Effects of Peanut-Tobacco Rotations on Population Dynamics of Meloidogyne arenaria in Mixed Race Populations.

PubMed

Hirunsalee, A; Barker, K R; Beute, M K

1995-06-01

A 3-year microplot study was initiated to characterize the population dynamics, reproduction potential, and survivorship of single or mixed populations of Meloidogyne arenaria race 1 (Ma1) and race 2 (Ma2), as affected by crop rotations of peanut 'Florigiant' and M. incognita races 1 and 3-resistant 'McNair 373' and susceptible 'Coker 371-Gold' tobacco. Infection, reproduction, and root damage by Ma2 on peanut and by Ma1 on resistant tobacco were limited in the first year. Infection, reproduction, and root-damage potentials on susceptible tobacco were similar for Ma1 and Ma2. In the mixed (1:1) population, Ma1 was dominant on peanut and Ma2 was dominant on both tobacco cultivars. Crop rotation affected the population dynamics of different nematode races. For years 2 and 3, the low numbers of Ma1 and Ma2 from a previous-year poor host increased rapidly on suitable hosts. Ma1 had greater reproduction factors ([RF] = population density at harvest/population density at preplandng) than did Ma2 and Ma1 + Ma2 in second-year peanut plots following first-year resistant tobacco, and in third-year peanut plots following second-year tobacco. In mixed infestations, Ma1 predominated over Ma2 in previous-year peanut plots, whereas Ma2 predominated over Ma1 in previous-year tobacco plots. Moderate damage on resistant tobacco was induced by Ma1 in the second year. In the third year, moderate damage on peanut was associated with 'Ma2' from previous-year peanut plots. The resistant tobacco supported sufficient reproduction of Ma1 over 2 years to effect moderate damage and yield suppression to peanut in year 3.

Effects of Peanut-Tobacco Rotations on Population Dynamics of Meloidogyne arenaria in Mixed Race Populations

PubMed Central

Hirunsalee, Anan; Barker, K. R.; Beute, M. K.

1995-01-01

A 3-year microplot study was initiated to characterize the population dynamics, reproduction potential, and survivorship of single or mixed populations of Meloidogyne arenaria race 1 (Ma1) and race 2 (Ma2), as affected by crop rotations of peanut 'Florigiant' and M. incognita races 1 and 3-resistant 'McNair 373' and susceptible 'Coker 371-Gold' tobacco. Infection, reproduction, and root damage by Ma2 on peanut and by Ma1 on resistant tobacco were limited in the first year. Infection, reproduction, and root-damage potentials on susceptible tobacco were similar for Ma1 and Ma2. In the mixed (1:1) population, Ma1 was dominant on peanut and Ma2 was dominant on both tobacco cultivars. Crop rotation affected the population dynamics of different nematode races. For years 2 and 3, the low numbers of Ma1 and Ma2 from a previous-year poor host increased rapidly on suitable hosts. Ma1 had greater reproduction factors ([RF] = population density at harvest/population density at preplandng) than did Ma2 and Ma1 + Ma2 in second-year peanut plots following first-year resistant tobacco, and in third-year peanut plots following second-year tobacco. In mixed infestations, Ma1 predominated over Ma2 in previous-year peanut plots, whereas Ma2 predominated over Ma1 in previous-year tobacco plots. Moderate damage on resistant tobacco was induced by Ma1 in the second year. In the third year, moderate damage on peanut was associated with 'Ma2' from previous-year peanut plots. The resistant tobacco supported sufficient reproduction of Ma1 over 2 years to effect moderate damage and yield suppression to peanut in year 3. PMID:19277278

The banana fruit Dof transcription factor MaDof23 acts as a repressor and interacts with MaERF9 in regulating ripening-related genes

PubMed Central

Feng, Bi-hong; Han, Yan-chao; Xiao, Yun-yi; Kuang, Jian-fei; Fan, Zhong-qi; Chen, Jian-ye; Lu, Wang-jin

2016-01-01

The DNA binding with one finger (Dof) proteins, a family of plant-specific transcription factors, are involved in a variety of plant biological processes. However, little information is available on their involvement in fruit ripening. We have characterized 25 MaDof genes from banana fruit (Musa acuminata), designated as MaDof1–MaDof25. Gene expression analysis in fruit subjected to different ripening conditions revealed that MaDofs were differentially expressed during different stages of ripening. MaDof10, 23, 24, and 25 were ethylene-inducible and nuclear-localized, and their transcript levels increased during fruit ripening. Moreover, yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses demonstrated a physical interaction between MaDof23 and MaERF9, a potential regulator of fruit ripening reported in a previous study. We determined that MaDof23 is a transcriptional repressor, whereas MaERF9 is a transcriptional activator. We suggest that they might act antagonistically in regulating 10 ripening-related genes, including MaEXP1/2/3/5, MaXET7, MaPG1, MaPME3, MaPL2, MaCAT, and MaPDC, which are associated with cell wall degradation and aroma formation. Taken together, our findings provide new insight into the transcriptional regulation network controlling banana fruit ripening. PMID:26889012

Optimization and validation of moving average quality control procedures using bias detection curves and moving average validation charts.

PubMed

van Rossum, Huub H; Kemperman, Hans

2017-02-01

To date, no practical tools are available to obtain optimal settings for moving average (MA) as a continuous analytical quality control instrument. Also, there is no knowledge of the true bias detection properties of applied MA. We describe the use of bias detection curves for MA optimization and MA validation charts for validation of MA. MA optimization was performed on a data set of previously obtained consecutive assay results. Bias introduction and MA bias detection were simulated for multiple MA procedures (combination of truncation limits, calculation algorithms and control limits) and performed for various biases. Bias detection curves were generated by plotting the median number of test results needed for bias detection against the simulated introduced bias. In MA validation charts the minimum, median, and maximum numbers of assay results required for MA bias detection are shown for various bias. Their use was demonstrated for sodium, potassium, and albumin. Bias detection curves allowed optimization of MA settings by graphical comparison of bias detection properties of multiple MA. The optimal MA was selected based on the bias detection characteristics obtained. MA validation charts were generated for selected optimal MA and provided insight into the range of results required for MA bias detection. Bias detection curves and MA validation charts are useful tools for optimization and validation of MA procedures.

Methamphetamine drinking microstructure in mice bred to drink high or low amounts of methamphetamine

PubMed Central

Eastwood, Emily C.; Barkley-Levenson, Amanda M.; Phillips, Tamara J.

2014-01-01

Genetic factors likely influence individual sensitivity to positive and negative effects of methamphetamine (MA) and risk for MA dependence. Genetic influence on MA consumption has been confirmed by selectively breeding mouse lines to consume high (MAHDR) or low (MALDR) amounts of MA, using a two-bottle choice MA drinking (MADR) procedure. Here, we employed a lickometer system to characterize the microstructure of MA (20, 40, and 80 mg/l) and water intake in MAHDR and MALDR mice in 4-h limited access sessions, during the initial 4 hours of the dark phase of their 12:12 h light:dark cycle. Licks at one-minute intervals and total volume consumed were recorded, and bout analysis was performed. MAHDR and MALDR mice consumed similar amounts of MA in mg/kg on the first day of access, but MAHDR mice consumed significantly more MA than MALDR mice during all subsequent sessions. The higher MA intake of MAHDR mice was associated with a larger number of MA bouts, longer bout duration, shorter interbout interval, and shorter latency to the first bout. In a separate 4-h limited access MA drinking study, MALDR and MAHDR mice had similar blood MA levels on the first day MA was offered, but MAHDR mice had higher blood MA levels on all subsequent days, which corresponded with MA intake. These data provide insight into the microstructure of MA intake in an animal model of differential genetic risk for MA consumption, which may be pertinent to MA use patterns relevant to genetic risk for MA dependence. PMID:24978098

Selective breeding for magnitude of methamphetamine-induced sensitization alters methamphetamine consumption

PubMed Central

Scibelli, Angela C.; McKinnon, Carrie S.; Reed, Cheryl; Burkhart-Kasch, Sue; Li, Na; Baba, Harue; Wheeler, Jeanna M.

2012-01-01

Rationale Genetically determined differences in susceptibility to drug-induced sensitization could be related to risk for drug consumption. Objectives Studies were performed to determine whether selective breeding could be used to create lines of mice with different magnitudes of locomotor sensitization to methamphetamine (MA). MA sensitization (MASENS) lines were also examined for genetically correlated responses to MA. Methods Beginning with the F2 cross of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains, mice were tested for locomotor sensitization to repeated injections of 1 mg/kg MA and bred based on magnitude of sensitization. Five selected offspring generations were tested. All generations were also tested for MA consumption, and some were tested for dose-dependent locomotor-stimulant responses to MA, consumption of saccharin, quinine, and potassium chloride as a measure of taste sensitivity, and MA clearance after acute and repeated MA. Results Selective breeding resulted in creation of two lines [MA high sensitization (MAHSENS) and MA low sensitization (MALSENS)] that differed in magnitude of MA-induced sensitization. Initially, greater MA consumption in MAHSENS mice reversed over the course of selection so that MALSENS mice consumed more MA. MAHSENS mice exhibited greater sensitivity to the acute stimulant effects of MA, but there were no significant differences between the lines in MA clearance from blood. Conclusions Genetic factors influence magnitude of MA-induced locomotor sensitization and some of the genes involved in magnitude of this response also influence MA sensitivity and consumption. Genetic factors leading to greater MA-induced sensitization may serve a protective role against high levels of MA consumption. PMID:21088960

On the Performance of Quorum Replication on the Internet

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-31

ISP in Cambridge, MA MA2 ISP in Cambridge, MA MA3 ISP in Martha’s Vineyard, MA MA4 ISP in Massachusetts, MA MD ISP in Laurel, MD MEX National...1523 171 96% 58% MA2 28% 742 1517 230 94% 59% NC 32% 465 616 255 90% 63% ISR2 3% 424 70 400 100% 97% UT1 27% 979 1847 189 96% 55% MA1 29% 645 712 238... MA2 UT2 UT1 CA1 AUS NC NZ TW KR CA2 CA3 Fig. 4. Our crumbling wall quorum system. of the first row are in North America. TW, which has lossy

Surfactants and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability of Couette type flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frenkel, A. L.; Halpern, D.; Schweiger, A. S.

2011-11-01

We study the Rayleigh-Taylor instability of slow Couette- type flows in the presence of insoluble surfactants. It is known that with zero gravity, the surfactant makes the flow unstable to longwave disturbances in certain regions of the parameter space; while in other parametric regions, it reinforces the flow stability (Frenkel and Halpern 2002). Here, we show that in the latter parametric sectors, and when the (gravity) Bond number Bo is below a certain threshold value, the Rayleigh-Taylor instability is completely stabilized for a finite interval of Ma, the (surfactant) Marangoni number: MaL Ma2, and also for MaL

Expression patterns of cell wall-modifying genes from banana during fruit ripening and in relationship with finger drop

PubMed Central

Mbéguié-A-Mbéguié, D.; Hubert, O.; Baurens, F. C.; Matsumoto, T.; Chillet, M.; Fils-Lycaon, B.; Sidibé-Bocs, S.

2009-01-01

Few molecular studies have been devoted to the finger drop process that occurs during banana fruit ripening. Recent studies revealed the involvement of changes in the properties of cell wall polysaccharides in the pedicel rupture area. In this study, the expression of cell-wall modifying genes was monitored in peel tissue during post-harvest ripening of Cavendish banana fruit, at median area (control zone) and compared with that in the pedicel rupture area (drop zone). To this end, three pectin methylesterase (PME) and seven xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes were isolated. The accumulation of their mRNAs and those of polygalaturonase, expansin, and pectate lyase genes already isolated from banana were examined. During post-harvest ripening, transcripts of all genes were detected in both zones, but accumulated differentially. MaPME1, MaPG1, and MaXTH4 mRNA levels did not change in either zone. Levels of MaPME3 and MaPG3 mRNAs increased greatly only in the control zone and at the late ripening stages. For other genes, the main molecular changes occurred 1–4 d after ripening induction. MaPME2, MaPEL1, MaPEL2, MaPG4, MaXTH6, MaXTH8, MaXTH9, MaEXP1, MaEXP4, and MaEXP5 accumulated highly in the drop zone, contrary to MaXTH3 and MaXTH5, and MaEXP2 throughout ripening. For MaPG2, MaXET1, and MaXET2 genes, high accumulation in the drop zone was transient. The transcriptional data obtained from all genes examined suggested that finger drop and peel softening involved similar mechanisms. These findings also led to the proposal of a sequence of molecular events leading to finger drop and to suggest some candidates. PMID:19357434

Changes in ethylene signaling and MADS box gene expression are associated with banana finger drop.

PubMed

Hubert, O; Piral, G; Galas, C; Baurens, F-C; Mbéguié-A-Mbéguié, D

2014-06-01

Banana finger drop was examined in ripening banana harvested at immature (iMG), early (eMG) and late mature green (lMG) stages, with contrasting ripening rates and ethylene sensitivities. Concomitantly, 11 ethylene signal transduction components (ESTC) and 6 MADS box gene expressions were comparatively studied in median (control zone, CZ) and pedicel rupture (drop zone DZ) areas in peel tissue. iMG fruit did not ripen or develop finger drop while eMG and lMG fruits displayed a similar finger drop pattern. Several ESTC and MADS box gene mRNAs were differentially induced in DZ and CZ and sequentially in eMG and lMG fruits. MaESR2, 3 and MaEIL1, MaMADS2 and MaMADS5 had a higher mRNA level in eMG and acted earlier, whereas MaERS1, MaCTR1, MaEIL3/AB266319, MaEIL4/AB266320 and MaEIL5/AB266321, MaMADS4 and to a lesser extent MaMADS2 and 5 acted later in lMG. In this fruit, MaERS1 and 3, MaCTR1, MaEIL3, 4 and MaEIL5/AB266321, and MaMADS4 were enhanced by finger drop, suggesting their specific involvement in this process. MaEIL1, MaMADS1 and 3, induced at comparable levels in DZ and CZ, are probably related to the overall fruit ripening process. These findings led us to consider that developmental cues are the predominant finger drop regulation factor. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

42 CFR 495.204 - Incentive payments to qualifying MA organizations for qualifying MA-EPs and qualifying MA...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... methodological proposal for estimating the portion of each qualifying MA EP's salary or revenue attributable to... enrollees of the MA organization in the payment year. The methodological proposal— (i) Must be approved by... account for the MA-enrollee related Part B practice costs of the qualifying MA EP. (iii) Methodological...

42 CFR 495.204 - Incentive payments to qualifying MA organizations for qualifying MA-EPs and qualifying MA...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... methodological proposal for estimating the portion of each qualifying MA EP's salary or revenue attributable to... enrollees of the MA organization in the payment year. The methodological proposal— (i) Must be approved by... account for the MA-enrollee related Part B practice costs of the qualifying MA EP. (iii) Methodological...

42 CFR 422.103 - Benefits under an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Benefits under an MA MSA plan. 422.103 Section 422... Benefits under an MA MSA plan. (a) General rule. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan must make...) Countable expenses. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan must count toward the annual deductible at...

42 CFR 422.103 - Benefits under an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Benefits under an MA MSA plan. 422.103 Section 422... Benefits under an MA MSA plan. (a) General rule. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan must make...) Countable expenses. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan must count toward the annual deductible at...

Identification and Characterization of Multiple Spidroin 1 Genes Encoding Major Ampullate Silk Proteins in Nephila clavipes

PubMed Central

Gaines, William A.; Marcotte, William R.

2010-01-01

Spider dragline silk is primarily composed of proteins called major ampullate spidroins (MaSp) that consist of a large repeat array flanked by non-repetitive N- and C-terminal domains. Until recently, there has been little evidence for more than one gene encoding each of the two major spidroin silk proteins, MaSp1 and MaSp2. Here, we report the deduced N-terminal domain sequences for two distinct MaSp1 genes from Nephila clavipes (MaSp1A and MaSp1B) and for MaSp2. All three MaSp genes are co-expressed in the major ampullate gland. A search of the GenBank database also revealed two distinct MaSp1 C-terminal domain sequences. Sequencing confirmed that both MaSp1 genes are present in all seven Nephila clavipes spiders examined. The presence of nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes confirmed that MaSp1A and MaSp1B are distinct genetic loci and not merely alleles of the same gene. We have experimentally determined the transcription start sites for all three MaSp genes and established preliminary pairing between the two MaSp1 N- and C-terminal domains. Phylogenetic analysis of these new sequences and other published MaSp N- and C-terminal domain sequences illustrated that duplications of MaSp genes may be widespread among spider species. PMID:18828837

42 CFR 422.50 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan. 422.50 Section 422... § 422.50 Eligibility to elect an MA plan. For this subpart, all references to an MA plan include MA-PD and both MA local and MA regional plans, as defined in § 422.2 unless specifically noted otherwise. (a...

42 CFR 422.50 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan. 422.50 Section 422... § 422.50 Eligibility to elect an MA plan. For this subpart, all references to an MA plan include MA-PD and both MA local and MA regional plans, as defined in § 422.2 unless specifically noted otherwise. (a...

42 CFR 422.103 - Benefits under an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Benefits under an MA MSA plan. 422.103 Section 422... § 422.103 Benefits under an MA MSA plan. (a) General rule. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan... deductible. (b) Countable expenses. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan must count toward the annual...

42 CFR 422.103 - Benefits under an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Benefits under an MA MSA plan. 422.103 Section 422... § 422.103 Benefits under an MA MSA plan. (a) General rule. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan... deductible. (b) Countable expenses. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan must count toward the annual...

42 CFR 422.50 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan. 422.50 Section 422... Eligibility to elect an MA plan. For this subpart, all references to an MA plan include MA-PD and both MA local and MA regional plans, as defined in § 422.2 unless specifically noted otherwise. (a) An...

42 CFR 422.50 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan. 422.50 Section 422... § 422.50 Eligibility to elect an MA plan. For this subpart, all references to an MA plan include MA-PD and both MA local and MA regional plans, as defined in § 422.2 unless specifically noted otherwise. (a...

42 CFR 422.103 - Benefits under an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Benefits under an MA MSA plan. 422.103 Section 422... § 422.103 Benefits under an MA MSA plan. (a) General rule. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan... deductible. (b) Countable expenses. An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan must count toward the annual...

Effectiveness of the Novel Herbal Medicine, KIOM-MA, and Its Bioconversion Product, KIOM-MA128, on the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.

PubMed

Chung, Tae Ho; Kang, Tae Jin; Cho, Won-Kyung; Im, Ga Young; Lee, Geum Seon; Yang, Min Cheol; Cho, Chang-Won; Ma, Jin Yeul

2012-01-01

This study was conducted to determine if oral administration of the novel herbal medicine, KIOM-MA, and its Lactobacillus acidophilus-fermented product, KIOM-MA128, has therapeutic properties for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Using AD-induced BALB/c mice by Ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, the effectiveness of KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 on AD was evaluated. Oral administration of KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 reduced major clinical signs of AD including erythema/darkening, edema/papulation, excoriations, lichenification/prurigo, and dryness. Interestingly, KIOM-MA128 more significantly improved AD-related symptoms including decrease of IgE level in the plasma as well as reduction of scratching behavior, skin severity in the AD BALB/c model. HPLC analysis showed the significant changes in the constituent patterns between KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128. Our results suggest that both KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 have potential for therapeutic reagent for the treatment of AD, and further, the efficacy is significantly enhanced by L. acidophilus fermentation via increases in its indicator molecule.

Effectiveness of the Novel Herbal Medicine, KIOM-MA, and Its Bioconversion Product, KIOM-MA128, on the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

PubMed Central

Chung, Tae Ho; Kang, Tae Jin; Cho, Won-Kyung; Im, Ga Young; Lee, Geum Seon; Yang, Min Cheol; Cho, Chang-Won; Ma, Jin Yeul

2012-01-01

This study was conducted to determine if oral administration of the novel herbal medicine, KIOM-MA, and its Lactobacillus acidophilus-fermented product, KIOM-MA128, has therapeutic properties for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Using AD-induced BALB/c mice by Ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide, the effectiveness of KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 on AD was evaluated. Oral administration of KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 reduced major clinical signs of AD including erythema/darkening, edema/papulation, excoriations, lichenification/prurigo, and dryness. Interestingly, KIOM-MA128 more significantly improved AD-related symptoms including decrease of IgE level in the plasma as well as reduction of scratching behavior, skin severity in the AD BALB/c model. HPLC analysis showed the significant changes in the constituent patterns between KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128. Our results suggest that both KIOM-MA and KIOM-MA128 have potential for therapeutic reagent for the treatment of AD, and further, the efficacy is significantly enhanced by L. acidophilus fermentation via increases in its indicator molecule. PMID:22454683

Tensile and morphology properties of PLA/LNR blends modified with maleic anhydride grafted-polylactic acid and -natural rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruf, Mohd Farid Hakim Mohd; Ahmad, Sahrim; Chen, Ruey Shan; Shahdan, Dalila; Zailan, Farrah Diyana

2018-04-01

This research was carried out to investigate the addition of grafted copolymers of maleic anhydride grafted-polylactic acid(PLA-g-MA) and maleic anhydride grafted-natural rubber (NR-g-MA) on the tensile and morphology properties of polylactic acid/ liquid natural rubber (PLA/LNR) blends. Prior to blend preparation, the PLA-g-MA and NR-g-MA was first self-synthesized using maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as initiator together with the PLA and NR respectively. The PLA/LNR, PLA/LNR/PLA-g-MA and PLA/LNR/NR-g-MA blends were prepared via melt-blending method. The loading of PLA-g-MA and NR-g-MA was varied by 5, 10 and 15 wt% respectively. The addition of PLA-g-MA led to increment in tensile strength with 5 and 10 wt% while NR-g-MA gives lower than controlled sample (PLA/LNR blend). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the interaction of the components in the blends. The PLA/LNR compatibilized with PLA-g-MA and NR-g-MA shows greater dispersion and adhesion.

Gender differences in mathematics anxiety and the relation to mathematics performance while controlling for test anxiety

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Mathematics anxiety (MA), a state of discomfort associated with performing mathematical tasks, is thought to affect a notable proportion of the school age population. Some research has indicated that MA negatively affects mathematics performance and that girls may report higher levels of MA than boys. On the other hand some research has indicated that boys’ mathematics performance is more negatively affected by MA than girls’ performance is. The aim of the current study was to measure girls’ and boys’ mathematics performance as well as their levels of MA while controlling for test anxiety (TA) a construct related to MA but which is typically not controlled for in MA studies. Methods Four-hundred and thirty three British secondary school children in school years 7, 8 and 10 completed customised mental mathematics tests and MA and TA questionnaires. Results No gender differences emerged for mathematics performance but levels of MA and TA were higher for girls than for boys. Girls and boys showed a positive correlation between MA and TA and a negative correlation between MA and mathematics performance. TA was also negatively correlated with mathematics performance, but this relationship was stronger for girls than for boys. When controlling for TA, the negative correlation between MA and performance remained for girls only. Regression analyses revealed that MA was a significant predictor of performance for girls but not for boys. Conclusions Our study has revealed that secondary school children experience MA. Importantly, we controlled for TA which is typically not controlled for in MA studies. Girls showed higher levels of MA than boys and high levels of MA were related to poorer levels of mathematics performance. As well as potentially having a detrimental effect on ‘online’ mathematics performance, past research has shown that high levels of MA can have negative consequences for later mathematics education. Therefore MA warrants attention in the mathematics classroom, particularly because there is evidence that MA develops during the primary school years. Furthermore, our study showed no gender difference in mathematics performance, despite girls reporting higher levels of MA. These results might suggest that girls may have had the potential to perform better than boys in mathematics however their performance may have been attenuated by their higher levels of MA. Longitudinal research is needed to investigate the development of MA and its effect on mathematics performance. PMID:22769743

A molecular timescale of eukaryote evolution and the rise of complex multicellular life

PubMed Central

Hedges, S Blair; Blair, Jaime E; Venturi, Maria L; Shoe, Jason L

2004-01-01

Background The pattern and timing of the rise in complex multicellular life during Earth's history has not been established. Great disparity persists between the pattern suggested by the fossil record and that estimated by molecular clocks, especially for plants, animals, fungi, and the deepest branches of the eukaryote tree. Here, we used all available protein sequence data and molecular clock methods to place constraints on the increase in complexity through time. Results Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that (i) animals are more closely related to fungi than to plants, (ii) red algae are closer to plants than to animals or fungi, (iii) choanoflagellates are closer to animals than to fungi or plants, (iv) diplomonads, euglenozoans, and alveolates each are basal to plants+animals+fungi, and (v) diplomonads are basal to other eukaryotes (including alveolates and euglenozoans). Divergence times were estimated from global and local clock methods using 20–188 proteins per node, with data treated separately (multigene) and concatenated (supergene). Different time estimation methods yielded similar results (within 5%): vertebrate-arthropod (964 million years ago, Ma), Cnidaria-Bilateria (1,298 Ma), Porifera-Eumetozoa (1,351 Ma), Pyrenomycetes-Plectomycetes (551 Ma), Candida-Saccharomyces (723 Ma), Hemiascomycetes-filamentous Ascomycota (982 Ma), Basidiomycota-Ascomycota (968 Ma), Mucorales-Basidiomycota (947 Ma), Fungi-Animalia (1,513 Ma), mosses-vascular plants (707 Ma), Chlorophyta-Tracheophyta (968 Ma), Rhodophyta-Chlorophyta+Embryophyta (1,428 Ma), Plantae-Animalia (1,609 Ma), Alveolata-plants+animals+fungi (1,973 Ma), Euglenozoa-plants+animals+fungi (1,961 Ma), and Giardia-plants+animals+fungi (2,309 Ma). By extrapolation, mitochondria arose approximately 2300-1800 Ma and plastids arose 1600-1500 Ma. Estimates of the maximum number of cell types of common ancestors, combined with divergence times, showed an increase from two cell types at 2500 Ma to ~10 types at 1500 Ma and 50 cell types at ~1000 Ma. Conclusions The results suggest that oxygen levels in the environment, and the ability of eukaryotes to extract energy from oxygen, as well as produce oxygen, were key factors in the rise of complex multicellular life. Mitochondria and organisms with more than 2–3 cell types appeared soon after the initial increase in oxygen levels at 2300 Ma. The addition of plastids at 1500 Ma, allowing eukaryotes to produce oxygen, preceded the major rise in complexity. PMID:15005799

A molecular timescale of eukaryote evolution and the rise of complex multicellular life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedges, S. Blair; Blair, Jaime E.; Venturi, Maria L.; Shoe, Jason L.

2004-01-01

BACKGROUND: The pattern and timing of the rise in complex multicellular life during Earth's history has not been established. Great disparity persists between the pattern suggested by the fossil record and that estimated by molecular clocks, especially for plants, animals, fungi, and the deepest branches of the eukaryote tree. Here, we used all available protein sequence data and molecular clock methods to place constraints on the increase in complexity through time. RESULTS: Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that (i) animals are more closely related to fungi than to plants, (ii) red algae are closer to plants than to animals or fungi, (iii) choanoflagellates are closer to animals than to fungi or plants, (iv) diplomonads, euglenozoans, and alveolates each are basal to plants+animals+fungi, and (v) diplomonads are basal to other eukaryotes (including alveolates and euglenozoans). Divergence times were estimated from global and local clock methods using 20-188 proteins per node, with data treated separately (multigene) and concatenated (supergene). Different time estimation methods yielded similar results (within 5%): vertebrate-arthropod (964 million years ago, Ma), Cnidaria-Bilateria (1,298 Ma), Porifera-Eumetozoa (1,351 Ma), Pyrenomycetes-Plectomycetes (551 Ma), Candida-Saccharomyces (723 Ma), Hemiascomycetes-filamentous Ascomycota (982 Ma), Basidiomycota-Ascomycota (968 Ma), Mucorales-Basidiomycota (947 Ma), Fungi-Animalia (1,513 Ma), mosses-vascular plants (707 Ma), Chlorophyta-Tracheophyta (968 Ma), Rhodophyta-Chlorophyta+Embryophyta (1,428 Ma), Plantae-Animalia (1,609 Ma), Alveolata-plants+animals+fungi (1,973 Ma), Euglenozoa-plants+animals+fungi (1,961 Ma), and Giardia-plants+animals+fungi (2,309 Ma). By extrapolation, mitochondria arose approximately 2300-1800 Ma and plastids arose 1600-1500 Ma. Estimates of the maximum number of cell types of common ancestors, combined with divergence times, showed an increase from two cell types at 2500 Ma to approximately 10 types at 1500 Ma and 50 cell types at approximately 1000 Ma. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that oxygen levels in the environment, and the ability of eukaryotes to extract energy from oxygen, as well as produce oxygen, were key factors in the rise of complex multicellular life. Mitochondria and organisms with more than 2-3 cell types appeared soon after the initial increase in oxygen levels at 2300 Ma. The addition of plastids at 1500 Ma, allowing eukaryotes to produce oxygen, preceded the major rise in complexity.

Gender differences in mathematics anxiety and the relation to mathematics performance while controlling for test anxiety.

PubMed

Devine, Amy; Fawcett, Kayleigh; Szűcs, Dénes; Dowker, Ann

2012-07-09

Mathematics anxiety (MA), a state of discomfort associated with performing mathematical tasks, is thought to affect a notable proportion of the school age population. Some research has indicated that MA negatively affects mathematics performance and that girls may report higher levels of MA than boys. On the other hand some research has indicated that boys' mathematics performance is more negatively affected by MA than girls' performance is. The aim of the current study was to measure girls' and boys' mathematics performance as well as their levels of MA while controlling for test anxiety (TA) a construct related to MA but which is typically not controlled for in MA studies. Four-hundred and thirty three British secondary school children in school years 7, 8 and 10 completed customised mental mathematics tests and MA and TA questionnaires. No gender differences emerged for mathematics performance but levels of MA and TA were higher for girls than for boys. Girls and boys showed a positive correlation between MA and TA and a negative correlation between MA and mathematics performance. TA was also negatively correlated with mathematics performance, but this relationship was stronger for girls than for boys. When controlling for TA, the negative correlation between MA and performance remained for girls only. Regression analyses revealed that MA was a significant predictor of performance for girls but not for boys. Our study has revealed that secondary school children experience MA. Importantly, we controlled for TA which is typically not controlled for in MA studies. Girls showed higher levels of MA than boys and high levels of MA were related to poorer levels of mathematics performance. As well as potentially having a detrimental effect on 'online' mathematics performance, past research has shown that high levels of MA can have negative consequences for later mathematics education. Therefore MA warrants attention in the mathematics classroom, particularly because there is evidence that MA develops during the primary school years. Furthermore, our study showed no gender difference in mathematics performance, despite girls reporting higher levels of MA. These results might suggest that girls may have had the potential to perform better than boys in mathematics however their performance may have been attenuated by their higher levels of MA. Longitudinal research is needed to investigate the development of MA and its effect on mathematics performance.

alpha-Phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone attenuates methamphetamine-induced depletion of striatal dopamine without altering hyperthermia.

PubMed

Cappon, G D; Broening, H W; Pu, C; Morford, L; Vorhees, C V

1996-10-01

Methamphetamine (MA) administration to adult rats (4 x 10 mg/kg s.c.) induces neurotoxicity predominately characterized by a persistent reduction of neostriatal dopamine (DA) content. Hyperthermia following MA administration potentiates the resulting DA depletion. DA-derived free radicals are postulated to be a mechanism through which MA-induced neurotoxicity is produced. The spin trapping agent PBN reacts with free radicals to form nitroxyl adducts, thereby preventing damaging free radical reactions with cellular substrates. MA with saline pretreatment (Sal-MA) reduced neostriatal DA by 55% (P < 0.01 vs. Sal-Sal). MA with PBN pretreatment (PBN-MA) at 36 or 60 mg/kg reduced neostriatal DA by 36 and 22%, respectively (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 vs Sal-MA) indicating partial protection. PBN pretreatment did not alter MA-induced hyperthermia. Thus, PBN does not attenuate MA-induced neurotoxicity by reducing MA-induced hyperthermia. These results support a role for free radicals in the generation of MA-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity.

Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction and Veo: assessment of image quality and diagnostic performance in CT colonography at various radiation doses.

PubMed

Yoon, Min A; Kim, Se Hyung; Lee, Jeong Min; Woo, Hyoun Sik; Lee, Eun Sun; Ahn, Se Jin; Han, Joon Koo

2012-01-01

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) colonography (CTC) reconstructed with different levels of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR, GE Healthcare) and Veo (model-based iterative reconstruction, GE Healthcare) at various tube currents in detection of polyps in porcine colon phantoms. Five porcine colon phantoms with 46 simulated polyps were scanned at different radiation doses (10, 30, and 50 mA s) and were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), ASiR (20%, 40%, and 60%) and Veo. Eleven data sets for each phantom (10-mA s FBP, 10-mA s 20% ASiR, 10-mA s 40% ASiR, 10-mA s 60% ASiR, 10-mA s Veo, 30-mA s FBP, 30-mA s 20% ASiR, 30-mA s 40% ASiR, 30-mA s 60% ASiR, 30-mA s Veo, and 50-mA s FBP) yielded a total of 55 data sets. Polyp detection sensitivity and confidence level of 2 independent observers were evaluated with the McNemar test, the Fisher exact test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Comparative analyses of overall image quality score, measured image noise, and interpretation time were also performed. Per-polyp detection sensitivities and specificities were highest in 10-mA s Veo, 30-mA s FBP, 30-mA s 60% ASiR, and 50-mA s FBP (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 100%). The area-under-the-curve values for the overall performance of each data set was also highest (1.000) at 50-mA s FBP, 30-mA s FBP, 30-mA s 60% ASiR, and 10-mA s Veo. Images reconstructed with ASiR showed statistically significant improvement in per-polyp detection sensitivity as the percent level of per-polyp sensitivity increased (10-mA s FBP vs 10-mA s 20% ASiR, P = 0.011; 10-mA s FBP vs 10-mA s 40% ASiR, P = 0.000; 10-mA s FBP vs 10-mA s 60% ASiR, P = 0.000; 10-mA s 20% ASiR vs 40% ASiR, P = 0.034). Overall image quality score was highest at 30-mA s Veo and 50-mA s FBP. The quantitative measurement of the image noise was lowest at 30-mA s Veo and second lowest at 10-mA s Veo. There was a trend of decrease in time required for image interpretation as the percent level of ASiR increased, and ASiR or Veo was used instead of FBP. However, differences from comparative analyses of overall image quality score, measured image noise, and interpretation time did not reach statistical significance. ASiR and Veo showed improved diagnostic performance with excellent sensitivity and specificity with less image noise and good image quality compared with FBP reconstruction of same radiation dose. Our study confirmed feasibility of low-dose CTC with iterative reconstruction as a promising screening tool with excellent diagnostic performance similar to that of the standard-dose CTC with FBP.

17 CFR 240.15Ba1-5 - Amendments to Form MA and Form MA-I.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 4 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Amendments to Form MA and Form MA-I. 240.15Ba1-5 Section 240.15Ba1-5 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE... Amendments to Form MA and Form MA-I. (a) When amendment is required—Form MA. A registered municipal advisor...

42 CFR 422.2268 - Standards for MA organization marketing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Standards for MA organization marketing. 422.2268... Requirements § 422.2268 Standards for MA organization marketing. In conducting marketing activities, MA... mislead or confuse Medicare beneficiaries, or misrepresent the MA organization. The MA organization may...

42 CFR 422.2268 - Standards for MA organization marketing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Standards for MA organization marketing. 422.2268... Requirements § 422.2268 Standards for MA organization marketing. In conducting marketing activities, MA... mislead or confuse Medicare beneficiaries, or misrepresent the MA organization. The MA organization may...

42 CFR 422.2268 - Standards for MA organization marketing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Standards for MA organization marketing. 422.2268... Requirements § 422.2268 Standards for MA organization marketing. In conducting marketing activities, MA... mislead or confuse Medicare beneficiaries, or misrepresent the MA organization. The MA organization may...

42 CFR 495.108 - Posting of required information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Internet Web site, the following information for qualifying MA organizations that receive an incentive... each of the qualifying MA organization's MA plan information; and (2) The information specified in paragraph (a) of this section for each of the qualifying MA organization's MA EPs and MA-affiliated eligible...

Banana ethylene response factors are involved in fruit ripening through their interactions with ethylene biosynthesis genes.

PubMed

Xiao, Yun-yi; Chen, Jian-ye; Kuang, Jiang-fei; Shan, Wei; Xie, Hui; Jiang, Yue-ming; Lu, Wang-jin

2013-05-01

The involvement of ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factor (TF) in the transcriptional regulation of ethylene biosynthesis genes during fruit ripening remains largely unclear. In this study, 15 ERF genes, designated as MaERF1-MaERF15, were isolated and characterized from banana fruit. These MaERFs were classified into seven of the 12 known ERF families. Subcellular localization showed that MaERF proteins of five different subfamilies preferentially localized to the nucleus. The 15 MaERF genes displayed differential expression patterns and levels in peel and pulp of banana fruit, in association with four different ripening treatments caused by natural, ethylene-induced, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)-delayed, and combined 1-MCP and ethylene treatments. MaERF9 was upregulated while MaERF11 was downregulated in peel and pulp of banana fruit during ripening or after treatment with ethylene. Furthermore, yeast-one hybrid (Y1H) and transient expression assays showed that the potential repressor MaERF11 bound to MaACS1 and MaACO1 promoters to suppress their activities and that MaERF9 activated MaACO1 promoter activity. Interestingly, protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that MaERF9 and -11 physically interacted with MaACO1. Taken together, these results suggest that MaERFs are involved in banana fruit ripening via transcriptional regulation of or interaction with ethylene biosynthesis genes.

Banana ethylene response factors are involved in fruit ripening through their interactions with ethylene biosynthesis genes

PubMed Central

Xiao, Yun-yi; Chen, Jian-ye; Kuang, Jiang-fei; Shan, Wei; Xie, Hui; Jiang, Yue-ming; Lu, Wang-jin

2013-01-01

The involvement of ethylene response factor (ERF) transcription factor (TF) in the transcriptional regulation of ethylene biosynthesis genes during fruit ripening remains largely unclear. In this study, 15 ERF genes, designated as MaERF1–MaERF15, were isolated and characterized from banana fruit. These MaERFs were classified into seven of the 12 known ERF families. Subcellular localization showed that MaERF proteins of five different subfamilies preferentially localized to the nucleus. The 15 MaERF genes displayed differential expression patterns and levels in peel and pulp of banana fruit, in association with four different ripening treatments caused by natural, ethylene-induced, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)-delayed, and combined 1-MCP and ethylene treatments. MaERF9 was upregulated while MaERF11 was downregulated in peel and pulp of banana fruit during ripening or after treatment with ethylene. Furthermore, yeast-one hybrid (Y1H) and transient expression assays showed that the potential repressor MaERF11 bound to MaACS1 and MaACO1 promoters to suppress their activities and that MaERF9 activated MaACO1 promoter activity. Interestingly, protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that MaERF9 and -11 physically interacted with MaACO1. Taken together, these results suggest that MaERFs are involved in banana fruit ripening via transcriptional regulation of or interaction with ethylene biosynthesis genes. PMID:23599278

Identification and Actions of the Maresin 1 Metabolome in Infectious Inflammation.

PubMed

Colas, Romain A; Dalli, Jesmond; Chiang, Nan; Vlasakov, Iliyan; Sanger, Julia M; Riley, Ian R; Serhan, Charles N

2016-12-01

Maresin 1 (MaR1) is an immunoresolvent that governs resolution of acute inflammation, and its local metabolism in the context of infectious inflammation is of interest. In this study, we investigated the MaR1 metabolome in infectious exudates and its bioactions in regulating leukocyte responses in the context of bacterial infection. In Escherichia coli infectious exudates, MaR1 was temporally regulated with maximal levels at 4 h (2.2 ± 0.4 pg/lavage). In these exudates we also identified two novel products, and their structure elucidation gave 22-hydroxy-MaR1 and 14-oxo-MaR1. Using human primary leukocytes, we found that neutrophils primarily produced 22-OH-MaR1, whereas the main macrophage product was 14-oxo-MaR1. Both 22-OH-MaR1 and 14-oxo-MaR1 incubated with human primary macrophages gave dose-dependent increases in macrophage phagocytosis of ∼75% at 1 pM 22-OH-MaR1 and ∼25% at 1 pM 14-oxo-MaR1, whereas 14-oxo-MaR1 was less active than MaR1 at higher concentrations. Together these findings establish the temporal regulation of MaR1 during infectious inflammation, and elucidate the structures and actions of two novel MaR1 further metabolites that carry bioactivities. Copyright © 2016 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Inhibition of Aspergillus parasiticus and cancer cells by marine actinomycete strains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ping; Yan, Peisheng

2014-12-01

Ten actinomycete strains isolated from the Yellow Sea off China's coasts were identified as belonging to two genera by 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis: Streptomyces and Nocardiopsis. Six Streptomyces strains (MA10, 2SHXF01-3, MA35, MA05-2, MA05-2-1 and MA08-1) and one Nocardiopsis strain (MA03) were predicted to have the potential to produce aromatic polyketides based on the analysis of the KSα (ketoacyl-synthase) gene in the type II PKS (polyketides synthase) gene cluster. Four strains (MA03, MA01, MA10 and MA05-2) exhibited significant inhibitory effects on mycelia growth (inhibition rate >50%) and subsequent aflatoxin production (inhibition rate >75%) of the mutant aflatoxigenic Aspergillus parasiticus NFRI-95. The ethyl acetate extracts of the broth of these four strains displayed significant inhibitory effects on mycelia growth, and the IC50 values were calculated (MA03: 0.275 mg mL-1, MA01: 0.106 mg mL-1, MA10: 1.345 mg mL-1 and MA05-2: 1.362 mg mL-1). Five strains (2SHXF01-3, MA03, MA05-2, MA01 and MA08-1) were selected based on their high cytotoxic activities. The ethyl acetate extract of the Nocardiopsis strain MA03 was particularly noted for its high antitumor activity against human carcinomas of the cervix (HeLa), lung (A549), kidney (Caki-1) and liver (HepG2) (IC50: 2.890, 1.981, 3.032 and 2.603 μg mL-1, respectively). The extract also remarkably inhibited colony formation of HeLa cells at an extremely low concentration (0.5 μg mL-1). This study highlights that marine-derived actinomycetes are a huge resource of compounds for the biological control of aflatoxin contamination and the development of novel drugs for human carcinomas.

42 CFR 422.252 - Terminology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... § 422.252 Terminology. Annual MA capitation rate means a county payment rate for an MA local area... to refer to the annual MA capitation rate. MA local area means a payment area consisting of county or equivalent area specified by CMS. MA monthly basic beneficiary premium means the premium amount an MA plan...

Apollo-Soyuz pamphlet no. 8: Zero-g technology. [experimental designispace processing and aerospace engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Page, L. W.; From, T. P.

1977-01-01

The behavior of liquids in zero gravity environments is discussed with emphasis on foams, wetting, and wicks. A multipurpose electric furnace (MA-010) for the high temperature processing of metals and salts in zero-g is described. Experiments discussed include: monolectic and synthetic alloys (MA-041); multiple material melting point (MA-150); zero-g processing of metals (MA-070); surface tension induced convection (MA-041); halide eutectic growth; interface markings in crystals (MA-060); crystal growth from the vapor phase (MA-085); and photography of crystal growth (MA-028).

Characterization and expression profiles of MaACS and MaACO genes from mulberry (Morus alba L.)*

PubMed Central

Liu, Chang-ying; Lü, Rui-hua; Li, Jun; Zhao, Ai-chun; Wang, Xi-ling; Diane, Umuhoza; Wang, Xiao-hong; Wang, Chuan-hong; Yu, Ya-sheng; Han, Shu-mei; Lu, Cheng; Yu, Mao-de

2014-01-01

1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) are encoded by multigene families and are involved in fruit ripening by catalyzing the production of ethylene throughout the development of fruit. However, there are no reports on ACS or ACO genes in mulberry, partly because of the limited molecular research background. In this study, we have obtained five ACS gene sequences and two ACO gene sequences from Morus Genome Database. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of MaACO1 and MaACO2 showed that their amino acids are conserved compared with ACO proteins from other species. MaACS1 and MaACS2 are type I, MaACS3 and MaACS4 are type II, and MaACS5 is type III, with different C-terminal sequences. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) expression analysis showed that the transcripts of MaACS genes were strongly expressed in fruit, and more weakly in other tissues. The expression of MaACO1 and MaACO2 showed different patterns in various mulberry tissues. MaACS and MaACO genes demonstrated two patterns throughout the development of mulberry fruit, and both of them were strongly up-regulated by abscisic acid (ABA) and ethephon. PMID:25001221

A natural mutation-led truncation in one of the two aluminum-activated malate transporter-like genes at the Ma locus is associated with low fruit acidity in apple.

PubMed

Bai, Yang; Dougherty, Laura; Li, Mingjun; Fazio, Gennaro; Cheng, Lailiang; Xu, Kenong

2012-08-01

Acidity levels greatly affect the taste and flavor of fruit, and consequently its market value. In mature apple fruit, malic acid is the predominant organic acid. Several studies have confirmed that the major quantitative trait locus Ma largely controls the variation of fruit acidity levels. The Ma locus has recently been defined in a region of 150 kb that contains 44 predicted genes on chromosome 16 in the Golden Delicious genome. In this study, we identified two aluminum-activated malate transporter-like genes, designated Ma1 and Ma2, as strong candidates of Ma by narrowing down the Ma locus to 65-82 kb containing 12-19 predicted genes depending on the haplotypes. The Ma haplotypes were determined by sequencing two bacterial artificial chromosome clones from G.41 (an apple rootstock of genotype Mama) that cover the two distinct haplotypes at the Ma locus. Gene expression profiling in 18 apple germplasm accessions suggested that Ma1 is the major determinant at the Ma locus controlling fruit acidity as Ma1 is expressed at a much higher level than Ma2 and the Ma1 expression is significantly correlated with fruit titratable acidity (R (2) = 0.4543, P = 0.0021). In the coding sequences of low acidity alleles of Ma1 and Ma2, sequence variations at the amino acid level between Golden Delicious and G.41 were not detected. But the alleles for high acidity vary considerably between the two genotypes. The low acidity allele of Ma1, Ma1-1455A, is mainly characterized by a mutation at base 1455 in the open reading frame. The mutation leads to a premature stop codon that truncates the carboxyl terminus of Ma1-1455A by 84 amino acids compared with Ma1-1455G. A survey of 29 apple germplasm accessions using marker CAPS(1455) that targets the SNP(1455) in Ma1 showed that the CAPS(1455A) allele was associated completely with high pH and highly with low titratable acidity, suggesting that the natural mutation-led truncation is most likely responsible for the abolished function of Ma for low pH or high acidity in apple.

Involvement of WRKY Transcription Factors in Abscisic-Acid-Induced Cold Tolerance of Banana Fruit.

PubMed

Luo, Dong-Lan; Ba, Liang-Jie; Shan, Wei; Kuang, Jian-Fei; Lu, Wang-Jin; Chen, Jian-Ye

2017-05-10

Phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and plant-specific WRKY transcription factors (TFs) have been implicated to play important roles in various stress responses. The involvement of WRKY TFs in ABA-mediated cold tolerance of economical fruits, such as banana fruit, however remains largely unknown. Here, we reported that ABA application could induce expressions of ABA biosynthesis-related genes MaNCED1 and MaNCED2, increase endogenous ABA contents, and thereby enhance cold tolerance in banana fruit. Four banana fruit WRKY TFs, designated as MaWRKY31, MaWRKY33, MaWRKY60, and MaWRKY71, were identified and characterized. All four of these MaWRKYs were nuclear-localized and displayed transactivation activities. Their expressions were induced by ABA treatment during cold storage. More importantly, the gel mobility shift assay and transient expression analysis revealed that MaWRKY31, MaWRKY33, MaWRKY60, and MaWRKY71 directly bound to the W-box elements in MaNCED1 and MaNCED2 promoters and activated their expressions. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that banana fruit WRKY TFs are involved in ABA-induced cold tolerance by, at least in part, increasing ABA levels via directly activating NECD expressions.

“Tweaking and Geeking, Just Having Some Fun”: An Analysis of Methamphetamine Poems

PubMed Central

Sexton, Rocky L.; Carlson, Robert G.; Leukefeld, Carl G.; Booth, Brenda M.

2013-01-01

There is a body of methamphetamine-themed poetry that speaks regretfully of the highly negative experiences of those in recovery from methamphetamine (MA) addiction or who feel trapped in an MA-using lifestyle. During ethnographic research in western Kentucky, the author collected two MA-themed poems from active MA users that differ from other MA poetry. They describe misadventures that occur during MA “binges.” However, the text and tone of the poems are comically ironic and represent optimism rather than regret toward MA use. Analyzing these poems provide valuable insights into local patterns of MA use, related terminology, and attitudes toward MA use. PMID:21053760

The relationship between methamphetamine and alcohol use in a community sample of methamphetamine users.

PubMed

Bujarski, Spencer; Roche, Daniel J O; Lunny, Katy; Moallem, Nathasha R; Courtney, Kelly E; Allen, Vincent; Hartwell, Emily; Leventhal, Adam; Rohrbaugh, Taylor; Ray, Lara A

2014-09-01

While methamphetamine (MA) and alcohol are often used in combination, little is known about the pattern of co-use between these substances. The goal of the present study is to examine the relationship between MA use and alcohol use in a community sample of non-treatment seeking regular MA users. Participants completed a face-to-face assessment battery, which included a diagnostic interview for MA dependence and the timeline follow-back interview for both alcohol and MA use over the past 30 days. Sixty regular MA and alcohol users supplied data for 1800 person-days. Compared with non-drinking days, drinking days and binge drinking days increased the odds of same day MA use by 4.22 and 4.50 times, respectively (p's<0.0001). Further, binge drinking incrementally increased risk for MA use above and beyond the effects of drinking itself (p<0.0001). Lagged models revealed previous day MA use to predict following day MA use (p<0.0001), yet, after controlling for this relationship, neither previous day alcohol use nor previous day binge drinking predicted following-day MA use. Finally, the effect of binge drinking on MA use was stronger among individuals with lower MA dependence severity or higher alcohol problem severity (p's<0.05). These results suggest that alcohol and MA are co-used in predictable patterns, and in particular, that binge drinking may be incrementally associated with the likelihood of MA use. Future studies are needed to explore the temporal relationship between alcohol and MA use within a given episode. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implementation and application of moving average as continuous analytical quality control instrument demonstrated for 24 routine chemistry assays.

PubMed

Rossum, Huub H van; Kemperman, Hans

2017-07-26

General application of a moving average (MA) as continuous analytical quality control (QC) for routine chemistry assays has failed due to lack of a simple method that allows optimization of MAs. A new method was applied to optimize the MA for routine chemistry and was evaluated in daily practice as continuous analytical QC instrument. MA procedures were optimized using an MA bias detection simulation procedure. Optimization was graphically supported by bias detection curves. Next, all optimal MA procedures that contributed to the quality assurance were run for 100 consecutive days and MA alarms generated during working hours were investigated. Optimized MA procedures were applied for 24 chemistry assays. During this evaluation, 303,871 MA values and 76 MA alarms were generated. Of all alarms, 54 (71%) were generated during office hours. Of these, 41 were further investigated and were caused by ion selective electrode (ISE) failure (1), calibration failure not detected by QC due to improper QC settings (1), possible bias (significant difference with the other analyzer) (10), non-human materials analyzed (2), extreme result(s) of a single patient (2), pre-analytical error (1), no cause identified (20), and no conclusion possible (4). MA was implemented in daily practice as a continuous QC instrument for 24 routine chemistry assays. In our setup when an MA alarm required follow-up, a manageable number of MA alarms was generated that resulted in valuable MA alarms. For the management of MA alarms, several applications/requirements in the MA management software will simplify the use of MA procedures.

Effects of Sodium Butyrate on Methamphetamine-Sensitized Locomotor Activity

PubMed Central

Harkness, John H.; Hitzemann, Robert J.; Edmunds, Stephanie; Phillips, Tamara J.

2012-01-01

Neuroadaptations associated with behavioral sensitization induced by repeated exposure to methamphetamine (MA) appear to be involved in compulsive drug pursuit and use. Increased histone acetylation, an epigenetic effect resulting in altered gene expression, may promote sensitized responses to psychostimulants. The role of histone acetylation in the expression and acquisition of MA-induced locomotor sensitization was examined by measuring the effect of histone deacetylase inhibition by sodium butyrate (NaB). For the effect on expression, vehicle or NaB (630 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was administered 30 min prior to MA challenge in mice treated repeatedly with MA (10 days of 2 mg/kg MA) or saline (10 days), and then locomotor response to MA challenge was measured. NaB treatment increased the locomotor response to MA in both acutely MA treated and sensitized animals. For acquisition, NaB was administered 30 min prior to each MA exposure (10 days of 1 or 2 mg/kg), but not prior to the MA challenge test. Treatment with NaB during the sensitization acquisition period significantly increased locomotor activation by MA in sensitized mice only. NaB alone did not significantly alter locomotor activity. Acute NaB or MA, but not the combination, appeared to increase striatal acetylation at histone H4. Repeated treatment with MA, but not NaB or MA plus NaB, increased striatal acetylation at histone H3. Although increased histone acetylation may alter the expression of genes involved in acute locomotor response to MA and in the acquisition of MA-induced sensitization, results for acetylation at H3 and H4 showed little correspondence with behavior. PMID:23137698

The regulation of MADS-box gene expression during ripening of banana and their regulatory interaction with ethylene

PubMed Central

Elitzur, Tomer; Vrebalov, Julia; Giovannoni, James J.; Goldschmidt, Eliezer E.; Friedman, Haya

2010-01-01

Six MaMADS-box genes have been cloned from the banana fruit cultivar Grand Nain. The similarity of these genes to tomato LeRIN is low and neither MaMADS2 nor MaMADS1 complement the tomato rin mutation. Nevertheless, the expression patterns, specifically in fruit and the induction during ripening and in response to ethylene and 1-MCP, suggest that some of these genes may participate in ripening. MaMADS1, 2, and 3, are highly expressed in fruit only, while the others are expressed in fruit as well as in other organs. Moreover, the suites of MaMADS-box genes and their temporal expression differ in peel and pulp during ripening. In the pulp, the increase in MaMADS2, 3, 4, and 5 expression preceded an increase in ethylene production, but coincides with the CO2 peak. However, MaMADS1 expression in pulp coincided with ethylene production, but a massive increase in its expression occurred late during ripening, together with a second wave in the expression of MaMADS2, 3, and 4. In the peel, on the other hand, an increase in expression of MaMADS1, 3, and to a lesser degree also of MaMADS4 and 2 coincided with an increase in ethylene production. Except MaMADS3, which was induced by ethylene in pulp and peel, only MaMADS4, and 5 in pulp and MaMADS1 in peel were induced by ethylene. 1-MCP applied at the onset of the increase in ethylene production, increased the levels of MaMADS4 and MaMADS1 in pulp, while it decreased MaMADS1, 3, 4, and 5 in peel, suggesting that MaMADS4 and MaMADS1 are negatively controlled by ethylene at the onset of ethylene production only in pulp. Only MaMADS2 is neither induced by ethylene nor by 1-MCP, and it is expressed mainly in pulp. Our results suggest that two independent ripening programs are employed in pulp and peel which involve the activation of mainly MaMADS2, 4, and 5 and later on also MaMADS1 in pulp, and mainly MaMADS1, and 3 in peel. Hence, our results are consistent with MaMADS2, a SEP3 homologue, acting in the pulp upstream of the increase in ethylene production similarly to LeMADS-RIN. PMID:20200120

The regulation of MADS-box gene expression during ripening of banana and their regulatory interaction with ethylene.

PubMed

Elitzur, Tomer; Vrebalov, Julia; Giovannoni, James J; Goldschmidt, Eliezer E; Friedman, Haya

2010-03-01

Six MaMADS-box genes have been cloned from the banana fruit cultivar Grand Nain. The similarity of these genes to tomato LeRIN is low and neither MaMADS2 nor MaMADS1 complement the tomato rin mutation. Nevertheless, the expression patterns, specifically in fruit and the induction during ripening and in response to ethylene and 1-MCP, suggest that some of these genes may participate in ripening. MaMADS1, 2, and 3, are highly expressed in fruit only, while the others are expressed in fruit as well as in other organs. Moreover, the suites of MaMADS-box genes and their temporal expression differ in peel and pulp during ripening. In the pulp, the increase in MaMADS2, 3, 4, and 5 expression preceded an increase in ethylene production, but coincides with the CO(2) peak. However, MaMADS1 expression in pulp coincided with ethylene production, but a massive increase in its expression occurred late during ripening, together with a second wave in the expression of MaMADS2, 3, and 4. In the peel, on the other hand, an increase in expression of MaMADS1, 3, and to a lesser degree also of MaMADS4 and 2 coincided with an increase in ethylene production. Except MaMADS3, which was induced by ethylene in pulp and peel, only MaMADS4, and 5 in pulp and MaMADS1 in peel were induced by ethylene. 1-MCP applied at the onset of the increase in ethylene production, increased the levels of MaMADS4 and MaMADS1 in pulp, while it decreased MaMADS1, 3, 4, and 5 in peel, suggesting that MaMADS4 and MaMADS1 are negatively controlled by ethylene at the onset of ethylene production only in pulp. Only MaMADS2 is neither induced by ethylene nor by 1-MCP, and it is expressed mainly in pulp. Our results suggest that two independent ripening programs are employed in pulp and peel which involve the activation of mainly MaMADS2, 4, and 5 and later on also MaMADS1 in pulp, and mainly MaMADS1, and 3 in peel. Hence, our results are consistent with MaMADS2, a SEP3 homologue, acting in the pulp upstream of the increase in ethylene production similarly to LeMADS-RIN.

Partners | Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research

Cancer.gov

Awardees and Affiliated Institutions Agilent Technologies, Inc., Cambridge, MA Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX Biomedical Hosting LLC, Arlington, MA Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Cambridge, MA Brown University, Providence, RI Cell Signaling Technology, Danvers, MA Chang Gung University, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Taoyuan City, Taiwan Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA Fluidigm Corp., Cambridge, MA

Power and Professionalism: Reconstruction of Medical Educators' Practice by Way of a MA(Ed).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elmer, Roger

England's King Alfred's College offers a MA(Ed) professional enquiry for teachers. In 1997, four medical doctors expressed interest in developing educational perspectives. Critical examination of the MA(Ed) indicated close parallels with the work of medical educators. The congruity was in an educational philosophy: people's internal values and…

33 CFR 80.125 - Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA... INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA. The 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from...

33 CFR 80.125 - Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA... INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA. The 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from...

33 CFR 80.135 - Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. 80.135 Section 80.135 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. (a...

33 CFR 80.135 - Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. 80.135 Section 80.135 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. (a...

42 CFR 422.455 - Special rules for MA Regional Plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Special rules for MA Regional Plans. 422.455... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.455 Special rules for MA Regional Plans. (a) Coverage of entire MA region. The service area for an MA...

33 CFR 80.125 - Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA... INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA. The 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from...

42 CFR 422.520 - Prompt payment by MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Prompt payment by MA organization. 422.520 Section... Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.520 Prompt payment by MA organization. (a) Contract between CMS and the MA organization. (1) The contract between CMS and the MA organization must provide that the MA...

33 CFR 80.135 - Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. 80.135 Section 80.135 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. (a...

42 CFR 422.520 - Prompt payment by MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Prompt payment by MA organization. 422.520 Section... Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.520 Prompt payment by MA organization. (a) Contract between CMS and the MA organization. (1) The contract between CMS and the MA organization must provide that the MA...

42 CFR 422.455 - Special rules for MA Regional Plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Special rules for MA Regional Plans. 422.455... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.455 Special rules for MA Regional Plans. (a) Coverage of entire MA region. The service area for an MA...

33 CFR 80.125 - Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA... INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA. The 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from...

33 CFR 80.125 - Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA... INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.125 Marblehead Neck, MA to Nahant, MA. The 72 COLREGS apply on the harbors, bays, and inlets on the east coast of Massachusetts from...

33 CFR 80.135 - Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. 80.135 Section 80.135 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. (a...

42 CFR 422.50 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... § 422.112 are met for that individual through the MA plan's established provider network. The MA...; (4) Has been a member of an Employer Group Health Plan (EGHP) that includes the elected MA plan, even... are met for that individual through the MA plan's established provider network. The MA organization...

33 CFR 80.135 - Hull, MA to Race Point, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. 80... INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.135 Hull, MA to Race Point, MA. (a... the east coast of Massachusetts from the easternmost radio tower at Hull, charted in approximate...

42 CFR 423.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... MA plan has the meaning given the term in § 422.2 of this chapter. MA-PD plan means an MA plan that... plan) means a prescription drug plan, an MA-PD plan, a PACE Plan offering qualified prescription drug... sponsor refers to a PDP sponsor, MA organization offering a MA-PD plan, a PACE organization offering a...

42 CFR 423.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... MA plan has the meaning given the term in § 422.2 of this chapter. MA-PD plan means an MA plan that... plan) means a prescription drug plan, an MA-PD plan, a PACE Plan offering qualified prescription drug... sponsor refers to a PDP sponsor, MA organization offering a MA-PD plan, a PACE organization offering a...

42 CFR 423.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... MA plan has the meaning given the term in § 422.2 of this chapter. MA-PD plan means an MA plan that... plan) means a prescription drug plan, an MA-PD plan, a PACE Plan offering qualified prescription drug... sponsor refers to a PDP sponsor, MA organization offering a MA-PD plan, a PACE organization offering a...

Infection, Reproduction Potential, and Root Galling by Root-knot Nematode Species and Concomitant Populations on Peanut and Tobacco

PubMed Central

Hirunsalee, Anan; Barker, K. R.; Beute, M. K.

1995-01-01

Single populations of Meloidogyne arenaria races 1 (MA1) and 2 (MA2) and M. hapla (MH), and mixed populations of MA1 + MA2 and MA1 + MH with four inoculum levels of eggs were tested on peanut cv. 'Florigiant' and M. incognita-resistant tobacco cv. 'McNair 373' in a greenhouse experiment. Root infection, female development, and reproduction of MA2 on peanut and MA1 on resistant tobacco were limited at 2 and 6 weeks. MA1, MH, and MA1 + MH on peanut had similar root infection (total parasitic forms per root unit) at both 2 and 6 weeks, and similar female development and reproduction potentials at 6 weeks. MA2 tended to depress root infection, female development, and reproduction of MA1 on peanut. MH had little effect on MA1 on this crop. On tobacco, MA2 population had greater incidence of root infection than did MH at 2 weeks. The two nematode species had similar development in roots at 6 weeks. All of these processes were restricted when either MA2 or MH was present together with MA1. As initial inoculum level of parasitically fit populations increased, relative infection ratio on both peanut and tobacco, and reproduction factor on peanut decreased. Populations that had high infection incidence and reproduction rates induced greater root galling than did other populations. Root galling was suppressed in the presence of antagonistic response between nematode populations. PMID:19277277

The Banana Fruit SINA Ubiquitin Ligase MaSINA1 Regulates the Stability of MaICE1 to be Negatively Involved in Cold Stress Response.

PubMed

Fan, Zhong-Qi; Chen, Jian-Ye; Kuang, Jian-Fei; Lu, Wang-Jin; Shan, Wei

2017-01-01

The regulation of ICE1 protein stability is important to ensure effective cold stress response, and is extensively studied in Arabidopsis . Currently, how ICE1 stability in fruits under cold stress is controlled remains largely unknown. Here, we reported the possible involvement of a SEVEN IN ABSENTIA (SINA) ubiquitin ligase MaSINA1 from banana fruit in affecting MaICE1 stability. MaSINA1 was identified based on a yeast two-hybrid screening using MaICE1 as bait. Further yeast two-hybrid, pull-down, bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) assays confirmed that MaSINA1 interacted with MaICE1. The expression of MaSINA1 was repressed by cold stress. Subcellular localization analysis in tobacco leaves showed that MaSINA1 was localized predominantly in the nucleus. In vitro ubiquitination assay showed that MaSINA1 possessed E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. More importantly, in vitro and semi- in vivo experiments indicated that MaSINA1 can ubiquitinate MaICE1 for the 26S proteasome-dependent degradation, and therefore suppressed the transcriptional activation of MaICE1 to MaNAC1, an important regulator of cold stress response of banana fruit. Collectively, our data reveal a mechanism in banana fruit for control of the stability of ICE1 and for the negative regulation of cold stress response by a SINA E3 ligase via the ubiquitin proteasome system.

EIN3-like gene expression during fruit ripening of Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata cv. Grande naine).

PubMed

Mbéguié-A-Mbéguié, Didier; Hubert, Olivier; Fils-Lycaon, Bernard; Chillet, Marc; Baurens, Franc-Christophe

2008-06-01

Ethylene signal transduction initiates with ethylene binding at receptor proteins and terminates in a transcription cascade involving the EIN3/EIL transcription factors. Here, we have isolated four cDNAs homologs of the Arabidopsis EIN3/EIN3-like gene, MA-EILs (Musa acuminata ethylene insensitive 3-like) from banana fruit. Sequence comparison with other banana EIL gene already registered in the database led us to conclude that, at this day, at least five different genes namely MA-EIL1, MA-EIL2/AB266318, MA-EIL3/AB266319, MA-EIL4/AB266320 and AB266321 exist in banana. Phylogenetic analyses included all banana EIL genes within a same cluster consisting of rice OsEILs, a monocotyledonous plant as banana. However, MA-EIL1, MA-EIL2/AB266318, MA-EIL4/AB266320 and AB266321 on one side, and MA-EIL3/AB266319 on the other side, belong to two distant subclusters. MA-EIL mRNAs were detected in all examined banana tissues but at lower level in peel than in pulp. According to tissues, MA-EIL genes were differentially regulated by ripening and ethylene in mature green fruit and wounding in old and young leaves. MA-EIL2/AB266318 was the unique ripening- and ethylene-induced gene; MA-EIL1, MA-EIL4/Ab266320 and AB266321 genes were downregulated, while MA-EIL3/AB266319 presented an unusual pattern of expression. Interestingly, a marked change was observed mainly in MA-EIL1 and MA-EIL3/Ab266319 mRNA accumulation concomitantly with changes in ethylene responsiveness of fruit. Upon wounding, the main effect was observed in MA-EIL4/AB266320 and AB266321 mRNA levels, which presented a markedly increase in both young and old leaves, respectively. Data presented in this study suggest the importance of a transcriptionally step control in the regulation of EIL genes during banana fruit ripening.

Maximum depositional ages and evolving provenance of Franciscan metagraywackes, NW California: LA-ICPMS zircon U-Pb data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ernst, W. G.; Dumitru, T. A.; Tsujimori, T.; McLaughlin, R. J.; Makishima, A.; Nakamura, E.

2012-12-01

In the Cape Mendocino-Garberville-Covelo area, the Franciscan Complex comprises an imbricate stack of east-rooting allochthons. Five structurally higher to lower thrust sheets crop out from east to west: Eastern Belt outliers; Central Belt mélange; Coastal Belt Yager terrane; Coastal Belt Coastal terrane; and Coastal Belt King Range/False Cape terranes. We analyzed detrital zircons from 11 rocks: 2 Eastern Belt; 5 Central Belt; 4 King Range/False Cape terrane. Combined with earlier analyses of 3 Yager terrane and 3 Coastal terrane zircon suites (Dumitru et al., in review), 17 rocks were investigated. Maximum ages of sedimentation and inferred ultimate sources of these units as follows. Eastern Belt (Yolla Bolly): 98-120 Ma Sierran batholith, 140- 230 Ma Andean arc, minor 1300-1400 Ma Mazatzal granites, minor 1800 Ma Yavapai basement, trace >2.5 Ga Archean craton. Central Belt: minor 62-80 Ma Idaho batholith, 85-200 Ma Sierran batholith-Andean arc, 1300-1400 Ma Mazatzal granites, minor 1600-1750 Ma Mazatzal-Yavapai basement. Yager terrane: 50-75 Ma Idaho batholith, 85-120 Ma Sierran batholith, minor 160-200 Ma Andean arc. Coastal terrane: 30-50 Ma, Cascade + Challis volcanics, 55-80 Ma Idaho batholith, 100 Ma Sierran batholith, 1300-1400 Ma, Mazatzal granites. King Range/False Cape terrane: 22-50 Ma Cascade + Challis Idaho batholith, 100-180 Ma Sierran batholith-Andean arc, minor 1400 Ma Mazatzal-Yavapai granites. Depositional ages of Franciscan imbricate thrust sheets young westward from the mid Cretaceous Eastern Belt through the end-of-Cretaceous Central Belt, to the Paleogene Coastal Belt. Over time, the Franciscan received greater proportions of younger clastics derived from more northerly sources. Although mostly arc-derived, some recycled 1400 and 1700-1800 Ma ± 2.5 Ga arc zircons probably were supplied to the Franciscan Complex by erosion and westward transport of detrital grains from Lower Paleozoic miogeoclinal strata covering the cratonal edge. Except for metagraywackes of the Early Cretaceous Skaggs Spring Schist and Picket Peak terrane, Grenville and Appalachian igneous zircons are conspicuously missing from mid-Cretaceous and younger Franciscan rocks, supporting northwestward offset of the trench deposits relative to SW North America.

Molecular and clinical diversity in paraneoplastic immunity to Ma proteins.

PubMed

Rosenfeld, M R; Eichen, J G; Wade, D F; Posner, J B; Dalmau, J

2001-09-01

Antibodies to Ma1 and Ma2 proteins identify a paraneoplastic disorder that affects the limbic system, brain stem, and cerebellum. Preliminary studies suggested the existence of other Ma proteins and different patterns of immune response associated with distinct neurologic symptoms and cancers. In this study, our aim was to isolate the full-length sequence of Ma2 and new family members, identify the major autoantigen of the disorder, and extend the dinical-immunological analysis to 29 patients. Sera from selected patients were used to probe a brainstem cDNA library and isolate the entire Ma2 gene and a new family member, Ma3. Ma3 mRNA is ubiquitously expressed in brain, testis, and several systemic tissues. The variable cellular expression of Ma proteins and analysis of protein motifs suggest that these proteins play roles in the biogenesis of mRNA. Immunoblot studies identify Ma2 as the major autoantigen with unique epitopes recognized by all patients' sera. Eighteen patients had antibodies limited to Ma2: they developed limbic, hypothalamic, and brainstem encephalitis, and 78% had germ-cell tumors of the testis. Eleven patients had antibodies to Ma2 and additional antibodies to Ma1 and/or Ma3; they usually developed additional cerebellar symptoms and more intense brainstem dysfunction, and 82% of these patients had tumors other than germ-cell neoplasms. Overall, 17 of 24 patients (71%) with brain magnetic resonance imaging studies had abnormalities within or outside the temporal lobes, some as contrast-enhancing nodular lesions. A remarkable finding of immunity to Ma proteins is that neurologic symptoms may improve or resolve. This improvement segregated to a group of patients with antibodies limited to Ma2.

Molecular cloning and expression of five glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes from Banana (Musa acuminata L. AAA group, cv. Cavendish).

PubMed

Wang, Zhuo; Huang, Suzhen; Jia, Caihong; Liu, Juhua; Zhang, Jianbin; Xu, Biyu; Jin, Zhiqiang

2013-09-01

Three tau class MaGSTs responded to abiotic stress, MaGSTF1 and MaGSTL1 responded to signaling molecules, they may play an important role in the growth of banana plantlet. Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are multifunctional detoxification enzymes that participate in a variety of cellular processes, including stress responses. In this study, we report the molecular characteristics of five GST genes (MaGSTU1, MaGSTU2, MaGSTU3, MaGSTF1 and MaGSTL1) cloned from banana (Musa acuminate L. AAA group, cv. Cavendish) using a RACE-PCR-based strategy. The predicted molecular masses of these GSTs range from 23.4 to 27.7 kDa and their pIs are acidic. At the amino acid level, they share high sequence similarity with GSTs in the banana DH-Pahang (AA group) genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the deduced amino acid sequences of MaGSTs also have high similarity to GSTs of other plant species. Expression analysis by semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that these genes are differentially expressed in various tissues. In addition, their expression is regulated by various stress conditions, including exposure to signaling molecules, cold, salinity, drought and Fusarium oxysporum f specialis(f. Sp) cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) infection. The expression of the tau class MaGSTs (MaGSTU1, MaGSTU2 and MaGSTU3) mainly responded to cold, salinity and drought while MaGSTF1 and MaGSTL1 expressions were upregulated by signaling molecules. Our findings suggest that MaGSTs play a key role in both development and abiotic stress responses.

Transfer of Methamphetamine (MA) into Breast Milk and Urine of Postpartum Women who Smoked MA Tablets during Pregnancy: Implications for Initiation of Breastfeeding.

PubMed

Chomchai, Chulathida; Chomchai, Summon; Kitsommart, Ratchada

2016-05-01

Methamphetamine (MA) use by pregnant women remains a growing problem in South East Asia. After delivery, a negative maternal urine MA assay is assumed to reflect the absence of MA in breast milk and marks breastfeeding initiation. To date, no data exist that describe the relationship between the peripartum and postpartum transfer of MA into breast milk and its urinary excretion in women, following recreational use by smoking. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic of smoked MA in breast milk and its relationship to urinary MA excretion in postpartum women who tested positive for MA before delivery. Timed urine and breast milk samples of 33 women who had positive urine drug screens for MA prior to delivery were analyzed for MA using Acquity Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (Waters, Milford, Massachusetts, USA) with the ACQUITY UPLC Photodiode Array Detector (Waters). Those participants with 4 or more timed breast milk samples were included for pharmacokinetic calculation using log-linear trapezoidal rule. Pharmacokinetic data from 2 women were analyzed. The half-life values for MA in the breast milk were 11.3 and 40.3 hours. The absolute infant doses were 21.3 and 51.7 µg/kg/day. Methamphetamine disappears from breast milk approximately 1 day before the maternal urine MA becomes negative. Smoked MA shows a similar breast milk pharmacokinetic pattern to previously reported intravenous MA. Breastfeeding can be safely initiated in mothers whose urine MA screen has turned negative for ≥ 24 hours. However, concurrent maternal substance use treatment and screening is necessary for continued promotion of lactation. © The Author(s) 2015.

Microvesicle-mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Promotes Interspecies Mammary Stem/Progenitor Cell Growth.

PubMed

Bussche, Leen; Rauner, Gat; Antonyak, Marc; Syracuse, Bethany; McDowell, Melissa; Brown, Anthony M C; Cerione, Richard A; Van de Walle, Gerlinde R

2016-11-18

Signaling mechanisms that regulate mammary stem/progenitor cell (MaSC) self-renewal are essential for developmental changes that occur in the mammary gland during pregnancy, lactation, and involution. We observed that equine MaSCs (eMaSCs) maintain their growth potential in culture for an indefinite period, whereas canine MaSCs (cMaSCs) lose their growth potential in long term cultures. We then used this system to investigate the role of microvesicles (MVs) in promoting self-renewal properties. We found that Wnt3a and Wnt1 were expressed at higher levels in MVs isolated from eMaSCs compared with those from cMaSCs. Furthermore, eMaSC-MVs were able to induce Wnt/β-catenin signaling in different target cells, including cMaSCs. Interestingly, the induction of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cMaSCs was prolonged when using eMaSC-MVs compared with recombinant Wnt proteins, indicating that MVs are not only important for transport of Wnt proteins, but they also enhance their signaling activity. Finally, we demonstrate that the eMaSC-MVs-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cMaSCs significantly improves the ability of cMaSCs to grow as mammospheres and, importantly, that this effect is abolished when eMaSC-MVs are treated with Wnt ligand inhibitors. This suggests that this novel form of intercellular communication plays an important role in self-renewal. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Radial Motion of Two Mutually Attracting Particles

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

again gives ma = ma1. Then Eq. (1) is equivalent to Newton’s second law for particle 1. Alternatively one can establish that mu = Mu2 and ma = Ma2 ...identifying Eq. (1) as Newton’s second law for particle 2. Note that ma1 = Ma2 in agreement with Newton’s third law. 2. S. Van Wyk, “Problem: The

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

An, Bo; Jenkins, Janelle E; Sampath, Sujatha

Dragline silk from orb-weaving spiders is a copolymer of two large proteins, major ampullate spidroin 1 (MaSp1) and 2 (MaSp2). The ratio of these proteins is known to have a large variation across different species of orb-weaving spiders. NMR results from gland material of two different species of spiders, N. clavipes and A. aurantia, indicates that MaSp1 proteins are more easily formed into β-sheet nanostructures, while MaSp2 proteins form random coil and helical structures. To test if this behavior of natural silk proteins could be reproduced by recombinantly produced spider silk mimic protein, recombinant MaSp1/MaSp2 mixed fibers as well asmore » chimeric silk fibers from MaSp1 and MaSp2 sequences in a single protein were produced based on the variable ratio and conserved motifs of MaSp1 and MaSp2 in native silk fiber. Mechanical properties, solid-state NMR, and XRD results of tested synthetic fibers indicate the differing roles of MaSp1 and MaSp2 in the fiber and verify the importance of postspin stretching treatment in helping the fiber to form the proper spatial structure.« less

Tripling of Methamphetamine/Amphetamine Use among Homeless and Marginally Housed Persons, 1996–2003

PubMed Central

Colfax, Grant; Moss, Andrew R.; Bangsberg, David R.; Hahn, Judith A.

2007-01-01

Methamphetamine/amphetamine (MA)-related morbidity and mortality has been increasing in the United States. MA use is associated with high-risk sexual behavior and syringe-sharing practices. Homeless and marginalized housed persons (H/M) have high rates of substance use and mental health disorders. Little is known about trends of MA use among the H/M. The objective of this study was to quantify increases in MA use among H/M in San Francisco and to determine which demographic and behavioral subgroups have experienced the greatest increases in MA use. We conducted serial cross-sectional population-based studies in three waves: 1996–1997, 1999–2000, and 2003 and studied 2,348 H/M recruited at shelters and lunch lines. The main outcome was self-reported current (30-day) MA use. We found a tripling of current MA use among H/M persons from 1996 to 2003, with a sevenfold increase in smoked MA use. MA use doubled to tripled in most demographic and behavioral subgroups, whereas it quadrupled in those under age 35, and there was a fivefold increase among HIV-infected persons. The increase in MA use among H/M places a vulnerable population at additional increased risk for HIV infection and MA-use related morbidity and mortality. Among HIV-infected H/M, the increase in MA use has important public health implications for the development and secondary transmission of drug-resistant HIV caused by synergistic neurocognitive decline, poor adherence to HIV medications, and increased sexual risk behavior. Clinicians caring for H/M persons should inquire about MA use, refer interested MA users to MA dependence treatment programs and provide targeted HIV sexual risk reduction counseling. For HIV-infected H/M MA users, clinicians should closely monitor adherence to HIV or other chronic medications, to avoid unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Further research is needed to elucidate the most effective prevention and treatment for MA use and dependence among the H/M. PMID:18163214

Cloning of an ADP-ribosylation factor gene from banana (Musa acuminata) and its expression patterns in postharvest ripening fruit.

PubMed

Wang, Yuan; Wu, Jing; Xu, Bi-Yu; Liu, Ju-Hua; Zhang, Jian-Bin; Jia, Cai-Hong; Jin, Zhi-Qiang

2010-08-15

A full-length cDNA encoding an ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) from banana (Musa acuminata) fruit was cloned and named MaArf. It contains an open reading frame encoding a 181-amino-acid polypeptide. Sequence analysis showed that MaArf shared high similarity with ARF of other plant species. The genomic sequence of MaArf was also obtained using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis showed that MaArf was a split gene containing five exons and four introns in genomic DNA. Reverse-transcriptase PCR was used to analyze the spatial expression of MaArf. The results showed that MaArf was expressed in all the organs examined: root, rhizome, leaf, flower and fruit. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to explore expression patterns of MaArf in postharvest banana. There was differential expression of MaArf associated with ethylene biosynthesis. In naturally ripened banana, expression of MaArf was in accordance with ethylene biosynthesis. However, in 1-methylcyclopropene-treated banana, the expression of MaArf was inhibited and changed little. When treated with ethylene, MaArf expression in banana fruit significantly increased in accordance with ethylene biosynthesis; the peak of MaArf was 3 d after harvest, 11 d earlier than for naturally ripened banana fruits. These results suggest that MaArf is induced by ethylene in regulating postharvest banana ripening. Finally, subcellular localization assays showed the MaArf protein in the cytoplasm. Copyright 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Zircon U-Pb dating, Hf analysis from the Horoman perdiotite -age constraint for lithospheric process, and tectonic juxtaposition of collision root zone-

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamoto, K.; Yi, K.; Wang, K. L.; Chung, S. L.

2017-12-01

Hidaka metamorphic belt, Hokkaido, Japan is known as youngest arc-arc collision in the world. It ncludes the youngest granulite and the Horoman peridotite complex in the highest grade zone. Age of these rocks have been determined by various methods (K-Ar, U-Pb, Rb-Sr). However, the age of Horoman peridotite complex has not been determined yet. Only Yoshikawa et al 1993) reported the cooling age of the complex as 23 Ma according to whole rock Rb-Sr isochron. This study has performed U-Pb dating of zircons from the Horoman peridotite, and from the paragneiss surrounding the peridotite complex in order to determine the intrusive age of the Horoman peridotite complex into the lower crustal conditions. Several zircon grains were separated from the peridotite. All zircons are homogeneous exhibiting different age group; 267-278 Ma, 33-40 Ma and 18-20 Ma. Hf isotope analysis indicates that the 267-278 Ma is juvenile age and other two are recycled. As a result of this measurement, rims of the zircons from the gneisses show that 238U-206Pb ages are 20 Ma and detrital cores are ranging from 580-510 Ma, 60-50 Ma, 46-40 Ma and 27 Ma. The rim ages are from the gneiss suffered amphibolite facies and granulite faices, and there is a consistancy with zircon rim ages (19 Ma) from the granulite (Kemp et al 2007, Usuki et al 2006 and so on). That is, granulite faices metamorphism was coeval to regional metamorphism in the lower crust at 20 Ma. The zircon ages from the peridotite was probably related to local hydration related to precipitation of phlogopite at 20 Ma, I type magma infiltration at 40 Ma and lithosphere formation at 270 Ma. It is considered that the Horoman peridotite complex was part of the lithosphere at 270 Ma, and the joined as subarc mantle prior to I type magma activity at 40 Ma, aud suffered local hydration and regional metamorphism at 20 Ma. Ref. Kemp, A.I.S., et al., 2007, Geology, 35, 807-810; Usuki, T. et al, 2006, Island Arc, 14, 503-516.

Synthesis and Characterization of Types A and B Gelatin Methacryloyl for Bioink Applications

PubMed Central

Lee, Bae Hoon; Lum, Nathaniel; Seow, Li Yuan; Lim, Pei Qi; Tan, Lay Poh

2016-01-01

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has been increasingly considered as an important bioink material due to its tailorable mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and ability to be photopolymerized in situ as well as printability. GelMA can be classified into two types: type A GelMA (a product from acid treatment) and type B GelMA (a product from alkali treatment). In current literature, there is little research on the comparison of type A GelMA and type B GelMA in terms of synthesis, rheological properties, and printability for bioink applications. Here, we report the synthesis, rheological properties, and printability of types A and B GelMA. Types A and B GelMA samples with different degrees of substitution (DS) were prepared in a controllable manner by a time-lapse loading method of methacrylic anhydride (MAA) and different feed ratios of MAA to gelatin. Type B GelMA tended to have a slightly higher DS compared to type A GelMA, especially in a lower feed ratio of MAA to gelatin. All the type A and type B GelMA solutions with different DS exhibited shear thinning behaviours at 37 °C. However, only GelMA with a high DS had an easy-to-extrude feature at room temperature. The cell-laden printed constructs of types A and B GelMA at 20% w/v showed around 75% cell viability. PMID:28773918

Identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis Isolated From Drinking Water

EPA Science Inventory

Mycobacterium avium (MA) is divided into four subspecies based primarily on host-range and consists of MA subsp. avium (birds), MA subsp. silvaticum (wood pigeons), MA subsp. paratuberculosis (broad, poorly-defined host range), and the recently described MA subsp. hominissuis (hu...

Relationship between the duration of methamphetamine use and psychotic symptoms: A two-year prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Ma, Jun; Li, Xiao-Dong; Wang, Tong-Yu; Li, Su-Xia; Meng, Shi-Qiu; Blow, Frederic C; Ilgen, Mark; Degenhardt, Louisa; Lappin, Julia; Wu, Ping; Shi, Jie; Bao, Yan-Ping; Lu, Lin

2018-06-01

Psychosis is a key harm associated with methamphetamine (MA) use. This study examined the relationship between the duration of MA use and risk of psychotic symptoms. A cohort of 528 individuals with chronic MA use was followed for two years after leaving treatment center in Guangdong, China. Psychotic symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale at baseline and four follow-up visits (6, 12, 18 and 24 months after baseline). MA use during the past six months was investigated at each assessment. Generalized Estimating Equations for longitudinal panel data were developed to examine the risk of MA-associated psychotic symptoms among individuals with different durations of MA use. 340 MA users who completed at least one follow-up were included in the analysis. During 6-month intervals, participants who reported MA use showed a two-fold increase in the risk of psychotic symptoms compared to those with no MA use (odds ratio [OR] = 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-3.49). A dose-response effect was found between the duration of MA use and the risk of psychotic symptoms (continued 12-month MA use vs. no use: OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.39-5.77; continued 18-month MA use vs. no use: OR = 9.93, 95% CI = 3.58-27.57). There was no assessment for 24-month intervals due to a small sample size of the continuous use group. Longer periods of MA use predicted a higher risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms. Early prevention of MA use could help reduce the risk of psychosis in MA users. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Mouse Model for Binge-Level Methamphetamine Use

PubMed Central

Shabani, Shkelzen; Houlton, Sydney K.; Hellmuth, Laura; Mojica, Erika; Mootz, John R. K.; Zhu, Zhen; Reed, Cheryl; Phillips, Tamara J.

2016-01-01

Binge/crash cycles of methamphetamine (MA) use are frequently reported by individuals suffering from MA use disorders. A MA binge is self-reported as multiple daily doses that commonly accumulate to 800 mg/day (~10 mg/kg/day for a 170 pound human). A genetic animal model with a similar vulnerability to binge-level MA intake is missing. We used selectively bred MA high drinking (MAHDR) and low drinking (MALDR) mouse lines to determine whether several procedural variations would result in binge-level MA intake. Data were also collected in two progenitor populations of the MA drinking lines, the DBA/2J (D2) strain and the F2 cross of the D2 and C57BL/6J strains. The impact of 3 factors was examined: (1) concentration of MA in the two-bottle choice procedure used for selective breeding; (2) ratio of bottles containing MA vs. water, and (3) length of the withdrawal (or abstinence) period between MA drinking sessions. When MA concentration was progressively increased every 4 days in 20 mg/l amounts from 20 to 140 mg/l, maximum intake in MALDR mice was 1.1 mg/kg, whereas MAHDR mice consumed as much as 14.6 mg/kg. When these concentrations were tested in a multiple bottle choice procedure, the highest ratio of MA to water bottles (3:1) was associated with escalated MA intake of up to 29.1 mg/kg in MAHDR mice and 12.0 mg/kg in F2 mice; MALDR mice did not show a ratio-dependent escalation in MA intake. Finally, MAHDR and D2 mice were offered 3 bottles of MA vs. water at increasing concentrations from 20 to 80 mg/l, and tested under an intermittent 6-h withdrawal period, which was lengthened to 30 h (D2 mice) or to 30 or 78 h (MAHDR). D2 and MAHDR mice initially consumed similar amounts of 14–16 mg/kg MA, but D2 mice reduced their MA intake 3-fold after introduction of 30-h abstinence periods, whereas MAHDR mice retained their high level of intake regardless of withdrawal period. MAHDR mice provide a genetic model of binge-level MA intake appropriate for the study of associated MA-induced neurobiological changes and pharmaceutical treatments. PMID:27853417

Management accounting use and financial performance in public health-care organisations: evidence from the Italian National Health Service.

PubMed

Macinati, Manuela S; Anessi-Pessina, E

2014-07-01

Reforms of the public health-care sector have emphasised the role of management accounting (MA). However, there is little systematic evidence on its use and benefits. To fill this gap, we propose a contingency-based model which addresses three related issues, that is, whether: (i) MA use is influenced by contextual variables and MA design; (ii) top-management satisfaction with MA mediates the relationship between MA design and MA use; and (iii) financial performance is influenced by MA use. A questionnaire was mailed out to all Italian public health-care organisations. Structural equation modelling was performed to validate the research hypotheses. The response rate was 49%. Our findings suggest that: (i) cost-containment strategies encourage more sophisticated MA designs; (ii) MA use is directly and indirectly influenced by contingency, organisational, and behavioural variables; (iii) a weakly significant positive relationship exists between MA use and financial performance. These findings are relevant from the viewpoint of both top managers and policymakers. The former must make sure that MA is not only technically advanced, but also properly understood and appreciated by users. The latter need to be aware that MA may improve performance in ways and along dimensions that may not fully translate into better financial results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Seo, Jae Sung; Kim, Ha Na; Kim, Sun-Jick

Highlights: •NuMA is modified by SUMO-1 in a cell cycle-dependent manner. •NuMA lysine 1766 is the primary target site for SUMOylation. •SUMOylation-deficient NuMA induces multiple spindle poles during mitosis. •SUMOylated NuMA induces microtubule bundling. -- Abstract: Covalent conjugation of proteins with small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO-1) plays a critical role in a variety of cellular functions including cell cycle control, replication, and transcriptional regulation. Nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA) localizes to spindle poles during mitosis, and is an essential component in the formation and maintenance of mitotic spindle poles. Here we show that NuMA is a target for covalent conjugationmore » to SUMO-1. We find that the lysine 1766 residue is the primary NuMA acceptor site for SUMO-1 conjugation. Interestingly, SUMO modification of endogenous NuMA occurs at the entry into mitosis and this modification is reversed after exiting from mitosis. Knockdown of Ubc9 or forced expression of SENP1 results in impairment of the localization of NuMA to mitotic spindle poles during mitosis. The SUMOylation-deficient NuMA mutant is defective in microtubule bundling, and multiple spindles are induced during mitosis. The mitosis-dependent dynamic SUMO-1 modification of NuMA might contribute to NuMA-mediated formation and maintenance of mitotic spindle poles during mitosis.« less

Altered methamphetamine place conditioning in mice vaccinated with a succinyl-methamphetamine-tetanus-toxoid vaccine.

PubMed

Haile, Colin N; Kosten, Therese A; Shen, Xiaoyun Y; O'Malley, Patrick W; Winoske, Kevin J; Kinsey, Berma M; Wu, Yan; Huang, Zhen; Lykissa, Ernest D; Naidu, Naga; Cox, Joseph A; Arora, Reetakshi; Kosten, Thomas R; Orson, Frank M

2015-12-01

We previously reported that an anti-methamphetamine (MA) vaccine attenuated drug-conditioned effects in mice, but it used a carrier protein and adjuvant not available for clinical use. Here we produced a vaccine with the same hapten (succinyl-methamphetamine, SMA) but attached to tetanus toxoid (SMA-TT) and adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide, components approved for use in humans. We then assessed the vaccine's ability to generate anti-MA antibodies, alter acquisition and reinstatement of MA place conditioning, and prevent MA brain penetration. Mice were administered SMA-TT at weeks 0 and 3 and non-vaccinated mice received saline. Anti-MA antibody concentrations were determined at 8 and 12 weeks. Place conditioning began during week 9 in which vaccinated and non-vaccinated mice were divided into groups and conditioned with .5, or 2.0 mg/kg MA. Following acquisition training, mice were extinguished and then a reinstatement test was performed in which mice were administered their original training dose of MA. Separate groups of non-vaccinated and vaccinated mice were administered .5 and 2.0 mg/kg MA and brain MA levels determined. Anti-MA antibody levels were elevated at week 8 and remained so through week 12. The SMA-TT vaccine attenuated acquisition and reinstatement of MA place conditioning. Significantly greater proportions of vaccinated mice during acquisition and reinstatement tests showed conditioned place aversion. Moreover, MA brain levels were decreased in vaccinated mice following administration of both doses of MA. Results support further development of anti-MA vaccines using components approved for use in humans. © American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

Long-term cognitive, emotional and neurogenic alterations induced by alcohol and methamphetamine exposure in adolescent rats.

PubMed

Loxton, David; Canales, Juan J

2017-03-06

A high proportion of young methamphetamine (MA) users simultaneously consume alcohol. However, the potential neurological and behavioural alterations induced by such a drug combination have not been systematically examined. We studied in adolescent rats the long-term effects of alcohol, MA, and alcohol and MA combined on anxiety-like behaviour, memory, and neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Rats received saline, ethanol (ETOH, 1.5g/kg), MA (MA, 2mg/kg), or ethanol and MA combined (ETHOH-MA, 1.5g/kg ethanol plus 2mg/kg MA) via oral gavage, once daily for 5 consecutive days. Open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and radial arm maze (RAM) tests were conducted following a 15-day withdrawal period. The results showed alterations in exploratory behaviour in the OF in the MA and ETOH-MA groups, and anxiety-like effects in the EPM in all three drug treatment groups. All three drug groups exhibited reference memory deficits in the RAM, but only the combination treatment group displayed alterations in working memory. Both MA and ETOH-MA treatments increased the length of doublecortin (DCX)-void gaps in the dentate gyrus but only ETOH-MA treatment increased the number of such gaps. An increased number and length of DCX-void gaps correlated with decreased exploratory activity in the OF, and impaired working memory in the RAM was associated with an augmented number of gaps. These findings suggest that alterations in adult hippocampal neurogenesis are linked to the persistent cognitive and behavioural deficits produced by alcohol and MA exposure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Casein as a Drug Carrier for Enzymatically Triggered Dissolution Enhancement from Solid Dispersions.

PubMed

Bani-Jaber, Ahmad; Alshawabkeh, Iyad; Abdullah, Samaa; Hamdan, Imad; Ardakani, Adel; Habash, Maha

2017-07-01

Due to its unique properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, high amphiphilic property, and micelle formation, casein (CS) has been increasingly studied for drug delivery. We used CS as a drug carrier in solid dispersions (SDs) and evaluated the effect of its degradation by trypsin on drug dissolution from the dispersions. SDs of CS and mefenamic acid (MA) were prepared by physical mixing, kneading, and coprecipitation methods. In comparison to pure MA, the dispersions were evaluated for drug-protein interaction, loss of drug crystalinity, and drug morphology by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Drug dissolution from the dispersions was evaluated in simulated intestinal fluid as enzyme free and trypsin-enriched media. Furthermore, in vivo drug absorption of MA from CS-MA coprecipitate was evaluated in rats, in comparison with a reference SD of polyethylene glycol and MA (PEG-MA SD). Relative to other CS preparations, CS-MA coprecipitate showed the highest loss of drug crystallinity, drug micronization, and CS-MA interaction. CS remarkably enhanced the dissolution rate and extent of MA from the physical and kneaded mixtures. However, the highest dissolution enhancement was obtained when MA was coprecipitated with CS. Trypsin that can hydrolyze CS during dissolution resulted in further enhancement of MA dissolution from the physical and kneaded mixtures. However, a corresponding retardation effect was obtained for the coprecipitate. In correlation with in vitro drug release, CS-MA coprecipitate also showed significantly higher MA bioavailability in rats than PEG-MA SD.

Sensitivity to psychostimulants in mice bred for high and low stimulation to methamphetamine.

PubMed

Kamens, H M; Burkhart-Kasch, S; McKinnon, C S; Li, N; Reed, C; Phillips, T J

2005-03-01

Methamphetamine (MA) and cocaine induce behavioral effects primarily through modulation of dopamine neurotransmission. However, the genetic regulation of sensitivity to these two drugs may be similar or disparate. Using selective breeding, lines of mice were produced with extreme sensitivity (high MA activation; HMACT) and insensitivity (low MA activation; LMACT) to the locomotor stimulant effects of acute MA treatment. Studies were performed to determine whether there is pleiotropic genetic influence on sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effect of MA and to other MA- and cocaine-related behaviors. The HMACT line exhibited more locomotor stimulation in response to several doses of MA and cocaine, compared to the LMACT line. Both lines exhibited locomotor sensitization to 2 mg/kg of MA and 10 mg/kg of cocaine; the magnitude of sensitization was similar in the two lines. However, the lines differed in the magnitude of sensitization to a 1 mg/kg dose of MA, a dose that did not produce a ceiling effect that may confound interpretation of studies using higher doses. The LMACT line consumed more MA and cocaine in a two-bottle choice drinking paradigm; the lines consumed similar amounts of saccharin and quinine, although the HMACT line exhibited slightly elevated preference for a low concentration of saccharin. These results suggest that some genes that influence sensitivity to the acute locomotor stimulant effect of MA have a pleiotropic influence on the magnitude of behavioral sensitization to MA and sensitivity to the stimulant effects of cocaine. Further, extreme sensitivity to MA may protect against MA and cocaine self-administration.

Peptoid-Substituted Hybrid Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from Papiliocin and Magainin 2 with Enhanced Bacterial Selectivity and Anti-inflammatory Activity.

PubMed

Shin, Areum; Lee, Eunjung; Jeon, Dasom; Park, Young-Guen; Bang, Jeong Kyu; Park, Yong-Sun; Shin, Song Yub; Kim, Yangmee

2015-06-30

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of the host innate immune system. Papiliocin is a 37-residue AMP purified from larvae of the swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus. Magainin 2 is a 23-residue AMP purified from the skin of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. We designed an 18-residue hybrid peptide (PapMA) incorporating N-terminal residues 1-8 of papiliocin and N-terminal residues 4-12 of magainin 2, joined by a proline (Pro) hinge. PapMA showed high antimicrobial activity but was cytotoxic to mammalian cells. To decrease PapMA cytotoxicity, we designed a lysine (Lys) peptoid analogue, PapMA-k, which retained high antimicrobial activity but displayed cytotoxicity lower than that of PapMA. Fluorescent dye leakage experiments and confocal microscopy showed that PapMA targeted bacterial cell membranes whereas PapMA-k penetrated bacterial cell membranes. Nuclear magnetic resonance experiments revealed that PapMA contained an N-terminal α-helix from Lys(3) to Lys(7) and a C-terminal α-helix from Lys(10) to Lys(17), with a Pro(9) hinge between them. PapMA-k also had two α-helical structures in the same region connected with a flexible hinge residue at Nlys(9), which existed in a dynamic equilibrium of cis and trans conformers. Using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, the anti-inflammatory activity of PapMA and PapMA-k was confirmed by inhibition of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokine production. In addition, treatment with PapMA and PapMA-k decreased the level of ultraviolet irradiation-induced expression of genes encoding matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Thus, PapMA and PapMA-k are potent peptide antibiotics with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, with PapMA-k displaying enhanced bacterial selectivity.

Provenance analysis of the Late Paleozoic sedimentary rocks in the Xilinhot Terrane, NE China, and their tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jie; Zhou, Jian-Bo; Wilde, Simon A.; Song, Min-Chun

2017-08-01

The Xilinhot Terrane is located in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in NE China, and is a key to a hotly debated issue on the Paleozoic tectonic evolution of this giant progenic belt. To constrain the tectonic evolution of the Xilinhot Terrane in the Late Paleozoic, we undertook zircon U-Pb dating and geochemical analyses of the Zhesi and Benbatu formations in the Suolun and Xi Ujimqin areas in the Xilinhot Terrane. Samples of the Benbatu Formation yield detrital zircon U-Pb ages ranging from 2659 Ma to 316 Ma, with four age populations at: 2659-1826 Ma, 1719-963 Ma, 590-402 Ma, and 396-316 Ma, whereas samples from the Zhesi Formation yield detrital zircon U-Pb ages ranging from 1967 Ma to 250 Ma, with four age populations at: 1967-1278 Ma, 971-693 Ma, 561-403 Ma, and 399-250 Ma. The age groups of both the Benbatu and Zhesi formations in the Xilinhot Terrane are similar to those in other parts of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). This evidence indicates that the Xilinhot Terrane is a microcontinent, and not an accretionary complex as previously thought. Furthermore, the youngest zircon grains in the Benbatu and Zhesi formations yield weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 322 ± 12 Ma (MSDW = 0.12, n = 4) and 257 ± 2.8 Ma (MSDW = 1.6, n = 8), respectively. Combined with fossil data, our new data suggest that the Benbatu and Zhesi formations in the Xilinhot Terrane were possibly deposited at ∼322 Ma and ∼257 Ma, respectively. Based on the provenance of the Carboniferous-Permian sandstones came from the blocks of NE China, we speculate that the Xilinhot Terrane is the western part of the Songliao block.

78 FR 58882 - Safety Zone; Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-25

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION...: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. Since the implementation of the regulation, physical... Chelsea, MA and East Boston, MA. Several petroleum-product transfer facilities are located on the Chelsea...

42 CFR 495.206 - Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA... RECORD TECHNOLOGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.206 Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations. (a) CMS makes payment to qualifying MA...

42 CFR 422.66 - Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... through MA organizations. 422.66 Section 422.66 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES... Eligibility, Election, and Enrollment § 422.66 Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations. (a) Enrollment. An individual who wishes to elect an MA plan offered by an MA organization may...

42 CFR 495.208 - Avoiding duplicate payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.208 Avoiding duplicate payment. (a) CMS requires a qualifying MA organization that registers MA EPs for the purpose of participating in the MA EHR Incentive Program to notify each of the MA EPs for which it is claiming an incentive...

42 CFR 495.206 - Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA... RECORD TECHNOLOGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.206 Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations. (a) CMS makes payment to qualifying MA...

42 CFR 495.206 - Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA... RECORD TECHNOLOGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.206 Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations. (a) CMS makes payment to qualifying MA...

42 CFR 422.66 - Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... through MA organizations. 422.66 Section 422.66 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES... Eligibility, Election, and Enrollment § 422.66 Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations. (a) Enrollment. An individual who wishes to elect an MA plan offered by an MA organization may...

42 CFR 495.206 - Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA... RECORD TECHNOLOGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.206 Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations. (a) CMS makes payment to qualifying MA...

42 CFR 495.208 - Avoiding duplicate payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.208 Avoiding duplicate payment. (a) CMS requires a qualifying MA organization that registers MA EPs for the purpose of participating in the MA EHR Incentive Program to notify each of the MA EPs for which it is claiming an incentive...

42 CFR 422.66 - Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... through MA organizations. 422.66 Section 422.66 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES... Eligibility, Election, and Enrollment § 422.66 Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations. (a) Enrollment. An individual who wishes to elect an MA plan offered by an MA organization may...

42 CFR 495.206 - Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA... RECORD TECHNOLOGY INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.206 Timeframe for payment to qualifying MA organizations. (a) CMS makes payment to qualifying MA...

[Herbological studies on Chinese crude drug Ma-huang. Part 1-On the botanical origin of Ma-huang in ancient China and the origin of Japanese Ma-huang].

PubMed

Yoshizawa, Chieko; Kitade, Makiko; Mikage, Masayuki

2005-01-01

The botanical origin of a Chinese crude drug Ma-huang in ancient China and the origin of Japanese Ma-huang were herbologically studied. The results showed that the plants of Ephedra sinica Stapf, E. intermedia Schrenk & C. A. Meyer and E. equisetina Bunge were used as Ma-huang in China, and the first species was considered to be of high quality. The characters of Mao-zhou Ma-huang and Tong-zhou Ma-huang printed in Tu-jing-ben-cao, published in the Song Dynasty in China, were identified as E. likiangensis Florin and E. intermedia, respectively, and both species were recognized as excellent Ma-huang in the Ming Dynasty. The word origin of Katsune-kusa, the Japanese name for Ma-huang in the Heian Era, was etymologically considered as meaning the plant having reddish brown roots. In Japan, the plant of Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. var.japonicum Milde, of the family Equisetaceae, was substituted for Ma-huang in the middle of Edo Era, and it was designated that this action was based on the confusion of Ephedra plants and Equisetum plants those days in China.

Fermented Herbal Formulas KIOM-MA128 Ameliorate IL-6-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Colon Cancer Cell Line

PubMed Central

Park, Kwang Il; Kim, Dong Gun; Lee, Bo Hyoung

2016-01-01

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), depending on the extent and duration of intestinal inflammation. Increased IL-6 expression has been reported in IBD patients, which may be associated with intestinal barrier function through discontinuous tight junction (TJ). KIOM-MA is a specific agent for allergic diseases and cancer, and it is composed of several plants; these herbs have been used in traditional oriental medicine. We fermented KIOM-MA, the product of KIOM-MA128, using probiotics to improve the therapeutic efficacy via the absorption and bioavailability of the active ingredients. In this study, we demonstrated that KIOM-MA/MA128 exhibited anticolitis effects via the modulation of TJ protein. Interleukin-6 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the TER and an increase in the FITC-dextran permeability; however, pretreatment with 400 µg/ml KIOM-MA/MA128 resulted in a significant increase in the TER and a decrease in the FITC-dextran permeability via IL-6 induction. Furthermore, protein and mRNA TJ levels remained stable after pretreatment with 400 µg/ml KIOM-MA/MA128. Moreover, KIOM-MA/MA128 suppressed the expression of PLCγ1 and PKC. Taken together, these findings suggest novel information and clue of the anticolitis effects of KIOM-MA128 via regulation of tight junction. PMID:27980357

Fermented Herbal Formulas KIOM-MA128 Ameliorate IL-6-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Colon Cancer Cell Line.

PubMed

Park, Kwang Il; Kim, Dong Gun; Lee, Bo Hyoung; Ma, Jin Yeul

2016-01-01

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD increases the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), depending on the extent and duration of intestinal inflammation. Increased IL-6 expression has been reported in IBD patients, which may be associated with intestinal barrier function through discontinuous tight junction (TJ). KIOM-MA is a specific agent for allergic diseases and cancer, and it is composed of several plants; these herbs have been used in traditional oriental medicine. We fermented KIOM-MA, the product of KIOM-MA128, using probiotics to improve the therapeutic efficacy via the absorption and bioavailability of the active ingredients. In this study, we demonstrated that KIOM-MA/MA128 exhibited anticolitis effects via the modulation of TJ protein. Interleukin-6 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the TER and an increase in the FITC-dextran permeability; however, pretreatment with 400  µ g/ml KIOM-MA/MA128 resulted in a significant increase in the TER and a decrease in the FITC-dextran permeability via IL-6 induction. Furthermore, protein and mRNA TJ levels remained stable after pretreatment with 400  µ g/ml KIOM-MA/MA128. Moreover, KIOM-MA/MA128 suppressed the expression of PLC γ 1 and PKC. Taken together, these findings suggest novel information and clue of the anticolitis effects of KIOM-MA128 via regulation of tight junction.

The age and diversification of terrestrial New World ecosystems through Cretaceous and Cenozoic time.

PubMed

Graham, Alan

2011-03-01

Eight ecosystems that were present in the Cretaceous about 100 Ma (million years ago) in the New World eventually developed into the 12 recognized for the modern Earth. Among the forcing mechanisms that drove biotic change during this interval was a decline in global temperatures toward the end of the Cretaceous, augmented by the asteroid impact at 65 Ma and drainage of seas from continental margins and interiors; separation of South America from Africa beginning in the south at ca. 120 Ma and progressing northward until completed 90-100 Ma; the possible emission of 1500 gigatons of methane and CO(2) attributed to explosive vents in the Norwegian Sea at ca. 55 Ma, resulting in a temperature rise of 5°-6°C in an already warm world; disruption of the North Atlantic land bridge at ca. 45 Ma at a time when temperatures were falling; rise of the Andes Mountains beginning at ca. 40 Ma; opening of the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica at ca. 32 Ma with formation of the cold Humboldt at ca. 30 Ma; union of North and South America at ca. 3.5 Ma; and all within the overlay of evolutionary processes. These processes generated a sequence of elements (e.g., species growing in moist habitats within an overall dry environment; gallery forests), early versions (e.g., mangrove communities without Rhizophora until the middle Eocene), and essentially modern versions of present-day New World ecosystems. As a first approximation, the fossil record suggests that early versions of aquatic communities (in the sense of including a prominent angiosperm component) appeared early in the Middle to Late Cretaceous, the lowland neotropical rainforest at 64 Ma (well developed by 58-55 Ma), shrubland/chaparral-woodland-savanna and grasslands around the middle Miocene climatic optimum at ca. 15-13 Ma, deserts in the middle Miocene/early Pliocene at ca. 10 Ma, significant tundra at ca. 7-5 Ma, and alpine tundra (páramo) shortly thereafter when cooling temperatures were augmented by high elevations attained, for example, in the Andes<10 Ma and especially after 7-6 Ma.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling reveal tissue-specific expression and differentially-regulated genes involved in gibberellin metabolism between Williams banana and its dwarf mutant.

PubMed

Chen, Jingjing; Xie, Jianghui; Duan, Yajie; Hu, Huigang; Hu, Yulin; Li, Weiming

2016-05-27

Dwarfism is one of the most valuable traits in banana breeding because semi-dwarf cultivars show good resistance to damage by wind and rain. Moreover, these cultivars present advantages of convenient cultivation, management, and so on. We obtained a dwarf mutant '8818-1' through EMS (ethyl methane sulphonate) mutagenesis of Williams banana 8818 (Musa spp. AAA group). Our research have shown that gibberellins (GAs) content in 8818-1 false stems was significantly lower than that in its parent 8818 and the dwarf type of 8818-1 could be restored by application of exogenous GA3. Although GA exerts important impacts on the 8818-1 dwarf type, our understanding of the regulation of GA metabolism during banana dwarf mutant development remains limited. Genome-wide screening revealed 36 candidate GA metabolism genes were systematically identified for the first time; these genes included 3 MaCPS, 2 MaKS, 1 MaKO, 2 MaKAO, 10 MaGA20ox, 4 MaGA3ox, and 14 MaGA2ox genes. Phylogenetic tree and conserved protein domain analyses showed sequence conservation and divergence. GA metabolism genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns. Early GA biosynthesis genes were constitutively expressed but presented differential regulation in different tissues in Williams banana. GA oxidase family genes were mainly transcribed in young fruits, thus suggesting that young fruits were the most active tissue involved in GA metabolism, followed by leaves, bracts, and finally approximately mature fruits. Expression patterns between 8818 and 8818-1 revealed that MaGA20ox4, MaGA20ox5, and MaGA20ox7 of the MaGA20ox gene family and MaGA2ox7, MaGA2ox12, and MaGA2ox14 of the MaGA2ox gene family exhibited significant differential expression and high-expression levels in false stems. These genes are likely to be responsible for the regulation of GAs content in 8818-1 false stems. Overall, phylogenetic evolution, tissue specificity and differential expression analyses of GA metabolism genes can provide a better understanding of GA-regulated development in banana. The present results revealed that MaGA20ox4, MaGA20ox5, MaGA20ox7, MaGA2ox7, MaGA2ox12, and MaGA2ox14 were the main genes regulating GA content difference between 8818 and 8818-1. All of these genes may perform important functions in the developmental processes of banana, but each gene may perform different functions in different tissues or during different developmental stages.

Identifying the complex melting reaction from 20 Ma to 14 Ma in Tsona leucogranite in Southern Tibet: geochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology and Hf isotopes evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Qingshang; Zhao, Zhidan; Liu, Dong; Zhu, Di-Cheng

2017-04-01

The Miocene leucogranites, the record of the evolution of the Himalayan-Tibetan Orogen, extensively intruded the Greater Himalayan Sequence (GHS), and distributed along the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) (Guo and Wilson, 2012). Here we present a study of geochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology and Hf isotopes on the Yamarong leucogranites from Tsona area, Eastern Himalaya, to explore the petrogenesis of the rocks, including melting condition and mechanism, and source of fluid within the magmatism through time. Our new results include: (1) The age of the Yamarong leucogranites range from 14 Ma to 20 Ma (YM1510-1 = 19.7 ± 0.1 Ma, n = 13; YM1502-1 = 17.5 ± 0.1 Ma, n = 12; YM1412 =14.2 ± 0.1 Ma, n = 18), which suggest that the anataxis processes have lasted for more than 6 Ma. (2) The geochemical features are different between the rocks with changing ages, especially between 20 Ma and 17 Ma. The Rb/Sr value of 20 Ma leucogranites (4.1-6.84) is lower than that of 17 Ma samples (5.12-19.02). The 20 Ma leucogranites have higher Ba contents (188-337 ppm) than that of 17 Ma rocks (50-158ppm), which exhibit different trends in the Rb/Sr versus Ba plot, and reveal different melting reaction from 20 Ma to 17 Ma. (Inger and Harris, 1993) (3) The ɛHf(t) isotopes of 20 Ma leucogranites are lower (average ɛHf(t) = -12.5) than that of 17 Ma ones (average ɛHf(t) = -10), which implies differential dissolution of inherited zircon during two partial melting events possibly due to different fluid contribution (Gao et al., 2017); (4) The positive linear relationship of LREEs versus Th in the rocks, with relatively higher contents of Th and LREEs in the 20 Ma, and lower in the 17 Ma leucogranites, which suggests the relationship were mostly controlled by monazite. And this further indicates more monazite was dissolved from the source region in the early stage (˜20Ma) than the later (17Ma) (Gao et al., 2017). In summary, our study provides new evidence for the complex melting mechanism, from fluid-fluxed melting at ˜20 Ma to later fluid-absent melting at ˜17 Ma of muscovite in the metasedimentary sources. The ˜20 Ma magmatism in Tsona area may represent the early stage of exhumation, with more fluid possibly came from either the Lesser Himalayan sequence (LHS) or the Cretaceous - Paleogene molasses beneath the along - stike extrapolation of the Yamarong leucogranties source (Harrison and Wielicki, 2016). Reference: Gao L-E, Zeng L, Asimow PD, 2017. Contrasting geochemical signatures of fluid-absent versus fluid-fluxed melting of muscovite in metasedimentary sources: The Himalayan leucogranites. Geology, 45(1):39-42. Guo Z, Wilson M, 2012. The Himalayan leucogranites: Constraints on the nature of their crustal source region and geodynamic setting. Gondwana Research, 22(2): 360-376. Harrison TM, Wielicki MM, 2016. From the Hadean to the Himalaya: 4.4 Ga of felsic terrestrial magmatism. American Mineralogist, 101(6): 1348-1359. Inger S, Harris N, 1993. Geochemical Constraints on Leucogranite Magmatism in the Langtang Valley, Nepal Himalaya. Journal of Petrology, 34(2): 345-368.

Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structures, and Optical Properties of (CH 3NH 3) 2CdX 4 (X = Cl, Br, I)

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

Roccanova, Rachel; Ming, Wenmei; Whiteside, Vincent R.

Here, we report the synthesis, crystal and electronic structures, as well as optical properties of the hybrid organic–inorganic compounds MA 2CdX 4 (MA = CH 3NH 3; X = Cl, Br, I). MA 2CdI 4 is a new compound, whereas, for MA 2CdCl 4 and MA 2CdBr 4, structural investigations have already been conducted but electronic structures and optical properties are reported here for the first time. Single crystals were grown through slow evaporation of MA 2CdX 4 solutions with optimized conditions yielding mm-sized colorless (X = Cl, Br) and pale yellow (X = I) crystals. Single crystal and variablemore » temperature powder X-ray diffraction measurements suggest that MA 2CdCl 4 forms a 2D layered perovskite structure and has two structural transitions at 283 and 173 K. In contrast, MA 2CdBr 4 and MA 2CdI 4 adopt 0D K 2SO 4-derived crystal structures based on isolated CdX 4 tetrahedra and show no phase transitions down to 20 K. The contrasting crystal structures and chemical compositions in the MA 2CdX 4 family impact their air stabilities, investigated for the first time in this work; MA 2CdCl 4 is air-stable, whereas MA 2CdBr 4 and MA 2CdI 4 partially decompose when left in air. Optical absorption measurements suggest that MA 2CdX 4 have large optical band gaps above 3.9 eV. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra of MA 2CdX 4 yield broad peaks in the 375–955 nm range with full width at half-maximum values up to 208 nm. These PL peaks are tentatively assigned to self-trapped excitons in MA 2CdX 4 following the crystal and electronic structure considerations. The bands around the Fermi level have small dispersions, which is indicative of high charge localization with significant exciton binding energies in MA 2CdX 4. On the basis of our combined experimental and computational results, MA 2CdX 4 and related compounds may be of interest for white-light-emitting phosphors and scintillator applications.« less

Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structures, and Optical Properties of (CH 3NH 3) 2CdX 4 (X = Cl, Br, I)

DOE PAGES

Roccanova, Rachel; Ming, Wenmei; Whiteside, Vincent R.; ...

2017-11-02

Here, we report the synthesis, crystal and electronic structures, as well as optical properties of the hybrid organic–inorganic compounds MA 2CdX 4 (MA = CH 3NH 3; X = Cl, Br, I). MA 2CdI 4 is a new compound, whereas, for MA 2CdCl 4 and MA 2CdBr 4, structural investigations have already been conducted but electronic structures and optical properties are reported here for the first time. Single crystals were grown through slow evaporation of MA 2CdX 4 solutions with optimized conditions yielding mm-sized colorless (X = Cl, Br) and pale yellow (X = I) crystals. Single crystal and variablemore » temperature powder X-ray diffraction measurements suggest that MA 2CdCl 4 forms a 2D layered perovskite structure and has two structural transitions at 283 and 173 K. In contrast, MA 2CdBr 4 and MA 2CdI 4 adopt 0D K 2SO 4-derived crystal structures based on isolated CdX 4 tetrahedra and show no phase transitions down to 20 K. The contrasting crystal structures and chemical compositions in the MA 2CdX 4 family impact their air stabilities, investigated for the first time in this work; MA 2CdCl 4 is air-stable, whereas MA 2CdBr 4 and MA 2CdI 4 partially decompose when left in air. Optical absorption measurements suggest that MA 2CdX 4 have large optical band gaps above 3.9 eV. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra of MA 2CdX 4 yield broad peaks in the 375–955 nm range with full width at half-maximum values up to 208 nm. These PL peaks are tentatively assigned to self-trapped excitons in MA 2CdX 4 following the crystal and electronic structure considerations. The bands around the Fermi level have small dispersions, which is indicative of high charge localization with significant exciton binding energies in MA 2CdX 4. On the basis of our combined experimental and computational results, MA 2CdX 4 and related compounds may be of interest for white-light-emitting phosphors and scintillator applications.« less

The transcriptional regulatory network mediated by banana (Musa acuminata) dehydration-responsive element binding (MaDREB) transcription factors in fruit ripening.

PubMed

Kuang, Jian-Fei; Chen, Jian-Ye; Liu, Xun-Cheng; Han, Yan-Chao; Xiao, Yun-Yi; Shan, Wei; Tang, Yang; Wu, Ke-Qiang; He, Jun-Xian; Lu, Wang-Jin

2017-04-01

Fruit ripening is a complex, genetically programmed process involving the action of critical transcription factors (TFs). Despite the established significance of dehydration-responsive element binding (DREB) TFs in plant abiotic stress responses, the involvement of DREBs in fruit ripening is yet to be determined. Here, we identified four genes encoding ripening-regulated DREB TFs in banana (Musa acuminata), MaDREB1, MaDREB2, MaDREB3, and MaDREB4, and demonstrated that they play regulatory roles in fruit ripening. We showed that MaDREB1-MaDREB4 are nucleus-localized, induced by ethylene and encompass transcriptional activation activities. We performed a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) experiment for MaDREB2 and identified 697 genomic regions as potential targets of MaDREB2. MaDREB2 binds to hundreds of loci with diverse functions and its binding sites are distributed in the promoter regions proximal to the transcriptional start site (TSS). Most of the MaDREB2-binding targets contain the conserved (A/G)CC(G/C)AC motif and MaDREB2 appears to directly regulate the expression of a number of genes involved in fruit ripening. In combination with transcriptome profiling (RNA sequencing) data, our results indicate that MaDREB2 may serve as both transcriptional activator and repressor during banana fruit ripening. In conclusion, our study suggests a hierarchical regulatory model of fruit ripening in banana and that the MaDREB TFs may act as transcriptional regulators in the regulatory network. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Subfoveal choroidal thickness predicts macular atrophy in age-related macular degeneration: results from the TREX-AMD trial.

PubMed

Fan, Wenying; Abdelfattah, Nizar Saleh; Uji, Akihito; Lei, Jianqin; Ip, Michael; Sadda, SriniVas R; Wykoff, Charles C

2018-03-01

Our purpose was to evaluate the relationship between subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) and development of macular atrophy (MA) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This was a prospective, multicenter study. Sixty participants (120 eyes) in the TREX-AMD trial (NCT01648292) with treatment-naïve neovascular AMD (NVAMD) in at least one eye were included. SCT was measured by certified reading center graders at baseline using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). The baseline SCT was correlated with the presence of MA at baseline and development of incident MA by month 18. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for information from both eyes. Baseline SCT in eyes with MA was statistically significantly less than in those without MA in both the dry AMD (DAMD) (P = 0.04) and NVAMD (P = 0.01) groups. Comparison of baseline SCT between MA developers and non-MA developers revealed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.03). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed the cut-off threshold of SCT for predicting the development of MA in cases without MA at baseline was 124 μm (AUC = 0.772; Sensitivity = 0.923; Specificity = 0.5). Among eyes without MA at baseline, those with baseline SCT ≤124 μm were 4.3 times more likely to develop MA (Odds ratio: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.6-12, P = 0.005) than those with baseline SCT >124 μm. Eyes with AMD and MA had less SCT than those without MA. Eyes with less baseline SCT also appear to be at higher risk to develop MA within 18 months.

Overexpression of Three Heat Shock Proteins Protects Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) From Thermal Stress

PubMed Central

Cai, Ziling; Chen, Jingxiang; Cheng, Jie

2017-01-01

Abstract Ambient temperature is an important factor limiting the abundance and distribution of insects, and heat shock protein (Hsp) gene expression is sensitive to extremes of cold and heat. In order to explore the role of Hsps during thermal stress and development in Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), we cloned and characterized full-length Hsp genes, including MaHsp60, MaHsp70, and MaHsp90. M. alternatus were exposed to different temperatures (−15, −5, 5, 15, 25, 35, and 40℃) for 1 h and was allowed to recover at 25℃ for 1 h. Following the treatments, we investigated the expression of the Hsps by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In third instar larvae, MaHsp60, MaHsp70, and MaHsp90 expression was upregulated in response to cold and heat, but the three Hsps were especially sensitive to heat, specifically at 35℃ and 40℃. After heating M. alternatus to 35℃, the expression of MaHsp60, MaHsp70, and MaHsp90 was higher than at 5℃ and 25℃ in nearly all developmental stages. MaHsp60, MaHsp70, and MaHsp90 expression was highest in later pupal, early adult, and early adult stages, respectively. These results suggest that compared with normal ambient temperatures, thermal stress could induce high expression of the three Hsps.

Mitochonic Acid 5 (MA-5) Facilitates ATP Synthase Oligomerization and Cell Survival in Various Mitochondrial Diseases.

PubMed

Matsuhashi, Tetsuro; Sato, Takeya; Kanno, Shin-Ichiro; Suzuki, Takehiro; Matsuo, Akihiro; Oba, Yuki; Kikusato, Motoi; Ogasawara, Emi; Kudo, Tai; Suzuki, Kosuke; Ohara, Osamu; Shimbo, Hiroko; Nanto, Fumika; Yamaguchi, Hiroaki; Saigusa, Daisuke; Mukaiyama, Yasuno; Watabe, Akiko; Kikuchi, Koichi; Shima, Hisato; Mishima, Eikan; Akiyama, Yasutoshi; Oikawa, Yoshitsugu; Hsin-Jung, H O; Akiyama, Yukako; Suzuki, Chitose; Uematsu, Mitsugu; Ogata, Masaki; Kumagai, Naonori; Toyomizu, Masaaki; Hozawa, Atsushi; Mano, Nariyasu; Owada, Yuji; Aiba, Setsuya; Yanagisawa, Teruyuki; Tomioka, Yoshihisa; Kure, Shigeo; Ito, Sadayoshi; Nakada, Kazuto; Hayashi, Ken-Ichiro; Osaka, Hitoshi; Abe, Takaaki

2017-06-01

Mitochondrial dysfunction increases oxidative stress and depletes ATP in a variety of disorders. Several antioxidant therapies and drugs affecting mitochondrial biogenesis are undergoing investigation, although not all of them have demonstrated favorable effects in the clinic. We recently reported a therapeutic mitochondrial drug mitochonic acid MA-5 (Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 2015). MA-5 increased ATP, rescued mitochondrial disease fibroblasts and prolonged the life span of the disease model "Mitomouse" (JASN, 2016). To investigate the potential of MA-5 on various mitochondrial diseases, we collected 25 cases of fibroblasts from various genetic mutations and cell protective effect of MA-5 and the ATP producing mechanism was examined. 24 out of the 25 patient fibroblasts (96%) were responded to MA-5. Under oxidative stress condition, the GDF-15 was increased and this increase was significantly abrogated by MA-5. The serum GDF-15 elevated in Mitomouse was likewise reduced by MA-5. MA-5 facilitates mitochondrial ATP production and reduces ROS independent of ETC by facilitating ATP synthase oligomerization and supercomplex formation with mitofilin/Mic60. MA-5 reduced mitochondria fragmentation, restores crista shape and dynamics. MA-5 has potential as a drug for the treatment of various mitochondrial diseases. The diagnostic use of GDF-15 will be also useful in a forthcoming MA-5 clinical trial. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding in malonaldehyde and its radical analogues.

PubMed

Lin, Chen; Kumar, Manoj; Finney, Brian A; Francisco, Joseph S

2017-09-28

High level Brueckner doubles with triples correction method-based ab initio calculations have been used to investigate the nature of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer in cis-malonaldehyde (MA) and its radical analogues. The radicals considered here are the ones that correspond to the homolytic cleavage of C-H bonds in cis-MA. The results suggest that cis-MA and its radical analogues, cis-MA RS , and cis-MA RA , both exist in planar geometry. The calculated intramolecular O-H⋯O=C bond in cis-MA is shorter than that in the radical analogues. The intramolecular hydrogen bond in cis-MA is stronger than in its radicals by at least 3.0 kcal/mol. The stability of a cis-malonaldehyde radical correlates with the extent of electron spin delocalization; cis-MA RA , in which the radical spin is more delocalized, is the most stable MA radical, whereas cis-MA RS , in which the radical spin is strongly localized, is the least stable radical. The natural bond orbital analysis indicates that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding (O⋯H⋯O) in cis-malonaldehyde radicals is stabilized by the interaction between the lone pair orbitals of donor oxygen and the σ * orbital of acceptor O-H bond (n → σ * OH ). The calculated barriers indicate that the intramolecular proton transfer in cis-MA involves 2.2 kcal/mol lower barrier than that in cis-MA RS .

33 CFR 80.120 - Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA. 80.120 Section 80.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.120 Cape Ann, MA to...

42 CFR 422.74 - Disenrollment by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Disenrollment by the MA organization. 422.74... Enrollment § 422.74 Disenrollment by the MA organization. (a) General rule. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section, an MA organization may not— (1) Disenroll an individual from any MA...

42 CFR 422.512 - Termination of contract by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Termination of contract by the MA organization. 422... Procedures and Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.512 Termination of contract by the MA organization. (a) Cause for termination. The MA organization may terminate the MA contract if CMS fails to...

42 CFR 422.74 - Disenrollment by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Disenrollment by the MA organization. 422.74... Enrollment § 422.74 Disenrollment by the MA organization. (a) General rule. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section, an MA organization may not— (1) Disenroll an individual from any MA...

33 CFR 80.120 - Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA. 80.120 Section 80.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.120 Cape Ann, MA to...

42 CFR 422.520 - Prompt payment by MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Prompt payment by MA organization. 422.520 Section... Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.520 Prompt payment by MA organization. (a) Contract between CMS and the MA organization. (1) The contract between CMS and the MA organization must provide...

42 CFR 422.512 - Termination of contract by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Termination of contract by the MA organization. 422... Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.512 Termination of contract by the MA organization. (a) Cause for termination. The MA organization may terminate the MA contract if CMS fails to substantially...

42 CFR 422.66 - Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... through MA organizations. 422.66 Section 422.66 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES..., Election, and Enrollment § 422.66 Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations. (a) Enrollment. An individual who wishes to elect an MA plan offered by an MA organization may make or change his...

78 FR 48085 - Safety Zones; Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-07

...-AA00 Safety Zones; Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION... for the Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. Since the implementation of the regulation... spanned the Chelsea River providing a means for vehicles to travel between Chelsea, MA and East Boston, MA...

42 CFR 422.74 - Disenrollment by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Disenrollment by the MA organization. 422.74... § 422.74 Disenrollment by the MA organization. (a) General rule. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section, an MA organization may not— (1) Disenroll an individual from any MA plan it...

42 CFR 422.512 - Termination of contract by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Termination of contract by the MA organization. 422... Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.512 Termination of contract by the MA organization. (a) Cause for termination. The MA organization may terminate the MA contract if CMS fails to substantially...

33 CFR 80.120 - Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA. 80.120 Section 80.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.120 Cape Ann, MA to...

42 CFR 422.455 - Special rules for MA Regional Plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special rules for MA Regional Plans. 422.455... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.455 Special rules for MA Regional Plans. (a) Coverage of entire MA region. The service area...

33 CFR 80.120 - Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA. 80.120 Section 80.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.120 Cape Ann, MA to...

33 CFR 80.120 - Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Cape Ann, MA to Marblehead Neck, MA. 80.120 Section 80.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.120 Cape Ann, MA to...

42 CFR 422.74 - Disenrollment by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Disenrollment by the MA organization. 422.74... Enrollment § 422.74 Disenrollment by the MA organization. (a) General rule. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section, an MA organization may not— (1) Disenroll an individual from any MA...

42 CFR 422.455 - Special rules for MA Regional Plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special rules for MA Regional Plans. 422.455... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.455 Special rules for MA Regional Plans. (a) Coverage of entire MA region. The service area...

42 CFR 422.455 - Special rules for MA Regional Plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Special rules for MA Regional Plans. 422.455... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICARE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.455 Special rules for MA Regional Plans. (a) Coverage of entire MA region. The service area...

42 CFR 422.520 - Prompt payment by MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Prompt payment by MA organization. 422.520 Section... Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.520 Prompt payment by MA organization. (a) Contract between CMS and the MA organization. (1) The contract between CMS and the MA organization must provide...

42 CFR 422.520 - Prompt payment by MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Prompt payment by MA organization. 422.520 Section... Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.520 Prompt payment by MA organization. (a) Contract between CMS and the MA organization. (1) The contract between CMS and the MA organization must provide...

42 CFR 422.512 - Termination of contract by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Termination of contract by the MA organization. 422... Procedures and Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.512 Termination of contract by the MA organization. (a) Cause for termination. The MA organization may terminate the MA contract if CMS fails to...

42 CFR 422.66 - Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... through MA organizations. 422.66 Section 422.66 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES..., Election, and Enrollment § 422.66 Coordination of enrollment and disenrollment through MA organizations. (a) Enrollment. An individual who wishes to elect an MA plan offered by an MA organization may make or change his...

42 CFR 422.512 - Termination of contract by the MA organization.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Termination of contract by the MA organization. 422... Procedures and Contracts for Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.512 Termination of contract by the MA organization. (a) Cause for termination. The MA organization may terminate the MA contract if CMS fails to...

42 CFR 422.252 - Terminology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... supplemental benefit, as described at § 422.266(b)(1). MA-PD plan means an MA local or regional plan that...). MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium is the MA-PD plan base beneficiary premium, defined... and the national average bid (as described in § 422.256(c)) less the amount of rebate the MA-PD plan...

42 CFR 422.252 - Terminology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... supplemental benefit, as described at § 422.266(b)(1). MA-PD plan means an MA local or regional plan that...). MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium is the MA-PD plan base beneficiary premium, defined... and the national average bid (as described in § 422.256(c)) less the amount of rebate the MA-PD plan...

42 CFR 423.4 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... the term in § 422.2 of this chapter. MA-PD plan means an MA plan that provides qualified prescription... prescription drug plan, an MA-PD plan, a PACE Plan offering qualified prescription drug coverage, or a cost... PDP sponsor, MA organization offering a MA-PD plan, a PACE organization offering a PACE plan including...

42 CFR 422.252 - Terminology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... supplemental benefit, as described at § 422.266(b)(1). MA-PD plan means an MA local or regional plan that...). MA monthly prescription drug beneficiary premium is the MA-PD plan base beneficiary premium, defined... and the national average bid (as described in § 422.256(c)) less the amount of rebate the MA-PD plan...

Gondwanaland from 650-500 Ma assembly through 320 Ma merger in Pangea to 185-100 Ma breakup: supercontinental tectonics via stratigraphy and radiometric dating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veevers, J. J.

2004-12-01

Gondwanaland lasted from the 650-500 Ma (late Neoproterozoic-Cambrian) amalgamation of African and South American terranes to Antarctica-Australia-India through 320 Ma (mid-Carboniferous) merging with Laurussia in Pangea to breakup from 185 to 100 Ma (Jurassic and Early Cretaceous). Gondwanaland straddled the equator at 540 Ma, lay wholly in the Southern Hemisphere by 350 Ma, and then rotated clockwise so that at 250 Ma Australia reached the S pole and Africa the equator. By initial breakup of Pangea at 185 Ma, Gondwanaland had moved northward such that North Africa reached 35°N. The first clear picture of Gondwanaland, in the Cambrian, shows the assembly of continents with later Laurentian, European and Asian terranes along the "northern" margin, and with a trench along the "western" and "southern" margins, reflected by a 10,000-km-long chain of 530-500 Ma granites. The interior was crossed by the Prydz-Leeuwin and Mozambique Orogenic Belts. The shoreline lapped the flanks of uplifts generated during this complex terminal Pan-Gondwanaland (650-500 Ma) deformation, which endowed Gondwanaland with a thick, buoyant crust and lithosphere and a nonmarine siliciclastic facies. During the Ordovician, terranes drifted from Africa as the first of many transfers of material to the "northern" continents. Central Australia was crossed by the sea, and the eastern margin and ocean floor were flooded by grains of quartz (and 600-500 Ma zircon) from Antarctica. Ice centres in North Africa and southern South America/Africa waxed and waned in the latest Ordovician, Early Silurian, latest Devonian, and Early Carboniferous. In the mid-Carboniferous, Laurussia and Gondwanaland merged in the composite called Pangea by definitive right-lateral contact along the Variscan suture, with collisional stress and subsequent uplift felt as far afield as Australia. Ice sheets developed on the tectonic uplands of Gondwanaland south of 30°S. In the Early Permian, the self-induced heat beneath Pangea drove the first stage of differential subsidence of the Gondwanaland platform to intercept sediment from the melting ice, then to accumulate coal measures with Glossopteris, and subsequently Early Triassic redbeds. An orogenic zone along the Panthalassan margin propagated from South America to Australia and was terminally deformed in the mid-Triassic. Coal deposition resumed during Late Triassic relaxation in the second stage of Pangean extension. In the Early Jurassic, the vast ˜200 Ma Central Atlantic magmatic province of tholeiite anticipated the 185 Ma breakup in the Central Atlantic. Another magmatic province was erupted at this time between southern Africa and southeastern Australia. The northeastern Indian Ocean opened from 156 Ma, and the western Indian Ocean from 150 Ma. By the 100 Ma mid-Cretaceous, the Gondwanaland province of Pangea had split into its five constituents, and the Earth had entered the thalassocratic state of dispersed continents. The 650-500 Ma "Pan-Gondwanaland" events (? by mafic underplating) rendered Gondwanaland permanently geocratic. Pangean (320-185 Ma) tectonics, driven by pulses of self-induced heat, promoted widespread subsidence at 300 Ma Early Permian and 230 Ma Late Triassic. Pangea initially broke up at 185 Ma and the five continental pieces of Gondwanaland had broken apart by the 100 Ma mid-Cretaceous. Another long-lasting feature of Gondwanaland was subduction beneath the "southern" margin and export of terranes from the "northern" and "northwestern" margins. Export of terranes was promoted by Gondwanaland-induced heat, and internal breakup by Pangea-induced heat.

A refinement of the chronology of rift-related faulting in the Broadly Rifted Zone, southern Ethiopia, through apatite fission-track analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balestrieri, Maria Laura; Bonini, Marco; Corti, Giacomo; Sani, Federico; Philippon, Melody

2016-03-01

To reconstruct the timing of rift inception in the Broadly Rifted Zone in southern Ethiopia, we applied the fission-track method to basement rocks collected along the scarp of the main normal faults bounding (i) the Amaro Horst in the southern Main Ethiopian Rift and (ii) the Beto Basin in the Gofa Province. At the Amaro Horst, a vertical traverse along the major eastern scarp yielded pre-rift ages ranging between 121.4 ± 15.3 Ma and 69.5 ± 7.2 Ma, similarly to two other samples, one from the western scarp and one at the southern termination of the horst (103.4 ± 24.5 Ma and 65.5 ± 4.2 Ma, respectively). More interestingly, a second traverse at the Amaro northeastern terminus released rift-related ages spanning between 12.3 ± 2.7 and 6.8 ± 0.7 Ma. In the Beto Basin, the ages determined along the base of the main (northwestern) fault scarp vary between 22.8 ± 3.3 Ma and 7.0 ± 0.7 Ma. We ascertain through thermal modeling that rift-related exhumation along the northwestern fault scarp of the Beto Basin started at 12 ± 2 Ma while in the eastern margin of the Amaro Horst faulting took place later than 10 Ma, possibly at about 8 Ma. These results suggest a reconsideration of previous models on timing of rift activation in the different sectors of the Ethiopian Rift. Extensional basin formation initiated more or less contemporaneously in the Gofa Province (~ 12 Ma) and Northern Main Ethiopian Rift (~ 10-12 Ma) at the time of a major reorganization of the Nubia-Somalia plate boundary (i.e., 11 ± 2 Ma). Afterwards, rift-related faulting involved the Southern MER (Amaro Horst) at ~ 8 Ma, and only later rifting seemingly affected the Central MER (after ~ 7 Ma).

Production And Characterization Of Synthetic Spider Silks Based On Nephila Clavipes Major Ampullate Silk Proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Bo

The extraordinary mechanical properties of orb-weaving spider silks have served spiders for over 400 million years. However, only in the late 20th century did we start to understand the molecular nature of spider silk that contributes to its incredible properties as biomaterials. Among all seven types of spider silks, major ampullate silk from typical orb-weaving spiders is the toughest of all, it consists of primarily two proteins: MaSp1 and MaSp2. Variable ratios and conserved motifs of these two proteins in all the native spider silks demonstrate the significant role of MaSp1 and MaSp2 in controlling the mechanical properties of the fiber. The amino acid sequences of the orb weaving spider silk proteins have remained almost unchanged for more than 100 million years. Interestingly, MaSp1 and MaSp2 are the only two components in all studied dragline silk fibers from these spiders. The mechanical properties of native dragline silk vary slightly between species, which are believed to relate to the ratio of MaSp1 to MaSp2 in the silk. Both of these facts clearly indicate the importance of these two proteins to the mechanical properties of the fiber. Various types of synthetic spider silk fibers have been produced and studied in an effort to mass-produce man-made fibers with qualities comparable to native spider silk. To investigate the roles of MaSp1 and MaSp2 in silk fiber, synthetic MaSp1 (major abundant protein in Nephila clavipes major ampullate silks) only fibers, MaSp1/MaSp2 protein mixture fibers and chimeric protein fibers with both MaSp1 and MaSp2 sequence features have been produced and tested for mechanical properties. Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance was used to characterize the structure of silk fibers and reveal the relation between fiber spatial structure and mechanical properties.

Timing and magnitude of Miocene eustasy derived from the mixed siliciclastic-carbonate stratigraphic record of the northeastern Australian margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Cédric M.; Karner, Garry D.; Browning, Emily; Leckie, R. Mark; Mateo, Zenon; Carson, Brooke; Lowery, Chris

2011-04-01

Eustasy is a key parameter to understand sedimentary sequences on continental margins and to reconstruct continental ice volume in the Cenozoic, but timing and magnitude of global sea level changes remain controversial, especially for the Miocene Epoch. We analyzed sediment cores recovered from the Marion Plateau, offshore northeastern Australia, during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 194 to define the mechanisms and timing of sequence formation on mixed carbonate-siliciclastic margins, and to estimate the amplitude of Miocene eustatic adjustments. We identified sequence boundaries on seismic reflection lines, significantly revised the existing biostratigraphic age models, and investigated the sedimentary response to sea-level changes across the Marion Plateau. We subdivided the Miocene sediments into three sequence sets comprising a set of prograding clinoforms, a muddy prograding carbonate ramp evolving into an aggrading platform, and a lowstand ramp evolving into a backstepping ramp. We recognized eight individual sequences dated at 18.0 Ma, 17.2 Ma, 16.5 Ma, 15.4 Ma, 14.7 Ma, 13.9 Ma, 13.0 Ma, and 11.9 Ma. We demonstrate that sequences on the Marion Plateau are controlled by glacio-eustasy since sequence boundaries are marked by increases in δ 18O (deep-sea Miocene isotope events Mi1b, Mbi-3, Mi2, Mi2a, Mi3a, Mi3, Mi4, and Mi5, respectively), which reflects increased ice volume primarily on Antarctica. Our backstripping estimates suggest that sea-level fell by 26-28 m at 16.5 Ma, 26-29 m at 15.4 Ma, 29-38 m at 14.7 Ma, and 53-81 m at 13.9 Ma. Combining backstripping with δ 18O estimates yields sea-level fall amplitudes of 27 ± 1 m at 16.5 Ma, 27 ± 1 m at 15.4 Ma, 33 ± 3 m at 14.7 Ma, and 59 ± 6 m at 13.9 Ma. We use a similar approach to estimate eustatic rises of 19 ± 1 m between 16.5 and 15.4 Ma, 23 ± 3 m between 15.4 and 14.7 Ma, and 33 ± 3 m between 14.7 and 13.9 Ma. These estimates can be combined into a eustatic curve that suggests that sea-level fell by 53-69 m between 16.5 and 13.9 Ma. This implies that at least 90% of the East Antarctic Icesheet was formed during the middle Miocene. The new independent amplitude estimates are crucial as the Miocene is the geologic Epoch for which the New Jersey margin sea-level record is poorly constrained.

Gangliosidoses

MedlinePlus

... Diseases Association 2001 Beacon Street Suite 204 Boston MA Boston, MA 02135 info@ntsad.org http://www.ntsad.org ... Diseases Association 2001 Beacon Street Suite 204 Boston MA Boston, MA 02135 info@ntsad.org http://www. ...

Voluntary inhalation of methamphetamine: a novel strategy for studying intake non-invasively.

PubMed

Juarez-Portilla, C; Kim, R D; Robotham, M; Tariq, M; Pitter, M; LeSauter, J; Silver, R

2017-03-01

The abuse of the psychostimulant methamphetamine (MA) is associated with substantial costs and limited treatment options. To understand the mechanisms that lead to abuse, animal models of voluntary drug intake are crucial. We aimed to develop a protocol to study long-term non-invasive voluntary intake of MA in mice. Mice were maintained in their home cages and allowed daily 1 h access to an attached tunnel leading to a test chamber in which nebulized MA was available. Restated, if they went to the nebulizing chamber, they self-administered MA by inhalation. This protocol was compared to injected and to imposed exposure to nebulized MA, in a series of seven experiments. We established a concentration of nebulized MA at which motor activity increases following voluntary intake resembled that following MA injection and imposed inhalation. We found that mice regulated their exposure to MA, self-administering for shorter durations when concentrations of nebulized MA were increased. Mice acquire the available MA by repeatedly running in and out of the nebulizing chamber for brief bouts of intake. Such exposure to nebulized MA elevated plasma MA levels. There was limited evidence of sensitization of locomotor activity. Finally, blocking access to the wheel did not affect time spent in the nebulizing chamber. We conclude that administration of MA by nebulization is an effective route of self-administration, and our new protocol represents a promising tool for examining the transitions from first intake to long-term use and its behavioral and neural consequences in a non-invasive protocol.

Geochronology of the mammal-bearing late Cenozoic on the northern Altiplano, Bolivia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, L. G.; Swisher, C. C.; Lavenu, A.; Hoffstetter, R.; Curtis, G. H.

1992-01-01

Samples of seven tuff or ignimbrite units associated with known land mammal faunas of late Miocene and Pliocene age were collected from 17 localities on the northern Altiplano of western Bolivia. Mineral separates dated by the classic 40K- 40Ar technique (35 dates) and by single crystal laser fusion (SCLF) 40Ar/ 39Ar analysis (84 dates) indicate the following preferred ages based on SCLF 40Ar/ 39Ar dates on sanidine for six of these units: Ulloma Tuff, 10.35±0.06 Ma; Callapa Tuff, 9.03±0.07 Ma; Toba 76, 5.348±0.003 Ma; Ayo Ayo Tuff, 2.896±0.006 Ma; Perez Ignimbrite, 2.815±0.005 Ma; and Chijini Tuff, 2.650±0.012 Ma. Land mammal faunas of early Huayquerian age are bracketed below by the Callapa Tuff (9.0 Ma) and above the base of the Cerke Formation (7.6 Ma); faunas of Montehermosan age are bracketed below by the Toba 76 and Cota Cota Tuffs ( ca. 5.4 Ma), and above by the Ayo Ayo and Chijini Tuffs ( ca. 2.8 Ma) of the Umala and La Paz Formations, respectively; and faunas of Ensenadan and Lujanian age occur in rocks younger than 1.6 Ma. Hiatuses identified by the absence of late Huayquerian and Chapadmalalan-Uquian faunas correlate with unconformities which are interpreted as deformation phases: the first with Q3 (8.0-5.5 Ma) and the second with Q4 (2.8-1.6 Ma) of the Quechua Orogeny.

The UK Army officers’ Experience with the ROCC Model and its Implications for Captains Education in the US Army

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-10

analysis of how the demographics impact the research. Table 2. Responses to Survey Question 1 JOLP1 JOLP2 JOLP3 MK1 MK2 MK2a MA1 MA2 MA3 JOTAC...programmes of instruction you completed.158 Table 2. Responses to Survey Question 1 JOLP1 JOLP2 JOLP3 MK1 MK2 MK2a MA1 MA2 MA3 JOTAC JOTES ET

Hypocretin-1 CSF levels in anti-Ma2 associated encephalitis.

PubMed

Overeem, S; Dalmau, J; Bataller, L; Nishino, S; Mignot, E; Verschuuren, J; Lammers, G J

2004-01-13

Idiopathic narcolepsy is associated with deficient hypocretin transmission. Narcoleptic symptoms have recently been described in paraneoplastic encephalitis with anti-Ma2 antibodies. The authors measured CSF hypocretin-1 levels in six patients with anti-Ma2 encephalitis, and screened for anti-Ma antibodies in patients with idiopathic narcolepsy. Anti-Ma autoantibodies were not detected in patients with idiopathic narcolepsy. Four patients with anti-Ma2 encephalitis had excessive daytime sleepiness; hypocretin-1 was not detectable in their cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting an immune-mediated hypocretin dysfunction.

Antiasthmatic Effects of Herbal Complex MA and Its Fermented Product MA128.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Seon; Kim, Seung-Hyung; Kim, Bok-Kyu; Yang, Min Cheol; Ma, Jin Yeul

2012-01-01

This study was conducted to determine if oral administration of the novel herbal medicine, MA, and its Lactobacillus acidophilus fermented product, MA128, have therapeutic properties for the treatment of asthma. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by systemic sensitization to ovalbumin (OVA) followed by intratracheal, intraperitoneal, and aerosol allergen challenges. MA and MA128 were orally administered 6 times a week for 4 weeks. At 1 day after the last ovalbumin exposure, airway hyperresponsiveness was assessed and samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung cells, and serum were collected for further analysis. We investigated the effect of MA and MA128 on airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration, various immune cell phenotypes, Th2 cytokine production, OVA-specific IgE production, and Th1/Th2 cytokine production in this mouse model of asthma. In BALB/c mice, we found that MA and MA128 treatment suppressed eosinophil infiltration into airways and blood, allergic airway inflammation and AHR by suppressing the production of IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, Eotaxin, and OVA-specific IgE, by upregulating the production of OVA-specific Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ), and by downregulating OVA-specific Th2 cytokine (IL-4) in the culture supernatant of spleen cells. The effectiveness of MA was increased by fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Cushing's Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Support and Research Foundation 60 Robbins, #12 Plymouth MA Plymouth, MA 02360 cushinfo@csrf.net http://csrf.net Tel: ... Support and Research Foundation 60 Robbins, #12 Plymouth MA Plymouth, MA 02360 cushinfo@csrf.net http://csrf. ...

Whole genome duplication and transposable element proliferation drive genome expansion in Corydoradinae catfishes

PubMed Central

Marburger, Sarah; Alexandrou, Markos A.; Creer, Simon

2018-01-01

Genome size varies significantly across eukaryotic taxa and the largest changes are typically driven by macro-mutations such as whole genome duplications (WGDs) and proliferation of repetitive elements. These two processes may affect the evolutionary potential of lineages by increasing genetic variation and changing gene expression. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary history and mechanisms underpinning genome size variation in a species-rich group of Neotropical catfishes (Corydoradinae) with extreme variation in genome size—0.6 to 4.4 pg per haploid cell. First, genome size was quantified in 65 species and mapped onto a novel fossil-calibrated phylogeny. Two evolutionary shifts in genome size were identified across the tree—the first between 43 and 49 Ma (95% highest posterior density (HPD) 36.2–68.1 Ma) and the second at approximately 19 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–30.14 Ma). Second, restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used to identify potential WGD events and quantify transposable element (TE) abundance in different lineages. Evidence of two lineage-scale WGDs was identified across the phylogeny, the first event occurring between 54 and 66 Ma (95% HPD 42.56–99.5 Ma) and the second at 20–30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–45 Ma) based on haplotype numbers per contig and between 35 and 44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29–64.51 Ma) and 20–30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–45 Ma) based on SNP read ratios. TE abundance increased considerably in parallel with genome size, with a single TE-family (TC1-IS630-Pogo) showing several increases across the Corydoradinae, with the most recent at 20–30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3–45 Ma) and an older event at 35–44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29–64.51 Ma). We identified signals congruent with two WGD duplication events, as well as an increase in TE abundance across different lineages, making the Corydoradinae an excellent model system to study the effects of WGD and TEs on genome and organismal evolution. PMID:29445022

Whole genome duplication and transposable element proliferation drive genome expansion in Corydoradinae catfishes.

PubMed

Marburger, Sarah; Alexandrou, Markos A; Taggart, John B; Creer, Simon; Carvalho, Gary; Oliveira, Claudio; Taylor, Martin I

2018-02-14

Genome size varies significantly across eukaryotic taxa and the largest changes are typically driven by macro-mutations such as whole genome duplications (WGDs) and proliferation of repetitive elements. These two processes may affect the evolutionary potential of lineages by increasing genetic variation and changing gene expression. Here, we elucidate the evolutionary history and mechanisms underpinning genome size variation in a species-rich group of Neotropical catfishes (Corydoradinae) with extreme variation in genome size-0.6 to 4.4 pg per haploid cell. First, genome size was quantified in 65 species and mapped onto a novel fossil-calibrated phylogeny. Two evolutionary shifts in genome size were identified across the tree-the first between 43 and 49 Ma (95% highest posterior density (HPD) 36.2-68.1 Ma) and the second at approximately 19 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-30.14 Ma). Second, restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used to identify potential WGD events and quantify transposable element (TE) abundance in different lineages. Evidence of two lineage-scale WGDs was identified across the phylogeny, the first event occurring between 54 and 66 Ma (95% HPD 42.56-99.5 Ma) and the second at 20-30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-45 Ma) based on haplotype numbers per contig and between 35 and 44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29-64.51 Ma) and 20-30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-45 Ma) based on SNP read ratios. TE abundance increased considerably in parallel with genome size, with a single TE-family (TC1-IS630-Pogo) showing several increases across the Corydoradinae, with the most recent at 20-30 Ma (95% HPD 15.3-45 Ma) and an older event at 35-44 Ma (95% HPD 30.29-64.51 Ma). We identified signals congruent with two WGD duplication events, as well as an increase in TE abundance across different lineages, making the Corydoradinae an excellent model system to study the effects of WGD and TEs on genome and organismal evolution. © 2018 The Authors.

Antioxidant Potential of the Giant Mushroom, Macrocybe gigantea (Agaricomycetes), from India in Different Drying Methods.

PubMed

Gaur, Tanvi; Rao, P B

2016-01-01

Free radicals are responsible for several diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, gastric ulcers, and several others. Studies have shown that mushrooms possess antioxidant activity and Macrocybe gigantea was recently added to the list of mushrooms under cultivation in India. The methanolic extracts were prepared from lyophilized and oven-dried samples of MA1 and MA2 strains of M. gigantea and their antioxidant properties were studied. MA2 showed comparatively higher total antioxidant activity (111.88 µg/mg) than MA1 (97.00 µg/mg). The scavenging activity on 2,2'-diphenyl picryl hydrazyl free radical (74.41%), ferrous chelating (83.74%), reducing power (0.371), and superoxide anion radical (72.05%) was significantly higher in freeze-dried MA2 than MA1 at 200 µg/mL. Correspondingly, the EC50 values were lower in freeze-dried states (96.03 µg/mL, 95.00 µg/mL, and 68.12 µg/mL in MA2 and 105.12 µg/mL, 109.8 µg/mL, and 74.60 µg/mL in MA1) than in oven-dried states (97.97 µg/mL, 120.2 µg/mL, and 125.33 µg/mL in MA2 and 108.3 µg/mL, 131.2 µg/mL, and 147.5 µg/mL in MA1, respectively). In addition, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and ortho-dihydroxy phenol content was examined and their values were comparatively higher in freeze-dried MA2 (18.00 mg/g of gallic acid equivalents, 1.67 mg/g of quercetin equivalents, and 1.10 mg/g of catechol equivalents, respectively) than in MA1 and oven-dried states in both strains. Further, MA2 showed lower EC50 values in freeze-dried samples than MA1 and oven-dried states in both strains. These results suggested that MA2 contains higher antioxidant potential than MA1 and freeze-drying by lyophilization retains higher antioxidants than heat drying by a hot air oven in both the strains; thus, they can be a good source of nutraceuticals.

Contribution of Columbia and Gondwana Supercontinent assembly- and growth-related magmatism in the evolution of the Meghalaya Plateau and the Mikir Hills, Northeast India: Constraints from U-Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronology and geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Santosh; Rino, Vikoleno; Hayasaka, Yasutaka; Kimura, Kosuke; Raju, Shunmugam; Terada, Kentaro; Pathak, Manjari

2017-04-01

The Meghalaya Plateau and the Mikir Hills constitute a northeastern extension of the Precambrian Indian Shield. They are dominantly composed of Proterozoic basement granite gneisses, granites, migmatites, granulites, the Shillong Group metasedimentary cover sequence, and Mesozoic-Tertiary igneous and sedimentary rocks. Medium to coarse grained, equigranular to porphyritic Cambrian granite plutons intrude the basement granite gneisses and the Shillong Group. U-Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronology and geochemistry of the granite gneisses and granites have been carried out in order to understand the nature and timing of granite magmatism, supercontinent cycles, and crustal growth of the Meghalaya Plateau and Mikir Hills. Zircons from the Rongjeng granite gneiss record the oldest magmatism at 1778 ± 37 Ma. An inherited zircon core has an age of 2566.4 ± 26.9 Ma, indicating the presence of recycled Neoarchaean crust in the basement granite gneisses. Zircons from the Sonsak granite have two ages: 523.4 ± 7.9 Ma and 1620.8 ± 9.2 Ma, which indicate partial assimilation of an older granite gneiss by a younger granite melt. Zircons from the Longavalli granite gneiss of the Mikir Hills has a crystallization age of 1430.4 ± 9.6 Ma and a metamorphic age of 514 ± 18.6 Ma. An inherited core of a zircon from Longavalli granite gneiss has an age of 1617.1 ± 14.5 Ma. Zircons from younger granite plutons have Cambrian mean ages of 528.7 ± 5.5 Ma (Kaziranga), 516 ± 9.0 Ma (South Khasi), 512.5 ± 8.7 Ma (Kyrdem), and 506.7 ± 7.1 Ma and 535 ± 11 Ma (Nongpoh). These plutons are products of the global Pan-African tectonothermal event, and their formation markedly coincides with the later stages of East Gondwana assembly (570-500 Ma, Kuunga orogen). The older inherited zircon cores (2566.4 ± 26.9 Ma, 1758.1 ± 54.3 Ma, 1617.1 ± 14 Ma) imply a significant role for recycled ancient crust in the generation of Cambrian granites. Thus the Meghalaya Plateau and Mikir Hills experienced major felsic magmatic episodes at 1800 Ma, 1600 Ma, 1400 Ma, and 500 Ma with recycling of Neoarchaean crust, and later contributions from Paleo-Mesoproterozoic granite gneiss sources. A 258 ± 20 Ma lower intercept age of the Rongjeng granite gneiss perhaps indicates a Permo-Triassic thermal imprint on the Meghalaya Plateau. The granite gneisses and granites have peraluminous to metaluminous compositions, and syn-orogenic to post-collisional affinities. We conclude that the orogenic history of the Meghalaya Plateau and the Mikir Hills records crustal growth of the Columbia and Gondwana supercontinents as noted in other Pan-African-Indian-Prydz-Brasiliano orogens.

75 FR 22215 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-28

..., RNAV (GPS) RWY 35, Orig Chatham, MA, Chatham Muni, NDB-A, Amdt 1 Chatham, MA, Chatham Muni, RNAV (GPS)-B, Orig Stow, MA, Minute Man Airfield, NDB-A, Amdt 8 Stow, MA, Minute Man Airfield, RNAV (GPS) RWY 21, Orig Westfield/Springfield, MA, Barnes Muni, GPS RWY 2, Orig-B, CANCELLED Westfield/Springfield...

42 CFR 495.204 - Incentive payments to qualifying MA organizations for MA-EPs and MA-affiliated eligible hospitals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... (iii) Methodological proposals must be submitted to CMS by June of the payment year and must be... the payment year. (4) CMS requires the qualifying MA organization to develop a methodological proposal... MA organization in the payment year. The methodological proposal— (i) Must be approved by CMS; and...

42 CFR 422.458 - Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for... Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.458 Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007. (a) Terminology. For purposes of this section— Allowable costs means, with respect to an MA...

42 CFR 422.270 - Incorrect collections of premiums and cost-sharing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

...) Means amounts that- (A) Exceed the limits approved under § 422.262; (B) In the case of an MA private fee-for-service plan, exceed the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium or the MA monthly supplemental premium submitted under § 422.262; and (C) In the case of an MA MSA plan, exceed the MA monthly...

42 CFR 422.104 - Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA... and Beneficiary Protections § 422.104 Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans. (a) An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan may not provide supplemental benefits that cover expenses...

42 CFR 422.62 - Election of coverage under an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Election of coverage under an MA plan. 422.62... Enrollment § 422.62 Election of coverage under an MA plan. (a) General: Coverage election periods—(1) Initial coverage election period for MA. The initial coverage election period is the period during which a newly MA...

42 CFR 422.458 - Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for... Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.458 Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007. (a) Terminology. For purposes of this section— Allowable costs means, with respect to an MA...

42 CFR 422.4 - Types of MA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Types of MA plans. 422.4 Section 422.4 Public...) MEDICARE PROGRAM MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM General Provisions § 422.4 Types of MA plans. (a) General rule. An MA plan may be a coordinated care plan, a combination of an MA MSA plan and a contribution into an...

42 CFR 422.104 - Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA... Beneficiary Protections § 422.104 Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans. (a) An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan may not provide supplemental benefits that cover expenses that count...

42 CFR 422.270 - Incorrect collections of premiums and cost-sharing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

...) Means amounts that- (A) Exceed the limits approved under § 422.262; (B) In the case of an MA private fee-for-service plan, exceed the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium or the MA monthly supplemental premium submitted under § 422.262; and (C) In the case of an MA MSA plan, exceed the MA monthly...

42 CFR 422.270 - Incorrect collections of premiums and cost-sharing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...) Means amounts that- (A) Exceed the limits approved under § 422.262; (B) In the case of an MA private fee-for-service plan, exceed the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium or the MA monthly supplemental premium submitted under § 422.262; and (C) In the case of an MA MSA plan, exceed the MA monthly...

42 CFR 422.270 - Incorrect collections of premiums and cost-sharing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... that- (A) Exceed the limits approved under § 422.262; (B) In the case of an MA private fee-for-service plan, exceed the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium or the MA monthly supplemental premium submitted under § 422.262; and (C) In the case of an MA MSA plan, exceed the MA monthly beneficiary supplemental...

42 CFR 422.104 - Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA... and Beneficiary Protections § 422.104 Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans. (a) An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan may not provide supplemental benefits that cover expenses...

42 CFR 422.458 - Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for... for MA Regional Plans § 422.458 Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007. (a) Terminology. For purposes of this section— Allowable costs means, with respect to an MA regional plan offered...

42 CFR 422.62 - Election of coverage under an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Election of coverage under an MA plan. 422.62... § 422.62 Election of coverage under an MA plan. (a) General: Coverage election periods—(1) Initial coverage election period for MA. The initial coverage election period is the period during which a newly MA...

42 CFR 422.318 - Special rules for coverage that begins or ends during an inpatient hospital stay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...) Coverage that begins during an inpatient stay. If coverage under an MA plan offered by an MA organization... previous MA organization or original Medicare, as appropriate; (2) The MA organization offering the newly-elected MA plan is not responsible for the inpatient services until the date after the beneficiary's...

42 CFR 422.62 - Election of coverage under an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Election of coverage under an MA plan. 422.62... § 422.62 Election of coverage under an MA plan. (a) General: Coverage election periods—(1) Initial coverage election period for MA. The initial coverage election period is the period during which a newly MA...

42 CFR 422.318 - Special rules for coverage that begins or ends during an inpatient hospital stay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...) Coverage that begins during an inpatient stay. If coverage under an MA plan offered by an MA organization... previous MA organization or original Medicare, as appropriate; (2) The MA organization offering the newly-elected MA plan is not responsible for the inpatient services until the date after the beneficiary's...

42 CFR 422.62 - Election of coverage under an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Election of coverage under an MA plan. 422.62... Enrollment § 422.62 Election of coverage under an MA plan. (a) General: Coverage election periods—(1) Initial coverage election period for MA. The initial coverage election period is the period during which a newly MA...

42 CFR 422.104 - Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA... and Beneficiary Protections § 422.104 Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans. (a) An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan may not provide supplemental benefits that cover expenses...

42 CFR 422.458 - Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for... Special Rules for MA Regional Plans § 422.458 Risk sharing with regional MA organizations for 2006 and 2007. (a) Terminology. For purposes of this section— Allowable costs means, with respect to an MA...

42 CFR 422.104 - Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA... Beneficiary Protections § 422.104 Special rules on supplemental benefits for MA MSA plans. (a) An MA organization offering an MA MSA plan may not provide supplemental benefits that cover expenses that count...

42 CFR 422.4 - Types of MA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Types of MA plans. 422.4 Section 422.4 Public...) MEDICARE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM General Provisions § 422.4 Types of MA plans. (a) General rule. An MA plan may be a coordinated care plan, a combination of an MA MSA plan and a...

42 CFR 422.4 - Types of MA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Types of MA plans. 422.4 Section 422.4 Public...) MEDICARE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM General Provisions § 422.4 Types of MA plans. (a) General rule. An MA plan may be a coordinated care plan, a combination of an MA MSA plan and a...

42 CFR 422.62 - Election of coverage under an MA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Election of coverage under an MA plan. 422.62... Enrollment § 422.62 Election of coverage under an MA plan. (a) General: Coverage election periods—(1) Initial coverage election period for MA. The initial coverage election period is the period during which a newly MA...

42 CFR 422.4 - Types of MA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Types of MA plans. 422.4 Section 422.4 Public...) MEDICARE PROGRAM (CONTINUED) MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM General Provisions § 422.4 Types of MA plans. (a) General rule. An MA plan may be a coordinated care plan, a combination of an MA MSA plan and a...

42 CFR 422.270 - Incorrect collections of premiums and cost-sharing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... that- (A) Exceed the limits approved under § 422.262; (B) In the case of an MA private fee-for-service plan, exceed the MA monthly basic beneficiary premium or the MA monthly supplemental premium submitted under § 422.262; and (C) In the case of an MA MSA plan, exceed the MA monthly beneficiary supplemental...

Working memory deficits affect risky decision-making in methamphetamine users with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Duarte, Nichole A; Woods, Steven Paul; Rooney, Alexandra; Atkinson, J Hampton; Grant, Igor

2012-04-01

Methamphetamine (MA) use and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly co-occur and are independently associated with dysregulation of frontostriatal loops and risky decision-making; however, whether their comorbidity exacerbates risky decision-making is not known. This study evaluated 23 participants with histories of MA dependence and ADHD (MA+ADHD+), 25 subjects with MA dependence alone (MA+ADHD-), and 22 healthy adults (MA-ADHD-), who completed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) as part of a larger neuropsychiatric research evaluation. Results showed a significant interaction between ADHD, MA, and working memory, such that individuals with working memory deficits in the MA+ADHD+ cohort demonstrated the strongest propensity to select cards from "disadvantageous" versus "advantageous" decks on the IGT. This effect was not better explained by other psychiatric, substance use, neuromedical, or cognitive factors. Findings suggest that working memory deficits may moderate the expression of risky decision-making in MA users with ADHD. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Patent Analysis for Supporting Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Prediction: A Data Mining Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Chih-Ping; Jiang, Yu-Syun; Yang, Chin-Sheng

M&A plays an increasingly important role in the contemporary business environment. Companies usually conduct M&A to pursue complementarity from other companies for preserving and/or extending their competitive advantages. For the given bidder company, a critical first step to the success of M&A activities is the appropriate selection of target companies. However, existing studies on M&A prediction incur several limitations, such as the exclusion of technological variables in M&A prediction models and the omission of the profile of the respective bidder company and its compatibility with candidate target companies. In response to these limitations, we propose an M&A prediction technique which not only encompasses technological variables derived from patent analysis as prediction indictors but also takes into account the profiles of both bidder and candidate target companies when building an M&A prediction model. We collect a set of real-world M&A cases to evaluate the proposed technique. The evaluation results are encouraging and will serve as a basis for future studies.

29. Umbrella sheds behind South Station. Boston, Suffolk Co., MA. ...

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

29. Umbrella sheds behind South Station. Boston, Suffolk Co., MA. Sec. 4116, MP 229.50. - Northeast Railroad Corridor, Amtrak Route between RI/MA State Line & South Station, Boston, Suffolk County, MA

5. ATTLEBORO VIADUCT: PARK STREET ARCHES. ATTLEBORO,, BRISTOL CO., MA. ...

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

5. ATTLEBORO VIADUCT: PARK STREET ARCHES. ATTLEBORO,, BRISTOL CO., MA. Sec. 4116, MP 197.38. - Northeast Railroad Corridor, Amtrak Route between RI/MA State Line & South Station, Boston, Suffolk County, MA

Photothermal Therapy Employing Gold Nanoparticle- Loaded Macrophages as Delivery Vehicles: Comparing the Efficiency of Nanoshells Versus Nanorods.

PubMed

Christie, Catherine; Madsen, Steen J; Peng, Qian; Hirschberg, Henry

2017-01-01

Macrophages (Ma) loaded with gold based nanoparticles, which convert near infrared light to heat, have been studied as targeted transport vectors for photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors. The purpose of the experiments reported here was to compare the efficacy of gold-silica nanoshells (AuNS) and gold nanorods (AuNR) in macrophage mediated PTT. PTT efficacy was evaluated in hybrid glioma spheroids consisting of human glioma cells and either AuNS or AuNR loaded Ma, designated MaNS and MaNR respectivly. Spheroids were irradiated for 10 min. with light from an 810 nm diode laser at irradiances ranging from 0 to 28 W/cm2. PTT efficacy was determined from spheroid growth over a 14-day period. The uptake by Ma of pegylated AuNR (3.9 ± 0.9 %) was twice that of pegylated AuNS, (7.9 ± 0.7 %). Hybrid spheroids consisting of a 5:1 ratio of glioma cells to loaded Ma exhibited significant growth inhibition with MaNS when subjected to irradiances of 7 W/cm2 or greater. In contrast, no significant growth inhibition was observed for the MaNR hybrid spheroids at this 5:1 ratio, even at the highest irradiance investigated (28 W/cm2). Although AuNR were taken up by Ma in larger numbers then AuNS, MaNS were shown to have greater PTT efficacy compared to MaNR for equivalent numbers of loaded Ma.

Sexual and Injection Risk among Women who Inject Methamphetamine in San Francisco

PubMed Central

Martinez, Alexis; Gee, Lauren; Kral, Alex H.

2006-01-01

Methamphetamine (MA) use is on the rise in the United States, with many cities reporting increases of 100% or more in MA-related Emergency Department (ED) mentions. Women are keeping pace with this trend: in 2003, 40% of ED mentions and 45% of MA-related treatment admissions were female. Although there have been extensive examinations of MA use and HIV/STI risk among gay men in recent years, literature regarding female MA users is scarce. This paper examines female methamphetamine injectors in San Francisco, CA, from 2003–2005. We assessed sexual and injection related risk behaviors, comparing female MA injectors to female injectors of other drugs. We also examined whether MA use was independently associated with specific sexual and injection risk behaviors. We found that female MA injectors were significantly more likely than non-MA injectors to report unprotected anal intercourse, multiple sexual partners, receptive syringe sharing and sharing of syringes with more than one person in the past six months. In multivariate analysis, MA use among female injectors was significantly associated with anal sex, more than five sexual partners, receptive syringe sharing, and more than one syringe-sharing partner in the past six months. Deeper exploration of the relationship between MA use and sexual risk among women would benefit HIV/STI prevention efforts. In addition, existing interventions for drug-injecting women may need to be adapted to better meet the risks of female MA injectors. PMID:16739050

The Lake Albert Rift (uganda, East African Rift System): Deformation, Basin and Relief Evolution Since 17 Ma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brendan, Simon; François, Guillocheau; Cécile, Robin; Olivier, Dauteuil; Thierry, Nalpas; Martin, Pickford; Brigitte, Senut; Philippe, Lays; Philippe, Bourges; Martine, Bez

2016-04-01

This study is based on a coupled basin infilling study and a landforms analysis of the Lake Albert Rift located at the northern part of the western branch of the East African Rift. The basin infilling study is based on both subsurface data and outcrops analysis. The objective was to (1) obtain an age model based on onshore mammals biozones, (2) to reconstruct the 3D architecture of the rift using sequence stratigraphy correlations and seismic data interpretation, (3) to characterize the deformation and its changes through times and (4) to quantify the accommodation for several time intervals. The infilling essentially consists of isopach fault-bounded units composed of lacustrine deposits wherein were characterized two major unconformities dated at 6.2 Ma (Uppermost Miocene) and 2.7 Ma (Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary), coeval with major subsidence and climatic changes. The landforms analysis is based on the characterization and relative dating (geometrical relationships with volcanism) of Ugandan landforms which consist of stepped planation surfaces (etchplains and peplians) and incised valleys. We here proposed a seven-steps reconstruction of the deformation-erosion-sedimentation relationships of the Lake Albert Basin and its catchments: - 55-45 Ma: formation of laterites corresponding to the African Surface during the very humid period of the Lower-Middle Eocene; - 45-22: stripping of the African Surface in response of the beginning of the East-African Dome uplift and formation of a pediplain which associated base level is the Atlantic Ocean; - 17-2.5 Ma: Initiation of the Lake Albert Basin around 17 Ma and creation of local base levels (Lake Albert, Edward and George) on which three pediplains tend to adapt; - 18 - 16 Ma to 6.2 Ma: "Flexural" stage (subsidence rate: 150-200 m/Ma; sedimentation rate 1.3 km3/Ma between 17 and 12 Ma and 0.6 km3/Ma from 12 to 6 Ma) - depocenters location (southern part of Lake Albert Basin) poorly controlled by fault; - 6.2 Ma to 2.5 Ma: Rift stage 1 (subsidence rate: > 500m/Ma up to 600-800 m/Ma; sedimentation rate: 2.4 km3/Ma) - Rifting climax; - 2.5-0.4 Ma: uplift of the Ruwenzori Mountains and shifting from an alluvial system to a network of bedrock river incision - Rift Stage 2 (subsidence rate: 450 to 250 m/Ma; sedimentation rate: 1.5 km3/Ma); - 0.4-0 Ma: long wavelength downwarping of the Tanzanian Craton, initiation of the Lake Victoria trough, drainage network inversion and uplift of the present-day Ugandan escarpment (normal faulting motion of the border faults) with formation of perched valleys associated to the Lower Pleistocene (2.5-0.4 Ma) rivers network. At larger scale, comparison of the Lake Albert Rift evolution with the data available in the basins of both eastern and western branches of the East African Rift System shows that most of the sedimentary basins experienced the same geometrical evolution from large basins with limited fault controls during Late Miocene to narrow true rift in Late Pleistocene (e.g. Northern and Central Kenyan Basins), in agreement with the volcanism distribution, large (width >100 km) during the Miocene times, narrower (width x10 km) from Late Pliocene to Pleistocene times and today limited to narrow rifts.

Expression patterns of ethylene biosynthesis genes from bananas during fruit ripening and in relationship with finger drop

PubMed Central

Hubert, Olivier; Mbéguié-A-Mbéguié, Didier

2012-01-01

Background and aims Banana finger drop is defined as dislodgement of individual fruits from the hand at the pedicel rupture area. For some banana varieties, this is a major feature of the ripening process, in addition to ethylene production and sugar metabolism. The few studies devoted to assessing the physiological and molecular basis of this process revealed (i) the similarity between this process and softening, (ii) the early onset of related molecular events, between the first and fourth day after ripening induction, and (iii) the putative involvement of ethylene as a regulatory factor. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying, through a candidate gene approach, a quality-related marker that could be used as a tool in breeding programmes. Here we examined the relationship between ripening ethylene biosynthesis (EB) and finger drop in order to gain further insight into the upstream regulatory steps of the banana finger drop process and to identify putative related candidate genes. Methods Postharvest ripening of green banana fruit was induced by acetylene treatment and fruit taken at 1–4 days after ripening induction, and total RNA extracted from the median area [control zone (CZ)] and the pedicel rupture area [drop zone (DZ)] of peel tissue. Then the expression patterns of EB genes (MaACO1, MaACO2, MaACS1, MaACS2, MaACS3 and MaACS4) were comparatively examined in CZ and DZ via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Principal results Differential expression of EB gene was observed in CZ and DZ during the postharvest period examined in this study. MaACO1, MaACS2 and MaACS1 were more highly induced in DZ than in the control, while a slight induction of the MaACS4 gene was observed. No marked differences between the two zones were observed for the MaACO2 gene. Conclusions The finger drop process enhanced EB gene expression including developmental- and ripening-induced genes (MaACO1), specific ripening-induced genes (MaACS1) and wound-induced genes (MaACS2). Thus, this process might be associated with a specific ethylene production in DZ of the pedicel area and the result of crosstalk between developmental, ripening and wound regulatory pathways. MaACO1, MaACS1, MaACS2, and to a lesser extent MaACS4 genes, which are more highly induced in DZ than in CZ, could be considered as putative candidates of the finger drop process. PMID:23267429

U-Pb ages of detrital zircon from Cenozoic sediments in the southwestern Tarim Basin, NW China: Implications for Eocene-Pliocene source-to-sink relations and new insights into Cretaceous-Paleogene magmatic sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wei; Fu, Ling; Wu, Chaodong; Song, Yan; Jiang, Zhenxue; Luo, Qun; Zhang, Ziya; Zhang, Chen; Zhu, Bei

2018-05-01

A detailed investigation of potential provenance is still lacking in the southwestern Tarim Basin, which restricts our complete understanding of Cenozoic source-to-sink relations between the basin interior and the Pamir salient - western Kunlun Mountain Range. Debate also exists concerning the potential sources of the Paleogene and Cretaceous igneous detritus present in the Cenozoic sedimentary sequences. Here, we present U-Pb (LA-ICP-MS) ages of detrital zircons from the continuous Eocene-Pliocene sediment series in the well-exposed Aertashi section to investigate changes in sediment provenance through time. The U-Pb detrital zircon ages range widely from 45 to 3204 Ma and can be divided into seven main groups: 45-65 Ma (sub-peak at 49 Ma), 67-103 Ma (sub-peak at 95 Ma), 196-251 Ma (sub-peak at 208 Ma), 252-416 Ma (sub-peak at 296 Ma), 417-540 Ma (sub-peak at 446 Ma), 550-1429 Ma (sub-peaks at 614 Ma, 828 Ma and 942 Ma) and 1345-3204 Ma (sub-peaks at 1773 Ma and 2480 Ma). These zircons were mainly derived from the western Kunlun Mountain Range and northern Pamir salient to the west and south. The evolution of the provenance and source-to-sink relationship patterns in the southwestern Tarim Basin can be divided into three stages: (1) The Middle Eocene to Lower Oligocene sediments display a wide variety of detrital zircon ages, suggesting that the source area was extensive. (2) A major change in provenance occurred during the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene and was characterized by an abrupt increase in the proportion of Triassic and Lower Paleozoic igneous components, implying a significant adjustment in topography induced by the initial uplift and exhumation of the western Kunlun Mountain Range and northern Pamir salient. (3) In the Late Miocene, the source-to-sink system transformed again, and contributions of Triassic to Lower Paleozoic material weakened substantially due to the sufficient indentation of the Pamir salient. Our integrated analyses of zircon geochronology indicate that the main source terranes of the Paleogene and Cretaceous igneous detritus are the central and southern Pamir salient, respectively, which are speculated to have been continuously connected to the study area during Eocene-Pliocene times, although such detritus is scarce in certain formations and has not yet been detected.

Computer Program Development Specification Terminal-to-Host Protocol (THP). Revision 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-08

Wictm - eat* amv3 1 ca1 emo 1#4eWI: w’aot% a# *04o op scPote 3. Raeaw*pe, hapiromtselo te att~mgs 0 iop teopo l oft"’ hap.wao $* tree ?* %opizo~tal tabs 5...USI Ŕ six MA U. MA MA TAAS DIPSc ? TtZO WITS M4 A YES YES MA MA WES M ~oW-1RTM Ŕ LVF NO CR DSOMMLF RECORD WITH MO MA YES InS u.OR MA ES u. SPACI OV...10. Seou.met Rumbep PGo Clos eeasom i a *lusemima close was LCN 16 Local Connection N6009 Imtermal ?9PoTCP connection identification ’ value with Pang

A Case Study to Improve Emergency Room Patient Flow at Womack Army Medical Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

use just the previous month, moving average 2-month period ( MA2 ) uses the average from the previous two months, moving average 3-month period (MA3...ED prior to discharge by provider) MA2 /MA3/MA4 - moving averages of 2-4 months in length MAD - mean absolute deviation (measure of accuracy for

42 CFR 422.760 - Determinations regarding the amount of civil money penalties and assessment imposed by CMS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... conduct; (2) The degree of culpability of the MA organization; (3) The harm which resulted or could have resulted from the conduct of MA organization; (4) The financial condition of the MA organization; (5) The history of prior offenses by the MA organization or principals of the MA organization; and, (6) Such other...

42 CFR 422.760 - Determinations regarding the amount of civil money penalties and assessment imposed by CMS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... nature of the conduct; (2) The degree of culpability of the MA organization; (3) The harm which resulted or could have resulted from the conduct of MA organization; (4) The financial condition of the MA organization; (5) The history of prior offenses by the MA organization or principals of the MA organization...

42 CFR 422.52 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs..., Election, and Enrollment § 422.52 Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals. (a) General rule. In order to elect a specialized MA plan for a special needs individual (Special Needs MA...

42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Benefits and Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must...

42 CFR 422.52 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs..., and Enrollment § 422.52 Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals. (a) General rule. In order to elect a specialized MA plan for a special needs individual (Special Needs MA plan, or...

42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must demonstrate to CMS...

42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must demonstrate to CMS...

42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Benefits and Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must...

42 CFR 422.52 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs..., and Enrollment § 422.52 Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals. (a) General rule. In order to elect a specialized MA plan for a special needs individual (Special Needs MA plan, or...

42 CFR 422.760 - Determinations regarding the amount of civil money penalties and assessment imposed by CMS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... conduct; (2) The degree of culpability of the MA organization; (3) The harm which resulted or could have resulted from the conduct of MA organization; (4) The financial condition of the MA organization; (5) The history of prior offenses by the MA organization or principals of the MA organization; and, (6) Such other...

42 CFR 422.760 - Determinations regarding the amount of civil money penalties and assessment imposed by CMS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... nature of the conduct; (2) The degree of culpability of the MA organization; (3) The harm which resulted or could have resulted from the conduct of MA organization; (4) The financial condition of the MA organization; (5) The history of prior offenses by the MA organization or principals of the MA organization...

42 CFR 422.114 - Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Access to services under an MA private fee-for... Benefits and Beneficiary Protections § 422.114 Access to services under an MA private fee-for-service plan. (a) Sufficient access. (1) An MA organization that offers an MA private fee-for-service plan must...

42 CFR 422.52 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs..., Election, and Enrollment § 422.52 Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals. (a) General rule. In order to elect a specialized MA plan for a special needs individual (Special Needs MA...

42 CFR 422.52 - Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs..., Election, and Enrollment § 422.52 Eligibility to elect an MA plan for special needs individuals. (a) General rule. In order to elect a specialized MA plan for a special needs individual (Special Needs MA...

The Methamphetamine Problem in the United States

PubMed Central

Gonzales, Rachel; Mooney, Larissa; Rawson, Richard

2015-01-01

Significant public health problems associated with methamphetamine (MA) production and use in the United States have emerged over the past 25 years. Although the popular press (Newsweek, Aug 8, 2008), has called MA “America’s Most Dangerous Drug” there has been considerable controversy about the size of the problem. Epidemiological indicators have given a mixed picture. National surveys of the adult U.S. population and school-based populations have consistently been used to support the position that MA use is a relatively minor concern (NSDUH, 2006; Johnston & O’Malley, 2007). However, many other data sources, including law-enforcement groups, welfare agencies, substance abuse treatment program admission data, data on criminal justice populations, and state/county executives indicate that MA is a very significant public health problem for many communities throughout much of the country (NDIC, 2007b; NACO, 2005, 2006; NIDA CEWG, 2007). In this article, we describe (1) the historical underpinnings of the MA problem, (2) trends in the epidemiological nature of the MA problem, (3) key subgroups at risk for MA problems, (4) the health and social factors associated with MA use, (5) interventions available for addressing the MA problem, and (5) lessons learned related to the MA problem. PMID:20070191

Individual differences in nonverbal number skills predict math anxiety.

PubMed

Lindskog, Marcus; Winman, Anders; Poom, Leo

2017-02-01

Math anxiety (MA) involves negative affect and tension when solving mathematical problems, with potentially life-long consequences. MA has been hypothesized to be a consequence of negative learning experiences and cognitive predispositions. Recent research indicates genetic and neurophysiological links, suggesting that MA stems from a basic level deficiency in symbolic numerical processing. However, the contribution of evolutionary ancient purely nonverbal processes is not fully understood. Here we show that the roots of MA may go beyond symbolic numbers. We demonstrate that MA is correlated with precision of the Approximate Number System (ANS). Individuals high in MA have poorer ANS functioning than those low in MA. This correlation remains significant when controlling for other forms of anxiety and for cognitive variables. We show that MA mediates the documented correlation between ANS precision and math performance, both with ANS and with math performance as independent variable in the mediation model. In light of our results, we discuss the possibility that MA has deep roots, stemming from a non-verbal number processing deficiency. The findings provide new evidence advancing the theoretical understanding of the developmental etiology of MA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MACULAR ATROPHY FINDINGS BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY COMPARED WITH FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE IN TREATED EXUDATIVE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PubMed

Takasago, Yukari; Shiragami, Chieko; Kobayashi, Mamoru; Osaka, Rie; Ono, Aoi; Yamashita, Ayana; Tsujikawa, Akitaka; Hirooka, Kazuyuki

2017-11-28

To compare the areas of choriocapillaris (CC) nonperfusion and macular atrophy (MA) in treated exudative age-related macular degeneration. This was a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Forty-four eyes exhibiting MA (42 patients with age-related macular degeneration), with a dry macula, underwent fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography angiography. The area of MA detected by fundus autofluorescence and CC nonperfusion detected by optical coherence tomography angiography was measured using image analysis software. The rates of concordance between the MA and CC nonperfusion areas were calculated. We qualitatively and quantitatively compared the areas of MA and CC nonperfusion in age-related macular degeneration eyes. The mean areas of MA and CC nonperfusion were 5.95 ± 4.50 mm and 10.66 ± 7.05 mm, respectively (paired t-test, P < 0.001). In 39 eyes (88.6%), the CC nonperfusion area was larger than the MA area, and the mean CC nonperfusion area was significantly larger than the mean MA area. Fundus autofluorescence matching optical coherence tomography angiography showed that the CC nonperfusion area was almost included in the MA area. The mean concordance rate for the MA area inside the CC nonperfusion area was 87.7 ± 13.9%. The MA and CC nonperfusion areas markedly overlapped. The area of CC nonperfusion correlated with the MA area. Choroidal ischemia might be involved in the pathogenesis of MA in treated age-related macular degeneration.This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CCBY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Gender difference in early initiation of methamphetamine use among current methamphetamine users in Muse, Northern Shan State, Myanmar.

PubMed

Saw, Yu Mon; Saw, Thu Nandar; Yasuoka, Junko; Chan, Nyein; Kham, Nang Pann Ei; Khine, Wint; Cho, Su Myat; Jimba, Masamine

2017-05-08

Globally, methamphetamine (MA) use is a significant public health concern due to unprecedented health effects of its use. However, gender similarities and differences in early age of MA initiation and its risk factors among current MA users have been understudied in a developing country setting. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using a computer assisted self-interviewing program from January to March 2013 in Muse, Northern Shan State, Myanmar. A total of 1362 (775 male and 587 female) self-reported current MA users aged between 18 and 35 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Two gender-stratified multiple logistic regression models (models I and II) were done for analysis. For similarities, 73.0% of males and 60.5% of females initiated MA before their 18th birthday. The early age of MA initiation was positively associated with the reasons and places of the first time MA use among both genders. For differences, males [hazard ratio 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.54] had a significantly higher risk than females to initiate MA at earlier age. Among male users, participants who had bisexual/homosexual preferences were more likely to initiate MA use earlier. In contrast, female users who exchanged sex for money and/or drugs were more likely to initiate MA in earlier age. More than 60.0% of male and female participants initiated MA use early; however, males initiated use earlier than females. Although similarities were found among both genders, differences found in key risk factors for early age MA initiation suggest that gender-specific, MA prevention programs are urgently needed in Myanmar.

Untangling the mechanism of 3-methyladenine (3-MA) in enhancing the specific productivity: Transcriptome analysis of recombinant CHO cells treated with 3-MA.

PubMed

Baek, Eric; Lee, Jae Seong; Lee, Gyun Min

2018-06-25

3-Methyladenine (3-MA) is a chemical additive that enhances the specific productivity (q p ) in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cell lines. Different from its widely known function of inhibiting autophagy, 3-MA has instead shown to increase autophagic flux in various rCHO cell lines. Thus, the mechanism by which 3-MA enhances the q p requires investigation. To evaluate the effect of 3-MA on transcriptome dynamics in rCHO cells, RNA-seq was performed with Fc-fusion protein-producing rCHO cells treated with 3-MA. By analyzing genes that were differentially expressed following the addition of 3-MA during culture, the role of 3-MA in the biological processes of rCHO cells was identified. One pathway markedly influenced by the addition of 3-MA was the unfolded protein response (UPR). Having a close relationship with autophagy, the UPR reestablishes protein folding homeostasis under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The addition of 3-MA increased the expression of key regulators of the UPR, such as Atf4, Ddit3, and Creb3l3, further supporting the idea that the enhancement of ER capacity acts as a key in increasing the q p . Consequently, the downstream effectors of UPR, which include autophagy-promoting genes, were upregulated as well. Hence, the role of 3-MA in increasing UPR pathway could have made a salient contribution to the increased autophagic flux in rCHO cells. Taken together, transcriptome analysis improved the understanding of the role of 3-MA in gene expression dynamics in rCHO cells and its mechanism in enhancing the q p . This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Naltrexone on Subjective Response to Methamphetamine in a Clinical Sample: a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Laboratory Study

PubMed Central

Ray, Lara A; Bujarski, Spencer; Courtney, Kelly E; Moallem, Nathasha R; Lunny, Katy; Roche, Daniel; Leventhal, Adam M; Shoptaw, Steve; Heinzerling, Keith; London, Edythe D; Miotto, Karen

2015-01-01

Methamphetamine (MA) use disorder is a serious psychiatric condition for which there are no FDA-approved medications. Naltrexone (NTX) is an opioid receptor antagonist with demonstrated efficacy, albeit moderate, for the treatment of alcoholism and opioid dependence. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that NTX may be useful for the treatment of MA use disorder. To inform treatment development, we conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled human laboratory study of NTX. Non-treatment-seeking individuals meeting DSM-IV criteria for MA abuse or dependence (n=30) completed two separate 5-day inpatient stays. During each admission, participants completed testing sessions comprised of MA cue-reactivity and intravenous MA administration (30 mg) after receiving oral NTX (50 mg) or placebo for 4 days. This study tested the hypotheses that NTX would (a) attenuate cue-induced MA craving, and (b) reduce subjective responses to MA administration. Results largely supported the study hypotheses such that (a) NTX significantly blunted cue-induced craving for MA and (b) attenuated several of the hedonic subjective effects of MA, including craving, during controlled MA administration and as compared with placebo. NTX decreased overall subjective ratings of ‘crave drug,' ‘stimulated,' and ‘would like drug access,' decreased the the post-MA administration timecourse of ‘anxious' and increased ratings of ‘bad drug effects,' as compared with placebo. These findings support a potential mechanism of action by showing that NTX reduced cue-induced craving and subjective responses to MA. This is consistent with positive treatment studies of NTX for amphetamine dependence, as well as ongoing clinical trials for MA. PMID:25801501

Gender differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of methamphetamine inpatients in a Chinese population.

PubMed

He, Jincai; Xie, Ying; Tao, Jingyan; Su, Hang; Wu, Wenxiu; Zou, Shengzhen; Zhang, Jiajia; Zhang, Jie; Zhang, Hailing; Yang, Xiaofei; Guo, Jun; Tang, Wei; Zhang, Feixue; Liu, Jiahong; Liu, Linjing; Chen, Yuanling; Wen, Na; Kosten, Thomas R; Zhang, Xiang Yang

2013-06-01

Over the past two decades, China has experienced a dramatic increase in methamphetamine (MA) abuse. This study examined gender-specific socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of MA use among Han Chinese, which has previously received little systematic study. This analysis described MA-related socio-demographic and clinical characteristics in a broad cross-sectional sample (n=1464; male/female=1185/279), and examined differences between males and females in MA use history, MA initiation, MA-related subjective feelings and behaviors, and withdrawal symptoms. Most MA abusers (about 72%) were young (in their 20s or 30s), with women being 5 years younger than men on average. More males (33.2%) were married than females (21.9%). The average body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in this MA abuser sample compared to the age-matched healthy controls. Moreover, the BMI of females was significantly lower than that of males. The laboratory tests showed that the blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride were all significantly higher in males than females. Females used MA at a younger age compared to males. The most frequent route of MA use was smoking (90.9%). Males were more likely to use another drug, and more likely to be hospitalized. However, many characteristics and behaviors of MA use are similar for males and females, including the route, the dose and duration of MA use, and relapse status. Although there were some male-female similarities in MA use parameters, significant differences do exist that may have implications for gender-specific research as well as for prevention and treatment strategies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

New synthesis of maleic anhydride modified polyolefins and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Bing

Maleic anhydride (MA) modified polyolefins are the most useful commercial functional polyolefins. The current technology of producing MA modified polyolefins, mainly free radical modification, usually results in low MA graft contents, extensive side reactions, and poor control of graft structures. In this thesis, we show a new synthetic route for preparing MA modified polyolefins with excellent control of polymer structures and MA concentrations. The synthesis is based on the "reactive" polyolefin copolymers, i.e. polyolefins containing p-methylstyrene or alkylborane groups. The p-methylstyrene copolymers lead to selectively grafting reactions on the p-methyl groups, greatly reducing the side reactions on the polyolefin backbone. The MA graft content was proportional to the concentration of p-methylstyrene. In the borane approach, under controlled selective oxidation, the alkylborane containing PP polymers formed the "stable" polymeric radical in situ which initiated the graft-from reaction. By varying the monomer concentrations of MA and styrene, reaction time and temperature, a broad range of MA modified PP polymers were prepared from a single MA terminated or grafted PP to a very long SMA segment blocked or grafted PP, and there is no detectable side reaction on the PP backbone. MA modified polyolefins were investigated in the applications of glass fiber reinforced PP, elastomer toughened Nylon, and polyolefin/Nylon blends. The MA modified polyolefin compatibilizers showed the significant improved mechanical properties and morphology of the blends. The effectiveness of compatibilization depends on the MA concentration, molecular weight of the polyolefin segments, the structure of the compatibilizers, and the composition of the blend. By amidation or imidation reaction of MA modified PP with amine terminated PP, long chain branched PP polymers were also prepared. The results of IR, GPC, intrinsic viscosity and DSC studies clearly indicate the formation of long chain branched PP.

Methamphetamine-alcohol interactions in murine models of sequential and simultaneous oral drug-taking.

PubMed

Fultz, Elissa K; Martin, Douglas L; Hudson, Courtney N; Kippin, Tod E; Szumlinski, Karen K

2017-08-01

A high degree of co-morbidity exists between methamphetamine (MA) addiction and alcohol use disorders and both sequential and simultaneous MA-alcohol mixing increases risk for co-abuse. As little preclinical work has focused on the biobehavioral interactions between MA and alcohol within the context of drug-taking behavior, we employed simple murine models of voluntary oral drug consumption to examine how prior histories of either MA- or alcohol-taking influence the intake of the other drug. In one study, mice with a 10-day history of binge alcohol-drinking [5,10, 20 and 40% (v/v); 2h/day] were trained to self-administer oral MA in an operant-conditioning paradigm (10-40mg/L). In a second study, mice with a 10-day history of limited-access oral MA-drinking (5, 10, 20 and 40mg/L; 2h/day) were presented with alcohol (5-40% v/v; 2h/day) and then a choice between solutions of 20% alcohol, 10mg/L MA or their mix. Under operant-conditioning procedures, alcohol-drinking mice exhibited less MA reinforcement overall, than water controls. However, when drug availability was not behaviorally-contingent, alcohol-drinking mice consumed more MA and exhibited greater preference for the 10mg/L MA solution than drug-naïve and combination drug-experienced mice. Conversely, prior MA-drinking history increased alcohol intake across a range of alcohol concentrations. These exploratory studies indicate the feasibility of employing procedurally simple murine models of sequential and simultaneous oral MA-alcohol mixing of relevance to advancing our biobehavioral understanding of MA-alcohol co-abuse. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Production and characterization of thermoplastic cassava starch, functionalized poly(lactic acid), and their reactive compatibilized blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Detyothin, Sukeewan

Cassava starch was blended with glycerol using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSE). Thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) at a ratio of 70/30 by weight of cassava/glycerol was selected and further blended with other polymers. TPCS sheets made from compression molding had low tensile strength (0.45 +/- 0.05 MPa) and Young's modulus (1.24 +/- 0.58 MPa), but moderate elongation at break (83.0 +/- 0.18.6%), medium level of oxygen permeability, and high water vapor permeability with a very high rate of water absorption. TPCS was blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) at various ratios by using a TSE. The blend resins exhibited good properties such as increased thermal stability (Tmax) and crystallinity of PLA, and improved water sensitivity and processability of TPCS. PLA and TPCS exhibited a high interfacial tension between the two phases of 7.9 mJ·m -2, indicating the formation of an incompatible, immiscible blend. SEM micrographs showed a non-homogeneous distribution of TPCS droplets in the PLA continuous phase. TEM micrographs of the blend films made by cast-film extrusion showed coalescence of the TPCS droplets in the PLA continuous phase of the blend, indicating that the compatibility between the polymer pair needs to be improved. A response surface methodology (RSM) design was used to analyze the effects of maleic anhydride (MA) and 2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane (Luperox or L101) contents, and TSE screw speed on the degree of grafted MA and number average molecular weight (Mn) of functionalized PLA (PLA-g-MA), a reactive compatibilizer. PLA-g- MA made by reactive extrusion had an array of colors depending on the content of L101 and MA used. New FTIR peaks suggested that MA was grafted onto the PLA backbone and oligomeric MA may occur. Increasing L101 increased the degree of grafting and decreased Mn, but the Mn of the PLA-g-MA's produced with a high amount of L101 was stable during storage. MA exhibited an optimum concentration for maximizing the degree of grafted MA, and increasing MA content retarded the reduction of Mn during processing. However, the Mn of PLA-g-MA during storage decreased more rapidly with a high content of MA. TSE screw speed had an impact on the Mn with the maximum value predicted at 20 rpm. PLA-g-MA compounds differing in Mn and/or grafted MA content were used as reactive polymers with TPCS (to produce binary blends) and as reactive compatibilizers (to produce ternary blends of PLA/TPCS/PLA-g-MA) with TPCS content of 30 wt% using a TSE. As a result of maleation, PLA-g-MA had a higher grafted MA content with a lower Mn, and higher PI. The interaction of anhydride groups from PLA-g-MA and hydroxyl groups from TPCS was found by FTIR. The reactive binary blends exhibited a change in thermal stability, decrease of Tcc, the presence of double melting peaks, and an increase of the Tgs of glycerol and starch. The higher the grafted MA content and/or the higher Mn of the PLA- g-MA used, the better were the distribution and smaller the TPCS domains obtained in the blends. The highest elongation at break was achieved when 30 wt% TPCS was blended with 70 wt% of PLA having 0.1 wt% of grafted MA and Mn of PLA-g-MA with a 45 kDa. Finally, the optimum PLA-g-MA was determined by using the results from PLA-g-MA RSM design and the reactive blending.

Hypocretin-1 CSF levels in anti-Ma2 associated encephalitis

PubMed Central

Overeem, S.; Dalmau, J.; Bataller, L.; Nishino, S.; Mignot, E.; Verschuuren, J.; Lammers, G.J.

2008-01-01

Idiopathic narcolepsy is associated with deficient hypocretin transmission. Narcoleptic symptoms have recently been described in paraneoplastic encephalitis with anti-Ma2 antibodies. The authors measured CSF hypocretin-1 levels in six patients with anti-Ma2 encephalitis, and screened for anti-Ma antibodies in patients with ideopathic narcolepsy. Anti-Ma autoantibodies were not detected in patients with idiopathic narcolepsy. Four patients with anti-Ma2 encephalitis had excessive daytime sleepiness; hypocretin-1 was not detectable in their cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting an immune-mediated hypocretin dysfunction. PMID:14718718

Comparison of time-dependent effects of (+)-methamphetamine or forced swim on monoamines, corticosterone, glucose, creatine, and creatinine in rats.

PubMed

Herring, Nicole R; Schaefer, Tori L; Tang, Peter H; Skelton, Matthew R; Lucot, James P; Gudelsky, Gary A; Vorhees, Charles V; Williams, Michael T

2008-05-30

Methamphetamine (MA) use is a worldwide problem. Abusers can have cognitive deficits, monoamine reductions, and altered magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings. Animal models have been used to investigate some of these effects, however many of these experiments have not examined the impact of MA on the stress response. For example, numerous studies have demonstrated (+)-MA-induced neurotoxicity and monoamine reductions, however the effects of MA on other markers that may play a role in neurotoxicity or cell energetics such as glucose, corticosterone, and/or creatine have received less attention. In this experiment, the effects of a neurotoxic regimen of (+)-MA (4 doses at 2 h intervals) on brain monoamines, neostriatal GFAP, plasma corticosterone, creatinine, and glucose, and brain and muscle creatine were evaluated 1, 7, 24, and 72 h after the first dose. In order to compare MA's effects with stress, animals were subjected to a forced swim test in a temporal pattern similar to MA administration [i.e., (30 min/session) 4 times at 2 h intervals]. MA increased corticosterone from 1-72 h with a peak 1 h after the first treatment, whereas glucose was only increased 1 h post-treatment. Neostriatal and hippocampal monoamines were decreased at 7, 24, and 72 h, with a concurrent increase in GFAP at 72 h. There was no effect of MA on regional brain creatine, however plasma creatinine was increased during the first 24 h and decreased by 72 h. As with MA treatment, forced swim increased corticosterone more than MA initially. Unlike MA, forced swim reduced creatine in the cerebellum with no change in other brain regions while plasma creatinine was decreased at 1 and 7 h. Glucose in plasma was decreased at 7 h. Both MA and forced swim increase demand on energy substrates but in different ways, and MA has persistent effects on corticosterone that are not attributable to stress alone.

Comparison of time-dependent effects of (+)-methamphetamine or forced swim on monoamines, corticosterone, glucose, creatine, and creatinine in rats

PubMed Central

Herring, Nicole R; Schaefer, Tori L; Tang, Peter H; Skelton, Matthew R; Lucot, James P; Gudelsky, Gary A; Vorhees, Charles V; Williams, Michael T

2008-01-01

Background Methamphetamine (MA) use is a worldwide problem. Abusers can have cognitive deficits, monoamine reductions, and altered magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings. Animal models have been used to investigate some of these effects, however many of these experiments have not examined the impact of MA on the stress response. For example, numerous studies have demonstrated (+)-MA-induced neurotoxicity and monoamine reductions, however the effects of MA on other markers that may play a role in neurotoxicity or cell energetics such as glucose, corticosterone, and/or creatine have received less attention. In this experiment, the effects of a neurotoxic regimen of (+)-MA (4 doses at 2 h intervals) on brain monoamines, neostriatal GFAP, plasma corticosterone, creatinine, and glucose, and brain and muscle creatine were evaluated 1, 7, 24, and 72 h after the first dose. In order to compare MA's effects with stress, animals were subjected to a forced swim test in a temporal pattern similar to MA administration [i.e., (30 min/session) 4 times at 2 h intervals]. Results MA increased corticosterone from 1–72 h with a peak 1 h after the first treatment, whereas glucose was only increased 1 h post-treatment. Neostriatal and hippocampal monoamines were decreased at 7, 24, and 72 h, with a concurrent increase in GFAP at 72 h. There was no effect of MA on regional brain creatine, however plasma creatinine was increased during the first 24 h and decreased by 72 h. As with MA treatment, forced swim increased corticosterone more than MA initially. Unlike MA, forced swim reduced creatine in the cerebellum with no change in other brain regions while plasma creatinine was decreased at 1 and 7 h. Glucose in plasma was decreased at 7 h. Conclusion Both MA and forced swim increase demand on energy substrates but in different ways, and MA has persistent effects on corticosterone that are not attributable to stress alone. PMID:18513404

Variation in Protein Intake Induces Variation in Spider Silk Expression

PubMed Central

Blamires, Sean J.; Wu, Chun-Lin; Tso, I-Min

2012-01-01

Background It is energetically expensive to synthesize certain amino acids. The proteins (spidroins) of spider major ampullate (MA) silk, MaSp1 and MaSp2, differ in amino acid composition. Glutamine and proline are prevalent in MaSp2 and are expensive to synthesize. Since most orb web spiders express high proline silk they might preferentially attain the amino acids needed for silk from food and shift toward expressing more MaSp1 in their MA silk when starved. Methodology/Principal Findings We fed three spiders; Argiope aetherea, Cyrtophora moluccensis and Leucauge blanda, high protein, low protein or no protein solutions. A. aetherea and L. blanda MA silks are high in proline, while C. moluccesnsis MA silks are low in proline. After 10 days of feeding we determined the amino acid compositions and mechanical properties of each species' MA silk and compared them between species and treatments with pre-treatment samples, accounting for ancestry. We found that the proline and glutamine of A. aetherea and L. blanda silks were affected by protein intake; significantly decreasing under the low and no protein intake treatments. Glutmaine composition in C. moluccensis silk was likewise affected by protein intake. However, the composition of proline in their MA silk was not significantly affected by protein intake. Conclusions Our results suggest that protein limitation induces a shift toward different silk proteins with lower glutamine and/or proline content. Contradictions to the MaSp model lie in the findings that C. moluccensis MA silks did not experience a significant reduction in proline and A. aetherea did not experience a significant reduction in serine on low/no protein. The mechanical properties of the silks could not be explained by a MaSp1 expressional shift. Factors other than MaSp expression, such as the expression of spidroin-like orthologues, may impact on silk amino acid composition and spinning and glandular processes may impact mechanics. PMID:22363691

Detrital zircon age distribution from Devonian and Carboniferous sandstone in the Southern Variscan Fold-and-Thrust belt (Montagne Noire, French Massif Central), and their bearings on the Variscan belt evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Wei; Faure, Michel; Li, Xian-hua; Chu, Yang; Ji, Wenbin; Xue, Zhenhua

2016-05-01

In the Southern French Massif Central, the Late Paleozoic sedimentary sequences of the Montagne Noire area provide clues to decipher the successive tectonic events that occurred during the evolution of the Variscan belt. Previous sedimentological studies already demonstrated that the siliciclastic deposits were supplied from the northern part of the Massif Central. In this study, detrital zircon provenance analysis has been investigated in Early Devonian (Lochkovian) conglomerate and sandstone, and in Carboniferous (Visean to Early Serpukhovian) sandstone from the recumbent folds and the foreland basin of the Variscan Southern Massif Central in Montagne Noire. The zircon grains from all of the samples yielded U-Pb age spectra ranging from Neoarchean to Late Paleozoic with several age population peaks at 2700 Ma, 2000 Ma, 980 Ma, 750 Ma, 620 Ma, 590 Ma, 560 Ma, 480 Ma, 450 Ma, and 350 Ma. The dominant age populations concentrate on the Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic. The dominant concordant detrital zircon age populations in the Lochkovian samples, the 480-445 Ma with a statistical peak around 450 Ma, are interpreted as reflecting the rifting event that separated several continental stripes, such as Armorica, Mid-German Crystalline Rise, and Avalonia from the northern part of Gondwana. However, Ediacaran and Cambrian secondary peaks are also observed. The detrital zircons with ages at 352 - 340 Ma, with a statistical peak around 350 Ma, came from the Early Carboniferous volcanic and plutonic rocks similar to those exposed in the NE part of the French Massif Central. Moreover, some Precambrian grains recorded a more complex itinerary and may have experienced a multi-recycling history: the Archean and Proterozoic grains have been firstly deposited in Cambrian or Ordovician terrigenous rocks, and secondly re-sedimented in Devonian and/or Carboniferous formations. Another possibility is that ancient grains would be inherited grains, scavenged from an underlying but not exposed Precambrian basement.

Chronic Methamphetamine Effects on Brain Structure and Function in Rats

PubMed Central

Thanos, Panayotis K.; Kim, Ronald; Delis, Foteini; Ananth, Mala; Chachati, George; Rocco, Mark J.; Masad, Ihssan; Muniz, Jose A.; Grant, Samuel C.; Gold, Mark S.; Cadet, Jean Lud; Volkow, Nora D.

2016-01-01

Methamphetamine (MA) addiction is a growing epidemic worldwide. Chronic MA use has been shown to lead to neurotoxicity in rodents and humans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in MA users have shown enlarged striatal volumes and positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown decreased brain glucose metabolism (BGluM) in the striatum of detoxified MA users. The present study examines structural changes of the brain, observes microglial activation, and assesses changes in brain function, in response to chronic MA treatment. Rats were randomly split into three distinct treatment groups and treated daily for four months, via i.p. injection, with saline (controls), or low dose (LD) MA (4 mg/kg), or high dose (HD) MA (8 mg/kg). Sixteen weeks into the treatment period, rats were injected with a glucose analog, [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), and their brains were scanned with micro-PET to assess regional BGluM. At the end of MA treatment, magnetic resonance imaging at 21T was performed on perfused rats to determine regional brain volume and in vitro [3H]PK 11195 autoradiography was performed on fresh-frozen brain tissue to measure microglia activation. When compared with controls, chronic HD MA-treated rats had enlarged striatal volumes and increases in [3H]PK 11195 binding in striatum, the nucleus accumbens, frontal cortical areas, the rhinal cortices, and the cerebellar nuclei. FDG microPET imaging showed that LD MA-treated rats had higher BGluM in insular and somatosensory cortices, face sensory nucleus of the thalamus, and brainstem reticular formation, while HD MA-treated rats had higher BGluM in primary and higher order somatosensory and the retrosplenial cortices, compared with controls. HD and LD MA-treated rats had lower BGluM in the tail of the striatum, rhinal cortex, and subiculum and HD MA also had lower BGluM in hippocampus than controls. These results corroborate clinical findings and help further examine the mechanisms behind MA-induced neurotoxicity. PMID:27275601

Chronic Methamphetamine Effects on Brain Structure and Function in Rats.

PubMed

Thanos, Panayotis K; Kim, Ronald; Delis, Foteini; Ananth, Mala; Chachati, George; Rocco, Mark J; Masad, Ihssan; Muniz, Jose A; Grant, Samuel C; Gold, Mark S; Cadet, Jean Lud; Volkow, Nora D

2016-01-01

Methamphetamine (MA) addiction is a growing epidemic worldwide. Chronic MA use has been shown to lead to neurotoxicity in rodents and humans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in MA users have shown enlarged striatal volumes and positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown decreased brain glucose metabolism (BGluM) in the striatum of detoxified MA users. The present study examines structural changes of the brain, observes microglial activation, and assesses changes in brain function, in response to chronic MA treatment. Rats were randomly split into three distinct treatment groups and treated daily for four months, via i.p. injection, with saline (controls), or low dose (LD) MA (4 mg/kg), or high dose (HD) MA (8 mg/kg). Sixteen weeks into the treatment period, rats were injected with a glucose analog, [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), and their brains were scanned with micro-PET to assess regional BGluM. At the end of MA treatment, magnetic resonance imaging at 21T was performed on perfused rats to determine regional brain volume and in vitro [3H]PK 11195 autoradiography was performed on fresh-frozen brain tissue to measure microglia activation. When compared with controls, chronic HD MA-treated rats had enlarged striatal volumes and increases in [3H]PK 11195 binding in striatum, the nucleus accumbens, frontal cortical areas, the rhinal cortices, and the cerebellar nuclei. FDG microPET imaging showed that LD MA-treated rats had higher BGluM in insular and somatosensory cortices, face sensory nucleus of the thalamus, and brainstem reticular formation, while HD MA-treated rats had higher BGluM in primary and higher order somatosensory and the retrosplenial cortices, compared with controls. HD and LD MA-treated rats had lower BGluM in the tail of the striatum, rhinal cortex, and subiculum and HD MA also had lower BGluM in hippocampus than controls. These results corroborate clinical findings and help further examine the mechanisms behind MA-induced neurotoxicity.

Age constraints on felsic intrusions, metamorphism and gold mineralisation in the Palaeoproterozoic Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt, NE Bahia State, Brazil

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mello, E.F.; Xavier, R.P.; McNaughton, N.J.; Hagemann, S.G.; Fletcher, I.; Snee, L.

2006-01-01

U-Pb sensitive high resolution ion microprobe mass spectrometer (SHRIMP) ages of zircon, monazite and xenotime crystals from felsic intrusive rocks from the Rio Itapicuru greenstone belt show two development stages between 2,152 and 2,130 Ma, and between 2,130 and 2,080 Ma. The older intrusions yielded ages of 2,152??6 Ma in monazite crystals and 2,155??9 Ma in zircon crystals derived from the Trilhado granodiorite, and ages of 2,130??7 Ma and 2,128??8 Ma in zircon crystals derived from the Teofila??ndia tonalite. The emplacement age of the syntectonic Ambro??sio dome as indicated by a 2,080??2-Ma xenotime age for a granite dyke probably marks the end of the felsic magmatism. This age shows good agreement with the Ar-Ar plateau age of 2,080??5 Ma obtained in hornblendes from an amphibolite and with a U-Pb SHRIMP age of 2,076??10 Ma in detrital zircon crystals from a quartzite, interpreted as the age of the peak of the metamorphism. The predominance of inherited zircons in the syntectonic Ambro??sio dome suggests that the basement of the supracrustal rocks was composed of Archaean continental crust with components of 2,937??16, 3,111??13 and 3,162??13 Ma. Ar-Ar plateau ages of 2,050??4 Ma and 2,054??2 Ma on hydrothermal muscovite samples from the Fazenda Brasileiro gold deposit are interpreted as minimum ages for gold mineralisation and close to the true age of gold deposition. The Ar-Ar data indicate that the mineralisation must have occurred less than 30 million years after the peak of the metamorphism, or episodically between 2,080 Ma and 2,050 Ma, during uplift and exhumation of the orogen. ?? Springer-Verlag 2006.

Identification and characterization of novel NuMA isoforms

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

Wu, Jin, E-mail: petersdu2112@hotmail.com; Xu, Zhe; Core Laboratory for Clinical Medical Research, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing

2014-11-21

Highlights: • Seven NuMA isoforms generated by alternative splicing were categorized into 3 groups: long, middle and short. • Both exons 15 and 16 in long NuMA were “hotspot” for alternative splicing. • Lower expression of short NuMA was observed in cancer cells compared with nonneoplastic controls. • Distinct localization pattern of short isoforms indicated different function from that of long and middle NuMA. - Abstract: The large nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) has been investigated for over 30 years with functions related to the formation and maintenance of mitotic spindle poles during mitosis. However, the existence and functions of NuMAmore » isoforms generated by alternative splicing remains unclear. In the present work, we show that at least seven NuMA isoforms (categorized into long, middle and short groups) generated by alternative splicing from a common NuMA mRNA precursor were discovered in HeLa cells and these isoforms differ mainly at the carboxyl terminus and the coiled-coil domains. Two “hotspot” exons with molecular mass of 3366-nt and 42-nt tend to be spliced during alternative splicing in long and middle groups. Furthermore, full-length coding sequences of long and middle NuMA obtained by using fusion PCR were constructed into GFP-tagged vector to illustrate their cellular localization. Long NuMA mainly localized in the nucleus with absence from nucleoli during interphase and translocated to the spindle poles in mitosis. Middle NuMA displayed the similar cell cycle-dependent distribution pattern as long NuMA. However, expression of NuMA short isoforms revealed a distinct subcellular localization. Short NuMA were present in the cytosol during the whole cycle, without colocalization with mitotic apparatus. These results have allowed us tentatively to explore a new research direction for NuMA’s various functions.« less

Distinct agonist responsibilities of the first and second branches of mouse mesenteric artery.

PubMed

Nobe, Koji; Hagiwara, Chiharu; Nezu, Yumiko; Honda, Kazuo

2006-03-01

The mesenteric artery (MA) is suitable for consideration as a typical micro-resistant artery for examination of arteriosclerosis. The MA is comprised of the first (MA1), second (MA2), and additional fine structural branches; however, differences in terms of responsibilities of these branches have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to differentiate contractile responses in the MAs of mice. MA2 rings (100 microm diameter, 1 mm length) displayed maximal force development (846.8 +/- 55.6 microN; n = 5) upon stimulation with 50 mM KCl under 400 microN resting tension. However, both MA1 and aorta required resting tension exceeding 600 microN. Treatment of MA2 with phenylephrine (PE; 10 microM), norepinephrine (NE; 10 microM), thromboxane A(2) (analog U46619; 100 nM), or prostaglandin F(2a) (PG; 10 microM) induced sustained contractions. Responses were 1507.8 +/- 88.8, 1543 + 5 +/- 149.6, 2088.6 +/- 151.6, and 1441.9 +/- 103.6 microN (n = 7), respectively. These values were markedly larger than those of the KCl-induced response. In MA1 and aorta, PE-induced and NE-induced responses were indistinct from the KCl response. This investigation revealed that MA1 exhibits responsibilities similar to those of the aorta, whereas MA2 possesses distinct responsibilities. MA2 might serve as a micro-resistant artery model.

Binge use and sex and drug use behaviors among HIV(-), heterosexual methamphetamine users in San Diego.

PubMed

Cheng, W Susan; Garfein, Richard S; Semple, Shirley J; Strathdee, Steffanie A; Zians, James K; Patterson, Thomas L

2010-01-01

This study identified sociodemographic factors, drug using practices, sexual behaviors, and motivational factors associated with binge (a period of uninterrupted) methamphetamine (MA) use among heterosexual MA users. The FASTLANE study provided cross-sectional data collected by audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) between June 2001 and August 2004 from 451 HIV-negative MA users in San Diego, California, USA who had engaged in unprotected sex and used MA in the previous two months. The study sample was 67.8% male, 49.4% Caucasian, 26.8% African-American, and 12.8% Hispanic with a mean age of 36.6 years; 183 (40.5%) reported binge use in the past 2 months. Compared with non-binge users, binge users of MA were more likely to report risky drug use and sex behaviors and differed in motivations to initiate and currently use MA. The final logistic regression model for binge use included more days of MA use in the last month, ever treated for MA use, injection drug use, higher Beck Depression Inventory score, "experimentation" as a motivation for initiating MA use, and engaging in sex marathons while high on MA. HIV prevention efforts should differentiate and address these differences in motivations for MA use and the associated HIV-risk sex and drug use behaviors as key targets for effective intervention.

Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology, Lu-Hf isotopes and REE geochemistry constrains on the provenance and tectonic setting of Indochina Block in the Paleozoic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ce; Liang, Xinquan; Foster, David A.; Fu, Jiangang; Jiang, Ying; Dong, Chaoge; Zhou, Yun; Wen, Shunv; Van Quynh, Phan

2016-05-01

In situ U-Pb geochronology, Lu-Hf isotopes and REE geochemical analyses of detrital zircons from Cambrian-Devonian sandstones in the Truong Son Belt, central Vietnam, are used to provide the information of provenance and tectonic evolution of the Indochina Block. The combined detrital zircon age spectra of all of the samples ranges from 3699 Ma to 443 Ma and shows with dominant age peaks at ca. 445 Ma and 964 Ma, along with a number of age populations at 618-532 Ma, 1160-1076 Ma, 1454 Ma, 1728 Ma and 2516 Ma. The zircon age populations are similar to those from time equivalent sedimentary sequences in continental blocks disintegrated from the East Gondwana during the Phanerozoic. The younger zircon grains with age peaks at ca. 445 Ma were apparently derived from middle Ordovician-Silurian igneous and metamorphic rocks in Indochina. Zircons with ages older than about 600 Ma were derived from other Gondwana terrains or recycled from the Precambrian basement of the Indochina Block. Similarities in the detrital zircon U-Pb ages suggest that Paleozoic strata in the Indochina, Yangtze, Cathaysia and Tethyan Himalayas has similar provenance. This is consistent with other geological constrains indicating that the Indochina Block was located close to Tethyan Himalaya, northern margin of the India, and northwestern Australia in Gondwana.

42 CFR 422.56 - Enrollment in an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. 422.56 Section 422.56... Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. (a) General. An individual is not eligible to elect an MA MSA plan unless the... Department of Defense under 38 U.S.C. chapter 17, may not enroll in an MA MSA plan. (c) Individuals eligible...

42 CFR 422.322 - Source of payment and effect of MA plan election on payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Source of payment and effect of MA plan election on... Advantage Organizations § 422.322 Source of payment and effect of MA plan election on payment. (a) Source of payments. (1) Payments under this subpart for original fee-for-service benefits to MA organizations or MA...

42 CFR 422.322 - Source of payment and effect of MA plan election on payment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Source of payment and effect of MA plan election on... Advantage Organizations § 422.322 Source of payment and effect of MA plan election on payment. (a) Source of payments. (1) Payments under this subpart for original fee-for-service benefits to MA organizations or MA...

42 CFR 422.56 - Enrollment in an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. 422.56 Section 422.56... § 422.56 Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. (a) General. An individual is not eligible to elect an MA MSA... 55 or the Department of Defense under 38 U.S.C. chapter 17, may not enroll in an MA MSA plan. (c...

42 CFR 422.56 - Enrollment in an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. 422.56 Section 422.56... § 422.56 Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. (a) General. An individual is not eligible to elect an MA MSA... 55 or the Department of Defense under 38 U.S.C. chapter 17, may not enroll in an MA MSA plan. (c...

42 CFR 422.56 - Enrollment in an MA MSA plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. 422.56 Section 422.56... § 422.56 Enrollment in an MA MSA plan. (a) General. An individual is not eligible to elect an MA MSA... 55 or the Department of Defense under 38 U.S.C. chapter 17, may not enroll in an MA MSA plan. (c...

Methamphetamine use is associated with high levels of depressive symptoms in adolescents and young adults in Rural Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

PubMed

DiMiceli, Lauren E; Sherman, Susan G; Aramrattana, Apinun; Sirirojn, Bangorn; Celentano, David D

2016-02-19

High levels of depressive symptoms often occur among individuals that use or that are dependent on methamphetamine (MA). Thailand is currently experiencing an epidemic of MA use among youth. Understanding the nature of the relationship between depressive symptoms and MA use and identifying those most at risk can further understanding of prevention and treatment options for youth who use MA and present with depressive symptoms. In 2011, we conducted a cross sectional epidemiologic study that examined associations between MA use and high levels of depressive symptoms among adolescents and young adults aged 14-29 living in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. A combination of cluster and systematic sampling was conducted to obtain a study sample of participants actively recruited in Chiang Mai province. Depressive symptoms were measured using a Thai translation of the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). The independent variables measured reported lifetime and recent MA use within the past 3 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between MA use and high levels of depressive symptoms. Approximately 19% (n = 394) of the sample reported ever having consumed MA and 31% (n = 124) of lifetime users reported recent MA use within the past 3 months. Recent MA use was associated with high levels of depressive symptoms (aPOR recent use: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.20, 5.63). This is one of the first studies to examine the association between MA use and high levels of depressive symptoms in a general Thai population. The odds of having high levels of depressive symptoms was significantly greater among recent MA users compared to non-users. These findings support the need for policies, programs and interventions to prevent and treat depressive symptoms presenting among MA using Thai adolescents and young adults in rural Chiang Mai province, Thailand to aid in cessation of MA use. Furthermore, additional research is needed to investigate treatment options for adolescents and young adults in Thailand that use MA and present with high levels of depressive symptoms.

Parallel Effects of Methamphetamine on Anxiety and CCL3 in Humans and a Genetic Mouse Model of High Methamphetamine Intake

PubMed Central

Huckans, Marilyn; Wilhelm, Clare J.; Phillips, Tamara J.; Huang, Elaine T.; Hudson, Rebekah; Loftis, Jennifer M.

2018-01-01

Background Methamphetamine (MA) abuse causes immune dysfunction and neuropsychiatric impairment. The mechanisms underlying these deficits remain unidentified. Methods The effects of MA on anxiety-like behavior and immune function were investigated in mice selectively bred to voluntarily consume high amounts of MA [i.e., MA high drinking (MAHDR) mice]. MA (or saline) was administered to mice using a chronic (14-day), binge-like model. Performance in the elevated zero maze (EZM) was determined 5 days after the last MA dose to examine anxiety-like behavior. Cytokine and chemokine expressions were measured in the hippocampus using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Human studies were also conducted to evaluate symptoms of anxiety using the General Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale in adults with and without a history of MA dependence. Plasma samples collected from human research participants were used for confirmatory analysis of murine qPCR results using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results During early remission from MA, MAHDR mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior on the EZM and reduced expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (ccl3) in the hippocampus relative to saline-treated mice. Human adults actively dependent on MA and those in early remission had elevated symptoms of anxiety as well as reductions in plasma levels of CCL3, relative to adults with no history of MA abuse. Conclusions The results highlight the complex effects of MA on immune and behavioral function and suggest that alterations in CCL3 signaling may contribute to the mood impairments observed during remission from MA addiction. PMID:29402784

Characteristics of Three Thioredoxin Genes and Their Role in Chilling Tolerance of Harvested Banana Fruit.

PubMed

Wu, Fuwang; Li, Qing; Yan, Huiling; Zhang, Dandan; Jiang, Guoxiang; Jiang, Yueming; Duan, Xuewu

2016-09-09

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are small proteins with a conserved redox active site WCGPC and are involved in a wide range of cellular redox processes. However, little information on the role of Trx in regulating low-temperature stress of harvested fruit is available. In this study, three full-length Trx cDNAs, designated MaTrx6, MaTrx9 and MaTrx12, were cloned from banana (Musa acuminata) fruit. Phylogenetic analysis and protein sequence alignments showed that MaTrx6 was grouped to h2 type with a typical active site of WCGPC, whereas MaTrx9 and MaTrx12 were assigned to atypical cys his-rich Trxs (ACHT) and h3 type with atypical active sites of GCAGC and WCSPC, respectively. Subcellular localization indicated that MaTrx6 and MaTrx12 were located in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm, respectively, whereas MaTrx9 showed a dual cytoplasmic and chloroplast localization. Application of ethylene induced chilling tolerance of harvested banana fruit, whereas 1-MCP, an inhibitor of ethylene perception, aggravated the development of chilling injury. RT-qPCR analysis showed that expression of MaTrx12 was up-regulated and down-regulated in ethylene- and 1-MCP-treated banana fruit at low temperature, respectively. Furthermore, heterologous expression of MaTrx12 in cytoplasmic Trx-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain increased the viability of the strain under H₂O₂. These results suggest that MaTrx12 plays an important role in the chilling tolerance of harvested banana fruit, possibly by regulating redox homeostasis.

Comparison of behavioral profiles for anxiety-related comorbidities including ADHD and selective mutism in children.

PubMed

Levin-Decanini, Tal; Connolly, Sucheta D; Simpson, David; Suarez, Liza; Jacob, Suma

2013-09-01

Elucidating differences in social-behavioral profiles of children with comorbid presentations, utilizing caregiver as well as teacher reports, will refine our understanding of how contextual symptoms vary across anxiety-related disorders. In our pediatric anxiety clinic, the most frequent diagnoses and comorbidities were mixed anxiety (MA; ≥ 1 anxiety disorder; N = 155), anxiety with comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (MA/ADHD, N = 47) and selective mutism (SM, N = 48). Behavioral measures (CPRS, CTRS) were analyzed using multiple one-way multivariate analyses of covariance tests. Differences between the three diagnostic groups were examined using completed parent and teacher reports (N = 135, 46, and 48 for MA, MA/ADHD, and SM groups, respectively). Comparisons across the MA, MA/ADHD, and SM groups indicate a significant multivariate main effect of group for caregiver and teacher responses (P < 0.01). Caregivers reported that children with SM are similar in profile to those with MA, and both groups were significantly different from the MA/ADHD group. Teachers reported that children with SM had more problems with social behaviors than with the MA or MA/ADHD groups. Further comparison indicates a significant main effect of group (P < 0.001), such that children with SM have the greatest differences in behavior observed by teachers versus caregivers. Clinical profiles between MA/ADHD, MA, and SM groups varied, illustrating the importance of multi-rater assessment scales to capture subtle distinctions and to inform treatment planning given that comorbidities occur frequently in children who present with anxiety. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of Behavioral Profiles for Anxiety-Related Comorbidities including ADHD and Selective Mutism in Children

PubMed Central

Levin-Decanini, Tal; Connolly, Sucheta D.; Simpson, David; Suarez, Liza; Jacob, Suma

2013-01-01

Background Elucidating differences in social-behavioral profiles of children with comorbid presentations, utilizing caregiver as well as teacher reports, will refine our understanding of how contextual symptoms vary across anxiety-related disorders. Methods In our pediatric anxiety clinic, the most frequent diagnoses and comorbidities were mixed anxiety (MA; ≥ 1 anxiety disorder; N = 155), anxiety with comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (MA/ADHD, N = 47) and selective mutism (SM, N = 48). Behavioral measures (CPRS, CTRS) were analyzed using multiple one-way multivariate analyses of covariance tests. Differences between the three diagnostic groups were examined using completed parent and teacher reports (N = 135, 46 and 48 for MA, MA/ADHD and SM groups, respectively). Results Comparisons across the MA, MA/ADHD and SM groups indicate a significant multivariate main effect of group for caregiver and teacher responses (p < 0.01). Caregivers reported that children with SM are similar in profile to those with MA, and both groups were significantly different from the MA/ADHD group. Teachers reported that children with SM had more problem social behaviors than either the MA or MA/ADHD groups. Further comparison indicates a significant main effect of group (p < 0.001), such that children with SM have the greatest differences in behavior observed by teachers versus caregivers. Conclusions Clinical profiles between MA/ADHD, MA and SM groups varied, illustrating the importance of multi-rater assessment scales to capture subtle distinctions and to inform treatment planning given that comorbidities occur frequently in children who present with anxiety. PMID:23526795

Human immunodeficiency virus infection heightens concurrent risk of functional dependence in persons with long-term methamphetamine use.

PubMed

Blackstone, Kaitlin; Iudicello, Jennifer E; Morgan, Erin E; Weber, Erica; Moore, David J; Franklin, Donald R; Ellis, Ronald J; Grant, Igor; Woods, Steven Paul

2013-01-01

Disability among long-term methamphetamine (MA) users is multifactorial. This study examined the additive adverse impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a common comorbidity in MA users, on functional dependence. A large cohort of participants (N = 798) stratified by lifetime MA-dependence diagnoses (ie, MA+ or MA-) and HIV serostatus (ie, HIV+ or HIV-) underwent comprehensive baseline neuromedical, neuropsychiatric, and functional research evaluations, including assessment of neurocognitive symptoms in daily life, instrumental and basic activities of daily living, and employment status. Independent, additive effects of MA and HIV were observed across all measures of functional dependence, independent of other demographic, psychiatric, and substance-use factors. The prevalence of global functional dependence increased in the expected stepwise fashion across the cohort, with the lowest rates in the MA-/HIV- group (29%) and the highest rates in the MA+/HIV+ sample (69%). The impact of HIV on MA-associated functional dependence was moderated by nadir CD4 count, such that polysubstance use was associated with greater disability among those HIV-infected persons with higher but not lower nadir CD4 count. Within the MA+/HIV+ cohort, functional dependence was reliably associated with neurocognitive impairment, lower cognitive reserve, polysubstance use, and major depressive disorder. HIV infection confers an increased concurrent risk of MA-associated disability, particularly among HIV-infected persons without histories of immune compromise. Directed referrals, earlier HIV treatment, and compensatory strategies aimed at counteracting the effects of low cognitive reserve, neurocognitive impairment, and psychiatric comorbidities on functional dependence in MA+/HIV+ individuals may be warranted.

Characteristics of Three Thioredoxin Genes and Their Role in Chilling Tolerance of Harvested Banana Fruit

PubMed Central

Wu, Fuwang; Li, Qing; Yan, Huiling; Zhang, Dandan; Jiang, Guoxiang; Jiang, Yueming; Duan, Xuewu

2016-01-01

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are small proteins with a conserved redox active site WCGPC and are involved in a wide range of cellular redox processes. However, little information on the role of Trx in regulating low-temperature stress of harvested fruit is available. In this study, three full-length Trx cDNAs, designated MaTrx6, MaTrx9 and MaTrx12, were cloned from banana (Musa acuminata) fruit. Phylogenetic analysis and protein sequence alignments showed that MaTrx6 was grouped to h2 type with a typical active site of WCGPC, whereas MaTrx9 and MaTrx12 were assigned to atypical cys his-rich Trxs (ACHT) and h3 type with atypical active sites of GCAGC and WCSPC, respectively. Subcellular localization indicated that MaTrx6 and MaTrx12 were located in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm, respectively, whereas MaTrx9 showed a dual cytoplasmic and chloroplast localization. Application of ethylene induced chilling tolerance of harvested banana fruit, whereas 1-MCP, an inhibitor of ethylene perception, aggravated the development of chilling injury. RT-qPCR analysis showed that expression of MaTrx12 was up-regulated and down-regulated in ethylene- and 1-MCP-treated banana fruit at low temperature, respectively. Furthermore, heterologous expression of MaTrx12 in cytoplasmic Trx-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain increased the viability of the strain under H2O2. These results suggest that MaTrx12 plays an important role in the chilling tolerance of harvested banana fruit, possibly by regulating redox homeostasis. PMID:27618038

New U-Pb zircon ages and the duration and division of Devonian time

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tucker, R.D.; Bradley, D.C.; Ver Straeten, C.A.; Harris, A.G.; Ebert, J.R.; McCutcheon, S.R.

1998-01-01

Newly determined U-Pb zircon ages of volcanic ashes closely tied to biostratigraphic zones are used to revise the Devonian time-scale. They are: 1) 417.6 ?? 1.0 Ma for an ash within the conodont zone of Icriodus woschmidti/I. w. hesperius Lochkovian); 2) 408.3 ?? 1.9 Ma for an ash of early Emsian age correlated with the conodont zones of Po. dehiscens--Lower Po. inversus; 3) 391.4 ?? 1.8 Ma for an ash within the Po. c. costatus Zone and probably within the upper half of the zone (Eifelian); and 4) 381.1 ?? 1.3 Ma for an ash within the range of the Frasnian conodont Palmatolepis punctata (Pa. punctata Zone to Upper Pa. hassi Zone). U-Pb zircon ages for two rhyolites bracketing a palyniferous bed of the pusillites-lepidophyta spore zone, are dated at 363.8 ?? 2.2 Ma and 363 ?? 2.2 Ma and 363.4 ?? 1.8 Ma, respectively, suggesting an age of ~363 Ma for a level within the late Famennian Pa. g. expansa Zone. These data, together with other published zircon ages, suggest that the base and top of the Devonian lie close to 418 Ma and 362 Ma, respectively, thus lengthening the period of ~20% over current estimates. We suggest that the duration of the Middle Devonian (Eifelian and Givitian) is rather brief, perhaps no longer than 11.5 Myr (394 Ma-382.5 Ma), and that the Emsian and Famennian are the longest stages in the period with estimated durations of ~15.5 Myr and 14.5 Myr, respectively.

Late Eocene Uplift of the Al Hajar Mountains, Oman, Supported by Stratigraphy and Low-Temperature Thermochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansman, Reuben J.; Ring, Uwe; Thomson, Stuart N.; den Brok, Bas; Stübner, Konstanze

2017-12-01

Uplift of the Al Hajar Mountains in Oman has been related to either Late Cretaceous ophiolite obduction or the Neogene Zagros collision. To test these hypotheses, the cooling of the central Al Hajar Mountains is constrained by 10 apatite (U-Th)/He (AHe), 15 fission track (AFT), and four zircon (U-Th)/He (ZHe) sample ages. These data show differential cooling between the two major structural culminations of the mountains. In the 3 km high Jabal Akhdar culmination AHe single-grain ages range between 39 ± 2 Ma and 10 ± 1 Ma (2σ errors), AFT ages range from 51 ± 8 Ma to 32 ± 4 Ma, and ZHe single-grain ages range from 62 ± 3 Ma to 39 ± 2 Ma. In the 2 km high Saih Hatat culmination AHe ages range from 26 ± 4 to 12 ± 4 Ma, AFT ages from 73 ± 19 Ma to 57 ± 8 Ma, and ZHe single-grain ages from 81 ± 4 Ma to 58 ± 3 Ma. Thermal modeling demonstrates that cooling associated with uplift and erosion initiated at 40 Ma, indicating that uplift occurred 30 Myr after ophiolite obduction and at least 10 Myr before the Zagros collision. Therefore, this uplift cannot be related to either event. We propose that crustal thickening supporting the topography of the Al Hajar Mountains was caused by a slowdown of Makran subduction and that north Oman took up the residual fraction of N-S convergence between Arabia and Eurasia.

Timing of metamorphism and exhumation in the Nordøyane ultra-high-pressure domain, Western Gneiss Region, Norway: New constraints from complementary CA-ID-TIMS and LA-MC-ICP-MS geochronology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, J. P.; Jamieson, R. A.; Dunning, G. R.; Pecha, M. E.; Robinson, P.; Steenkamp, H. M.

2018-06-01

We present the results of a combined CA-ID-TIMS and LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology study of zircon and associated rutile and titanite from the Nordøyane ultra-high-pressure (UHP) domain in the Western Gneiss Region (WGR) of Norway. The dated samples include 4 eclogite bodies, 2 host-rock migmatites, and 2 cross-cutting pegmatites and leucosomes, all from the island of Harøya. Zircon from a coesite eclogite yielded an age of ca. 413 Ma, interpreted as the time of UHP metamorphism in this sample. Zircon data from the other eclogite bodies yielded metamorphic ages of ca. 413 Ma, 407 Ma, and 406 Ma; zircon trace-element data associated with 413 Ma and 407 Ma ages are consistent with eclogite-facies crystallization. In all of the eclogites, U-Pb dates from zircon cores, interpreted as the times of protolith crystallization, range from ca. 1680-1586 Ma, consistent with Gothian ages from orthogneisses in Nordøyane and elsewhere in the WGR. A zircon core age of ca. 943 Ma from one sample agrees with Sveconorwegian ages of felsic gneisses and pegmatites in the western part of the area. Migmatites hosting the eclogite bodies yielded zircon core ages of ca. 1657-1591 Ma and rim ages of ca. 395-392 Ma, interpreted as the times of Gothian protolith formation and Scandian partial melt crystallization, respectively. Pegmatite in an eclogite boudin neck yielded a crystallization age of ca. 388 Ma, interpreted as the time of melt crystallization. Rutile and titanite from 3 samples (an eclogite and two migmatites) yielded concordant ID-TIMS ages of 378-376 Ma. The results are similar to existing U-Pb data from other Nordøyane eclogites (415-405 Ma). In combination with previous pressure-temperature data from the coesite eclogite, these ages indicate that peak metamorphic conditions of 3 GPa/760 °C were reached ca. 413 Ma, followed by decompression to 1 GPa/810 °C by ca. 397 Ma and cooling below ca. 600 °C by ca. 375 Ma. The results are compatible with protracted UHP metamorphism followed by relatively slow exhumation. The question of whether partial melting began at UHP conditions is not resolved by this study.

SHRIMP U-Pb and 40Ar/39Ar age constraints for relating plutonism and mineralization in the Boulder batholith region, Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lund, K.; Aleinikoff, J.N.; Kunk, Michael J.; Unruh, D.M.; Zeihen, G.D.; Hodges, W.C.; du Bray, E.A.; O'Neill, J. M.

2002-01-01

The composite Boulder batholith, Montana, hosts a variety of mineral deposit types, including important silver-rich polymetallic quartz vein districts in the northern part of the batholith and the giant Butte porphyry copper-molybdenum pre-Main Stage system and crosscutting copper-rich Main Stage vein system in the southern part of the batholith. Previous dating studies have identified ambiguous relationships among igneous and mineralizing events. Mineralizing hydrothermal fluids for these types of deposits and magma for quartz porphyry dikes at Butte have all been considered to be late-stage differentiates of the Boulder batholith. However, previous dating studies indicated that the Boulder batholith plutons cooled from about 78 to 72 Ma, whereas copper-rich Main Stage veins at Butte were dated at about 61 Ma. Recent efforts to date the porphyry copper-molybdenum pre-Main Stage deposits at Butte resulted in conflicting estimates of both 64 and 76 Ma for the mineralizing events. Silver-rich polymetallic quartz vein deposits elsewhere in the batholith have not been dated previously. To resolve this controversy, we used the U.S. Geological Survey, Stanford, SHRIMP RG ion mic??roprobe to date single-age domains within zircons from plutonic rock samples and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology to date white mica, biotite, and K-feldspar from mineral deposits. U-Pb zircon ages are Rader Creek Granodiorite, 80.4 ?? 1.2 Ma; Unionville Granodiorite, 78.2 ?? 0.8 Ma; Pulpit Rock granite, 76.5 ?? 0.8 Ma; Butte Granite, 74.5 ?? 0.9 Ma; altered Steward-type quartz porphyry dike (I-15 roadcut), 66.5 ?? 1.0 Ma; altered Steward-type quartz porphyry dike (Continental pit), 65.7 ?? 0.9 Ma; and quartz monzodiorite of Boulder Baldy (Big Belt Mountains), 66.2 ?? 0.9 Ma. Zircons from Rader Creek Granodiorite and quartz porphyry dike samples contain Archean inheritance. The 40Ar/39Ar ages are muscovite, silver-rich polymetallic quartz vein (Basin district), 74.4 ?? 0.3 Ma; muscovite, silver-rich polymetallic quartz vein (Boulder district), 74.4 ?? 1.2 Ma; muscovite, early dark micaceous vein (Continental pit), 63.6 ?? 0.2 Ma; biotite, early dark micaceous vein (Continental pit), 63.6 ?? 0.2 Ma; potassium feldspar, early dark micaceous vein (Continental pit), 63 to 59 Ma; and biotite, biotite breccia dike (Continental pit), 63.6 ?? 0.2 Ma. Outlying silver-rich polymetallic quartz veins of the Basin and Boulder mining districts probably are directly related to the 74.5 Ma Butte Granite, whereas Steward-type east-west quartz porphyry dikes and Butte pre-Main Stage deposits are parts of a 66 to 64 Ma magmatic-mineralization system unrelated to emplacement of the Boulder batholith. The age of the crosscutting Main Stage veins may be about 61 Ma as originally reported but can only be bracketed as younger than the 64 Ma pre-Main Stage mineralization and older than the about 50 Ma Eocene Lowland Creek intrusions. The 66 Ma age for the quartz monzodiorite of Boulder Baldy and consideration of previous dating studies in the region indicate that small ca. 66 Ma plutonic systems may be common in the Boulder batholith region and especially to the east. The approximately 64 Ma porphyry copper systems at Butte and gold mineralization at Miller Mountain are indicative of regionally important mineralizing systems of this age in the Boulder batholith region. Resolution of the age and probable magmatic source of the Butte pre-Main Stage porphyry copper-molybdenum system and of the silver-rich polymetallic quartz vein systems in the northern part of the Boulder batholith documents that these deposits formed from two discrete periods of hydrothermal mineralization related to two discrete magmatic events.

Slow Long-Term Erosion Rates of Banks Peninsula, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudunake, T.; Nichols, K. K.; Pugsley, E.; Nelson, S.; Colton, J.

2017-12-01

Banks Peninsula, located south of Christchurch, New Zealand, is composed of a multi-aged complex of volcanic centers. The oldest, Lyttelton Volcano is 12 to 10 Ma, and 350 km3. The largest volcano, Akaroa Volcano, is 9 to 8 Ma and 1200 km3. Both of these volcanoes have large embayments (Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour) that connect the central volcano (the location of the former volcanic summits) to the ocean. The other eruptive centers, Mt. Herbert ( 9.5 to 8 Ma) and Diamond Harbor (7 to 5.8 Ma), have not eroded to sea level. We used inferred original surfaces and present day topography to calculate the volume of rock eroded from river valleys draining the flanks of Lyttelton (n=11) and Akaroa (n=26) volcanoes and from the large embayments that penetrate the eroding Lyttelton (n=8) and Akaroa (n=25) volcanoes. We used the youngest age of the eruptions as the start of erosion (Lyttelton = 10 Ma and Akaroa = 8 Ma) to determine erosion rates. Preliminary data suggest average erosion rates of 8.2 ± 2.4 m/My (averaged over 10 Ma) on the flanks of Lyttelton Volcano and 12 ± 5.1 m/My (averaged over 8 Ma) on the flanks of Akaroa Volcano. Dating control and formation processes of Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour are poorly constrained. The youngest lava flows, Diamond Harbor, are 5.7 Ma and flow into the Lyttelton Harbour embayment. Using endmembers of embayment age for Lyttelton Harbour (10 Ma to 5.7 Ma) the erosion rates range between 18 ± 5.8 m/My and 31 ± 10 m/My. Similarly, the hillslopes of Akaroa Harbour have slow erosion rates (based on endmember ages of 8 Ma and 5.7 Ma) and range between 22 ± 18 and 31 ± 25 m/My. Even the fastest erosion rates on Banks Peninsula are an order of magnitude slower than the erosion rates of other basalt volcanoes in the world's oceans. Using a similar methodology, Tahiti is eroding between 1200 and 2700 m/Ma (Hildenbrand et al., 2008). Other erosion rates, based on sediment yields and water chemistry for La Reunion (400 to 3000 m/Ma; Louvat and Allegre, 1997), Guadeloupe (400 to 1700 m/Ma; Ricci et al., 2014), and Martinique (800 m/Ma; Germa et al., 2010) are also significantly faster than erosion rates of Banks Peninsula.

Investigating sources of ignimbrites in the Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex using U-Pb dating of zircons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kern, J. M.; de Silva, S. L.; Schmitt, A. K.

2011-12-01

Large silicic volcanic fields (LSVFs) are thought to represent the surface expression of upper crustal batholith emplacement, with the spatiotemporal distribution of the vents and eruptions representing the development of the system. The Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex (APVC) in the Central Andes is a LSVF active from 11-1 Ma that erupted over 13,000 km3 of magma from large, multicyclic caldera centers and smaller ignimbrite shields during 3 distinct pulses of volcanism at 8.4, 5.5, and 4.0 Ma. Links to the magmatic system beneath are being pursued through U-Pb zircon dating of APVC ignimbrites. Initial results comprise 61 238U/206Pb zircon ages of mostly marginal crystal domains from five APVC ignimbrites-the 0.98 ± 0.03 Ma Purico, 3.96 ± 0.08 Ma Atana, 4.0 ± 0.9 Ma Toconao, 4.09 ± 0.02 Ma Puripicar, and 8.33 ± 0.06 Ma Sifon ignimbrites-dated by high-resolution secondary ionization mass spectrometry (SIMS). Each zircon analyzed was less than 350 μm in length and cathodoluminescence images reveal zonations within individual zircons, though significant core-rim age differences are rare. The ~1 Ma Purico ignimbrite displays multiple zircon age populations significantly predating the 40Ar/39Ar eruption age, but younger than ages from the nearby large-volume Atana ignimbrite erupted from La Pacana caldera. Some peaks do, however, coincide with later resurgent activity within La Pacana as expressed by the 2.7 Ma Cerro Bola dome. Zircon ages in the Atana ignimbrite are indistinguishable from its eruption, while those from the 4.0 Ma Toconao ignimbrite-the volatile-rich cap of the Atana magma chamber-contains three populations of xenocrystic zircons from the Proterozoic-Ordivician, ~13 Ma, and ~9 Ma. The ~9 Ma zircons correlate with K-Ar ages from an underlying ignimbrite, whereas the 13 Ma xenocrysts likely have a plutonic source. The Purico ignimbrite thus provides direct evidence of zircon inheritance from previous eruption cycles, while the Toconao records a much more complex history of inheritance and assimilation absent from its consanguineous counterpart, the Atana. The 4.09 Ma Puripicar and 8.33 Ma Sifon ignimbrites display a single zircon age peak up to ~ 0.5 Ma prior to the eruption age. While these data may suggest relatively long magma residence times, the time periods are significantly shorter than the repose period between episodes of ignimbrite eruptions. New U-Pb zircon ages further the understanding of the connections between LSFV ignimbrites and their underlying batholiths.

8. BOSTON & PROVIDENCE RAILROAD: CANTON VIADUCT. CANTON, NORFOLK CO., ...

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

8. BOSTON & PROVIDENCE RAILROAD: CANTON VIADUCT. CANTON, NORFOLK CO., MA. (Not on NEC). (See HAER No. MA-27 for further documentation on this site.) - Northeast Railroad Corridor, Amtrak Route between RI/MA State Line & South Station, Boston, Suffolk County, MA

9. Boston & Providence Railroad: Canton Viaduct. Canton, Norfolk Co., ...

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

9. Boston & Providence Railroad: Canton Viaduct. Canton, Norfolk Co., MA. (Not on NEC). (See HAER No. MA-27 for further documentation on this site). - Northeast Railroad Corridor, Amtrak Route between RI/MA State Line & South Station, Boston, Suffolk County, MA

7. BOSTON & PROVIDENCE RAILROAD: CANTON VIADUCT. CANTON, NORFOLK CO., ...

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

7. BOSTON & PROVIDENCE RAILROAD: CANTON VIADUCT. CANTON, NORFOLK CO., MA. (Not on NEC). (See HAER No. MA-27 for further documentation on this site.) - Northeast Railroad Corridor, Amtrak Route between RI/MA State Line & South Station, Boston, Suffolk County, MA

A Functional Relationship between NuMA and Kid Is Involved in Both Spindle Organization and Chromosome Alignment in Vertebrate CellsV⃞

PubMed Central

Levesque, Aime A.; Howard, Louisa; Gordon, Michael B.; Compton, Duane A.

2003-01-01

We examined spindle morphology and chromosome alignment in vertebrate cells after simultaneous perturbation of the chromokinesin Kid and either NuMA, CENP-E, or HSET. Spindle morphology and chromosome alignment after simultaneous perturbation of Kid and either HSET or CENP-E were no different from when either HSET or CENP-E was perturbed alone. However, short bipolar spindles with organized poles formed after perturbation of both Kid and NuMA in stark contrast to splayed spindle poles observed after perturbation of NuMA alone. Spindles were disorganized if Kid, NuMA, and HSET were perturbed, indicating that HSET is sufficient for spindle organization in the absence of Kid and NuMA function. In addition, chromosomes failed to align efficiently at the spindle equator after simultaneous perturbation of Kid and NuMA despite appropriate kinetochore-microtubule interactions that generated chromosome movement at normal velocities. These data indicate that a functional relationship between the chromokinesin Kid and the spindle pole organizing protein NuMA influences spindle morphology, and we propose that this occurs because NuMA forms functional linkages between kinetochore and nonkinetochore microtubules at spindle poles. In addition, these data show that both Kid and NuMA contribute to chromosome alignment in mammalian cells. PMID:12972545

Similar and Promising Outcomes in Lymphoma Patients Treated with Myeloablative or Nonmyeloablative Conditioning and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

PubMed Central

Tomblyn, Marcie; Brunstein, Claudio; Burns, Linda J.; Miller, Jeffrey S.; MacMillan, Margaret; DeFor, Todd E.; Weisdorf, Daniel J.

2008-01-01

We compared the outcomes of 141 consecutive patients who received allogeneic transplantation with either myeloablative (MA) or nonmyeloablative/reduced intensity (NMA) conditioning for non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma at the University of Minnesota. All patients were transplanted between 1997 and 2004. NMA transplant recipients were older and received umbilical cord blood grafts more frequently (MA: 6 [9%]; NMA: 33 [43%], P < .001). NMA patients had more advanced disease and 30 (39%) patients had undergone prior autologous transplantation. The 4-year overall survival (OS) (MA: 46% versus NMA: 49%; p = .34) and the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) (MA: 44% versus NMA: 31%; P = 0.82) were similar after MA or NMA conditioning. However, MA conditioning resulted in significantly higher 1-year treatment-related mortality (TRM) (MA: 43% versus NMA: 17%; P < .01) but a lower risk of relapse at 3 years (MA: 11% versus NMA: 36%; P < .01). We conclude that similar transplant outcomes are achieved after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using MA conditioning in younger patients and NMA conditioning in older patients or those with prior autologous transplantation not eligible for MA conditioning. Modifications to refine patient assignment to the preferred conditioning intensity and reduce relapse risks with NMA approaches are needed. PMID:18410896

Metabolic engineering of the L-phenylalanine pathway in Escherichia coli for the production of S- or R-mandelic acid

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Mandelic acid (MA), an important component in pharmaceutical syntheses, is currently produced exclusively via petrochemical processes. Growing concerns over the environment and fossil energy costs have inspired a quest to develop alternative routes to MA using renewable resources. Herein we report the first direct route to optically pure MA from glucose via genetic modification of the L-phenylalanine pathway in E. coli. Results The introduction of hydroxymandelate synthase (HmaS) from Amycolatopsis orientalis into E. coli led to a yield of 0.092 g/L S-MA. By combined deletion of competing pathways, further optimization of S-MA production was achieved, and the yield reached 0.74 g/L within 24 h. To produce R-MA, hydroxymandelate oxidase (Hmo) from Streptomyces coelicolor and D-mandelate dehydrogenase (DMD) from Rhodotorula graminis were co-expressed in an S-MA-producing strain, and the resulting strain was capable of producing 0.68 g/L R-MA. Finally, phenylpyruvate feeding experiments suggest that HmaS is a potential bottleneck to further improvement in yields. Conclusions We have constructed E. coli strains that successfully accomplished the production of S- and R-MA directly from glucose. Our work provides the first example of the completely fermentative production of S- and R-MA from renewable feedstock. PMID:21910908

Will Medicare Advantage payment reforms impact plan rebates and enrollment?

PubMed

Nicholas, Lauren Hersch

2014-01-01

To assess the relationship between Medicare Advantage (MA) plan rebates and enrollment and simulate the effects of Affordable Care Act (ACA) payment reforms. First difference regressions of county-level MA payment and enrollment data from CMS from 2006 to 2010. A $10 decrease in the per member/per month rebate to MA plans was associated with a 0.20 percentage point (0.9%) decrease in MA penetration (P < .001) and a 7.1% decline in the average MA enrollee's risk score (P < .001). These effects are small overall, but larger in counties with low levels of traditional Medicare spending; a $10 decrease in monthly rebates was associated with a 0.64 percentage point decline in MA penetration and a 10% decrease in risk score. ACA reforms are predicted to reduce the level of rebates in lower-spending counties, leading to enrollment decreases of 1.7 to 1.9 percentage points in the lowest-spending counties. The simulation predicts that the disenrollment would come from MA enrollees with higher risk scores. MA enrollment responds to availability of supplemental benefits supported by rebates. ACA provisions designed to lower MA spending will predominantly affect Medicare beneficiaries living in counties where MA plans may be unable to offer a comparable product at a price similar to that of traditional Medicare.

Increased cutaneous wound healing effect of biodegradable liposomes containing madecassoside: preparation optimization, in vitro dermal permeation, and in vivo bioevaluation.

PubMed

Li, Zehao; Liu, Meifeng; Wang, Huijuan; Du, Song

2016-01-01

Madecassoside (MA) is highly potent in treating skin disorders such as wounds and psoriasis. However, the topical wound healing effect of MA was hampered by its poor membrane permeability. In order to overcome this shortcoming, MA liposomes were designed and prepared by a double-emulsion method to enhance transdermal and wound healing effects. In this study, response surface methodology was adopted to yield the optimal preparation conditions of MA double-emulsion liposomes with average particle size of 151 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 70.14%. Moreover, MA double-emulsion liposomes demonstrated superior stability and homogeneous appearance in 5 months; their leakage rate was <12% even at 37°C and <5% at 4°C within 1 month. In vitro skin permeation, skin distribution, and burn wound healing of MA liposomal formulations were conducted for the first time to evaluate MA delivery efficiency and wound healing effect. The transdermal property and wound cure effect of MA double-emulsion liposomes were superior to those of MA film dispersion liposomes, and both the methods were endowed with an excellent performance by polyethylene glycol modification. In conclusion, double-emulsion liposome formulation was an applicable and promising pharmaceutical preparation for enhancing MA delivery toward wound healing effect and improving wound-healing progress.

Long-term effects of early adolescent methamphetamine exposure on depression-like behavior and the hypothalamic vasopressin system in mice.

PubMed

Joca, Lauren; Zuloaga, Damian G; Raber, Jacob; Siegel, Jessica A

2014-01-01

Methamphetamine (MA) has neurotoxic effects on the adult human brain that can lead to deficits in behavior and cognition. However, relatively little research has examined the behavioral or neurotoxic effects of MA in adolescents. The rising rates of adolescent MA use make it imperative that we understand the long-term effects of MA exposure on the adolescent brain and how these effects may differ from those seen in adults. In this study, the long-term effects of MA exposure during early adolescence on behavior and the vasopressin system in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in late adolescent and adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were examined. MA exposure increased depression-like behavior in the Porsolt forced swim test in both late adolescent and adult male and female mice. Late adolescent male mice exposed to MA also showed a decrease in the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus compared to sex-matched saline-treated controls. Thus, similar to humans exposed to MA during adolescence, mice exposed to MA during adolescence show increased depression-like behavior later in life. These changes in behavior may be related to MA-induced alterations in vasopressin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, especially in males. 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel

The Neurocognitive Architecture of Individual Differences in Math Anxiety in Typical Children.

PubMed

Hartwright, Charlotte E; Looi, Chung Yen; Sella, Francesco; Inuggi, Alberto; Santos, Flávia Heloísa; González-Salinas, Carmen; Santos, Jose M García; Kadosh, Roi Cohen; Fuentes, Luis J

2018-05-31

Math Anxiety (MA) is characterized by a negative emotional response when facing math-related situations. MA is distinct from general anxiety and can emerge during primary education. Prior studies typically comprise adults and comparisons between high- versus low-MA, where neuroimaging work has focused on differences in network activation between groups when completing numerical tasks. The present study used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify the structural brain correlates of MA in a sample of 79 healthy children aged 7-12 years. Given that MA is thought to develop in later primary education, the study focused on the level of MA, rather than categorically defining its presence. Using a battery of cognitive- and numerical-function tasks, we identified that increased MA was associated with reduced attention, working memory and math achievement. VBM highlighted that increased MA was associated with reduced grey matter in the left anterior intraparietal sulcus. This region was also associated with attention, suggesting that baseline differences in morphology may underpin attentional differences. Future studies should clarify whether poorer attentional capacity due to reduced grey matter density results in the later emergence of MA. Further, our data highlight the role of working memory in propagating reduced math achievement in children with higher MA.

U-Pb geochronology of zircon and monazite from Mesoproterozoic granitic gneisses of the northern Blue Ridge, Virginia and Maryland, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Aleinikoff, J.N.; Burton, W.C.; Lyttle, P.T.; Nelson, A.E.; Southworth, C.S.

2000-01-01

Mesoproterozoic granitic gneisses comprise most of the basement of the northern Blue Ridge geologic province in Virginia and Maryland. Lithology, structure, and U-Pb geochronology have been used to subdivide the gneisses into three groups. The oldest rocks, Group 1, are layered granitic gneiss (1153 ?? 6 Ma), hornblende monzonite gneiss (1149 ?? 19 Ma), porphyroblastic granite gneiss (1144 ?? 2 Ma), coarse-grained metagranite (about 1140 Ma), and charnockite (>1145 Ma?). These gneisses contain three Proterozoic deformational fabrics. Because of complex U-Pb systematics due to extensive overgrowths on magmatic cores, zircons from hornblende monzonite gneiss were dated using the sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP), whereas all other ages are based on conventional U-Pb geochronology. Group 2 rocks are leucocratic and biotic varieties of Marshall Metagranite, dated at 1112??3 Ma and 1111 ?? 2 Ma respectively. Group 3 rocks are subdivided into two age groups: (1) garnetiferous metagranite (1077 ?? 4 Ma) and quartz-plagioclase gneiss (1077 ?? 4 Ma); (2) white leucocratic metagranite (1060 ?? 2 Ma), pink leucocratic metagranite (1059 ?? 2), biotite granite gneiss (1055 ?? 4 Ma), and megacrystic metagranite (1055 ?? 2 Ma). Groups 2 and 3 gneisses contain only the two younger Proterozoic deformational fabrics. Ages of monazite, seprated from seven samples, indicate growth during both igneous and metamorphic (thermal) events. However, ages obtained from individual grains may be mixtures of different age components, as suggested by backscatter electron (BSE) imaging of complexly zoned grains. Analyses of unzoned monazite (imaged by BSE and thought to contain only one age component) from porphyroblastic granite gneiss yield ages of 1070, 1060, and 1050 Ma. The range of ages of monazite (not reset to a uniform date) indicates that the Grenville granulite event at about 1035 Ma did not exceed about 750??C. Lack of evidence for 1110 Ma growth of monazite in porphyroblastic granite gneiss suggests that the Short Hill fault might be a Grenvillian structure that was reactivated in the Paleozoic. The timing of Proterozoic deformations is constrained by crystallization ages of the gneissic rocks. D1 occurred between about 1145 and 1075 Ma (or possibly between about 1145 and 1128 Ma). D2 and D3 must be younger than about 1050 Ma. Ages of Mesoproterozoic granitic rocks of the northern Blue Ridge are similar to rocks in other Grenville terranes of the eastern USA, including the Adirondacks and Hudson Highlands. However, comparisons with conventional U-Pb ages of granulite-grade rocks from the central and southern Appalachians may be specious because these ages may actually be mixtures of ages of cores and overgrowths.

Argon-40/Argon-39 Age Spectra of Apollo 17 Highlands Breccia Samples by Laser Step Heating and the Age of the Serenitatis Basin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dalrymple, G. Brent; Ryder, Graham

1996-01-01

We have obtained high-resolution (21-63 steps) Ar-40/Ar-39 age spectra using a continuous laser system on 19 submilligram samples of melt rocks and clasts from Apollo 17 samples collected from the pre-Imbrian highlands in the easternmost part of the Serenitatis basin. The samples include poikilitic melt rocks inferred to have been formed in the Serenitatis basin-forming impact, aphanitic melt rock whose compositions vary and whose provenance is uncertain, and granulite, gabbro, and melt clasts. Three of the poikilitic melts have similar age spectrum plateau ages (72395,96, 3893 +/- 16 Ma (2sigma); 72535,7, 3887 +/- 16 Ma; 76315,150, 3900 +/- 16 Ma) with a weighted mean age of 3893 +/- 9 Ma, which we interpret as the best age for the Serenitatis basin- forming impact. Published Ar-40/Ar-39 age spectrum ages of Apollo 17 poikilitic melts are consistent with our new age but are much less precise. Two poikilitic melts did not give plateaus and the maxima in their age spectra indicate ages of greater than or equal to 3869 Ma (72558,7) and greater than or equal to 3743 Ma (77135,178). Plateau ages of two poikilitic melts and two gabbro clasts from 73155 range from 3854 +/- 16 Ma to 3937 +/- 16 Ma and have probably been affected by the ubiquitous (older?) clasts and by post- formation heating (impact) events. Plateau ages from two of the aphanitic melt 'blobs' and two granulites in sample 72255 fall in the narrow range of 3850 q 16 Ma to 3869 q 16 Ma with a weighted mean of 3862 +/- 8 Ma. Two of the aphanitic melt blobs from 72255 have ages of 3883 +/- 16 Ma and greater than or equal to 3894 Ma, whereas a poikilitic melt clast (of different composition from the 'Serenitatis' melts) has an age of 3835 +/- 16 Ma, which is the upper limit for the accretion of 72255. These data suggest that either the aphanitic melts vary in age, as is also suggested by their varying chemical compositions, or they formed in the 72255 accretionary event about 3.84-3.85 Ga and older relict material is responsible for the dispersion of ages. In any case the aphanitic melts do not appear to be Serenitatis products. Our age for the Serenitatis impact shows, on the basis of the isotopic age evidence alone, that Serenitatis is greater than 20-25 Ma and probably greatr than 55-60 Ma older than Imbrium (less than or equal to 3870 Ma and probably less than or equal to 3836 Ma (Dalrymple and Ryder, 19931). Noritic granulite sample 78527 has a plateau age of 4146 +/- 17 Ma, representing a minimum age for cooling of this sample in the early lunar crust. So far there is no convincing evidence in the lunar melt rock record for basin-forming impacts significantly older than 3.9 Ga.

Sm-Nd and U-Pb isotopic constraints for crustal evolution during Late Neoproterozic from rocks of the Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica: geodynamic development coeval with the East African Orogeny

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ravikant, V.; Laux, J.H.; Pimentel, M.M.

2007-01-01

Recent post-750 Ma continental reconstructions constrain models for East African Orogeny formation and also the scattered remnants of ~640 Ma granulites, whose genesis is controversial. One such Neoproterozoic granulite belt is the Schirmacher Oasis in East Antarctica, isolated from the distinctly younger Pan-African orogen to the south in the central Droning Maud Land. To ascertain the duration of granulite-facies events in these remnants, garnet Sm-Nd and monazite and titanite U-Pb IDTIMS geochronology was carried out on a range of metamorphic rocks. Garnet formation ages from a websterite enclave and gabbro were 660±48 Ma and 587±9 Ma respectively, and those from Stype granites were 598±4 Ma and 577±4 Ma. Monazites from metapelite and metaquartzite yielded lower intercept UPb ages of 629±3 Ma and 639±5 Ma, respectively. U-Pb titanite age from calcsilicate gneiss was 580±5 Ma. These indicate peak metamorphism to have occurred between 640 and 630 Ma, followed by near isobaric cooling to ~580 Ma. Though an origin as an exotic terrane from the East African Orogen cannot be discounted, from the present data there is a greater likelihood that Mesoproterozoic microplate collision between Maud orogen and a northerly Lurio-Nampula block resulted in formation of these granulite belt(s).

MA transmutation performance in the optimized MYRRHA

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

Malambu, E.; Van den Eynde, G.; Fernandez, R.

MYRRHA (multi-purpose hybrid research reactor for high-tech applications) is a multipurpose research facility currently being developed at SCK-CEN. It will be able to work in both critical and subcritical modes and, cooled by lead-bismuth eutectic. In this paper the minor actinides (MA) transmutation capabilities of MYRRHA are investigated. (Pu + Am, U) MOX fuel and (Np + Am + Cm, Pu) Inert Matrix Fuel test samples have been loaded in the central channel of the MYRRHA critical core and have been irradiated during five cycles, each one consisting of 90 days of operation at 100 MWth and 30 days ofmore » shutdown. The reactivity worth of the test fuel assembly was about 1.1 dollar. A wide range of burn-up level has been achieved, extending from 42 to 110 MWd/kg HM, the samples with lower MA-to-Pu ratios reaching the highest burn-up. This study has highlighted the importance of the initial MA content, expressed in terms of MA/Pu ratio, on the transmutation rate of MA elements. For (Pu + Am, U) MOX fuel samples, a net build-up of MA is observed when the initial content of MA is very low (here, 1.77 wt% MA/Pu) while a net decrease in MA is observed in the sample with an initial content of 5 wt%. This suggests the existence of some 'equilibrium' initial MA content value beyond which a net transmutation is achievable.« less

Regional associations between Medicare Advantage penetration and administrative claims-based measures of hospital outcome

PubMed Central

Kulkarni, Vivek T.; Shah, Sachin J.; Bernheim, Susannah M.; Wang, Yongfei; Normand, Sharon-Lise T.; Han, Lein F.; Rapp, Michael T.; Drye, Elizabeth E.; Krumholz, Harlan M.

2017-01-01

Structured Abstract Background Risk-standardized measures of hospital outcomes reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) include Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) patients and exclude Medicare Advantage (MA) patients due to data availability. MA penetration varies greatly nationwide and appears associated with increased FFS population risk. Whether variation in MA penetration affects the performance on the CMS measures is unknown. Objective To determine whether the MA penetration rate is associated with outcomes measures based on fee-for-service patients. Research Design In this retrospective study, 2008 MA penetration was estimated at the Hospital Referral Region (HRR) level. Risk-standardized mortality rates (RSMRs), and risk-standardized readmission rates (RSRRs) for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia from 2006–2008 were estimated among HRRs, along with several markers of FFS population risk. Weighted linear regression was used to test the association between each of these variables and MA penetration among HRRs. Results Among 304 HRRs, MA penetration varied greatly (median: 17.0%, range: 2.1% – 56.6%). Although MA penetration was significantly (p<0.05) associated with 5 of the 6 markers of FFS population risk, MA penetration was insignificantly (p≥0.05) associated with 5 of 6 hospital outcome measures. Conclusion RSMRs and RSRRs for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia do not seem to differ systematically with MA penetration, lending support to the widespread use of these measures even in areas of high MA penetration. PMID:22456113

Self-administration of (+)-methamphetamine and (+)-pseudoephedrine, alone and combined, by rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Freeman, Kevin B; Wang, Zhixia; Woolverton, William L

2010-04-01

(+)-Methamphetamine (MA) is an illicit psychostimulant that can be synthesized from the nonprescription nasal decongestant, (+)-pseudoephedrine (PE). While MA is widely abused, PE appears to have little or no abuse liability in currently available formulations. However, PE produces centrally-mediated dopaminergic effects that are linked to the reinforcing effects of MA and other illicit psychostimulants and has been reported to function as a positive reinforcer in non-human primates. There has yet to be an assessment of the relative reinforcing effects of MA and PE. Therefore, the current study compared the reinforcing potency and strength of MA and PE, alone and combined, in four rhesus monkeys that were allowed to self-administer MA (0.003-0.3 mg/kg/inj), PE (0.1-3.0 mg/kg/inj), or combinations of the two under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. (+)-Methamphetamine functioned as a positive reinforcer in a dose-dependent manner. (+)-Pseudoephedrine also functioned as a positive reinforcer, but was less potent than MA. There were no differences in maximum injections between MA, PE, or any of the combinations of the two. Dose-addition analysis and the interaction index indicated that combinations of PE and MA were either additive or sub-additive in their reinforcing effects. These results suggest that, while MA is a more potent reinforcer than PE, the two drugs are comparable in terms of reinforcing strength. However, MA and PE do not appear to interact in a manner that enhances their relative reinforcing effects. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Self-administration of (+)-methamphetamine and (+)-pseudoephedrine, alone and combined, by rhesus monkeys

PubMed Central

Freeman, Kevin B.; Wang, Zhixia; Woolverton, William L.

2010-01-01

(+)-Methamphetamine (MA) is an illicit psychostimulant that can be synthesized from the nonprescription nasal decongestant, (+)-pseudoephedrine (PE). While MA is widely abused, PE appears to have little or no abuse liability in currently available formulations. However, PE produces centrally-mediated dopaminergic effects that are linked to the reinforcing effects of MA and other illicit psychostimulants and has been reported to function as a positive reinforcer in non-human primates. There has yet to be an assessment of the relative reinforcing effects of MA and PE. Therefore, the current study compared the reinforcing potency and strength of MA and PE, alone and combined, in four rhesus monkeys that were allowed to self-administer MA (0.003-0.3 mg/kg/inj), PE (0.1-3.0 mg/kg/inj), or combinations of the two under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. (+)-Methamphetamine functioned as a positive reinforcer in a dose-dependent manner. (+)-Pseudoephedrine also functioned as a positive reinforcer, but was less potent than MA. There were no differences in maximum injections between MA, PE, or any of the combinations of the two. Dose-addition analysis and the interaction index indicated that combinations of PE and MA were either additive or sub-additive in their reinforcing effects. These results suggest that, while MA is a more potent reinforcer than PE, the two drugs are comparable in terms of reinforcing strength. However, MA and PE do not appear to interact in a manner that enhances their relative reinforcing effects. PMID:20100506

Protective effects of pseudoginsenoside-F11 on methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

PubMed

Wu, Chun Fu; Liu, Yan Li; Song, Ming; Liu, Wen; Wang, Jin Hui; Li, Xian; Yang, Jing Yu

2003-08-01

In the present study, pseudoginsenoside-F(11) (PF(11)), a saponin that existed in American ginseng, was studied on its protective effect on methamphetamine (MA)-induced behavioral and neurochemical toxicities in mice. MA was intraperitoneally administered at the dose of 10 mg/kg four times at 2-h intervals, and PF(11) was orally administered at the doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg two times at 4-h intervals, 60 min prior to MA administration. The results showed that PF(11) did not significantly influence, but greatly ameliorated, the anxiety-like behavior induced by MA in the light-dark box task. In the forced swimming task, PF(11) significantly shortened the prolonged immobility time induced by MA. In the appetitively motivated T-maze task, PF(11) greatly shortened MA-induced prolonged latency and decreased the error counts. Similar results were also observed in the Morris water maze task. PF(11) significantly shortened the escape latency prolonged by MA. There were significant decreases in the contents of dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the brain of MA-treated mice. PF(11) could partially, but significantly, antagonize MA-induced decreases of DA. The above results demonstrate that PF(11) is effective in protection of MA-induced neurotoxicity and also suggest that natural products, such as ginseng, might be potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of the neurological disorders induced by MA abuse.

SHRIMP study of zircons from Early Archean rocks in the Minnesota River Valley: Implications for the tectonic history of the Superior Province

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bickford, M.E.; Wooden, J.L.; Bauer, R.L.

2006-01-01

Interest in Paleoarchean to early Mesoarchean crust in North America has been sparked by the recent identification of ca. 3800-3500 Ma rocks on the northern margin of the Superior craton in the Assean Lake region of northern Manitoba and the Porpoise Cove terrane in northern Quebec. It has long been known that similarly ancient gneisses are exposed on the southern margin of the Superior craton in the Minnesota River Valley and in northern Michigan, but the ages of these rocks have been poorly constrained, because methods applied in the 1960s through late 1970s were inadequate to unravel the complexities of their thermotectonic history. Rocks exposed in the Minnesota River Valley include a complex of migmatitic granitic gneisses, schistose to gneissic amphibolite, metagabbro, and paragneisses. The best-known units are the Morton Gneiss and the Montevideo Gneiss. The complex of ancient gneisses is intruded by a major younger, weakly deformed granite body, the Sacred Heart granite. Regional geophysical anomalies that extend across the Minnesota River Valley have been interpreted as defining boundaries between distinct blocks containing the various gneissic units. New sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb data from complex zircons yielded the following ages: Montevideo Gneiss near Montevideo, 3485 ?? 10 Ma, granodiorite intrusion, 3385 ?? 8 Ma; Montevideo Gneiss at Granite Falls, 3497 ?? 9 Ma, metamorphic event, 3300-3350 Ma, mafic intrusion, 3141 ?? 2 Ma, metamorphic overprint (rims), 2606 ?? 4 Ma; Morton Gneiss: 3524 ?? 9 Ma, granodiorite intrusion, 3370 ?? 8 Ma, metamorphic overprints (growth of rims), 3140 ?? 2 Ma and 2595 ?? 4 Ma; biotite-garnet paragneiss, 2619 ?? 20 Ma; and Sacred Heart granite, 2604 ?? 4 Ma. Zircons from a cordierite-bearing feldspar-biotite schist overlying the Morton Gneiss yielded well-defined age peaks at 3520, 3480, 3380, and 3140 Ma, showing detrital input from most of the older rock units; 2600 Ma rims on these zircons indicate metamorphism at this time. Zircons from a hypersthene-bearing biotite-garnet paragneiss, overlying the Montevideo Gneiss near Granite Falls, yielded ca. 2600 Ma ages, indicating zircon growth during high-grade metamorphism at this time. Despite some differences in the intensity of the 2600 Ma event between the Morton and Montevideo blocks, both blocks display similar thermochronologic relationships and ages, suggesting that their boundary is not a fundamental suture between two distinct Paleoarchean terranes. Previously obtained zircon age data from the tonalitic gneiss at Watersmeet Dome in northern Michigan indicated formation at ca. 3500 Ma, whereas a granite body near Thayer was dated at 2745 ?? 65 Ma and leucogranite dikes are ca. 2600 Ma. Thus, these rocks and those in the Minnesota River Valley were formed in the late Paleoarchean and show a history of igneous activity and metamorphism in the Mesoarchean and Neoarchean. The occurrence of ancient crustal rocks on both the northern and southern margins of the ca. 2900-2700 Superior craton suggests that they are remnants of once more-extensive Paleoarchean crust that existed prior to formation of the Neoarchean Superior craton. ?? 2006 Geological Society of America.

42 CFR 422.300 - Basis and scope.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... for making payments to Medicare Advantage (MA) organizations offering local and regional MA plans, including calculation of MA capitation rates and benchmarks, conditions under which payment is based on plan....458 in subpart J for rules on risk sharing payments to MA regional organizations. ...

Creep shear behavior of the oxide dispersion strengthened superalloy MA 6000E

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glasgow, T. K.

1981-01-01

The shear rupture life of the oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) superalloy MA 6000E was determined at 650 and 760 C was 250 MPa. Comparisons were made at 760 C with the conventional cast superalloy B-1900+Hf, the ODS alloy MA 754, and the directionally solidified eutectic alloy gamma/gamma prime-delta was 170 MPa, and for B-1900+Hf was 360 MPa. The ODS alloy MA 6000E and gamma/gamma prime-delta failed with very little indication of ductile accommodation. Both MA 754 and B-1900+Hf showed some ductile tearing. Fracture surfaces of the ODS alloy MA 754 showed discontinuities similar size, shape, and roughness to its grain structure, but the fracture surfaces of MA 6000E were much smoother than its grain boundaries.

The warning-sign hierarchy between quantitative subcortical motor mapping and continuous motor evoked potential monitoring during resection of supratentorial brain tumors.

PubMed

Seidel, Kathleen; Beck, Jürgen; Stieglitz, Lennart; Schucht, Philippe; Raabe, Andreas

2013-02-01

Mapping and monitoring are believed to provide an early warning sign to determine when to stop tumor removal to avoid mechanical damage to the corticospinal tract (CST). The objective of this study was to systematically compare subcortical monopolar stimulation thresholds (1-20 mA) with direct cortical stimulation (DCS)-motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring signal abnormalities and to correlate both with new postoperative motor deficits. The authors sought to define a mapping threshold and DCS-MEP monitoring signal changes indicating a minimal safe distance from the CST. A consecutive cohort of 100 patients underwent tumor surgery adjacent to the CST while simultaneous subcortical motor mapping and DCS-MEP monitoring was used. Evaluation was done regarding the lowest subcortical mapping threshold (monopolar stimulation, train of 5 stimuli, interstimulus interval 4.0 msec, pulse duration 500 μsec) and signal changes in DCS-MEPs (same parameters, 4 contact strip electrode). Motor function was assessed 1 day after surgery, at discharge, and at 3 months postoperatively. The lowest individual motor thresholds (MTs) were as follows (MT in mA, number of patients): > 20 mA, n = 12; 11-20 mA, n = 13; 6-10 mA, n = 20; 4-5 mA, n = 30; and 1-3 mA, n = 25. Direct cortical stimulation showed stable signals in 70 patients, unspecific changes in 18, irreversible alterations in 8, and irreversible loss in 4 patients. At 3 months, 5 patients had a postoperative new or worsened motor deficit (lowest mapping MT 20 mA, 13 mA, 6 mA, 3 mA, and 1 mA). In all 5 patients DCS-MEP monitoring alterations were documented (2 sudden irreversible threshold increases and 3 sudden irreversible MEP losses). Of these 5 patients, 2 had vascular ischemic lesions (MT 20 mA, 13 mA) and 3 had mechanical CST damage (MT 1 mA, 3 mA, and 6 mA; in the latter 2 cases the resection continued after mapping and severe DCS-MEP alterations occurred thereafter). In 80% of patients with a mapping MT of 1-3 mA and in 75% of patients with a mapping MT of 1 mA, DCS-MEPs were stable or showed unspecific reversible changes, and none had a permanent motor worsening at 3 months. In contrast, 25% of patients with irreversible DCS-MEP changes and 75% of patients with irreversible DCS-MEP loss had permanent motor deficits. Mapping should primarily guide tumor resection adjacent to the CST. DCS-MEP is a useful predictor of deficits, but its value as a warning sign is limited because signal alterations were reversible in only approximately 60% of the present cases and irreversibility is a post hoc definition. The true safe mapping MT is lower than previously thought. The authors postulate a mapping MT of 1 mA or less where irreversible DCS-MEP changes and motor deficits regularly occur. Therefore, they recommend stopping tumor resection at an MT of 2 mA at the latest. The limited spatial and temporal coverage of contemporary mapping may increase error and may contribute to false, higher MTs.

Synthesis, Biodistribution and In vitro Evaluation of Brain Permeable High Affinity Type 2 Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists [11C]MA2 and [18F]MA3.

PubMed

Ahamed, Muneer; van Veghel, Daisy; Ullmer, Christoph; Van Laere, Koen; Verbruggen, Alfons; Bormans, Guy M

2016-01-01

The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) is a member of the endocannabinoid system and is known for its important role in (neuro)inflammation. A PET-imaging agent that allows in vivo visualization of CB2 expression may thus allow quantification of neuroinflammation. In this paper, we report the synthesis, radiosynthesis, biodistribution and in vitro evaluation of a carbon-11 ([ 11 C]MA2) and a fluorine-18 ([ 18 F]MA3) labeled analog of a highly potent N -arylamide oxadiazole CB2 agonist (EC 50 = 0.015 nM). MA2 and MA3 behaved as potent CB2 agonist (EC 50 : 3 nM and 0.1 nM, respectively) and their in vitro binding affinity for h CB2 was found to be 87 nM and 0.8 nM, respectively. Also MA3 (substituted with a fluoro ethyl group) was found to have higher binding affinity and EC 50 values when compared to the originally reported trifluoromethyl analog 12 . [ 11 C]MA2 and [ 18 F]MA3 were successfully synthesized with good radiochemical yield, high radiochemical purity and high specific activity. In mice, both tracers were efficiently cleared from blood and all major organs by the hepatobiliary pathway and importantly these compounds showed high brain uptake. In conclusion, [ 11 C]MA2 and [ 18 F]MA3 are shown to be high potent CB2 agonists with good brain uptake, these favorable characteristics makes them potential PET probes for in vivo imaging of brain CB2 receptors. However, in view of its higher affinity and selectivity, further detailed evaluation of MA3 as a PET tracer for CB2 is warranted.

Synthesis, Biodistribution and In vitro Evaluation of Brain Permeable High Affinity Type 2 Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists [11C]MA2 and [18F]MA3

PubMed Central

Ahamed, Muneer; van Veghel, Daisy; Ullmer, Christoph; Van Laere, Koen; Verbruggen, Alfons; Bormans, Guy M.

2016-01-01

The type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) is a member of the endocannabinoid system and is known for its important role in (neuro)inflammation. A PET-imaging agent that allows in vivo visualization of CB2 expression may thus allow quantification of neuroinflammation. In this paper, we report the synthesis, radiosynthesis, biodistribution and in vitro evaluation of a carbon-11 ([11C]MA2) and a fluorine-18 ([18F]MA3) labeled analog of a highly potent N-arylamide oxadiazole CB2 agonist (EC50 = 0.015 nM). MA2 and MA3 behaved as potent CB2 agonist (EC50: 3 nM and 0.1 nM, respectively) and their in vitro binding affinity for hCB2 was found to be 87 nM and 0.8 nM, respectively. Also MA3 (substituted with a fluoro ethyl group) was found to have higher binding affinity and EC50 values when compared to the originally reported trifluoromethyl analog 12. [11C]MA2 and [18F]MA3 were successfully synthesized with good radiochemical yield, high radiochemical purity and high specific activity. In mice, both tracers were efficiently cleared from blood and all major organs by the hepatobiliary pathway and importantly these compounds showed high brain uptake. In conclusion, [11C]MA2 and [18F]MA3 are shown to be high potent CB2 agonists with good brain uptake, these favorable characteristics makes them potential PET probes for in vivo imaging of brain CB2 receptors. However, in view of its higher affinity and selectivity, further detailed evaluation of MA3 as a PET tracer for CB2 is warranted. PMID:27713686

Impact of reduced-radiation dual-energy protocols using 320-detector row computed tomography for analyzing urinary calculus components: initial in vitro evaluation.

PubMed

Cai, Xiangran; Zhou, Qingchun; Yu, Juan; Xian, Zhaohui; Feng, Youzhen; Yang, Wencai; Mo, Xukai

2014-10-01

To evaluate the impact of reduced-radiation dual-energy (DE) protocols using 320-detector row computed tomography on the differentiation of urinary calculus components. A total of 58 urinary calculi were placed into the same phantom and underwent DE scanning with 320-detector row computed tomography. Each calculus was scanned 4 times with the DE protocols using 135 kV and 80 kV tube voltage and different tube current combinations, including 100 mA and 570 mA (group A), 50 mA and 290 mA (group B), 30 mA and 170 mA (group C), and 10 mA and 60 mA (group D). The acquisition data of all 4 groups were then analyzed by stone DE analysis software, and the results were compared with x-ray diffraction analysis. Noise, contrast-to-noise ratio, and radiation dose were compared. Calculi were correctly identified in 56 of 58 stones (96.6%) using group A and B protocols. However, only 35 stones (60.3%) and 16 stones (27.6%) were correctly diagnosed using group C and D protocols, respectively. Mean noise increased significantly and mean contrast-to-noise ratio decreased significantly from groups A to D (P <.05). In addition, the effective dose decreased markedly from groups A to D at 3.78, 1.81, 1.07, and 0.37 mSv, respectively. Decreasing the DE tube currents from 100 mA and 570 mA to 50 mA and 290 mA resulted in 96.6% accuracy for urinary calculus component analysis while reducing patient radiation exposure to 1.81 mSv. Further reduction of tube currents may compromise diagnostic accuracy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A homozygous nonsense mutation in the gene for Tmem79, a component for the lamellar granule secretory system, produces spontaneous eczema in an experimental model of atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

Sasaki, Takashi; Shiohama, Aiko; Kubo, Akiharu; Kawasaki, Hiroshi; Ishida-Yamamoto, Akemi; Yamada, Taketo; Hachiya, Takayuki; Shimizu, Atsushi; Okano, Hideyuki; Kudoh, Jun; Amagai, Masayuki

2013-11-01

Flaky tail (ma/ma Flg(ft/ft)) mice have a frameshift mutation in the filaggrin (Flg(ft)) gene and are widely used as a model of human atopic dermatitis associated with FLG mutations. These mice possess another recessive hair mutation, matted (ma), and develop spontaneous dermatitis under specific pathogen-free conditions, whereas genetically engineered Flg(-/-) mice do not. We identified and characterized the gene responsible for the matted hair and dermatitis phenotype in flaky tail mice. We narrowed down the responsible region by backcrossing ma/ma mice with wild-type mice and identified the mutation using next-generation DNA sequencing. We attempted to rescue the matted phenotype by introducing the wild-type matted transgene. We characterized the responsible gene product by using whole-mount immunostaining of epidermal sheets. We demonstrated that ma, but not Flg(ft), was responsible for the dermatitis phenotype and corresponded to a Tmem79 gene nonsense mutation (c.840C>G, p.Y280*), which encoded a 5-transmembrane protein. Exogenous Tmem79 expression rescued the matted hair and dermatitis phenotype of Tmem79(ma/ma) mice. Tmem79 was mainly expressed in the trans-Golgi network in stratum granulosum cells in the epidermis in both mice and humans. The Tmem79(ma/ma) mutation impaired the lamellar granule secretory system, which resulted in altered stratum corneum formation and a subsequent spontaneous dermatitis phenotype. The Tmem79(ma/ma) mutation is responsible for the spontaneous dermatitis phenotype in matted mice, probably as a result of impaired lamellar granule secretory system and altered stratum corneum barrier function. Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Proportion and Patterns of Hospice Discharges in Medicare Advantage Compared to Medicare Fee-for-Service.

PubMed

Teno, Joan M; Christian, Thomas J; Gozalo, Pedro; Plotzke, Michael

2018-03-01

When Medicare Advantage (MA) patients elect hospice, all covered services are reimbursed under the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) program. This financial arrangement may incentivize MA plans to refer persons to hospice near end of life when costs of care typically rise. To characterize hospice discharge patterns for MA versus FFS patients and examine whether patterns differ by MA concentration across hospital referral regions (HRRs). The rate and pattern of live discharges and length of stay (LOS) between FFS and MA patients were examined. A multivariate mixed-effects model examined whether hospice patients in MA versus FFS had differential patterns of discharges. In addition, we tested whether concentrations of MA hospice patients in a patient's HRR were associated with different patterns of discharges. In fiscal year 2014, there were 1,199,533 hospice discharges with 331,142 MA patients having a slightly higher live discharge rate (15.8%) compared to 868,391 FFS hospice discharges (15.4%). After controlling for patient characteristics, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was 1.01 (95% CI 0.99-1.02). MA patients were less likely to have early live discharges (AOR 0.87 95% CI 0.84-0.91) and burdensome transitions (AOR 0.61 95% CI 0.58-0.64) but did not differ in live discharges post 210 days. Among hospice deaths, MA hospice patients were less likely to have a three-day or less LOS (AOR 0.95 95% 0.94-0.96) and a LOS exceeding 180 days (AOR 0.97 95% 0.96-0.99). The concentration of MA patients in a HRR had minimal impact. MA hospice patients' discharge patterns raised less concerns than FFS.

Volcanic signature of Basin and Range extension on the shrinking Cascade arc, Klamath Falls-Keno area, Oregon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priest, George R.; Hladky, Frank R.; Mertzman, Stanley A.; Murray, Robert B.; Wiley, Thomas J.

2013-08-01

geologic mapping of the Klamath Falls-Keno area revealed the complex relationship between subduction, crustal extension, and magmatic composition of the southern Oregon Cascade volcanic arc. Volcanism in the study area at 7-4 Ma consisted of calc-alkaline basaltic andesite and andesite lava flowing over a relatively flat landscape. Local angular unconformities are evidence that Basin and Range extension began at by at least 4 Ma and continues today with fault blocks tilting at a long-term rate of 2°/Ma to 3°/Ma. Minimum NW-SE extension is 1.5 km over 28 km ( 5%). High-alumina olivine tholeiite (HAOT) or low-K, low-Ti transitional high-alumina olivine tholeiite (LKLT) erupted within and adjacent to the back edge of the calc-alkaline arc as the edge receded westward at a rate of 10 km/Ma at 2.7-0.45 Ma. The volcanic front migrated east much slower than the back arc migrated west: 0 km/Ma for 6-0.4 Ma calc-alkaline rocks; 0.7 km/Ma, if 6 Ma HAOT-LKLT is included; and 1 km/Ma, if highly differentiated 17-30 Ma volcanic rocks of the early Western Cascades are included. Declining convergence probably decreased asthenospheric corner flow, decreasing width of calc-alkaline and HAOT-LKLT volcanism and the associated heat flow anomaly, the margins of which focused on Basin and Range extension and leakage of HAOT-LKLT magma to the surface. This declining corner flow combined with steepening slab dip shifted the back arc west. Compensation of extension by volcanic intrusion and extrusion allowed growth of imposing range-front fault scarps only behind the trailing edge of the shrinking arc.

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 regulation of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Miner, Nicholas B; Elmore, Josh S; Baumann, Michael H; Phillips, Tamara J; Janowsky, Aaron

2017-12-01

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is activated by methamphetamine (MA) and modulates dopaminergic (DA) function. Although DA dysregulation is the hallmark of MA-induced neurotoxicity leading to behavioral and cognitive deficits, the intermediary role of TAAR1 has yet to be characterized. To investigate TAAR1 regulation of MA-induced neurotoxicity, Taar1 transgenic knock-out (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice were administered saline or a neurotoxic regimen of 4 i.p. injections, 2h apart, of MA (2.5, 5, or 10mg/kg). Temperature data were recorded during the treatment day. Additionally, striatal tissue was collected 2 or 7days following MA administration for analysis of DA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. MA elicited an acute hypothermic drop in body temperature in Taar1-WT mice, but not in Taar1-KO mice. Two days following treatment, DA and TH levels were lower in Taar1-KO mice compared to Taar1-WT mice, regardless of treatment, and were dose-dependently decreased by MA. GFAP expression was significantly increased by all doses of MA at both time points and greater in Taar1-KO compared to Taar1-WT mice receiving MA 2.5 or 5mg/kg. Seven days later, DA levels were decreased in a similar pattern: DA was significantly lower in Taar1-KO compared to Taar1-WT mice receiving MA 2.5 or 5mg/kg. TH levels were uniformly decreased by MA, regardless of genotype. These results indicate that activation of TAAR1 potentiates MA-induced hypothermia and TAAR1 confers sustained neuroprotection dependent on its thermoregulatory effects. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Retrovirus-specific differences in matrix and nucleocapsid protein-nucleic acid interactions: implications for genomic RNA packaging.

PubMed

Sun, Meng; Grigsby, Iwen F; Gorelick, Robert J; Mansky, Louis M; Musier-Forsyth, Karin

2014-01-01

Retroviral RNA encapsidation involves a recognition event between genomic RNA (gRNA) and one or more domains in Gag. In HIV-1, the nucleocapsid (NC) domain is involved in gRNA packaging and displays robust nucleic acid (NA) binding and chaperone functions. In comparison, NC of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a deltaretrovirus, displays weaker NA binding and chaperone activity. Mutation of conserved charged residues in the deltaretrovirus bovine leukemia virus (BLV) matrix (MA) and NC domains affects virus replication and gRNA packaging efficiency. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that the MA domain may generally contribute to NA binding and genome encapsidation in deltaretroviruses. Here, we examined the interaction between HTLV-2 and HIV-1 MA proteins and various NAs in vitro. HTLV-2 MA displays higher NA binding affinity and better chaperone activity than HIV-1 MA. HTLV-2 MA also binds NAs with higher affinity than HTLV-2 NC and displays more robust chaperone function. Mutation of two basic residues in HTLV-2 MA α-helix II, previously implicated in BLV gRNA packaging, reduces NA binding affinity. HTLV-2 MA binds with high affinity and specificity to RNA derived from the putative packaging signal of HTLV-2 relative to nonspecific NA. Furthermore, an HIV-1 MA triple mutant designed to mimic the basic character of HTLV-2 MA α-helix II dramatically improves binding affinity and chaperone activity of HIV-1 MA in vitro and restores RNA packaging to a ΔNC HIV-1 variant in cell-based assays. Taken together, these results are consistent with a role for deltaretrovirus MA proteins in viral RNA packaging.

Mercaptoacetate and fatty acids exert direct and antagonistic effects on nodose neurons via GPR40 fatty acid receptors.

PubMed

Darling, Rebecca A; Zhao, Huan; Kinch, Dallas; Li, Ai-Jun; Simasko, Steven M; Ritter, Sue

2014-07-01

β-mercaptoacetate (MA) is a drug known to block mitochondrial oxidation of medium- and long-chain fatty acids (FAs) and to stimulate feeding. Because MA-induced feeding is vagally dependent, it has been assumed that the feeding response is mediated by MA's antimetabolic action at a peripheral, vagally innervated site. However, MA's site of action has not yet been identified. Therefore, we used fluorescent calcium measurements in isolated neurons from rat nodose ganglia to determine whether MA has direct effects on vagal sensory neurons. We found that MA alone did not alter cytosolic calcium concentrations in nodose neurons. However, MA (60 μM to 6 mM) significantly decreased calcium responses to both linoleic acid (LA; 10 μM) and caprylic acid (C8; 10 μM) in all neurons responsive to LA and C8. GW9508 (40 μM), an agonist of the FA receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), also increased calcium levels almost exclusively in FA-responsive neurons. MA significantly inhibited this response to GW9508. MA did not inhibit calcium responses to serotonin, high K(+), or capsaicin, which do not utilize GPRs, or to CCK, which acts on a different GPR. GPR40 was detected in nodose ganglia by RT-PCR. Results suggest that FAs directly activate vagal sensory neurons via GPR40 and that MA antagonizes this effect. Thus, we propose that MA's nonmetabolic actions on GPR40 membrane receptors, expressed by multiple peripheral tissues in addition to the vagus nerve, may contribute to or mediate MA-induced stimulation of feeding. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Two-phase southward subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic plate constrained by Permian-Jurassic granitoids in the Erguna and Xing'an massifs (NE China)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Huichuan; Li, Yinglei; He, Hongyun; Huangfu, Pengpeng; Liu, Yongzheng

2018-04-01

Geodynamics of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic plate southward subduction are still pending problems. This paper presents new zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb age and whole-rock geochemical data for the middle Permian to Middle Jurassic granitoids in the western Erguna and central Xing'an massifs. 267-264 Ma, 241 Ma and 173 Ma I-type granites, and 216 Ma A-type granites were identified in the Erguna and Xing'an massifs (NE China). The I-type granites were produced by partial melting of the lower mafic crust. The 216 Ma A-type granites were derived from partial melting of crustal materials with tonalitic to granodioritic compositions. The 267-264 Ma and 241 Ma I-type granites were generated in an Andean-type arc setting, wheras the 216 Ma A-type and 173 Ma granites were formed in supra subduction extensional setting. We summarized previous age data of the middle Permian to Middle Jurassic magmtaic rocks in the Erguna and Xing'an Massifs and identified two isolated phases of magmatic activity including the ca. 267-225 Ma and ca. 215-165 Ma periods, with a significant magmatic gap at ca. 225-215 Ma. These middle Permian to Middle Jurassic magmatic rocks are closely related to the southward subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk ocean. A two-stage tectonic evolutionary model was proposed to account for these geological observations in the Erguna and Xing'an massifs, involving Permian to Middle Triassic continuous southward subduction of the Mongol-Okhotsk oceanic plate and Late Triassic to Jurassic slab-rollback and supra subduction extension.

Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Paleo-Asian Ocean: geochronological and geochemical evidence from granitoids in the northern margin of Alxa, Western China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sha, Xin; Wang, Jinrong; Chen, Wanfeng; Liu, Zheng; Zhai, Xinwei; Ma, Jinlong; Wang, Shuhua

2018-03-01

The Paleo-Asian Ocean (Southern Mongolian Ocean) ophiolitic belts and massive granitoids are exposed in the Alxa block, in response to oceanic subduction processes. In this work, we report petrographic, geochemical, and zircon U-Pb age data of some granitoid intrusions from the northern Alxa. Zircon U-Pb dating for the quartz diorite, tonalite, monzogranite, and biotite granite yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 302±9.2 Ma, 246.5±4.6 Ma, 235±4.4 Ma, and 229.5±5.6 Ma, respectively. The quartz diorites ( 302 Ma) exhibit geochemical similarities to adakites, likely derived from partial melting of the initially subducted Chaganchulu back-arc oceanic slab. The tonalites ( 246.5 Ma) display geochemical affinities of I-type granites. They were probably derived by fractional crystallization of the modified lithospheric mantle-derived basaltic magmas in a volcanic arc setting. The monzogranites ( 235 Ma) are characterized by low Al2O3, but high Y and Yb with notably negative Eu anomalies. In contrast, the biotite granites ( 229.5 Ma) show high Al2O3 but low Y and Yb with steep HREE patterns and the absence of negative Eu anomalies. Elemental data suggested that the biotite granites were likely derived from a thickened lower crust, but the monzogranites originated from a thin crust. Our data suggested that the initial subduction of the Chaganchulu oceanic slab towards the Alxa block occurred at 302 Ma. This subduction process continued to the Early Triassic ( 246 Ma) and the basin was finally closed before the Middle Triassic ( 235 Ma). Subsequently, the break-off of the subducted slab triggered asthenosphere upwelling (240-230 Ma).

Translation, adaptation and validation of a Portuguese version of the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II.

PubMed

Maciel, João; Infante, Paulo; Ribeiro, Susana; Ferreira, André; Silva, Artur C; Caravana, Jorge; Carvalho, Manuel G

2014-11-01

The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide. An assessment of the impact of obesity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) requires specific instruments. The Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II (MA-II) is a widely used instrument to assess HRQoL in morbidly obese patients. The objective of this study was to translate and validate a Portuguese version of the MA-II.The study included forward and backward translations of the original MA-II. The reliability of the Portuguese MA-II was estimated using the internal consistency and test-retest methods. For validation purposes, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the Portuguese MA-II and the Portuguese versions of two other questionnaires, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite).One hundred and fifty morbidly obese patients were randomly assigned to test the reliability and validity of the Portuguese MA-II. Good internal consistency was demonstrated by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.80, and a very good agreement in terms of test-retest reliability was recorded, with an overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.88. The total sums of MA-II scores and each item of MA-II were significantly correlated with all domains of SF-36 and IWQOL-Lite. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the MA-II total score and BMI. Moreover, age, gender and surgical status were independent predictors of MA-II total score.A reliable and valid Portuguese version of the MA-II was produced, thus enabling the routine use of MA-II in the morbidly obese Portuguese population.

Craving Responses to Methamphetamine and Sexual Visual Cues in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use Disorder After Long-Term Drug Rehabilitation

PubMed Central

Huang, Shucai; Zhang, Zhixue; Dai, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Changcun; Yang, Cheng; Fan, Lidan; Liu, Jun; Hao, Wei; Chen, Hongxian

2018-01-01

Studies utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) cue-reactivity paradigms have demonstrated that short-term abstinent or current methamphetamine (MA) users have increased brain activity in the ventral striatum, caudate nucleus and medial frontal cortex, when exposed to MA-related visual cues. However, patterns of brain activity following cue-reactivity in subjects with long-term MA abstinence, especially long-term compulsory drug rehabilitation, have not been well studied. To enrich knowledge in this field, functional brain imaging was conducted during a cue-reactivity paradigm task in 28 individuals with MA use disorder following long-term compulsory drug rehabilitation, and 27 healthy control subjects. The results showed that, when compared with controls, individuals with MA use disorder displayed elevated activity in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and right lateral posterior cingulate cortex in response to MA-related images. Additionally, the anterior cingulate region of mPFC activation during the MA-related cue-reactivity paradigm was positively correlated with craving alterations and previous frequency of drug use. No significant differences in brain activity in response to pornographic images were found between the two groups. Compared to MA cues, individuals with MA use disorder had increased activation in the occipital lobe when exposed to pornographic cues. In conclusion, the present study indicates that, even after long-term drug rehabilitation, individuals with MA use disorder have unique brain activity when exposed to MA-related cues. Additionally, our results illustrate that the libido brain response might be restored, and that sexual demand might be more robust than drug demand, in individuals with MA use disorder following long-term drug rehabilitation. PMID:29725310

Craving Responses to Methamphetamine and Sexual Visual Cues in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use Disorder After Long-Term Drug Rehabilitation.

PubMed

Huang, Shucai; Zhang, Zhixue; Dai, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Changcun; Yang, Cheng; Fan, Lidan; Liu, Jun; Hao, Wei; Chen, Hongxian

2018-01-01

Studies utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) cue-reactivity paradigms have demonstrated that short-term abstinent or current methamphetamine (MA) users have increased brain activity in the ventral striatum, caudate nucleus and medial frontal cortex, when exposed to MA-related visual cues. However, patterns of brain activity following cue-reactivity in subjects with long-term MA abstinence, especially long-term compulsory drug rehabilitation, have not been well studied. To enrich knowledge in this field, functional brain imaging was conducted during a cue-reactivity paradigm task in 28 individuals with MA use disorder following long-term compulsory drug rehabilitation, and 27 healthy control subjects. The results showed that, when compared with controls, individuals with MA use disorder displayed elevated activity in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and right lateral posterior cingulate cortex in response to MA-related images. Additionally, the anterior cingulate region of mPFC activation during the MA-related cue-reactivity paradigm was positively correlated with craving alterations and previous frequency of drug use. No significant differences in brain activity in response to pornographic images were found between the two groups. Compared to MA cues, individuals with MA use disorder had increased activation in the occipital lobe when exposed to pornographic cues. In conclusion, the present study indicates that, even after long-term drug rehabilitation, individuals with MA use disorder have unique brain activity when exposed to MA-related cues. Additionally, our results illustrate that the libido brain response might be restored, and that sexual demand might be more robust than drug demand, in individuals with MA use disorder following long-term drug rehabilitation.

Precambrian plate tectonic setting of Africa from multidimensional discrimination diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Sanjeet K.

2017-01-01

New multi-dimensional discrimination diagrams have been used to identify plate tectonic setting of Precambrian terrains. For this work, nine sets of new discriminant-function based multi-dimensional discrimination diagrams were applied for thirteen case studies of Precambrian basic, intermediate and acid magmas from Africa to highlight the application of these diagrams and probability calculations. The applications of these diagrams indicated the following results: For northern Africa: to Wadi Ghadir ophiolite, Egypt indicated an arc setting for Neoproterozoic (746 ± 19 Ma). For South Africa: Zandspruit greenstone and Bulai pluton showed a collision and a transitional continental arc to collision setting at about Mesoarchaean and Neoarchaean (3114 ± 2.3 Ma and 2610-2577 Ma); Mesoproterozoic (1109 ± 0.6 Ma and 1100 Ma) ages for Espungabera and Umkondo sills were consistent with an island arc setting. For eastern Africa, Iramba-Sekenke greenstone belt and Suguti area, Tanzania showed an arc setting for Neoarchaean (2742 ± 27 Ma and 2755 ± 1 Ma). Chila, Bulbul-Kenticha domain, and Werri area indicated a continental arc setting at about Neoproterozoic (800-789 Ma); For western Africa, Sangmelima region and Ebolowa area, southern Cameroon indicated a collision and continental arc setting, respectively for Neoarchaean (∼2800-2900 Ma and 2687-2666 Ma); Finally, Paleoproterozoic (2232-2169 Ma) for Birimian supergroup, southern Ghana a continental arc setting; and Paleoproterozoic (2123-2108 Ma) for Katiola-Marabadiassa, Côte d'Ivoire a transitional continental arc to collision setting. Although there were some inconsistencies in the inferences, most cases showed consistent results of tectonic settings. These inconsistencies may be related to mixed ages, magma mixing, crustal contamination, degree of mantle melting, and mantle versus crustal origin.

Geochronology and thermochronology of the gneisses of the Brasiliano/Pan-African Araguaia Belt: Records of exhumation of West Gondwana and Pangea break up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, A. N. C.; Moura, C. A. V.; Milhomem Neto, J. M.; Chemale, F., Jr.; Girelli, T. J.; Masuyama, K. M.

2017-12-01

The 1200 km long Araguaia Belt, central-north Brazil, was formed as a result of the Neoproterozoic (Ediacaran) to Early Cambrian collage of West Gondwana and has several dome structures in whose nuclei crop out basement inliers of Archean and Paleoproterozoic orthogneisses. Thus, the orthogneisses from Lontra, Cocalândia, Colméia and Cantão dome structures were selected for fission-track thermochronology and U-Pb double dating. Three Archean magmatic episodes ranging from 2830.9 ± 6.9 Ma (Colméia dome) to 2905 ± 5.1 Ma (Lontra dome) and one Paleoproterozoic magmatic event at 1835 ± 31 Ma (Cantão dome) are recognized by U-Pb LA-MC-ICP-MS zircon dating. Fission-track thermochronology in zircon permitted to identify three well-defined age populations, which correspond to major regional geological events. The older population (489 ± 15 Ma to 498±8Ma) records the exhumation process and the orogenetic collapse of the Araguaia Belt. The intermediate population (331 ± 8 Ma to 345 ± 13 Ma) is related to the Gondwanides orogeny which affected the western margin of Gondwana and therefore the interior of South American. Finally, the younger fission track ages (197 ± 3 Ma, 197 ± 4 Ma, 198 ± 2 Ma and 208 ± 10 Ma) reflect crustal heating around 200 Ma, which is associated with the Lower Jurassic Mosquito tholeiitic magmatism and extended the influence of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province to the Araguaia Belt. This mafic magmatism has been recognized in different regions of the South American and was an important source of heat for hydrocarbon generation in some Paleozoic intracratonic basins.

Spatiotemporal evolution of magmatic pulses and regional metamorphism during a Cretaceous flare-up event: Constraints from the Ryoke belt (Mikawa area, central Japan)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takatsuka, Kota; Kawakami, Tetsuo; Skrzypek, Etienne; Sakata, Shuhei; Obayashi, Hideyuki; Hirata, Takafumi

2018-05-01

The spatiotemporal relationship between granitoid intrusions and low-pressure/temperature type regional metamorphism in the Ryoke belt (Mikawa area) is investigated to understand the tectono-thermal evolution of the upper- to middle-crust during a Cretaceous flare-up event at the Eurasian active continental margin. Three plutono-metamorphic stages are recognized; (1) 99-84 Ma: intrusion of granitoids (99-95 Ma pulse) into the upper crust and high-T regional metamorphism reaching sillimanite-grade (97.0 ± 4.4 Ma to 88.5 ± 2.5 Ma) in the middle crust, (2) 81-75 Ma: intrusion of gneissose granitoids (81-75 Ma Ma pulse) into the middle crust at 19-24 km depth, and (3) 75-69 Ma: voluminous intrusions of massive to weakly-foliated granitoids (75-69 Ma pulse) at 9-13 km depth and formation of contact metamorphic aureoles. Cooling of the highest-grade metamorphic zone below the wet solidus of granitic rocks is estimated at 88.5 ± 2.5 Ma. At ca. 75 Ma, the upper-middle crustal section underwent northward tilting, resulting in the exhumation of regional metamorphic zones to 9-13 km depth. Although the highest-grade metamorphic rocks and the 99-95 Ma pulse granitoids preserve similar U-Pb zircon ages, the absence of spatial association suggests that the regional metamorphic zones were mainly produced by a transient thermal anomaly in the mantle and thermal conduction through the crust, supplemented by localized advection due to granitoid intrusions. The successive emplacement of granitoids into shallow, deep and shallow levels of the crust was probably controlled by the combination of change in thermal structure of the crust and tectonics during granitoid intrusions.

Dietary supplementation with DHA-rich microalgae improves performance, serum composition, carcass trait, antioxidant status, and fatty acid profile of broilers.

PubMed

Long, S F; Kang, S; Wang, Q Q; Xu, Y T; Pan, L; Hu, J X; Li, M; Piao, X S

2018-06-01

This experiment was conducted with 126 as-hatched male Arbor Acres chicks (1-d-old, weighing 45.3 ± 0.72 g) to determine the effects of microalgae [MA, containing 29% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] on performance, serum composition, carcass trait, antioxidant status, and fatty acid deposition of birds. The birds were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 treatments with 7 replicate pens per treatment (6 birds per pen). The dietary treatments included a control diet [corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with 3% soybean oil (SO), CON], 1% MA diet (basal diet supplemented with 1% MA and 2% SO, 1MA), and 2% MA diet (basal diet supplemented with 2% MA and 1% SO, 2MA). All birds were raised in wire-floored cages. The trial consists of a starter phase from d 1 to 21 and a grower phase from d 22 to 42. Compared with CON, birds supplemented with MA (1MA or 2MA) had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain, liver percentage (liver weight/body weight), and serum glucose, as well as lower (P < 0.05) feed conversation ratio, abdominal fat percentage (abdominal fat weight/body weight), and total serum cholesterol. Moreover, due to the high concentration of DHA in MA, birds fed MA showed increased (P < 0.05) concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid, DHA, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity, as well as decreased (P < 0.05) n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio, polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio, and malondialdehyde in the breast and thigh muscle compared with CON. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% or 2% DHA-rich microalgae had positive effects on performance, serum composition, carcass trait, antioxidant status, and fatty acid deposition in birds.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor therapy in adolescents with type 1 diabetes in a regional cohort: Auckland, New Zealand from 2006 to 2016.

PubMed

Hornung, Rosalie J; Reed, Peter W; Mouat, Fran; Jefferies, Craig; Gunn, Alistair J; Hofman, Paul L

2018-05-01

To review indications and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor (ACEI) therapy for the treatment of persistent microalbuminuria (MA) and/or hypertension (HTN) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Retrospective chart review of adolescent patients with T1DM seen within the paediatric diabetes service in Auckland, New Zealand, from 2006 to 2016. MA, HTN, patient demographic characteristics and ACEI prescribing and monitoring indices were examined. Five hundred adolescents with T1DM were included. There were 26 patients (5%) with MA and/or HTN. MA alone was present in 16, HTN alone in 3 and both HTN and MA in 7. The 5-year MA/HTN-free rate was 98%, and the 10-year MA/HTN-free rate was 93%. Longer disease duration and earlier diagnosis were predictors of MA/HTN. There was no significant difference in standard clinical indices between study patients and others. ACEI was prescribed for 17 of 26 patients for either HTN or MA. Within 6 weeks of ACEI commencement, less than half of the subjects had repeat serum creatinine and MA screens and no record of repeat blood pressure measurement. Despite this, all patients had 3-monthly reviews within outpatient clinics where adjustments of ACEI doses were made. In our regional adolescent population with T1DM, there were low rates of both MA and/or HTN. In those who required treatment with ACEI, clinical monitoring post-commencement of therapy was inconsistent. Local consensus guidelines for the management of persistent MA in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus were developed in response to this study. © 2017 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Does prenatal methamphetamine exposure affect the drug-seeking behavior of adult male rats?

PubMed

Slamberová, Romana; Schutová, Barbora; Hrubá, Lenka; Pometlová, Marie

2011-10-10

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most frequently used illicit drugs worldwide and also one of the most common drugs abused by pregnant women. Repeated administration of psychostimulants induces behavioral sensitization in response to treatment of the same or related drugs in rodents. The effect of prenatal MA exposure on sensitivity to drugs in adulthood is not yet fully determined. Because our most recent studies demonstrated that prenatal MA (5mg/kg) exposure makes adult rats more sensitive to acute injection of the same drug, we were interested whether the increased sensitivity corresponds with the increased drug-seeking behavior. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of prenatal MA exposure on drug-seeking behavior of adult male rats tested in the conditioned place preference (CPP). The following psychostimulant drugs were used as a challenge in adulthood: MA (5mg/kg), amphetamine (5mg/kg) and cocaine (10mg/kg). All psychostimulant drugs induced increased drug-seeking behavior in adult male rats. However, while MA and amphetamine-induced increase in drug-seeking behavior did not differ based on the prenatal drug exposure, prenatally MA-exposed rats displayed tolerance effect to cocaine in adulthood. In addition, prenatally MA-exposed rats had decreased weight gain after administration of MA or amphetamine, while the weight of prenatally MA-exposed rats stayed unchanged after cocaine administration. Defecation was increased by all the drugs (MA, amphetamine and cocaine), while only amphetamine increased the tail temperature. In conclusion, our results did not confirm our hypothesis that prenatal MA exposure increases drug-seeking behavior in adulthood in the CPP test. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica colonies under modified atmospheres at 4 and 8 degrees C using a model food system.

PubMed

Harrison, W A; Peters, A C; Fielding, L M

2000-01-01

The growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica colonies was studied on solid media at 4 and 8 degrees C under modified atmospheres (MAs) of 5% O2: 10% CO2: 85% N2 (MA1), 30% CO2: 70% N2 (MA2) and air (control). Colony radius, determined using computer image analysis, allowed specific growth rates (mu) and the time taken to detect bacterial colonies to be estimated, after colonies became visible. At 4 degrees C both MAs decreased the growth rates of L. monocytogenes by 1.5- and 3.0-fold under MA1 (mu = 0.02 h(-1)) and MA2 (mu = 0.01 h(-1)), respectively, as compared with the control (mu = 0.03 h(-1)). The time to detection of bacterial colonies was increased from 15 d (control) to 24 (MA1) and 29 d (MA2). At 8 degrees C MA2 decreased the growth rate by 1.5-fold (mu = 0.04 h(-1)) as compared with the control (mu = 0.06 h(-1)) and detection of colonies increased from 7 (control) to 9 d (MA2). At 4 degrees C both MAs decreased the growth rates of Y. enterocolitica by 1.5- and 2.5-fold under MA1 (mu = 0.03 h(-1)) and MA2 (mu = 0.02 h(-1)), respectively, as compared with the control (mu = 0.05 h(-1)). At 8 degrees C identical growth rates were obtained under MA1 and the control (mu = 0.07 h(-1)) whilst a decrease in the growth rate was obtained under MA2 (mu = 0.04 h(-1)). The detection of colonies varied from 6 (8 degrees C, aerobic) to 19 d (4 degrees C, MA2). Refrigerated modified atmosphere packaged foods should be maintained at 4 degrees C and below to ensure product safety.

Reduced endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGE) in young people with Type 1 diabetes developing microalbuminuria.

PubMed

Marcovecchio, M L; Giannini, C; Dalton, R N; Widmer, B; Chiarelli, F; Dunger, D B

2009-08-01

The endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGE) appears to work as a scavenger for AGEs and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The aim of the present study was to perform a longitudinal evaluation of esRAGE in young people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in relation to the development of microalbuminuria (MA). Serum esRAGE levels were measured in longitudinally collected blood samples from 49 T1D patients with MA (MA+) and 49 matched normoalbuminuric patients (MA-), followed in the Oxford Regional Prospective Study. esRAGE levels were compared between MA+ and MA- subjects in relation to the time of MA onset. Overall, esRAGE levels were significantly lower in MA+ than in MA- subjects (0.727 +/- 0.396 vs. 0.936 +/- 0.433 ng/ml; P = 0.015). These differences between the two groups were present both before (0.725 +/- 0.410 vs. 0.956 +/- 0.505 ng/ml, P = 0.038) and after the onset of MA (0.750 +/- 0.433 vs. 0.948 +/- 0.418 ng/ml, P = 0.04). In a longitudinal analysis there was no effect of age, duration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) or body mass index standard deviation scores on esRAGE levels (all P > 0.05). In a Cox model, esRAGE levels significantly contributed to the probability of developing MA [Exp(B)(95% confidence interval): 0.34(0.12-0.98); P = 0.04), independently of HbA(1c). In this longitudinal study of young people with T1D, esRAGE levels were reduced in MA+ subjects, even before the onset of MA, and appeared to be related to its development, thus suggesting a potential role of esRAGE in the pathogenesis of this complication. Diabet. Med. 26, 815-819 (2009).

Effects of adolescent methamphetamine and nicotine exposure on behavioral performance and MAP-2 immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens of adolescent mice.

PubMed

Buck, Jordan M; Morris, Alysse S; Weber, Sydney J; Raber, Jacob; Siegel, Jessica A

2017-04-14

The neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine (MA) exposure in the developing and adult brain can lead to behavioral alterations and cognitive deficits in adults. Previous increases in the rates of adolescent MA use necessitate that we understand the behavioral and cognitive effects of MA exposure during adolescence on the adolescent brain. Adolescents using MA exhibit high rates of nicotine (NIC) use, but the effects of concurrent MA and NIC in the adolescent brain have not been examined, and it is unknown if NIC mediates any of the effects of MA in the adolescent. In this study, the long-term effects of a neurotoxic dose of MA with or without NIC exposure during early adolescence (postnatal day 30-31) were examined later in adolescence (postnatal day 41-50) in male C57BL/6J mice. Effects on behavioral performance in the open field, Porsolt forced swim test, and conditioned place preference test, and cognitive performance in the novel object recognition test and Morris water maze were assessed. Additionally, the effects of MA and/or NIC on levels of microtubule associated-2 (MAP-2) protein in the nucleus accumbens and plasma corticosterone were examined. MA and NIC exposure during early adolescence separately decreased anxiety-like behavior in the open field test, which was not seen following co-administration of MA/NIC. There was no significant effect of early adolescent MA and/or NIC exposure on the intensity of MAP-2 immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens or on plasma corticosterone levels. These results show that early adolescent MA and NIC exposure separately decrease anxiety-like behavior in the open field, and that concurrent MA and NIC exposure does not induce the same behavioral change as either drug alone. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in LG/J and SM/J mouse strains and an F45/F46 advanced intercross line.

PubMed

Bryant, Camron D; Kole, Loren A; Guido, Michael A; Cheng, Riyan; Palmer, Abraham A

2012-01-01

The conditioned place preference (CPP) test is frequently used to evaluate the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse in mice. Despite its widespread use in transgenic and knockout experiments, there are few forward genetic studies using CPP to identify novel genes contributing to drug reward. In this study, we tested LG/J and SM/J inbred strains and the parents/offspring of 10 families of an F(45)/F(46) advanced intercross line (AIL) for methamphetamine-induced CPP (MA-CPP) once per week over 2 weeks. Both LG/J and SM/J mice exhibited significant MA-CPP that was not significantly different between the two strains. Furthermore, LG/J mice showed significantly less acute MA-induced locomotor activity as well as locomotor sensitization following subsequent MA injections. AIL mice (N = 105) segregating LG/J and SM/J alleles also demonstrated significant MA-CPP that was equal in magnitude between the first and second week of training. Importantly, MA-CPP in AIL mice did not correlate with drug-free or MA-induced locomotor activity, indicating that MA-CPP was not confounded by test session activity and implying that MA-CPP is genetically distinct from acute psychomotor sensitivity. We estimated the heritability of MA-CPP and locomotor phenotypes using midparent-offspring regression and maximum likelihood estimates derived from the kinship coefficients of the AIL pedigree. Heritability estimates of MA-CPP were low (0-0.21) and variable (SE = 0-0.33) which reflected our poor power to estimate heritability using only 10 midparent-offspring observations. In sum, we established a short-term protocol for MA-CPP in AIL mice that could reveal LG/J and SM/J alleles important for MA reward. The use of highly recombinant genetic populations like AIL should facilitate the identification of these genes and may have implications for understanding psychostimulant abuse in humans.

Origin and transportation history of lunar breccia 14311

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merle, Renaud E.; Nemchin, Alexander A.; Whitehouse, Martin J.; Pidgeon, Robert T.; Grange, Marion L.; Snape, Joshua F.; Thiessen, Fiona

2017-05-01

In this paper, we compare the U-Pb zircon age distribution pattern of sample 14311 from the Apollo 14 landing site with those from other breccias collected at the same landing site. Zircons in breccia 14311 show major age peaks at 4340 and 4240 Ma and small peaks at 4110, 4030, and 3960 Ma. The zircon age patterns of breccia 14311 and other Apollo 14 breccias are statistically different suggesting a separate provenance and transportation history for these breccias. This interpretation is supported by different U-Pb Ca-phosphate and exposure ages for breccia 14311 (Ca-phosphate age: 3938 ± 4 Ma, exposure age: 550-660 Ma) from the other Apollo 14 breccias (Ca-phosphate age: 3927 ± 2 Ma, compatible with the Imbrium impact, exposure age: 25-30 Ma). Based on these observations, we consider two hypotheses for the origin and transportation history of sample 14311. (1) Breccia 14311 was formed in the Procellarum KREEP terrane by a 3938 Ma-old impact and deposited near the future site of the Imbrium basin. The breccia was integrated into the Fra Mauro Formation during the deposition of the Imbrium impact ejecta at 3927 Ma. The zircons were annealed by mare basalt flooding at 3400 Ma at Apollo 14 landing site. Eventually, at approximately 660 Ma, a small and local impact event excavated this sample and it has been at the surface of the Moon since this time. (2) Breccia 14311 was formed by a 3938 Ma-old impact. The location of the sample is not known at that time but at 3400 Ma, it was located nearby or buried by hot basaltic flows. It was transported from where it was deposited to the Apollo 14 landing site by an impact at approximately 660 Ma, possibly related to the formation of the Copernicus crater and has remained at the surface of the Moon since this event. This latter hypothesis is the simplest scenario for the formation and transportation history of the 14311 breccia.

42 CFR 495.200 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.200 Definitions. As used in this subpart: First payment year means with respect to— (1) Covered professional services furnished by a qualifying MA EP, the... qualifying MA organization. (2) Qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals, the first fiscal year for which...

42 CFR 495.200 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.200 Definitions. As used in this subpart: First payment year means with respect to— (1) Covered professional services furnished by a qualifying MA EP, the... qualifying MA organization. (2) Qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals, the first fiscal year for which...

42 CFR 495.200 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.200 Definitions. As used in this subpart: First payment year means with respect to— (1) Covered professional services furnished by a qualifying MA EP, the... qualifying MA organization. (2) Qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals, the first fiscal year for which...

42 CFR 495.200 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.200 Definitions. As used in this subpart: First payment year means with respect to— (1) Covered professional services furnished by a qualifying MA EP, the... qualifying MA organization. (2) Qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals, the first fiscal year for which...

42 CFR 495.200 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.200 Definitions. As used in this subpart: First payment year means with respect to— (1) Covered professional services furnished by a qualifying MA EP, the... qualifying MA organization. (2) Qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals, the first fiscal year for which...

Astronauts Carpenter and Glenn relax following breakfast during MA-6 activity

NASA Image and Video Library

1962-02-01

S64-10801 (1962) --- Astronauts M. Scott Carpenter (far left) and John H. Glenn Jr. relax following breakfast during Mercury Atlas 6 (MA-6) preflight activity. Glenn is the MA-6 pilot. Carpenter is the MA-6 backup pilot. Photo credit: NASA

Separating math from anxiety: The role of inhibitory mechanisms.

PubMed

Mammarella, Irene C; Caviola, Sara; Giofrè, David; Borella, Erika

2017-07-06

Deficits in executive functions have been hypothesized and documented for children with severe mathematics anxiety (MA) or developmental dyscalculia, but the role of inhibition-related processes has not been specifically explored. The main aim of the present study was to shed further light on the specificity of these profiles in children in terms of working memory (WM) and the inhibitory functions involved. Four groups of children between 8 and 10 years old were selected: one group with developmental dyscalculia (DD) and no MA, one with severe MA and developmental dyscalculia (MA-DD), one with severe MA and no DD (MA), and one with typical development (TD). All children were presented with tasks measuring two inhibition-related functions, that is, proactive interference and prepotent response, and a WM task. The results showed that children with severe MA (but no DD) were specifically impaired in the proactive interference task, while children with DD (with or without MA) failed in the WM task. Our findings point to the importance of distinguishing the cognitive processes underlying these profiles.

Loss-of-function and gain-of-function phenotypes of stomatocytosis mutant RhAG F65S

PubMed Central

Stewart, Andrew K.; Shmukler, Boris E.; Vandorpe, David H.; Rivera, Alicia; Heneghan, John F.; Li, Xiaojin; Hsu, Ann; Karpatkin, Margaret; O'Neill, Allison F.; Bauer, Daniel E.; Heeney, Matthew M.; John, Kathryn; Kuypers, Frans A.; Gallagher, Patrick G.; Lux, Samuel E.; Brugnara, Carlo; Westhoff, Connie M.

2011-01-01

Four patients with overhydrated cation leak stomatocytosis (OHSt) exhibited the heterozygous RhAG missense mutation F65S. OHSt erythrocytes were osmotically fragile, with elevated Na and decreased K contents and increased cation channel-like activity. Xenopus oocytes expressing wild-type RhAG and RhAG F65S exhibited increased ouabain and bumetanide-resistant uptake of Li+ and 86Rb+, with secondarily increased 86Rb+ influx sensitive to ouabain and to bumetanide. Increased RhAG-associated 14C-methylammonium (MA) influx was severely reduced in RhAG F65S-expressing oocytes. RhAG-associated influxes of Li+, 86Rb+, and 14C-MA were pharmacologically distinct, and Li+ uptakes associated with RhAG and RhAG F65S were differentially inhibited by NH4+ and Gd3+. RhAG-expressing oocytes were acidified and depolarized by 5 mM bath NH3/NH4+, but alkalinized and depolarized by subsequent bath exposure to 5 mM methylammonium chloride (MA/MA+). RhAG F65S-expressing oocytes exhibited near-wild-type responses to NH4Cl, but MA/MA+ elicited attenuated alkalinization and strong hyperpolarization. Expression of RhAG or RhAG F65S increased steady-state cation currents unaltered by bath Li+ substitution or bath addition of 5 mM NH4Cl or MA/MA+. These oocyte studies suggest that 1) RhAG expression increases oocyte transport of NH3/NH4+ and MA/MA+; 2) RhAG F65S exhibits gain-of-function phenotypes of increased cation conductance/permeability, and loss-of-function phenotypes of decreased and modified MA/MA+ transport, and decreased NH3/NH4+-associated depolarization; and 3) RhAG transports NH3/NH4+ and MA/MA+ by distinct mechanisms, and/or the substrates elicit distinct cellular responses. Thus, RhAG F65S is a loss-of-function mutation for amine transport. The altered oocyte intracellular pH, membrane potential, and currents associated with RhAG or RhAG F65S expression may reflect distinct transport mechanisms. PMID:21849667

Malarial Anaemia and Anaemia Severity in Apparently Healthy Primary School Children in Urban and Rural Settings in the Mount Cameroon Area: Cross Sectional Survey

PubMed Central

Ndamukong-Nyanga, Judith Lum; Nweboh, Malaika; Anchang-Kimbi, Judith Kuoh; Lum, Emmaculate; Nana, Yannick; Ndamukong, Kenneth K. J.; Lehman, Leopold G.

2015-01-01

Background This study examines the relative importance of living in an urban versus rural setting and malaria in contributing to the public health problem of malarial anaemia (MA) and anaemia respectively in apparently healthy primary school children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 727 school children aged between four and 15 years living in an urban (302) and rural (425) settings in the Mount Cameroon area. Blood sample collected from each child was used for the preparation of blood films for detection of malaria parasites and assessment of malaria parasite density as well as full blood count determination using an automated haematology analyzer. Based on haemoglobin (Hb) measurements, children with malaria parasitaemia were stratified into MA (Hb<11g/dL); mild MA (Hb of 8–10.9g/dL); moderate MA (Hb of 6.1–7.9g/dL) and severe MA (Hb≤6g/dL). Evaluation of potential determinants of MA and anaemia was performed by multinomial logistic-regression analysis and odds ratios used to evaluate risk factors. Results Out of the 727 children examined, 72 (9.9%) had MA. The prevalence of MA and anaemia were significantly higher (χ2 = 36.5, P <0.001; χ2 = 16.19, P <0.001 respectively) in children in the urban (17.9%; 26.8% respectively) than in the rural area (4.2%; 14.8% respectively). Majority of the MA cases were mild (88.9%), with moderate (5.6%) and severe MA (5.6%) occurring in the urban area only. The age group ≤6years was significantly (P <0.05) associated with both MA and anaemia. In addition, low parasite density was associated with MA while malaria parasite negative and microcytosis were associated with anaemia. Conclusions Malarial anaemia and anaemia display heterogeneity and complexity that differ with the type of settlement. The presence of severe MA and the contributions of the age group ≤6 years, low parasite density and microcytosis to the public health problem of MA and anaemia are noteworthy. PMID:25893500

Malarial anaemia and anaemia severity in apparently healthy primary school children in urban and rural settings in the Mount Cameroon area: cross sectional survey.

PubMed

Sumbele, Irene Ule Ngole; Kimbi, Helen Kuokuo; Ndamukong-Nyanga, Judith Lum; Nweboh, Malaika; Anchang-Kimbi, Judith Kuoh; Lum, Emmaculate; Nana, Yannick; Ndamukong, Kenneth K J; Lehman, Leopold G

2015-01-01

This study examines the relative importance of living in an urban versus rural setting and malaria in contributing to the public health problem of malarial anaemia (MA) and anaemia respectively in apparently healthy primary school children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 727 school children aged between four and 15 years living in an urban (302) and rural (425) settings in the Mount Cameroon area. Blood sample collected from each child was used for the preparation of blood films for detection of malaria parasites and assessment of malaria parasite density as well as full blood count determination using an automated haematology analyzer. Based on haemoglobin (Hb) measurements, children with malaria parasitaemia were stratified into MA (Hb<11 g/dL); mild MA (Hb of 8-10.9 g/dL); moderate MA (Hb of 6.1-7.9 g/dL) and severe MA (Hb≤6 g/dL). Evaluation of potential determinants of MA and anaemia was performed by multinomial logistic-regression analysis and odds ratios used to evaluate risk factors. Out of the 727 children examined, 72 (9.9%) had MA. The prevalence of MA and anaemia were significantly higher (χ2 = 36.5, P <0.001; χ2 = 16.19, P <0.001 respectively) in children in the urban (17.9%; 26.8% respectively) than in the rural area (4.2%; 14.8% respectively). Majority of the MA cases were mild (88.9%), with moderate (5.6%) and severe MA (5.6%) occurring in the urban area only. The age group ≤6 years was significantly (P <0.05) associated with both MA and anaemia. In addition, low parasite density was associated with MA while malaria parasite negative and microcytosis were associated with anaemia. Malarial anaemia and anaemia display heterogeneity and complexity that differ with the type of settlement. The presence of severe MA and the contributions of the age group ≤6 years, low parasite density and microcytosis to the public health problem of MA and anaemia are noteworthy.

Geological evolution of the Antongil Craton, NE Madagascar

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schofield, D.I.; Thomas, Ronald J.; Goodenough, K.M.; De Waele, B.; Pitfield, P.E.J.; Key, R.M.; Bauer, W.; Walsh, G.J.; Lidke, D.J.; Ralison, A.V.; Rabarimanana, M.; Rafahatelo, J.-M.; Randriamananjara, T.

2010-01-01

The Antongil Craton, along with the Masora and Antananarivo cratons, make up the fundamental Archaean building blocks of the island of Madagascar. They were juxtaposed during the late-Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic assembly of Gondwana. In this paper we give a synthesis of the geology of the Antongil Craton and present previously published and new geochemical and U-Pb zircon analyses to provide an event history for its evolution.The oldest rocks in the Antongil Craton form a nucleus of tonalitic gneiss, characteristic of Palaeo-Mesoarchaean cratons globally, including phases dated between 3320 ?? 14. Ma to 3231 ?? 6. Ma and 3187 ?? 2. Ma to 3154 ?? 5. Ma. A series of mafic dykes was intruded into the Mesoarchaean tonalites and a sedimentary succession was deposited on the craton prior to pervasive deformation and migmatisation of the region. The age of deposition of the metasediments has been constrained from a volcanic horizon to around 3178 ?? 2. Ma and subject to migmatisation at around 2597 ?? 49. Ma. A subsequent magmatic episode generated voluminous, weakly foliated granitic rocks, that also included additions from both reworked older crustal material and younger source components. An earlier granodiorite-dominated assemblage, dated between 2570 ?? 18. Ma and 2542 ?? 5. Ma, is largely exposed in xenoliths and more continuously in the northern part of the craton, while a later monzogranite-dominated phase, dated between 2531 ?? 13. Ma and 2513 ?? 0.4. Ma is more widely developed. Together these record the stabilisation of the craton, attested to by the intrusion of a younger dyke swarm, the age of which is constrained by a sample of metagabbro dated at 2147 ?? 6. Ma, providing the first evidence for Palaeoproterozoic rocks from the Antongil Craton.The youngest events recorded in the isotopic record of the Antongil Craton are reflected in metamorphism, neocrystallisation and Pb-loss at 792 ?? 130. Ma to 763 ?? 13. Ma and 553 ?? 68. Ma. These events are interpreted as being the only manifestation of the Pan-African orogeny seen in the craton, which led to the assembly of the tectonic blocks that comprise the island. ?? 2010 NERC.

Effect of cross-fostering on seizures in adult male offspring of methamphetamine-treated rat mothers.

PubMed

Slamberová, R; Hrubá, L; Bernásková, K; Matejovská, I; Rokyta, R

2010-10-01

Stimulant drugs are often associated with increased seizure susceptibility. Inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) systems play a role in the effect of stimulants in the genesis of epileptic seizures. Our previous studies showed that prenatal methamphetamine (MA) exposure induced long-term changes in seizure susceptibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cross-fostering on the prenatal and postnatal MA-exposed rats, respectively, on their seizures in adulthood. Bicuculline (GABA(A) receptor antagonist), NMDA (NMDA receptor agonist) and flurothyl (a convulsant gas) were used to induce seizures in adult male offsprings. Female dams were injected with MA (5 mg/kg daily) or physiological saline (S) for approx. 9 week [about 3 week prior to impregnation, for the entire gestation period (22 days) and in preweaning period (21 days)]. Absolute controls (C) did not receive any injections. On postnatal day 1, pups were cross-fostered so that each mother received pups from all three treatments. Thus, nine groups (based on the prenatal and postnatal drug exposure) of adult male rats were tested in each seizure test: C/C; C/S; C/MA; S/C; S/S; S/MA; MA/C; MA/S; MA/MA. The present study demonstrates that the effect of prenatal and/or postnatal MA exposure is seizure model specific. In addition, our data show that there is an effect of cross-fostering on seizures; particularly, the effect of prenatal MA exposure shown in animals fostered by control mothers is no longer apparent in animals fostered postnatally by MA-treated mothers. Such effect of postnatal treatment is not manifested in prenatal controls. In summary, it seems that: (1) prenatal MA exposure alters seizure susceptibility more than postnatal MA exposure; (2) especially in seizures induced by chemicals that affect GABAergic system (bicuculline, flurothyl) notable effect of adoption (cross-fostering) is apparent; (3) in seizure models that are associated with NMDA system (NMDA, flurothyl), effect of prenatal stress seems to play a role. Copyright 2010 ISDN. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Normal Magnetization at ca. 1.5 Ma at Three Sites in Yukon Territory, Canada: The Gilsa Sub-chron?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Froese, D. G.; Westgate, J. A.; Barendregt, R. W.; Villeneuve, M.; Jackson, L. E.; Baker, J.; Enkin, R.; Irving, E.; Hart, C.; Preece, S. J.; Sandhu, A.

2001-12-01

Normally magnetized sediment is associated with Fort Selkirk and Paradise Hill tephras in central Yukon Territory. The Fort Selkirk tephra, sourced in the Wrangell Mountains of southeastern Alaska, is dated by the isothermal plateau fission track method (ITPFT) at 1.48 +/- 0.11 Ma. Fort Selkirk tephra is reversely magnetized, however a normal polarity interval occurs between the tephra and an overlying reversely magnetized basalt flow, dated by the Ar-Ar method, at 1.37 +/- 0.03 Ma. This succession is found at two sites in the Fort Selkirk area. At Paradise Hill, 120 km to the northwest, the Paradise Hill tephra, also sourced in the Wrangell Mountains of southeastern Alaska, has an ITPFT age of 1.54 +/- 0.13 Ma and is normally magnetized. The Paradise Hill and Fort Selkirk normal polarity intervals are certainly older than the Jaramillo (1.07-0.99 Ma) and Cobb Mountain (1.24-1.21 Ma) sub-chrons, and younger than the Olduvai (1.95-1.77 Ma). Our age estimates for this normal interval indicate a more plausible correlation to the Gilsa sub-chron estimated at 1.55 Ma from marine records and 1.6 Ma from Icelandic lavas.

Predictors of methamphetamine psychosis: History of ADHD-relevant childhood behaviors and drug exposure

PubMed Central

Salo, Ruth; Fassbender, Catherine; Iosif, Ana- Maria; Ursu, Stefan; Leamon, Martin H; Cameron, Carter

2013-01-01

The goal of this study was to extend our previous research that reported a significant association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-relevant childhood behaviors and the frequency of methamphetamine (MA)-induced psychotic symptoms in an expanded sample. 190 participants who met DSM-IV criteria for MA dependence were administered the Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire that assessed MA-induced psychosis. Data related to MA exposure, comorbid drug use, education, familial psychiatric history and assessments of ADHD-relevant childhood behaviors as measured by the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) were collected. Although WURS scores did not differ between 145 MAP+ and 45 MAP-subjects, MAP+ subjects with higher WURS scores were significantly more likely to report more frequent psychosis. Although mean daily MA dosage did not differ between the MAP+ and MAP- subjects, MAP+ who consumed larger doses of MA were significantly more likely to experience frequent psychosis. These data suggest that ADHD-relevant childhood behaviors may interact with MA exposure to reflect a neurobiological vulnerability related to the emergence of frequent MA-induced psychotic symptoms. These results may elucidate factors that contribute to the psychiatric sequelae of MA abuse. PMID:23896355

Predictors of methamphetamine psychosis: history of ADHD-relevant childhood behaviors and drug exposure.

PubMed

Salo, Ruth; Fassbender, Catherine; Iosif, Ana-Maria; Ursu, Stefan; Leamon, Martin H; Carter, Cameron

2013-12-15

The goal of this study was to extend our previous research that reported a significant association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-relevant childhood behaviors and the frequency of methamphetamine (MA)-induced psychotic symptoms in an expanded sample. 190 participants who met DSM-IV criteria for MA dependence were administered the Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire that assessed MA-induced psychosis. Data related to MA exposure, comorbid drug use, education, familial psychiatric history and assessments of ADHD-relevant childhood behaviors as measured by the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) were collected. Although WURS scores did not differ between 145 MAP+ and 45 MAP- subjects, MAP+ subjects with higher WURS scores were significantly more likely to report more frequent psychosis. Although mean daily MA dosage did not differ between the MAP+ and MAP- subjects, MAP+ subjects who consumed larger doses of MA were significantly more likely to experience frequent psychosis. These data suggest that ADHD-relevant childhood behaviors may interact with MA exposure to reflect a neurobiological vulnerability related to the emergence of frequent MA-induced psychotic symptoms. These results may elucidate factors that contribute to the psychiatric sequelae of MA abuse. © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphological Awareness and Its Role in Compensation in Adults with Dyslexia.

PubMed

Law, Jeremy M; Wouters, Jan; Ghesquière, Pol

2015-08-01

This study examines the role of morphological awareness (MA) in literacy achievement and compensation in word reading of adults with dyslexia through an exploration of three questions: (1) Do adult dyslexics demonstrate a deficit in MA, and how is this potential deficit related to phonological awareness (PA)? (2) Does MA contribute independently to literacy skills equally in dyslexics and control readers? and (3) Do MA and PA skills differ in compensated and noncompensated dyslexics? A group of dyslexic and normal reading university students matched for age, education and IQ participated in this study. Group analysis demonstrated an MA deficit in dyslexics; as well, MA was found to significantly predict a greater proportion of word reading and spelling within the dyslexic group compared with the controls. Compensated dyslexics were also found to perform significantly better on the morphological task than noncompensated dyslexics. Additionally, no statistical difference was observed in MA between the normal reading controls and the compensated group (independent of PA and vocabulary). Results suggest that intact and strong MA skills contribute to the achieved compensation of this group of adults with dyslexia. Implications for MA based intervention strategies for people with dyslexia are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Kinetics of Cyclic Oxidation and Cracking and Finite Element Analysis of MA956 and Sapphire/MA956 Composite System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Kang N.; Arya, Vinod K.; Halford, Gary R.; Barrett, Charles A.

1996-01-01

Sapphire fiber-reinforced MA956 composites hold promise for significant weight savings and increased high-temperature structural capability, as compared to unreinforced MA956. As part of an overall assessment of the high-temperature characteristics of this material system, cyclic oxidation behavior was studied at 1093 C and 1204 C. Initially, both sets of coupons exhibited parabolic oxidation kinetics. Later, monolithic MA956 exhibited spallation and a linear weight loss, whereas the composite showed a linear weight gain without spallation. Weight loss of the monolithic MA956 resulted from the linking of a multiplicity of randomly oriented and closely spaced surface cracks that facilitated ready spallation. By contrast, cracking of the composite's oxide layer was nonintersecting and aligned nominally parallel with the orientation of the subsurface reinforcing fibers. Oxidative lifetime of monolithic MA956 was projected from the observed oxidation kinetics. Linear elastic, finite element continuum, and micromechanics analyses were performed on coupons of the monolithic and composite materials. Results of the analyses qualitatively agreed well with the observed oxide cracking and spallation behavior of both the MA956 and the Sapphire/MA956 composite coupons.

Prevention of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy using targeted MaFGF mediated by nanoparticles combined with ultrasound-targeted MB destruction

PubMed Central

Zheng, Lei; ZhuGe, De-Li; Chen, Bin; Lu, Cui-Tao; Yuan, Jian-Jun; Zhao, Ying-Zheng

2017-01-01

The present study seeks to observe the preventive effects of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DOX-CM) in rats using targeted non-mitogenic acidic fibroblast growth factor (MaFGF) mediated by nanoparticles (NP) combined with ultrasound-targeted MB destruction (UTMD). DOX-CM rats were induced by intraperitoneally injected doxorubicin. Six weeks after intervention, the indices from the transthoracic echocardiography and velocity vector imaging showed that the left ventricular function in the MaFGF-loaded NP (MaFGF-NP) + UTMD group was significantly improved compared with the DOX-CM group. The increased malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase were observed in the DOX-CM group, while a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and a decrease in malondialdehyde were detected in the groups treated with MaFGF-NP + UTMD. From the Masson staining, the MaFGF-NP + UTMD group showed a significant difference from the DOX-CM group. The cardiac collagen volume fraction and the ratio of the perivascular collagen area to the luminal area number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling positive cells in the MaFGF-NP + UTMD group decreased to 8.9%, 0.55-fold, compared with the DOX-CM group (26.5%, 1.7-fold). From terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling staining, the results showed the strongest inhibition of apoptosis progress in MaFGF-NP + UTMD group. The immunohistochemical staining of the TGF-β1 in MaFGF-NP + UTMD group reached 3.6%, which was much lower than that of the DOX-CM group (12.6%). These results confirmed that the abnormalities, including left ventricular dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, cardiomyocytes apoptosis and oxidative stress, could be suppressed by twice weekly MaFGF treatments for 6 consecutive weeks (free MaFGF or MaFGF-NP+/UTMD), with the strongest improvements observed in the MaFGF-NP + UTMD group. Western blot analyses of the heart tissue further revealed the highest pAkt levels, highest anti-apoptosis protein (Bcl-2) levels and strongest reduction in proapoptosis protein (Bax) levels in the MaFGF-NP + UTMD group. This study confirmed the preventive effects of DOX-CM in the rats with MaFGF-NP and UTMD by retarding myocardial fibrosis, inhibiting oxidative stress, and decreasing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. PMID:29026304

42 CFR 422.112 - Access to services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... services. (a) Rules for coordinated care plans. An MA organization that offers an MA coordinated care plan may specify the networks of providers from whom enrollees may obtain services if the MA organization... Medicare enrollee, are available and accessible under the plan. To accomplish this, the MA organization...

42 CFR 495.210 - Meaningful EHR user attestation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.210 Meaningful EHR user attestation. (a) Qualifying MA organizations are required to attest, in a form and manner specified by CMS, that each qualifying MA EP and qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals is a meaningful...

76 FR 77591 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 1099-MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-13

... 1099-MA AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments... Form 1098-MA, Mortgage Assistance Payments. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before... INFORMATION: Title: Mortgage Assistance Payments. OMB Number: 1545-2221. Form Number: Form 1099-MA. Abstract...

42 CFR 495.210 - Meaningful EHR user attestation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.210 Meaningful EHR user attestation. (a) Qualifying MA organizations are required to attest, in a form and manner specified by CMS, that each qualifying MA EP and qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals is a meaningful...

42 CFR 495.210 - Meaningful EHR user attestation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.210 Meaningful EHR user attestation. (a) Qualifying MA organizations are required to attest, in a form and manner specified by CMS, that each qualifying MA EP and qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals is a meaningful...

42 CFR 495.210 - Meaningful EHR user attestation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.210 Meaningful EHR user attestation. (a) Qualifying MA organizations are required to attest, in a form and manner specified by CMS, that each qualifying MA EP and qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals is a meaningful...

42 CFR 495.210 - Meaningful EHR user attestation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... INCENTIVE PROGRAM Requirements Specific to Medicare Advantage (MA) Organizations § 495.210 Meaningful EHR user attestation. (a) Qualifying MA organizations are required to attest, in a form and manner specified by CMS, that each qualifying MA EP and qualifying MA-affiliated eligible hospitals is a meaningful...

Disappearance of R/S-methamphetamine and R/S-amphetamine from human scalp hair after discontinuation of methamphetamine abuse.

PubMed

Wang, Ting; Shen, Baohua; Wu, Hejian; Hu, Jingying; Xu, Huili; Shen, Min; Xiang, Ping

2018-03-01

Methamphetamine (MA) and amphetamine (AM) are widely abused drugs. These compounds contain a chiral center, and their enantiomers exhibit different pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and metabolic properties due to differences in binding affinities to their receptor sites. Until now, there was a lack of information on the decline in the concentration of drugs in hair after abstinence. A simple procedure for the chiral separation and determination of methamphetamine (MA) and its metabolite amphetamine (AM) enantiomers by LC-MS/MS in hair samples has been developed and fully validated. The LODs and LLOQs were 0.02ng/mg and 0.05ng/mg for all analytes, respectively. This method was successfully applied to both real hair specimens from chronic MA users and after the discontinuation of MA. The concentration of total MA, and total AM in fifty-eight authentic hair specimens ranged from 7.8ng/mg to 521.0ng/mg, and from 0.3ng/mg to 84.0ng/mg, respectively. Both enantiomers of MA and/or AM were detected in seven of fifty-eight authentic hair specimens. Hair specimens were from thirteen women with a known history of MA abuse, who went to a rehabilitation center and ceased consuming MA (for 4-5 months). The S-isomers of MA and AM were detected in all the 5-6cm segments. Both enantiomers of MA were detected in nine of the 5-6cm segments and the enantiomers of AM were found in only five of the nine samples. Assuming a hair growth rate of 1cm/month, the mean hair elimination half-lives of S-MA, R-MA, S-AM, and R-AM were 0.64(95% CI, 0.46-0.96), 0.58(95% CI, 0.41-0.93), 0.62(0.49-0.88), and 0.50 months (95% CI, 0.42-0.56), respectively. With the developed method, R/S-MA and R/S-AM could be detected in the hair of former drug users for approximately 4 months after abstinence. S-MA is the most commonly found analyte in hair segments and is principally used by abusers. Our results suggest that to evaluate the discontinuation of MA abuse after a 6-month period of abstinence, a 3-cm proximal hair segment should be free of MA at the SOHT proposed cut-off level. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Semi-automatic segmentation of myocardium at risk in T2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

PubMed

Sjögren, Jane; Ubachs, Joey F A; Engblom, Henrik; Carlsson, Marcus; Arheden, Håkan; Heiberg, Einar

2012-01-31

T2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been shown to be a promising technique for determination of ischemic myocardium, referred to as myocardium at risk (MaR), after an acute coronary event. Quantification of MaR in T2-weighted CMR has been proposed to be performed by manual delineation or the threshold methods of two standard deviations from remote (2SD), full width half maximum intensity (FWHM) or Otsu. However, manual delineation is subjective and threshold methods have inherent limitations related to threshold definition and lack of a priori information about cardiac anatomy and physiology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an automatic segmentation algorithm for quantification of MaR using anatomical a priori information. Forty-seven patients with first-time acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction underwent T2-weighted CMR within 1 week after admission. Endocardial and epicardial borders of the left ventricle, as well as the hyper enhanced MaR regions were manually delineated by experienced observers and used as reference method. A new automatic segmentation algorithm, called Segment MaR, defines the MaR region as the continuous region most probable of being MaR, by estimating the intensities of normal myocardium and MaR with an expectation maximization algorithm and restricting the MaR region by an a priori model of the maximal extent for the user defined culprit artery. The segmentation by Segment MaR was compared against inter observer variability of manual delineation and the threshold methods of 2SD, FWHM and Otsu. MaR was 32.9 ± 10.9% of left ventricular mass (LVM) when assessed by the reference observer and 31.0 ± 8.8% of LVM assessed by Segment MaR. The bias and correlation was, -1.9 ± 6.4% of LVM, R = 0.81 (p < 0.001) for Segment MaR, -2.3 ± 4.9%, R = 0.91 (p < 0.001) for inter observer variability of manual delineation, -7.7 ± 11.4%, R = 0.38 (p = 0.008) for 2SD, -21.0 ± 9.9%, R = 0.41 (p = 0.004) for FWHM, and 5.3 ± 9.6%, R = 0.47 (p < 0.001) for Otsu. There is a good agreement between automatic Segment MaR and manually assessed MaR in T2-weighted CMR. Thus, the proposed algorithm seems to be a promising, objective method for standardized MaR quantification in T2-weighted CMR.

U-Pb (SHRIMP) Ages of Be and U-rich Opal in Tuffaceous Breccia at Spor Mountain, Utah: Interpreting a Record of Continuous Opal Formation, Episodic Be-U Mineralization, and Remobilization Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayuso, R. A.; Vazquez, J. A.; Foley, N.; Lederer, G.; Jaskula, B.

2016-12-01

The Spor Mountain Fm. (SMF, ca. 21 Ma; Lindsey, 1977, Eco. Geol., v. 72, 219-232; Foley et al., 2012, USGS SIR 2010-5070-F, 1-43) hosts the largest deposit of volcanogenic-epithermal Be in the world (proven reserves 15,700 t/contained Be). Ore occurs mainly in cm-to-m-wide irregularly layered nodules of calcite, chalcedony, opal, fluorite, and bertrandite (Be4Si2O7(OH)2) in tuff breccias. U-Pb SHRIMP dating (adapted from Paces et al., 2004, GCA v. 68, 1591-1606; Neymark and Paces, 2013, EPSL v. 361, 98-109) of opal in nodules from SMF yielded 206Pb/238U ages coupled with multi-element analyses, e.g., Be, F, P, Si, Ti, REE, etc. The ages reveal periods of prolonged massive and fracture-filling opal formation that range from 55 Ma to 2 Ma. Age gaps are not prominent (a previous study of bulk samples identified opal ages of 21.8 Ma, 13-16 Ma, 8-9 Ma in SMF and 3.5 Ma in the overlying 6 Ma Topaz Mountain Fm.; Ludwig et al., 1980, EPSL, v. 46, 221-232). High values of Be/Si ( 5,000-20,000), Be/F, Be/P, and Be/U and oldest ages ( 55 to 28 Ma) occur in opal in nodule cores; outward, younger opal layers ( 28 to 7 Ma) decline in Be/Si but also include spikes of >5,000. A prominent U/Si spike (>300) occurs in opal between 6 Ma and 4 Ma, which may establish the age of U mineralization that occurs immediately east of Spor Mountain (the Yellow Chief U deposit). The occurrence of Be-rich opal older than 25 Ma in nodules within the 21 Ma (K-Ar date) tuff suggests that nodule formation may also be associated with older volcanism in the region. Opal that is younger than 21 Ma is thought to have formed by hydrothermal fluid interacting with Be-rich tuff. Geochemical modeling shows leaching of Be and other elements from volcanic glass and deposition of bertrandite upon reaction of the fluid with carbonate clasts in the tuff are viable mechanisms for the observed assemblages. Be concentrations in late nodular opal (<6 Ma) may reflect redistribution of earlier mineralization. The world-class deposits at Spor Mountain likely formed by prolonged magmatic-hydrothermal processes that include multiple Be mineralization and remobilization events.

Effect of mechanical alloying synthesis process on the dielectric properties of (Bi{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}){sub 0.94}Ba{sub 0.06}TiO{sub 3} piezoceramics

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

Ghazanfari, Mohammad Reza, E-mail: Ghazanfari.mr@gmail.com; Amini, Rasool; Shams, Seyyedeh Fatemeh

Highlights: • MA samples show higher dielectric permittivity and Curie temperature. • In MA samples, dielectric loss is almost 27% less than conventional ones. • In MA samples, sintering time and temperature are lower than conventional ones. • In MA samples, particle morphology is more homogeneous conventional ones. • In MA samples, crystallite size is smaller conventional ones. - Abstract: In present work, in order to study the effects of synthesis techniques on dielectric properties, the BNBT lead-free piezoceramics with (Bi{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}){sub 0.94}Ba{sub 0.06}TiO{sub 3} stoichiometry (called as BNBT6) were synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) and conventional mixed oxidesmore » methods. The structural, microstructural, and dielectric properties were carried out by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and impedance analyzer LCR meter, respectively. Based on results, the density of MA samples is considerably higher than conventional samples owning to smaller particles size and more uniformity of particle shape of MA samples. Moreover, the dielectric properties of MA samples are comparatively improved in which the dielectric loss of these samples is almost 27% less than conventional ones. Furthermore, MA samples exhibit obviously higher dielectric permittivity and Curie temperature compared to the conventional samples.« less

Mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus is critical for the expression of memory of methamphetamine-produced conditioned place preference in rats.

PubMed

Kuo, C-S; Chai, S-C; Chen, H-H

2011-03-31

Methamphetamine (MA) is a powerful and highly addictive psychostimulant. However, the neural substrate mediating MA-induced conditioned effects, an essential part of addiction, remain unclear. The present study investigated the involvement of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the lateral nucleus of amygdala (LNA), and the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) in MA-conditioned place preference (CPP). Rats underwent bilateral radio-frequency lesions of the ACC, LNA, or MD followed by MA CPP training. Lesions of the MD, but not the ACC or LNA, disrupted MA CPP learning. To clarify the role of the MD on the different stages of the MA CPP memory process, bilateral microinfusions of lidocaine into the MD were performed 5 min prior to each conditioning trial, immediately after the conditioning trial, or 5 min before the testing phase. Pretesting, but not pre- or post-conditioning, infusions of lidocaine into the MD impaired MA CPP. Furthermore, a clear preference for the previously conditioned MA paired cues was expressed when the rats were tested again 24 h after infusions of lidocaine. These results are interpreted as indicating that the MD is specifically involved in the memory retrieval process of MA associated memory which suggests the MD could have an important role in relapse in individuals suffering from MA addiction. Copyright © 2011 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Paleozoic and Paleoproterozoic Zircon in Igneous Xenoliths Assimilated at Redoubt Volcano, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bacon, C. R.; Vazquez, J. A.; Wooden, J. L.

2010-12-01

Historically active Redoubt Volcano is a basalt-to-dacite cone constructed upon the Jurassic-early Tertiary Alaska-Aleutian Range batholith. New SHRIMP-RG U-Pb age and trace-element concentration results for zircons from gabbroic xenoliths and crystal-rich andesitic mush from a late Pleistocene pyroclastic deposit indicate that ~310 Ma and ~1865 Ma igneous rocks underlie Redoubt at depth. Two gabbros have sharply terminated prismatic zircons that yield ages of ~310 Ma. Zircons from a crystal mush sample are overwhelmingly ~1865 Ma and appear rounded due to incomplete dissolution. Binary plots of element concentrations or ratios show clustering of data for ~310-Ma grains and markedly coherent trends for ~1865-Ma grains; e.g., ~310-Ma grains have higher Eu/Eu* than most of the ~1865-Ma grains, the majority of which form a narrow band of decreasing Eu/Eu* with increasing Hf content which suggests that ~1865-Ma zircons come from igneous source rocks. It is very unlikely that detrital zircons from a metasedimentary rock would have this level of homogeneity in age and composition. One gabbro contains abundant ~1865 Ma igneous zircons, ~300-310 Ma fluid-precipitated zircons characterized by very low U and Th concentrations and Th/U ratios, and uncommon ~100 Ma zircons. We propose that (1) ~310 Ma gabbro xenoliths from Redoubt Volcano belong to the same family of plutons dated by Aleinikoff et al. (USGS Circular 1016, 1988) and Gardner et al. (Geology, 1988) located ≥500 km to the northeast in basement rocks of the Wrangellia and Alexander terranes and (2) ~1865 Ma zircons are inherited from igneous rock, potentially from a continental fragment that possibly correlates with the Fort Simpson terrane or Great Bear magmatic zone of the Wopmay Orogen of northwestern Laurentia. Possibly, elements of these Paleoproterozoic terranes intersected the Paleozoic North American continental margin where they may have formed a component of the basement to the Wrangellia-Alexander-Peninsular composite terrane prior to transport to its present location (e.g., Colpron and Nelson, Geological Society, London, Special Publication 318, 2009). Xenocrysts from the ~1865 Ma igneous rocks, and possibly also ~310 Ma gabbros, are contained in relatively low-temperature mush and partially melted gabbro that we interpret to have been derived from the margin of the subvolcanic magma accumulation and storage region defined by seismicity at 4-10 km bsl. The Redoubt crystal mush contains evidence for assimilation of ~1865 Ma igneous rocks that have no equivalent exposed in Alaska. The discovery of Paleoproterozoic grains as the dominant zircon component in crystal mush raises the question of the origin of other crystals in Redoubt magmas.

Neoproterozoic, Paleozoic, and Mesozoic granitoid magmatism in the Qinling Orogen, China: Constraints on orogenic process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoxia; Wang, Tao; Zhang, Chengli

2013-08-01

The Qinling Orogen is one of the main orogenic belts in Asia and is characterized by multi-stage orogenic processes and the development of voluminous magmatic intrusions. The results of zircon U-Pb dating indicate that granitoid magmatism in the Qinling Orogen mainly occurred in four distinct periods: the Neoproterozoic (979-711 Ma), Paleozoic (507-400 Ma), and Early (252-185 Ma) and Late (158-100 Ma) Mesozoic. The Neoproterozoic granitic magmatism in the Qinling Orogen is represented by strongly deformed S-type granites emplaced at 979-911 Ma, weakly deformed I-type granites at 894-815 Ma, and A-type granites at 759-711 Ma. They can be interpreted as the products of respectively syn-collisional, post-collisional and extensional setting, in response to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. The Paleozoic magmatism can be temporally classified into three stages of 507-470 Ma, 460-422 Ma and ˜415-400 Ma. They were genetically related to the subduction of the Shangdan Ocean and subsequent collision of the southern North China Block and the South Qinling Belt. The 507-470 Ma magmatism is spatially and temporally related to ultrahigh-pressure metamorphism in the studied area. The 460-422 Ma magmatism with an extensive development in the North Qinling Belt is characterized by I-type granitoids and originated from the lower crust with the involvement of mantle-derived magma in a collisional setting. The magmatism with the formation age of ˜415-400 Ma only occurred in the middle part of the North Qinling Belt and is dominated by I-type granitoid intrusions, and probably formed in the late-stage of a collisional setting. Early Mesozoic magmatism in the study area occurred between 252 and 185 Ma, with the cluster in 225-200 Ma. It took place predominantly in the western part of the South Qinling Belt. The 250-240 Ma I-type granitoids are of small volume and show high Sr/Y ratios, and may have been formed in a continental arc setting related to subduction of the Mianlue Ocean between the South Qinling Belt and the South China Block. Voluminous late-stage (225-185 Ma) magmatism evolved from early I-type to later I-A-type granitoids associated with contemporaneous lamprophyres, representative of a transition from syn- to post-collisional setting in response to the collision between the North China and the South China blocks. Late Mesozoic (158-100 Ma) granitoids, located in the southern margin of the North China Block and the eastern part of the North Qinling Belt, are characterized by I-type, I- to A-type, and A-type granitoids that were emplaced in a post-orogenic or intraplate setting. The first three of the four periods of magmatism were associated with three important orogenic processes and the last one with intracontinental process. These suggest that the tectonic evolution of the Qinling Orogen is very complicated.

Ar-Ar and U-Pb ages of marble-hosted ruby deposits from Central and South-east Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnier, V.; Giuliani, G.; Maluski, H.; Ohnenstetter, D.; Deloule, E.

2003-04-01

Marble-hosted ruby deposits represent the first source of gemstones in Asia. The deposits from Jegdalek (Afghanistan), Hunza Valley (Pakistan), Nangimali (Azad-Kashmir), Chumar, Ruyil (Nepal), Mogok (Myanmar), Luc Yen, Yen Bai and Quy Chau (Vietnam) were dated using the 40Ar-39Ar laser stepwise heating technique on syngenetic micas. The following ages were obtained : 24.7 ± 0.3 Ma at Jegdalek ; 10.8 ± 0.3 to 5.4 ± 0.3 Ma at Hunza ; 17.2 ± 0.2 to 15.3 ± 0.1 Ma at Nangimali ; 4.6 ± 0.1 Ma at Ruyil ; 5.6 ± 0.4 Ma at Chumar ; 18.7 ± 0.2 to 17.1 ± 0.2 Ma at Mogok ; 33.8 ± 0.4 to 30.8 ± 0.8 Ma at Luc Yen ; 24.4 ± 0.4 to 23.2 ± 0.6 Ma at Yen Bai, 22.1 ± 0.6 to 21.6 ± 0.7 Ma at Quy Chau. These ages represent cooling ages and thus minimum ages for ruby formation. The ages obtained for Nangimali are close to the Ar-Ar cooling age of 19 Ma recorded in the Chichi granite, North to the ruby deposit. However, (C,O)-isotopic studies of the ruby-bearing marbles show no genetic relation between granite emplacement and ruby deposition in this area. The age found at Jegdalek is similar to the K-Ar ages obtained on the Sairobi pegmatitic dykes (20-26 Ma) and of the Jalalabad pluton (25 Ma), located close to the ruby deposit. At Mogok, the ruby deposits yield ages close to those obtained on high grade metamorphic and foliated intrusive regional rocks (15.8 ± 0.7 - 19.5 ± 1.0 Ma). The ages obtained at Chumar and Ruyil agree with those of the Lesser Himalaya Formation (12 - 6 Ma). Those found at Quy Chau agree with those found for the shear zone activity. Furthermore, U-Pb dating was done on zircons included in a ruby from Luc Yen and spinels in marble from Luc Yen and Hunza. The wide range of 238U-206Pb ages obtained for Luc Yen (266 - 45 Ma) evidences a complex metamorphic history. Ruby crystallised at 45 Ma during ductile activity of the Red River shear zone. At Hunza, an 238U-206Pb age of 94.0 ± 2.1 Ma obtained on inherited zircons confirms the U-Pb age obtained on zircons from the Karakorum batholith (95 Ma). Asian marble-hosted ruby deposits are directly linked with the tectonometamorphic activity of Cenozoic structures resulting from deformation of the Asian plate during India-Asia collision. Geochemical studies evidence that these rubies have a metamorphic origin and thus dating of these deposits provide an essential clue to decipher the timing of continental collision in Central and South-east Asia.

History of the methamphetamine problem.

PubMed

Anglin, M D; Burke, C; Perrochet, B; Stamper, E; Dawud-Noursi, S

2000-01-01

Methamphetamine, called meth, crystal, or speed, is a central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, smoked, snorted, or ingested orally; prolonged use at high levels results in dependence. Methamphetamine (MA) is a derivative of amphetamine, which was widely prescribed in the 1950s and 1960s as a medication for depression and obesity, reaching a peak of 31 million prescriptions in the United States in 1967. Until the late 1980s, illicit use and manufacture of MA was endemic to California, but the MA user population has recently broadened in nature and in regional distribution, with increased use occurring in midwestern states. An estimated 4.7 million Americans (2.1% of the U.S. population) have tried MA at some time in their lives. Short- and long-term health effects of MA use include stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, stomach cramps, shaking, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, and structural changes to the brain. Children of MA abusers are at risk of neglect and abuse, and the use of MA by pregnant women can cause growth retardation, premature birth, and developmental disorders in neonates and enduring cognitive deficits in children. MA-related deaths and admissions to hospital emergency rooms are increasing. Although inpatient hospitalization may be indicated to treat severe cases of long-term MA dependence, optimum treatment for MA abusers relies on an intensive outpatient setting with three to five visits per week of comprehensive counseling for at least the first three months. The burgeoning problems of increased MA use must be addressed by adequate treatment programs suitable for a variety of user types.

HIV infection Heightens Concurrent Risk of Functional Dependence in Persons With Chronic Methamphetamine Use

PubMed Central

Blackstone, K.; Iudicello, J. E.; Morgan, E. E.; Weber, E.; Moore, D. J.; Franklin, D. R.; Ellis, R. J.; Grant, I.; Woods, S. P.

2013-01-01

Objectives The causes of disability among chronic methamphetamine (MA) users are multifactorial. The current study examined the additive adverse impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a common comorbidity in MA users, on functional dependence. Methods A large cohort of participants (N=798) stratified by lifetime MA dependence diagnoses (i.e., MA+ or MA−) and HIV serostatus (i.e., HIV+ or HIV−) underwent comprehensive baseline neuromedical, neuropsychiatric, and functional research evaluations, including assessment of neurocognitive symptoms in daily life, instrumental and basic activities of daily living, and employment status. Results Independent, additive effects of MA and HIV were observed across all measures of functional dependence, independent of other demographic, psychiatric, and substance use factors. The prevalence of global functional dependence increased in the expected stepwise fashion across the cohort, with the lowest rates in the MA−/HIV− group (29%) and the highest rates in the MA+/HIV+ sample (69%). The impact of HIV on MA-associated functional dependence was moderated by nadir CD4 count, such that MA use was associated with greater disability among those HIV-infected persons with higher, but not lower nadir CD4. Within the MA+/HIV+ cohort, functional dependence was reliably associated with neurocognitive impairment, lower cognitive reserve, polysubstance use, and major depressive disorder. Conclusions HIV infection confers an increased concurrent risk of MA-associated disability, particularly among HIV-infected persons without histories of immune compromise. Directed referrals, earlier HIV treatment, and compensatory strategies aimed at counteracting the effects of low cognitive reserve, neurocognitive impairment, and psychiatric comorbidities on functional dependence in MA+/HIV+ individuals may be warranted. PMID:23648641

Mesoproterozoic syntectonic garnet within Belt Supergroup metamorphic tectonites: Evidence of Grenville-age metamorphism and deformation along northwest Laurentia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nesheim, T.O.; Vervoort, J.D.; McClelland, W.C.; Gilotti, J.A.; Lang, H.M.

2012-01-01

Northern Idaho contains Belt-Purcell Supergroup equivalent metamorphic tectonites that underwent two regional deformational and metamorphic events during the Mesoproterozoic. Garnet-bearing pelitic schists from the Snow Peak area of northern Idaho yield Lu-Hf garnet-whole rock ages of 1085??2. Ma, 1198??79. Ma, 1207??8. Ma, 1255??28. Ma, and 1314??2. Ma. Garnet from one sample, collected from the Clarkia area, was micro-drilled to obtain separate core and rim material that produced ages of 1347??10. Ma and 1102??47. Ma. The core versus rim ages from the micro-drilled sample along with the textural and spatial evidence of the other Lu-Hf garnet ages indicate two metamorphic garnet growth events at ~. 1330. Ma (M1) and ~. 1080. Ma (M2) with the intermediate ages representing mixed ages. Some garnet likely nucleated and grew M1 garnet cores that were later overgrown by younger M2 garnet rims. Most garnet throughout the Clarkia and Snow Peak areas are syntectonic with a regional penetrative deformational fabric, preserved as a strong preferred orientation of metamorphic matrix minerals (e.g., muscovite and biotite). The syntectonic garnets are interpreted to represent one regional, coeval metamorphic and deformation event at ~. 1080. Ma, which overlaps in time with the Grenville Orogeny. The older ~. 1330. Ma ages may represent an extension of the East Kootenay Orogeny described in western Canada. These deformational and metamorphic events indicate that western Laurentia (North America) was tectonically active in the Mesoproterozoic and during the assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia. ?? 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Paradoxical Air Microembolism Induces Cerebral Bioelectrical Abnormalities and Occasionally Headache in Patent Foramen Ovale Patients With Migraine

PubMed Central

Sevgi, Eser Başak; Erdener, Sefik Evren; Demirci, Mehmet; Topcuoglu, Mehmet Akif; Dalkara, Turgay

2012-01-01

Background Although controversial, paradoxical embolism via patent foramen ovale (PFO) may account for some of the migraine attacks in a subset of migraine with aura (MA) patients. Induction of MA attacks with air bubble injection during transcranial Doppler ultrasound in MA patients with PFO supports this view. It is likely that cerebral embolism in patients with right-to-left shunt induces bioelectrical abnormalities to initiate MA under some conditions. Methods and Results We investigated changes in cerebral bioelectrical activity after intravenous microbubble injection in 10 MA patients with large PFO and right-to-left cardiac shunt. Eight PFO patients without migraine but with large right-to-left shunt and 12 MA patients without PFO served as controls. Four MA patients with PFO were reexamined with sham injections of saline without microbubbles. Bioelectrical activity was evaluated using spectral electroencephalography and, passage of microbubbles through cerebral arteries was monitored with transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Microbubble embolism caused significant electroencephalographic power increase in MA+PFO patients but not in control groups including the sham-injected MA+PFO patients. Headache developed in 2 MA with PFO patients after microbubble injection. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that air microembolism through large PFOs may cause cerebral bioelectrical disturbances and, occasionally, headache in MA patients, which may reflect an increased reactivity of their brain to transient subclinical hypoxia–ischemia, and suggest that paradoxical embolism is not a common cause of migraine but may induce headache in the presence of a large PFO and facilitating conditions. PMID:23316313

Delayed extinction and stronger drug-primed reinstatement of methamphetamine seeking in rats prenatally exposed to morphine.

PubMed

Shen, Ying-Ling; Chen, Shao-Tsu; Chan, Tzu-Yi; Hung, Tsai-Wei; Tao, Pao-Luh; Liao, Ruey-Ming; Chan, Ming-Huan; Chen, Hwei-Hsien

2016-02-01

Prenatal morphine (PM) affects the development of brain reward system and cognitive function. The present study aimed to determine whether PM exposure increases the vulnerability to MA addiction. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were administered saline or morphine during embryonic days 3-20. The acquisition, extinction and reinstatement of methamphetamine (MA) conditioned place preference (CPP) and intravenous self-administration (SA) paradigms were assessed in the male adult offspring. There was no difference in the acquisition and expression of MA CPP between saline- and PM-exposed rats, whereas PM-exposed rats exhibited slower extinction and greater MA priming-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior than controls. Similarly, MA SA under progressive ratio and fixed ratio schedules was not affected by PM exposure, but PM-exposed rats required more extinction sessions to reach the extinction criteria and displayed more severe MA priming-, but not cue-induced, reinstatement. Such alterations in extinction and reinstatement were not present when PM-exposed rats were tested in an equivalent paradigm assessing operant responding for food pellets. Our results demonstrate that PM exposure did not affect the association memory formation during acquisition of MA CPP or SA, but impaired extinction learning and increased MA-primed reinstatement in both tasks. These findings suggest that the offspring of women using morphine or heroin during pregnancy might predict persistent MA seeking during extinction and enhanced propensity to MA relapse although they might not be more susceptible to the reinforcing effect of MA during initiation of drug use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between cytochrome P450 2D6 polymorphisms and body fluid methamphetamine concentrations in Japanese forensic autopsy cases.

PubMed

Matsusue, Aya; Ikeda, Tomoya; Tani, Naoto; Waters, Brian; Hara, Kenji; Kashiwagi, Masayuki; Takayama, Mio; Ikematsu, Natsuki; Kubo, Shin-Ichi; Ishikawa, Takaki

2018-05-18

Methamphetamine (MA) is an illicit stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) plays an important role in MA metabolism. Numerous allelic variants confer substantial variation in CYP2D6 activity among individuals. In the present study, we examined the frequencies of CYP2D6 alleles, including CYP2D6*1, *2, *4, *5, *10, *14A, *14B, *18, and *36, and multiplication, in 82 forensic autopsy cases of MA abusers and 567 autopsy cases in which MA was not detected (controls). Ultrarapid metabolizer (UM), extensive metabolizer (EM), intermediate metabolizer (IM), and poor metabolizer (PM) phenotypes were predicted from CYP2D6 genotypes. Of MA abusers, 64 subjects were predicted to be EM, 17 were IM, and 1 was UM. No MA abuser had the predicted PM phenotype. No significant differences in CYP2D6 phenotype frequencies were found between MA abusers and controls. MA and amphetamine (AMP) concentrations were measured in the right heart blood, left heart blood, peripheral external iliac blood, urine, pericardial fluid, and bone marrow of MA abusers. MA concentrations in urine and bone marrow were significantly higher in IM than in EM. AMP concentration was not associated with CYP2D6 phenotype in any body fluid. These results suggest that the MA concentration in body fluids is influenced by CYP2D6 phenotypes in the Japanese population. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detrital zircons from phanerozoic rocks of the Songliao Block, NE China: Evidence and tectonic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jian-Bo; Wilde, Simon A.; Zhang, Xing-Zhou; Liu, Fu-Lai; Liu, Jian-Hui

2012-03-01

Rocks that crop out in the northern part of the Songliao Block are mainly consist of high-grade metamorphic gneiss, Paleozoic strata and Mesozoic granites. They are essentially similar to rocks reported from beneath the Songliao Basin that occupies the majority of the Songliao Block. Four samples of Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks from Tieli in the north-eastern part of the Songliao Block yield detrital zircon U-Pb ages ranging from 2690 to 501 Ma, with four age populations at: 2071-2690 Ma, with a peak at 2585 Ma; 1776-1997 Ma, with a peak at 1890 Ma; 719-991 Ma, with a peak at 800 Ma; and 501-592 Ma, with a peak at 518 Ma. These are similar to age populations in other parts of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), although sediments from the Songliao Block contain more abundant Archean and Proterozoic detrital zircons than the neighboring Jiamusi-Khanka Block to the east and Xing'an Block to the west. This may indicate that rocks of this age comprise a minor component of the Songliao Block. The Pan-African zircon ages from the Songliao Block, taken together with ˜500 Ma magmatic and high-grade metamorphic zircons obtained from the nearby Erguna, Xing'an and Jiamusi-Khanka blocks, indicate that Pan-African events affected all blocks of the CAOB in NE China. This suggests that these blocks not only share a common basement, but that they had a common history. An extensive Late Pan-African (˜500 Ma) orogenic terrane thus occupies much of the CAOB in NE China.

42 CFR 422.100 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., an MA organization offering an MA plan must provide enrollees in that plan with coverage of the basic... subpart G of this part. (b) Services of noncontracting providers and suppliers. (1) An MA organization... obtained from a provider or supplier that does not contract with the MA organization to provide services...

21 CFR 872.3500 - Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Prosthetic Devices § 872.3500 Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA.... Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (NACMC) denture...

42 CFR 422.619 - How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate expedited... Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.619 How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations. (a) Reversals by the MA organization. If on reconsideration of an...

75 FR 27056 - Record of Decision for Environmental Impact Statement: New Bedford Regional Airport, New Bedford, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-13

... Impact Statement: New Bedford Regional Airport, New Bedford, MA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration... England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. Telephone (781) 238-7613. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA is... locations: FAA New England Region, Airports Division, 16 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA...

21 CFR 872.3500 - Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Prosthetic Devices § 872.3500 Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA.... Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (NACMC) denture...

21 CFR 872.3500 - Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Prosthetic Devices § 872.3500 Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA.... Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (NACMC) denture...

21 CFR 872.3500 - Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Prosthetic Devices § 872.3500 Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA.... Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (NACMC) denture...

76 FR 58105 - Regulated Navigation Area; Saugus River, Lynn, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-20

...-AA11 Regulated Navigation Area; Saugus River, Lynn, MA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Temporary... River in Lynn, MA. Establishing this temporary rule will allow the necessary stabilization work to be... on the Energy Systems Pipeline Bridge on the Saugus River in Lynn, MA. The regulated area encompasses...

42 CFR 422.619 - How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate expedited... Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.619 How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations. (a) Reversals by the MA organization. If on reconsideration of an...

42 CFR 422.619 - How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate expedited... Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.619 How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations. (a) Reversals by the MA organization. If on reconsideration of an...

21 CFR 872.3500 - Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA...) MEDICAL DEVICES DENTAL DEVICES Prosthetic Devices § 872.3500 Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA.... Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride (PVM-MA), acid copolymer, and carboxymethylcellulose sodium (NACMC) denture...

Onset of the Sveconorwegian orogeny: 1220-1130 Ma bimodal magmatism, sedimentation and granulite-facies metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bingen, Bernard; Viola, Giulio; Engvik, Ane K.; Solli, Arne

2013-04-01

The Grenville orogen of Laurentia and the Sveconorwegian orogen of Baltica are generally interpreted as long-lived, hot, collisional orogens resulting from collision of a possibly joined Laurentia-Baltica margin with another major plate, possibly Amazonia. Here we report new mapping, petrologic and SIMS U-Pb geochronological data from S Norway, to address the pre- to early-Sveconorwegian evolution between 1220 and 1130 Ma. The Sveconorwegian belt includes from west to east the Telemarkia terrane characterized by 1520-1480 Ma magmatism and the Idefjorden terrane characterized by Gothian active margin 1660-1520 Ma magmatism. The Idefjorden terrane is thrusted eastwards onto the parauthochthonous Eastern Segment. The Kongsberg and Bamble are two small terranes between the Idefjorden and Telemarkia terranes. They have a strong N-S and NE-SW structural grain, respectively, and are thrust westwards on top of the Telemarkia terrane. Basement metavolcanic and metaplutonic rocks in the Kongsberg terrane range from c. 1534 to 1500 Ma (5 new samples) and in Bamble from c. 1572 to 1460 Ma, overlapping with both the Telemarkia and Idefjorden terranes. New and published data show the following: (1) In Telemark, a c. 1200 Ma granitoid from the Flåvatn complex and a c. 1195 Ma granite sheet in the bimodal Nissedal supracrustals demonstrate that 1220-1180 Ma comparatively juvenile magmatism is the dominant rock type over much of southern part of Telemark. (2) A rhyolite dated at 1155 Ma complement available data showing low grade bimodal mafic-felsic volcanism interlayered with immature clastic sediments in central Telemark between 1169 and 1145 Ma (the ex-Bandak group). These supracrustals are intruded by c. 1153-1144 Ma A-type granite plutons. (3) Ten samples of foliated commonly porphyritic ganitoid and one granite dyke in gabbro collected in Kongsberg and along the Kongsberg-Telemark boundary demonstrate that c. 1171-1147 Ma bimodal plutonism occurred in Kongsberg. This indicates that Kongsberg was linked to Telemarkia, before 1147 Ma and before their final tectonic juxtaposition. A similar pattern is known between the Bamble and Telemarkia terranes, indicating similar relations. (4) The classical medium pressure granulite-facies metamorphism in Tromøy-Arendal, Bamble, was redated. Three granulite samples show metamorphic zircon at 1147 +/-18 and 1132 +/-7 Ma. Protolith ages between c. 1553 and 1544 Ma demonstrate a Gothian low-K calc-alkaline orthogneiss protolith and question recent interpretations representing the Tromøy complex as an early Sveconorwegian oceanic volcanic arc accreted to the Bamble terrane. (5) A granulite-facies domain was discovered north of Kragerø in Bamble, in an area generally assigned to amphibolites-facies metamorphism. Geothermobarometry and pseudosection calculation using the Grt +Opx +/-Cpx +Pl +Qtz assemblage yield an estimate of about 1.15 GPa and 800°C for peak granulite facies metamorphism. Late clinopyroxene and garnet zoning are consistent with an anticklockwise P-T path and suggest magma loading and heating of the crust. Soccer ball zircon dates this metamorphism at 1144 ±6 Ma. (6) C. 1193-1183 Ma A-type granite plutonism is reported in the Caledonian Middle-Allochthon Risberget Nappe and c. 1221-1204 Ma syenite plutons are known along the Sveconorwegian Frontal Deformation Zone. C. 1220-1130 Ma magmatism is however entirely lacking in the Idefjorden terrane. Using these constraints, we envisage the 1220-1130 Ma pre- to early-Sveconorwegian event in a trans(?)-tensional continental setting at the margin of Baltica, before final continental collision. The Telemarkia terrane was possibly located in a back arc position above an east dipping subduction system. Abundant magmatism is possibly a consequence of subduction of an oceanic ridge. Inversion took place after 1130 Ma leading to westwards thrusting of the Bamble and Kongsberg terranes.

Anti Ma2-associated myeloradiculopathy: expanding the phenotype of anti-Ma2 associated paraneoplastic syndromes

PubMed Central

Murphy, Sinead M; Khan, Usman; Alifrangis, Constantine; Hazell, Steven; Hrouda, David; Blake, Julian; Ball, Joanna; Gabriel, Carolyn; Markarian, Pierre; Rees, Jeremy; Karim, Abid; Seckl, Michael J; Lunn, Michael P; Reilly, Mary M

2013-01-01

Anti-Ma2 associated paraneoplastic syndrome usually presents as limbic encephalitis in association with testicular tumours.1, 2 Only four patients have been reported with involvement outside the CNS, two of whom also had limbic or brainstem encephalitis.2, 3 We report a man with anti- Ma2 associated myeloradiculopathy and previous testicular cancer whose neurological syndrome stabilised and anti-Ma2 titres fell following orchidectomy of a microscopically normal testis. PMID:21205983

Intentional and automatic processing of numerical information in mathematical anxiety: testing the influence of emotional priming.

PubMed

Ashkenazi, Sarit

2018-02-05

Current theoretical approaches suggest that mathematical anxiety (MA) manifests itself as a weakness in quantity manipulations. This study is the first to examine automatic versus intentional processing of numerical information using the numerical Stroop paradigm in participants with high MA. To manipulate anxiety levels, we combined the numerical Stroop task with an affective priming paradigm. We took a group of college students with high MA and compared their performance to a group of participants with low MA. Under low anxiety conditions (neutral priming), participants with high MA showed relatively intact number processing abilities. However, under high anxiety conditions (mathematical priming), participants with high MA showed (1) higher processing of the non-numerical irrelevant information, which aligns with the theoretical view regarding deficits in selective attention in anxiety and (2) an abnormal numerical distance effect. These results demonstrate that abnormal, basic numerical processing in MA is context related.

Representing exact number visually using mental abacus.

PubMed

Frank, Michael C; Barner, David

2012-02-01

Mental abacus (MA) is a system for performing rapid and precise arithmetic by manipulating a mental representation of an abacus, a physical calculation device. Previous work has speculated that MA is based on visual imagery, suggesting that it might be a method of representing exact number nonlinguistically, but given the limitations on visual working memory, it is unknown how MA structures could be stored. We investigated the structure of the representations underlying MA in a group of children in India. Our results suggest that MA is represented in visual working memory by splitting the abacus into a series of columns, each of which is independently stored as a unit with its own detailed substructure. In addition, we show that the computations of practiced MA users (but not those of control participants) are relatively insensitive to verbal interference, consistent with the hypothesis that MA is a nonlinguistic format for exact numerical computation.

42 CFR 422.618 - How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate standard... ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.618 How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions. (a) Reversals by the MA organization—(1...

42 CFR 422.324 - Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical... Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.324 Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs. (a) MA organizations may receive direct graduate medical education payments for the time that...

42 CFR 422.618 - How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate standard... ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.618 How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions. (a) Reversals by the MA organization—(1...

42 CFR 422.54 - Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. 422... Enrollment § 422.54 Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. (a) Definition. Continuation area means an additional area (outside the service area) within which the MA organization offering a local plan furnishes...

42 CFR 422.618 - How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate standard... ADVANTAGE PROGRAM Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.618 How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions. (a) Reversals by the MA organization—(1...

42 CFR 422.314 - Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA... Advantage Organizations § 422.314 Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans. (a) Establishment and designation of medical savings account (MSA). A beneficiary who elects coverage under an MA...

42 CFR 422.324 - Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical... Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.324 Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs. (a) MA organizations may receive direct graduate medical education payments for the time that...

42 CFR 422.324 - Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical... Payments to Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.324 Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs. (a) MA organizations may receive direct graduate medical education payments for the time...

42 CFR 422.54 - Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. 422... Enrollment § 422.54 Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. (a) Definition. Continuation area means an additional area (outside the service area) within which the MA organization offering a local plan furnishes...

42 CFR 422.54 - Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. 422..., and Enrollment § 422.54 Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. (a) Definition. Continuation area means an additional area (outside the service area) within which the MA organization offering a...

42 CFR 422.324 - Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical... Payments to Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.324 Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs. (a) MA organizations may receive direct graduate medical education payments for the time...

42 CFR 422.64 - Information about the MA program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Information about the MA program. 422.64 Section 422.64 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... Information about the MA program. Each MA organization must provide, on an annual basis, and in a format and...

42 CFR 422.64 - Information about the MA program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Information about the MA program. 422.64 Section 422.64 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... § 422.64 Information about the MA program. Each MA organization must provide, on an annual basis, and in...

42 CFR 422.54 - Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. 422..., and Enrollment § 422.54 Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. (a) Definition. Continuation area means an additional area (outside the service area) within which the MA organization offering a...

42 CFR 422.2268 - Standards for MA organization marketing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Standards for MA organization marketing. 422.2268... § 422.2268 Standards for MA organization marketing. Link to an amendment published at 76 FR 54634, Sept. 1, 2011. In conducting marketing activities, MA organizations may not— (a) Provide cash or other...

77 FR 40147 - Pan Am Southern, LLC.-Abandonment Exemption-in Worcester County, MA; Springfield Terminal Railway...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-06

... (Sub No. 41X)] Pan Am Southern, LLC.--Abandonment Exemption--in Worcester County, MA; Springfield Terminal Railway Company--Discontinuance of Service Exemption--in Worcester County, MA Pan Am Southern, LLC... B. Burns, Corporate Counsel, Iron Horse Park, North Billerica, MA 01862. If the verified notice...

42 CFR 422.64 - Information about the MA program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Information about the MA program. 422.64 Section 422.64 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... Information about the MA program. Each MA organization must provide, on an annual basis, and in a format and...

42 CFR 422.619 - How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate expedited..., Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.619 How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations. (a) Reversals by the MA organization. If on reconsideration of an expedited request for service...

42 CFR 422.314 - Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA... Advantage Organizations § 422.314 Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans. (a) Establishment and designation of medical savings account (MSA). A beneficiary who elects coverage under an MA...

42 CFR 422.64 - Information about the MA program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Information about the MA program. 422.64 Section 422.64 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... § 422.64 Information about the MA program. Each MA organization must provide, on an annual basis, and in...

42 CFR 422.64 - Information about the MA program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Information about the MA program. 422.64 Section 422.64 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... § 422.64 Information about the MA program. Each MA organization must provide, on an annual basis, and in...

42 CFR 422.54 - Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. 422..., and Enrollment § 422.54 Continuation of enrollment for MA local plans. (a) Definition. Continuation area means an additional area (outside the service area) within which the MA organization offering a...

42 CFR 422.324 - Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical... Payments to Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.324 Payments to MA organizations for graduate medical education costs. (a) MA organizations may receive direct graduate medical education payments for the time...

42 CFR 422.619 - How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate expedited..., Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.619 How an MA organization must effectuate expedited reconsidered determinations. (a) Reversals by the MA organization. If on reconsideration of an expedited request for service...

75 FR 74144 - Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements; Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-30

... that office. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Maritime Administration (MARAD) Title of Collection: War Risk... in participating in MARAD's war risk insurance program. Form Numbers: MA-355; MA-528; MA-742; MA-828..., the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation may provide war risk insurance adequate for the...

Discovery and utilization of sorghum genes (Ma5/Ma6)

DOEpatents

Mullet, John E; Rooney, William L; Klein, Patricia E; Morishige, Daryl; Murphy, Rebecca; Brady, Jeff A

2012-11-13

Methods and composition for the production of non-flowering or late flowering sorghum hybrid. For example, in certain aspects methods for use of molecular markers that constitute the Ma5/Ma6 pathway to modulate photoperiod sensitivity are described. The invention allows the production of plants having improved productivity and biomass generation.

Personality traits and mental health states of methamphetamine-dependent and methamphetamine non-using MSM.

PubMed

Solomon, Todd M; Kiang, Mathew V; Halkitis, Perry N; Moeller, Robert W; Pappas, Molly K

2010-02-01

This analysis considers the relation between personality traits, mental health states and methamphetamine (MA) use in 60 men who have sex with men (MSM). Thirty MA-dependent and 30 MA non-using MSM were assessed on the Neo Five Factor Inventory, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version tests. Our results indicate differences between groups on a variety of measures of personality traits and mental states. Specifically, MA-dependent participants were found to be more Neurotic, less Open, less Agreeable, and less Conscientious. Further, MA-dependent participants were found to have higher levels of Paranoid Ideation and higher levels of Interpersonal Sensitivity. Given the high prevalence of MA use in the MSM community and the association between MA use and sexual risk taking, our findings provided a clearer understanding of how individual personality traits may be a factor in the continued use of this drug among MSM. Further research should seek to incorporate individual personality traits into the development of efficacious MA-specific treatment interventions.

PKCδ inhibition enhances tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in mice after methamphetamine treatment

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Xuan-Khanh Thi; Bing, Guoying; Bach, Jae-Hyung; Park, Dae Hun; Nakayama, Keiichi; Ali, Syed F.; Kanthasamy, Anumantha G.; Cadet, Jean L.; Nabeshima, Toshitaka; Kim, Hyoung-Chun

2014-01-01

The present study was designed to evaluate the specific role of protein kinase C (PKC) δ in methamphetamine (MA)-induced dopaminergic toxicity. A multiple-dose administration regimen of MA significantly increases PKCδ expression, while rottlerin, a PKCδ inhibitor, significantly attenuates MA-induced hyperthermia and behavioural deficits. These behavioural effects were not significantly observed in PKCδ antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-treated- or PKCδ knockout (−/−)-mice. There were no MA-induced significant decreases of dopamine (DA) content or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the striatum in rottlerin-treated-, ASO-treated- or PKCδ (−/−)-mice. The administration of MA also results in a significant decrease of TH phosphorylation at ser 40, but not ser 31, while the inhibition of PKCδ consistently and significantly attenuates MA-induced reduction in the phosphorylation of TH at ser 40. Therefore, these results suggest that the MA-induced enhancement of PKCδ expression is a critical factor in the impairment of TH phosphorylation at ser 40 and that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PKCδ may be protective against MA-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in vivo. PMID:21672585

Identification of Genes Encoding Granule-Bound Starch Synthase Involved in Amylose Metabolism in Banana Fruit

PubMed Central

Liu, Weixin; Xu, Biyu; Jin, Zhiqiang

2014-01-01

Granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) is responsible for amylose synthesis, but the role of GBSS genes and their encoded proteins remains poorly understood in banana. In this study, amylose content and GBSS activity gradually increased during development of the banana fruit, and decreased during storage of the mature fruit. GBSS protein in banana starch granules was approximately 55.0 kDa. The protein was up-regulated expression during development while it was down-regulated expression during storage. Six genes, designated as MaGBSSI-1, MaGBSSI-2, MaGBSSI-3, MaGBSSI-4, MaGBSSII-1, and MaGBSSII-2, were cloned and characterized from banana fruit. Among the six genes, the expression pattern of MaGBSSI-3 was the most consistent with the changes in amylose content, GBSS enzyme activity, GBSS protein levels, and the quantity or size of starch granules in banana fruit. These results suggest that MaGBSSI-3 might regulate amylose metabolism by affecting the variation of GBSS levels and the quantity or size of starch granules in banana fruit during development or storage. PMID:24505384

Synthesis of 9,9,9-trideutero-1,4-dihydroxynonane mercapturic acid (d3-DHN-MA), a useful internal standard for DHN-MA urinalysis.

PubMed

Chantegrel, B; Deshayes, C; Doutheau, A; Steghens, J P

2002-10-01

Racemic 1,4-dihydroxynonane mercapturic acid (DHN-MA) and 9,9,9-trideutero-1,4-dihydroxynonane mercapturic acid (d3-DHN-MA) are synthesized on a 400-mg scale (overall yield approximately 40%) by a two-step sequence involving Michael addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine to methyl 4-hydroxynon-2(E)-enoate or methyl 9,9,9-trideutero-4-hydroxynon-2 (E)-enoate, followed by reduction of the intermediate adducts with lithium borohydride. The requisite starting methyl esters are obtained, respectively, from heptanal or 7,7,7-trideuteroheptanal and methyl 4-chlorophenylsulfinylacetate via a sulfoxide piperidine and carbonyl reaction described in the literature. The 7,7,7-trideuteroheptanal is easily prepared by classical methods in four steps from 6-bromo-1-hexanol. 13C NMR data indicate that DHN-MA as well as d3-DHN-MA are obtained as mixtures of four diastereomers. Preliminary results show that d3-DHN-MA could be used as an internal standard for mass spectrometric quantification of DHN-MA in human urine.

Increase of the spontaneous mutation rate in a long-term experiment with Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Avila, Victoria; Chavarrías, David; Sánchez, Enrique; Manrique, Antonio; López-Fanjul, Carlos; García-Dorado, Aurora

2006-05-01

In a previous experiment, the effect of 255 generations of mutation accumulation (MA) on the second chromosome viability of Drosophila melanogaster was studied using 200 full-sib MA1 lines and a large C1 control, both derived from a genetically homogeneous base population. At generation 265, one of those MA1 lines was expanded to start 150 new full-sib MA2 lines and a new C2 large control. After 46 generations, the rate of decline in mean viability in MA2 was approximately 2.5 times that estimated in MA1, while the average degree of dominance of mutations was small and nonsignificant by generation 40 and moderate by generation 80. In parallel, the inbreeding depression rate for viability and the amount of additive variance for two bristle traits in C2 were 2-3 times larger than those in C1. The results are consistent with a mutation rate in the line from which MA2 and C2 were derived about 2.5 times larger than that in MA1. The mean viability of C2 remained roughly similar to that of C1, but the rate of MA2 line extinction increased progressively, leading to mutational collapse, which can be ascribed to accelerated mutation and/or synergy after important deleterious accumulation.

Effects of early adolescent methamphetamine exposure on anxiety-like behavior and corticosterone levels in mice.

PubMed

Rud, Micaela A; Do, Thao N; Siegel, Jessica A

2016-10-28

Methamphetamine (MA) is an addictive psychomotor stimulant that affects the central nervous system and alters behavior. The effects of MA are modulated by age, and while much research has examined the effects of MA use in adults, relatively little research has examined the effects in adolescents. As the brain is developing during adolescence, it is important that we understand the effects of MA exposure in adolescence. This research examined the effects of acute MA exposure on locomotor and anxiety-like behavior in the open field test and plasma corticosterone levels in adolescent male C57BL/6J mice. Baseline locomotor and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in the open field test. Immediately following baseline measurements, mice were exposed to saline or 4mg/kg MA and locomotor and anxiety-like behavior were measured. Serum was collected immediately after testing and plasma corticosterone levels measured. There were no group differences in baseline behavioral measurements. MA-exposed adolescent mice showed increased locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior in the open field compared with saline controls. There was no effect of MA on plasma corticosterone levels. These data suggest that acute MA exposure during adolescence increases locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior, but does not alter plasma corticosterone levels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anxiety is not enough to drive me away: A latent profile analysis on math anxiety and math motivation.

PubMed

Wang, Zhe; Shakeshaft, Nicholas; Schofield, Kerry; Malanchini, Margherita

2018-01-01

Mathematics anxiety (MA) and mathematics motivation (MM) are important multi-dimensional non-cognitive factors in mathematics learning. While the negative relation between global MA and MM is well replicated, the relations between specific dimensions of MA and MM are largely unexplored. The present study utilized latent profile analysis to explore profiles of various aspects of MA (including learning MA and exam MA) and MM (including importance, self-perceived ability, and interest), to provide a more holistic understanding of the math-specific emotion and motivation experiences. In a sample of 927 high school students (13-21 years old), we found 8 distinct profiles characterized by various combinations of dimensions of MA and MM, revealing the complexity in the math-specific emotion-motivation relation beyond a single negative correlation. Further, these profiles differed on mathematics learning behaviors and mathematics achievement. For example, the highest achieving students reported modest exam MA and high MM, whereas the most engaged students were characterized by a combination of high exam MA and high MM. These results call for the need to move beyond linear relations among global constructs to address the complexity in the emotion-motivation-cognition interplay in mathematics learning, and highlight the importance of customized intervention for these heterogeneous groups.

Anxiety is not enough to drive me away: A latent profile analysis on math anxiety and math motivation

PubMed Central

Shakeshaft, Nicholas; Schofield, Kerry; Malanchini, Margherita

2018-01-01

Mathematics anxiety (MA) and mathematics motivation (MM) are important multi-dimensional non-cognitive factors in mathematics learning. While the negative relation between global MA and MM is well replicated, the relations between specific dimensions of MA and MM are largely unexplored. The present study utilized latent profile analysis to explore profiles of various aspects of MA (including learning MA and exam MA) and MM (including importance, self-perceived ability, and interest), to provide a more holistic understanding of the math-specific emotion and motivation experiences. In a sample of 927 high school students (13–21 years old), we found 8 distinct profiles characterized by various combinations of dimensions of MA and MM, revealing the complexity in the math-specific emotion-motivation relation beyond a single negative correlation. Further, these profiles differed on mathematics learning behaviors and mathematics achievement. For example, the highest achieving students reported modest exam MA and high MM, whereas the most engaged students were characterized by a combination of high exam MA and high MM. These results call for the need to move beyond linear relations among global constructs to address the complexity in the emotion-motivation-cognition interplay in mathematics learning, and highlight the importance of customized intervention for these heterogeneous groups. PMID:29444137

Soda Consumption Among Methamphetamine Users in the U.S.: Impact on Oral Health

PubMed Central

Murphy, Debra A.; Harrell, Lauren; Fintzy, Rachel; Vitero, Steven; Gutierrez, Alexis; Shetty, Vivek

2014-01-01

Purpose Dental disease is associated with methamphetamine (MA) use, and partly attributed to excessive consumption of sugared sodas. Hence the purpose was to verify patterns of sugared soda intake and their relationship to oral health. Methods Detailed assessments with 541 MA users at two dental clinics were conducted. Assessment included a lifetime history of methamphetamine use, sugared soda consumption, and a dental exam. Results Subjects were predominantly male (80.8%; mean age 44.4 years), on average had used MA for 11.6 years, and drank an average of 35.3 sodas per month. Number of days of MA use over the past 30 days was significantly associated with soda consumption. Increased years of MA use was associated with the likelihood of users reporting less overall satisfaction with life because of their teeth, specifically difficulty eating, and dry mouth. This is the first study to show a statistically significant association between MA use and sugared soda consumption. Conclusions MA users’ consumption of sugared sodas is higher than the adult general population, and this is the first study to show a statistically significant association between MA use and sugared soda consumption. In addition, increased soda consumption was associated with more dental problems among MA users. PMID:26870851

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.

Rotund versus skinny orogens: Well-nourished or malnourished gold?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Goldfarb, R.J.; Groves, D.I.; Gardoll, S.

2001-01-01

Orogenic gold vein deposits require a particular conjunction of processes to form and be preserved, and their global distribution can be related to broad-scale, evolving tectonic processes throughout Earth history. A heterogeneous distribution of formation ages for these mineral deposits is marked by two major Precambrian peaks (2800-2555 Ma and 2100-1800 Ma), a singular lack of deposits for 1200 m.y. (1800-600 Ma), and relatively continuous formation since then (after 600 Ma). The older parts of the distribution relate to major episodes of continental growth, perhaps controlled by plume-influenced mantle overturn events, in the hotter early Earth (ca. 1800 Ma or earlier). This worldwide process allowed preservation of gold deposits in cratons, roughly equidimensional, large masses of buoyant continental crust. Evolution to a less episodic, more continuous, modern-style plate tectonic regime led to the accretion of volcano-sedimentary complexes as progressively younger linear orogenic belts sorrounding the margins of the more buoyant cratons. The susceptibility of these linear belts to uplift and erosion can explain the overall lack of orogenic gold deposits at 1800-600 Ma, their exposure in 600-50 Ma orogens, the increasing importance of placer deposits back through the Phanerozoic since ca. 100 Ma, and the absence of gold deposits in orogenic belts younger than ca. 50 Ma.

Fabrication and Magnetic Properties of Co₂MnAl Heusler Alloys by Mechanical Alloying.

PubMed

Lee, Chung-Hyo

2018-02-01

We have applied mechanical alloying (MA) to produce nanocrystalline Co2MnAl Heusler alloys using a mixture of elemental Co50Mn25Al25 powders. An optimal milling and heat treatment conditions to obtain a Co2MnAl Heusler phase with fine microstructure were investigated by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter and vibrating sample magnetometer measurements. α-(Co, Mn, Al) FCC phases coupled with amorphous phase are obtained after 3 hours of MA without any evidence for the formation of Co2MnAl alloys. On the other hand, a Co2MnAl Heusler alloys can be obtained by the heat treatment of all MA samples up to 650 °C. X-ray diffraction result shows that the average grain size of Co2MnAl Heusler alloys prepared by MA for 5 h and heat treatment is in the range of 95 nm. The saturation magnetization of MA powders decreases with MA time due to the magnetic dilution by alloying with nonmagnetic Mn and Al elements. The magnetic hardening due to the reduction of the grain size with ball milling is also observed. However, the saturation magnetization of MA powders after heat treatment increases with MA time and reaches to a maximum value of 105 emu/g after 5 h of MA. It can be also seen that the coercivity of 5 h MA sample annealed at 650 °C is fairly low value of 25 Oe.

Genome-wide analysis of autophagy-related genes in banana highlights MaATG8s in cell death and autophagy in immune response to Fusarium wilt.

PubMed

Wei, Yunxie; Liu, Wen; Hu, Wei; Liu, Guoyin; Wu, Chunjie; Liu, Wei; Zeng, Hongqiu; He, Chaozu; Shi, Haitao

2017-08-01

MaATG8s play important roles in hypersensitive-like cell death and immune response, and autophagy is essential for disease resistance against Foc in banana. Autophagy is responsible for the degradation of damaged cytoplasmic constituents in the lysosomes or vacuoles. Although the effects of autophagy have been extensively revealed in model plants, the possible roles of autophagy-related gene in banana remain unknown. In this study, 32 MaATGs were identified in the draft genome, and the profiles of several MaATGs in response to fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) were also revealled. We found that seven MaATG8s were commonly regulated by Foc. Through transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, we highlight the novel roles of MaATG8s in conferring hypersensitive-like cell death, and MaATG8s-mediated hypersensitive response-like cell death is dependent on autophagy. Notablly, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment resulted in decreased disease resistance in response to Foc4, and the effect of 3-MA treatment could be rescued by exogenous salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene, indicating the involvement of autophagy-mediated plant hormones in banana resistance to Fusarium wilt. Taken together, this study may extend our understanding the putative role of MaATG8s in hypersensitive-like cell death and the essential role of autophagy in immune response against Foc in banana.

Hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon nanospheres with high and durable capabilities for lithium and sodium storage.

PubMed

Ma, Lianbo; Chen, Renpeng; Hu, Yi; Zhu, Guoyin; Chen, Tao; Lu, Hongling; Liang, Jia; Tie, Zuoxiu; Jin, Zhong; Liu, Jie

2016-10-20

To improve the energy storage performance of carbon-based materials, considerable attention has been paid to the design and fabrication of novel carbon architectures with structural and chemical modifications. Herein, we report that hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon (HPNC) nanospheres originating from acidic etching of metal carbide/carbon hybrid nanoarchitectures can be employed as high-performance anode materials for both lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The structural advantages of HPNC nanospheres are that the exceptionally-high content of nitrogen (17.4 wt%) can provide abundant electroactive sites and enlarge the interlayer distance (∼3.5 Å) to improve the capacity, and the large amount of micropores and mesopores can serve as reservoirs for storing lithium/sodium ions. In LIBs, HPNC based anodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 1187 mA h g -1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g -1 , a great rate performance of 470 mA h g -1 at 5000 mA g -1 , and outstanding cycling stabilities with a capacity of 788 mA h g -1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 . In SIBs, HPNC based anodes exhibit a remarkable reversible capacity of 357 mA h g -1 at 100 mA g -1 and high long-term stability with a capacity of 136 mA h g -1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 .

Profile of psychiatric symptoms in methamphetamine users in China: Greater risk of psychiatric symptoms with a longer duration of use.

PubMed

Ma, Jun; Sun, Xin-Jun; Wang, Ru-Jia; Wang, Tong-Yu; Su, Meng-Fan; Liu, Mo-Xuan; Li, Su-Xia; Han, Ying; Meng, Shi-Qiu; Wu, Ping; Shi, Jie; Bao, Yan-Ping; Lu, Lin

2018-04-01

Chronic methamphetamine (MA) use is associated with psychiatric symptoms. This study explored pattern of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms in MA users and their relationship to duration of MA use. A cross-sectional study was conducted among MA users at the Shenzhen Compulsory Drug Detoxification Center from April 2012 to October 2015. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess psychiatric symptoms. Among 1277 MA users, 57.6% participants had any type of psychiatric symptoms including depressive, anxiety and psychotic symptoms. A dose-response relationship was found between duration of MA use and risk of psychiatric symptoms. The odds ratios (OR) of depressive symptoms increased with the duration of MA use (1-5 years vs. < 1 year: 1.74 [95% CI, 1.24-2.42]; ≥ 5 years vs. < 1 year: 2.07 [1.19-3.61]), so did the ORs of co-occurring anxiety and depressive symptoms (1-5 years: 1.74 [1.20-2.51]; ≥ 5 years: 3.09 [1.76-5.40]). Methamphetamine-dependent individuals were four-times more likely to experience any type of psychiatric symptoms than non-dependent users. The prevalence of psychiatric symptoms was high in chronic MA users and increased with MA use duration. Early prevention and treatment strategies targeting both MA use and associated psychiatric symptoms are needed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fermented herbal formula KIOM-MA-128 protects against acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in mice.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Gun; Lee, Mi-Ra; Yoo, Jae-Myung; Park, Kwang-Il; Ma, Jin-Yeul

2017-07-05

Colitis is a well-known subtype of inflammatory bowel disease and is caused by diverse factors. Previous research has shown that KIOM-MA elicits anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects on various diseases. KIOM-MA-128, our novel herbal formula, was generated from KIOM-MA using probiotics to improve the therapeutic efficacy. We investigated whether KIOM-MA-128 has protective activity in a mouse model of acute colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Colitis was induced by DSS administered to ICR mice in drinking water. KIOM-MA-128 (125 or 250 mg/kg) was orally administered once per day. The body weights of the mice were measured daily, and colonic endoscopies were performed at 5 and 8 days. Colon length as well as histological and cytokine changes were observed at the end of drug administration. KIOM-MA-128 has pharmacological activity in an acute colitis model. KIOM-MA-128 reduced the loss of body weight and disease activity index (DAI) and inhibited the abnormally short colon lengths and the colonic damage in this mouse model of acute colitis. Moreover, KIOM-MA-128 suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and maintained the integrity of the tight junctions during DSS-induced colitis. The results indicated that KIOM-MA-128 protects against DSS-induced colitis in mice and suggested that this formula might be a candidate treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Lithium protects against methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathway

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

Wu, Jintao; Zhu, Dexiao; Zhang, Jing

Methamphetamine (MA) is neurotoxic, especially in dopaminergic neurons. Long-lasting exposure to MA causes psychosis and increases the risk of Parkinson's disease. Lithium (Li) is a known mood stabilizer and has neuroprotective effects. Previous studies suggest that MA exposure decreases the phosphorylation of Akt/GSK3β pathway in vivo, whereas Li facilitates the phosphorylation of Akt/GSK3β pathway. Moreover, GSK3β and mTOR are implicated in the locomotor sensitization induced by psychostimulants and mTOR plays a critical role in MA induced toxicity. However, the effect of MA on Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathway has not been fully investigated in vitro. Here, we found that MA exposure significantly dephosphorylated Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathwaymore » in PC12 cells. In addition, Li remarkably attenuated the dephosphorylation effect of MA exposure on Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, Li showed obvious protective effects against MA toxicity and LY294002 (Akt inhibitor) suppressed the protective effects of Li. Together, MA exposure dephosphorylates Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathway in vitro, while lithium protects against MA-induced neurotoxicity via phosphorylation of Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathway. - Highlights: • Lithium protects against methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. • Methamphetamine exposure dephosphorylates Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathway. • Lithium attenuates methamphetamine-induced toxicity via phosphorylating Akt/GSK3β/mTOR pathway.« less

Spatial variations in focused exhumation along a continental-scale strike-slip fault: The Denali fault of the eastern Alaska Range

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benowitz, J.A.; Layer, P.W.; Armstrong, P.; Perry, S.E.; Haeussler, Peter J.; Fitzgerald, P.G.; VanLaningham, S.

2011-01-01

40Ar/39Ar, apatite fission-track, and apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronological techniques were used to determine the Neogene exhumation history of the topographically asymmetric eastern Alaska Range. Exhumation cooling ages range from ~33 Ma to ~18 Ma for 40Ar/39Ar biotite, ~18 Ma to ~6 Ma for K-feldspar minimum closure ages, and ~15 Ma to ~1 Ma for apatite fission-track ages, and apatite (U-Th)/He cooling ages range from ~4 Ma to ~1 Ma. There has been at least ~11 km of exhumation adjacent to the north side of Denali fault during the Neogene inferred from biotite 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology. Variations in exhumation history along and across the strike of the fault are influenced by both far-field effects and local structural irregularities. We infer deformation and rapid exhumation have been occurring in the eastern Alaska Range since at least ~22 Ma most likely related to the continued collision of the Yakutat microplate with the North American plate. The Nenana Mountain region is the late Pleistocene to Holocene (~past 1 Ma) primary locus of tectonically driven exhumation in the eastern Alaska Range, possibly related to variations in fault geometry. During the Pliocene, a marked increase in climatic instability and related global cooling is temporally correlated with an increase in exhumation rates in the eastern Alaska Range north of the Denali fault system.

Effects of L-methamphetamine treatment on cocaine- and food-maintained behavior in rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Kohut, Stephen J; Bergman, Jack; Blough, Bruce E

2016-03-01

Monoamine releasers with prominent dopaminergic actions, e.g., D-methamphetamine (D-MA), significantly reduce cocaine use and craving in clinical and preclinical laboratory studies. However, D-MA and related drugs also display high abuse potential, which limits their acceptability as agonist replacement medications for the management of Cocaine Use Disorder. The L-isomer of methamphetamine (L-MA), unlike D-MA, has preferential noradrenergic actions and is used medicinally with low, if any, abuse liability. The present study was conducted to determine whether L-MA could serve as an agonist replacement medication by both mimicking interoceptive effects of cocaine and decreasing intravenous (IV) cocaine self-administration. Separate groups (N = 4-5) of rhesus monkeys were studied to determine whether L-MA could (1) substitute for cocaine in subjects that discriminated intramuscular (IM) cocaine (0.4 mg/kg) from saline and (2) decrease IV cocaine self-administration under a second-order FR2(VR16:S) schedule of reinforcement. L-MA, like D-MA but with approximately 5-fold lesser potency, substituted for cocaine in drug discrimination experiments in a dose-dependent manner. In IV self-administration studies, 5-10-day treatments with continuously infused L-MA (0.032-0.32 mg/kg/h, IV) dose-dependently decreased cocaine-maintained responding; the highest dosage reduced cocaine intake to levels of saline self-administration without appreciable effects on food-maintained responding. These results indicate that L-MA both shares discriminative stimulus effects with cocaine and reduces cocaine self-administration in a behaviorally selective manner. L-MA and other compounds with a similar pharmacological profile deserve further evaluation for the management of Cocaine Use Disorder.

Macular Atrophy Development and Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits in Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treated Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PubMed

Zarubina, Anna V; Gal-Or, Orly; Huisingh, Carrie E; Owsley, Cynthia; Freund, K Bailey

2017-12-01

To explore the association between presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) at baseline in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with the development of macular atrophy (MA) during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. There were 74 eyes without pre-existing MA receiving anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD for 2 years or longer analyzed. At least two image modalities that included spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, near-infrared reflectance, fluorescein angiography, and color fundus photos were used to assess for SDD presence, phenotype (dot and ribbon), and location, neovascularization type, and MA. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations assessed the association between SDD and the development of MA adjusting for age, neovascularization type, and choroidal thickness. SDD were present in 46 eyes (63%) at baseline. MA developed in 38 eyes (51%) during the mean of 4.7 ± 1.2 years of follow-up. Compared with eyes without SDD, those with SDD at baseline were 3.0 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-8.5, P = 0.0343) more likely to develop MA. Eyes with SDD present in the inferior macula and inferior extramacular fields at baseline were 3.0 times and 6.5 times more likely to develop MA at follow-up than eyes without SDD in these locations (95% CI 1.0-8.9, P = 0.0461 and 95% CI 1.3-32.4, P = 0.0218, respectively). MA development was not associated with a specific SDD phenotype. MA frequently developed in eyes during anti-VEGF treatment. SDD were independently associated with MA development. The extension of SDD into the inferior fundus, particularly in the inferior extramacular field, conferred higher odds of subsequent MA development.

Macular Atrophy Development and Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits in Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treated Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PubMed Central

Zarubina, Anna V.; Gal-Or, Orly; Huisingh, Carrie E.; Owsley, Cynthia

2017-01-01

Purpose To explore the association between presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) at baseline in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with the development of macular atrophy (MA) during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Methods There were 74 eyes without pre-existing MA receiving anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD for 2 years or longer analyzed. At least two image modalities that included spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, near-infrared reflectance, fluorescein angiography, and color fundus photos were used to assess for SDD presence, phenotype (dot and ribbon), and location, neovascularization type, and MA. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations assessed the association between SDD and the development of MA adjusting for age, neovascularization type, and choroidal thickness. Results SDD were present in 46 eyes (63%) at baseline. MA developed in 38 eyes (51%) during the mean of 4.7 ± 1.2 years of follow-up. Compared with eyes without SDD, those with SDD at baseline were 3.0 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–8.5, P = 0.0343) more likely to develop MA. Eyes with SDD present in the inferior macula and inferior extramacular fields at baseline were 3.0 times and 6.5 times more likely to develop MA at follow-up than eyes without SDD in these locations (95% CI 1.0–8.9, P = 0.0461 and 95% CI 1.3–32.4, P = 0.0218, respectively). MA development was not associated with a specific SDD phenotype. Conclusions MA frequently developed in eyes during anti-VEGF treatment. SDD were independently associated with MA development. The extension of SDD into the inferior fundus, particularly in the inferior extramacular field, conferred higher odds of subsequent MA development. PMID:29196768

Genome-wide analysis of transcription factors during somatic embryogenesis in banana (Musa spp.) cv. Grand Naine.

PubMed

Shivani; Awasthi, Praveen; Sharma, Vikrant; Kaur, Navjot; Kaur, Navneet; Pandey, Pankaj; Tiwari, Siddharth

2017-01-01

Transcription factors BABY BOOM (BBM), WUSCHEL (WUS), BSD, LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC), LEAFY COTYLEDON LIKE (LIL), VIVIPAROUS1 (VP1), CUP SHAPED COTYLEDONS (CUC), BOLITA (BOL), and AGAMOUS LIKE (AGL) play a crucial role in somatic embryogenesis. In this study, we identified eighteen genes of these nine transcription factors families from the banana genome database. All genes were analyzed for their structural features, subcellular, and chromosomal localization. Protein sequence analysis indicated the presence of characteristic conserved domains in these transcription factors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close evolutionary relationship among most transcription factors of various monocots. The expression patterns of eighteen genes in embryogenic callus containing somatic embryos (precisely isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection), non-embryogenic callus, and cell suspension cultures of banana cultivar Grand Naine were analyzed. The application of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) in the callus induction medium enhanced the expression of MaBBM1, MaBBM2, MaWUS2, and MaVP1 in the embryogenic callus. It suggested 2, 4-D acts as an inducer for the expression of these genes. The higher expression of MaBBM2 and MaWUS2 in embryogenic cell suspension (ECS) as compared to non-embryogenic cells suspension (NECS), suggested that these genes may play a crucial role in banana somatic embryogenesis. MaVP1 showed higher expression in both ECS and NECS, whereas MaLEC2 expression was significantly higher in NECS. It suggests that MaLEC2 has a role in the development of non-embryogenic cells. We postulate that MaBBM2 and MaWUS2 can be served as promising molecular markers for the embryogencity in banana.

Identification and expression analysis of four 14-3-3 genes during fruit ripening in banana (Musa acuminata L. AAA group, cv. Brazilian).

PubMed

Li, Mei-Ying; Xu, Bi-Yu; Liu, Ju-Hua; Yang, Xiao-Liang; Zhang, Jian-Bin; Jia, Cai-Hong; Ren, Li-Cheng; Jin, Zhi-Qiang

2012-02-01

To investigate the regulation of 14-3-3 proteins in banana (Musa acuminata L. AAA group, cv. Brazilian) fruit postharvest ripening, four cDNAs encoding 14-3-3 proteins were isolated from banana and designated as Ma-14-3-3a, Ma-14-3-3c, Ma-14-3-3e, and Ma-14-3-3i, respectively. Amino acid sequence alignment showed that the four 14-3-3 proteins shared a highly conserved core structure and variable C-terminal as well as N-terminal regions with 14-3-3 proteins from other plant species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the four 14-3-3 genes belong to the non-ε groups. They were differentially and specifically expressed in various tissues. Real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that these four genes function differentially during banana fruit postharvest ripening. Three genes, Ma-14-3-3a, Ma-14-3-3c, and Ma-14-3-3e, were significantly induced by exogenous ethylene treatment. However, gene function differed in naturally ripened fruits. Ethylene could induce Ma-14-3-3c expression during postharvest ripening, but expression patterns of Ma-14-3-3a and Ma-14-3-3e suggest that these two genes appear to be involved in regulating ethylene biosynthesis during fruit ripening. No obvious relationship emerged between Ma-14-3-3i expression in naturally ripened and 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene)-treated fruit groups during fruit ripening. These results indicate that the 14-3-3 proteins might be involved in various regulatory processes of banana fruit ripening. Further studies will mainly focus on revealing the detailed biological mechanisms of these four 14-3-3 genes in regulating banana fruit postharvest ripening.

Genome-wide analysis of transcription factors during somatic embryogenesis in banana (Musa spp.) cv. Grand Naine

PubMed Central

Shivani; Awasthi, Praveen; Sharma, Vikrant; Kaur, Navjot; Kaur, Navneet; Pandey, Pankaj

2017-01-01

Transcription factors BABY BOOM (BBM), WUSCHEL (WUS), BSD, LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC), LEAFY COTYLEDON LIKE (LIL), VIVIPAROUS1 (VP1), CUP SHAPED COTYLEDONS (CUC), BOLITA (BOL), and AGAMOUS LIKE (AGL) play a crucial role in somatic embryogenesis. In this study, we identified eighteen genes of these nine transcription factors families from the banana genome database. All genes were analyzed for their structural features, subcellular, and chromosomal localization. Protein sequence analysis indicated the presence of characteristic conserved domains in these transcription factors. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close evolutionary relationship among most transcription factors of various monocots. The expression patterns of eighteen genes in embryogenic callus containing somatic embryos (precisely isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection), non-embryogenic callus, and cell suspension cultures of banana cultivar Grand Naine were analyzed. The application of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) in the callus induction medium enhanced the expression of MaBBM1, MaBBM2, MaWUS2, and MaVP1 in the embryogenic callus. It suggested 2, 4-D acts as an inducer for the expression of these genes. The higher expression of MaBBM2 and MaWUS2 in embryogenic cell suspension (ECS) as compared to non-embryogenic cells suspension (NECS), suggested that these genes may play a crucial role in banana somatic embryogenesis. MaVP1 showed higher expression in both ECS and NECS, whereas MaLEC2 expression was significantly higher in NECS. It suggests that MaLEC2 has a role in the development of non-embryogenic cells. We postulate that MaBBM2 and MaWUS2 can be served as promising molecular markers for the embryogencity in banana. PMID:28797040

The effects of the court-type Thai traditional massage on anatomical relations, blood flow, and skin temperature of the neck, shoulder, and arm.

PubMed

Plakornkul, Vasana; Vannabhum, Manmas; Viravud, Yadaridee; Roongruangchai, Jantima; Mutirangura, Pramook; Akarasereenont, Pravit; Laohapand, Tawee

2016-09-15

Court-type Thai traditional massage (CTTM) has specific major signal points (MaSP) for treating musculoskeletal conditions. The objectives of this study are to investigate the anatomical surfaces and structures of MaSPs, and to examine blood flow (BF) and skin temperature (ST) changes after applying pressure on the MaSPs on neck, shoulder, and arm areas. In the anatomical study, 83 cadavers were dissected and the anatomical surfaces and structures of the 15 MaSPs recorded. In human volunteers, BF, peak systolic velocity (PS), diameter of artery (DA), and ST changes were measured at baseline and after pressure application at 0, 30, 60, 180, and 300 s. There was no statistical difference in anatomical surfaces and structures of MaSP between the left and right side of the body. The 3 MaSPs on the neck were shown to be anatomically separated from the location of the common carotid arteries. The BF of MaSPs of the neck significantly and immediately increased after pressure application for 30 s and for 60 s in the arm (p < 0.001). ST increased significantly and immediately after pressure application for 300 s (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between BF and ST at any of the MaSPs. This study showed that MaSP massages were mainly directed towards muscles. MaSPs can cause significant, but brief, increases in BF and ST. Further studies are suggested to identify changes in BF and ST for all of the MaSPs after actual massage treatment sessions as well as other physiological effects of massage.

Effects of l-methamphetamine treatment on cocaine- and food-maintained behavior in rhesus monkeys

PubMed Central

Kohut, Stephen J.; Bergman, Jack; Blough, Bruce E.

2015-01-01

Rationale Monoamine releasers with prominent dopaminergic actions, e.g., d-methamphetamine (d-MA), significantly reduce cocaine use and craving in clinical and preclinical laboratory studies. However, d-MA and related drugs also display high abuse potential, which limits their acceptability as agonist replacement medications for the management of Cocaine Use Disorder. Objectives The l-isomer of methamphetamine (l-MA), unlike d-MA, has preferential noradrenergic actions and is used medicinally with low, if any, abuse liability. The present study was conducted to determine whether l-MA could serve as an agonist replacement medication by both mimicking interoceptive effects of cocaine and decreasing intravenous (IV) cocaine self-administration. Methods Separate groups (N=4-5) of rhesus monkeys were studied to determine whether l-MA could (1) substitute for cocaine in subjects that discriminated intramuscular (IM) cocaine (0.4 mg/kg) from saline and, (2) decrease IV cocaine self-administration under a second-order FR2(VR16:S) schedule of reinforcement. Results l-MA, like d-MA but with approximately 5-fold lesser potency, substituted for cocaine in drug discrimination experiments in a dose-dependent manner. In IV self-administration studies, 5-10 day treatments with continuously infused l-MA (0.032-0.32 mg/kg/hr, IV) dose-dependently decreased cocaine-maintained responding; the highest dosage reduced cocaine intake to levels of saline self-administration without appreciable effects on food-maintained responding. Conclusions These results indicate that l-MA both shares discriminative-stimulus effects with cocaine and reduces cocaine self-administration in a behaviorally selective manner. l-MA and other compounds with a similar pharmacological profile deserve further evaluation for the management of Cocaine Use Disorder. PMID:26713332

Monoaminergic Psychomotor Stimulants: Discriminative Stimulus Effects and Dopamine Efflux

PubMed Central

Desai, Rajeev I.; Paronis, Carol A.; Martin, Jared; Desai, Ramya

2010-01-01

The present studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between discriminative stimulus effects of indirectly acting monoaminergic psychostimulants and their ability to increase extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcb) shell. First, the behavioral effects of methamphetamine (MA), cocaine (COC), 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl-)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR 12909), d-amphetamine, and methylphenidate were established in rats trained to discriminate intraperitoneal injections of 0.3 mg/kg MA from saline. In other studies, in vivo microdialysis was used to determine the effects of MA, COC, and GBR 12909 on extracellular DA levels in the NAcb shell. Results show that all drugs produced dose-related and full substitution for the discriminative stimulus effects of 0.3 mg/kg MA. In microdialysis studies, cumulatively administered MA (0.3–3 mg/kg), COC (3–56 mg/kg), and GBR 12909 (3–30 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in DA efflux in the NAcb shell to maxima of approximately 1200 to 1300% of control values. The increase in DA levels produced by MA and COC was rapid and short-lived, whereas the effect of GBR 12909 was slower and longer lasting. Dose-related increases in MA lever selection produced by MA, COC, and GBR 12909 corresponded with graded increases in DA levels in the NAcb shell. Doses of MA, COC, and GBR 12909 that produced full substitution increased DA levels to approximately 200 to 400% of control values. Finally, cumulatively administered MA produced comparable changes in DA levels in both naive and 0.3 mg/kg MA-trained rats. These latter results suggest that sensitization of DA release does not play a prominent role in the discriminative stimulus effects of psychomotor stimulants. PMID:20190012

Consistent cortical reconstruction and multi-atlas brain segmentation.

PubMed

Huo, Yuankai; Plassard, Andrew J; Carass, Aaron; Resnick, Susan M; Pham, Dzung L; Prince, Jerry L; Landman, Bennett A

2016-09-01

Whole brain segmentation and cortical surface reconstruction are two essential techniques for investigating the human brain. Spatial inconsistences, which can hinder further integrated analyses of brain structure, can result due to these two tasks typically being conducted independently of each other. FreeSurfer obtains self-consistent whole brain segmentations and cortical surfaces. It starts with subcortical segmentation, then carries out cortical surface reconstruction, and ends with cortical segmentation and labeling. However, this "segmentation to surface to parcellation" strategy has shown limitations in various cohorts such as older populations with large ventricles. In this work, we propose a novel "multi-atlas segmentation to surface" method called Multi-atlas CRUISE (MaCRUISE), which achieves self-consistent whole brain segmentations and cortical surfaces by combining multi-atlas segmentation with the cortical reconstruction method CRUISE. A modification called MaCRUISE(+) is designed to perform well when white matter lesions are present. Comparing to the benchmarks CRUISE and FreeSurfer, the surface accuracy of MaCRUISE and MaCRUISE(+) is validated using two independent datasets with expertly placed cortical landmarks. A third independent dataset with expertly delineated volumetric labels is employed to compare segmentation performance. Finally, 200MR volumetric images from an older adult sample are used to assess the robustness of MaCRUISE and FreeSurfer. The advantages of MaCRUISE are: (1) MaCRUISE constructs self-consistent voxelwise segmentations and cortical surfaces, while MaCRUISE(+) is robust to white matter pathology. (2) MaCRUISE achieves more accurate whole brain segmentations than independently conducting the multi-atlas segmentation. (3) MaCRUISE is comparable in accuracy to FreeSurfer (when FreeSurfer does not exhibit global failures) while achieving greater robustness across an older adult population. MaCRUISE has been made freely available in open source. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New insights into Arctic paleogeography and tectonics from U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, E.L.; Toro, J.; Gehrels, G.; Amato, J.M.; Prokopiev, A.; Tuchkova, M.I.; Akinin, V.V.; Dumitru, T.A.; Moore, Thomas E.; Cecile, M.P.

2006-01-01

To test existing models for the formation of the Amerasian Basin, detrital zircon suites from 12 samples of Triassic sandstone from the circum-Arctic region were dated by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The northern Verkhoyansk (NE Russia) has Permo-Carboniferous (265-320 Ma) and Cambro-Silurian (410-505 Ma) zircon populations derived via river systems from the active Baikal Mountain region along the southern Siberian craton. Chukotka, Wrangel Island (Russia), and the Lisburne Hills (western Alaska) also have Permo-Carboniferous (280-330 Ma) and late Precambrian-Silurian (420-580 Ma) zircons in addition to Permo-Triassic (235-265 Ma), Devonian (340-390 Ma), and late Precambrian (1000-1300 Ma) zircons. These ages suggest at least partial derivation from the Taimyr, Siberian Trap, and/ or east Urals regions of Arctic Russia. The northerly derived Ivishak Formation (Sadlerochit Mountains, Alaska) and Pat Bay Formation (Sverdrup Basin, Canada) are dominated by Cambrian-latest Precambrian (500-600 Ma) and 445-490 Ma zircons. Permo-Carboniferous and Permo-Triassic zircons are absent. The Bjorne Formation (Sverdrup Basin), derived from the south, differs from other samples studied with mostly 1130-1240 Ma and older Precambrian zircons in addition to 430-470 Ma zircons. The most popular tectonic model for the origin of the Amerasian Basin involves counterclockwise rotation of the Arctic Alaska-Chukotka microplate away from the Canadian Arctic margin. The detrital zircon data suggest that the Chukotka part of the microplate originated closer to the Taimyr and Verkhoyansk, east of the Polar Urals of Russia, and not from the Canadian Arctic. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of megestrol acetate as an appetite stimulant in children with weight loss due to cancer and/or cancer therapy.

PubMed

Cuvelier, Geoff D E; Baker, Tina J; Peddie, Elaine F; Casey, Linda M; Lambert, Pascal J; Distefano, Dianne S; Wardle, Marlene G; Mychajlunow, Beth A; Romanick, Marcel A; Dix, David B; Wilson, Beverly A

2014-04-01

Megestrol acetate (MA) is an appetite stimulant with efficacy in promoting weight gain in adults with cancer-associated anorexia-cachexia. Studies documenting MA efficacy in children, however, are limited. We present the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of MA versus placebo in children with cancer and weight loss. Subjects <18 years of age with weight loss (minimum 5% from highest previous weight; or %ideal body weight <90%) due to cancer and/or cancer therapy were randomized to either MA (7.5 mg/kg/day) or placebo for a planned study duration of 90 days. Primary outcome was the difference between groups in mean percent weight change from beginning to end of the study period. Secondary outcomes included effects on anthropometrics, body composition, need for tube feeding or parenteral nutrition, and toxicities. Twenty-six patients were randomly assigned (13 MA, 13 placebo). The MA group experienced a mean weight gain of +19.7% compared to a mean weight loss of -1.2% in the placebo group, for a difference of +20.9% (95%CI: +11.3% to +30.5%, P = 0.003) in favor of MA over placebo. MA subjects experienced significant increases in weight for age z-scores, body mass index z-scores, and mid upper arm circumference compared to placebo. DXA scanning suggested disproportionate increases in fat accrual. Adrenal suppression was the main toxicity of MA. In children with high-risk malignancies, MA resulted in significant increases in mean percent weight change compared to placebo. Further studies of MA should be pursued to better delineate the effect on nutritional status. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

P300 event-related potential in abstinent methamphetamine-dependent patients.

PubMed

Haifeng, Jiang; Wenxu, Zhuang; Hong, Cheng; Chuanwei, Li; Jiang, Du; Haiming, Sun; Zhikang, Chen; Din, Xu; Jijun, Wang; Min, Zhao

2015-10-01

Substance use and abuse are characterized by biases in the attentional processing of substance-related stimuli. There are no event related potential (ERP)-based studies of attentional bias for substance-related cues among methamphetamine (MA) dependent patients. The study aimed to measure changes in P300 event-related potentials elicited by MA-related words in MA-dependent individuals at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of abstinence, examining the relationship of ERP changes to craving. 26 MA-dependent patients (14 male) newly enrolled in two compulsory treatment centers in China and 29 healthy controls (15 male) were included in this study. At baseline (2-3 weeks in treatment) and after 3 and 6 months of abstinence from MA use, we obtained ERP data during a Stroop color-matching task using MA-related and neutral words. Self-reported craving was measured by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Increased P300 amplitudes elicited by MA-related words were observed over left-anterior electrode sites. Abnormal P300 amplitudes declined to the normal levels of healthy controls at the end of 3 months of abstinence, and the decrease was maintained up to the end of 6 months of abstinence. The behavioral data did not show similar changes. The positive relationship between the changes of VAS scores for MA craving and the changes of P300 amplitudes over left anterior electrode sites elicited by MA-related words within the first 3 months was significant. These findings highlight the potential use of ERP as an objective index to track changes in subjective MA craving among abstinent MA-dependent patients. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Methamphetamine potentiates behavioral and electrochemical responses after mild traumatic brain injury in mice.

PubMed

Shen, Hui; Harvey, Brandon K; Chiang, Yung-Hsiao; Pick, Chaim G; Wang, Yun

2011-01-12

We previously demonstrated that high doses of methamphetamine (MA) exacerbate damage induced by severe brain trauma. The purpose of the present study was to examine if MA, at low dosage, affected abnormalities in locomotor activity and dopamine turnover in a mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Adult male CD1 mice were treated with MA (5 mg/kgi.p.) or vehicle 30-min prior to mTBI, conducted by dropping a 30 g metal weight onto the temporal skull, anterior the right ear. At 15 min after mTBI, animals were put into locomotor activity chambers for up to 72 h. During the first 3 h, mTBI alone, compared with vehicle control, did not alter total distance travelled. Treatment with MA significantly increased locomotor activity in the control animals during the first 3 h; mTBI reduced MA-induced hyperactivity. In contrast, at 2 and 3 days after injury, mTBI or MA alone reduced locomotor activity. Co-treatment with MA and mTBI further reduced this activity, suggesting a differential and temporal behavioral interaction between MA and mTBI during acute and subacute phases after injury. Dopamine and DOPAC levels in striatal tissue were analyzed using HPLC-ECD. At 1h after mTBI or injection, DA was not altered but DOPAC level and DOPAC/DA turnover ratios were significantly reduced. Co-treatment with MA further reduced the DOPAC/DA ratio. At 36 h after injury, mTBI increased tissue DA levels, but reduced DOPAC levels and DOPAC/DA ratios. Co-treatment with MA further reduced DOPAC/DA ratios in striatum. In conclusion, our data suggest that low dosage of MA worsens the suppression of locomotor responses and striatal dopamine turnover after mTBI. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of PP-g-MA compatibilizer characteristics on mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Zhuo

Glass fiber (GF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) has become a common composite material used for various applications. Previous reports indicated that grafting ratio and molecular weight (MW) of znaleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) are the two most significant factors affecting the mechanical properties of PP/PP-g-MA/GF composites, but the combined effect of these two factors remains controversial. The study of the importance of MA grafting ratio and MW is continued in this work using PPIPP-g MA/GF composites containing various grades and concentrations of PP-g MA compatibilizer. First, MFR and FT1R analyses were performed to characterize the physical and chemical properties- of each PP-g-MA resin. Then, premixed PP and PP-g-MA blend were compounded with GF via twin screw extrusion, with the compounds injection molded into tensile, flexural and Izod impact specimens (all ASTM standard) for mechanical properties testing. Generally speaking, at a given GF content, higher compatibilizer concentrations led to higher tensile, flexural and notched Izod impact strength up to an optimum MA concentrations above which these properties tended to level off PP-g-MA resins with higher grafting ratio were more efficient compatibilizers as indicated by improved tensile, flexural and impact properties at lower PP-g-MA contents. In addition, MW was expected to affect properties as well, with too high and too 16w MW values leading to reduced reinforcement. While the optimum MW values for tensile and impact strength were still not clear based on present results, the estimated optimum weight average MW for maximum flexural strength was 90,000 +/- 1,400 g/mol.

Membrane binding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 matrix protein in vivo supports a conformational myristyl switch mechanism.

PubMed Central

Spearman, P; Horton, R; Ratner, L; Kuli-Zade, I

1997-01-01

The interaction of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Gag protein with the plasma membrane of a cell is a critical event in the assembly of HIV particles. The matrix protein region (MA) of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) Pr55Gag has previously been demonstrated to confer membrane-binding properties on the precursor polyprotein. Both the myristic acid moiety and additional determinants within MA are essential for plasma membrane binding and subsequent particle formation. In this study, we demonstrated the myristylation-dependent membrane interaction of MA in an in vivo membrane-binding assay. When expressed within mammalian cells, MA was found both in association with cellular membranes and in a membrane-free form. In contrast, the intact precursor Pr55Gag molecule analyzed in an identical manner was found almost exclusively bound to membranes. Both membrane-bound and membrane-free forms of MA were myristylated and phosphorylated. Differential membrane binding was not due to the formation of multimers, as dimeric and trimeric forms of MA were also found in both membrane-bound and membrane-free fractions. To define the requirements for membrane binding of MA, we analyzed the membrane binding of a series of MA deletion mutants. Surprisingly, deletions within alpha-helical regions forming the globular head of MA led to a dramatic increase in overall membrane binding. The stability of the MA-membrane interaction was not affected by these deletions, and no deletion eliminated membrane binding of the molecule. These results establish that myristic acid is a primary determinant of the stability of the Gag protein-membrane interaction and provide support for the hypothesis that a significant proportion of HIV-1 MA molecules may adopt a conformation in which myristic acid is hidden and unavailable for membrane interaction. PMID:9261380

Subduction Initiation Existed Along the Ancient Continent Margins? Evidence of U-Pb ages of zircons from the Bonin Trench, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. B.; Pearce, J. A.; Ryan, J. G.; Li, X. H.; Haraguchi, S.; Iizuka, T.; Kon, Y.; Yamamoto, S.; Sawaki, Y.; Ishii, T.; Maruyama, S.

2017-12-01

Although it is not cleanly known when and where the subduction initiation began on the Paleo-Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) Trench, Jurassic and Cretaceous plutonic rocks, such as gabbroic, granitic and metamorphic rocks had been sampled from the Amami Plateau-Daito Ridge-Okidaito Ridge (ADO) in the Philippine Sea Plate. Furthermore, Mesozonic to Paleozonic ages zircons were obtained from volcaniclastic sandstones collected from northern Izu-Bonin forarc (Tani et al., 2012). We present U-Pb ages, Hf-O isotopes and trace element compositions of zircon grains separated from sediment, volcanic rock, dolerite and gabbro, collected from Chichijima Island and Bonin forearc seafloor (KH03-3, KT04-28 cruise of the University of Tokyo, IODP Leg 352). In the zircon age histogram, several age groups were identified. The age peaks are 0-3 Ma and 13 Ma (Hahajima Seamount: soft mud and volcanic tuff); 38 Ma (Oomachi Seamount: sandstone); 45 Ma (Chichijima Island: volcanic rock); 40 Ma, 48 Ma and 52 Ma (Hahajima Seamount: dolerite and gabbro); 45 Ma and 164-165 Ma (IODP Leg 352: volcanic rock), respectively. Zircon U-Pb ages ranging 0-52 Ma correspond well to the multi-stages of magmatism in the IBM. However, 164-165 Ma maybe represent the ages of zircon xenocryst including in forearc volcanic rock , which pre-existing in ancient continent crustal materials (SE China Continent Crust?) as the basement of Paleo-IBM. It seems reasonable to suppose that the subduction initiation of IBM existed along the ancient SE China Continent margins. The initiation of subduction zone is a consequence of lateral compositional buoyancy contrast within the lithosphere, that advocated by Niu et al. (2003, 2016).

Middle Proterozoic uplift events in the Dunbar dome of northeastern Wisconsin, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peterman, Z.E.; Sims, P.K.; Zartman, R.E.; Schulz, K.J.

1985-01-01

Isotopic ages of granitic and metamorphic rocks exposed in the Dunbar structural dome of northeastern Wisconsin identify a protracted series of tectonic and "hydrothermal" events that culminated in major regional uplift during Middle Proterozoic (Keweenawan; ca 1,100 Ma) continental rifting and volcanism. The major rock-forming events and the structural development of the dome occurred during the interval 1,862+/-4 Ma to 1,836+/-6 Ma. Whole-rock Rb-Sr ages are partly reset in response to a widely recognized but cryptic event in Wisconsin and Michigan at about 1,630 Ma. The scale and systematic character of the whole-rock resetting strongly suggests the presence of a fluid phase derived in situ from water dissolved in the silicates or externally from a subthrust plate of low-grade metamorphic rocks. The regional nature of the 1,630-Ma disturbance possibly indicates that it is related to a major tectonic event such as an active plate margin far to the south. Rb-Sr biotite ages for the Dunbar dome (this study), the southern complex of the Marquette district (Van Schmus and Woolsey 1975) and the Felch trough area (Aldrich and others 1965) provide a remarkably coherent pattern that reflects multiple episodes of differential uplift. Younger events superimposed on a regional 1,630-Ma imprint are recorded at 1,330 Ma and 1,140 Ma. The 1,330 Ma disturbance could reflect stabilization following intrusion of the Wolf River batholith at 1,485 Ma. The 1,140-Ma uplift event occurred during Keweenawan rifting and volcanism as a result of stresses imposed on a mosaic of fault-bounded blocks with possible subcrustal influence. The remarkably small variance in the 1,140-Ma biotite age peak argues for rapid uplift and cooling, and hence rapid erosion. Detritus from the uplift probably was being shed into nearby tectonic basins most of which did not survive subsequent uplift and erosion. ?? 1985 Springer-Verlag.

(1)H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) in methamphetamine dependence and methamphetamine induced psychosis.

PubMed

Howells, Fleur M; Uhlmann, Anne; Temmingh, Henk; Sinclair, Heidi; Meintjes, Ernesta; Wilson, Don; Stein, Dan J

2014-03-01

Methamphetamine (MA) use has been shown to decrease n-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal integrity and viability, on (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS). However, little work has compared (1)H-MRS in MA dependent individuals and MA dependent individuals with MA induced psychotic disorder (MAP). Twenty six participants with MA dependence (sixteen without psychosis, ten with psychosis - MAP) and nineteen healthy controls underwent 2D-chemical shift imaging (1)H-MRS, which included voxels in the anterior cingulate cortices (ACC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC), and frontal white matter. We compared metabolite concentrations relative to phosphocreatine+creatine (PCr+Cr) for n-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), n-acetyl-aspartate+n-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAA+NAAG), glutamate (Glu), glutamate+glutamine (Glu+Gln), myo-inositol, and glycerophosphocholine+phosphocholine (GPC+PCh) across groups. The MA groups showed significantly decreased relative NAA metabolite concentrations for right ACC and right DLPFC, compared with control group. The MA dependent group only showed significantly decreased choline metabolites for right DLPFC, compared with control group. The MAP group's relative NAA metabolite concentrations were significantly correlated with age of initial use and duration of MA use, these correlates were not apparent in MA dependent group. MA use is associated with decreased neuronal integrity and viability, specifically in the right ACC and right DLPFC. MA dependence showed active neurodegeneration in the right DLPFC, this was not apparent in the MAP group and may be related to the use of antipsychotic medication in the MAP group. The effects of MA use in MAP suggest that age of initial use presents a mismatch of neuronal plasticity, in frontal white vs. gray matter and duration of use relates to decreased neuronal integrity and viability. Further study is warranted from this initial study of (1)H-MRS in MAP, in particular longitudinal assessment of these individuals both neurobiologically ((1)H-MRS) and clinically - to determine disease progression. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Human resource processes and the role of the human resources function during mergers and acquisitions in the electricity industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dass, Ted K.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been a popular strategy for organizations to consolidate and grow for more than a century. However, research in this field indicates that M&A are more likely to fail than succeed, with failure rates estimated to be as high as 75%. People-related issues have been identified as important causes for the high failure rate, but these issues are largely neglected until after the deal is closed. One explanation for this neglect is the low involvement of human resource (HR) professionals and the HR function during the M&A process. The strategic HR management literature suggests that a larger role for HR professionals in the M&A process would enable organizations to identify potential problems early and devise appropriate solutions. However, empirical research from an HR perspective has been scarce in this area. This dissertation examines the role of the HR function and the HR processes followed in organizations during M&A. Employing a case-study research design, this study examines M&A undertaken by two large organizations in the electricity industry through the lens of a "process" perspective. Based on converging evidence, the case studies address three sets of related issues: (1) how do organizations undertake and manage M&A; (2) what is the extent of HR involvement in M&A and what role does it play in the M&A process; and (3) what factors explain HR involvement in the M&A process and, more generally, in the formulation of corporate goals and strategies. Results reveal the complexity of issues faced by organizations in undertaking M&A, the variety of roles played by HR professionals, and the importance of several key contextual factors---internal and external to the organization---that influence HR involvement in the M&A process. Further, several implications for practice and future research are explored.

How Successful Is Medicare Advantage?

PubMed Central

Newhouse, Joseph P; McGuire, Thomas G

2014-01-01

Context Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage (MA), now almost 30 years old, has generally been viewed as a policy disappointment. Enrollment has vacillated but has never come close to the penetration of managed care plans in the commercial insurance market or in Medicaid, and because of payment policy decisions and selection, the MA program is viewed as having added to cost rather than saving funds for the Medicare program. Recent changes in Medicare policy, including improved risk adjustment, however, may have changed this picture. Methods This article summarizes findings from our group's work evaluating MA's recent performance and investigating payment options for improving its performance even more. We studied the behavior of both beneficiaries and plans, as well as the effects of Medicare policy. Findings Beneficiaries make “mistakes” in their choice of MA plan options that can be explained by behavioral economics. Few beneficiaries make an active choice after they enroll in Medicare. The high prevalence of “zero-premium” plans signals inefficiency in plan design and in the market's functioning. That is, Medicare premium policies interfere with economically efficient choices. The adverse selection problem, in which healthier, lower-cost beneficiaries tend to join MA, appears much diminished. The available measures, while limited, suggest that, on average, MA plans offer care of equal or higher quality and for less cost than traditional Medicare (TM). In counties, greater MA penetration appears to improve TM's performance. Conclusions Medicare policies regarding lock-in provisions and risk adjustment that were adopted in the mid-2000s have mitigated the adverse selection problem previously plaguing MA. On average, MA plans appear to offer higher value than TM, and positive spillovers from MA into TM imply that reimbursement should not necessarily be neutral. Policy changes in Medicare that reform the way that beneficiaries are charged for MA plan membership are warranted to move more beneficiaries into MA. PMID:24890251

Tracing the Source of Borneo's Cempaka Diamond Deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, L. T.; Graham, I.; Armstrong, R. A.; Hall, R.

2014-12-01

Several gem quality diamond deposits are found in paleo-alluvial deposits across Borneo. The source of the diamonds and their origin are enigmatic. They could have formed in Borneo and be derived from local sources, or they could be related to diamond deposits in NW Australia, and carried with the Southwest Borneo Block after it rifted from Australia in the Late Jurassic. We collected U-Pb isotopic data from detrital zircons from the Cempaka alluvial diamond deposit in southeast Borneo. Two thirds of the zircons that were dated crystallized between 75 Ma and 110 Ma. The other third are Triassic or older (223 Ma, 314-319 Ma, 353-367 Ma, 402-414 Ma, 474 Ma, 521 Ma, 549 Ma, 1135-1176 Ma, 1535 Ma, 2716 Ma). All of the Cretaceous zircons are angular, euhedral grains with minor evidence of mechanical abrasion. Considering their age and morphology they were likely derived from the nearby Schwaner Granites. The Triassic and older grains are rounded to semi-rounded and were likely derived from Australia before Borneo rifted from Gondwana. Some of the zircons have ages that resemble those of the Merlin and Argyle diamond deposits of Australia. The diamonds themselves have delicate resorption features and overgrowths that would potentially be destroyed with prolonged transport. Geochemical data collected from the diamonds implies they were associated with lamproite intrusions. Deep seismic lines and zircons from igneous rocks suggest SE Borneo, the East Java Sea and East Java are largely underlain by thick lithosphere rifted from NW Australia. Based on several lines of evidence, we propose that diamond-bearing lamproites intruded before rifting of SW Borneo from Australia, or after collision with Sundaland of SW Borneo and the East Java-West Sulawesi Blocks during the Cretaceous. Exposure of the source after the Late Cretaceous led to diamond accumulation in river systems that flowed from the Schwaner Mountains.

Methamphetamine facilitates female sexual behavior and enhances neuronal activation in the medial amygdala and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus.

PubMed

Holder, Mary K; Hadjimarkou, Maria M; Zup, Susan L; Blutstein, Tamara; Benham, Rebecca S; McCarthy, Margaret M; Mong, Jessica A

2010-02-01

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Users of MA report dramatic increases in sexual drive that have been associated with increased engagement in risky sexual behavior leading to higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies. The ability of MA to enhance sexual drive in females is enigmatic since related psychostimulants like amphetamine and cocaine appear not to affect sexual drive in women, and in rodents models, amphetamine has been reported to be inhibitory to female sexual behavior. Examination of MA's effects on female sexual behavior in an animal model is lacking. Here, using a rodent model, we have demonstrated that MA enhanced female sexual behavior. MA (5mg/kg) or saline vehicle was administered once daily for 3 days to adult ovariectomized rats primed with ovarian steroids. MA treatment significantly increased the number of proceptive events and the lordosis response compared to hormonally primed, saline controls. The effect of MA on the neural circuitry underlying the motivation for sexual behavior was examined using Fos immunoreactivity. In the medial amygdala and the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, nuclei implicated in motivated behaviors, ovarian hormones and MA independently enhance the neuronal activation, but more striking was the significantly greater activation induced by their combined administration. Increases in dopamine neurotransmission may underlie the MA/hormone mediated increase in neuronal activation. In support of this possibility, ovarian hormones significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis) immunoreactivity in the medial amygdala. Thus our present data suggest that the interactions of MA and ovarian hormones leads to changes in the neural substrate of key nuclei involved in mediating female sexual behaviors, and these changes may underlie MA's ability to enhance these behaviors. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Timing and sources of late Archean magmatism, Kolar area, south India: Implications for Archean tectonics

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

Krogstad, E.J.

1988-01-01

The N-S trending 80 km long by 4-8 km wide Kolar Schist Belt in the Achean Dharwar craton of south India is bounded on its east and west by gneiss terranes. The contacts between the schist belt and surrounding gneisses are tectonic, rather than intrusive or unconformable. On the west side of the schist belt, monzodioritic to granitic gneisses have U-Pb zircon ages of 2631 +6.5/{minus}6 Ma, 2610 +10/{minus}10 Ma, and 2551 +3/{minus}3 Ma. The U-Pb sphene ages of these orthogneisses are between 2553 and 2551 Ma. Later granitic intrusions have U-Pb sphene and garnet ages as young as 2400more » Ma. Gneisses occurring as tectonic and magmatic inclusions in the area contain zircons older than 3140 Ma. The dominant gneiss unit on the east side of the schist belt has a U-Pb zircon age of 2532 +3.5/{minus}3Ma; U-Pb sphene ages east of the belt range from 2520 to 2500 Ma. The last major shearing episode, probably represented by Pb-Pb K-feldspar-whole rock ages on both sides of the schist belt, and by an {sup 40}Ar/{sup 39}Ar muscovite plateau age from sheared gneisses, occurred between 2520 and 2420 Ma. Pb, Nd and Sr initial ratios for the western gneisses suggest that their parent magmas were mantle-derived, but were contaminated by continental crust older than 3200 Ma. Nd, Sr and Pb initial ratios for the eastern gneisses show no evidence of older continental crust either having contaminated the magmas, or acting as part of the source materials. The Kolar Schist Belt is interpreted as the site of a latest Archean or earliest Proterozoic (2520 to 2420 Ma) suture zone where newly generated continental crust on the east was tectonically accreted to the margin of an older (3400 to 2550 Ma) continental nucleus to the west.« less

Micro-arousals during nocturnal sleep.

PubMed

Halász, P; Kundra, O; Rajna, P; Pál, I; Vargha, M

1979-01-01

In 8 young adult human subjects EEG- and polygraphic characteristics of transient shifts towards arousal (micro-arousal, MA) have been studied during sleep under five different experimental conditions in 40 night sessions. Out of the five applied experimental situations, two (psychostimulant application and sensory stimulation) resulted in a shift of the balance between the systems of sleep and arousal towards an increased activity of the arousal system, while an other condition (rebound following partial sleep deprivation) led to an opposite change to a rise in "sleep pressure". An inverse correlation has been found between the frequency of MA and the depth of sleep, a finding consistently observed in every subject and in every experimental situation. During the process of sleep periodic changes in the dispersity of MA could be seen; the number of MA-s decreased and increased according to the descending and ascending slope of the sleep cycles. During the ascending slope of cycles there was a coupling between the occurence of MA-s and the changes of phases. Increases in the level of activation and in sleep pressure did not influence the occurrence of MA-s. Increasing the tone of the arousal system in chemical way, or by means of enhancing the phasic sensory input resulted in a reduction of the difference between the number of MA on the descending and ascending slopes of cycles. During the phases of sleep, the spontaneous occurrence of MA-s went parallel with the possibility to evoke MA-s by sensory stimuli. These data show that MA is a regular phenomenon of nocturnal sleep; MA manifests itself as a result of phasic functioning of the reticular arousal system and plays a role in the organization of those periods of the sleep cycle, which tend toward arousal. It is suggested that MA-phenomenon is considered a standard measure of sleep and that it could represent an indicator of the function of the arousal system controlled by external or internal mechanisms during sleep.

How successful is Medicare Advantage?

PubMed

Newhouse, Joseph P; McGuire, Thomas G

2014-06-01

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage (MA), now almost 30 years old, has generally been viewed as a policy disappointment. Enrollment has vacillated but has never come close to the penetration of managed care plans in the commercial insurance market or in Medicaid, and because of payment policy decisions and selection, the MA program is viewed as having added to cost rather than saving funds for the Medicare program. Recent changes in Medicare policy, including improved risk adjustment, however, may have changed this picture. This article summarizes findings from our group's work evaluating MA's recent performance and investigating payment options for improving its performance even more. We studied the behavior of both beneficiaries and plans, as well as the effects of Medicare policy. Beneficiaries make "mistakes" in their choice of MA plan options that can be explained by behavioral economics. Few beneficiaries make an active choice after they enroll in Medicare. The high prevalence of "zero-premium" plans signals inefficiency in plan design and in the market's functioning. That is, Medicare premium policies interfere with economically efficient choices. The adverse selection problem, in which healthier, lower-cost beneficiaries tend to join MA, appears much diminished. The available measures, while limited, suggest that, on average, MA plans offer care of equal or higher quality and for less cost than traditional Medicare (TM). In counties, greater MA penetration appears to improve TM's performance. Medicare policies regarding lock-in provisions and risk adjustment that were adopted in the mid-2000s have mitigated the adverse selection problem previously plaguing MA. On average, MA plans appear to offer higher value than TM, and positive spillovers from MA into TM imply that reimbursement should not necessarily be neutral. Policy changes in Medicare that reform the way that beneficiaries are charged for MA plan membership are warranted to move more beneficiaries into MA. © 2014 Milbank Memorial Fund.

Deinococcus metallilatus sp. nov. and Deinococcus carri sp. nov., isolated from a car air-conditioning system.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Uk; Lee, Hyosun; Lee, Ji-Hyeong; Ahn, Jae-Hyung; Lim, Sangyong; Jeong, Sunwook; Park, So Yoon; Seong, Chi Nam; Ka, Jong-Ok

2015-09-01

Two bacterial strains, designated MA1002(T) and MA1003(T), were isolated from the air-conditioning system of a car. Cells of both strains were Gram-reaction-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming coccoids, catalase- and oxidase-positive and UV-radiation resistant. The major fatty acids of strain MA1002(T) were iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 and those of strain MA1003(T) were iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 1 H. The polar lipid profile of MA1002(T) contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phosphoglycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. MA1003(T) had three unidentified phosphoglycolipids, six unidentified phospholipids, two unidentified glycolipids and two unidentified polar lipids as the polar lipids. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of MA1002(T) and MA1003(T) were 70.5 and 76.0 mol%, respectively. MK-8 was the predominant respiratory quinone for both strains. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain MA1002(T) was phylogenetically related to Deinococcus apachensis DSM 19763(T), D. geothermalis DSM 11300(T), D. aerius TR0125(T) and D. aetherius ST0316(T) (92.9, 92.6, 92.0 and 91.9% sequence similarity, respectively), and MA1003(T) showed the highest sequence similarity to Deinococcus hopiensis KR-140(T) (92.9%) and D. xinjiangensis X-82(T) (91.4%). The results of genotypic and phenotypic characterizations showed that both strains could be distinguished from phylogenetically related species, and that the strains represented novel species within the genus Deinococcus, for which we propose the names Deinococcus metallilatus sp. nov. (type strain MA1002(T) = KACC 17964(T) = NBRC 110141(T)) and Deinococcus carri sp. nov. (type strain is MA1003(T) = KACC 17965(T) = NBRC 110142(T)).

Decreased frontal N-acetylaspartate levels in adolescents concurrently using both methamphetamine and marijuana.

PubMed

Sung, Young-Hoon; Carey, Paul D; Stein, Dan J; Ferrett, Helen L; Spottiswoode, Bruce S; Renshaw, Perry F; Yurgelun-Todd, Deborah A

2013-06-01

The potential neurochemical toxicity associated with methamphetamine (MA) or marijuana (MJ) use on the developing adolescent brain is unclear, particularly with regard to individuals with concomitant use of MA and MJ (MA+MJ). In this study, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was utilized to measure in vivo brain N-acetylaspartate plus N-acetylaspartyl glutamate (tNAA, an indicator of intact neuronal integrity) levels. Three adolescent groups from Cape Town, South Africa completed MRS scans as well as clinical measures including a drug use history. Subjects included (1) nine MA (age=15.7±1.37), (2) eight MA+MJ (age=16.2±1.16) using adolescents and (3) ten healthy controls (age=16.8±0.62). Single voxel spectra were acquired from midfrontal gray matter using a point-resolved spectroscopy sequence (PRESS). The MRS data were post-processed in the fully automated approach for quantitation of metabolite ratios to phosphocreatine plus creatine (PCr+Cr). A significant reduction in frontal tNAA/PCr+Cr ratios was seen in the MA+MJ group compared to the healthy controls (p=0.01, by 7.2%) and to the MA group (p=0.04, by 6.9%). Significant relationships were also observed between decreased tNAA/PCr+Cr ratios and drug use history of MA or MJ (total cumulative lifetime dose, age of onset, and duration of MA and MJ exposure) only in the MA+MJ group (all p<0.05). These findings suggest that in adolescents, concomitant heavy MA+MJ use may contribute to altered brain metabolites in frontal gray matter. The significant associations between the abnormal tNAA/PCr+Cr ratios and the drug use history suggest that MA+MJ abuse may induce neurotoxicity in a dose-responsive manner in adolescent brain. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New geochronological evidence for the timing of early Tertiary ridge subduction in southern Alaska: A section in Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1998

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, Dwight C.; Parrish, Randall; Clendenen, William; Lux, Daniel R.; Layer, Paul W.; Heizler, Matthew; Donley, D. Thomas

2000-01-01

We present new U/Pb (monazite, zircon) and 40Ar/39Ar (biotite, amphibole) ages for 10 Tertiary plutons and dikes that intrude the Chugach–Prince William accretionary complex of southern Alaska. The Sanak pluton of Sanak Island yielded ages of 61.1±0.5 Ma (zircon) and 62.7±0.35 (biotite). The Shumagin pluton of Big Koniuji Island yielded a U/Pb zircon age of 61.1±0.3 Ma. Two biotite ages from the Kodiak batholith of Kodiak Island are nearly identical at 58.3±0.2 and 57.3±2.5 Ma. Amphibole from a dike at Malina Bay, Afognak Island, is 59.3±2.2 Ma; amphibole from a dike in Seldovia Bay, Kenai Peninsula, is 57.0±0.2 Ma. The Nuka pluton, Kenai Peninsula, yielded ages of 56.0±0.5 Ma (monazite) and 54.2±0.1 (biotite). Biotite plateau ages are reported for the Aialik (52.2±0.9 Ma), Tustumena (53.2±1.1 Ma), Chernof (54.2±1.1 Ma), and Hive Island (53.4±0.4 Ma) plutons of the Kenai Peninsula. Together, these new results confirm, but refine, the previously documented along-strike diachronous age trend of near-trench magmatism during the early Tertiary. We suggest that this event began at 61 Ma at Sanak Island, 2-4 m.y. later than previously supposed. An intermediate dike near Tutka Bay, Kenai Peninsula, yielded a hornblende age of 115±2 Ma. This represents a near-trench magmatic event that had heretofore gone unrecognized on the Kenai Peninsula; correlative Early Cretaceous near-trench plutons are known from the western Chugach Mountains near Palmer.

Separation of the Guajira-Bonaire pair in the southern margin of the Caribbean: 65-50 Ma exhumation followed by 300 km right-lateral transtensional deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapata Henao, S.; Cardona, A.; Montes, C.; Valencia, V.; Vervoort, J. D.; Reiners, P. W.

2012-12-01

Middle to upper Eocene fluvial strata in the island of Bonaire contains detrital components that were tracked to the basement massifs of the Guajira Peninsula in northern Colombia. These detrital components confirm previous hypothesis that the Guajira-Bonaire pair constitute a tectonic piercing point along the southern Caribbean plate margin that was right-laterally displaced approximately 300 km after middle Eocene times. Other possible sources, the nearby Curacao and the far away Santa Marta massif, did not pass statistical similarity and overlap tests. U-Pb LA-ICP-MS from the metamorphic boulders of the Soebi Blanco Formation in Bonaire yield Grenvillian ages (1084 Ma, 1130 Ma and 1184 Ma), while the detrital zircons recovered from the sandy matrix of the conglomerates contains populations with peaks of 1000 Ma - 1200 Ma, 750 Ma - 950 Ma, and 200 Ma - 300 Ma. Overlap and Similarity tests run between these populations and published data from Guajira yield values of 0.750 and 0.680, which are significantly higher than the same comparison against the Santa Marta Massif (0.637 and 0.522), and the Curacao island (0.629 and 0.467). Thermochronological results from the metamorphic clasts yield Paleocene-middle Eocene ages (65 - 50 Ma) that confirm not only a regional-scale cooling event in this time period, but also help constrain the maximum depositional age (50 Ma) of the poorly dated Soebi Blanco Formation. Figure 6. U-Pb results from analyzed samples and other Caribbean provinces. (A), Detrital zircons from Soebi Blanco conglomerate matrix; (B), Zircon ages from metamorphic clasts (C), detrital zircons from late Cretaceous Etpana Formation in Guajira Peninsula (Weber et al., 2010); (D), detrital zircons from late Cretaceous Santa Marta San Lorenzo schists (Cardona et al., 2010a); (E), detrital zircons from late Cretaceous Knip Group (Wrigth and Wyld, 2010); (F), overlap and similarity values.

Chromatographic assessment of two hybrid monoliths prepared via epoxy-amine ring-opening polymerization and methacrylate-based free radical polymerization using methacrylate epoxy cyclosiloxane as functional monomer.

PubMed

Wang, Hongwei; Ou, Junjie; Lin, Hui; Liu, Zhongshan; Huang, Guang; Dong, Jing; Zou, Hanfa

2014-11-07

Two kinds of hybrid monolithic columns were prepared by using methacrylate epoxy cyclosiloxane (epoxy-MA) as functional monomer, containing three epoxy moieties and one methacrylate group. One column was in situ fabricated by ring-opening polymerization of epoxy-MA and 1,10-diaminodecane (DAD) using a porogenic system consisting of isopropanol (IPA), H2O and ethanol at 65°C for 12h. The other was prepared by free radical polymerization of epoxy-MA and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) using 1-propanol and 1,4-butanediol as the porogenic solvents at 60°C for 12h. Two hybrid monoliths were investigated on the morphology and chromatographic assessment. Although two kinds of monolithic columns were prepared with epoxy-MA, their morphologies looked rather different. It could be found that the epoxy-MA-DAD monolith possessed higher column efficiencies (25,000-34,000plates/m) for the separation of alkylbenzenes than the epoxy-MA-EDMA monolith (12,000-13,000plates/m) in reversed-phase nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC). Depending on the remaining epoxy or methacrylate groups on the surface of two pristine monoliths, the epoxy-MA-EDMA monolith could be easily modified with 1-octadecylamine (ODA) via ring-opening reaction, while the epoxy-MA-DAD monolith could be modified with stearyl methacrylate (SMA) via free radical reaction. The chromatographic performance for the separation of alkylbenzenes on SMA-modified epoxy-MA-DAD monolith was remarkably improved (42,000-54,000 plates/m) when compared with that on pristine epoxy-MA-DAD monolith, while it was not obviously enhanced on ODA-modified epoxy-MA-EDMA monolith when compared with that on pristine epoxy-MA-EDMA monolith. The enhancement of the column efficiency of epoxy-MA-DAD monolith after modification might be ascribed to the decreased mass-transfer resistence. The two kinds of hybrid monoliths were also applied for separations of six phenols and seven basic compounds in nano-LC. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of RTI 111, a 3-phenyltropane analog, in rhesus monkeys: interaction with methamphetamine.

PubMed

Ranaldi, R; Anderson, K G; Carroll, F I; Woolverton, W L

2000-12-01

The neuronal actions of methamphetamine (MA) include an increase in extracellular levels of monoamines, presumably via reverse transport involving the monoamine transporters. This action is thought to play an important role in the effects of MA. Therefore, in the present experiment, it was hypothesized that a monoamine uptake blocker would block behavioral effects of MA related to its abuse. RTI 111, a newly synthesized 3-phenyltropane analog with high affinity for the dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters, was evaluated alone and in combination with MA for its ability to block the reinforcing and discriminative stimulus effects of MA in rhesus monkeys. RTI 111 (0.0003-0.03 mg/kg, i.v.) was made available to four rhesus monkeys for self-administration under a fixed-ratio 25 (FR 25) schedule of reinforcement. RTI 111 (0.01-0.1 mg/kg, i.m.) was also administered as a pretreatment (15 min prior) to four monkeys self-administering MA (0.0-0.3 mg/kg per injection, i.v.) on a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. MA (0.01-1.0 mg/kg, i.m.), RTI 111 (0.001-0.1 mg/kg, i.m.), or the combination of MA and RTI 111 were administered to four monkeys trained to discriminate (+)-amphetamine (AMPH; 1.0 or 1.7 mg/kg, intragastric) from saline. When RTI 111 was made available for self-administration under an FR 25 schedule it functioned as a positive reinforcer in all four monkeys tested. When RTI 111 was given as a pretreatment to monkeys self-administering MA under a progressive-ratio schedule, the MA dose-response function shifted to the left and down. When RTI 111 or MA were given to monkeys trained to discriminate AMPH from saline, full AMPH-like responding was observed for both drugs. Given in combination, RTI 111 shifted the MA dose-response function to the left. These data suggest that RTI 111 is behaviorally similar to traditional psychomotor stimulants that act at the DA transporter and that it increases, rather than blocks, the behavioral potency of MA.

Constraining the Uplift History of the Jabal Akhdar and Saih Hatat Culminations, Al Hajar Mountains, Oman, with Fission Track and (U-Th)/He Ages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansman, R. J.; Ring, U.; Thomson, S. N.; Den Brok, B.; Stübner, K.

2016-12-01

We constrain the timing of the enigmatic uplift history of the Al Hajar Mountains in Oman by apatite (U-Th)/He and fission-track (AHe and AFT), as well as zircon (U-Th)/He (ZHe) ages. Our data show differential cooling between the two major culminations of the mountain range, which are separated by the Semail gap, a major NNE-oriented depression in the Al Hajar Mountains. In the up to 3 km high Jabal Akhdar Culmination west of the Semail Gap AHe sample mean ages range between 35.5 ± 4.3 Ma and 23.9 ± 8.8 Ma (1σ errors), AFT ages range 51 ± 4 to 32 ± 2 Ma (1σ errors), and ZHe sample mean ages range 50.6 ± 16.7 to 46.1 ± 7.1 Ma (1σ errors). Whereas, in the Saih Hatat Culmination to the east AHe ages range from 23.6 ± 1.7 Ma to 15.7 ± 4.1 Ma, AFT ages range 73 ± 10 to 57 ± 4 Ma, and ZHe ages range 70.6 ± 10.8 Ma through to 58.8 ± 1.8 Ma. These data demonstrate that the uplift initiated at 45 Ma and had ceased by 15 Ma, climaxing between 40 to 35 Ma. In addition, U-Pb dating of calcite tectonics also supports N-S shortening at 40 to 35 Ma. We propose that the Semail gap is a west-dipping thrust, which uplifted the Jabal Akhdar Culmination in the hanging-wall but hardly affected the Saih Hatat Culmination in the footwall. During mountain uplift, the Al Hajar Mountains were located at least 600 km outboard of the current Eurasia-Arabia subduction/collision zone on the continental margin of the downgoing Arabian Plate. We therefore conclude that the uplift of the Al Hajar Mountains preceded the Zagros collisional event by at least 15 Myr and were not causally related to the Zagros collision and Makran subduction.

Benthic foraminiferal response to the emergence of the Isthmus of Panama and coincident paleoceanographic changes

USGS Publications Warehouse

McDougall, K.

1996-01-01

Late Cenozoic benthic foraminiferal faunas from the Caribbean Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 502 (3052 m) and East Pacific DSDP Site 503 (3572 m) were analyzed to interpret bottom-water masses and paleoceanographic changes occurring as the Isthmus of Panama emerged. Major changes during the past 7 Myr occur at 6.7-6.2, 3.4, 2.0, and 1.1 Ma in the Caribbean and 6.7-6.4, 4.0-3.2, 2.1, 1.4, and 0.7 Ma in the Pacific. Prior to 6.7 Ma, benthic foraminiferal faunas at both sites indicate the presence of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). After 6.7 Ma benthic foraminiferal faunas indicate a shift to warmer water masses: North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) in the Caribbean and Pacific Deep Water (PDW) in the Pacific. Flow of NADW may have continued across the rising sill between the Caribbean and Pacific until 5.6 Ma when the Pacific benthic foraminiferal faunas suggest a decrease in bottom-water temperatures. After 5.6 Ma deep-water to intermediate-water flow across the sill appears to have stopped as the bottom-water masses on either side of the sill diverge. The second change recorded by benthic foraminiferal faunas occurs at 3.4 Ma in the Caribbean and 4.0-3.2 Ma in the Pacific. At this time the Caribbean is flooded with cold AABW, which is either gradually warmed or is replaced by Glacial Bottom Water (GBW) at 2.0 Ma and by NADW at 1.1 Ma. These changes are related to global climatic events and to the depth of the sill between the Caribbean and Atlantic rather than the rising Isthmus of Panama. Benthic foraminiferal faunas at East Pacific Site 503 indicate a gradual change from cold PDW to warmer PDW between 4.0 and 3.2 Ma. The PDW is replaced by the warmer, poorly oxygenated PIW at 2.1 Ma. Although the PDW affects the faunas during colder intervals between 1.4 and 0.7 Ma, the PIW remains the principal bottom- water mass in the Guatemala Basin of the East Pacific.

Stratigraphy, Hydrothermal Alteration and Evolution of the Mangakino Geothermal System, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fagan, C. J.; Wilson, C. J.; Spinks, K. D.; Browne, P. R.; Simmons, S. F.

2006-12-01

A major part of the ca. 1.6 Myr history of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) is represented by buried and hydrothermally altered rocks penetrated by geothermal exploration wells. The geothermal field at Mangakino is sited in the oldest TVZ caldera on the western edge of the TVZ. Four exploration wells into the field reveal a thick sequence of flat-lying ignimbrites. Basement Mesozoic greywacke metasediments were not reached by the deepest well, MA2 (3192 m), implying the presence of a thick caldera infill. Ignimbrites exposed at the surface nearby have distinct mineralogies and crystal contents, which enable correlation with down-hole lithologies. Five ignimbrites are identified in the wells: the 0.32 Ma Whakamaru, 0.93 Ma Marshall, 1.0 Ma Rocky Hill, 1.18 Ma Ahuroa and 1.25 Ma Ongatiti ignimbrites, two of which are >800m thick. The Whakamaru and Marshall units are separated by a thick sequence of lacustrine and volcaniclastic deposits related to infilling of the Mangakino caldera. The ignimbrite sequence is continuous between all wells, with no fault offset, and only well MA3 intersects two rhyolite intrusions at 1190 m and 1850 m that are thought to be feeder dikes to post-0.32 Ma rhyolite domes to the east of Mangakino. Alteration assemblages include epidote and wairakite in MA2 below 2200 m. Adularia occurs in MA2 and MA3 where it replaces, wholly or in part, primary andesine. Adularia is also locally replaced by illite, indicating a shift in hydrothermal conditions. Other minerals present are chlorite, quartz, calcite, titanite and pyrite. Secondary quartz and calcite veins are seen in thin section, with a first appearance in the lacustrine sediments at 550 m in both MA2 and MA3. Fluid inclusions in secondary calcite show high temperatures (300 and 315 °C) while inclusions in primary quartz show ca. 165 °C (the current temperature at the sampled depth), recording current conditions. The modern maximum temperature is 250 °C at 3000 m in MA2. Evidence for two different temperatures in the fluid inclusion data and a shift in alteration mineralogy may reflect an earlier thermal event, possibly related to dike intrusion nearby.

Earth's partial pressure of CO2 over the past 100-500 Ma; evidence from Ce anomalies in mostly shallow seas (less than 200 m) as recorded in carbonate sediments, 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Y.-G.; Reinhardt, J. W.; Schmitt, R. A.

1993-01-01

We reported the direct relationship of Ce anomalies recorded in 0.2-119 Ma CaCO3 sediments (Ce(sup A*)) to the Ce anomalies in the parental Pacific deep seawater (Ce(sup A)) and their relationship to atmospheric P(CO2) relative to present P(CO2). We have analyzed continental CaCO3 samples that were deposited in ancient oceans and shallow sea platforms less than 200 m over central USA, central Europe, China, and Saudi-Arabia/Oman. We have plotted Ce(sup A*) over the 75-470 Ma interval. For P(CO2) calculations, we assumed as a reference standard the less than 200 m mixed Pacific Ocean with a Ce(sup A) geometric mean of 0.22 and a range of 0.10-0.43. Because P(CO2) values obtained from reliable deep Pacific Ocean carbonates in the 67-119 Ma interval were similar to the present P(CO2) values, we have drawn a 1.0 ratio for that interval. Although there is considerable scatter among the approximately 150 Ma carbonates, the average Ce(sup A*) value suggests that P(CO2) increased during the early Cretaceous, from 1.0X at approximately 120 Ma to about 1.4X at approximately 150 Ma. At approximately 250 Ma, the average Ce(sup A*) in 13 shallow sea China carbonates agrees well with the single and more reliable approximately 250 Ma China carbonate deposited in deeper open platform. We suggest that P(CO2) ranged from 1.4-1.7X over the Jurassic and Triassic periods. At approximately 280 Ma, three China carbonates deposited in deeper open platforms and therefore considered more reliable are consistent with a European carbonate, which indicate Ce(sup A) and P(CO2) values similar to the present. The minimum at this time corresponds to the great Permo-Carboniferous glaciation. From 280 Ma to 470 Ma, the trend favors increasing Ce(sup A*) and corresponding P(CO2) values between 1.9-2.7X, with a more reliable value closer to 2.7X at 430 Ma because of the unknown higher temperature in the less than 100 m seawater over continental USA which was located just south of the equator at approximately 430 Ma.

Tectonic Evolution of the Izmir Ankara Suture Zone in Northwest Turkey Using Zircon U-Pb Geochronology and Zircon Lu-Hf Isotopic Tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, C.; Taylor, M. H.; Licht, A.; Mueller, M.; Ocakglu, F.; Moeller, A.; Metais, G.; Beard, K. C.

2017-12-01

Detrital zircons from a Cretaceous forearc basin and Tertiary foreland basin located along the Sakarya Zone of the Western Pontides were analyzed to better understand the closure history of the Tethyan oceans. The Variscan Orogeny is characterized by abundant 350-300 Ma U-Pb ages and vertical ɛHf arrays, consistent with a mature magmatic arc that emplaced plutons through a southward growing accretionary margin. An ɛHf pull-up is observed from 300-250 Ma interpreted as rifting of the Intra-Pontide Ocean. The Cimmerian Orogeny is characterized by a 250-230 Ma ɛHf pull-down, followed by a 230-200 Ma magmatic gap consistent with underthrusting of the Karakaya Complex. From 200-120 Ma another magmatic lull is observed. The Alpine Orogeny is characterized by an ɛHf pull-down from 120-85 Ma within Cretaceous forearc sediments and a 100 Ma deviant ɛHf vertical array within Tertiary foreland basin sediments. Minor zircon U-Pb age peaks and contrasting inter-basinal ɛHf evolution are interpreted to represent onset of Andean-style subduction along the southern margin of the Sakarya Zone at 120 Ma followed by crustal thickening until 85 Ma. The deviant 100 Ma ɛHf vertical array within foreland basin detritus is interpreted as initiation of intra-oceanic subduction within the Izmir-Ankara Ocean. An 85-75 Ma ɛHf pull-up from forearc basin sediments is interpreted as slab roll-back along the southern margin of the Sakarya Zone, responsible for final rifting of the Western Black Sea. At 80 Ma, a vertical ɛHf array from Tertiary foreland basin deposits is interpreted to represent synchronous melting of the Tavsanli Zone and intra-oceanic slab break-off. A single 66 Myr pre-collisional grain defines a sharp ɛHf pull-down immediately prior to total arc shut-off, interpreted to represent incipient collision between the Sakarya and Tavsanli zones. A 52 Ma syn-collisional tuff yields minimally intermediate ɛHf values followed by a slight 48 Ma ɛHf pull-down, interpreted as a second episode of slab break-off followed by crustal thickening, a result of renewed underthrusting.

A novel synthetic analog of militarin, MA-1 induces mitochondrial dependent apoptosis by ROS generation in human lung cancer cells

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

Yoon, Deok Hyo; Lim, Mi-Hee; Lee, Yu Ran

A synthetic Militarin analog-1[(2R,3R,4R,5R)-1,6-bis(4-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)phenoxy) hexane-2,3,4,5-tetraol] is a novel derivative of constituents from Cordyceps militaris, which has been used to treat a variety of chronic diseases including inflammation, diabetes, hyperglycemia and cancers. Here, we report for the first time the synthesis of Militarin analog-1 (MA-1) and the apoptotic mechanism of MA-1 against human lung cancer cell lines. Treatment with MA-1 significantly inhibited the viability of 3 human lung cancer cell lines. The inhibition of viability and growth in MA-1-treated A549 cells with an IC{sub 50} of 5 μM were mediated through apoptosis induction, as demonstrated by an increase in DNA fragmentation,more » sub-G{sub 0}/G{sub 1}-DNA fraction, nuclear condensation, and phosphatidylserine exposure. The apoptotic cell death caused mitochondrial membrane permeabilization through regulation of expression of the Bcl-2 family proteins, leading to cytochrome c release in a time-dependent manner. Subsequently, the final stage of apoptosis, activation of caspase-9/-3 and cleavage of poly (ADP ribose) polymerase, was induced. Furthermore, A549 lung cancer cells were more responsive to MA-1 than a bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B), involving the rapid generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. The pharmacological inhibition of ROS generation and JNK/p38 MAPK exhibited attenuated DNA fragmentation in MA-1-induced apoptosis. Oral administration of MA-1 also retarded growth of A549 orthotopic xenografts. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the new synthetic derivative MA-1 triggers mitochondrial apoptosis through ROS generation and regulation of MAPKs and may be a potent therapeutic agent against human lung cancer. - Highlights: • We report a novel synthesized derivative, militarin analog-1 (MA-1). • MA-1-induced cancer cell death was triggered by the ROS generation through MAPKs. • The MA-1-induced cell death was also modulated by the mitochondria-mediated pathway. • The apoptotic cancer cell death by MA-1 was also exhibited in orthotopic xenografts. • Our findings suggest MA-1 as a clinically useful agent for human lung cancer.« less

Detrital zircon age and isotopic constraints on the provenance of turbidites from the southernmost part of the Beishan orogen, NW China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Q. Q.; Chung, S. L.; Lee, H. Y.; Xiao, W.; Hou, Q.; Li, S.

2017-12-01

The Altaids in Central and East Asia is one of the largest accretionary orogenic collages in the world. The Beishan orogen, linked the Tianshan and Xingmeng orogens, occupy a key position to trace the terminal processes of the Altaids. It comprises an assemblage of magmatic arcs and ophiolitic mélanges. The Permian clastic turbidites, situated between the Huaniushan arc and the Shibanshan arc, are the youngest reported deep-marine clasts in the Beishan orogen. They are separated into the Liuyuan turbidites (NT) to the north and the Heishankou turbidites (ST) to the south by the Liuyuan complex. Detrital zircon grains from the NT yielded a wide range, from 254-3111 Ma, with two age clusters at 273 Ma and 424 Ma, indicating they provenance from the Huaniushan arc to the north. Those from the ST yielded ages from 260-2209 Ma, with age clusters at 270 Ma, 295 Ma, 420 Ma and 878 Ma, indicating the provenance from the Shibanshan arc to the south. The youngest three grains from the NT yield a weighted mean age of 260 Ma and those from the ST an age of 255 Ma, indicating an End-Permian maximum depositional age. The Precambrian zircons of the NT have diverse ɛHf(t) values (-12.6 to +10.4), while those of the ST from -6 to -2.6, indicating distinguishing histories of their provenances. The NT have more positive ɛNd(t) values than the ST, suggesting more juvenile or less evolved crustal components in the source. Two contrasting provenances, together with data in the literature, define the latest suture in the Beishan region at 240-250 Ma. The younger peak of U-Pb analysis results of detrital zircons from the northern part of the final suture zone in the southern Altaids is younging eastward from 288 Ma to 247 Ma, which may characterize the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean from west to east in about 40 Ma. This identification of the latest suture in the southern Altaids provides new constraints on the Paleo-Asian Ocean - specifically the nature and timing of the end of the subduction - but also on the amalgamation of the super continental of Eurasia that consists of micro blocks with a variety of histories.

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the course of physical and chemical changes in chilled muscle tissue of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, V.).

PubMed

Jezek, F; Buchtová, H

2012-01-01

The effect of two types of modified atmosphere (MA1: 69% N2, 25% CO2, 5% O2, 1% CO; MA2: 70% N2, 30% CO2) on changes in physical and chemical parameters (pH, a(w)--water activity, TVBN - total volatile basic nitrogen, TMA - trimethylamine, FFA - free fatty acids, PV - peroxide value, TBA--thiobarbituric acid) in muscle tissues of the silver carp was monitored in the study. The samples were stored at temperatures +2 +/- 2 degrees C for 18 days. Changes in gas volumes (CO2 and O2) in MAs were also monitored. CO2 levels increased in MA1 but decreased in MA2. At the end of 18 days of storage, a significantly (P < 0.01) lower water activity (a(w)) levels were found in samples packaged under MA1, in contrast to samples packaged under MA2 where water activity values showed considerable fluctuation. Variations in pH values in the two types of MA showed similar trends. Sample pH gradually decreased until day 9 of storage. On day 11, muscle tissue pH increased markedly and then began to decrease again. The overall decrease in pH values was more profound in samples packaged under MA1. TVBN and TMA levels in samples packaged under the two types of MAs remained almost identical until day 9 of the experiment. Later, however, significantly (P < 0.01) higher levels of both parameters were found in muscle tissues packaged under MA1. FFA concentrations in silver carp samples in MA1 were significantly lower (P < 0.01) throughout the experiment. The PV increased significantly in both muscle samples tested. Greater fluctuations in this parameter's values throughout the experiment were observed in samples packaged under MA2. Faster rates of oxidation (P < 0.01) were found in samples packaged under MA1 starting on day 9. Maximum TBA values in MA1 and MA2 were observed on days 14 and 18 of the experiment, respectively. From the course of proteolytic and oxidative changes point of view, the more appropriate combination of gases for silver carp storage seems to be the mixture of 70% N2 and 30% CO2 (MA2), which allows for muscle storage of up to 9 days. We recommend TVBN as a suitable indicator of freshness, and TBA assay as a suitable indicator of the extent of oxidative processes.

Physician Reimbursement in Medicare Advantage Compared With Traditional Medicare and Commercial Health Insurance.

PubMed

Trish, Erin; Ginsburg, Paul; Gascue, Laura; Joyce, Geoffrey

2017-09-01

Nearly one-third of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, yet little is known about the prices that MA plans pay for physician services. Medicare Advantage insurers typically also sell commercial plans, and the extent to which MA physician reimbursement reflects traditional Medicare (TM) rates vs negotiated commercial prices is unclear. To compare prices paid for physician and other health care services in MA, traditional Medicare, and commercial plans. Retrospective analysis of claims data evaluating MA prices paid to physicians and for laboratory services and durable medical equipment between 2007 and 2012 in 348 US core-based statistical areas. The study population included all MA and commercial enrollees with a large national health insurer operating in both markets, as well as a 20% sample of TM beneficiaries. Enrollment in an MA plan. Mean reimbursement paid to physicians, laboratories, and durable medical equipment suppliers for MA and commercial enrollees relative to TM rates for 11 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding Systems (HCPCS) codes spanning 7 sites of care. The sample consisted of 144 million claims. Physician reimbursement in MA was more strongly tied to TM rates than commercial prices, although MA plans tended to pay physicians less than TM. For a mid-level office visit with an established patient (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 99213), the mean MA price was 96.9% (95% CI, 96.7%-97.2%) of TM. Across the common physician services we evaluated, mean MA reimbursement ranged from 91.3% of TM for cataract removal in an ambulatory surgery center (CPT 66984; 95% CI, 90.7%-91.9%) to 102.3% of TM for complex evaluation and management of a patient in the emergency department (CPT 99285; 95% CI, 102.1%-102.6%). However, for laboratory services and durable medical equipment, where commercial prices are lower than TM rates, MA plans take advantage of these lower commercial prices, ranging from 67.4% for a walker (HCPCS code E0143; 95% CI, 66.3%-68.5%) to 75.8% for a complete blood cell count (CPT 85025; 95% CI, 75.0%-76.6%). Traditional Medicare's administratively set rates act as a strong anchor for physician reimbursement in the MA market, although MA plans succeed in negotiating lower prices for other health care services for which TM overpays. Reforms that transition the Medicare program toward some premium support models could substantially affect how physicians and other clinicians are paid.

Motion of the Rivera plate since 10 Ma relative to the Pacific and North American plates and the mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeMets, Charles; Traylen, Stephen

2000-03-01

To better understand the influence of Rivera plate kinematics on the geodynamic evolution of western Mexico, we use more than 1400 crossings of seafloor spreading magnetic lineations along the Pacific-Rivera rise and northern Mathematician ridge to solve for rotations of the Rivera plate relative to the underlying mantle and the Pacific and North American plates at 14 times since 9.9 Ma. Our comparison of magnetic anomaly crossings from the undeformed Pacific plate to their counterparts on the Rivera plate indicates that significant areas of the Rivera plate have deformed since 9.9 Ma. Dextral shear along the southern edge of the plate from 3.3-2.2 Ma during a regional plate boundary reorganization deformed the Rivera plate farther into its interior than previously recognized. In addition, seafloor located north of two rupture zones within the Rivera plate sutured to North America after 1.5 Ma. Anomaly crossings from these two deformed regions thus cannot be used to reconstruct motion of the Rivera plate. Finite rotations that best reconstruct Pacific plate anomaly crossings onto their undeformed counterparts on the Rivera plate yield stage spreading rates that decrease gradually by 10% between 10 and 3.6 Ma, decrease rapidly by 20% after ˜3.6 Ma, and recover after 1 Ma. The slowdown in Pacific-Rivera seafloor spreading at 3.6 Ma coincided with the onset of dextral shear across the then-incipient southern boundary of the Rivera plate with the Pacific plate. The available evidence indicates that the Rivera plate has been an independent microplate since at least 10 Ma, contrary to published assertions that it fragmented from the Cocos plate at ˜5 Ma. Motion of the Rivera plate relative to North America has changed significantly since 10 Ma, in concert with significant changes in Pacific-Rivera motion. A significant and robust feature of Rivera-North America motion not previously recognized is the cessation of margin-normal convergence and thus subduction from 2.6 to 1.0 Ma along the entire plate boundary, followed by a resumption of trench-normal subduction along the southern half of the Rivera-North America plate boundary after 1.0 Ma. Motion of the Rivera plate relative to the underlying mantle since 10 Ma has oscillated between periods of landward motion and seaward motion. The evidence suggests that the torque exerted by slab pull on this young and hot oceanic plate is either minimal or is effectively counterbalanced by forces that resist its motion.

Late-life effects of chronic methamphetamine exposure during puberty on behaviour and corticostriatal mono-amines in social isolation-reared rats.

PubMed

Strauss, Laetitia; Brink, Christiaan B; Möller, Marisa; Stein, Dan J; Harvey, Brian H

2014-01-01

Chronic methamphetamine (MA) abuse results in an acute psychosis indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia. However, less is known of the interaction between MA use and environmental insults, and how this contributes to late-onset psychopathology. Using social isolation rearing (SIR), a neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia, we investigated the association between changes in corticostriatal mono-amines and putative behaviours related to MA-induced psychosis in isolation and group-housed rats following chronic MA or saline exposure. Weaned male offspring of MA-naive female Wistar rats, either group- or isolation-housed from postnatal day (PND) +21, received saline (2 ml/kg s.c. b.i.d.) or an escalating dose of MA (0.2-6 mg/kg s.c. b.i.d.) for 16 days from PND +35 to +50. On PND +78, offspring were tested for deficits in social interactive behaviour (SIB) and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle, with frontal cortex and striatum harvested for the assessment of mono-amine concentrations. SIR significantly reduced rearing time, staying together, approaching and anogenital sniffing (outward-directed SIB), but increased self-grooming and locomotor activity (self-directed SIB), and also induced profound deficits in PPI. Pubertal MA exposure in group-housed animals also induced similar alterations in outward- and self-directed SIB and reduced PPI. Combined MA+SIR exposure evoked a similarly intense behavioural response as SIR or MA separately, with no exacerbation evident. Neither treatment separately nor together affected corticostriatal serotonin or noradrenaline levels, although frontal cortical dopamine (DA) levels were significantly increased in SIR and MA+group-housed animals. A trend towards further elevated frontal cortical DA was noted in the MA+SIR treatment group. Striatal DA was unaltered by all treatments. This study provides the first evidence that chronic pubertal MA exposure evokes postpubertal psychosis-like behaviours in rats of similar intensity to that induced by a neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia (SIR). Moreover, the study is unique in that these behavioural changes occur together with associated changes in frontal cortical but not striatal DA, without affecting other mono-amines, and strongly implicates frontal cortical DA changes in the psychotogenic effects of early-life MA exposure or environmental insult. Although MA exposure in animals with a history of environmental insult (i.e. MA+SIR) has similar effects, combined exposure was not additive with regard to behavioural or neurochemical changes. We conclude that a ceiling effect or compensatory mechanisms prevent more pronounced neurobehavioural deficits occurring following MA+SIR treatment, at least under the current study conditions. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Detrital zircon geochronology of some neoproterozoic to triassic rocks in interior alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, D.C.; McClelland, W.C.; Wooden, J.L.; Till, A.B.; Roeske, S.M.; Miller, M.L.; Karl, Susan M.; Abbott, J.G.

2007-01-01

We report 777 U-Pb SHRIMP detrital zircon ages from thirteen sandstones and metasandstones in interior Alaska. About sixty grains per sample were analyzed; typically, half to three-fourths of these were concordant within ?? 10%. Farewell terrane. Two quartzites were collected from Ruby quadrangle and a third from Taylor Mountains quadrangle. All three are interpreted to represent a low stratigraphic level in the Nixon Fork platform succession; the samples from Ruby quadrangle are probably late Neoproterozoic, and the sample from Taylor Mountains quadrangle is probably Cambrian in age. The youngest detrital zircon in any of the three is 851 Ma. The two Ruby quadrangle samples area almost identical: one has a major age cluster at 1980-2087 and minor age clusters at 944-974 and 1366-1383 Ma; the other has a major age cluster at 1993-2095 Ma and minor age clusters at 912-946 and 1366-1395 Ma. The Taylor Mountains sample shows one dominant peak at 1914-2057 Ma. Notably absent are zircons in the range 1800-1900 Ma, which are typical of North American sources. The detrital zircon populations are consistent with paleontological evidence for a peri- Siberian position of the Farewell terrane during the early Paleozoic. Mystic subterrane of the Farewell terrane. Three graywackes from flysch of the Mystic subterrane, Talkeetna quadrangle, were sampled with the expectation that all three were Pennsylvanian. Asample from Pingston Creek is Triassic (as revealed by an interbedded ash dated at ca. 223 Ma) and is dominated by age clusters of 341-359 and 1804-1866 Ma, both consistent with a sediment source in the Yukon-Tanana terrane. Minor age clusters at 848-869 and 1992-2018 Ma could have been sourced in the older part of the Farewell terrane. Still other minor age clusters at 432-461, 620-657, 1509-1536, and 1627-1653 Ma are not readily linked to sources that are now nearby. Asample from Surprise Glacier is mid-Mississippian or younger. Adominant age cluster at 1855-1883 and a minor one at 361-367 Ma could have been sourced in the Yukon-Tanana terrane. Other age clusters at 335-336, 457-472, 510-583, and 1902-1930 have no obvious nearby source. A sample from Ripsnorter Creek is Silurian or younger. The dominant age cluster at 937-981 Ma and a minor one at 2047-2077 Ma could have been sourced in the Farewell terrane. Minor age clusters at 1885-1900 and 2719-2770 Ma could have been sourced in the Yukon-Tanana terrane. Other age clusters at 429 490, 524-555, 644-652, 1023-1057, 1131-1185, and 1436-1445 Ma have no obvious nearby source. The so-called Mystic subterrane is structurally complex and would appear to include more than one Phanerozoic turbidite succession; more mapping and detrital zircon geochronology are needed. Wickersham and Yukon-Tanana terranes. A grit from Wickersham terrane in Tanana quadrangle and a grit from Yukon-Tanana terrane in Talkeetna quadrangle have similar, exclusively Precambrian detrital zircon populations, supporting previous correlations. The Wickersham sample has major age clusters at 1776-1851 and 1930-1964 Ma, and the youngest grain is 1198 Ma. The Yukon-Tanana grit has a major age cluster at 1834-1867 Ma, and the youngest grain is 1789 Ma. A North American source has been previously proposed, and this seems likely based on detrital zircon data. Ruby terrane and Minook Complex. Detrital zircons from quartzites in the Ruby terrane show two quite different age patterns. Asample from the Bear Creek area of Tanana quadrangle has detrital zircon ages that are similar to those from the Wickersham and Yukon-Tanana grits. The dominant age clusters are 1823-1856 and 1887-1931 Ma. In contrast, a quartzite from nearby Senatis Mountain (Tanana quadrangle) yielded a completely different detrital zircon age spectrum, featuring a broad peak with no significant gaps from 1024 to 1499 Ma and a minor age cluster at 1671-1695 Ma. The youngest concordant zircon is 1024 ?? 6 Ma. Aquartzite from the Minook Complex, a sliver along t

42 CFR 422.312 - Announcement of annual capitation rate, benchmarks, and methodology changes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Monday in April each year, CMS announces to MA organizations and other interested parties the following information for each MA payment area for the following calendar year: (i) The annual MA capitation rate. (ii... annual, coordinated election period under § 422.62(a)(2), CMS will announce to MA organizations and other...

42 CFR 422.57 - Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. 422.57 Section 422.57 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... Enrollment § 422.57 Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. An RFB society that offers an MA RFB plan may...

42 CFR 422.314 - Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA... Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.314 Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans. (a) Establishment and designation of medical savings account (MSA). A beneficiary who elects coverage under an MA...

42 CFR 422.57 - Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. 422.57 Section 422.57 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... Enrollment § 422.57 Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. An RFB society that offers an MA RFB plan may...

42 CFR 422.553 - Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Effect of leasing of an MA organization's... Ownership or Leasing of Facilities During Term of Contract § 422.553 Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities. (a) General effect of leasing. If an MA organization leases all or part of its...

42 CFR 422.216 - Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans... With Providers § 422.216 Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans. (a) Payment to providers—(1) Payment rate. (i) The MA organization must establish payment rates for plan covered items and...

42 CFR 422.57 - Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. 422.57 Section 422.57 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... § 422.57 Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. An RFB society that offers an MA RFB plan may offer that...

42 CFR 422.306 - Annual MA capitation rates.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Annual MA capitation rates. 422.306 Section 422.306....306 Annual MA capitation rates. Subject to adjustments at §§ 422.308(b) and 422.308(g), the annual capitation rate for each MA local area is determined under paragraph (a) of this section for 2005 and each...

75 FR 34929 - Safety Zones: Neptune Deep Water Port, Atlantic Ocean, Boston, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-21

...-AA00 Safety Zones: Neptune Deep Water Port, Atlantic Ocean, Boston, MA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION..., Boston, MA; Final Rule (USCG-2009-0589), to protect vessels from the hazard posed by the presence of the... read as follows: Sec. 165.T01-0542 Safety Zones: Neptune Deepwater Port, Atlantic Ocean, Boston, MA. (a...

42 CFR 422.312 - Announcement of annual capitation rate, benchmarks, and methodology changes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Monday in April each year, CMS announces to MA organizations and other interested parties the following information for each MA payment area for the following calendar year: (i) The annual MA capitation rate. (ii... annual, coordinated election period under § 422.62(a)(2), CMS will announce to MA organizations and other...

77 FR 19573 - Safety Zone; Wedding Fireworks Display, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-02

...-AA00 Safety Zone; Wedding Fireworks Display, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... zone on the navigable waters of the Boston Inner Harbor in the vicinity of Anthony's Pier 4, Boston, MA... Boston Inner Harbor in the vicinity of Anthony's Pier 4, Boston, MA. The Captain of the Port (COTP...

42 CFR 422.306 - Annual MA capitation rates.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Annual MA capitation rates. 422.306 Section 422.306....306 Annual MA capitation rates. Subject to adjustments at §§ 422.308(b) and 422.308(g), the annual capitation rate for each MA local area is determined under paragraph (a) of this section for 2005 and each...

33 CFR 165.120 - Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. 165.120 Section 165.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... § 165.120 Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. (a) Location. The following area... downstream of the Chelsea Street Bridge on the Chelsea, MA side of the Chelsea River—hereafter referred to as...

42 CFR 422.57 - Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. 422.57 Section 422.57 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... Enrollment § 422.57 Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. An RFB society that offers an MA RFB plan may...

42 CFR 422.314 - Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA... Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.314 Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans. (a) Establishment and designation of medical savings account (MSA). A beneficiary who elects coverage under an MA...

42 CFR 422.216 - Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans... With Providers § 422.216 Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans. (a) Payment to providers—(1) Payment rate. (i) The MA organization must establish payment rates for plan covered items and...

42 CFR 422.314 - Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA... Medicare Advantage Organizations § 422.314 Special rules for beneficiaries enrolled in MA MSA plans. (a) Establishment and designation of medical savings account (MSA). A beneficiary who elects coverage under an MA...

42 CFR 422.553 - Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Effect of leasing of an MA organization's... Ownership or Leasing of Facilities During Term of Contract § 422.553 Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities. (a) General effect of leasing. If an MA organization leases all or part of its...

42 CFR 422.553 - Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Effect of leasing of an MA organization's... Change of Ownership or Leasing of Facilities During Term of Contract § 422.553 Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities. (a) General effect of leasing. If an MA organization leases all or part of its...

33 CFR 165.120 - Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. 165.120 Section 165.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... § 165.120 Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. (a) Location. The following area... downstream of the Chelsea Street Bridge on the Chelsea, MA side of the Chelsea River—hereafter referred to as...

42 CFR 422.216 - Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans... With Providers § 422.216 Special rules for MA private fee-for-service plans. (a) Payment to providers—(1) Payment rate. (i) The MA organization must establish payment rates for plan covered items and...

42 CFR 422.618 - How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate standard... Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.618 How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions. (a) Reversals by the MA organization—(1) Requests for service. If, on...

42 CFR 422.553 - Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Effect of leasing of an MA organization's... Change of Ownership or Leasing of Facilities During Term of Contract § 422.553 Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities. (a) General effect of leasing. If an MA organization leases all or part of its...

42 CFR 422.553 - Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Effect of leasing of an MA organization's... Change of Ownership or Leasing of Facilities During Term of Contract § 422.553 Effect of leasing of an MA organization's facilities. (a) General effect of leasing. If an MA organization leases all or part of its...

42 CFR 422.618 - How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false How an MA organization must effectuate standard... Grievances, Organization Determinations and Appeals § 422.618 How an MA organization must effectuate standard reconsidered determinations or decisions. (a) Reversals by the MA organization—(1) Requests for service. If, on...

33 CFR 165.120 - Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. 165.120 Section 165.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... § 165.120 Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. (a) Location. The following area... downstream of the Chelsea Street Bridge on the Chelsea, MA side of the Chelsea River—hereafter referred to as...

42 CFR 422.57 - Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 3 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. 422.57 Section 422.57 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... § 422.57 Limited enrollment under MA RFB plans. An RFB society that offers an MA RFB plan may offer that...

33 CFR 165.120 - Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. 165.120 Section 165.120 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD... § 165.120 Safety Zone: Chelsea River, Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA. (a) Location. The following area... downstream of the Chelsea Street Bridge on the Chelsea, MA side of the Chelsea River—hereafter referred to as...

An Annotated Bibliography of MANPRINT-Related Assessments and Evaluations Conducted by the U.S. Army, 2nd Edition: 1953 to 2009. Volume 1- Index

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

System (ACABA) MA 1973 Armored Vest M1955 Body Armor- Armored Vest M1955 USMC M1955 Armored Vest and the Proposed Titanium Nylon Improved... Laser - MILES Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System in an Operational Environment (MILES) MA 1980 SAW M249 Rifle- 5.56mm- Machine Gun- SAW M249...Weapon System MA 1993 MCF MCF Modular Causeway Ferry (MCF) MA 1993 MDS NBC- Decon- MDS Modular Decontamination System (MDS) MA 1993 MELIOS Laser

Fast reactor core concepts to improve transmutation efficiency

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

Fujimura, Koji; Kawashima, Katsuyuki; Itooka, Satoshi

Fast Reactor (FR) core concepts to improve transmutation efficiency were conducted. A heterogeneous MA loaded core was designed based on the 1000MWe-ABR breakeven core. The heterogeneous MA loaded core with Zr-H loaded moderated targets had a better transmutation performance than the MA homogeneous loaded core. The annular pellet rod design was proposed as one of the possible design options for the MA target. It was shown that using annular pellet MA rods mitigates the self-shielding effect in the moderated target so as to enhance the transmutation rate.

Semiconductor Surface Emitting Laser Diodes

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-30

the finesse of the resonator, thus broadening the emission linewidth. GW C 50 rnA 1.6mA 3 nm 0: !,rI . m l ... 40 MA 1.Om 0~ A O "O - .SmA "On( - I...8217 825 850 875 900 30 mA M WAVELENGTH (nm) C- I- 0 20 mA z 10 mA 5 MA 800 850 900 WAVELENGTH (nm) Figure 8. Typical SEL emission spectrum 15 Additional...Waeent ( m 0 8250 86-8 0 2 27.5 w o 25.0 0 z 7.25.5 F BAOKWAD, 42 A j F ii~ -p Ai ~ B~i (2-4) 2P / B i A i + Bi (2-5)3. j 20 j Fi j = (.)1/2) - Hii

Paying Medicare Advantage Plans: To Level or Tilt the Playing Field

PubMed Central

Glazer, Jacob; McGuire, Thomas G.

2017-01-01

Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for health insurance through the public option of traditional Medicare (TM) or may join a private Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Both are highly subsidized but in different ways. Medicare pays for most of costs directly in TM, and makes a subsidy payment to an MA plan based on a “benchmark” for each beneficiary choosing a private plan. The level of this benchmark is arguably the most important policy decision Medicare makes about the MA program. Presently, about 30% of beneficiaries are in MA, and Medicare subsidizes MA plans more on average than TM. Many analysts recommend equalizing Medicare’s subsidy across the options – referred to in policy circles as a “level playing field.” This paper studies the normative question of how to set the level of the benchmark, applying the versatile model of plan choice developed by Einav and Finkelstein (EF) to Medicare. The EF framework implies unequal subsidies to counteract risk selection across plan types. We also study other reasons to tilt the field: the relative efficiency of MA vs. TM, market power of MA plans, and institutional features of the way Medicare determines subsidies and premiums. After review of the empirical and policy literature, we conclude that in areas where the MA market is competitive, the benchmark should be set below average costs in TM, but in areas characterized by imperfect competition in MA, it should be raised in order to offset output (enrollment) restrictions by plans with market power. We also recommend specific modifications of Medicare rules to make demand for MA more price elastic. PMID:28318667

Can Anxiety Tested in the Elevated Plus-maze Be Related to Nociception Sensitivity in Adult Male Rats?

PubMed

Pometlová, Marie; Yamamotová, Anna; Nohejlová, Kateryna; Šlamberová, Romana

Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most addictive psychostimulant drugs with a high potential for abuse. Our previous studies demonstrated that MA administered to pregnant rats increases pain sensitivity and anxiety in their adult offspring and makes them more sensitive to acute administration of the same drug in adulthood. Because individuals can differ considerably in terms of behaviour and physiology, such as rats that do not belong in some characteristics (e.g. anxiety) to average, can be described as low-responders or high-responders, are then more or less sensitive to pain. Therefore, prenatally MA-exposed adult male rats treated in adulthood with a single dose of MA (1 mg/ml/kg) or saline (1 ml/kg) were tested in the present study. We examined the effect of acute MA treatment on: (1) the anxiety in the Elevated plus-maze (EPM) test and memory in EPM re-test; (2) nociception sensitivity in the Plantar test; (3) the correlation between the anxiety, memory and the nociception. Our results demonstrate that: (1) MA has an anxiogenic effect on animals prenatally exposed to the same drug in the EPM; (2) all the differences induced by acute MA treatment disappeared within the time of 48 hours; (3) there was no effect of MA on nociception per se, but MA induced higher anxiety in individuals less sensitive to pain than in animals more sensitive to pain. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates unique data showing association between anxiety and nociceptive sensitivity of prenatally MA-exposed rats that is induced by acute drug administration.

Relationships between Medicare Advantage contract characteristics and quality-of-care ratings: an observational analysis of Medicare Advantage star ratings.

PubMed

Xu, Peng; Burgess, James F; Cabral, Howard; Soria-Saucedo, Rene; Kazis, Lewis E

2015-03-03

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) publishes star ratings on Medicare Advantage (MA) contracts to measure plan quality of care with implications for reimbursement and bonuses. To investigate whether MA contract characteristics are associated with quality of care through the Medicare plan star ratings. Retrospective study of MA star ratings in 2010. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable linear regression models assessed the relationship between 5-star rating summary scores and plan characteristics. CMS MA contracts nationally. 409 (71%) of a total of 575 MA contracts, covering 10.56 million Medicare beneficiaries (90% of the MA population) in the United States in 2010. The MA quality ratings summary score (stars range from 1 to 5) is a quality measure based on 36 indicators related to processes of care, health outcomes, access to care, and beneficiary satisfaction. Nonprofit, larger, and older MA contracts were more likely to receive higher star ratings. Star ratings ranged from 2 to 5. Nonprofit contracts received an average 0.55 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.67) higher star ratings than for-profit contracts (P  < 0.001) after controls were set for contract characteristics. The study focused on persons aged 65 years or older covered by MA. In 2010, nonprofit MA contracts received significantly higher star ratings than for-profit contracts. When comparing health plans in the future, the CMS should give increasing attention to for-profit plans with lower quality ratings and consider developing programs to assist newer and smaller plans in improving their care for Medicare beneficiaries. None.

Molecular characterization and expression profiles of MaCOL1, a CONSTANS-like gene in banana fruit.

PubMed

Chen, Jiao; Chen, Jian-Ye; Wang, Jun-Ning; Kuang, Jian-Fei; Shan, Wei; Lu, Wang-Jin

2012-04-01

CONSTANS (CO) gene is a key transcription regulator that controls the long-day induction of flowering in Arabidopsis plant. However, CO gene involved in fruit ripening and stress responses is poorly understood. In the present study, a novel cDNA encoding CONSTANS-like gene, designated as MaCOL1 was isolated and characterized from banana fruit. The full length cDNA sequence was 1887bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1242bp, encoding 414 amino acids with a molecular weight of 46.20kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.40. Sequence alignment showed that MaCOL1 contained two B-box zinc finger motifs and a CCT domain. In addition, MaCOL1 showed transcriptional activity in yeast and was a nucleus-localized protein. Real-time PCR analysis showed that MaCOL1 was differentially expressed among various banana plant organs, with higher expression in flower. Expression of MaCOL1 in peel changed slightly, while accumulation of MaCOL1 transcripts in pulp obviously increased during natural or ethylene-induced fruit ripening, suggesting that MaCOL1 might be associated with the pulp ripening of banana fruit. Moreover, accumulation of MaCOL1 transcript was obviously enhanced by abiotic and biotic stresses, such as chilling and pathogen Colletotrichum musae infection. Taken together, our results suggest that MaCOL1 is a transcription activator and may be involved in fruit ripening and stress responses. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.