells. Notably, cognate DC–T cell interactions were not required for Th17 development, as this response was intact in huLangerin-Cre I-Aβfl/fl mice. In contrast, responses to intestinal infection or flagellin administration were unaffected by the absence of CD103+CD11b+ DCs. huLangerin-DTA x BatF3−/− mice lacked both CD103+ LP DC subsets, resulting in defective gut homing and fewer LP T reg cells. Despite these defects in LP DCs and resident T cells, we did not observe alterations of intestinal microbial communities. Thus, CD103+ LP DC subsets control T cell homeostasis through both nonredundant and overlapping mechanisms. PMID:24019552

Lack of evidence for hepatitis C virus infection in association with lichen planus.

PubMed

Stojanovic, Larisa; Lunder, Tomaz; Poljak, Mario; Mars, Tomaz; Mlakar, Bostjan; Maticic, Mojca

2008-12-01

The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and lichen planus (LP) is a subject of controversy. Prevalence studies of HCV infection in LP patients in various countries reveal diverse results. The Slovenian population is rather homogenous with specific geographic and epidemiological characteristics. Lack of data or contradictory results from neighboring countries urged the need for a case-controlled study in our LP patients. The retrospective study was performed on 173 LP patients. Control group included 218 patients with dermatological diseases other than LP. Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 2/173 patients (1.2%) with LP and in 0/218 controls. No statistically significant difference was found between the study and control group regarding anti-HCV antibody prevalence (P = 0.195; estimated OR 6.4, 95% CI 0.3-134.0) and risk factors for HCV infection. Based on our results, anti-HCV antibody testing is not necessarily required in LP patients with no risk factors for HCV infection in this geographic region.

Six mode selective fiber optic spatial multiplexer.

PubMed

Velazquez-Benitez, A M; Alvarado, J C; Lopez-Galmiche, G; Antonio-Lopez, J E; Hernández-Cordero, J; Sanchez-Mondragon, J; Sillard, P; Okonkwo, C M; Amezcua-Correa, R

2015-04-15

Low-loss all-fiber photonic lantern (PL) mode multiplexers (MUXs) capable of selectively exciting the first six fiber modes of a multimode fiber (LP₀₁, LP_11a, LP_11b, LP_21a, LP_21b, and LP₀₂) are demonstrated. Fabrication of the spatial mode multiplexers was successfully achieved employing a combination of either six step or six graded index fibers of four different core sizes. Insertion losses of 0.2-0.3 dB and mode purities above 9 dB are achieved. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the use of graded index fibers in a PL eases the length requirements of the adiabatic tapered transition and could enable scaling to large numbers.

Superconducting antennas for telecommunication applications based on dual mode cross slotted patches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassinese, A.; Barra, M.; Fragalà, I.; Kusunoki, M.; Malandrino, G.; Nakagawa, T.; Perdicaro, L. M. S.; Sato, K.; Ohshima, S.; Vaglio, R.

2002-08-01

Dual mode devices based on high temperature superconducting films represent an interesting class for telecommunication applications since they combine a miniaturized size with a good power handling. Here we report on a novel compact antenna obtained by crossing a square patch with two or more slots. The proposed design has an antenna size reduction of about 40% as compared to the conventional square patch microstrip antennas. Single patch antenna both with linear (LP) and circular (CP) polarization operating in the X-band have been designed and tested at prototype level. They are realized by using double sided (YBa 2Cu 3O 7- x) YBCO and Tl 2Ba 2Ca 1Cu 2O 8 (Tl-2212) superconducting films grown on MgO substrates and tested with a portable cryocooler. They showed at T=77 K a return loss <25 dB and a power handling of 23 dBm. Exemplary 16 elements arrays LP antennas operating in the X band have been also realized by using YBCO film grown on 2 ″ diameter MgO substrate.

Filter-Based Phase Shifts Distort Neuronal Timing Information.

PubMed

Yael, Dorin; Vecht, Jacob J; Bar-Gad, Izhar

2018-01-01

Filters are widely used for the modulation, typically attenuation, of amplitudes of different frequencies within neurophysiological signals. Filters, however, also induce changes in the phases of different frequencies whose amplitude is unmodulated. These phase shifts cause time lags in the filtered signals, leading to a disruption of the timing information between different frequencies within the same signal and between different signals. The emerging time lags can be either constant in the case of linear phase (LP) filters or vary as a function of the frequency in the more common case of non-LP (NLP) filters. Since filters are used ubiquitously online in the early stages of data acquisition, the vast majority of neurophysiological signals thus suffer from distortion of the timing information even prior to their sampling. This distortion is often exacerbated by further multiple offline filtering stages of the sampled signal. The distortion of timing information may cause misinterpretation of the results and lead to erroneous conclusions. Here we present a variety of typical examples of filter-induced phase distortions and discuss the evaluation and restoration of the timing information underlying the original signal.

Filter-Based Phase Shifts Distort Neuronal Timing Information

PubMed Central

Yael, Dorin; Vecht, Jacob J.

2018-01-01

Filters are widely used for the modulation, typically attenuation, of amplitudes of different frequencies within neurophysiological signals. Filters, however, also induce changes in the phases of different frequencies whose amplitude is unmodulated. These phase shifts cause time lags in the filtered signals, leading to a disruption of the timing information between different frequencies within the same signal and between different signals. The emerging time lags can be either constant in the case of linear phase (LP) filters or vary as a function of the frequency in the more common case of non-LP (NLP) filters. Since filters are used ubiquitously online in the early stages of data acquisition, the vast majority of neurophysiological signals thus suffer from distortion of the timing information even prior to their sampling. This distortion is often exacerbated by further multiple offline filtering stages of the sampled signal. The distortion of timing information may cause misinterpretation of the results and lead to erroneous conclusions. Here we present a variety of typical examples of filter-induced phase distortions and discuss the evaluation and restoration of the timing information underlying the original signal. PMID:29766044

Electron acceleration in combined intense laser fields and self-consistent quasistatic fields in plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Bin; He, X. T.; Zhu, Shao-ping; Zheng, C. Y.

2005-08-01

The acceleration of plasma electron in intense laser-plasma interaction is investigated analytically and numerically, where the conjunct effect of laser fields and self-consistent spontaneous fields (including quasistatic electric field Esl, azimuthal quasistatic magnetic field Bsθ and the axial one Bsz) is completely considered for the first time. An analytical relativistic electron fluid model using test-particle method has been developed to give an explicit analysis about the effects of each quasistatic fields. The ponderomotive accelerating and scattering effects on electrons are partly offset by Esl, furthermore, Bsθ pinches and Bsz collimates electrons along the laser axis. The dependences of energy gain and scattering angle of electron on its initial radial position, plasma density, and laser intensity are, respectively, studied. The qualities of the relativistic electron beam (REB), such as energy spread, beam divergence, and emitting (scattering) angle, generated by both circularly polarized (CP) and linearly polarized (LP) lasers are studied. Results show CP laser is of clear advantage comparing to LP laser for it can generate a better REB in collimation and stabilization.

Complications after LP related to needle type: pencil-point versus Quincke.

PubMed

Aamodt, A; Vedeler, C

2001-06-01

We studied the incidence of complications after diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) related to needle type. A 5 months' observational study of routine diagnostic LP in 83 patients was conducted. Significantly more headache was observed after LP using thicker cutting needles (20G Quincke) compared with thinner cutting or non-cutting needles (22G Quincke or pencil-point). No significant difference in complications after LP was found between the 22G Quincke and pencil-point needles. The size of the needle and not the needle shape seems to be the main determinant for post-dural puncture headache (PDPH).

Enfuvirtide (T20)-Based Lipopeptide Is a Potent HIV-1 Cell Fusion Inhibitor: Implications for Viral Entry and Inhibition.

PubMed

Ding, Xiaohui; Zhang, Xiujuan; Chong, Huihui; Zhu, Yuanmei; Wei, Huamian; Wu, Xiyuan; He, Jinsheng; Wang, Xinquan; He, Yuxian

2017-09-15

The peptide drug enfuvirtide (T20) is the only viral fusion inhibitor used in combination therapy for HIV-1 infection, but it has relatively low antiviral activity and easily induces drug resistance. Emerging studies demonstrate that lipopeptide-based fusion inhibitors, such as LP-11 and LP-19, which mainly target the gp41 pocket site, have greatly improved antiviral potency and in vivo stability. In this study, we focused on developing a T20-based lipopeptide inhibitor that lacks pocket-binding sequence and targets a different site. First, the C-terminal tryptophan-rich motif (TRM) of T20 was verified to be essential for its target binding and inhibition; then, a novel lipopeptide, termed LP-40, was created by replacing the TRM with a fatty acid group. LP-40 showed markedly enhanced binding affinity for the target site and dramatically increased inhibitory activity on HIV-1 membrane fusion, entry, and infection. Unlike LP-11 and LP-19, which required a flexible linker between the peptide sequence and the lipid moiety, addition of a linker to LP-40 sharply reduced its potency, implying different binding modes with the extended N-terminal helices of gp41. Also, interestingly, LP-40 showed more potent activity than LP-11 in inhibiting HIV-1 Env-mediated cell-cell fusion while it was less active than LP-11 in inhibiting pseudovirus entry, and the two inhibitors displayed synergistic antiviral effects. The crystal structure of LP-40 in complex with a target peptide revealed their key binding residues and motifs. Combined, our studies have not only provided a potent HIV-1 fusion inhibitor, but also revealed new insights into the mechanisms of viral inhibition. IMPORTANCE T20 is the only membrane fusion inhibitor available for treatment of viral infection; however, T20 requires high doses and has a low genetic barrier for resistance, and its inhibitory mechanism and structural basis remain unclear. Here, we report the design of LP-40, a T20-based lipopeptide inhibitor that has greatly improved anti-HIV activity and is a more potent inhibitor of cell-cell fusion than of cell-free virus infection. The binding modes of two classes of membrane-anchoring lipopeptides (LP-40 and LP-11) verify the current fusion model in which an extended prehairpin structure bridges the viral and cellular membranes, and their complementary effects suggest a vital strategy for combination therapy of HIV-1 infection. Moreover, our understanding of the mechanism of action of T20 and its derivatives benefits from the crystal structure of LP-40. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Risk factors and outcomes for late presentation for HIV-positive persons in Europe: results from the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe Study (COHERE).

PubMed

Mocroft, Amanda; Lundgren, Jens D; Sabin, Miriam Lewis; Monforte, Antonella d'Arminio; Brockmeyer, Norbert; Casabona, Jordi; Castagna, Antonella; Costagliola, Dominique; Dabis, Francois; De Wit, Stéphane; Fätkenheuer, Gerd; Furrer, Hansjakob; Johnson, Anne M; Lazanas, Marios K; Leport, Catherine; Moreno, Santiago; Obel, Niels; Post, Frank A; Reekie, Joanne; Reiss, Peter; Sabin, Caroline; Skaletz-Rorowski, Adriane; Suarez-Lozano, Ignacio; Torti, Carlo; Warszawski, Josiane; Zangerle, Robert; Fabre-Colin, Céline; Kjaer, Jesper; Chene, Genevieve; Grarup, Jesper; Kirk, Ole

2013-01-01

Few studies have monitored late presentation (LP) of HIV infection over the European continent, including Eastern Europe. Study objectives were to explore the impact of LP on AIDS and mortality. LP was defined in Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe (COHERE) as HIV diagnosis with a CD4 count <350/mm(3) or an AIDS diagnosis within 6 months of HIV diagnosis among persons presenting for care between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2011. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with LP and Poisson regression to explore the impact on AIDS/death. 84,524 individuals from 23 cohorts in 35 countries contributed data; 45,488 were LP (53.8%). LP was highest in heterosexual males (66.1%), Southern European countries (57.0%), and persons originating from Africa (65.1%). LP decreased from 57.3% in 2000 to 51.7% in 2010/2011 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.96; 95% CI 0.95-0.97). LP decreased over time in both Central and Northern Europe among homosexual men, and male and female heterosexuals, but increased over time for female heterosexuals and male intravenous drug users (IDUs) from Southern Europe and in male and female IDUs from Eastern Europe. 8,187 AIDS/deaths occurred during 327,003 person-years of follow-up. In the first year after HIV diagnosis, LP was associated with over a 13-fold increased incidence of AIDS/death in Southern Europe (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 13.02; 95% CI 8.19-20.70) and over a 6-fold increased rate in Eastern Europe (aIRR 6.64; 95% CI 3.55-12.43). LP has decreased over time across Europe, but remains a significant issue in the region in all HIV exposure groups. LP increased in male IDUs and female heterosexuals from Southern Europe and IDUs in Eastern Europe. LP was associated with an increased rate of AIDS/deaths, particularly in the first year after HIV diagnosis, with significant variation across Europe. Earlier and more widespread testing, timely referrals after testing positive, and improved retention in care strategies are required to further reduce the incidence of LP.

Temporal variability in lipoprotein(a) levels in patients enrolled in the placebo arms of IONIS-APO(a)Rx and IONIS-APO(a)-LRx antisense oligonucleotide clinical trials.

PubMed

Marcovina, Santica M; Viney, Nicholas J; Hughes, Steven G; Xia, Shuting; Witztum, Joseph L; Tsimikas, Sotirios

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are primarily genetically determined, but their natural variability is not well known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the short-term temporal variability in Lp(a) in 3 placebo groups from the IONIS-APO(a) Rx and IONIS-APO(a)-L Rx trials. The placebo groups comprised 3 studies: Study 1 with 10 subjects with any Lp(a) concentration; Study 2 with 13 subjects with Lp(a) ≥75 nmol/L (∼30 mg/dL); and Study 3 with 29 patients with Lp(a) ≥125 nmol/L (≥∼50 mg/dL). Lp(a) was measured in serial blood samples (range 7-12 samples up to 190 days of follow-up) and analyzed as absolute change and mean percent change from baseline. Outliers were defined as having a > ±25% difference in Lp(a) from baseline at any future time point. No significant temporal differences in mean absolute Lp(a) levels were present in any group. However, among individuals, the mean change in absolute Lp(a) levels at any time point ranged from -16.2 to +7.0 nmol/L in Study 1, -15.8 to +9.8 nmol/L in Study 2, and -60.2 to +16.6 nmol/L in Study 3. The mean percent change from baseline ranged from -9.4% to +21.6% for Study 1, -13.1% to 2.8% for Study 2, and -12.1% to +4.9% in Study 3. A total of 21 of 52 subjects (40.4%) were outliers, with 13 (62%) >25% up and 8 (38%) >25% down. Significant variability was also noted in other lipid parameters, but no outliers were noted with serum albumin. In subjects randomized to placebo in Lp(a) lowering trials, modest intra-individual temporal variability of mean Lp(a) levels was present. Significant number of subjects had > ±25% variation in Lp(a) in at least 1 time point. Although Lp(a) levels are primarily genetically determined, further study is required to define additional factors mediating short-term variability. Copyright © 2017 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk Factors and Outcomes for Late Presentation for HIV-Positive Persons in Europe: Results from the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe Study (COHERE)

PubMed Central

Mocroft, Amanda; Lundgren, Jens D.; Sabin, Miriam Lewis; Monforte, Antonella d'Arminio; Brockmeyer, Norbert; Casabona, Jordi; Castagna, Antonella; Costagliola, Dominique; Dabis, Francois; De Wit, Stéphane; Fätkenheuer, Gerd; Furrer, Hansjakob; Johnson, Anne M.; Lazanas, Marios K.; Leport, Catherine; Moreno, Santiago; Obel, Niels; Post, Frank A.; Reekie, Joanne; Reiss, Peter; Sabin, Caroline; Skaletz-Rorowski, Adriane; Suarez-Lozano, Ignacio; Torti, Carlo; Warszawski, Josiane; Zangerle, Robert; Fabre-Colin, Céline; Kjaer, Jesper; Chene, Genevieve; Grarup, Jesper; Kirk, Ole

2013-01-01

Background Few studies have monitored late presentation (LP) of HIV infection over the European continent, including Eastern Europe. Study objectives were to explore the impact of LP on AIDS and mortality. Methods and Findings LP was defined in Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe (COHERE) as HIV diagnosis with a CD4 count <350/mm3 or an AIDS diagnosis within 6 months of HIV diagnosis among persons presenting for care between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2011. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with LP and Poisson regression to explore the impact on AIDS/death. 84,524 individuals from 23 cohorts in 35 countries contributed data; 45,488 were LP (53.8%). LP was highest in heterosexual males (66.1%), Southern European countries (57.0%), and persons originating from Africa (65.1%). LP decreased from 57.3% in 2000 to 51.7% in 2010/2011 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.96; 95% CI 0.95–0.97). LP decreased over time in both Central and Northern Europe among homosexual men, and male and female heterosexuals, but increased over time for female heterosexuals and male intravenous drug users (IDUs) from Southern Europe and in male and female IDUs from Eastern Europe. 8,187 AIDS/deaths occurred during 327,003 person-years of follow-up. In the first year after HIV diagnosis, LP was associated with over a 13-fold increased incidence of AIDS/death in Southern Europe (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 13.02; 95% CI 8.19–20.70) and over a 6-fold increased rate in Eastern Europe (aIRR 6.64; 95% CI 3.55–12.43). Conclusions LP has decreased over time across Europe, but remains a significant issue in the region in all HIV exposure groups. LP increased in male IDUs and female heterosexuals from Southern Europe and IDUs in Eastern Europe. LP was associated with an increased rate of AIDS/deaths, particularly in the first year after HIV diagnosis, with significant variation across Europe. Earlier and more widespread testing, timely referrals after testing positive, and improved retention in care strategies are required to further reduce the incidence of LP. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:24137103

Lipoprotein(a) and coronary atheroma progression rates during long-term high-intensity statin therapy: Insights from SATURN.

PubMed

Puri, Rishi; Ballantyne, Christie M; Hoogeveen, Ron C; Shao, Mingyuan; Barter, Philip; Libby, Peter; Chapman, M John; Erbel, Raimund; Arsenault, Benoit J; Raichlen, Joel S; Nissen, Steven E; Nicholls, Stephen J

2017-08-01

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle that associates with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We examined relationships between Lp(a) measurements and changes in coronary atheroma volume following long-term maximally-intensive statin therapy in coronary artery disease patients. Study of coronary atheroma by intravascular ultrasound: Effect of Rosuvastatin Versus Atorvastatin (SATURN) used serial intravascular ultrasound measures of coronary atheroma volume in patients treated with rosuvastatin 40 mg or atorvastatin 80 mg for 24 months. Baseline and follow-up Lp(a) levels were measured in 915 of the 1039 SATURN participants, and were correlated with changes in percent atheroma volume (ΔPAV). Mean age was 57.7 ± 8.6 years, 74% were men, 96% were Caucasian, with statin use prior to study enrolment occurring in 59.3% of participants. Baseline [median (IQR)] LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and measured Lp(a) levels (mg/dL) were 114 (99, 137) and 17.4 (7.6, 52.9) respectively; follow-up measures were 60 (47, 77), and 16.5 (6.7, 57.7) (change from baseline: p < 0.001, p = 0.31 respectively). At baseline, there were 676 patients with Lp(a) levels <50 mg/dL [median Lp(a) of 10.9 mg/dL], and 239 patients with Lp(a) levels ≥ 50 mg/dL [median Lp(a) of 83.2 mg/dL]. Quartiles of baseline and follow-up Lp(a) did not associate with ΔPAV. Irrespective of the achieved LDL-C ( 50 mg/dL. In coronary artery disease patients prescribed long-term maximally intensive statin therapy with low on-treatment LDL-C levels, measured Lp(a) levels (predominantly below the 50 mg/dL threshold) do not associate with coronary atheroma progression. Alternative biomarkers may thus associate with residual cardiovascular risk in such patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recycling, Remobilization, and Eruption of Crystals from the Lassen Volcanic Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schrecengost, K.; Cooper, K. M.; Kent, A. J.; Huber, C.; Clynne, M. A.

2016-12-01

The Lassen Volcanic Center recently produced two relatively small dacitic eruptions (0.03 km3 -1.4 km3) with a complex mixing history. Preliminary data for the 1915 Lassen Peak (LP) and the 1103±13 ybp Chaos Crags (CC) eruptions indicate complex mixing between a remobilized crystal mush (hornblende, biotite, sodic plagioclase, quartz) and basalt or basaltic andesite. U-series bulk ages represent crystallization of plagioclase at an average age of either a single event or a mixture of different plagioclase populations that crystallized during distinct crystallization events separated in time. We present 238U-230Th disequilibria for the LP light dacite and black dacite along with three stages (upper pyroclastic flow deposit, Dome B, and Dome F) of the CC eruption. Initial 230Th/232Th activity ratios for the LP plagioclase are higher than the LP host liquid and modeled equilibrium zero-age plagioclase towards the CC host liquid composition. The LP plagioclase data are inconsistent with crystallization from the LP host liquid. Therefore, at least a portion of the plagioclase carried by the LP eruptive products are antecrystic originating from an older and/or isotopically distinct host liquid composition. Moreover, LP bulk plagioclase is consistent with crystallization from the CC host liquid, suggesting that both eruptions are sourced from a similar host reservoir (i.e., crystal mush). Hornblende and biotite from the LP eruption have isotopic ratios that are consistent with zero age crystallization from the LP liquid composition, suggesting that they are younger and originate from a different magma than the plagioclase, with mixing between the magmas prior to eruption. However, it is more likely that hornblende, biotite, and plagioclase with varying average crystal ages were remobilized and erupted from a common crystal mush reservoir during the LP and CC eruptions. These data are consistent with zircon 238U-230Th model ages [1] that emphasize the importance of local, small-scale rejuvenation and mixing within a long-lived magmatic system. Moreover, assuming crystallization from a CC-like liquid compositions, LP bulk plagioclase model ages produce similar ages to those derived from LP and CC zircon (i.e., 17 ka to secular equilibrium). [1] Klemetti and Clynne, PLoS ONE, 9(12): e113157.

76 FR 76802 - Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P.; Notice Seeking Exemption Under Section 312 of the Small...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-08

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [License No. 02/02-0646] Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P.; Notice... hereby given that Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P., 45 Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10111, a Federal... Regulations (13 CFR 107.730). Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P. proposes to provide equity security financing...

77 FR 7655 - Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P.; Notice Seeking Exemption Under Section 312 of the Small...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-13

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [License No. 02/02-0646] Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P.; Notice... hereby given that Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P., 45 Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10111, a Federal... Regulations (13 CFR 107.730). Riverside Micro-Cap Fund II, L.P. proposes to provide equity security financing...

75 FR 51451 - Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P.; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-20

... Hydropower, L.P.; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre-Application Document, and.... Project No.: 7320-040. c. Dated Filed: June 29, 2010. d. Submitted By: Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P. e...: John Mudre at (202) 502-8902; or e-mail at [email protected] . j. Erie Boulevard Hydropower, L.P...

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Increased risk of coronary artery calcification progression in subjects with high baseline Lp(a) levels: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

PubMed

Cho, Jung Hwan; Lee, Da Young; Lee, Eun Seo; Kim, Jihyun; Park, Se Eun; Park, Cheol-Young; Lee, Won-Young; Oh, Ki-Won; Park, Sung-Woo; Rhee, Eun-Jung

2016-11-01

Results from previous studies support the association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and coronary artery disease risk. In this study, we analyzed the association between baseline Lp(a) levels and future progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in apparently healthy Korean adults. A total of 2611 participants (mean age: 41years, 92% mend) who underwent a routine health check-up in 2010 and 2014 were enrolled. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were measured by multi-detector computed tomography. Baseline Lp(a) was measured by high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assay. Progression of CAC was defined as a change in CACS >0 over four years. Bivariate correlation analyses with baseline Lp(a) and other metabolic parameters revealed age, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and CACS to have a significant positive correlation, while body weight, fasting glucose level, blood pressure and triglyceride level were negatively correlated with baseline Lp(a) level. After four years of follow-up, 635 subjects (24.3%) had CAC progression. The participants who had CAC progression were older, composed of more men, more obese, and had higher fasting glucose levels and worse baseline lipid profiles compared to those who did not have CAC progression. The mean serum Lp(a) level was significantly higher in subjects who had CAC progression compared to those who did not (32.5 vs. 28.9mg/dL, p<0.01). When the risk for CAC progression according to baseline Lp(a) was calculated, those with Lp(a) level≥50mg/dL had an odds ratio of 1.333 (95% CI 1.027-1.730) for CAC progression compared to those with Lp(a)<50mg/dL after adjusting for confounding factors. In this study, the subjects who had higher Lp(a) were at significantly higher risk for CAC progression after four years of follow-up, suggesting the role of high Lp(a) in CAC progression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Continuation of SAGE and MLS High-Resolution Ozone Profiles with the Suomi NPP OMPS Limb Profiler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kramarova, N. A.; Bhartia, P. K.; Moy, L.; Chen, Z.; Frith, S. M.

2015-12-01

The Ozone Mapper and Profiler Suite (OMPS) Limb Profiler (LP) onboard the Suomi NPP satellite is design to measure ozone profiles with a high vertical resolution (~2 km) and dense spatial sampling (~1° latitude). The LP sensor represents a new generation of the US ozone profile instruments with the plan for a follow-up limb instrument onboard the Joint Polar Satellite System 2 (JPSS-2) in 2021. In this study we will examine the suitability of using LP profiles to continue the EOS climate ozone profile record from the SAGE and MLS datasets. First of all, we evaluate the accuracy in determining the LP tangent height by analyzing measured and calculated radiances. The accurate estimation of the tangent height is critical for limb observations. Several methods were explored to estimate the uncertainties in the LP tangent height registration, and the results will be briefly summarized in this presentation. Version 2 of LP data, released in May 2014, includes a static adjustment of ~1.5 km and a dynamic tangent height adjustment within each orbit. A recent analysis of Version 2 Level 1 radiances revealed a 100 m step in the tangent height that occurred on 26 April 2013, due to a switch to two star trackers in determining spacecraft position. In addition, a ~200 m shift in the tangent height along each orbit was detected. These uncertainties in tangent height registrations can affect the stability of the LP ozone record. Therefore, the second step in our study includes a validation of LP ozone profiles against correlative satellite ozone measurements (Aura MLS, ACE-FTS, OSIRIS, and SBUV) with the focus on time-dependent changes. We estimate relative drifts between OMPS LP and correlative ozone records to evaluate stability of the LP measurements. We also test the tangent height corrections found in the internal analysis of Version 2 measurements to determine their effect on the long-term stability of the LP ozone record.

Significance of lipoprotein(a) levels in familial hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Li, Sha; Wu, Na-Qiong; Zhu, Cheng-Gang; Zhang, Yan; Guo, Yuan-Lin; Gao, Ying; Li, Xiao-Lin; Qing, Ping; Cui, Chuan-Jue; Xu, Rui-Xia; Sun, Jing; Liu, Geng; Dong, Qian; Li, Jian-Jun

2017-05-01

Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are often characterized by premature coronary artery disease (CAD) with heterogeneity at onset. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] with the FH phenotype, genotype and roles of Lp(a) in determining CAD risk among patients with and without FH. We enrolled 8050 patients undergoing coronary angiography, from our Lipid clinic. Clinical FH was diagnosed using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria. Mutational analysis (LDLR, APOB, PCSK9) in definite/probable FH was performed by target exome sequencing. Lp(a) levels were increased, with a clinical FH diagnosis (unlikely, possible, definite/probable FH) independent of the patients status, with Lp(a)-hyperlipoproteinemia [Lp(a)-HLP] (median 517.70 vs. 570.98 vs. 604.65 mg/L, p < 0.001) or without (median 89.20 vs. 99.20 vs. 133.67 mg/L, p < 0.001). Patients with Lp(a)-HLP had a higher prevalence of definite/probable FH than those without (6.1% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in Lp(a) was observed in patients with definite/probable FH phenotype carrying LDLR or LDLR-independent (APOB, PCSK9) or neither mutations (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that Lp(a) and FH phenotype were both significant determinants in predicting the early onset and severity of CAD. Subsequently, patients with Lp(a)-HLP in definite/probable FH increased significantly the CAD risk (all p < 0.05). Lp(a) levels were higher in patients with FH phenotype than in those without, but no difference were found in FH patients of different mutated backgrounds. Moreover, Lp(a) and FH played a synergistic role in predicting the early onset and severity of CAD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Parental and Volunteer Perception of Pyloromyotomy Scars: Comparing Laparoscopic, Open, and Nonsurgical Volunteers.

PubMed

St Peter, Shawn D; Acher, Charles W; Shah, Sohail R; Sharp, Susan W; Ostlie, Daniel J

2016-04-01

Despite evidence from prospective trials and meta-analyses supporting laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) over open pyloromyotomy (OP), the open technique is still utilized by some surgeons on the premise that there is minimal clinical benefit to LP over OP. Although the potential cosmetic benefit of LP over OP is often cited in reports, it has never been objectively evaluated. After internal review board approval, the parents of patients from a previous prospective trial who had undergone LP (n = 9) and OP (n = 10) were contacted. After consent was obtained, the parents and patients were asked to complete a validated scar scoring questionnaire that was compared between groups. Standardized photos were taken of study subjects and controls with no abdominal procedures. Blinded volunteers were recruited to view the photos, identify if scars were present, and complete questions if a scar(s) was seen. Volunteers were also asked about the degree of satisfaction if their child had similar scars on a four-point scale from happy to unacceptable. Mean age was 7 years in both groups. Parental scar assessment scores were superior in the LP group in every category. Blinded volunteers detected abdominal scars significantly more often in the OP group (98%) vs. the LP group (28%; P < .001). The volunteers detected a scar in 16% of the controls, comparable to the 28% detected in the LP group (P = .17). The degree of satisfaction estimate by volunteers was 1.78 for OP and 1.02 for LP and controls, generating a Cohen's d effect size of 5.1 standard deviation units comparing OP to either LP or controls (very large ≥1.3). Parents of children scored LP scars superior to OP scars. Surgical scars are almost always identifiable with OP while the surgical scars associated with LP approach invisibility to the observer, appearing similar to patients with no prior abdominal operation.

Do root hydraulic properties change during the early vegetative stage of plant development in barley (Hordeum vulgare)?

PubMed

Suku, Shimi; Knipfer, Thorsten; Fricke, Wieland

2014-02-01

As annual crops develop, transpirational water loss increases substantially. This increase has to be matched by an increase in water uptake through the root system. The aim of this study was to assess the contributions of changes in intrinsic root hydraulic conductivity (Lp, water uptake per unit root surface area, driving force and time), driving force and root surface area to developmental increases in root water uptake. Hydroponically grown barley plants were analysed during four windows of their vegetative stage of development, when they were 9-13, 14-18, 19-23 and 24-28 d old. Hydraulic conductivity was determined for individual roots (Lp) and for entire root systems (Lp(r)). Osmotic Lp of individual seminal and adventitious roots and osmotic Lp(r) of the root system were determined in exudation experiments. Hydrostatic Lp of individual roots was determined by root pressure probe analyses, and hydrostatic Lp(r) of the root system was derived from analyses of transpiring plants. Although osmotic and hydrostatic Lp and Lp(r) values increased initially during development and were correlated positively with plant transpiration rate, their overall developmental increases (about 2-fold) were small compared with increases in transpirational water loss and root surface area (about 10- to 40-fold). The water potential gradient driving water uptake in transpiring plants more than doubled during development, and potentially contributed to the increases in plant water flow. Osmotic Lp(r) of entire root systems and hydrostatic Lp(r) of transpiring plants were similar, suggesting that the main radial transport path in roots was the cell-to-cell path at all developmental stages. Increase in the surface area of root system, and not changes in intrinsic root hydraulic properties, is the main means through which barley plants grown hydroponically sustain an increase in transpirational water loss during their vegetative development.

One-year neurodevelopmental outcome of very and late preterm infants: Risk factors and correlation with maternal stress.

PubMed

Coletti, Maria Franca; Caravale, Barbara; Gasparini, Corinna; Franco, Francesco; Campi, Francesca; Dotta, Andrea

2015-05-01

Although "late preterm" (LP) newborns (33-36 weeks of gestational age) represent more than 70% of all preterm labors, little is known about the relation between certain risk factors and developmental outcomes in LP compared to "very preterm" (≤32 weeks) children (VP). This study investigates: (1) LP and VP infants' development at 12 months of corrected age (CA) using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - 3rd Edition (BSID-III); (2) correlation between BSID-III performances and maternal stress (using Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, PSI-SF) among LP and VP at 12 months CA; and (3) the link between known neonatal and demographic risk factors and developmental outcomes of LP and VP infants. For both LP and VP infants the Mean Cognitive (LP: 102.69±7.68; VP: 103.63±10.68), Language (LP: 96.23±10.08; VP: 99.10±10.37) and Motor (LP: 91.11±10.33; VP: 93.85±10.17) composite scores were in the normal range, without significant differences between the groups. Correlations between PSI-SF and BSID-III showed that in the VP group (but not LP), Language score was negatively related to the PSI-SF 'Difficult Child' scale (r=-.34, p<.05). Regression models revealed that cognitive performance was significantly predicted by physical therapy in LP and by cesarean section in VP infants. For VP only maternal education and length of stay predicted Language score, whereas physical therapy predicted Motor score. Results of the study underline the importance of considering cognitive, language and motor developments separately when assessing a preterm child's development. Prediction models of developmental performance confirm the influence of some known neonatal risk factors and indicate the need for further research on the role of sociodemographic risk factors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Leukoproliferative response of splenocytes from English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) exposed to chemical contaminants

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

Arkoosh, M.R.; Clemons, E.; Huffman, P.

The leukoproliferative (LP) response of splenic leukocytes from the marine benthic fish English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) stimulated with the mitogens lipopolysaccharide (LPS), convanavalin A (Con A), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was examined as a biomarker of immunotoxic effects. English sole were exposed to contaminants, either by injection of an organic-solvent extract of a sediment containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) or placed for up to 5 weeks on a reference sediment containing 0.15 to 1.5% (v/v) of the PAC-contaminated sediment. English sole either injected with the contaminated extract or held on PAC-contaminated sediment had an augmented response to Con A. Themore » LP response to LPS showed no relationship to PAC exposure in laboratory-exposed fish, while PWM showed no consistent relationship to exposure to PACs. In a field study, English sole captured from an urban area in Puget Sound, Washington, USA, contaminated with PACs and other chemical contaminants had a significantly augmented LP response to Con A and PWM in comparison to the LP response in fish from a nonurban reference site. Fish from another nonurban site also had an augmented LP response to Con A, indicating that the elevation of the Con A LP response can also result from factors other than chemical contaminant exposure. In addition, English sole from this site also had an augmented LP response to LPS, whereas fish from urban sites did not exhibit an augmented LP response to LPS. Overall, the results demonstrated that although the LP response in splenic leukocytes of English sole to Con A was linked to contaminant exposure, the LP response to Con A did not exhibit high specificity as an indicator of chemical contaminant exposure. However, the concerted use of Con A, LPS, and PWM allowed for identification of apparent chemical contaminant-induced alterations of the LP response in English sole from an urban area of Puget Sound.« less

Lipoprotein (a), metabolic syndrome and coronary calcium score in a large occupational cohort.

PubMed

Sung, K-C; Wild, S H; Byrne, C D

2013-12-01

Whether lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] concentration is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and pre-clinical atherosclerosis in different ethnic groups is uncertain. The association between Lp(a), MetS and a measure of pre-clinical atherosclerosis was studied in a large Asian cohort. Data were analyzed from a South Korean occupational cohort who underwent a cardiac computed tomography (CT) estimation of CAC score and measurements of cardiovascular risk factors (n = 14,583 people). The key exposure was an Lp(a) concentration in the top quartile (>38.64 mg/dL)) with a CAC score >0 as the outcome variable and measure of pre-clinical atherosclerosis. Logistic regression was used to describe the associations. 1462 participants had a CAC score >0. In the lowest Lp(a) quartile (<11.29 mg/dL), 25.8% had MetS, compared with 16.1% in the highest Lp(a) quartile (>38.64 mg/dL (p < 0.001). MetS, and component features, were inversely related to Lp(a) concentration (all p < 0.0001). In the highest Lp(a) quartile group, there was an association between Lp(a) and CAC score >0 in men (OR 1.21[1.05, 1.40], p = 0.008), and women (OR 1.62[1.03, 2.55], p = 0.038), after adjustment for age, sex, lipid lowering therapy, and multiple cardiovascular risk factors. There was no evidence of an interaction between highest quartile Lp(a) and either high LDLc (>147 mg/dL) (p = 0.99), or MetS (p = 0.84) on the association with CAC score >0. Lp(a) levels are inversely related to MetS and its components. There was a robust association between Lp(a) concentration >38.6 mg/dL and marker of early atherosclerosis in both men and women, regardless of LDLc, level MetS or other cardiovascular risk factors. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long-term statin therapy could be efficacious in reducing the lipoprotein (a) levels in patients with coronary artery disease modified by some traditional risk factors.

PubMed

Xu, Ming-Xing; Liu, Chang; He, Yong-Ming; Yang, Xiang-Jun; Zhao, Xin

2017-05-01

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, up till now, treatment of patients with higher Lp (a) levels is challenging. This current study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of short-, medium and long-term statin use on the Lp (a) reduction and its modifying factors. The therapeutic duration was categorized into short-term (median, 39 days), medium term (median, 219 days) and long-term (median, 677 days). The lipid profiles before therapy served as baselines. Patients at short-, medium or long-term exactly matched with those at baseline. Every patient's lipid profiles during the follow-ups were compared to his own ones at baselines. The current study demonstrated that long-term statin therapy significantly decreased the Lp (a) levels in CAD patients while short-term or medium term statin therapy didn't. When grouped by statin use, only long-term simvastatin use significantly decreased the Lp (a) levels while long-term atorvastatin use insignificantly decreased the Lp (a) levels. Primary hypertension (PH), DM, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) could modify the therapeutic effects of statin use on the Lp (a) levels in CAD patients. The long-term statin therapy could be efficacious in reducing the Lp (a) levels in CAD patients, which has been modified by some traditional risk factors. In the era of commercial unavailability of more reliable Lp (a) lowering drugs, our findings will bolster confidence in fighting higher Lp (a) abnormalities both for patients and for doctors.

Effect of woody-plant encroachment on livestock production in North and South America

PubMed Central

Anadón, José D.; Sala, Osvaldo E.; Turner, B. L.; Bennett, Elena M.

2014-01-01

A large fraction of the world grasslands and savannas are undergoing a rapid shift from herbaceous to woody-plant dominance. This land-cover change is expected to lead to a loss in livestock production (LP), but the impacts of woody-plant encroachment on this crucial ecosystem service have not been assessed. We evaluate how tree cover (TC) has affected LP at large spatial scales in rangelands of contrasting social–economic characteristics in the United States and Argentina. Our models indicate that in areas of high productivity, a 1% increase in TC results in a reduction in LP ranging from 0.6 to 1.6 reproductive cows (Rc) per km2. Mean LP in the United States is 27 Rc per km2, so a 1% increase in TC results in a 2.5% decrease in mean LP. This effect is large considering that woody-plant cover has been described as increasing at 0.5% to 2% per y. On the contrary, in areas of low productivity, increased TC had a positive effect on LP. Our results also show that ecological factors account for a larger fraction of LP variability in Argentinean than in US rangelands. Differences in the relative importance of ecological versus nonecological drivers of LP in Argentina and the United States suggest that the valuation of ecosystem services between these two rangelands might be different. Current management strategies in Argentina are likely designed to maximize LP for various reasons we are unable to explore in this effort, whereas land managers in the United States may be optimizing multiple ecosystem services, including conservation or recreation, alongside LP. PMID:25136084

Impact of high lipoprotein(a) levels on in-stent restenosis and long-term clinical outcomes of angina pectoris patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents in Asian population.

PubMed

Park, Sang-Ho; Rha, Seung-Woon; Choi, Byoung-Geol; Park, Ji-Young; Jeon, Ung; Seo, Hong-Seog; Kim, Eung-Ju; Na, Jin-Oh; Choi, Cheol-Ung; Kim, Jin-Won; Lim, Hong-Euy; Park, Chang-Gyu; Oh, Dong-Joo

2015-06-01

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is known to be associated with cardiovascular complications and atherothrombotic properties in general populations. However, it has not been examined whether Lp(a) levels are able to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES). A total of 595 consecutive patients with angina pectoris who underwent elective PCI with DES were enrolled from 2004 to 2010. The patients were divided into two groups according to the levels of Lp(a): Lp(a) < 50 mg/dL (n = 485 patients), and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL (n = 111 patients). The 6-9-month angiographic outcomes and 3-year cumulative major clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Binary restenosis occurred in 26 of 133 lesions (19.8%) in the high Lp(a) group and 43 of 550 lesions (7.9%) in the low Lp(a) group (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the reference vessel diameter, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total lesion length, and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL were predictors of binary restenosis. In the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL was significantly associated with the 3-year adverse clinical outcomes including any myocardial infarction, revascularization (target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR)), TLR-major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), TVR-MACE, and All-MACEs. In our study, high Lp(a) level ≥ 50 mg/dL in angina pectoris patients undergoing elective PCI with DES was significantly associated with binary restenosis and 3-year adverse clinical outcomes in an Asian population. © 2015 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Ischemic Effects of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate-Lipiodol on the Colon in a Swine Model

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

Ikoma, Akira; Kawai, Nobuyuki; Sato, Morio, E-mail: morisato@wakayama-med.ac.jp

2010-10-15

This study was designed to assess the safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate-lipiodol (NBCA-Lp) for the large bowel and to investigate the vital response to NBCA-Lp in a swine model. In nine swine, nine arteries nourishing the colon were embolized with NBCA-Lp (1 ml of NBCA mixed with 4 ml of lipiodol): sigmoid-rectal branch artery in six swine, right colic branch artery in two, and middle colic branch artery in one. The amount of NBCA-Lp was 0.1-0.4 ml. Sacrifice was conducted 3 days after TAE to identify histological infarction. Classification was conducted retrospectively: group A, vasa rectamore » without NBCA-Lp embolization despite TAE; group B, three or fewer vasa recta with NBCA-Lp embolization; and group C, five or more vasa recta with NBCA-Lp embolization. In one swine in group A, no necrotic focus was observed. In group B, three of four swine experienced no ischemic damage. The remaining one swine experienced necrosis of mucosal and submucosal layers in one-fourth of the circumference. In group C, all four swine with marginal artery and five vasa recta or more embolized experienced total necrosis of mucosa, submucosa, and smooth muscle layers of the whole colonic circumference. Significant difference on the extent of ischemic damage was observed between groups B and C (P < 0.05). Microscopically, NBCA-Lp induced acute vasculitis. Embolization of three or fewer vasa recta with NBCA-Lp induced no ischemic damage or limited necrosis, whereas embolization of five or more vasa recta with NBCA-Lp induced extensive necrosis.« less

A pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism in the 5' control region of the apolipoprotein(a) gene is associated with lipoprotein(a) plasma concentrations in Caucasians.

PubMed Central

Trommsdorff, M; Köchl, S; Lingenhel, A; Kronenberg, F; Delport, R; Vermaak, H; Lemming, L; Klausen, I C; Faergeman, O; Utermann, G

1995-01-01

The enormous interindividual variation in the plasma concentrations of the atherogenic lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is almost entirely controlled by the apo(a) locus on chromosome 6q26-q27. A variable number of transcribed kringle4 repeats (K4-VNTR) in the gene explains a large fraction of this variation, whereas the rest is presently unexplained. We here have analyzed the effect of the K4-VNTR and of a pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism (TTTTA)n (n = 6-11) in the 5' control region of the apo(a) gene on plasma Lp(a) levels in unrelated healthy Tyroleans (n = 130), Danes (n = 154), and Black South Africans (n = 112). The K4-VNTR had a significant effect on plasma Lp(a) levels in Caucasians and explained 41 and 45% of the variation in Lp(a) plasma concentration in Tyroleans and Danes, respectively. Both, the pentanucleotide repeat (PNR) allele frequencies and their effects on Lp(a) concentrations were heterogeneous among populations. A significant negative correlation between the number of pentanucleotide repeats and the plasma Lp(a) concentration was observed in Tyroleans and Danes. The effect of the 5' PNRP on plasma Lp(a) concentrations was independent from the K4-VNTR and explained from 10 to 14% of the variation in Lp(a) concentrations in Caucasians. No significant effect of the PNRP was present in Black Africans. This suggests allelic association between PNR alleles and sequences affecting Lp(a) levels in Caucasians. Thus, in Caucasians but not in Blacks, concentrations of the atherogenic Lp(a) particle are strongly associated with two repeat polymorphisms in the apo(a) gene. Images PMID:7615785

Tonic nanomolar dopamine enables an activity-dependent phase recovery mechanism that persistently alters the maximal conductance of the hyperpolarization-activated current in a rhythmically active neuron.

PubMed

Rodgers, Edmund W; Fu, Jing Jing; Krenz, Wulf-Dieter C; Baro, Deborah J

2011-11-09

The phases at which network neurons fire in rhythmic motor outputs are critically important for the proper generation of motor behaviors. The pyloric network in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion generates a rhythmic motor output wherein neuronal phase relationships are remarkably invariant across individuals and throughout lifetimes. The mechanisms for maintaining these robust phase relationships over the long-term are not well described. Here we show that tonic nanomolar dopamine (DA) acts at type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs) to enable an activity-dependent mechanism that can contribute to phase maintenance in the lateral pyloric (LP) neuron. The LP displays continuous rhythmic bursting. The activity-dependent mechanism was triggered by a prolonged decrease in LP burst duration, and it generated a persistent increase in the maximal conductance (G(max)) of the LP hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)), but only in the presence of steady-state DA. Interestingly, micromolar DA produces an LP phase advance accompanied by a decrease in LP burst duration that abolishes normal LP network function. During a 1 h application of micromolar DA, LP phase recovered over tens of minutes because, the activity-dependent mechanism enabled by steady-state DA was triggered by the micromolar DA-induced decrease in LP burst duration. Presumably, this mechanism restored normal LP network function. These data suggest steady-state DA may enable homeostatic mechanisms that maintain motor network output during protracted neuromodulation. This DA-enabled, activity-dependent mechanism to preserve phase may be broadly relevant, as diminished dopaminergic tone has recently been shown to reduce I(h) in rhythmically active neurons in the mammalian brain.

Transcriptome analysis of the epidermis of the purple quail-like (q-lp) mutant of silkworm, Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Wang, Pingyang; Qiu, Zhiyong; Xia, Dingguo; Tang, Shunming; Shen, Xingjia; Zhao, Qiaoling

2017-01-01

A new purple quail-like (q-lp) mutant found from the plain silkworm strain 932VR has pigment dots on the epidermis similar to the pigment mutant quail (q). In addition, q-lp mutant larvae are inactive, consume little and grow slowly, with a high death rate and other developmental abnormalities. Pigmentation of the silkworm epidermis consists of melanin, ommochrome and pteridine. Silkworm development is regulated by ecdysone and juvenile hormone. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq on the epidermis of the q-lp mutant in the 4th instar during molting, with 932VR serving as the control. The results showed 515 differentially expressed genes, of which 234 were upregulated and 281 downregulated in q-lp. BLASTGO analysis indicated that the downregulated genes mainly encode protein-binding proteins, membrane components, oxidation/reduction enzymes, and proteolytic enzymes, whereas the upregulated genes largely encode cuticle structural constituents, membrane components, transport related proteins, and protein-binding proteins. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to verify the accuracy of the RNA-Seq data, focusing on key genes for biosynthesis of the three pigments and chitin as well as genes encoding cuticular proteins and several related nuclear receptors, which are thought to play key roles in the q-lp mutant. We drew three conclusions based on the results: 1) melanin, ommochrome and pteridine pigments are all increased in the q-lp mutant; 2) more cuticle proteins are expressed in q-lp than in 932VR, and the number of upregulated cuticular genes is significantly greater than downregulated genes; 3) the downstream pathway regulated by ecdysone is blocked in the q-lp mutant. Our research findings lay the foundation for further research on the developmental changes responsible for the q-lp mutant.

A Prospective Comparison of Robotic and Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty

PubMed Central

Link, Richard E.; Bhayani, Sam B.; Kavoussi, Louis R.

2006-01-01

Objective: To determine whether robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (RLP) has any significant clinical or cost advantages over laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for surgeons already facile with intracorporeal suturing. Summary Background Data: LP has become an established management approach for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. More recently, the da Vinci robot has been applied to this procedure (RLP) in an attempt to shorten the learning curve. Whether RLP provides any significant advantage over LP for the experienced laparoscopist remains unclear. Methods: Ten consecutive cases each of transperitoneal RLP and LP performed by a single surgeon were compared prospectively with respect to surgical times and perioperative outcomes. Cost assessment was performed by sensitivity analysis using a mathematical cost model incorporating operative time, anesthesia fees, consumables, and capital equipment depreciation. Results: The RLP and LP groups had statistically indistinguishable demographics, pathology, and similar perioperative outcomes. Mean operative and total room time for RLP was significantly longer than LP by 19.5 and 39.0 minutes, respectively. RLP was much more costly than LP (2.7 times), due to longer operative time, increased consumables costs, and depreciation of the costly da Vinci system. However, even if depreciation was eliminated, RLP was still 1.7 times as costly as LP. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that LP operative time must increase to almost 6.5 hours for it to become cost equivalent to RLP. Conclusions: For the experienced laparoscopist, application of the da Vinci robot resulted in no significant clinical advantage and added substantial cost to transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. PMID:16552199

A prospective comparison of robotic and laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

PubMed

Link, Richard E; Bhayani, Sam B; Kavoussi, Louis R

2006-04-01

To determine whether robotic-assisted pyeloplasty (RLP) has any significant clinical or cost advantages over laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) for surgeons already facile with intracorporeal suturing. LP has become an established management approach for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction. More recently, the da Vinci robot has been applied to this procedure (RLP) in an attempt to shorten the learning curve. Whether RLP provides any significant advantage over LP for the experienced laparoscopist remains unclear. Ten consecutive cases each of transperitoneal RLP and LP performed by a single surgeon were compared prospectively with respect to surgical times and perioperative outcomes. Cost assessment was performed by sensitivity analysis using a mathematical cost model incorporating operative time, anesthesia fees, consumables, and capital equipment depreciation. The RLP and LP groups had statistically indistinguishable demographics, pathology, and similar perioperative outcomes. Mean operative and total room time for RLP was significantly longer than LP by 19.5 and 39.0 minutes, respectively. RLP was much more costly than LP (2.7 times), due to longer operative time, increased consumables costs, and depreciation of the costly da Vinci system. However, even if depreciation was eliminated, RLP was still 1.7 times as costly as LP. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that LP operative time must increase to almost 6.5 hours for it to become cost equivalent to RLP. For the experienced laparoscopist, application of the da Vinci robot resulted in no significant clinical advantage and added substantial cost to transperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty.

Expanding proteome coverage with orthogonal-specificity α-Lytic proteases

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

Meyer, Jesse G.; Kim, Sangtae; Maltby, David A.

2014-03-01

Bottom-up proteomics studies traditionally involve proteome digestion with a single protease, trypsin. However, trypsin alone does not generate peptides that encompass the entire proteome. Alternative proteases have been explored, but most have specificity for charged amino acid side chains. Therefore, additional proteases that improve proteome coverage by cleavage at sequences complimentary to trypsin may increase proteome coverage. We demonstrate the novel application of two proteases for bottom-up proteomics: wild type alpha-lytic protease (WaLP), and an active site mutant of WaLP, M190A alpha-lytic protease (MaLP). We assess several relevant factors including MS/MS fragmentation, peptide length, peptide yield, and protease specificity. Bymore » combining data from separate digestions with trypsin, LysC, WaLP, and MaLP, proteome coverage was increased 101% compared to trypsin digestion alone. To demonstrate how the gained sequence coverage can access additional PTM information, we show identification of a number of novel phosphorylation sites in the S. pombe proteome and include an illustrative example from the protein MPD2, wherein two novel sites are identified, one in a tryptic peptide too short to identify and the other in a sequence devoid of tryptic sites. The specificity of WaLP and MaLP for aliphatic amino acid side chains was particularly valuable for coverage of membrane protein sequences, which increased 350% when the data from trypsin, LysC, WaLP, and MaLP were combined.« less

78 FR 32294 - DeltaPoint Capital IV, L.P., DeltaPoint Capital IV (New York), L.P., License No. 02/02-0662,02/02...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-29

... Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended (``the Act''), in connection with the financing of a... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DeltaPoint Capital IV, L.P., DeltaPoint Capital IV (New York), L.P., License No. 02/02-0662,02/02-0661; Notice Seeking Exemption Under Section 312 of the Small Business...

Production and characterization of a tributyrin esterase from Lactobacillus plantarum suitable for cheese lipolysis.

PubMed

Esteban-Torres, M; Mancheño, J M; de las Rivas, B; Muñoz, R

2014-11-01

Lactobacillus plantarum is a lactic acid bacterium that can be found during cheese ripening. Lipolysis of milk triacylglycerols to free fatty acids during cheese ripening has fundamental consequences on cheese flavor. In the present study, the gene lp_1760, encoding a putative esterase or lipase, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the overproduced Lp_1760 protein was biochemically characterized. Lp_1760 hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids from C2 to C16, with a preference for p-nitrophenyl butyrate. On triglycerides, Lp_1760 showed higher activity on tributyrin than on triacetin. Although optimal conditions for activity were 45°C and pH 7, Lp_1760 retains activity under conditions commonly found during cheese making and ripening. The Lp_1760 showed more than 50% activity at 5°C and exhibited thermal stability at high temperatures. Enzymatic activity was strongly inhibited by sodium dodecyl sulfate and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The Lp_1760 tributyrin esterase showed high activity in the presence of NaCl, lactic acid, and calcium chloride. The results suggest that Lp_1760 might be a useful tributyrin esterase to be used in cheese manufacturing. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Transform-Based Feature Extraction Approach for Motor Imagery Tasks Classification

PubMed Central

Khorshidtalab, Aida; Mesbah, Mostefa; Salami, Momoh J. E.

2015-01-01

In this paper, we present a new motor imagery classification method in the context of electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain–computer interface (BCI). This method uses a signal-dependent orthogonal transform, referred to as linear prediction singular value decomposition (LP-SVD), for feature extraction. The transform defines the mapping as the left singular vectors of the LP coefficient filter impulse response matrix. Using a logistic tree-based model classifier; the extracted features are classified into one of four motor imagery movements. The proposed approach was first benchmarked against two related state-of-the-art feature extraction approaches, namely, discrete cosine transform (DCT) and adaptive autoregressive (AAR)-based methods. By achieving an accuracy of 67.35%, the LP-SVD approach outperformed the other approaches by large margins (25% compared with DCT and 6 % compared with AAR-based methods). To further improve the discriminatory capability of the extracted features and reduce the computational complexity, we enlarged the extracted feature subset by incorporating two extra features, namely, Q- and the Hotelling’s \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document} }{}$T^{2}$ \\end{document} statistics of the transformed EEG and introduced a new EEG channel selection method. The performance of the EEG classification based on the expanded feature set and channel selection method was compared with that of a number of the state-of-the-art classification methods previously reported with the BCI IIIa competition data set. Our method came second with an average accuracy of 81.38%. PMID:27170898

[Geographic Altitude of Residence and Alcohol Dependence in a Peruvian Population].

PubMed

Quiñones-Laveriano, Dante Manuel; Espinoza-Chiong, César; Scarsi-Mejia, Ottavia; Rojas-Camayo, José; Mejia, Christian Richard

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the association between alcohol dependence and altitude of residence in 11 villages in two high altitude areas of Peru. An analytical cross-sectional study was performed using a survey conducted by physicians in primary health care in 11 villages until 2013, that were divided into low altitude (≤2500m asl (above sea level)), and high altitude (>2500m asl) areas. The CAGE test for alcoholism (cut point, ≥2) was applied to those who responded positively when asked if they consumed alcohol. Statistical associations were obtained with generalised linear models Of the 737 participants, 51% were women and the median age was 36 years [interquartile range, 25-50], 334 (45%) lived at low altitude, and 113 (15%) had alcohol dependence. The highest frequency of alcoholism was positively associated with being a village considered extremely poor (Likelihood Ratio (LP)=2.42; 95%CI, 1.40-4.19), while being female (LP=0.44; 95%CI, 0.23-0.89) and residing at high altitude (LP=0.15; 95%CI, 0.07-0.31) were negatively associated. These were adjusted for nine socio-occupational and pathological variables. According to these data, there is a higher frequency of alcohol dependence in being, male, extremely poor, and residing at low altitude. These results should be taken into account by professionals who work in primary care and those involved in mental health care, because of their implications in society. Copyright © 2015 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Immunohistochemical expression of perforin in lichen planus lesions.

PubMed

Gaber, Mohamed Abdelwahed; Maraee, Alaa Hassan; Alsheraky, Dalia Rifaat; Azeem, Marwa Hussain Abdel

2014-12-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory papulosquamous skin disease characterized by epidermal basal cell damage and a particular band-like infiltrate predominantly of T cells in the upper dermis. It is characterized by the formation of colloid bodies representing apoptotic keratinocytes. The apoptotic process mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells mainly involves two distinct pathways: the perforin/granzyme pathway and the Fas/FasL pathway. So far, little is known regarding the role of perforin-mediated apoptosis in LP. Is to study the expression and distribution of perforin in the epidermis and dermis of lesional LP skin. Skin biopsy specimens from lesional skin of 31 patients with LP and 10 healthy persons were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Significant accumulation of perforin + cells was found in both epidermis and dermis of LP lesions compared with healthy skin. Perforin expression was significantly upregulated in the epidermis of LP lesions. Accumulation of perforin + cells in the epidermis of LP lesions suggest a potential role of perforin in the apoptosis of basal keratinocytes.

The chemistry and pharmacology of Ligularia przewalskii: A review.

PubMed

Liu, Shi-Jun; Tang, Zhi-Shu; Liao, Zhi-Xin; Cui, Chun-Li; Liu, Hong-Bo; Liang, Yan-Ni; Zhang, Yu; Xu, Hong-Bo; Zhang, Dong-Bo; Zheng, Ya-Ting; Shi, Huan-Xian; Li, Shi-Ying

2018-06-12

Ligularia przewalskii (Maxim.) Diels (LP) (called zhangyetuowu in Chinese), is generally found in moist forest areas in the western regions of China. The root, leaves and flower of LP are utilized as a common traditional medicine in China. It has been utilized conventionally in herbal remedies for the remedy of haemoptysis, asthma, pulmonary phthisis, jaundice hepatitis, food poisoning, bronchitis, cough, fever, wound healing, measles, carbuncle, swelling and phlegm diseases. The review aims to provide a systematic summary of LP and to reveal the correlation between the traditional uses and pharmacological activities in order to provide updated, comprehensive and categorized information and identify the therapeutic potential for its use as a new medicine. The relevant data were searched by using the keywords "Ligularia przewalskii" "phytochemistry", "pharmacology", "Traditional uses", and "Toxicity" in "Scopus", "Scifinder", "Springer", "Pubmed", "Wiley", "Web of Science", "China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases (CNKI)", "Ph.D." and "M.Sc. dissertations", and a hand-search was done to acquire peer-reviewed articles and reports about LP. The plant taxonomy was validated by the databases "The Plant List", "Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae", "A Collection of Qinghai Economic Plants", "Inner Mongolia plant medicine Chi", Zhonghua-bencao and the Standard of Chinese herbal medicine in Gansu. Based on the traditional uses, the chemical nature and biological effects of LP have been the focus of research. In modern research, approximately seventy-six secondary metabolites, including thirty-eight terpenoids, nine benzofuran derivatives, seven flavonoids, ten sterols and others, were isolated from this plant. They exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-bacterial and anti-tumour effects, and so on. Currently, there is no report on the toxicity of LP, but hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (HPA) were first detected with LC/MS n in LP, and they have potential hepatotoxicity. The lung-moistening, cough-relieving and phlegm-resolving actions of the root of LP are attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids and terpenoids. The heat-clearing, dampness-removing and gallbladder-normalizing (to cure jaundice) actions of the flowers of LP are based on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity properties of terpenoids, flavonoids and sterols. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) characteristics of LP (bitter flavour) corroborate its potent anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of LP contribute to its anti-tumour and antitussive activities. Many conventional uses of LP have now been validated by modernized pharmacological research. For future research, further phytochemical and biological studies need to be conducted on LP, In particular, the safety, mechanism of action and efficacy of LP could be of future research interest before beginning clinical trials. More in vivo experiments and clinical studies are encouraged to further clarify the relation between traditional uses and modern applications. Regarding the roots, leaves and flowers of LP, their chemical compositions and clinical effects should be compared. The information on LP will be helpful in providing and identifying its therapeutic potential and economic value for its use as a new medicine in the future. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The influence of low frequency sound on the changes of EEG signal morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damijan, Z.; Wiciak, J.

2006-11-01

The effects of low frequency sound on the changes of morphology of the spectral power density function of EEG signals were studied as a part of the research program f = 40 Hz, Lp = 110 dB HP. The research program involved 33 experiments. A quantitative analysis was conducted of the driving response effect for the fundamental frequency and its harmonics to find the frequency of the driving response effect occurrence depending on the sex of participants.

77 FR 4028 - Orders Granting, Amending and Vacating Authority To Import and Export Natural Gas and Liquefied...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-26

..., L.P 92-35-LNG AGENCY: Office of Fossil Energy, Department of Energy (DOE). ACTION: Notice of orders. SUMMARY: The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy gives notice that during December... site at http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/gasregulation/authorizations/Orders-2011.html . They are...

75 FR 64296 - Revised Record of Decision for Offer of Conditional Commitment for a Loan Guarantee for, and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-19

... Energy (DOE), Loan Programs Office (LP) and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). ACTION: Revised Record..., Oregon. This ROD revises a previous BPA ROD approving the interconnection of the Wind Project to the... Project for: The issuance by BPA of modified Large Generator Interconnection Agreements (LGIAs); and the...

COS FUV BOA performance at LP4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, James

2016-10-01

This is a program to observe the photometric standard star G191-B2B with the bright object aperture (BOA) for one external orbit. Spectra will be obtained in the G130M, G160M, and G140L gratings at one cenwave each to 1) roughly measure the spectral resolution and 2) obtain the cross-dispersion profiles

On Parle Francais Ici: The People of the St. John Valley Have a Tremendous Advantage.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banville, Beurmond J.

1995-01-01

A change in philosophy concerning the maintenance of native languages has led to local efforts to revive the French language in the St. John Valley (Maine), including the formation of a community organization and implementation of language programs in which children in all grades receive daily instruction in French. (LP)

Immunologic evaluation of 10 different adjuvants for use in vaccines for chickens against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are a threat to poultry production worldwide. Vaccination is utilized as a component of control programs for both high pathogenicity (HP) and low pathogenicity (LP) AIV. Over 95% of all AIV vaccine used in poultry are inactivated, adjuvanted products. To identify the be...

Discordant response of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) levels to monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9.

PubMed

Edmiston, Jonathan B; Brooks, Nathan; Tavori, Hagai; Minnier, Jessica; Duell, Bart; Purnell, Jonathan Q; Kaufman, Tina; Wojcik, Cezary; Voros, Szilard; Fazio, Sergio; Shapiro, Michael D

Clinical trials testing proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have demonstrated an unanticipated but significant lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a))-lowering effect, on the order of 25% to 30%. Although the 50% to 60% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C) achieved by PCSK9i is mediated through its effect on LDL receptor (LDLR) preservation, the mechanism for Lp(a) lowering is unknown. We sought to characterize the degree of concordance between LDL-C and Lp(a) lowering because of PCSK9i in a standard of care patient cohort. Participants were selected from our Center for Preventive Cardiology, an outpatient referral center in a tertiary academic medical center. Subjects were included in this study if they had (1) at least 1 measurement of LDL-C and Lp(a) before and after initiation of the PCSK9i; (2) baseline Lp(a) > 10 mg/dL; and (3) continued adherence to PCSK9i therapy. They were excluded if (1) they were undergoing LDL apheresis; (2) pre- or post-PCSK9i LDL-C or Lp(a) laboratory values were censored; or (3) subjects discontinued other lipid-modifying therapies. In total, 103 subjects were identified as taking a PCSK9i and 26 met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Concordant response to therapy was defined as an LDL-C reduction >35% and an Lp(a) reduction >10%. The cohort consisted of 26 subjects (15 females, 11 males, mean age 63 ± 12 years). Baseline mean LDL-C and median Lp(a) levels were 167.4 ± 72 mg/dL and 81 mg/dL (interquartile range 38-136 mg/dL), respectively. The average percent reductions in LDL-C and Lp(a) were 52.8% (47.0-58.6) and 20.2% (12.2-28.1). The correlation between %LDL and %Lp(a) reduction was moderate, with a Spearman's correlation of 0.56 (P < .01). All subjects except for 1 had a protocol-appropriate LDL-C response to therapy. However, only 16 of the 26 (62%; 95% confidence interval 41%-82%) subjects had a protocol-concordant Lp(a) response. Although some subjects demonstrated negligible Lp(a) reduction associated with PCSK9i, there were some whose Lp(a) decreased as much as 60%. In this standard-of-care setting, we demonstrate moderate correlation but large discordance (∼40%) in these 2 lipid fractions in response to PCSK9i. The results suggest that pathways beyond the LDLR are responsible for Lp(a) lowering and indicate that PCSK9i have the potential to significantly lower Lp(a) in select patients, although confirmation in larger multicenter studies is required. Copyright © 2017 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The LP-ESP(®) lumbar disc prosthesis with 6 degrees of freedom: development and 7 years of clinical experience.

PubMed

Lazennec, Jean-Yves; Aaron, Alain; Brusson, Adrien; Rakover, Jean-Patrick; Rousseau, Marc-Antoine

2013-02-01

The viscoelastic lumbar disk prosthesis-elastic spine pad (LP-ESP(®)) is an innovative one-piece deformable but cohesive interbody spacer providing 6 full degrees of freedom about the 3 axes, including shock absorption. A 20-year research program has demonstrated that this concept provides mechanical properties very close to those of a natural disk. Improvements in technology have made it possible to solve the problem of the bond between the elastic component and the titanium endplates and to obtain an excellent biostability. The prosthesis geometry allows limited rotation and translation with resistance to motion (elastic return property) aimed at avoiding overload of the posterior facets. The rotation center can vary freely during motion. It thus differs substantially from current prostheses, which are 2- or 3-piece devices involving 1 or 2 bearing surfaces and providing 3 or 5 degrees of freedom. This design and the adhesion-molding technology differentiate the LP-ESP prosthesis from other mono-elastomeric prostheses, for which the constraints of shearing during rotations or movement are absorbed at the endplate interface. Seven years after the first implantation, we can document in a solid and detailed fashion the course of clinical outcomes and the radiological postural and kinematic behavior of this prosthesis.

Signal averaging technique for noninvasive recording of late potentials in patients with coronary artery disease

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abboud, S.; Blatt, C. M.; Lown, B.; Graboys, T. B.; Sadeh, D.; Cohen, R. J.

1987-01-01

An advanced non invasive signal averaging technique was used to detect late potentials in two groups of patients: Group A (24 patients) with coronary artery disease (CAD) and without sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and Group B (8 patients) with CAD and sustained VT. Recorded analog data were digitized and aligned using a cross correlation function with fast Fourier transform schema, averaged and band pass filtered between 60 and 200 Hz with a non-recursive digital filter. Averaged filtered waveforms were analyzed by computer program for 3 parameters: (1) filtered QRS (fQRS) duration (2) interval between the peak of the R wave peak and the end of fQRS (R-LP) (3) RMS value of last 40 msec of fQRS (RMS). Significant change was found between Groups A and B in fQRS (101 -/+ 13 msec vs 123 -/+ 15 msec; p < .0005) and in R-LP vs 52 -/+ 11 msec vs 71-/+18 msec, p <.002). We conclude that (1) the use of a cross correlation triggering method and non-recursive digital filter enables a reliable recording of late potentials from the body surface; (2) fQRS and R-LP durations are sensitive indicators of CAD patients susceptible to VT.

Higher protein intake increases cardiac function parameters in healthy children: metabolic programming by infant nutrition-secondary analysis from a clinical trial.

PubMed

Collell, Rosa; Closa-Monasterolo, Ricardo; Ferré, Natalia; Luque, Veronica; Koletzko, Berthold; Grote, Veit; Janas, Roman; Verduci, Elvira; Escribano, Joaquín

2016-06-01

Protein intake may modulate cardiac structure and function in pathological conditions, but there is a lack of knowledge on potential effects in healthy infants. Secondary analysis of an ongoing randomized clinical trial comparing two groups of infants receiving a higher (HP) or lower (LP) protein content formula in the first year of life, and compared with an observational group of breastfed (BF) infants. Growth and dietary intake were assessed periodically from birth to 2 y. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis parameters were analyzed at 6 mo in a blood sample. At 2 y, cardiac mass and function were assessed by echocardiography. HP infants (n = 50) showed a higher BMI z-score at 2 y compared with LP (n = 47) or BF (n = 44). Cardiac function parameters were increased in the HP group compared with the LP and were directly related to the protein intake during the first 6 mo of life. Moreover, there was an increase in free IGF-1 in the HP group at 6 mo. A moderate increase in protein supply during the first year of life is associated with higher cardiac function parameters at 2 y. IGF-1 axis modifications may, at least in part, underlie these effects.

A novel optical waveguide LP01/LP02 mode converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Dongya; Wang, Changhui; Ma, Chuan; Mellah, Hakim; Zhang, Xiupu; Yuan, Hong; Ren, Wenping

2018-07-01

A novel optical waveguide LP01 /LP02 mode converter is proposed using combination of bicone structure based on the coupled-mode theory. It is composed of a cladding, a tapered core and combined bicone structure. It is found that this mode converter can have operating bandwidth of 1350-1700 nm, i.e. 350 nm, with a conversion efficiency of ∼90% (∼0.5 dB) and low crosstalk from other modes

Wavelength-independent all-fiber mode converters.

PubMed

Lai, K; Leon-Saval, S G; Witkowska, A; Wadsworth, W J; Birks, T A

2007-02-15

We have used two different photonic crystal fiber (PCF) techniques to make all-fiber mode converters. An LP(01) to LP(11) mode converter was made by the ferrule technique on a drawing tower, and an LP(01) to LP(02) mode converter was made by controlled hole inflation of an existing PCF on a tapering rig. Both devices rely on adiabatic propagation rather than resonant coupling; so high extinction was achieved across a wide wavelength range.

Advanced Russian Mission Laplace-P to Study the Planetary System of Jupiter: Scientific Goals, Objectives, Special Features and Mission Profile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martynov, M. B.; Merkulov, P. V.; Lomakin, I. V.; Vyatlev, P. A.; Simonov, A. V.; Leun, E. V.; Barabanov, A. A.; Nasyrov, A. F.

2017-12-01

The advanced Russian project Laplace-P is aimed at developing and launching two scientific spacecraft (SC)— Laplace-P1 ( LP1 SC) and Laplace-P2 ( LP2 SC)—designed for remote and in-situ studies of the system of Jupiter and its moon Ganymede. The LP1 and LP2 spacecraft carry an orbiter and a lander onboard, respectively. One of the orbiter's objectives is to map the surface of Ganymede from the artificial satellite's orbit and to acquire the data for the landing site selection. The main objective of the lander is to carry out in-situ investigations of Ganymede's surface. The paper describes the scientific goals and objectives of the mission, its special features, and the LP1 and LP2 mission profiles during all of the phases—from the launch to the landing on the surface of Ganymede.

65 nm LP/GP mix low cost platform for multi-media wireless and consumer applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavel, B.; Duriez, B.; Gwoziecki, R.; Basso, M. T.; Julien, C.; Ortolland, C.; Laplanche, Y.; Fox, R.; Sabouret, E.; Detcheverry, C.; Boeuf, F.; Morin, P.; Barge, D.; Bidaud, M.; Biénacel, J.; Garnier, P.; Cooper, K.; Chapon, J. D.; Trouiller, Y.; Belledent, J.; Broekaart, M.; Gouraud, P.; Denais, M.; Huard, V.; Rochereau, K.; Difrenza, R.; Planes, N.; Marin, M.; Boret, S.; Gloria, D.; Vanbergue, S.; Abramowitz, P.; Vishnubhotla, L.; Reber, D.; Stolk, P.; Woo, M.; Arnaud, F.

2006-04-01

A complete 65 nm CMOS platform, called LP/GP Mix, has been developed employing thick oxide transistor (IO), Low Power (LP) and General Purpose (GP) devices on the same chip. Dedicated to wireless multi-media and consumer applications, this new triple gate oxide platform is low cost (+1mask only) and saves over 35% of dynamic power with the use of the low operating voltage GP. The LP/GP mix shows competitive digital performance with a ring oscillator (FO = 1) speed equal to 7 ps per stage (GP) and 6T-SRAM static power lower than 10 pA/cell (LP). Compatible with mixed-signal design requirements, transistors show high voltage gain, low mismatch factor and low flicker noise. Moreover, to address mobile phone demands, excellent RF performance has been achieved with FT = 160 GHz for LP and 280 GHz for GP nMOS transistors.

The influence of low protein diet on the testicular toxicity of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.

PubMed

Tandon, R; Paramar, D; Singh, G B; Seth, P K; Srivastava, S P

1992-12-01

Oral administration of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) at 1000 mg/kg body weight to adult male albino rats maintained on low protein (LP) diet for 15 d resulted in a greater decrease in absolute and relative weights of the testis and in epididymal sperm count than in those rats maintained on a normal protein (NP) diet. A marked increase in the activity of testicular beta-glucuronidase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in the LP-fed animals suggested that LP diet enhanced the vulnerability of Sertoli cells towards DEHP. A greater decrease in the activity of testicular acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-X (LDH-X) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) in the LP-fed animals occurred in comparison to NP-fed animals. Degeneration of mature germinal cells in the LP-fed animals on exposure to DEHP suggested that LP diets enhance the susceptibility of the testis towards DEHP.

Theoretical Study of Operational Limits of High-Speed Quantum Dot Lasers

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-09

esc − vLn,captnL − b1 BnL pL, (1) b1 ∂pL ∂ t = p L QW τLp,esc − vLp,capt pL − b1 BnL pL, (2) for free holes and electrons on the right-hand side of...on the left- hand side of the OCL can be written as follows: pLQW τp,esc = vLp,capt pL + b1 BnL pL. (28) Substituting pLQW/τp,esc−vLp,capt pL = b1 BnL ...pL in (6), we have B2Dn L QW p L QW + b1 BnL pL = wLp,tunn pL,QW1 NS fp − wLp,tunn NS(1 − fp)pLQW. (29) As seen from (29), bimolecular recombination

Distinguishing high surf from volcanic long-period earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lyons, John; Haney, Matt; Fee, David; Paskievitch, John F.

2014-01-01

Repeating long-period (LP) earthquakes are observed at active volcanoes worldwide and are typically attributed to unsteady pressure fluctuations associated with fluid migration through the volcanic plumbing system. Nonvolcanic sources of LP signals include ice movement and glacial outburst floods, and the waveform characteristics and frequency content of these events often make them difficult to distinguish from volcanic LP events. We analyze seismic and infrasound data from an LP swarm recorded at Pagan volcano on 12–14 October 2013 and compare the results to ocean wave data from a nearby buoy. We demonstrate that although the events show strong similarity to volcanic LP signals, the events are not volcanic but due to intense surf generated by a passing typhoon. Seismo-acoustic methods allow for rapid distinction of volcanic LP signals from those generated by large surf and other sources, a critical task for volcano monitoring.

Characterization of a cold-active esterase from Lactobacillus plantarum suitable for food fermentations.

PubMed

Esteban-Torres, María; Mancheño, José Miguel; de las Rivas, Blanca; Muñoz, Rosario

2014-06-04

Lactobacillus plantarum is a lactic acid bacteria that can be found in numerous fermented foods. Esterases from L. plantarum exert a fundamental role in food aroma. In the present study, the gene lp_2631 encoding a putative esterase was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the overproduced Lp_2631 protein has been biochemically characterized. Lp_2631 exhibited optimal esterase activity at 20 °C and more than 90% of maximal activity at 5 °C, being the first cold-active esterase described in a lactic acid bacteria. Lp_2631 exhibited 40% of its maximal activity after 2 h of incubation at 65 °C. Lp_2631 also showed marked activity in the presence of compounds commonly found in food fermentations, such as NaCl, ethanol, or lactic acid. The results suggest that Lp_2631 might be a useful esterase to be used in food fermentations.

Near-infrared-fluorescence imaging of lymph nodes by using liposomally formulated indocyanine green derivatives.

PubMed

Toyota, Taro; Fujito, Hiromichi; Suganami, Akiko; Ouchi, Tomoki; Ooishi, Aki; Aoki, Akira; Onoue, Kazutaka; Muraki, Yutaka; Madono, Tomoyuki; Fujinami, Masanori; Tamura, Yutaka; Hayashi, Hideki

2014-01-15

Liposomally formulated indocyanine green (LP-ICG) has drawn much attention as a highly sensitive near-infrared (NIR)-fluorescence probe for tumors or lymph nodes in vivo. We synthesized ICG derivatives tagged with alkyl chains (ICG-Cn), and we examined NIR-fluorescence imaging for lymph nodes in the lower extremities of mice by using liposomally formulated ICG-Cn (LP-ICG-Cn) as well as conventional liposomally formulated ICG (LP-ICG) and ICG. Analysis with a noninvasive preclinical NIR-fluorescence imaging system revealed that LP-ICG-Cn accumulates in only the popliteal lymph node 1h after injection into the footpad, whereas LP-ICG and ICG accumulate in the popliteal lymph node and other organs like the liver. This result indicates that LP-ICG-Cn is a useful NIR-fluorescence probe for noninvasive in vivo bioimaging, especially for the sentinel lymph node. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hyperkeratotic Palmoplantar Lichen Planus in a child

PubMed Central

Madke, Bhushan; Gutte, Rameshwar; Doshi, Bhavana; Khopkar, Uday

2013-01-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a common idiopathic inflammatory disorder that affects the flexor aspect of the wrists, the legs, and the oral and genital mucosa. Depending upon the site of involvement, LP can be divided into mucosal, nail, scalp, or palmoplantar types. Palmoplantar LP can pose a diagnostic problem to the clinician as it resembles common dermatoses like psoriasis, verruca, corn, calluses, lichenoid drug eruption, and papular syphilide of secondary syphilis. In this case report, we describe a 4-year-old male child who presented with highly pruritic erythematous to violaceous hyperkeratotic papules and plaques on his palms and soles. Typical LP papules were noted on the upper back. Histopathology of the papular lesion showed features of LP. Dermatoscopy of a papule from the back showed the characteristic Wickham striae. We report this rare involvement of palm and soles in a case of childhood LP. PMID:24082195

Immunogenicity, Safety, and Tolerability of Bivalent rLP2086 Meningococcal Group B Vaccine Administered Concomitantly With Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis and Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccines to Healthy Adolescents.

PubMed

Vesikari, Timo; Wysocki, Jacek; Beeslaar, Johannes; Eiden, Joseph; Jiang, Qin; Jansen, Kathrin U; Jones, Thomas R; Harris, Shannon L; O'Neill, Robert E; York, Laura J; Perez, John L

2016-06-01

Concomitant administration of bivalent rLP2086 (Trumenba [Pfizer, Inc] and diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis and inactivated poliovirus vaccine (DTaP/IPV) was immunologically noninferior to DTaP/IPV and saline and was safe and well tolerated. Bivalent rLP2086 elicited robust and broad bactericidal antibody responses to diverse Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strains expressing antigens heterologous to vaccine antigens after 2 and 3 vaccinations. Bivalent rLP2086, a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MnB) vaccine (Trumenba [Pfizer, Inc]) recently approved in the United States to prevent invasive MnB disease in individuals aged 10-25 years, contains recombinant subfamily A and B factor H binding proteins (fHBPs). This study evaluated the coadministration of Repevax (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis and inactivated poliovirus vaccine [DTaP/IPV]) (Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Ltd) and bivalent rLP2086. Healthy adolescents aged ≥11 to <19 years received bivalent rLP2086 + DTaP/IPV or saline + DTaP/IPV at month 0 and bivalent rLP2086 or saline at months 2 and 6. The primary end point was the proportion of participants in whom prespecified levels of antibodies to DTaP/IPV were achieved 1 month after DTaP/IPV administration. Immune responses to bivalent rLP2086 were measured with serum bactericidal assays using human complement (hSBAs) against 4 MnB test strains expressing fHBP subfamily A or B proteins different from the vaccine antigens. Participants were randomly assigned to receive bivalent rLP2086 + DTaP/IPV (n = 373) or saline + DTaP/IPV (n = 376). Immune responses to DTaP/IPV in participants who received bivalent rLP2086 + DTaP/IPV were noninferior to those in participants who received saline + DTaP/IPV.The proportions of bivalent rLP2086 + DTaP/IPV recipients with prespecified seroprotective hSBA titers to the 4 MnB test strains were 55.5%-97.3% after vaccination 2 and 81.5%-100% after vaccination 3. The administration of bivalent rLP2086 was well tolerated and resulted in few serious adverse events. Immune responses to DTaP/IPV administered with bivalent rLP2086 to adolescents were noninferior to DTaP/IPV administered alone. Bivalent rLP2086 was well tolerated and elicited substantial and broad bactericidal responses to diverse MnB strains in a high proportion of recipients after 2 vaccinations, and these responses were further enhanced after 3 vaccinations.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01323270. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.

Proteins from latex of Calotropis procera prevent septic shock due to lethal infection by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.

PubMed

Lima-Filho, José V; Patriota, Joyce M; Silva, Ayrles F B; Filho, Nicodemos T; Oliveira, Raquel S B; Alencar, Nylane M N; Ramos, Márcio V

2010-06-16

The latex of Calotropis procera has been used in traditional medicine to treat different inflammatory diseases. The anti-inflammatory activity of latex proteins (LP) has been well documented using different inflammatory models. In this work the anti-inflammatory protein fraction was evaluated in a true inflammatory process by inducing a lethal experimental infection in the murine model caused by Salmonella enterica Subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. Experimental Swiss mice were given 0.2 ml of LP (30 or 60 mg/kg) by the intraperitoneal route 24 h before or after lethal challenge (0.2 ml) containing 10(6) CFU/ml of Salmonella Typhimurium using the same route of administration. All the control animals succumbed to infection within 6 days. When given before bacterial inoculums LP prevented the death of mice, which remained in observation until day 28. Even, LP-treated animals exhibited only discrete signs of infection which disappeared latter. LP fraction was also protective when given orally or by subcutaneous route. Histopathological examination revealed that necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates were similar in both the experimental and control groups on days 1 and 5 after infection. LP activity did not clear Salmonella Typhimurium, which was still present in the spleen at approximately 10(4) cells/g of organ 28 days after challenge. However, no bacteria were detected in the liver at this stage. LP did not inhibit bacterial growth in culture medium at all. In the early stages of infection bacteria population was similar in organs and in the peritoneal fluid but drastically reduced in blood. Titration of TNF-alpha in serum revealed no differences between experimental and control groups on days 1 and 5 days after infection while IL-12 was only discretely diminished in serum of experimental animals on day 5. Moreover, cultured macrophages treated with LP and stimulated by LPS released significantly less IL-1beta. LP-treated mice did not succumb to septic shock when submitted to a lethal infection. LP did not exhibit in vitro bactericidal activity. It is thought that protection of LP-treated mice against Salmonella Typhimurium possibly involves down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (other than TNF-alpha). LP inhibited IL-1beta release in cultured macrophages and discretely reduced IL-12 in serum of animals given LP. Results reported here support the folk use of latex to treat skin infections by topic application. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Do We Know When and How to Lower Lipoprotein(a)?

PubMed

Joshi, Parag H; Krivitsky, Eric; Qian, Zhen; Vazquez, Gustavo; Voros, Szilard; Miller, Joseph

2010-08-01

 : Currently, there are significant data to support a link between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and cardiovascular risk. However, there has not been a clinical trial examining the effects of Lp(a) reduction on cardiovascular risk in a primary prevention population. Until such a trial is conducted, current consensus supports using an Lp(a) percentile greater than 75% for race and gender as a risk stratification tool to target more aggressive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or apolipoprotein B (apoB) goals. Therefore, Lp(a) measurements should be considered in the following patients: individuals with early-onset vascular disease determined by clinical presentation or subclinical imaging, intermediate and high Framingham risk patients with a family history of premature coronary disease, and low Framingham risk patients with a family history and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Once LDL-C goals are met, Lp(a) levels may be taken into account in selecting secondary agents to reach more aggressive secondary goals, including non-HDL-C and apoB. To achieve Lp(a) reduction, one evidence-based approach is to initiate therapy with low-dose aspirin and extended-release niacin, titrated from 0.5 g up to 2 g over several weeks. If higher doses of niacin are desired, crystalline niacin allows for titration to a dosage as high as 2 g three times a day; however, the flushing side effect usually is quite prominent. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to lower Lp(a), there are no indications for using HRT for primary or secondary prevention; therefore, we do not advocate initiating it solely for Lp(a) reduction. LDL apheresis is an option to lower LDL-C levels in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who are not responsive to medical therapy. Although it does lower Lp(a), there is no treatment indication for this. A recent study supports the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe's ability to lower Lp(a), a finding that deserves further investigation as it has not been previously reported in multiple ezetimibe trials. Additionally, the apoB messenger RNA antisense therapy mipomersen currently is in phase 3 trials and may serve as a potential inhibitor of Lp(a) production. Ultimately, more trial evidence is needed to determine whether lowering Lp(a) actually reduces cardiovascular risk, although this may be difficult to isolate without a specific Lp(a)-lowering therapy.

Predictors of treatment response to strengthening and stretching exercises for patellofemoral pain: An examination of patellar alignment.

PubMed

Peng, Hsien-Te; Song, Chen-Yi

2015-12-01

Closed kinetic chain and quadriceps strengthening, combined with flexibility exercises of the lower limb musculature, is a common treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The effectiveness has been well documented; however, very little is known about which factors predict treatment success. A total of 43 female subjects with PFPS participated in an eight-week progressive leg press (LP) strengthening and stretching exercise program. A decrease of 1.5 cm on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) score was used as an indicator for treatment success. The baseline patellar tilt angle difference (PTA-d) due to quadriceps contraction prior to treatment was evaluated as a predictor of treatment success. The logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were performed to investigate the predictive value of PTA-d. PTA-d could significantly predict the treatment success of LP strengthening and stretching exercises. The odds ratio (OR) for having an unsuccessful outcome was 1.19 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.39, P<0.021) per degree increment of PTA-d. The most optimal cut-off value for the clinical discrimination of treatment success after LP strengthening and stretching exercise was -1.5° of PTA-d (sensitivity=0.74, specificity=0.71). The area under the ROC curve was 0.73 (standard error=0.08). Female patients with PFPS whose quadriceps contraction reduced the lateral patellar tilt prior to LP strengthening and stretching exercise treatment are more likely to experience pain relief. It seems clinically important to check dynamic patellar tilt characteristics before treatment to aid in clinical decision making. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lyophilized plasma attenuates vascular permeability, inflammation and lung injury in hemorrhagic shock.

PubMed

Pati, Shibani; Peng, Zhanglong; Wataha, Katherine; Miyazawa, Byron; Potter, Daniel R; Kozar, Rosemary A

2018-01-01

In severe trauma and hemorrhage the early and empiric use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality. However, utilization of FFP comes with the significant burden of shipping and storage of frozen blood products. Dried or lyophilized plasma (LP) can be stored at room temperature, transported easily, reconstituted rapidly with ready availability in remote and austere environments. We have previously demonstrated that FFP mitigates the endothelial injury that ensues after hemorrhagic shock (HS). In the current study, we sought to determine whether LP has similar properties to FFP in its ability to modulate endothelial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. Single donor LP was compared to single donor FFP using the following measures of endothelial cell (EC) function in vitro: permeability and transendothelial monolayer resistance; adherens junction preservation; and leukocyte-EC adhesion. In vivo, using a model of murine HS, LP and FFP were compared in measures of HS- induced pulmonary vascular inflammation and edema. Both in vitro and in vivo in all measures of EC function, LP demonstrated similar effects to FFP. Both FFP and LP similarly reduced EC permeability, increased transendothelial resistance, decreased leukocyte-EC binding and persevered adherens junctions. In vivo, LP and FFP both comparably reduced pulmonary injury, inflammation and vascular leak. Both FFP and LP have similar potent protective effects on the vascular endothelium in vitro and in lung function in vivo following hemorrhagic shock. These data support the further development of LP as an effective plasma product for human use after trauma and hemorrhagic shock.

Unhealthy and healthy food consumption inside and outside of the school by pre-school and elementary school Mexican children in Tijuana, Mexico.

PubMed

Vargas, Lilian; Jiménez-Cruz, Arturo; Bacardí-Gascón, Montserrat

2013-12-01

Food from lunch packs (LP) or food available inside and outside of school can play an important role in the development of obesity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the LP of elementary school (ES) and preschool children (PS) in Tijuana, and the foods available to them inside and outside of school. Eight public schools participated in the study. A random sample of all the groups from a school district was conducted. A questionnaire was administered to children in first through sixth grade (ES) and to the parents of PS. LP and food available inside and outside of the school were classified as healthy, unhealthy, and adequate according to the guidelines set forth by the Secretariat of Health. A total of 2,716 questionnaires were administered and the content of 648 LP was assessed. It was observed that 99% of PS had LP prepared at home, a higher percentage than ES. None of the LP of the ES was classified as healthy, and 1% was classified as adequate. Among PS, 21% of the LP were classified as healthy and 6% as adequate. More than half of the children recognized the brand name of foods high in fat, salt, and added sugar available inside and outside of school grounds. Most of the LP of ES and PS and the foods available inside and outside of school were unhealthy and inadequate. A strategy to prevent the availability of unhealthy and inadequate food in LP and foods available inside and outside schools is recommended.

Genome-wide Linkage Analysis for Identifying Quantitative Trait Loci Involved in the Regulation of Lipoprotein a (Lpa) Levels

PubMed Central

López, Sonia; Buil, Alfonso; Ordoñez, Jordi; Souto, Juan Carlos; Almasy, Laura; Lathrop, Mark; Blangero, John; Blanco-Vaca, Francisco; Fontcuberta, Jordi; Soria, José Manuel

2009-01-01

Lipoprotein Lp(a) levels are highly heritable and are associated with cardiovascular risk. We performed a genome-wide linkage analysis to delineate the genomic regions that influence the concentration of Lp(a) in families from the Genetic Analysis of Idiopathic Thrombophilia (GAIT) Project. Lp(a) levels were measured in 387 individuals belonging to 21 extended Spanish families. A total of 485 DNA microsatellite markers were genotyped to provide a 7.1 cM genetic map. A variance component linkage method was used to evaluate linkage and to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The main QTL that showed strong evidence of linkage with Lp(a) levels was located at the structural gene for apo(a) on Chromosome 6 (LOD score=13.8). Interestingly, another QTL influencing Lp(a) concentration was located on Chromosome 2 with a LOD score of 2.01. This region contains several candidate genes. One of them is the tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), which has antithrombotic action and also has the ability to bind lipoproteins. However, quantitative trait association analyses performed with 12 SNPs in TFPI gene revealed no association with Lp(a) levels. Our study confirms previous results on the genetic basis of Lp(a) levels. In addition, we report a new QTL on Chromosome 2 involved in the quantitative variation of Lp(a). These data should serve as the basis for further detection of candidate genes and to elucidate the relationship between the concentration of Lp(a) and cardiovascular risk. PMID:18560444

Lymphatic-targeted cationic liposomes: a robust vaccine adjuvant for promoting long-term immunological memory.

PubMed

Wang, Ce; Liu, Peng; Zhuang, Yan; Li, Ping; Jiang, Boling; Pan, Hong; Liu, Lanlan; Cai, Lintao; Ma, Yifan

2014-09-22

Although retaining antigens at the injection site (the so-called "depot effect") is an important strategy for vaccine development, increasing evidence showed that lymphatic-targeted vaccine delivery with liposomes could be a promising approach for improving vaccine efficacy. However, it remains unclear whether antigen depot or lymphatic targeting would benefit long-term immunological memory, a major determinant of vaccine efficacy. In the present study, OVA antigen was encapsulated with DOTAP cationic liposomes (LP) or DOTAP-PEG-mannose liposomes (LP-Man) to generate depot or lymphatic-targeted liposome vaccines, respectively. The result of in vivo imaging showed that LP mostly accumulated near the injection site, whereas LP-Man not only effectively accumulated in draining lymph nodes (LNs) and the spleen, but also enhanced the uptake by resident antigen-presenting cells. Although LP vaccines with depot effect induced anti-OVA IgG more potently than LP-Man vaccines did on day 40 after priming, they failed to mount an effective B-cell memory response upon OVA re-challenge after three months. In contrast, lymphatic-targeted LP-Man vaccines elicited sustained antibody production and robust recall responses three months after priming, suggesting lymphatic targeting rather than antigen depot promoted the establishment of long-term memory responses. The enhanced long-term immunological memory by LP-Man was attributed to vigorous germinal center responses as well as increased Tfh cells and central memory CD4(+) T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs. Hence, lymphatic-targeted vaccine delivery with LP-Man could be an effective strategy to promote long-lasting immunological memory. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antisense inhibition of apolipoprotein (a) to lower plasma lipoprotein (a) levels in humans

PubMed Central

Graham, Mark J.; Viney, Nick; Crooke, Rosanne M.; Tsimikas, Sotirios

2016-01-01

Epidemiological, genetic association, and Mendelian randomization studies have provided strong evidence that lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent causal risk factor for CVD, including myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and calcific aortic valve stenosis. Lp(a) levels >50 mg/dl are highly prevalent (20% of the general population) and are overrepresented in patients with CVD and aortic stenosis. These data support the notion that Lp(a) should be a target of therapy for CVD event reduction and to reduce progression of aortic stenosis. However, effective therapies to specifically reduce plasma Lp(a) levels are lacking. Recent animal and human studies have shown that Lp(a) can be specifically targeted with second generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that inhibit apo(a) mRNA translation. In apo(a) transgenic mice, an apo(a) ASO reduced plasma apo(a)/Lp(a) levels and their associated oxidized phospholipid (OxPL) levels by 86 and 93%, respectively. In cynomolgus monkeys, a second generation apo(a) ASO, ISIS-APO(a)Rx, significantly reduced hepatic apo(a) mRNA expression and plasma Lp(a) levels by >80%. Finally, in a phase I study in normal volunteers, ISIS-APO(a)Rx ASO reduced Lp(a) levels and their associated OxPL levels up to 89 and 93%, respectively, with minimal effects on other lipoproteins. ISIS-APO(a)Rx represents the first specific and potent drug in clinical development to lower Lp(a) levels and may be beneficial in reducing CVD events and progression of calcific aortic valve stenosis. PMID:26538546

Correlates of serum lipoprotein (A) in children and adolescents in the United States. The third National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES-III)

PubMed Central

Obisesan, Thomas O; Aliyu, Muktar H; Adediran, Abayomi S; Bond, Vernon; Maxwell, Celia J; Rotimi, Charles N

2004-01-01

Objective To determine the correlates of serum lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in children and adolescents in the United States. Methods Cross-sectional study using representative data from a US national sample for persons aged 4–19 years participating in The Third National Health Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES-III). Results We observed ethnicity-related differences in levels of Lp(a) > 30 mg/dl, with values being markedly higher in African American (black) than nonhispanic white (white) and Mexican American children in multivariate model (P < 0.001). Higher levels of Lp(a) > 30 mg/dl associated with parental history of body mass index and residence in metro compared to nonmetro in Blacks, and high birth weight in Mexican American children in the NHANES-III. In the entire group, total cholesterol (which included Lp(a)) and parental history of premature heart attack/angina before age 50 (P < 0.02) showed consistent, independent, positive association with Lp(a). In subgroup analysis, this association was only evident in white (P = 0.04) and black (P = 0.05) children. However, no such collective consistent associations of Lp(a) were found with age, gender, or birth weight. Conclusion Ethnicity-related differences in mean Lp(a) exist among children and adolescents in the United States and parental history of premature heart attack/angina significantly associated with levels of Lp(a) in children. Further research on the associations of Lp(a) levels in childhood with subsequent risk of atherosclerosis is needed. PMID:15601478

Validation of ozone profile retrievals derived from the OMPS LP version 2.5 algorithm against correlative satellite measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kramarova, Natalya A.; Bhartia, Pawan K.; Jaross, Glen; Moy, Leslie; Xu, Philippe; Chen, Zhong; DeLand, Matthew; Froidevaux, Lucien; Livesey, Nathaniel; Degenstein, Douglas; Bourassa, Adam; Walker, Kaley A.; Sheese, Patrick

2018-05-01

The Limb Profiler (LP) is a part of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite launched on board of the Suomi NPP satellite in October 2011. The LP measures solar radiation scattered from the atmospheric limb in ultraviolet and visible spectral ranges between the surface and 80 km. These measurements of scattered solar radiances allow for the retrieval of ozone profiles from cloud tops up to 55 km. The LP started operational observations in April 2012. In this study we evaluate more than 5.5 years of ozone profile measurements from the OMPS LP processed with the new NASA GSFC version 2.5 retrieval algorithm. We provide a brief description of the key changes that had been implemented in this new algorithm, including a pointing correction, new cloud height detection, explicit aerosol correction and a reduction of the number of wavelengths used in the retrievals. The OMPS LP ozone retrievals have been compared with independent satellite profile measurements obtained from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) and Odin Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS). We document observed biases and seasonal differences and evaluate the stability of the version 2.5 ozone record over 5.5 years. Our analysis indicates that the mean differences between LP and correlative measurements are well within required ±10 % between 18 and 42 km. In the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere (> 43 km) LP tends to have a negative bias. We find larger biases in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere, but LP ozone retrievals have significantly improved in version 2.5 compared to version 2 due to the implemented aerosol correction. In the northern high latitudes we observe larger biases between 20 and 32 km due to the remaining thermal sensitivity issue. Our analysis shows that LP ozone retrievals agree well with the correlative satellite observations in characterizing vertical, spatial and temporal ozone distribution associated with natural processes, like the seasonal cycle and quasi-biennial oscillations. We found a small positive drift ˜ 0.5 % yr-1 in the LP ozone record against MLS and OSIRIS that is more pronounced at altitudes above 35 km. This pattern in the relative drift is consistent with a possible 100 m drift in the LP sensor pointing detected by one of our altitude-resolving methods.

Recent progress in making protein microarray through BioLP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Rusong; Wei, Lian; Feng, Ying; Li, Xiujian; Zhou, Quan

2017-02-01

Biological laser printing (BioLP) is a promising biomaterial printing technique. It has the advantage of high resolution, high bioactivity, high printing frequency and small transported liquid amount. In this paper, a set of BioLP device is design and made, and protein microarrays are printed by this device. It's found that both laser intensity and fluid layer thickness have an influence on the microarrays acquired. Besides, two kinds of the fluid layer coating methods are compared, and the results show that blade coating method is better than well-coating method in BioLP. A microarray of 0.76pL protein microarray and a "NUDT" patterned microarray are printed to testify the printing ability of BioLP.

Lp-mixed affine surface area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weidong; Leng, Gangsong

2007-11-01

According to the three notions of mixed affine surface area, Lp-affine surface area and Lp-mixed affine surface area proposed by Lutwak, in this article, we give the concept of ith Lp-mixed affine surface area such that the first and second notions of Lutwak are its special cases. Further, some Lutwak's results are extended associated with this concept. Besides, applying this concept, we establish an inequality for the volumes and dual quermassintegrals of a class of star bodies.

Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

PubMed

Kotani, Kazuhiko; Sahebkar, Amirhossein; Serban, Maria-Corina; Ursoniu, Sorin; Mikhailidis, Dimitri P; Mariscalco, Giovanni; Jones, Steven R; Martin, Seth; Blaha, Michael J; Toth, Peter P; Rizzo, Manfredi; Kostner, Karam; Rysz, Jacek; Banach, Maciej

2017-02-01

Circulating markers relevant to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are currently required. Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is considered a candidate marker associated with the presence of AAA. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between circulating Lp(a) levels and the presence of AAA. The PubMed-based search was conducted up to April 30, 2015, to identify the studies focusing on Lp(a) levels in patients with AAA and controls. Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random effects model, with standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as summary statistics. Overall, 9 studies were identified. After a combined analysis, patients with AAA were found to have a significantly higher level of Lp(a) compared to the controls (SMD: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.41-1.33, P < .001). This result remained robust in the sensitivity analysis, and its significance was not influenced after omitting each of the included studies from the meta-analysis. The present meta-analysis confirmed a higher level of circulating Lp(a) in patients with AAA compared to controls. High Lp(a) levels can be associated with the presence of AAA, and Lp(a) may be a marker in screening for AAA. Further studies are needed to establish the clinical utility of measuring Lp(a) in the prevention and management of AAA.

Antitumor effect of laticifer proteins of Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel - Apocynaceae.

PubMed

Mousinho, Kristiana C; Oliveira, Cecília de C; Ferreira, José Roberto de O; Carvalho, Adriana A; Magalhães, Hemerson Iury F; Bezerra, Daniel P; Alves, Ana Paula N N; Costa-Lotufo, Letícia V; Pessoa, Claúdia; de Matos, Mayara Patrícia V; Ramos, Márcio V; Moraes, Manoel O

2011-09-01

Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel - Apocynaceae is a medicinal plant popularly known as Janaguba. Its bark and latex have been used by the public for cancer treatment, among other medicinal uses. However, there is almost no scientific research report on its medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of Himatanthus drasticus latex proteins (HdLP) in experimental models. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of the HdLP was determined on cultured tumor cells. HdLP was also tested for its ability to induce lysis of mouse erythrocytes. In vivo antitumor activity was assessed in two experimental models, Sarcoma 180 and Walker 256 carcinosarcoma. Additionally, its effects on the immunological system were also investigated. HdLP did not show any significant in vitro cytotoxic effect at experimental exposure levels. When intraperitoneally administered, HdLP was active against both in vivo experimental tumors. However, it was inactive by oral administration. The histopathological analysis indicates that the liver and kidney were only weakly affected by HdLP treatment. It was also demonstrated that HdLP acts as an immunomodulatory agent, increasing the production of OVA-specific antibodies. Additionally, it increased relative spleen weight and the incidence of megakaryocyte colonies. In summary, HdLP has some interesting anticancer activity that could be associated with its immunostimulating properties. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

What factors affect the prices of low-priced U.S. solar PV systems?

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

Nemet, Gregory F.; O'Shaughnessy, Eric; Wiser, Ryan

The price of solar PV systems has declined rapidly, yet there are some much lower-priced systems than others. This study explores the factors that determine prices in these low-priced (LP) systems. Using a data set of 42,611 residential-scale PV systems installed in the U.S. in 2013, we use quantile regressions to estimate the importance of factors affecting the installed prices for LP systems (those at the 10th percentile) in comparison to median-priced systems. We find that the value of solar to consumers-a variable that accounts for subsidies, electric rates, and PV generation levels-is associated with lower prices for LP systemsmore » but higher prices for median priced systems. Conversely, systems installed in new home construction are associated with lower prices at the median but higher prices for LP. Other variables have larger price-reducing effects on LP than on median priced systems: systems installed in Arizona and Florida, as well as commercial and thin film systems. In contrast, the following have a smaller effect on prices for LP systems than median priced systems: tracking systems, self-installations, systems installed in Massachusetts, the system size, and installer experience. Furthermore, these results highlight the complex factors at play that lead to LP systems and shed light into how such LP systems can come about.« less

What factors affect the prices of low-priced U.S. solar PV systems?

DOE PAGES

Nemet, Gregory F.; O'Shaughnessy, Eric; Wiser, Ryan; ...

2017-08-09

The price of solar PV systems has declined rapidly, yet there are some much lower-priced systems than others. This study explores the factors that determine prices in these low-priced (LP) systems. Using a data set of 42,611 residential-scale PV systems installed in the U.S. in 2013, we use quantile regressions to estimate the importance of factors affecting the installed prices for LP systems (those at the 10th percentile) in comparison to median-priced systems. We find that the value of solar to consumers-a variable that accounts for subsidies, electric rates, and PV generation levels-is associated with lower prices for LP systemsmore » but higher prices for median priced systems. Conversely, systems installed in new home construction are associated with lower prices at the median but higher prices for LP. Other variables have larger price-reducing effects on LP than on median priced systems: systems installed in Arizona and Florida, as well as commercial and thin film systems. In contrast, the following have a smaller effect on prices for LP systems than median priced systems: tracking systems, self-installations, systems installed in Massachusetts, the system size, and installer experience. Furthermore, these results highlight the complex factors at play that lead to LP systems and shed light into how such LP systems can come about.« less

Changes in root hydraulic conductivity facilitate the overall hydraulic response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars to salt and osmotic stress.

PubMed

Meng, Delong; Fricke, Wieland

2017-04-01

The aim of the present work was to assess the significance of changes in root AQP gene expression and hydraulic conductivity (Lp) in the regulation of water balance in two hydroponically-grown rice cultivars (Azucena, Bala) which differ in root morphology, stomatal regulation and aquaporin (AQP) isoform expression. Plants were exposed to NaCl (25 mM, 50 mM) and osmotic stress (5%, 10% PEG6000). Root Lp was determined for exuding root systems (osmotic forces driving water uptake; 'exudation Lp') and transpiring plants (hydrostatic forces dominating; 'transpiration-Lp'). Gene expression was analysed by qPCR. Stress treatments caused a consistent and significant decrease in plant growth, transpirational water loss, stomatal conductance, shoot-to-root surface area ratio and root Lp. Comparison of exudation-with transpiration-Lp supported a significant contribution of AQP-facilitated water flow to root water uptake. Changes in root Lp in response to treatments were correlated much stronger with root morphological characteristics, such as the number of main and lateral roots, surface area ratio of root to shoot and plant transpiration rate than with AQP gene expression. Changes in root Lp, involving AQP function, form an integral part of the plant hydraulic response to stress and facilitate changes in the root-to-shoot surface area ratio, transpiration and stomatal conductance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Galleria mellonella apolipophorin III - an apolipoprotein with anti-Legionella pneumophila activity.

PubMed

Zdybicka-Barabas, Agnieszka; Palusińska-Szysz, Marta; Gruszecki, Wiesław I; Mak, Paweł; Cytryńska, Małgorzata

2014-10-01

The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella has been exploited worldwide as an alternative model host for studying pathogenicity and virulence factors of different pathogens, including Legionella pneumophila, a causative agent of a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. An important role in the insect immune response against invading pathogens is played by apolipophorin III (apoLp-III), a lipid- and pathogen associated molecular pattern-binding protein able to inhibit growth of some Gram-negative bacteria, including Legionella dumoffii. In the present study, anti-L. pneumophila activity of G. mellonella apoLp-III and the effects of the interaction of this protein with L. pneumophila cells are demonstrated. Alterations in the bacteria cell surface occurring upon apoLp-III treatment, revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, are also documented. ApoLp-III interactions with purified L. pneumophila LPS, an essential virulence factor of the bacteria, were analysed using electrophoresis and immunoblotting with anti-apoLp-III antibodies. Moreover, FTIR spectroscopy was used to gain detailed information on the type of conformational changes in L. pneumophila LPS and G. mellonella apoLp-III induced by their mutual interactions. The results indicate that apoLp-III binding to components of bacterial cell envelope, including LPS, may be responsible for anti-L. pneumophila activity of G. mellonella apoLp-III. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Staphylococcus aureus lipoproteins trigger human corneal epithelial innate response through toll-like receptor-2

PubMed Central

Li, Qiong; Kumar, Ashok; Gui, Jian-Fang; Yu, Fu-Shin X.

2008-01-01

Bacterial lipoproteins (LP) are a family of cell wall components found in a wide variety of bacteria. In this study, we characterized the response of HUCL, a telomerase-immortalized human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) line, to LP isolated from Staphylococcus (S) aureus. S. aureus LP (saLP) prepared by Triton X-114 extraction stimulated the activation of NF-κB, JNK, and P38 signaling pathways in HUCL cells. The extracts failed to stimulate NF-κB activation in HUCL cells after lipoprotein lipase treatment and in cell lines expressing TLR4 or TLR9, but TLR2, indicating lipoprotein nature of the extracts. saLP induced the up-regulation of a variety of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-6, IL-8, ICAM-1) and antimicrobial molecules (hBD-2, LL-37, and iNOS), and homeostasis genes (Mn-SOD) at both the mRNA level and protein level. Similar inflammatory response to saLP was also observed in primarily cultured HCECs using the production of IL-6 as readout. Moreover, TLR2 neutralizing antibody blocked the saLP-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8 and hBD2 in HUCL cells. Our findings suggest that saLP activates TLR2 and contributes to innate immune response in the cornea to S. aureus infection via production of proinflammatory cytokines and defense molecules. PMID:18191935

Staphylococcus aureus lipoproteins trigger human corneal epithelial innate response through toll-like receptor-2.

PubMed

Li, Qiong; Kumar, Ashok; Gui, Jian-Fang; Yu, Fu-Shin X

2008-05-01

Bacterial lipoproteins (LP) are a family of cell wall components found in a wide variety of bacteria. In this study, we characterized the response of HUCL, a telomerase-immortalized human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) line, to LP isolated from Staphylococcus (S) aureus. S. aureus LP (saLP) prepared by Triton X-114 extraction stimulated the activation of NF-kappaB, JNK, and P38 signaling pathways in HUCL cells. The extracts failed to stimulate NF-kappaB activation in HUCL cells after lipoprotein lipase treatment and in cell lines expressing TLR4 or TLR9, but not TLR2, indicating lipoprotein nature of the extracts. saLP induced the up-regulation of a variety of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-6, IL-8, ICAM-1), antimicrobial molecules (hBD-2, LL-37, and iNOS), and homeostasis genes (Mn-SOD) at both the mRNA level and protein level. Similar inflammatory response to saLP was also observed in primarily cultured HCECs using the production of IL-6 as readout. Moreover, TLR2 neutralizing antibody blocked the saLP-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8 and hBD2 in HUCL cells. Our findings suggest that saLP activates TLR2 and triggers innate immune response in the cornea to S. aureus infection via production of proinflammatory cytokines and defense molecules.

Associations of Lipoprotein(a) Levels With Incident Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Stroke: The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study.

PubMed

Aronis, Konstantinos N; Zhao, Di; Hoogeveen, Ron C; Alonso, Alvaro; Ballantyne, Christie M; Guallar, Eliseo; Jones, Steven R; Martin, Seth S; Nazarian, Saman; Steffen, Brian T; Virani, Salim S; Michos, Erin D

2017-12-15

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is proatherosclerotic and prothrombotic, causally related to coronary disease, and associated with other cardiovascular diseases. The association of Lp(a) with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) and with ischemic stroke among individuals with AF remains to be elucidated. In the community-based ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study cohort, Lp(a) levels were measured by a Denka Seiken assay at visit 4 (1996-1998). We used multivariable-adjusted Cox models to compare AF and ischemic stroke risk across Lp(a) levels. First, we evaluated incident AF in 9908 participants free of AF at baseline. AF was ascertained by electrocardiography at study visits, hospital International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision ( ICD-9 ) codes, and death certificates. We then evaluated incident ischemic stroke in 10 127 participants free of stroke at baseline. Stroke was identified by annual phone calls, hospital ICD-9 Revision codes, and death certificates. The baseline age was 62.7±5.6 years. Median Lp(a) levels were 13.3 mg/dL (interquartile range, 5.2-39.7 mg/dL). Median follow-up was 13.9 and 15.8 years for AF and stroke, respectively. Lp(a) was not associated with incident AF (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.17), comparing those with Lp(a) ≥50 with those with Lp(a) <10 mg/dL. High Lp(a) was associated with a 42% relative increase in stroke risk among participants without AF (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.90) but not in those with AF (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-1.61 [ P interaction for AF=0.25]). There were no interactions by race or sex. No association was found for cardioembolic stroke subtype. High Lp(a) levels were not associated with incident AF. Lp(a) levels were associated with increased ischemic stroke risk, primarily among individuals without AF but not in those with AF. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 mass and activity in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and unaffected siblings: effect of pravastatin.

PubMed

Ryu, Sung Kee; Hutten, Barbara A; Vissers, Maud N; Wiegman, Albert; Kastelein, John J P; Tsimikas, Sotirios

2011-01-01

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease and a target of treatment. Lp-PLA(2) levels in children have not been previously reported. The effect of statin therapy on Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity in children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is also not known. Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity levels were measured at baseline and after 2 years in 178 children with FH randomized to pravastatin or placebo and in 78 unaffected and untreated siblings. At the end of the randomized period, all FH children were then placed on pravastatin for an additional 2 years, and Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity levels were correlated with changes in carotid intima-media thickness during 4 years of follow-up. Baseline levels of Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity were significantly greater in children with FH compared with unaffected siblings (mass: 240.3 ± 41.6 vs 222.1 ± 36.5 ng/mL, P = .002; activity: 205.7 ± 41.6 vs 124.3±23.0 nmol/min/mL, P < .0001). In the randomized FH cohort, after 2 years treatment, Lp-PLA(2) mass (217.8 ± 35.0 vs 231.5 ± 34.8 ng/mL, P = .001) and activity (178.8 ± 37.3 vs 206.2 ± 33.5 nmol/min/mL, P < .0001) were significantly reduced by pravastatin compared with placebo. Change in Lp-PLA(2) activity was related to change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (pravastatin: r = 0.53, P < .0001, placebo: r = 0.23, P < .001) but change in Lp-PLA(2) mass was not related to change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Baseline levels of Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity were not significantly associated with carotid intima-media thickness at baseline or at 4 years. Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity are significantly elevated in children with heterozygous FH compared with unaffected siblings and are significantly reduced by pravastatin therapy. Copyright © 2011 National Lipid Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison between gradient-dependent hydraulic conductivities of roots using the root pressure probe: the role of pressure propagations and implications for the relative roles of parallel radial pathways.

PubMed

Bramley, Helen; Turner, Neil C; Turner, David W; Tyerman, Stephen D

2007-07-01

Hydrostatic pressure relaxations with the root pressure probe are commonly used for measuring the hydraulic conductivity (Lp(r)) of roots. We compared the Lp(r) of roots from species with different root hydraulic properties (Lupinus angustifolius L. 'Merrit', Lupinus luteus L. 'Wodjil', Triticum aestivum L. 'Kulin' and Zea mays L. 'Pacific DK 477') using pressure relaxations, a pressure clamp and osmotic gradients to induce water flow across the root. Only the pressure clamp measures water flow under steady-state conditions. Lp(r) determined by pressure relaxations was two- to threefold greater than Lp(r) from pressure clamps and was independent of the direction of water flow. Lp(r) (pressure clamp) was two- to fourfold higher than for Lp(r) (osmotic) for all species except Triticum aestivum where Lp(r) (pressure clamp) and Lp(r) (osmotic) were not significantly different. A novel technique was developed to measure the propagation of pressure through roots to investigate the cause of the differences in Lp(r). Root segments were connected between two pressure probes so that when root pressure (P(r)) was manipulated by one probe, the other probe recorded changes in P(r). Pressure relaxations did not induce the expected kinetics in pressure in the probe at the other end of the root when axial hydraulic conductance, and probe and root capacitances were accounted for. An electric circuit model of the root was constructed that included an additional capacitance in the root loaded by a series of resistances. This accounted for the double exponential kinetics for intact roots in pressure relaxation experiments as well as the reduced response observed with the double probe experiments. Although there were potential errors with all the techniques, we considered that the measurement of Lp(r) using the pressure clamp was the most unambiguous for small pressure changes, and provided that sufficient time was allowed for pressure propagation through the root. The differences in Lp(r) from different methods of measurement have implications for the models describing water transport through roots and the potential role of aquaporins.

Association of inflammatory, lipid and mineral markers with cardiac calcification in older adults.

PubMed

Bortnick, Anna E; Bartz, Traci M; Ix, Joachim H; Chonchol, Michel; Reiner, Alexander; Cushman, Mary; Owens, David; Barasch, Eddy; Siscovick, David S; Gottdiener, John S; Kizer, Jorge R

2016-07-13

Calcification of the aortic valve and adjacent structures involves inflammatory, lipid and mineral metabolism pathways. We hypothesised that circulating biomarkers reflecting these pathways are associated with cardiac calcification in older adults. We investigated the associations of various biomarkers with valvular and annular calcification in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Of the 5888 participants, up to 3585 were eligible after exclusions for missing biomarker, covariate or echocardiographic data. We evaluated analytes reflecting lipid (lipoprotein (Lp) (a), Lp-associated phospholipase A 2 (LpPLA 2 ) mass and activity), inflammatory (interleukin-6, soluble (s) CD14) and mineral metabolism (fetuin-A, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23) pathways that were measured within 5 years of echocardiography. The relationships of plasma biomarkers with aortic valve calcification (AVC), aortic annular calcification (AAC) and mitral annular calcification (MAC) were assessed with relative risk (RR) regression. Calcification was prevalent: AVC 59%, AAC 45% and MAC 41%. After adjustment, Lp(a), LpPLA 2 mass and activity and sCD14 were positively associated with AVC. RRs for AVC per SD (95% CI) were as follows: Lp(a), 1.051 (1.022 to 1.081); LpPLA 2 mass, 1.036 (1.006 to 1.066) and LpPLA 2 activity, 1.037 (1.004 to 1.071); sCD14, 1.039 (1.005 to 1.073). FGF-23 was positively associated with MAC, 1.040 (1.004 to 1.078) and fetuin-A was negatively associated, 0.949 (0.911 to 0.989). No biomarkers were significantly associated with AAC. This study shows novel associations of circulating FGF-23 and fetuin-A with MAC, and LpPLA 2 and sCD14 with AVC, confirming that previously reported for Lp(a). Further investigation of Lp and inflammatory pathways may provide added insight into the aetiology of AVC, while study of phosphate regulation may illuminate the pathogenesis of MAC. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

The Effects of Curcuma longa L., Purple Sweet Potato, and Mixtures of the Two on Immunomodulation in C57BL/6J Mice Infected with LP-BM5 Murine Leukemia Retrovirus.

PubMed

Park, Soo-Jeung; Lee, Dasom; Lee, Minhee; Kwon, Han-Ol; Kim, Hyesook; Park, Jeongjin; Jeon, Woojin; Cha, Minseok; Jun, Suhwa; Park, Kwangjin; Lee, Jeongmin

2018-06-04

The immune response is stimulated to protect the body from external antigens and is controlled by several types of immune cells. In the present study, the immunomodulatory effects of Curcuma longa L., purple sweet potato, and mixtures of the two (CPM) were investigated in C57BL/6 mice infected with LP-BM5 murine leukemia virus (MuLV). Mice were divided into seven groups as follows: normal control, infected control (LP-BM5 MuLV infection), positive control (LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of red ginseng 300 mg/kg body weight), the original powder of C. longa L. (C; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of C 189 mg/kg body weight), the original powder of purple sweet potato (P; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+dietary supplement of P 1811 mg/kg body weight), CPM Low (CPL; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+CPM 2 g/kg body weight), and CPM High (CPH; LP-BM5 MuLV infection+CPM 5 g/kg body weight). Dietary supplementation lasted for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation of CPM inhibited LP-BM5 MuLV-induced lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly and inhibited reduction of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II. Moreover, CPM reduced the decrease in T- and B cell proliferation, reduced the population of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cells, and remedied the unbalanced production of T helper-1 (Th1)/T helper-2 (Th2) cytokines in LP-BM5 MuLV-infected mice. In addition, CPM inhibited reduction of phagocytosis in peritoneal macrophages and decreased serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). These results suggest that CPM had a positive effect on immunomodulation in C57BL/6 mice induced by LP-BM5 leukemia retrovirus infection.

Differential expression of Lp-PLA2 in obesity and type 2 diabetes and the influence of lipids.

PubMed

Jackisch, Laura; Kumsaiyai, Warunee; Moore, Jonathan D; Al-Daghri, Nasser; Kyrou, Ioannis; Barber, Thomas M; Randeva, Harpal; Kumar, Sudhesh; Tripathi, Gyanendra; McTernan, Philip G

2018-05-01

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a circulatory macrophage-derived factor that increases with obesity and leads to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite this, its role in adipose tissue and the adipocyte is unknown. Therefore, the aims of this study were to clarify the expression of Lp-PLA2 in relation to different adipose tissue depots and type 2 diabetes, and ascertain whether markers of obesity and type 2 diabetes correlate with circulating Lp-PLA2. A final aim was to evaluate the effect of cholesterol on cellular Lp-PLA2 in an in vitro adipocyte model. Analysis of anthropometric and biochemical variables from a cohort of lean (age 44.4 ± 6.2 years; BMI 22.15 ± 1.8 kg/m 2 , n = 23), overweight (age 45.4 ± 12.3 years; BMI 26.99 ± 1.5 kg/m 2 , n = 24), obese (age 49.0 ± 9.1 years; BMI 33.74 ± 3.3 kg/m 2 , n = 32) and type 2 diabetic women (age 53.0 ± 6.13 years; BMI 35.08 ± 8.6 kg/m 2 , n = 35), as part of an ethically approved study. Gene and protein expression of PLA2 and its isoforms were assessed in adipose tissue samples, with serum analysis undertaken to assess circulating Lp-PLA2 and its association with cardiometabolic risk markers. A human adipocyte cell model, Chub-S7, was used to address the intracellular change in Lp-PLA2 in adipocytes. Lp-PLA2 and calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) isoforms were altered by adiposity, as shown by microarray analysis (p < 0.05). Type 2 diabetes status was also observed to significantly alter gene and protein levels of Lp-PLA2 in abdominal subcutaneous (AbdSc) (p < 0.01), but not omental, adipose tissue. Furthermore, multivariate stepwise regression analysis of circulating Lp-PLA2 and metabolic markers revealed that the greatest predictor of Lp-PLA2 in non-diabetic individuals was LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.004). Additionally, in people with type 2 diabetes, oxidised LDL (oxLDL), triacylglycerols and HDL-cholesterol appeared important predictors, accounting for 59.7% of the variance (p < 0.001). Subsequent in vitro studies determined human adipocytes to be a source of Lp-PLA2, as confirmed by mRNA expression, protein levels and immunochemistry. Further in vitro experiments revealed that treatment with LDL-cholesterol or oxLDL resulted in significant upregulation of Lp-PLA2, while inhibition of Lp-PLA2 reduced oxLDL production by 19.8% (p < 0.05). Our study suggests adipose tissue and adipocytes are active sources of Lp-PLA2, with differential regulation by fat depot and metabolic state. Moreover, levels of circulating Lp-PLA2 appear to be influenced by unfavourable lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes, which may occur in part through regulation of LDL-cholesterol and oxLDL metabolism in adipocytes.

Most significant reduction of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing lipoproteinapheresis due to raised Lp(a) levels - A multicenter observational study.

PubMed

Schatz, U; Tselmin, S; Müller, G; Julius, U; Hohenstein, B; Fischer, S; Bornstein, S R

2017-11-01

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, predisposing to premature and progressive CV events. Lipoproteinapheresis (LA) is the only efficacious therapy for reducing Lp(a). Data comparing the clinical efficacy of LA with respect to reduction of CV events in subjects with elevated Lp(a) versus LDL-C versus both disorders is scarce. We aimed to perform this comparison in a multicenter observational study. 113 LA patients from 8 apheresis centers were included (mean age 56.3 years). They were divided into 3 groups: Group I: Lp(a) < 600 mg/l, LDL-C > 2.6 mmol/l, Group II: Lp(a) > 600 mg/l, LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/l, and Group III: Lp(a) > 600 mg/l, LDL-C > 2.6 mmol/l. CV events were documented 2 years before versus 2 years after LA start. Before start of LA Group II showed the highest CV event rate (p 0.001). Group III had a higher CV event rate than Group I (p 0.03). During LA there was a significant reduction of CV events/patient in all vessel beds (1.22 ± 1.16 versus 0.33 ± 0.75, p < 0.001). The highest CV event rate during LA was seen in coronaries followed by peripheral arteries, cerebrovascular events were least common. Greater CV event reduction rates were achieved in patients with isolated Lp(a) elevation (-77%, p < 0.001) and in patients with Lp(a) and LDL-C elevation (-74%, p < 0.001) than in subjects with isolated hypercholesterolemia (-53%, p 0.06). This study demonstrates that patients with Lp(a) elevation benefit most from LA treatment. Prospective trials to confirm these data are warranted. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

An alternative physiological role for the EmhABC efflux pump in Pseudomonas fluorescens cLP6a

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Efflux pumps belonging to the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily in bacteria are involved in antibiotic resistance and solvent tolerance but have an unknown physiological role. EmhABC, a RND-type efflux pump in Pseudomonas fluorescens strain cLP6a, extrudes hydrophobic antibiotics, dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including phenanthrene. The effects of physico-chemical factors such as temperature or antibiotics on the activity and expression of EmhABC were determined in order to deduce its physiological role(s) in strain cLP6a in comparison to the emhB disruptant strain, cLP6a-1. Results Efflux assays conducted with 14C-phenanthrene showed that EmhABC activity is affected by incubation temperature. Increased phenanthrene efflux was measured in cLP6a cells grown at 10°C and decreased efflux was observed at 35°C compared with cells grown at the optimum temperature of 28°C. Membrane fatty acids in cLP6a cells were substantially altered by changes in growth temperature and in the presence of tetracycline. Changed membrane fatty acids and increased membrane permeability were associated with ~30-fold increased expression of emhABC in cLP6a cells grown at 35°C, and with increased extracellular free fatty acids. Growth of P. fluorescens cLP6a at supra-optimal temperature was enhanced by the presence of EmhABC compared to strain cLP6a-1. Conclusions Combined, these observations suggest that the EmhABC efflux pump may be involved in the management of membrane stress effects such as those due to unfavourable incubation temperatures. Efflux of fatty acids replaced as a result of membrane damage or phospholipid turnover may be the primary physiological role of the EmhABC efflux pump in P. fluorescens cLP6a. PMID:22085438

Calcium regulates the cell-to-cell water flow pathway in maize roots during variable water conditions.

PubMed

Wu, Yan; Liu, Xiaofang; Wang, Weifeng; Zhang, Suiqi; Xu, Bingcheng

2012-09-01

Soil water shortages can decrease root hydraulic conductivity and affect Ca uptake and movement through the plant. In this study, the effects of extra Ca(2+) applied in nutrient solution on the hydraulic properties of the whole roots (Lp(r)) and cortical cells (Lp(cell)) of maize (Zea mays L.) subjected to variable water conditions were investigated. Under well-watered conditions, extra Ca(2+) significantly increased the root Ca content, total root length, and lateral root number; however, it reduced the root cortical cell volume, Lp(r), and Lp(cell). Hg(2+) inhibition experiments suggested that extra Ca(2+) could reduce the contribution of the cell-to-cell water flow pathway. Osmotic stress (10% PEG6000) significantly decreased the cortical cell volume, Lp(r), and Lp(cell) in the control plants, but smaller decreases were observed in the extra Ca(2+) plants. The Hg(2+) treatment reduced the Lp(r) larger in the extra Ca(2+) plants (74.6%) than in the control plants (53.2%), suggesting a higher contribution of the cell-to-cell pathway. The larger Hg(2+) inhibition of the Lp(cell) in the extra Ca(2+) roots (67.2%) when compared to the controls (56.4%) indicated that extra Ca(2+) can mitigate the inhibition of aquaporin expression and/or activity levels via osmotic stress. After 2 d of rehydration, the extra Ca(2+) helped the Lp(r) and Lp(cell) to recover almost completely, but these properties only partially recovered in the control plants. In conclusion, extra Ca(2+) may adjust the contribution of cell-to-cell pathway by regulating the expression and/or activity levels of AQPs according to water availability; this regulation may weaken negative effects and optimize water use. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Temporal and spectral characteristics of seismicity observed at Popocatepetl volcano, central Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arciniega-Ceballos, A.; Valdes-Gonzalez, C.; Dawson, P.

2000-01-01

Popocatepetl volcano entered an eruptive phase from December 21, 1994 to March 30, 1995, which was characterized by ash and fumarolic emissions. During this eruptive episode, the observed seismicity consisted of volcano-tectonic (VT) events, long-period (LP) events and sustained tremor. Before the initial eruption on December 21, VT seismicity exhibited no increase in number until a swarm of VT earthquakes was observed at 01:31 hours local time. Visual observations of the eruption occurred at dawn the next morning. LP activity increased from an average of 7 events a day in October 1994 to 22 events per day in December 1994. At the onset of the eruption, LP activity peaked at 49 events per day. LP activity declined until mid-January 1995 when no events were observed. Tremor was first observed about one day after the initial eruption and averaged 10 h per episode. By late February 1995, tremor episodes became more intermittent, lasting less than 5 min, and the number of LP events returned to pre-eruption levels (7 events per day). Using a spectral ratio technique, low-frequency oceanic microseismic noise with a predominant peak around 7 s was removed from the broadband seismic signal of tremor and LP events. Stacks of corrected tremor episodes and LP events show that both tremor and LP events contain similar frequency features with major peaks around 1.4 Hz. Frequency analyses of LP events and tremor suggest a shallow extended source with similar radiation pattern characteristics. The distribution of VT events (between 2.5 and 10 km) also points to a shallow source of the tremor and LP events located in the first 2500 m beneath the crater. Under the assumption that the frequency characteristics of the signals are representative of an oscillator we used a fluid-filled-crack model to infer the length of the resonator.

Lp-PLA2 silencing protects against ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis via Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in human THP1 macrophages.

PubMed

Zheng, HuaDong; Cui, DaJiang; Quan, XiaoJuan; Yang, WeiLin; Li, YingNa; Zhang, Lin; Liu, EnQi

2016-09-02

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the large- and medium-size arteries that is characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, in which foam cells are the characteristic pathological cells. However, the key underlying pathomechanisms are still not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, and further, elucidated the potential machanisms in human THP1 macrophages. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses showed that both cell apoptosis and Lp-PLA2 expression were dose-dependently elevated after ox-LDL treatment for 24 h and also time-dependently increased after 50 mg/L ox-LDL incubation in THP1 macrophages. In addition, Lp-PLA2 silencing decreased ox-LDL-induced Lp-PLA2 and CD36 expression in THP1 macrophages. We also found that the levels of oil red O-staining, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly upregulated in ox-LDL-treated THP1 cells, but inhibited by Lp-PLA2 silencing. Furthermore, ox-LDL treatment resulted in significant increases of ROS and MDA but a marked decrease of SOD, effects that were reversed by Lp-PLA2 silencing in THP1 cells. Lp-PLA2 silencing reduced ox-LDL-induced cell apoptosis and caspase-3 expression in THP1 cells. Moreover, Lp-PLA2 siRNA transfection dramatically lowered the elevated levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR proteins in ox-LDL-treated THP1 cells. Both PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin decreased the augmented caspase-3 expression and TC content induced by ox-LDL, respectively. Taken together, these results revealed that Lp-PLA2 silencing protected against ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis via Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in human THP1 macrophages. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lipoprotein (a) level, apolipoprotein (a) size, and risk of unexplained ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged adults.

PubMed

Beheshtian, Azadeh; Shitole, Sanyog G; Segal, Alan Z; Leifer, Dana; Tracy, Russell P; Rader, Daniel J; Devereux, Richard B; Kizer, Jorge R

2016-10-01

Circulating lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level relates inversely to apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] size. Both smaller apo(a) isoforms and higher Lp(a) levels have been linked to coronary heart disease and stroke, but their independent contributions are less well defined. We examined the role of Lp(a) in younger adults with cryptogenic stroke. Lp(a) and apo(a) isoforms were evaluated in a prospectively designed case-control study of patients with unexplained ischemic stroke and stroke-free controls, ages 18 to 64. Serum Lp(a) was measured among 255 cases and 390 controls with both apo(a)-size independent and dependent assays. Apo(a) size was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. Cases and controls were similar in socio-demographic characteristics, but cases had more hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and migraine with aura. In race-specific analyses, Lp(a) levels showed positive associations with cryptogenic stroke in whites, but not in the smaller subgroups of blacks and Hispanics. After full adjustment, comparison of the highest versus lowest quartile in whites was significant for apo(a)-size-independent (OR = 2.10 [95% CI = 1.04, 4.27], p = 0.040), and near-significant for apo(a)-size-dependent Lp(a) (OR = 1.81 [95% CI = 0.95, 3.47], p = 0.073). Apo(a) size was not associated with cryptogenic stroke in any race-ethnic subgroup. This study underscores the importance of Lp(a) level, but not apo(a) size, as an independent risk factor for unexplained ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged white adults. Given the emergence of effective Lp(a)-lowering therapies, these findings support routine testing for Lp(a) in this setting, along with further research to assess the extent to which such therapies improve outcomes in this population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transfer of C-terminal residues of human apolipoprotein A-I to insect apolipophorin III creates a two-domain chimeric protein with enhanced lipid binding activity.

PubMed

Horn, James V C; Ellena, Rachel A; Tran, Jesse J; Beck, Wendy H J; Narayanaswami, Vasanthy; Weers, Paul M M

2017-08-01

Apolipophorin III (apoLp-III) is an insect apolipoprotein (18kDa) that comprises a single five-helix bundle domain. In contrast, human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is a 28kDa two-domain protein: an α-helical N-terminal domain (residues 1-189) and a less structured C-terminal domain (residues 190-243). To better understand the apolipoprotein domain organization, a novel chimeric protein was engineered by attaching residues 179 to 243 of apoA-I to the C-terminal end of apoLp-III. The apoLp-III/apoA-I chimera was successfully expressed and purified in E. coli. Western blot analysis and mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of the C-terminal domain of apoA-I within the chimera. While parent apoLp-III did not self-associate, the chimera formed oligomers similar to apoA-I. The chimera displayed a lower α-helical content, but the stability remained similar compared to apoLp-III, consistent with the addition of a less structured domain. The chimera was able to solubilize phospholipid vesicles at a significantly higher rate compared to apoLp-III, approaching that of apoA-I. The chimera was more effective in protecting phospholipase C-treated low density lipoprotein from aggregation compared to apoLp-III. In addition, binding interaction of the chimera with phosphatidylglycerol vesicles and lipopolysaccharides was considerably improved compared to apoLp-III. Thus, addition of the C-terminal domain of apoA-I to apoLp-III created a two-domain protein, with self-association, lipid and lipopolysaccharide binding properties similar to apoA-I. The apoA-I like behavior of the chimera indicate that these properties are independent from residues residing in the N-terminal domain of apoA-I, and that they can be transferred from apoA-I to apoLp-III. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of genome change among Legionella species

PubMed Central

Joseph, Sandeep J.; Cox, Daniel; Wolff, Bernard; Morrison, Shatavia S.; Kozak-Muiznieks, Natalia A.; Frace, Michael; Didelot, Xavier; Castillo-Ramirez, Santiago; Winchell, Jonas; Read, Timothy D.; Dean, Deborah

2016-01-01

Legionella species inhabit freshwater and soil ecosystems where they parasitize protozoa. L. pneumonphila (LP) serogroup-1 (Lp1) is the major cause of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD), a life-threatening pulmonary infection that can spread systemically. The increased global frequency of LD caused by Lp and non-Lp species underscores the need to expand our knowledge of evolutionary forces underlying disease pathogenesis. Whole genome analyses of 43 strains, including all known Lp serogroups 1–17 and 17 emergent LD-causing Legionella species (of which 33 were sequenced in this study) in addition to 10 publicly available genomes, resolved the strains into four phylogenetic clades along host virulence demarcations. Clade-specific genes were distinct for genetic exchange and signal-transduction, indicating adaptation to specific cellular and/or environmental niches. CRISPR spacer comparisons hinted at larger pools of accessory DNA sequences in Lp than predicted by the pan-genome analyses. While recombination within Lp was frequent and has been reported previously, population structure analysis identified surprisingly few DNA admixture events between species. In summary, diverse Legionella LD–causing species share a conserved core-genome, are genetically isolated from each other, and selectively acquire genes with potential for enhanced virulence. PMID:27633769

Up-regulation of Proinflammatory Genes and Cytokines Induced by S100A8 in CD8+ T Cells in Lichen Planus.

PubMed

de Carvalho, Gabriel Costa; Domingues, Rosana; de Sousa Nogueira, Marcelle Almeida; Calvielli Castelo Branco, Anna C; Gomes Manfrere, Kelly C; Pereira, Naiura Vieira; Aoki, Valéria; Sotto, Mirian Nacagami; Da Silva Duarte, Alberto J; Sato, Maria Notomi

2016-05-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. The inflammatory status of LP may be related to S100A8 (myeloid-related protein 8; MRP8) activation of cytotoxic cells. The aims of this study were to evaluate S100A8 expression in skin lesions and the in vitro effects of S100A8 on CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells in LP. Increased levels of S100A8/S100A9 were detected in the skin lesions as well as in the sera of subjects with LP. S100A8 expression induced an increased cytotoxic response by peripheral blood CD8+CD107a+ T cells as well as by NK CD56bright cells in patients with LP. Increased expression of interleukin (IL)-1?, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-6 in the CD8+ T cells of patients with LP was induced by S100A8, in contrast to the control group that produced IL- 10 and interferon type I genes. These data suggest that, in individuals with LP, S100A8 may exert distinct immunomodulatory and cytotoxicity functions.

Squamous cell carcinoma from oral lichen planus: a case report of a lesion with 28 years of evolution.

PubMed

Silveira, Wanessa da Silva; Bottezini, Ezequiel Gregolin; Linden, Maria Salete; Rinaldi, Isadora; Paranhos, Luiz Renato; de Carli, João Paulo; Trentin, Micheline; Dos Santos, Pâmela Letícia

2017-12-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a relatively common mucocutaneous disease with autoimmune etiology. Considering its malignancy potential, it is important to define the correct diagnosis, treatment, and clinical follow-up for patients with LP so that the disease is not diagnosed late, thus hindering the chances of curing the disease. This study aims to describe a clinical case of oral squamous cell carcinoma, potentially originated from LP. The patient is undergoing clinical and histopathological follow-up. A 64-year-old Caucasian male patient presented with a proliferative verrucous lesion on the tongue and sought treatment at the School of Dentistry, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil. He claimed the lesion had been present since 1988, and had been initially diagnoses as "oral lichen planus." The physical exam presented three diagnostic hypotheses: plaque-like oral LP, verrucous carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. After incisional biopsy and histopathological analysis, squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed, probably originating from oral LP. The case study shows that malignancy from oral LP is possible, which justifies periodic clinical and histopathological follow-up, as well as the elimination of risk factors for carcinoma in patients with oral LP.

Dietary Nanosized Lactobacillus plantarum Enhances the Anticancer Effect of Kimchi on Azoxymethane and Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colon Cancer in C57BL/6J Mice.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Ah; Kim, Hyunung; Lee, Kwang-Won; Park, Kun-Young

2016-01-01

This study was undertaken to evaluate enhancement of the chemopreventive properties of kimchi by dietary nanosized Lactobacillus (Lab.)plantarum (nLp) in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer C57BL/6J mouse model. nLp is a dead, shrunken, processed form of Lab. Plantarum isolated from kimchi that is 0.5-1.0 µm in size. The results obtained showed that animals fed kimchi with nLp (K-nLp) had longer colons and lower colon weights/length ratios and developed fewer tumors than mice fed kimchi alone (K). In addition, K-nLp administration reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokine serum levels and mediated the mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory, apoptotic, and cell-cycle markers to suppress inflammation and induce tumor-cell apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. Moreover, it elevated natural killer-cell cytotoxicity. The study suggests adding nLp to kimchi could improve the suppressive effect of kimchi on AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer. These findings indicate nLp has potential use as a functional chemopreventive ingredient in the food industry.

A novel liquid-phase piezoelectric immunosensor for detecting Schistosoma japonicum circulating antigen.

PubMed

Wen, Zhili; Wang, Shiping; Wu, Zhaoyang; Shen, Guoli

2011-09-01

A new liquid-phase piezoelectric immunosensor (LP-PEIS), which can detect Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) circulating antigens (SjCAg) quantificationally, was developed. The IgG antibodies were purified from the sera of rabbits which had been infected or immunized by Sj and were immobilized on the surface of piezoelectric quartz crystal in LP-PEIS by staphylococcal protein A (SPA). It was used to detect SjCAg in sera of rabbits which had been infected by Sj in order to acquire some optimum conditions for detecting SjCAg. Finally, the LP-PEIS with optimum conditions was used to detect SjCAg in sera of patients who had been infected by Sj, and was compared with sandwich ELISA. A lot of optimum conditions of LP-PEIS for detecting SjCAg had been acquired. In the detection of patients' sera with acute Schistosomiasis, LP-PEIS has higher positive rate (100%) and lower false positive rate (3.0%) than sandwich ELISA (92.8%, 6.0%). However, there were no significant difference between LP-PEIS and sandwich ELISA. LP-PEIS can quantificationally detect SjCAg in patients' sera as well as sandwich ELISA. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and enzymatic degradation of epichlorohydrin cross-linked pectins.

PubMed

Semdé, Rasmané; Moës, André J; Devleeschouwer, Michel J; Amighi, Karim

2003-02-01

The water solubility of pectin was successfully decreased by cross-linking with increasing amounts of epichlorohydrin in the reaction media. The initial molar ratios of epichlorohydrin/ galacturonic acid monomer in the reaction mixtures were 0, 0.37, 0.56, 0.74, 1.00, 1.47, and 2.44. The resulting epichlorohydrin cross-linked pectins were thus referred to as C-LP0, C-LP37, C-LP56, C-LP75, C-LP100, C-LP150, and C-LP250, respectively. Methoxylation degrees ranged from 60.5 +/- 0.9% to 68.0 +/- 0.6%, and the effective cross-linking degrees, determined by quantification of the hydroxyl anions consumed during the reaction, were 0, 17.8, 26.0, 38.3, 46.5, 53.5, and 58.7%. respectively. After incubating the different cross-linked pectins (0.5% w/v) in 25 mL of 0.05 M acetate-phosphate buffer (pH 4.5), containing 50 microL of Pectinex Ultra SP-L (pectinolytic enzymes), between 60 and 80% of the pectin osidic bounds were broken in less than 1 hr. Moreover, increasing the cross-linking degree only resulted in a weak slowing on the enzymatic degradation velocity.

Advances in high power linearly polarized fiber laser and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Pu; Huang, Long; Ma, Pengfei; Xu, Jiangming; Su, Rongtao; Wang, Xiaolin

2017-10-01

Fiber lasers are now attracting more and more research interest due to their advantages in efficiency, beam quality and flexible operation. Up to now, most of the high power fiber lasers have random distributed polarization state. Linearlypolarized (LP) fiber lasers, which could find wide application potential in coherent detection, coherent/spectral beam combining, nonlinear frequency conversion, have been a research focus in recent years. In this paper, we will present a general review on the achievements of various kinds of high power linear-polarized fiber laser and its application. The recent progress in our group, including power scaling by using power amplifier with different mechanism, high power linearly polarized fiber laser with diversified properties, and various applications of high power linear-polarized fiber laser, are summarized. We have achieved 100 Watt level random distributed feedback fiber laser, kilowatt level continuous-wave (CW) all-fiber polarization-maintained fiber amplifier, 600 watt level average power picosecond polarization-maintained fiber amplifier and 300 watt level average power femtosecond polarization-maintained fiber amplifier. In addition, high power linearly polarized fiber lasers have been successfully applied in 5 kilowatt level coherent beam combining, structured light field and ultrasonic generation.

Asymmetric nanowire SQUID: Linear current-phase relation, stochastic switching, and symmetries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, A.; Bezryadin, A.

2017-09-01

We study nanostructures based on two ultrathin superconducting nanowires connected in parallel to form a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The measured function of the critical current versus magnetic field, IC(B ) , is multivalued, asymmetric, and its maxima and minima are shifted from the usual integer and half integer flux quantum points. We also propose a low-temperature-limit model which generates accurate fits to the IC(B ) functions and provides verifiable predictions. The key assumption of our model is that each wire is characterized by a sample-specific critical phase ϕC defined as the phase difference at which the supercurrent in the wire is the maximum. For our nanowires ϕC is much greater than the usual π /2 , which makes a qualitative difference in the behavior of the SQUID. The nanowire current-phase relation is assumed linear, since the wires are much longer than the coherence length. The model explains single-valuedness regions where only one vorticity value nv is stable. Also, it predicts regions where multiple vorticity values are stable because the Little-Parks (LP) diamonds, which describe the region of stability for each winding number nv in the current-field diagram, can overlap. We also observe and explain regions in which the standard deviation of the switching current is independent of the magnetic field. We develop a technique that allows a reliable detection of hidden phase slips and use it to determine the boundaries of the LP diamonds even at low currents where IC(B ) is not directly measurable.

Neural Correlates of Subjective Awareness for Natural Scene Categorization of Color Photographs and Line-Drawings.

PubMed

Fu, Qiufang; Liu, Yong-Jin; Dienes, Zoltan; Wu, Jianhui; Chen, Wenfeng; Fu, Xiaolan

2017-01-01

It remains controversial whether visual awareness is correlated with early activation indicated by VAN (visual awareness negativity), as the recurrent process hypothesis theory proposes, or with later activation indicated by P3 or LP (late positive), as suggested by global workspace theories. To address this issue, a backward masking task was adopted, in which participants were first asked to categorize natural scenes of color photographs and line-drawings and then to rate the clarity of their visual experience on a Perceptual Awareness Scale (PAS). The interstimulus interval between the scene and the mask was manipulated. The behavioral results showed that categorization accuracy increased with PAS ratings for both color photographs and line-drawings, with no difference in accuracy between the two types of images for each rating, indicating that the experience rating reflected visibility. Importantly, the event-related potential (ERP) results revealed that for correct trials, the early posterior N1 and anterior P2 components changed with the PAS ratings for color photographs, but did not vary with the PAS ratings for line-drawings, indicating that the N1 and P2 do not always correlate with subjective visual awareness. Moreover, for both types of images, the anterior N2 and posterior VAN changed with the PAS ratings in a linear way, while the LP changed with the PAS ratings in a non-linear way, suggesting that these components relate to different types of subjective awareness. The results reconcile the apparently contradictory predictions of different theories and help to resolve the current debate on neural correlates of visual awareness.

Neural Correlates of Subjective Awareness for Natural Scene Categorization of Color Photographs and Line-Drawings

PubMed Central

Fu, Qiufang; Liu, Yong-Jin; Dienes, Zoltan; Wu, Jianhui; Chen, Wenfeng; Fu, Xiaolan

2017-01-01

It remains controversial whether visual awareness is correlated with early activation indicated by VAN (visual awareness negativity), as the recurrent process hypothesis theory proposes, or with later activation indicated by P3 or LP (late positive), as suggested by global workspace theories. To address this issue, a backward masking task was adopted, in which participants were first asked to categorize natural scenes of color photographs and line-drawings and then to rate the clarity of their visual experience on a Perceptual Awareness Scale (PAS). The interstimulus interval between the scene and the mask was manipulated. The behavioral results showed that categorization accuracy increased with PAS ratings for both color photographs and line-drawings, with no difference in accuracy between the two types of images for each rating, indicating that the experience rating reflected visibility. Importantly, the event-related potential (ERP) results revealed that for correct trials, the early posterior N1 and anterior P2 components changed with the PAS ratings for color photographs, but did not vary with the PAS ratings for line-drawings, indicating that the N1 and P2 do not always correlate with subjective visual awareness. Moreover, for both types of images, the anterior N2 and posterior VAN changed with the PAS ratings in a linear way, while the LP changed with the PAS ratings in a non-linear way, suggesting that these components relate to different types of subjective awareness. The results reconcile the apparently contradictory predictions of different theories and help to resolve the current debate on neural correlates of visual awareness. PMID:28261141