Three-dimensional "Mercedes-Benz" model for water.

PubMed

Dias, Cristiano L; Ala-Nissila, Tapio; Grant, Martin; Karttunen, Mikko

2009-08-07

In this paper we introduce a three-dimensional version of the Mercedes-Benz model to describe water molecules. In this model van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds are given explicitly through a Lennard-Jones potential and a Gaussian orientation-dependent terms, respectively. At low temperature the model freezes forming Ice-I and it reproduces the main peaks of the experimental radial distribution function of water. In addition to these structural properties, the model also captures the thermodynamical anomalies of water: The anomalous density profile, the negative thermal expansivity, the large heat capacity, and the minimum in the isothermal compressibility.

The Rotational Spectrum and Conformational Structures of Methyl Valerate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Ha Vinh Lam; Stahl, Wolfgang

2015-06-01

Methyl valerate, C4H9COOCH3, belongs to the class of fruit esters, which play an important role in nature as odorants of different fruits, flowers, and wines. A sufficient explanation for the structure-odor relation of is not available. It is known that predicting the odor of a substance is not possible by knowing only its chemical formula. A typical example is the blueberry- or pine apple-like odor of ethyl isovalerate while its isomers ethyl valerate and isoamyl acetate smell like green apple and banana, respectively. Obviously, not only the composition but also the molecular structures are not negligible by determining the odor of a substance. Gas phase structures of fruit esters are thus important for a first step towards the determination of structure-odor relation since the sense of smell starts from gas phase molecules. For this purpose, a combination of microwave spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations (QCCs) is an excellent tool. Small esters often have sufficient vapor pressure to be transferred easily in the gas phase for a rotational study but already contain a large number of atoms which makes them too big for classical structure determination by isotopic substitution and requires nowadays a comparison with the structures optimized by QCCs. On the other hand, the results from QCCs have to be validated by the experimental values. About the internal dynamics, the methoxy methyl group -COOCH3 of methyl acetate shows internal rotation with a barrier of 424.581(56) wn. A similar barrier height of 429.324(23) wn was found in methyl propionate, where the acetyl group is extended to the propionyl group. The investigation on methyl valerate fits well in this series of methyl alkynoates. In this talk, the structure of the most energetic favorable conformer as well as the internal rotation shown by the methoxy methyl group will be reported. It could be confirmed that the internal rotation barrier of the methoxy methyl group remains by longer alkyl chain.

Contraception containing estradiol valerate and dienogest--advantages, adherence and user satisfaction.

PubMed

Graziottin, A

2014-10-01

The contraceptive pill containing estradiol valerate and dienogest meets women's requests for: a more natural contraceptive, that is reliable and easy to use, with positive cosmetic effects; less intense and shorter bleeding, reduced anaemia and increased vital energy; reduced dysmenorrhoea and all the specific cycle-related symptoms linked to a drop in oestrogen and the related systemic inflammation, the result of a hormone free interval (HFI) of just two days; with a good impact on sexuality and overall well-being, all associated with a high level of efficacy: (uncorrected Pearl Index: 0.79; corrected: 0.42). Women would prefer more natural hormonal contraception, with high reliability, good tolerability, a simple dosing schedule and possibly some health advantages. To evaluate what the pill containing estradiol valerate and dienogest can offer women and the best way to communicate this opportunity, after 4 years of growing clinical use. A review of literature plus the Author's clinical experience. The new pill containing estradiol valerate and dienogest may satisfy women's need for: a more natural hormonal contraceptive with a low hormone dosage, high reliability and good tolerability; a simple dosing schedule (one pill per day for 28 days); a positive cosmetic effect on the skin; lighter and shorter withdrawal bleeding, improved anaemia, less fatigue and higher vital energy; reduced dysmenorrhoea and a dramatic reduction in all symptoms thanks to a shorter Hormone Free Interval (HFI) of just two days. The new pill is an option for all women taking hormonal contraception who would like a more natural choice; for those who have never used hormonal contraception and may consider this new opportunity positively, for those who suffer from various menstrual symptoms, related inflammation ("a shorter HFI means much fewer or no symptoms") and, possibly for pre-menopausal women, an opportunity to combine excellent contraception with a definite improvement in their well

[Gas-containing gallstones: value of the "Mercedes-Benz" sign at CT examination].

PubMed

Delabrousse, E; Bartholomot, B; Narboux, Y; Barrali, E; Chirouze, C; Kastler, B

2000-11-01

Gas-containing gallstones are well-known in vitro. The typical triradiate arrangement of fissures filled with gas, first described on abdominal plain films, was named by Meyers the "Mercedes-Benz" sign. This sign is absent of the recent literature. We report a case where gas was the only CT sign suggesting the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.

Cost analysis of the Mercedes-Benz occupant detection system for air bag shut-off

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-04-01

The objective of this project is to develop the variable manufacturing costs and lead time estimates of an "occupant detection system for air bag shut off". The Mercedes-Benz system was used as a base for developing this data. The system consists of ...

Worst theft losses are for Mercedes model; 2 of 3 worst are for acura

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-05-13

The Highway Loss Data Institute's annual list of vehicles with worst theft losses has Mercedes S class heading the list of passenger vehicles with the highest insurance losses for theft. Overall losses for this car are 10 times higher than the averag...

Bilambdoid and posterior sagittal synostosis: the Mercedes Benz syndrome.

PubMed

Moore, M H; Abbott, A H; Netherway, D J; Menard, R; Hanieh, A

1998-09-01

A consistent pattern of craniosynostosis in the sagittal and bilateral lambdoid sutures is described in three patients. The external cranial ridging associated with fusion of these sutures produces a characteristic triradiate, or "Mercedes Benz," appearance to the posterior skull. Locally marked growth restriction is evident in the posterior fossa with compensatory secondary expansion of the anterior fossa manifesting a degree of frontal bossing which mimics bicoronal synostosis. Although this appearance could lead to inadvertent surgery in the frontal region, attention to the occipital region with wide early suture excision and vault shaping is indicated.

Neonatal exposure to estradiol valerate increases dopamine content in nigrostriatal pathway during adulthood in the rat.

PubMed

Cruz, G; Riquelme, R; Espinosa, P; Jara, P; Dagnino-Subiabre, A; Renard, G M; Sotomayor-Zárate, R

2014-05-01

Research in programming has focused in the study of stimuli that affect sensitive periods of development such as prenatal and neonatal stage. We previously showed that exposure to estradiol valerate to female rats during the first 12 h of life increased catecholamine content in ventromedial-arcuatus hypothalamus of the adult rat. However, changes in others dopaminergic circuits have not been studied. The purpose of this work was to determine the neurotransmitters changes induced by neonatal estradiol valerate (0.1 mg/50 μl s. c. per rat) administration on nigrostriatal pathway of adult female rats. Sesame oil (50 μl s. c. per rat) was administered in a control parallel group. EV-1 adult rats presented effective markers of long-term estrogenization as decreased serum levels of progesterone and a reduction in the size of estrogen-sensitive organs. In the brain, neonatal estradiol valerate administration led to a significant increase in dopamine content in striatum, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. With respect to the contents of dopamine metabolites, only 3-methoxytyramine content increased in substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. In addition, the content of noradrenaline increased only in striatum. Interestingly, estrogenized rats lacked locomotor activity induced by acute dose of amphetamine (1 mg/kg i. p.). Altogether, these results show that neonatal exposure to estradiol valerate permanently modified the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in nigrostriatal pathway and amphetamine-induced locomotor activity of adult female rats. This might imply that estrogenized rats could have changes in the expression of key proteins in dopaminergic regulation, as tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Computed tomography manifestation of a triple-barreled aortic dissection: the Mercedes-Benz mark sign.

PubMed

Shin, M S; Zorn, G L; Ho, K J

1988-04-01

Computed tomographic (CT) findings of a rare case of triple-barreled aortic dissection was described. CT demonstrated the extent of dissection, a communication between two channels, and three lumens separated by the intimal flap and a thin undetached tunica media, resembling a Mercedes-Benz mark.

Cost, weight and lead time impacts of a Mercedes-Benz 'Sensormat' type occupant detection system

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-04-19

This summary report is based, in part, on the findings contained in Contract No. DTNH22-96-C-02063 entitled "Cost Analysis of the Mercedes-Benz Occupant Detection System for Air Bag Shut-Off" prepared by Ludtke and Associates of Washington, Michigan....

Ice polyamorphism in the minimal Mercedes-Benz model of water.

PubMed

Cartwright, Julyan H E; Piro, Oreste; Sánchez, Pedro A; Sintes, Tomás

2012-12-28

We investigate ice polyamorphism in the context of the two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water. We find a first-order phase transition between a crystalline phase and a high-density amorphous phase. Furthermore, we find a reversible transformation between two amorphous structures of high and low density; however, we find this to be a continuous and not an abrupt transition, as the low-density amorphous phase does not show structural stability. We discuss the origin of this behavior and its implications with regard to the minimal generic modeling of polyamorphism.

Ice polyamorphism in the minimal Mercedes-Benz model of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cartwright, Julyan H. E.; Piro, Oreste; Sánchez, Pedro A.; Sintes, Tomás

2012-12-01

We investigate ice polyamorphism in the context of the two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water. We find a first-order phase transition between a crystalline phase and a high-density amorphous phase. Furthermore, we find a reversible transformation between two amorphous structures of high and low density; however, we find this to be a continuous and not an abrupt transition, as the low-density amorphous phase does not show structural stability. We discuss the origin of this behavior and its implications with regard to the minimal generic modeling of polyamorphism.

78 FR 60275 - Alternative Method for Calculating Off-Cycle Credits for Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Under the Light...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-01

...., small/mid-size/large cars and light-duty trucks) (See Section II-III of Mercedes-Benz Application...-start effectiveness unless the vehicle possesses an electric heater circulation pump, or equivalent...-start system includes an electric [[Page 60278

Selecting optimal feast-to-famine ratio for a new polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production system fed by valerate-dominant sludge hydrolysate.

PubMed

Hao, Jiuxiao; Wang, Hui; Wang, Xiujin

2018-04-01

The feast-to-famine ratio (F/F) represents the extent of selective pressure during polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) culture selection. This study evaluated the effects of F/F on a new PHA production system by an enriched culture with valerate-dominant sludge hydrolysate and selected the optimal F/F. After the original F/F 1/3 was modified to 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/5, F/F did not affect their lengths of feast phase, but affected their biomass growth behaviors during the famine phase and PHA-producing abilities. The optimal F/F was 1/2, and compared with 1/3, it increased the maximal PHA content and the fraction of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) and 3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate (3H2MV) monomers, with higher productivity and better polymer properties. Although F/F 1/2 impaired the advantage of the dominant genus Delftia, it improved the PHA production rate while decreased biomass growth rate, meanwhile enhancing the utilization and conversion of valerate. These findings indicate that in contrast to previous studies using acetate-dominant substrate for PHA production, the new system fed by valerate-dominant substrate can adopt a higher F/F.

An improved thermodynamic perturbation theory for Mercedes-Benz water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, T.; Vlachy, V.; Kalyuzhnyi, Yu. V.; Dill, K. A.

2007-11-01

We previously applied Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory for associative fluids to the simple Mercedes-Benz model of water. We found that the theory reproduced well the physical properties of hot water, but was less successful in capturing the more structured hydrogen bonding that occurs in cold water. Here, we propose an improved version of the thermodynamic perturbation theory in which the effective density of the reference system is calculated self-consistently. The new theory is a significant improvement, giving good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations of the model, and predicting key anomalies of cold water, such as minima in the molar volume and large heat capacity, in addition to giving good agreement with the isothermal compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient.

An improved thermodynamic perturbation theory for Mercedes-Benz water.

PubMed

Urbic, T; Vlachy, V; Kalyuzhnyi, Yu V; Dill, K A

2007-11-07

We previously applied Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory for associative fluids to the simple Mercedes-Benz model of water. We found that the theory reproduced well the physical properties of hot water, but was less successful in capturing the more structured hydrogen bonding that occurs in cold water. Here, we propose an improved version of the thermodynamic perturbation theory in which the effective density of the reference system is calculated self-consistently. The new theory is a significant improvement, giving good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations of the model, and predicting key anomalies of cold water, such as minima in the molar volume and large heat capacity, in addition to giving good agreement with the isothermal compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient.

78 FR 38442 - Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 2005-2006 Mercedes Benz SLR...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-26

... SLR Passenger Cars Manufactured Before September 1, 2006 Are Eligible for Importation AGENCY: National... nonconforming 2005-2006 Mercedes Benz SLR passenger cars manufactured before September 1, 2006 that were not... passenger cars) and they are capable of being readily altered to conform to the standards. DATE: The closing...

Performance Characteristics of Automotive Engines in the United States : Report No. 7. Mercedes Benz Model OM617 Diesel Engine.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-01-01

Experimental data were obtained in dynamometer tests of the Mercedes Benz Model OM617 diesel engine to determine fuel consumption and emissions (hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitroge, and smoke) at steady-state engine-operating modes. The o...

Multiscale molecular dynamics/hydrodynamics implementation of two dimensional "Mercedes Benz" water model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scukins, A.; Nerukh, D.; Pavlov, E.; Karabasov, S.; Markesteijn, A.

2015-09-01

A multiscale Molecular Dynamics/Hydrodynamics implementation of the 2D Mercedes Benz (MB or BN2D) [1] water model is developed and investigated. The concept and the governing equations of multiscale coupling together with the results of the two-way coupling implementation are reported. The sensitivity of the multiscale model for obtaining macroscopic and microscopic parameters of the system, such as macroscopic density and velocity fluctuations, radial distribution and velocity autocorrelation functions of MB particles, is evaluated. Critical issues for extending the current model to large systems are discussed.

Effect of Citrullus colocynthis hydro-alcoholic extract on hormonal and folliculogenesis process in estradiol valerate-induced PCOs rats model: An experimental study.

PubMed

Barzegar, Mohammad Hossein; Khazali, Homayoun; Kalantar, Seyyed Mehdi; Khoradmehr, Arezoo

2017-10-01

Citrullus colocynthis (CCT) is used as the anti-diabetic and antioxidant agent. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder which level of gonadotropins and sexual hormones are imbalanced. We evaluated the effect of CCT hydro-alcoholic extract on hormonal and folliculogenesis process in estradiol valerate-induced PCOs rats' model. 40 female adult Wistar rats divided into five groups (n=8each: Group I (control) only injected by sesame oil as estradiol valerate solvent, group II (Sham) was orally received normal saline after estradiol valerate- induced polycystic ovarian syndrome (4 mg/rat estradiol valerate, intramuscularly), and three experimental groups, that after induction of PCOS within 60 days, received orally 50 mg/kg CCT extract (group III), 50mg/kg metformin (group IV), and CCT extract+ metformin (group V) for 20 days. The serum concentration level of luteinizing, testosterone and follicle stimulating hormones were measured using ELISA method and the serum concentration level of glucose were measured using the oxidative method (glucose meter). Histological study of ovary tissue carried out by hematoxylin-eosin staining. There was a significant reduction in luteinizing hormone and testosterone in III-V groups compared to Sham group, whereas follicle stimulating hormone in III-V groups was not significantly changed in comparison with Sham group. Histological investigations showed a significant increase in number of preantral and antral follicles and corpus luteum in the experimental groups compared to group II. Marked improvement in hormonal and histological symptoms of PCOS may be due to CCT effects hence, CCT can potentially be considered as an effective drug for treatment of PCOS.

Randomized Comparison of Topical Betamethasone Valerate Foam, Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide and Tacrolimus Ointment in Management of Localized Alopecia Areata

PubMed Central

Kuldeep, CM; Singhal, Himanshu; Khare, Ashok Kumar; Mittal, Asit; Gupta, Lalit K; Garg, Anubhav

2011-01-01

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, non-scarring, patchy loss of hair at scalp and elsewhere. Its pathogenesis is uncertain; however, auto-immunity has been exemplified in various studies. Familial incidence of AA is 10-42%, but in monozygotic twins is 50%. Local steroids (topical / intra-lesional) are very effective in treatment of localized AA. Aim: To compare hair regrowth and side effects of topical betamethasone valerate foam, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and tacrolimus ointment in management of localized AA. Materials and Methods: 105 patients of localized AA were initially registered but 27 were drop out. So, 78 patients allocated at random in group A (28), B (25) and C (25) were prescribed topical betamethasone valerate foam (0.1%) twice daily, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (10mg/ml) every 3 weeks and tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) twice daily, respectively, for 12 weeks. They were followed for next12 weeks. Hair re-growth was calculated using “HRG Scale”; scale I- (0-25%), S II-(26-50%), S III - (51-75%) and S IV- (75-100%). Results: Hair re-growth started by 3 weeks in group B (Scale I: P<0.03), turned satisfactory at 6 weeks in group A and B (Scale I: P<0.005, Scale IV: P<0.001)), good at 9 weeks (Scale I: P<0.0005, Scale IV: P<0.00015), and better by 12 weeks of treatment (Scale I: P<0.000021, Scale IV: P<0.000009) in both A and B groups. At the end of 12 weeks follow-up hair re-growth (>75%, HRG IV) was the best in group B (15 of 25, 60%), followed by A (15 of 28, 53.6%) and lastly group-C (Nil of 25, 0%) patients. Few patients reported mild pain and atrophy at injection sites, pruritus and burning with betamethasone valerate foam and tacrolimus. Conclusion: Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is the best, betamethasone valerate foam is better than tacrolimus in management of localized AA. PMID:21769231

75 FR 1117 - Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 2005 and 2006 Mercedes Benz S-Class...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-08

... Benz S-Class Passenger Cars Manufactured Before September 1, 2006, Are Eligible for Importation AGENCY... that nonconforming 2005 and 2006 Mercedes Benz S-Class passenger cars manufactured before September 1...-Class passenger cars manufactured before September 1, 2006, that were not originally manufactured to...

Effect of Citrullus colocynthis hydro-alcoholic extract on hormonal and folliculogenesis process in estradiol valerate-induced PCOs rats model: An experimental study

PubMed Central

Barzegar, Mohammad Hossein; Khazali, Homayoun; Kalantar, Seyyed Mehdi; Khoradmehr, Arezoo

2017-01-01

Background: Citrullus colocynthis (CCT) is used as the anti-diabetic and antioxidant agent. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder which level of gonadotropins and sexual hormones are imbalanced. Objective: We evaluated the effect of CCT hydro-alcoholic extract on hormonal and folliculogenesis process in estradiol valerate-induced PCOs rats’ model. Materials and Methods: 40 female adult Wistar rats divided into five groups (n=8each: Group I (control) only injected by sesame oil as estradiol valerate solvent, group II (Sham) was orally received normal saline after estradiol valerate- induced polycystic ovarian syndrome (4 mg/rat estradiol valerate, intramuscularly), and three experimental groups, that after induction of PCOS within 60 days, received orally 50 mg/kg CCT extract (group III), 50mg/kg metformin (group IV), and CCT extract+ metformin (group V) for 20 days. The serum concentration level of luteinizing, testosterone and follicle stimulating hormones were measured using ELISA method and the serum concentration level of glucose were measured using the oxidative method (glucose meter). Histological study of ovary tissue carried out by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: There was a significant reduction in luteinizing hormone and testosterone in III-V groups compared to Sham group, whereas follicle stimulating hormone in III-V groups was not significantly changed in comparison with Sham group. Histological investigations showed a significant increase in number of preantral and antral follicles and corpus luteum in the experimental groups compared to group II. Conclusion: Marked improvement in hormonal and histological symptoms of PCOS may be due to CCT effects hence, CCT can potentially be considered as an effective drug for treatment of PCOS. PMID:29387832

Analytical model for three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water molecules.

PubMed

Urbic, T

2012-06-01

We developed a statistical model which describes the thermal and volumetric properties of water-like molecules. A molecule is presented as a three-dimensional sphere with four hydrogen-bonding arms. Each water molecule interacts with its neighboring waters through a van der Waals interaction and an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. This model, which is largely analytical, is a variant of a model developed before for a two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water. We explored properties such as molar volume, density, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and isothermal compressibility as a function of temperature and pressure. We found that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with temperature as in real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations, including the density anomaly, the minimum in the isothermal compressibility, and the decreased number of hydrogen bonds upon increasing the temperature.

Analytical model for three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, T.

2012-06-01

We developed a statistical model which describes the thermal and volumetric properties of water-like molecules. A molecule is presented as a three-dimensional sphere with four hydrogen-bonding arms. Each water molecule interacts with its neighboring waters through a van der Waals interaction and an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. This model, which is largely analytical, is a variant of a model developed before for a two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water. We explored properties such as molar volume, density, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and isothermal compressibility as a function of temperature and pressure. We found that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with temperature as in real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations, including the density anomaly, the minimum in the isothermal compressibility, and the decreased number of hydrogen bonds upon increasing the temperature.

Analytical model for three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water molecules

PubMed Central

Urbic, T.

2013-01-01

We developed a statistical model which describes the thermal and volumetric properties of water-like molecules. A molecule is presented as a three-dimensional sphere with four hydrogen-bonding arms. Each water molecule interacts with its neighboring waters through a van der Waals interaction and an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. This model, which is largely analytical, is a variant of a model developed before for a two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water. We explored properties such as molar volume, density, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and isothermal compressibility as a function of temperature and pressure. We found that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with temperature as in real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations, including the density anomaly, the minimum in the isothermal compressibility, and the decreased number of hydrogen bonds upon increasing the temperature. PMID:23005100

Confined water: a Mercedes-Benz model study.

PubMed

Urbic, T; Vlachy, V; Dill, K A

2006-03-16

We study water that is confined within small geometric spaces. We use the Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water, in NVT and muVT Monte Carlo computer simulations. For MB water molecules between two planes separated by a distance d, we explore the structures, hydrogen bond networks, and thermodynamics as a function of d, temperature T, and water chemical potential mu. We find that squeezing the planes close enough together leads to a vaporization of waters out of the cavity. This vaporization transition has a corresponding peak in the heat capacity of the water. We also find that, in small pores, hydrogen bonding is not isotropic but, rather, it preferentially forms chains along the axis of the cavity. This may be relevant for fast proton transport in pores. Our simulations show oscillations in the forces between the inert plates, due to water structure, even for plate separations of 5-10 water diameters, consistent with experiments by Israelachvili et al. [Nature 1983, 306, 249]. Finally, we find that confinement affects water's heat capacity, consistent with recent experiments of Tombari et al. on Vycor nanopores [J. Chem. Phys. 2005, 122, 104712].

The effect of propionic acid and valeric acid on the cell cycle in root meristems of Pisum sativum

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

Tramontano, W.A.; Yang, Shauyu; Delillo, A.R.

1990-01-01

Propionic acid and valeric acid at 1mM reduced the mitotic index of root meristem cells of Pisum sativum to < 1% after 12 hr in aerated White's medium. This effect varied with different acid concentrations. After a 12 hr exposure to either acid, seedlings transferred to fresh medium without either acid, resumed their normal mitotic index after 12 hr, with a burst of mitosis 8 hr post-transfer. Exposure of root meristem cells to either acid also inhibited ({sup 3}H)-TdR incorporation. Neither acid significantly altered the distribution of meristematic cells in G1 and G2 after 12 hr. The incorporation of ({supmore » 3}H) - uridine was also unaltered by the addition of either acid. This information suggests that propionic acid and valeric acid, limit progression through the cell cycle by inhibiting DNA synthesis and arresting cells in G1 and G2. These results were consistent with previous data which utilized butyric acid.« less

Mercedes-Benz water molecules near hydrophobic wall: Integral equation theories vs Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, T.; Holovko, M. F.

2011-10-01

Associative version of Henderson-Abraham-Barker theory is applied for the study of Mercedes-Benz model of water near hydrophobic surface. We calculated density profiles and adsorption coefficients using Percus-Yevick and soft mean spherical associative approximations. The results are compared with Monte Carlo simulation data. It is shown that at higher temperatures both approximations satisfactory reproduce the simulation data. For lower temperatures, soft mean spherical approximation gives good agreement at low and at high densities while in at mid range densities, the prediction is only qualitative. The formation of a depletion layer between water and hydrophobic surface was also demonstrated and studied.

Mercedes-Benz water molecules near hydrophobic wall: integral equation theories vs Monte Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Urbic, T; Holovko, M F

2011-10-07

Associative version of Henderson-Abraham-Barker theory is applied for the study of Mercedes-Benz model of water near hydrophobic surface. We calculated density profiles and adsorption coefficients using Percus-Yevick and soft mean spherical associative approximations. The results are compared with Monte Carlo simulation data. It is shown that at higher temperatures both approximations satisfactory reproduce the simulation data. For lower temperatures, soft mean spherical approximation gives good agreement at low and at high densities while in at mid range densities, the prediction is only qualitative. The formation of a depletion layer between water and hydrophobic surface was also demonstrated and studied. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Effects of chemical versus enzymatic processing of kenaf fibers on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) composite properties

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effect of fiber retting on crystallization and mechanical performance was investigated. A poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend in a 80/20 ratio was modified using 5% by weight kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) fiber. Fibers were retted us...

Inflammatory tinea pedis with bacterial superinfection effectively treated with isoconazole nitrate and diflucortolone valerate combination therapy.

PubMed

Friedrich, Markus

2013-05-01

Undetected tinea pedis in a patient with diabetes can lead to serious bacterial infections with potentially serious consequences, such as foot amputations. Here we report on a 60-year-old patient with diabetes presenting with pain, severe pruritus, and malodour in the foot's interdigital area, and subsequently, diagnosed with inflammatory tinea pedis with bacterial superinfection. The patient was successfully treated with Travocort cream containing isoconazole nitrate 1% and diflucortolone valerate 0.1%; marked improvement occurred within 5 days. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Kinetics of Valeric Acid Ketonization and Ketenization in Catalytic Pyrolysis on Nanosized SiO2 , γ-Al2 O3 , CeO2 /SiO2 , Al2 O3 /SiO2 and TiO2 /SiO2.

PubMed

Kulyk, Kostiantyn; Palianytsia, Borys; Alexander, John D; Azizova, Liana; Borysenko, Mykola; Kartel, Mykola; Larsson, Mats; Kulik, Tetiana

2017-07-19

Valeric acid is an important renewable platform chemical that can be produced efficiently from lignocellulosic biomass. Upgrading of valeric acid by catalytic pyrolysis has the potential to produce value added biofuels and chemicals on an industrial scale. Understanding the different mechanisms involved in the thermal transformations of valeric acid on the surface of nanometer-sized oxides is important for the development of efficient heterogeneously catalyzed pyrolytic conversion techniques. In this work, the thermal decomposition of valeric acid on the surface of nanoscale SiO 2 , γ-Al 2 O 3 , CeO 2 /SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 and TiO 2 /SiO 2 has been investigated by temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has also been used to investigate the structure of valeric acid complexes on the oxide surfaces. Two main products of pyrolytic conversion were observed to be formed depending on the nano-catalyst used-dibutylketone and propylketene. Mechanisms of ketene and ketone formation from chemisorbed fragments of valeric acid are proposed and the kinetic parameters of the corresponding reactions were calculated. It was found that the activation energy of ketenization decreases in the order SiO 2 >γ-Al 2 O 3 >TiO 2 /SiO 2 >Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 , and the activation energy of ketonization decreases in the order γ-Al 2 O 3 >CeO 2 /SiO 2 . Nano-oxide CeO 2 /SiO 2 was found to selectively catalyze the ketonization reaction. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Misdiagnosed zoophile tinea faciei and tinea corporis effectively treated with isoconazole nitrate and diflucortolone valerate combination therapy.

PubMed

Czaika, Viktor A

2013-05-01

There have been few published reports on the human transmission of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, a zoophilic fungus frequently occurring in pets. Here we report on 2 girls, living with a pet dwarf rabbit, who presented with inflammatory skin lesions positive for T. mentagrophytes and subsequently diagnosed as zoophile tinea faciei and tinea corporis. The patients were successfully treated with systemic terbinafine and 2-week therapy with Travocort cream containing isoconazole nitrate 1% and diflucortolone valerate 0.1%. © 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

The analgesic efficacy of subcostal transversus abdominis plane block with Mercedes incision.

PubMed

Guo, Jian-Guo; Li, Hui-Ling; Pei, Qing-Qing; Feng, Zhi-Ying

2018-04-10

Conventional perioperative analgesic modalities (e.g. opioids, epidural analgesia) have their own drawbacks, which limit their clinical application. This study investigated the opioid-sparing effectsof the oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane (OSTAP) blockade with ropivacaine for the patients undergoing open liver resection with a Mercedes incision. 126 patients who were scheduled for open liver resection were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive bilateral ultrasound-guided OSTAPblocks with either 0.375% ropivacaine (groupT) or 0.9% isotonic saline (group C). Both groups also received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and intravenous 40 mg parecoxib every 12 h for a total of 3 days. Preoperative and intraoperative parameters, plus intraoperative and postoperative cumulative sufentanil consumption, were recorded. 70 patients were enrolled in the study finally. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to preoperative parameters, and surgical and anesthetic characteristics. The intraoperative sufentanil use, cumulative sufentanil consumption at 5 min after extubation, 2 h, 4 h,12 h and 24 h after operation in group T was significantly less than that in group C (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001 and 0.044, respectively). Compared with group C, postoperative NRS pain scores at rest were significantly lower at 2 h and 4 h postoperatively in group T (P = 0.04and 0.02, respectively); NRS scores at the time of coughing were also significantly lower in group T than in group C at all time points except 5 min after extubation (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with group C, the number of intraoperative vasodilator use, the extubation time and the incidence of nausea was reduced in group T. Ultrasound-guided OSTAP block with ropivacaine can significantly decrease the perioperative cumulative dosage of analgesics and improve analgesic effect without obvious side

Hydrophobicity within the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model: potential of mean force.

PubMed

Dias, Cristiano L; Hynninen, Teemu; Ala-Nissila, Tapio; Foster, Adam S; Karttunen, Mikko

2011-02-14

We use the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model for water and Monte Carlo simulations to study the structure and thermodynamics of the hydrophobic interaction. Radial distribution functions are used to classify different cases of the interaction, namely, contact configurations, solvent separated configurations, and desolvation configurations. The temperature dependence of these cases is shown to be in qualitative agreement with atomistic models of water. In particular, while the energy for the formation of contact configurations is favored by entropy, its strengthening with increasing temperature is accounted for by enthalpy. This is consistent with our simulated heat capacity. An important feature of the model is that it can be used to account for well-converged thermodynamics quantities, e.g., the heat capacity of transfer. Microscopic mechanisms for the temperature dependence of the hydrophobic interaction are discussed at the molecular level based on the conceptual simplicity of the model.

Hydrophobicity within the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model: Potential of mean force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, Cristiano L.; Hynninen, Teemu; Ala-Nissila, Tapio; Foster, Adam S.; Karttunen, Mikko

2011-02-01

We use the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model for water and Monte Carlo simulations to study the structure and thermodynamics of the hydrophobic interaction. Radial distribution functions are used to classify different cases of the interaction, namely, contact configurations, solvent separated configurations, and desolvation configurations. The temperature dependence of these cases is shown to be in qualitative agreement with atomistic models of water. In particular, while the energy for the formation of contact configurations is favored by entropy, its strengthening with increasing temperature is accounted for by enthalpy. This is consistent with our simulated heat capacity. An important feature of the model is that it can be used to account for well-converged thermodynamics quantities, e.g., the heat capacity of transfer. Microscopic mechanisms for the temperature dependence of the hydrophobic interaction are discussed at the molecular level based on the conceptual simplicity of the model.

Molecular Dynamics implementation of BN2D or 'Mercedes Benz' water model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scukins, Arturs; Bardik, Vitaliy; Pavlov, Evgen; Nerukh, Dmitry

2015-05-01

Two-dimensional 'Mercedes Benz' (MB) or BN2D water model (Naim, 1971) is implemented in Molecular Dynamics. It is known that the MB model can capture abnormal properties of real water (high heat capacity, minima of pressure and isothermal compressibility, negative thermal expansion coefficient) (Silverstein et al., 1998). In this work formulas for calculating the thermodynamic, structural and dynamic properties in microcanonical (NVE) and isothermal-isobaric (NPT) ensembles for the model from Molecular Dynamics simulation are derived and verified against known Monte Carlo results. The convergence of the thermodynamic properties and the system's numerical stability are investigated. The results qualitatively reproduce the peculiarities of real water making the model a visually convenient tool that also requires less computational resources, thus allowing simulations of large (hydrodynamic scale) molecular systems. We provide the open source code written in C/C++ for the BN2D water model implementation using Molecular Dynamics.

Complete Oxidation of Propionate, Valerate, Succinate, and Other Organic Compounds by Newly Isolated Types of Marine, Anaerobic, Mesophilic, Gram-Negative, Sulfur-Reducing Eubacteria

PubMed Central

Finster, Kai; Bak, Friedhelm

1993-01-01

Anaerobic enrichment cultures with either propionate, succinate, lactate, or valerate and elemental sulfur and inocula from shallow marine or deep-sea sediments were dominated by rod-shaped motile bacteria after three transfers. By application of deep-agar dilutions, five eubacterial strains were obtained in pure culture and designated Kyprop, Gyprop, Kysw2, Gylac, and Kyval. All strains were gram negative and grew by complete oxidation of the electron donors and concomitant stoichiometric reduction of elemental sulfur to hydrogen sulfide. The isolates used acetate, propionate, succinate, lactate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, maleate, glutamate, alanine, aspartate, and yeast extract. All isolates, except strain Gylac, used citrate as an electron donor but valerate was oxidized only by strain Kyval. Fumarate and malate were degraded by all strains without an additional electron donor or acceptor. Kyprop, Gyprop, and Gylac utilized elemental sulfur as the sole inorganic electron acceptor, while Kysw2 and Kyval also utilized nitrate, dimethyl sulfoxide, or Fe(III)-citrate as an electron acceptor. Images PMID:16348934

Theory for the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water.

PubMed

Bizjak, Alan; Urbic, Tomaz; Vlachy, Vojko; Dill, Ken A

2009-11-21

The two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water has been widely studied, both by Monte Carlo simulations and by integral equation methods. Here, we study the three-dimensional (3D) MB model. We treat water as spheres that interact through Lennard-Jones potentials and through a tetrahedral Gaussian hydrogen bonding function. As the "right answer," we perform isothermal-isobaric Monte Carlo simulations on the 3D MB model for different pressures and temperatures. The purpose of this work is to develop and test Wertheim's Ornstein-Zernike integral equation and thermodynamic perturbation theories. The two analytical approaches are orders of magnitude more efficient than the Monte Carlo simulations. The ultimate goal is to find statistical mechanical theories that can efficiently predict the properties of orientationally complex molecules, such as water. Also, here, the 3D MB model simply serves as a useful workbench for testing such analytical approaches. For hot water, the analytical theories give accurate agreement with the computer simulations. For cold water, the agreement is not as good. Nevertheless, these approaches are qualitatively consistent with energies, volumes, heat capacities, compressibilities, and thermal expansion coefficients versus temperature and pressure. Such analytical approaches offer a promising route to a better understanding of water and also the aqueous solvation.

Theory for the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water

PubMed Central

Bizjak, Alan; Urbic, Tomaz; Vlachy, Vojko; Dill, Ken A.

2009-01-01

The two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water has been widely studied, both by Monte Carlo simulations and by integral equation methods. Here, we study the three-dimensional (3D) MB model. We treat water as spheres that interact through Lennard-Jones potentials and through a tetrahedral Gaussian hydrogen bonding function. As the “right answer,” we perform isothermal-isobaric Monte Carlo simulations on the 3D MB model for different pressures and temperatures. The purpose of this work is to develop and test Wertheim’s Ornstein–Zernike integral equation and thermodynamic perturbation theories. The two analytical approaches are orders of magnitude more efficient than the Monte Carlo simulations. The ultimate goal is to find statistical mechanical theories that can efficiently predict the properties of orientationally complex molecules, such as water. Also, here, the 3D MB model simply serves as a useful workbench for testing such analytical approaches. For hot water, the analytical theories give accurate agreement with the computer simulations. For cold water, the agreement is not as good. Nevertheless, these approaches are qualitatively consistent with energies, volumes, heat capacities, compressibilities, and thermal expansion coefficients versus temperature and pressure. Such analytical approaches offer a promising route to a better understanding of water and also the aqueous solvation. PMID:19929057

Theory for the three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizjak, Alan; Urbic, Tomaz; Vlachy, Vojko; Dill, Ken A.

2009-11-01

The two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water has been widely studied, both by Monte Carlo simulations and by integral equation methods. Here, we study the three-dimensional (3D) MB model. We treat water as spheres that interact through Lennard-Jones potentials and through a tetrahedral Gaussian hydrogen bonding function. As the "right answer," we perform isothermal-isobaric Monte Carlo simulations on the 3D MB model for different pressures and temperatures. The purpose of this work is to develop and test Wertheim's Ornstein-Zernike integral equation and thermodynamic perturbation theories. The two analytical approaches are orders of magnitude more efficient than the Monte Carlo simulations. The ultimate goal is to find statistical mechanical theories that can efficiently predict the properties of orientationally complex molecules, such as water. Also, here, the 3D MB model simply serves as a useful workbench for testing such analytical approaches. For hot water, the analytical theories give accurate agreement with the computer simulations. For cold water, the agreement is not as good. Nevertheless, these approaches are qualitatively consistent with energies, volumes, heat capacities, compressibilities, and thermal expansion coefficients versus temperature and pressure. Such analytical approaches offer a promising route to a better understanding of water and also the aqueous solvation.

Cycle scheduling for in vitro fertilization with oral contraceptive pills versus oral estradiol valerate: a randomized, controlled trial

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Both oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and estradiol (E2) valerate have been used to schedule gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and, consequently, laboratory activities. However, there are no studies comparing treatment outcomes directly between these two pretreatment methods. This randomized controlled trial was aimed at finding differences in ongoing pregnancy rates between GnRH antagonist IVF cycles scheduled with OCPs or E2 valerate. Methods Between January and May 2012, one hundred consecutive patients (nonobese, regularly cycling women 18–38 years with normal day 3 hormone levels and <3 previous IVF/ICSI attempts) undergoing IVF with the GnRH antagonist protocol were randomized to either the OCP or E2 pretreatment arms, with no restrictions such as blocking or stratification. Authors involved in data collection and analysis were blinded to group assignment. Fifty patients received OCP (30 μg ethinyl E2/150 μg levonorgestrel) for 12–16 days from day 1 or 2, and stimulation was started 5 days after stopping OCP. Similarly, 50 patients received 4 mg/day oral E2 valerate from day 20 for 5–12 days, until the day before starting stimulation. Results Pretreatment with OCP (mean±SD, 14.5±1.7 days) was significantly longer than with E2 (7.8±1.9 days). Stimulation and embryological characteristics were similar. Ongoing pregnancy rates (46.0% vs. 44.0%; risk difference, –2.0% [95% CI –21.2% to 17.3%]), as well as implantation (43.5% vs. 47.4%), clinical pregnancy (50.0% vs. 48.0%), clinical miscarriage (7.1% vs. 7.7%), and live birth (42.0% vs. 40.0%) rates were comparable between groups. Conclusions This is the first study to directly compare these two methods of cycle scheduling in GnRH antagonist cycles. Our results fail to show statistically significant differences in ongoing pregnancy rates between pretreatment with OCP and E2 for IVF with the GnRH antagonist protocol. Although the

Statistical optimization and operational stability of Rhizomucor miehei lipase supported on magnetic chitosan/chitin nanoparticles for synthesis of pentyl valerate.

PubMed

Rahman, Ida Nurhazwani Abdul; Attan, Nursyafreena; Mahat, Naji Arafat; Jamalis, Joazaizulfazli; Abdul Keyon, Aemi S; Kurniawan, Cepi; Wahab, Roswanira Abdul

2018-04-24

The chemical-catalyzed transesterification process to produce biofuels i.e. pentyl valerate (PeVa) is environmentally unfriendly, energy-intensive with tedious downstream treatment. The present work reports the use of Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML) crosslinked onto magnetic chitosan/chitin nanoparticles (RML-CS/CH/MNPs). The approach used to immobilize RML onto the CS/CH/MNPs yielded RML-CS/CH/MNPs with an immobilized protein loading and specific activity of 7.6 mg/g and 5.0 U·g -1 , respectively. This was confirmed by assessing data of field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A three-level-four-factor Box-Behnken design (incubation time, temperature, substrate molar ratio, and enzyme loading) was used to optimize the RML-CS/CH/MNP-catalyzed esterification synthesis of PeVa. Under optimum condition, the maximum yield of PeVa (97.8%) can be achieved in 5 h at 50 °C using molar ratio valeric acid:pentanol (1:2) and an enzyme load of 2 mg/mL. Consequently, operational stability experiments showed that the protocol adopted to prepare the CS/CH/MNP nanoparticles had increased the durability of RML. The RML-CS/CH/MNP could catalyze up to eight successive esterification cycles to produce PeVa. The study also demonstrated the functionality of CS/CH/MNP nanoparticles as an eco-friendly support matrix for improving enzymatic activity and operational stability of RML to produce PeVa. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Stability of a novel corticosteroid nasal irrigation solution: betamethasone 17-valerate added to extemporaneously prepared nasal irrigation solutions.

PubMed

Ong, Kheng Yong; Lim, Wei Ching; Ooi, Shing Ming; Loh, Zhi Hui; Kong, Ming Chai; Chan, Lai Wah; Heng, Paul Wan Sia

2017-05-01

There are no commercially available nasal irrigation solutions containing corticosteroids. Instead, such preparations are extemporaneously prepared by adding existing corticosteroid formulations to nasal irrigation solutions. The stability of the corticosteroid betamethasone 17-valerate (B17V), in nasal irrigation solutions of different compositions and pH and stored under different temperatures, was studied to determine the optimal choice of solution and storage conditions. Triplicate extemporaneous preparations made with B17V were prepared by adding a predetermined volume of B17V lotion to each nasal irrigation solution: normal saline (NS), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) powder dissolved in tap water, and a commercially available powder mixture (FLO Sinus Care Powder), dissolved in tap water or pre-boiled tap water. Preparations were stored at 30°C and 4°C. Sampling was carried out at 0, 1, 2, 6, and 24 hours. The concentrations of B17V and its degradation compound, betamethasone 21-valerate (B21V), were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Preparations stored at 30°C contained a lower amount of B17V and higher amount of B21V than those stored at 4°C. B17V stability in nasal irrigation solutions decreased in the following order: NS, FLO in fresh tap water, FLO in pre-boiled tap water, and NaHCO 3 . The degradation rate of B17V increased with higher storage temperature and higher pH. B17V is most stable when added to NS and least stable in NaHCO 3 solution. FLO solution prepared with either cooled boiled water or tap water is an alternative if administered immediately. Storage at 4°C can better preserve stability of B17V, over a period of 24 hours. © 2017 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

Effects of translational and rotational degrees of freedom on properties of the Mercedes-Benz water model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, T.; Mohoric, T.

2017-03-01

Non-equilibrium Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the effect of translational and rotational degrees of freedom on the structural and thermodynamic properties of the simple Mercedes-Benz water model. We establish a non-equilibrium steady state where rotational and translational temperatures can be tuned. We separately show that Monte Carlo simulations can be used to study non-equilibrium properties if sampling is performed correctly. By holding one of the temperatures constant and varying the other one, we investigate the effect of faster motion in the corresponding degrees of freedom on the properties of the simple water model. In particular, the situation where the rotational temperature exceeded the translational one is mimicking the effects of microwaves on the water model. A decrease of rotational temperature leads to the higher structural order while an increase causes the structure to be more Lennard-Jones fluid like.

Toughness Enhancement of Commercial Poly (Hydroxybutyrate-co-Valerate) (PHBV) by Blending with a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Ausejo, Jennifer; Sánchez-Safont, Estefania; Cabedo, Luis; Gamez-Perez, Jose

2016-11-01

Poly(hydroxyl butyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) is a biopolymer synthesized by microorganisms that is fully biodegradable with improved thermal and tensile properties with respect to some commodity plastics. However, it presents an intrinsic brittleness that limits its potential application in replacing plastics in packaging applications. Films made of blends of PHBV with different contents of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were prepared by single screw extruder and their fracture toughness behavior was assessed by means of the essential work of fracture (EWF) Method. As the crack propagation was not always stable, a partition method has been used to compare all formulations and to relate results with the morphology of the blends. Indeed, fully characterization of the different PHBV/TPU blends showed that PHBV was incompatible with TPU. The blends showed an improvement of the toughness fracture, finding a maximum with intermediate TPU contents.

An overview of the development of combined oral contraceptives containing estradiol: focus on estradiol valerate/dienogest

PubMed Central

Fruzzetti, Franca; Trémollieres, Florence; Bitzer, Johannes

2012-01-01

Natural estrogens such as estradiol (E2) or its valerate ester (E2V) offer an alternative to ethinyl estradiol (EE). E2-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have demonstrated sufficient ovulation inhibition and acceptable contraceptive efficacy. However, earlier formulations were generally associated with unacceptable bleeding profiles. Two E2V-containing preparations have been approved to date for contraceptive use: E2V/cypro-terone acetate (CPA) (Femilar®; only approved in Finland and only in women >40 years or women aged 35–40 years in whom a COC containing EE is not appropriate) and E2V/dienogest (DNG; Qlaira®/Natazia®). The objective of the current review is to provide an overview of the development of COCs containing natural estrogen, highlighting past issues and challenges faced by earlier formulations, as well as the current status and future directions. The majority of information to date pertains to the development of E2V/DNG. PMID:22468839

κ-Carrageenan Enhances the Biomineralization and Osteogenic Differentiation of Electrospun Polyhydroxybutyrate and Polyhydroxybutyrate Valerate Fibers.

PubMed

Goonoo, Nowsheen; Khanbabaee, Behnam; Steuber, Marc; Bhaw-Luximon, Archana; Jonas, Ulrich; Pietsch, Ullrich; Jhurry, Dhanjay; Schönherr, Holger

2017-05-08

Novel electrospun materials for bone tissue engineering were obtained by blending biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) or polyhydroxybutyrate valerate (PHBV) with the anionic sulfated polysaccharide κ-carrageenan (κ-CG) in varying ratios. In both systems, the two components phase separated as shown by FTIR, DSC and TGA. According to the contact angle data, κ-CG was localized preferentially at the fiber surface in PHBV/κ-CG blends in contrast to PHB/κ-CG, where the biopolymer was mostly found within the fiber. In contrast to the neat polyester fibers, the blends led to the formation of much smaller apatite crystals (800 nm vs 7 μm). According to the MTT assay, NIH3T3 cells grew in higher density on the blend mats in comparison to neat polyester mats. The osteogenic differentiation potential of the fibers was determined by SaOS-2 cell culture for 2 weeks. Alizarin red-S staining suggested an improved mineralization on the blend fibers. Thus, PHBV/κ-CG fibers resulted in more pronounced bioactive and osteogenic properties, including fast apatite-forming ability and deposition of nanosized apatite crystals.

Spectrophotometric methods for simultaneous determination of betamethasone valerate and fusidic acid in their binary mixture.

PubMed

Lotfy, Hayam Mahmoud; Salem, Hesham; Abdelkawy, Mohammad; Samir, Ahmed

2015-04-05

Five spectrophotometric methods were successfully developed and validated for the determination of betamethasone valerate and fusidic acid in their binary mixture. Those methods are isoabsorptive point method combined with the first derivative (ISO Point--D1) and the recently developed and well established methods namely ratio difference (RD) and constant center coupled with spectrum subtraction (CC) methods, in addition to derivative ratio (1DD) and mean centering of ratio spectra (MCR). New enrichment technique called spectrum addition technique was used instead of traditional spiking technique. The proposed spectrophotometric procedures do not require any separation steps. Accuracy, precision and linearity ranges of the proposed methods were determined and the specificity was assessed by analyzing synthetic mixtures of both drugs. They were applied to their pharmaceutical formulation and the results obtained were statistically compared to that of official methods. The statistical comparison showed that there is no significant difference between the proposed methods and the official ones regarding both accuracy and precision. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of PLGA and lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles for dermal targeting of betamethasone valerate.

PubMed

Özcan, Ipek; Azizoğlu, Erkan; Senyiğit, Taner; Özyazici, Mine; Özer, Özgen

2013-07-01

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and lecithin/chitosan (LC) nanoparticles were prepared to evaluate the difference in the behavior upon administration on skin, for steroidal treatment. For this purpose, betamethasone-17-valerate (BMV)-loaded nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution and high entrapment efficiency were prepared. Permeation studies showed that both polymeric nanoparticles enhanced the amount of BMV in epidermis, which is the target site of topical steroidal treatment, when compared with commercial formulation. 1.58-Fold increase was determined in the epidermis concentration of BMV by LC nanoparticles with respect to PLGA nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were diluted in chitosan gel (10%, w/w) to prepare suitable formulation for topical application. Accumulation from both gel formulations were found significantly higher than commercial formulation in skin layers (p < 0.05). In addition, pharmacodynamic responses were also investigated as anti-inflammatory and skin-blanching parameters. Both formulations significantly improved these parameters although they contained 10 times less amount of BMV than commercial cream. Moreover, TEWL measurement exhibited no barrier function changes upon the application of nanoparticles on skin. Overall, both nanoparticles improved the localization of BMV within skin layers; but when compared with PLGA nanoparticles, the LC nanoparticles could be classified as a better candidate for topical delivery vehicle in the treatment of various dermatological inflammatory diseases.

In vitro effects of hydrochloric acid and various concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric, or valeric acids on bioelectric properties of equine gastric squamous mucosa.

PubMed

Andrews, Frank M; Buchanan, Benjamin R; Smith, Sionagh H; Elliott, Sarah B; Saxton, Arnold M

2006-11-01

To compare the effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and various concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) on tissue bioelectric properties of equine stomach nonglandular (NG) mucosa. Gastric tissues obtained from 48 adult horses. NG gastric mucosa was studied by use of Ussing chambers. Short-circuit current (Isc) and potential difference (PD) were measured and electrical resistance (R) and conductance calculated for tissues after addition of HCl and VFAs (5, 10, 20, and 40 mM) in normal Ringer's solution (NRS). Mucosa exposed to HCl in NRS (pH of 1.5 and, to a lesser extent, 4.0) had a significant decrease in Isc, PD, and R, whereas tissues exposed to acetic acid at a pH of < 4.0, propionic and butyric acids at a pH of valeric acid at a pH of valeric acid at a pH of

Estradiol Valerate and Remifemin ameliorate ovariectomy-induced decrease in a serotonin dorsal raphe-preoptic hypothalamus pathway in rats.

PubMed

Wang, Wenjuan; Cui, Guangxia; Jin, Biao; Wang, Ke; Chen, Xing; Sun, Yu; Qin, Lihua; Bai, Wenpei

2016-11-01

Perimenopausal syndromes begin as ovarian function ceases and the most common symptoms are hot flushes. Data indicate that the projections of serotonin to hypothalamus may be involved in the mechanism of hot flushes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of the serotonin dorsal raphe-preoptic hypothalamus pathway for hot flushes in an animal model of menopause. We determined the changes in serotonin expression in the dorsal raphe (DR) and preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH) in ovariectomized rats. We also explored the therapeutical effects of estradiol valerate and Remifemin in this model. Eighty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham-operated (SHAM) group, ovariectomy (OVX) group with vehicle, ovariectomy with estradiol valerate treatment (OVX+E) group and ovariectomy with Remifemin (OVX+ICR) group. Serotonin expression was evaluated in the DR and POAH using immunofluorescence and quantified in the DR using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis was analyzed in the DR by TUNEL assay. The number of serotonin immunoreactive neurons and the level of serotonin expression in the DR decreased significantly following OVX compared to the SHAM group. No TUNEL-positive cells were detected in the DR in any group. In addition, following OVX, the number of serotonin-positive fibers decreased significantly in the ventromedial preoptic nucleus (VMPO), especially in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO). Treatment with either estradiol or Remifemin for 4 weeks countered the OVX-induced decreases in serotonin levels in both the DR and the hypothalamus, with levels in the treated rats similar to those in the SHAM group. A fluorescently labeled retrograde tracer was injected into the VLPO at the 4-week time point. A significantly lower percentage of serotonin with CTB double-labeled neurons in CTB-labeled neurons was demonstrated after ovariectomy, and both estradiol and Remifemin countered this OVX

Effect of exercise intensity on weight changes and sexual hormones (androstenedione and free testosterone) in female rats with estradiol valerate-induced PCOS

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Weight gain and fat accumulation are predisposing factors of PCOS. Life-style modification, including increasing physical activity, is the first line approach in managing PCOS. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of exercise intensity on weight changes, androstenedione and free testosterone level in female rats with estradiol valerate induced PCOS. Method and materials 40 female Wistar rats were selected (180 ± 20 g). They had every 2 to 3 consecutive estrous cycles during 12 to 14 days. The study was approved by ethical committee of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. The first two groups were divided into control (n = 10) and polycystic (n = 30) that were induced PCOS by estradiol valerate injection after 60 days. The polycystic groups were divided into three groups of sham (n = 10), experiment group with low-intensity exercise (pco + l.exe) (n = 10) and experiment group with moderate intensity exercise (pco + m.exe) (n = 10). Exercises were performed during 6 sessions of 60 minutes per week for 8 weeks. (Moderate intensity: 28 m/min-70%–75%VO2Max. Low intensity (20 m/min-50%–55%VO2Max) running at 0 slope, 1 h/day, 6 days/week). ANOVA and LSD test were used for data analysis. Results In the present study, no significant differences were found in the decrease of total weights of rats. And also androstenedione level changes in experiment groups were higher compared to control group but no significant differences were found, also free testosterone level was significantly higher than the observer group. Conclusion According to weight changes and sexual hormones (Free testosterone and androstenedione) exercise training especially with low intensity may improve symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. PMID:24708600

Liquid part of the phase diagram and percolation line for two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water.

PubMed

Urbic, T

2017-09-01

Monte Carlo simulations and Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) are used to predict the phase diagram and percolation curve for the simple two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water. The MB model of water is quite popular for explaining water properties, but the phase diagram has not been reported till now. In the MB model, water molecules are modeled as two-dimensional Lennard-Jones disks, with three orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding arms, arranged as in the MB logo. The liquid part of the phase space is explored using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations and two versions of Wertheim's TPT for associative fluids, which have been used before to predict the properties of the simple MB model. We find that the theory reproduces well the physical properties of hot water but is less successful at capturing the more structured hydrogen bonding that occurs in cold water. In addition to reporting the phase diagram and percolation curve of the model, it is shown that the improved TPT predicts the phase diagram rather well, while the standard one predicts a phase transition at lower temperatures. For the percolation line, both versions have problems predicting the correct position of the line at high temperatures.

Liquid part of the phase diagram and percolation line for two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, T.

2017-09-01

Monte Carlo simulations and Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) are used to predict the phase diagram and percolation curve for the simple two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of water. The MB model of water is quite popular for explaining water properties, but the phase diagram has not been reported till now. In the MB model, water molecules are modeled as two-dimensional Lennard-Jones disks, with three orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding arms, arranged as in the MB logo. The liquid part of the phase space is explored using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations and two versions of Wertheim's TPT for associative fluids, which have been used before to predict the properties of the simple MB model. We find that the theory reproduces well the physical properties of hot water but is less successful at capturing the more structured hydrogen bonding that occurs in cold water. In addition to reporting the phase diagram and percolation curve of the model, it is shown that the improved TPT predicts the phase diagram rather well, while the standard one predicts a phase transition at lower temperatures. For the percolation line, both versions have problems predicting the correct position of the line at high temperatures.

Liquid chromatographic and spectrophotometric determination of diflucortolone valerate and isoconazole nitrate in creams.

PubMed

Karacan, Elif; Cağlayan, Mehmet Gokhan; Palabiyik, Ismail Murat; Onur, Feyyaz

2011-01-01

A new RP-LC method and two new spectrophotometric methods, principal component regression (PCR) and first derivative spectrophotometry, are proposed for simultaneous determination of diflucortolone valerate (DIF) and isoconazole nitrate (ISO) in cream formulations. An isocratic system consisting of an ACE C18 column and a mobile phase composed of methanol-water (95 + 5, v/v) was used for the optimal chromatographic separation. In PCR, the concentration data matrix was prepared by using synthetic mixtures containing these drugs in methanol-water (3 + 1, v/v). The absorbance data matrix corresponding to the concentration data matrix was obtained by measuring the absorbances at 29 wavelengths in the range of 242-298 nm for DIF and ISO in the zero-order spectra of their combinations. In first derivative spectrophotometry, dA/dlambda values were measured at 247.8 nm for DIF and at 240.2 nm for ISO in first derivative spectra of the solution of DIF and ISO in methanol-water (3 + 1, v/v). The linear ranges were 4.00-48.0 microg/mL for DIF and 50.0-400 microg/mL for ISO in the LC method, and 2.40-40.0 microg/mL for DIF and 60.0-260 microg/mL for ISO in the PCR and first derivative spectrophotometric methods. These methods were validated by analyzing synthetic mixtures. These three methods were successfully applied to two pharmaceutical cream preparations.

Improving stamping simulation accuracy by accounting for realistic friction and lubrication conditions: Application to the door-outer of the Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupé

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hol, J.; Wiebenga, J. H.; Stock, J.; Wied, J.; Wiegand, K.; Carleer, B.

2016-08-01

In the stamping of automotive parts, friction and lubrication play a key role in achieving high quality products. In the development process of new automotive parts, it is therefore crucial to accurately account for these effects in sheet metal forming simulations. Only then, one can obtain reliable and realistic simulation results that correspond to the actual try-out and mass production conditions. In this work, the TriboForm software is used to accurately account for tribology-, friction-, and lubrication conditions in stamping simulations. The enhanced stamping simulations are applied and validated for the door-outer of the Mercedes- Benz C-Class Coupe. The project results demonstrate the improved prediction accuracy of stamping simulations with respect to both part quality and actual stamping process conditions.

Estradiol valerate plus dienogest versus ethinylestradiol plus levonorgestrel for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

PubMed

Petraglia, Felice; Parke, Susanne; Serrani, Marco; Mellinger, Uwe; Römer, Thomas

2014-06-01

To demonstrate the superiority of estradiol valerate plus dienogest (E(2)V/DNG) over ethinylestradiol plus levonorgestrel (EE/LNG) in reducing the number of days with dysmenorrheic pain among women with primary dysmenorrhea. In a phase IIIb trial conducted at 44 centers worldwide between April 2009 and November 2010, otherwise healthy women aged 14-50 years requesting contraception were randomized to daily oral administration of E(2)V/DNG (n = 253) or EE/LNG (n = 254) for three 28-daycycles. The primary efficacy variable was number of days with dysmenorrheic pain, the category of which (none, mild, moderate, severe) was self-assessed on a daily basis (irrespective of menstrual bleeding status) and recorded on diary cards. Notably, the women documented their pain as they experienced it before taking any (permitted) rescue medication. Overall, 217 and 209 women receiving E(2)V/DNG and EE/LNG, respectively, completed the study. The mean ± SD change from baseline in number of days with dysmenorrheic pain was -4.6 ± 4.6 days and -4.2 ± 4.2 days for the E(2)V/DNG and EE/LNG groups, respectively (P = 0.34). Both E(2)V/DNG and EE/LNG led to considerable relief of dysmenorrheic complaints among women with primary dysmenorrhea, decreasing the number of days with dysmenorrheic pain from baseline to a similar extent. ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT00909857. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights reserved.

Enhanced dermal delivery of diflucortolone valerate using lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations.

PubMed

Özcan, Ipek; Azizoğlu, Erkan; Senyiğit, Taner; Özyazıcı, Mine; Özer, Özgen

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to prepare a suitable formulation for dermal delivery of diflucortolone valerate (DFV) that would maintain the localization in skin layers without any penetration and to optimize efficiency of DFV. Drug-loaded lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles with high entrapment efficiency (86.8%), were successfully prepared by ionic interaction technique. Sustained release of DFV was achieved without any initial burst release. Nanoparticles were also incorporated into chitosan gel at different ratios for preparing a more suitable formulation for topical drug delivery with adequate viscosity. In ex-vivo permeation studies, nanoparticles increased the accumulation of DFV especially in the stratum corneum + epidermis of rat skin without any significant permeation. Retention of DFV from nanoparticle in chitosan gel formulation (0.01%) was twofold higher than commercial cream, although it contained ten times less DFV. Nanoparticles in gel formulations produced significantly higher edema inhibition in rats compared with commercial cream in in-vivo studies. Skin blanching assay using a chromameter showed vasoconstriction similar to that of the commercial product. There were no barrier function changes upon application of nanoparticles. In-vitro and in-vivo results demonstrated that lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles in chitosan gel may be a promising carrier for dermal delivery of DFV in various skin disorders.

Enhanced dermal delivery of diflucortolone valerate using lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluations

PubMed Central

Özcan, İpek; Azizoğlu, Erkan; Şenyiğit, Taner; Özyazıcı, Mine; Özer, Özgen

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to prepare a suitable formulation for dermal delivery of diflucortolone valerate (DFV) that would maintain the localization in skin layers without any penetration and to optimize efficiency of DFV. Drug-loaded lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles with high entrapment efficiency (86.8%), were successfully prepared by ionic interaction technique. Sustained release of DFV was achieved without any initial burst release. Nanoparticles were also incorporated into chitosan gel at different ratios for preparing a more suitable formulation for topical drug delivery with adequate viscosity. In ex-vivo permeation studies, nanoparticles increased the accumulation of DFV especially in the stratum corneum + epidermis of rat skin without any significant permeation. Retention of DFV from nanoparticle in chitosan gel formulation (0.01%) was twofold higher than commercial cream, although it contained ten times less DFV. Nanoparticles in gel formulations produced significantly higher edema inhibition in rats compared with commercial cream in in-vivo studies. Skin blanching assay using a chromameter showed vasoconstriction similar to that of the commercial product. There were no barrier function changes upon application of nanoparticles. In-vitro and in-vivo results demonstrated that lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles in chitosan gel may be a promising carrier for dermal delivery of DFV in various skin disorders. PMID:23390364

The Mechanosensitive Ca2+ Channel as a Central Regular of Prostate Tumor Cell Migration and Invasiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

activation still needs to be determined (Strotmann et al. 2000). 7.2.4 The Use of MS Enzyme Inhibitors A further strategy for implicating potential MS...invasiveness and metastatic potential . 1.1 Use patch-clamp/pressure clamp techniques, confocal immunofluorescence, Westerns and surface biotinylation...9. Maroto, R. Kurosky, A. Hamill, O.P. Expression and function of canonical transient recptor potential channels in human prostate tumor cells

Transmission electron microscopy of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHBV)/nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) bio-nanocomposite prepared using cryo-ultramicrotomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismarul, N. I.; Engku, A. H. E. U.; Siti, N. K.; Tay, K. Y.

2017-12-01

Environmental issues on disposal and end-of-life for product made from synthetic petroleum-derived polymers have gained increasing attention from materials scientist to search for new materials with similar physical and mechanical properties but environmental friendly in a way that they are renewable and biodegradable as well. This work is to study the effect of nanocrystalline cellulose in improving the thermal stability of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate biopolymer for high temperature processing of packaging material. 10 % w/w PHBV-NCC bio-nanocomposite feedstock pellet prepared using RONDOL minilab compounder was used as the sample for the preparation of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) sample. RMC Cryo-Ultramicrotomy equipment was used to prepare the ultra-thin slice of the bio-nanocomposite pellet under liquid nitrogen at - 60 °C. Diamond knife was used to slice off about 80-100 nm ultra-thin bio-nanocomposite films and was transferred into the lacey carbon film coated grid using cooled sugar solution. A few drops of phosphotungstic acid was used as negative stain to improve the contrast during the TEM analysis. HITACHI TEM systems was used to obtain the TEM micrograph of PHBV-NCC bio-nanocomposite using 80kV accelerating voltage. A well dispersed NCC in PHBV matrix, ranging from 5 to 25 nm in width was observed.

Civilian American and European Surface Anthropometry Resource (CAESAR). Volume 2: Descriptions

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-06-01

Audi BMW Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Eagle Ford GMC Honda Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Jeep Lexus Lincoln Mazda Mercedes - Benz Mercury Mitsubishi...Dodge Eagle Ford GMC Honda Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Jeep Lexus Lincoln Mazda Mercedes - Benz Mercury Mitsubishi Nissan Oldsmobile Plymouth Pontiac Porsche...Honda 13 Infiniti Infiniti 14 Isuzu Isuzu 15 Jeep Jeep 16 Lexus Lexus 17 Lincoln Lincoln 18 Mazda Mazda Mazda 19 Mercedes - Benz Mercedes - Benz Mercedes

A molecular dynamics implementation of the 3D Mercedes-Benz water model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hynninen, T.; Dias, C. L.; Mkrtchyan, A.; Heinonen, V.; Karttunen, M.; Foster, A. S.; Ala-Nissila, T.

2012-02-01

The three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model was recently introduced to account for the structural and thermodynamic properties of water. It treats water molecules as point-like particles with four dangling bonds in tetrahedral coordination, representing H-bonds of water. Its conceptual simplicity renders the model attractive in studies where complex behaviors emerge from H-bond interactions in water, e.g., the hydrophobic effect. A molecular dynamics (MD) implementation of the model is non-trivial and we outline here the mathematical framework of its force-field. Useful routines written in modern Fortran are also provided. This open source code is free and can easily be modified to account for different physical context. The provided code allows both serial and MPI-parallelized execution. Program summaryProgram title: CASHEW (Coarse Approach Simulator for Hydrogen-bonding Effects in Water) Catalogue identifier: AEKM_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEKM_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 20 501 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 551 044 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 90 Computer: Program has been tested on desktop workstations and a Cray XT4/XT5 supercomputer. Operating system: Linux, Unix, OS X Has the code been vectorized or parallelized?: The code has been parallelized using MPI. RAM: Depends on size of system, about 5 MB for 1500 molecules. Classification: 7.7 External routines: A random number generator, Mersenne Twister ( http://www.math.sci.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/m-mat/MT/VERSIONS/FORTRAN/mt95.f90), is used. A copy of the code is included in the distribution. Nature of problem: Molecular dynamics simulation of a new geometric water model. Solution method: New force-field for

Polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate/polycaprolactone small-diameter vascular graft: Experimental study of integration into organism

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

Antonova, L. V., E-mail: antonova.la@mail.ru; Burago, A. Yu.; Matveeva, V. G.

We prepared polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate (PHBV)/polylcaprolactone (PCL) small-diameter vascular grafts using electrospinning. Surface structure was assessed by scanning electron microscopy whilst physicomechanical properties were investigated by longitudinal uniaxial tension testing. Patency of grafts implanted into the rat abdominal aorta was evaluated using a Doppler ultrasonography at 2 week, 1 month and 12 month postimplantation. In addition, we assessed local histological features, along with IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNFa, TGF-β1, and VEGF serum levels. We revealed that only 2 (25%) grafts were not thrombosed at 2 week and 1 month postimplantation. However, at 12 month postimplantation a satisfactory histological pattern was observed inmore » 50% of all cases, and we detected a monolayer of endothelial cells on the inner graft surface in half the cases. Regarding other grafts, we revealed minor connective tissue hyperplasia in 41.7% of the grafts and an inflammatory infiltrate in the part of the arterial wall in 8.3% of the grafts. We found that the IL-1β serum level was 3.5-fold higher in the group of experimental rats at 12 month postimplantation (p < 0.01). In addition, the IL-2 and IL-4 serum levels at 12 month postimplantation were 2- and 2.8-fold higher as compared to short-term implantation (2 weeks and 1 month) and control rats (p < 0.05) whilst the IL-10 serum level at 1 and 12 month postimplantation was more than 100-fold higher in comparison with 2 week postimplantation and control rats (p < 0.001). Serum VEGF was detected only at 12 month postimplantation. All in all, we created a biocompatible PHBV/PCL small-diameter vascular graft with a high surface area to volume ratio. A long-term patency of biodegradable vascular grafts after implantation into the rat abdominal aorta and the absence of a considerable immune response confirmed a high biocompatibility of such construct and the possibility of its use as a vascular graft.« less

Efficacy of betamethasone valerate medicated plaster on painful chronic elbow tendinopathy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

PubMed Central

Frizziero, Antonio; Causero, Araldo; Bernasconi, Stefano; Papalia, Rocco; Longo, Mario; Sessa, Vincenzo; Sadile, Francesco; Greco, Pasquale; Tarantino, Umberto; Masiero, Stefano; Rovati, Stefano; Frangione, Valeria

2016-01-01

Summary Objective to investigate the efficacy and safety of a medicated plaster containing betamethasone valerate (BMV) 2.25 mg in patients with chronic elbow tendinopathy. Methods randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with assignment 2:2:1:1 to BMV medicated plaster applied daily for 12 hours, daily for 24 hours or matched placebo. 62 patients aged ≥18 years with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy were randomized. The primary efficacy variable was pain reduction (VAS) at day 28. Secondary objectives included summed pain intensity differences (SPID), overall treatment efficacy and tolerability. Results mean reduction in VAS pain score at day 28 was greater in both BMV medicated plaster groups, −39.35±27.69 mm for BMV12-h and −36.91±32.50 mm for BMV24-h, than with placebo, −20.20±27.32 mm. Considering the adjusted mean decreases, there was a statistically significant difference between BMV12-h and placebo (p=0.0110). Global pain relief (SPID) and overall treatment efficacy were significantly better with BMV. BMV and placebo plasters had similar local tolerability and there were few treatment-related adverse events. Conclusions BMV plaster was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing pain in patients with chronic elbow tendinopathies. The BMV plaster was safe and well tolerated. PMID:27331041

Composite hydrogel of chitosan-poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) with chondroitin sulfate nanoparticles for nucleus pulposus tissue engineering.

PubMed

Nair, Manitha B; Baranwal, Gaurav; Vijayan, Prajuna; Keyan, Kripa S; Jayakumar, R

2015-12-01

Intervertebral disc degeneration, occurring mainly in nucleus pulposus (NP), is a leading cause of low back pain. In seeking to mitigate this condition, investigators in the field of NP tissue engineering have increasingly studied the use of hydrogels. However, these hydrogels should possess appropriate mechanical strength and swelling pressure, and concurrently support the proliferation of chondrocyte-like cells. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a composite hydrogel for NP tissue engineering, made of chitosan-poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (CP) with chondroitin sulfate (CS) nanoparticles, without using a cross linker. The water uptake ability, as well as the viscoelastic properties of this composite hydrogel, was similar to native tissue, as reflected in the complex shear modulus and stress relaxation values. The hydrogel could withstand varying stress corresponding to daily activities like lying down (0.01 MPa), sitting (0.5 MPa) and standing (1.0 MPa) under dynamic conditions. The hydrogels were stable in PBS for 2 weeks and its stiffness, elastic and viscous modulus did not alter significantly during this period. Both CP and CP-CS hydrogels could assist the viability and adhesion of adipose derived rat mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). The viability and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs was significantly enhanced in presence of CS nanoparticles. Thus, CS nanoparticles-incorporated chitosan-PHBV hydrogels offer great potential for NP tissue engineering. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Mechanosensitive Ca2+ Channel as a Central Regular of Prostate Tumor Cell Migration and Invasiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

sibly explain why the absence of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophic muscle results in TRPC1 channels being abnormally gated open (see Sect...135 7/30/2007 6:35:10 PM 136 O.P. Hamill, R. Maroto 7.6.1.4 TRPC1 in Muscular Dystrophy Both TRPC1 and MscCa are expressed in skeletal muscle and...both have been implicated in the muscular degeneration that occurs in Duchenne muscular dystro- phy (DMD). In particular, muscle fibers from the mdx

Fractal-Based Image Compression

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

6. A Mercedes Benz symbol generated using an IFS code ................. 21 7. (a) U-A fern and (b) A-0 fern generated with RIFS codes...22 8. Construction of the Mercedes - Benz symbol using RIFS ................ 23 9. The regenerated perfect image of the Mercedes - Benz symbol using R IF...quite often, it cannot be done with a reasonable number of transforms. As an example, the Mercedes Benz symbol generated using an IFS code is illustrated

Engineering poly(hydroxy butyrate-co-hydroxy valerate) based vascular scaffolds to mimic native artery.

PubMed

Deepthi, S; Nivedhitha Sundaram, M; Vijayan, Ponni; Nair, Shantikumar V; Jayakumar, R

2018-04-01

Electrospun tri-layered fibrous scaffold incorporating VEGF and Platelet Factor Concentrate (PFC) in multiple layers having different layer architectures was designed to mimic native artery. The scaffold consisted of longitudinally aligned poly(hydroxy butyrate-co-hydroxy valerate) (PHBV) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers (inner layer), radially aligned PHBV-elastin nanofibers (middle layer) to provide the bi-directional alignment and combination of longitudinally aligned PHBV-elastin and random PHBV/PVA multiscale fibers (peripheral layer). Tubular constructs of diameter <6 mm were developed. The developed electrospun fibers were characterised by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Tensile tests. Further the burst strength, compliance and stiffness index of tri-layered tubular scaffold was evaluated. SEM images of fibrous layers showed the typical longitudinal and radial alignment of fibers in the tubular construct. SEM images showed that the prepared PHBV nanofibers were in the range of 500-800 nm and PHBV microfibers were of 1-2 μm in diameter in the tri-layered electrospun membrane. PVA nanofibers were of size 200-250 nm. The tensile strength, percentage compliance and stiffness index of tri-layered membrane was in accordance with that of native small blood vessels. The developed tri-layered membrane was blood compatible, with hemolysis degree 0.85 ± 0.21% and did not activate platelets. Controlled release of VEGF and PFC was observed from the scaffold. The biocompatibility of the tri-layered scaffold was evaluated using HUVECs, SMCs and MSCs and SMCs infiltration from the outer layer was also evaluated. Specific protein expression for the HUVECs and SMCs was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. HUVECs and SMCs exhibited good elongation and alignment along the direction of fibers and was found to maintain its CD31, VE-Cadherin and αSMA expression respectively. The results

Detection and quantification of α-keto-δ-(N(G),N(G)-dimethylguanidino)valeric acid: a metabolite of asymmetric dimethylarginine.

PubMed

Martens-Lobenhoffer, Jens; Rodionov, Roman N; Drust, Andreas; Bode-Böger, Stefanie M

2011-12-15

Nitric oxide is an ubiquitary cell signaling substance. Its enzymatic production rate by nitric oxide synthase is regulated by the concentrations of the substrate L-arginine and the competitive inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). A newly recognized elimination pathway for ADMA is the transamination to α-keto-δ-(N(G),N(G)-dimethylguanidino)valeric acid (DMGV) by the enzyme alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2). This pathway has been proven to be relevant for nitric oxide regulation, but up to now no method exists for the determination of DMGV in biological fluids. We have developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of DMGV. D(6)-DMGV was used as internal standard. Samples were purified online by column switching, and separation was achieved on a porous graphitic carbon column. The calibration was linear over ranges of 10 to 200 nmol/L for plasma and 0.1 to 20 μmol/L for urine. The intra- and interday accuracies and precisions in plasma and urine were better than 10%. In plasma samples, DMGV was present in concentrations between 19.1 and 77.5 nmol/L. In urine samples, concentrations between 0.0114 and 1.03 μmol/mmol creatinine were found. This method can be used as a tool for the scientific investigation of the ADMA conversion to DMGV via the enzyme AGXT2. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of 6-Gingerol on reproductive improvement, liver functioning and Cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression in estradiol valerate - Induced polycystic ovary syndrome in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Pournaderi, Parisa Sadat; Yaghmaei, Parichehreh; Khodaei, Hamidreza; Noormohammadi, Zahra; Hejazi, Seyed Hossein

2017-03-04

6-Gingerol is the major pungent ingredient of ginger with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we evaluate the effects of 6-gingerol on the biochemical parameters and ovarian histological improvements in estradiol valerate (EV) induced PCOS rats. Thirty six female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, received normal diet, PCOS control, received 4 mg/kg EV injection for 28 days and two experimental groups, received an EV injection for 28 days and followed by 6-gingerol (200 μg/ kg and 400 μg/ kg ) for 14 days. The administration of EV led to increase body and ovarian weights, abnormality in serum sex steroid profile, decrease in antioxidant activity and increase in COX-2 gene expression. 6-gingerol treatments, particularly the 400 μg/ kg dose, markedly attenuated these alterations. 6-gingerol showed beneficial effects in the EV induced PCOS rats via decreased expression of COX-2, restored biochemical parameters to normal and decreased of cysts in the ovaries. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diesel-Powered Equipment Properties and Activity Database for DoD Off-Road Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-01

CUMMINS ENGINE V903C 408 429,250 0.5% 96.4% MERCEDES BENZ OM 352 1,901 409,317 0.5% 96.9% CATERPILLAR 3306 278 400,886 0.5% 97.4% CATERPILLAR 3208 126... MERCEDES BENZ OM 603-950 501 35,841 0.0% 99.9% CATERPILLAR 3406 907 28,081 0.0% 100.0% MERCEDES BENZ OM402AT 70 23,293 0.0% 100.0% DEUTZ F4L-912 50 8,279...Consumption % of Total Total MERCEDES BENZ OM 352 1,901 409,317 0.5% 96.9% Equipment using this Engine Fuel Usage Nomenclature Service

Efficacy and safety of a combined oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate/dienogest: results from a clinical study conducted in North America.

PubMed

Nelson, Anita; Parke, Susanne; Mellinger, Uwe; Zampaglione, Edio; Schmidt, Anja

2014-03-01

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG). This was a multicenter, noncomparative, 13-cycle (extended to 28 cycles) study conducted in the United States and Canada. Contraceptive efficacy was calculated as a Pearl Index for 13 cycles, based on all on-treatment pregnancies; bleeding patterns were calculated based on bleeding and spotting information recorded daily in diary cards. Safety events during a 16-month extension study were added to the 1-year data. In total, 499 women, aged 18-35 years, were enrolled, and 490 of them were included in the full analysis set for contraceptive efficacy. Five pregnancies occurred in the first year (unadjusted Pearl Index=1.64). In cycles 1-12, an average 23.5% of women had absent scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding. Among women with scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding, bleeding started after a median of 2 days after intake of the last DNG-containing pill. For safety, data included from 147 women followed over an additional 16 months were added to the original 13-cycle data set. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 51.8% of women; 14.9% discontinued because of AEs over the entire 28-month study period. A COC with E2V and DNG was shown to provide effective contraception in women aged 18-35 years in North America.

Impact of estradiol valerate/dienogest on work productivity and activities of daily living in women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

PubMed

Wasiak, Radoslaw; Filonenko, Anna; Vanness, David J; Law, Amy; Jeddi, Mark; Wittrup-Jensen, Kim U; Stull, Donald E; Siak, Steven; Jensen, Jeffrey T

2013-04-01

To quantify the change in work productivity and activities of daily living in North American women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) treated with estradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG; Qlaira(®)/Natazia(®)) compared to placebo. Women in the United States and Canada, aged 20-53 years with an objective diagnosis of HMB and no recognizable anatomical pathology, were treated with E2V/DNG or placebo for seven cycles (196 days). Main outcome measures included work productivity (i.e., productivity while at work) and activities of daily living measured using a modified Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (mWPAI) on a Likert scale from 0 to 10 (higher values denote higher impairment levels). In both countries, significant improvement was observed between baseline and end of treatment in work productivity and activities of daily living impairment. The improvements in work productivity and activities of daily living with E2V/DNG treatment relative to placebo ranged from 37.2% to 39.2% across both countries. Monthly gains due to E2V/DNG treatment (net of placebo improvement) associated with improvement in work productivity were estimated to be US$80.2 and Can$70.8 (US$58.5) and those associated with improvement in activities of daily living were estimated to be US$84.9 and Can$73.5 (US$60.7). E2V/DNG was shown to have a consistent positive impact on work productivity and activities of daily living in U.S. and Canadian women with HMB. In addition, these improvements in work productivity and activities of daily living were associated with a reduction in HMB-related monetary burden compared to the placebo group.

Development and validation of a novel stability-indicating HPLC method for the simultaneous assay of betamethasone-17-valerate, fusidic acid, potassium sorbate, methylparaben and propylparaben in a topical cream preparation.

PubMed

Byrne, Jonathan; Velasco-Torrijos, Trinidad; Reinhardt, Robert

2014-08-05

A novel stability-indicating reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method for the simultaneous assay of betamethasone-17-valerate, fusidic acid and potassium sorbate as well as methyl- and propylparaben in a topical cream preparation has been developed. A 100mm×3.0mm ID. Ascentis Express C18 column maintained at 30°C and UV detection at 240nm were used. A gradient programme was employed at a flow-rate of 0.75ml/min. Mobile phase A comprised of an 83:17 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and methanol and mobile phase B of a 10g/l solution of 85% phosphoric acid in purified water. The method has been validated according to current International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines and applied during formulation development and stability studies. The procedure has been shown to be stability-indicating for the topical cream. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acquisition of Armored Vehicles Purchased Through Contract W914NS-05-M-1189

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-10-21

vehicles. Results. The Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I) purchased seven armored Mercedes - Benz vehicles that did not have...contractor to provide seven armored Mercedes - Benz vehicles. The vehicles were to be used by the Multi-National Security Transition Command (MNSTC-I) to...ability to provide the vehicles immediately. The contract called for the delivery of seven Mercedes - Benz sedans at a price of $135,000 per vehicle that

Fuel and Lubricant Effects on Exhaust Emissions from a Light-Duty CIDI Powered Vehicle

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

particulate emissions were examined on a 1999 Mercedes Benz C220 D. Test cycles included the FTP and the US06. Statistical analyses were performed on...4 REPORT 03.03227.03 viii LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1 Mercedes - Benz C220D Vehicle on...macroemulsion fuel was also evaluated. REPORT 03.03227.03 2 of 28 II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The test vehicle was a 1999 Mercedes - Benz C220 D equipped with a

Proceedings of the European ISTVS Conference (6th), OVK Symposium (4th), on "Off Road Vehicles in Theory and Practice", Held at Vienna, Austria on 28-30 September 1994. Appendix.

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-30

Experimentalfahrzeug 8x DipL-fng. W. Slinkell Mercedes - Benz AG Stuttgart, Deutschland 3 Zumn Nachweis hoher Mobilittit wurde 1986 ein Experimentalfahrzeug Mx mit...propulsed by a 6 cylinder turbo charged Diesel engine from the passenger car series by Mercedes Benz and which is also equipped with an automatic...transmission by Mercedes Benz reaches 52 kilometers per hour when being used on the road and 4 km/h when swimming through water. II I i i DESIGN FEATURES I

Tactisch Optreden van kleine eenheden (Small Unit Tactics)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-01

Marechaussee KTS Knock, Talk and Search MB Mercedes Benz MND(SE) Multinational Division (South East) NAVO Noord Atlantische Verdrag Organisatie NGO Non...patrouilles had men de beschikking over Mercedes Benz (MB) soft top wielvoertuigen, met een mitrailleur MAG 7.62 mm op affuit. Als extra bescherming was het... Mercedes Benz 5 IkN/ 7.5 kN soft top) voorzien van een voertuigaffuit met een mitrailleur MAG 7,62mm, uitgevoerd (zie Figuur 8). Bij verhoogde dreiging

Efficacy and bleeding profile of a combined oral contraceptive containing oestradiol valerate/dienogest: a pooled analysis of three studies conducted in North America and Europe.

PubMed

Nelson, Anita; Parke, Susanne; Makalova, Dagmar; Serrani, Marco; Palacios, Santiago; Mellinger, Uwe

2013-08-01

To summarise all clinical data on the contraceptive efficacy and bleeding profile associated with an oestradiol valerate (E2V) and dienogest (DNG) [E2V/DNG] combined oral contraceptive (COC) derived from Phase III trials. Pooled analysis of three large-scale multicentre trials conducted in healthy women who received oral E2V/DNG for 7 to 28 cycles (28-day cycles). A total of 2266 women were included in this analysis. Overall, 19 pregnancies occurred over 13 cycles during 880,950 days of relevant exposure (Pearl Index [PI] of 0.79; upper limit of the two-sided 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23). Ten pregnancies attributed to method failure came about during 871,091 days of relevant exposure (adjusted PI of 0.42; upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI: 0.77). In women aged 18 to 35 years (n = 1687), the corresponding PI and adjusted PI were 1.01 (upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI: 1.59) and 0.51 (upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI: 0.97), respectively. In the first 13 cycles of treatment, 76 to 81% of women experienced scheduled withdrawal bleeding, and 13 to 23% experienced intracyclic bleeding. E2V/DNG provides reliable contraceptive efficacy in women aged 18 to 50 years.

Determining Angular Frequency from Video with a Generalized Fast Fourier Transform

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-22

depicted in the first row, where n = (0, . . . , 7). It turns out the Mercedes - Benz shape in these images is rotating by a factor of 3(2π 8 ) radians in...a GST rotation example of data length N = 8 applied to the Mercedes - Benz shape. The first row is the original X sequence. Each column under that...rate of rotation by computing the sharpness of the sum. In Figure 2, GST(X[3]) appears to be the sharpest GST image; this confirms that the Mercedes

Contraceptive efficacy and safety of estradiol valerate/dienogest in a healthy female population: a multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled Phase III study.

PubMed

Yu, Qi; Huang, Zirong; Ren, Mulan; Chang, Qing; Zhang, Zhongqi; Parke, Susanne

2018-01-01

To investigate the efficacy and safety of a combined oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate and dienogest (EV/DNG) in healthy Asian women. In this multicenter Phase III study, women received oral EV/DNG in a 28-day regimen for 13 cycles. The primary efficacy endpoint was the number of unintended pregnancies, measured by the Pearl Index (PI); secondary efficacy endpoints included bleeding pattern and cycle control parameters. Adverse events were monitored during the study and overall satisfaction with treatment was determined on completion of the study. A total of 954 Asian women (97.7% of subjects assigned to study medication; mean age 33.4 years) were treated. Five pregnancies were reported during EV/DNG treatment over 796.34 relevant woman-years of exposure, giving an unadjusted PI of 0.63 and a cumulative failure rate of 0.0049; 3 pregnancies during EV/DNG treatment over 760.35 relevant woman-years of exposure gave an adjusted PI of 0.39. The bleeding pattern improved during the reporting periods within the study. The proportion of women who experienced withdrawal bleeding decreased with treatment (84.9% of women during Cycle 1 vs 79.3% in Cycle 13), and the mean length of withdrawal bleeding decreased with treatment (4.2 vs 3.4 days). The number and maximum length of intracyclic bleeding/spotting episodes also decreased with EV/DNG. EV/DNG was well tolerated, and 92% of women included in the study were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with EV/DNG. EV/DNG showed high contraceptive efficacy, was well tolerated in Asian women, and may be effectively used in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01638910.

DARPA Improving Warfighter Information Intake Under Stress -- Augmented Cognition. Volume 1. Phase 2: Concept Validation Experiment

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

trademark of the Boeing Company. Mercedes - Benz ® is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG Corporation. Released by R. J. Smillie, Head...Team DCC CLIP architecture. 2.2.4 Methodology The test conditions for the DCC team consisted of an instrumented Mercedes Benz ® S class vehicle

JPRS Report, Arms Control.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-04-08

brochure as " Mercedes - Benz military vehicles." There are numerous innuendos and accusations. At the moment, the investigators are busy emptying the...pocketing of commis- sions by individual employees—is a serious burden for the concern and has already damaged the reputation of the Mercedes - Benz automobile

77 FR 3598 - Ophthalmic and Topical Dosage Form New Animal Drugs; Gentamicin and Betamethasone Spray

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-25

... veterinary prescription use of gentamicin sulfate and betamethasone valerate topical spray in dogs. DATES... prescription use of Gentamicin Topical Spray (gentamicin sulfate and betamethasone valerate) in dogs. Sparhawk...

Impact of estradiol-valerate/dienogest on work productivity and activities of daily living in European and Australian women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

PubMed

Wasiak, Radoslaw; Filonenko, Anna; Vanness, David J; Wittrup-Jensen, Kim U; Stull, Donald E; Siak, Steven; Fraser, Ian

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of estradiol-valerate/dienogest (E(2)V/DNG; Qlaira(®)/Natazia(®)) on work productivity and activities of daily living in European and Australian women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Women aged 18-54 years with a confirmed diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding and no recognizable pathology were recruited across nine European countries (the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, UK, and Ukraine) and Australia. The women were randomized to receive either E(2)V/DNG (n = 149) or placebo (n = 82) for seven treatment cycles (196 days). The outcomes assessed included work productivity (ie, productivity while at work) and activities of daily living, measured on a Likert scale from 0 to 10 (with higher values denoting higher impairment levels) at baseline and at the end of the third and seventh cycles (days 84 and 196). The equivalent monetary value associated with the changes in work productivity and activities of daily living was also calculated. Across all the countries, greater improvements from baseline to the end of treatment were observed with E(2)V/DNG treatment than placebo in work productivity (46.0% versus 15.1%) and activities of daily living (55.6% versus 30.8%). In 2008, savings associated with improvements in work productivity and activities of daily living due to E(2)V/DNG treatment (net of placebo improvement) were estimated to be between US$22-62 and US$18-56 per month (in purchasing power parity of US$), respectively. E(2)V/DNG has a consistent positive impact on work productivity and activities of daily living in European and Australian women with heavy menstrual bleeding. These improvements were associated with a reduction in monetary burden of heavy menstrual bleeding compared with the placebo group, consistent with the response to treatment observed.

Efficacy and Safety of Calcipotriol Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Aerosol Foam Compared with Betamethasone 17-Valerate-Medicated Plaster for the Treatment of Psoriasis.

PubMed

Queille-Roussel, Catherine; Rosen, Monika; Clonier, Fabrice; Nørremark, Kasper; Lacour, Jean-Philippe

2017-04-01

Fixed combination calcipotriol as hydrate (Cal) 50 µg/g plus betamethasone as dipropionate (BD) 0.5 mg/g aerosol foam is an alcohol-free treatment for psoriasis. Betamethasone 17-valerate 2.25 mg (BV)-medicated plasters are recommended for treating psoriasis plaques localized in difficult-to-treat (DTT; elbow, knee, anterior face of the tibia) areas. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Cal/BD foam with BV-medicated plaster in patients with plaque psoriasis. In this phase IIa, randomized, single-center, investigator-blinded, 4-week study, both Cal/BD foam and BV-medicated plaster were applied once daily to six test sites (three for each treatment). The primary efficacy endpoint was absolute change in total clinical score (TCS; sum of erythema, scaling, and infiltration); secondary endpoints were changes from baseline in each individual clinical score, ultrasonographic changes (total skin and echo-poor band thickness), and safety; and post hoc analysis was change from baseline in TCS on DTT areas. Thirty-five patients were included. Least-squares mean change in TCS from baseline was significantly greater for Cal/BD foam (-5.8) than BV-medicated plaster (-3.7; difference -2.2; 95% confidence interval -2.6 to -1.8; p < 0.001); greater changes for Cal/BD foam were observed from day 8 for each clinical sign. Absolute total skin and echo-poor band thickness change was significantly greater for Cal/BD foam than for BV-medicated plaster (both p < 0.001). Post hoc analyses showed that Cal/BD foam was significantly more effective than BV-medicated plaster on DTT areas after 4 weeks (p < 0.001), and both treatments were well tolerated. Cal/BD foam demonstrated superior efficacy versus BV-medicated plasters, including on DTT areas, in patients with plaque psoriasis. NCT02518048.

Implications for Arms Control in Technology Transfer to Less Developed Countries (LDC’s). Volume I. Considerations in Controlling Dual-Use Technology Products: An Overview

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

Mitsubishi Brazil - Mercedes - Benz FranceNetherlands - DAF France - Hispani-Suiza, Sweden - Volvo-Penta SOFAM, Peugeot West Germany - Motor-Turbinen...Mitsubishi Brazil - Mercedes - Benz Netherlands - DAF France - Hispani-Suiza, Sweden - Volvo-Penta SOFAM, Peugeot West Germany - Motor-Turbinen... marketing practices as later described in pages 4-11. This paper examines likely LDC reactions to a situation in which for whatever reason they are

Investigation of diesel-powered vehicle emissions. Part VII. Final report Jun 74--Nov 76

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

Springer, K.J.

Five light duty diesel vehicles and five heavy duty diesel engines were tested over various test cycles for both regulated and unregulated emissions. A Mercedes 220 D, Mercedes 240 D, Mercedes 300 D, Peugeot 2040, and an International Harvester pick-up truck with a Perkins 6-247 engine were the light duty diesel vehicles tested. The heavy duty diesels included a Detroit Diesel 6V-71 city bus engine with two injector designs, a Cummins NTC-290 truck engine operated with and without variable timing, and a Detroit Diesel 8V-71TA truck engine. Emissions measured included HC, CO, NOx, CO2, smoke, aldehydes, exhaust odor, benzo (a)more » pyrene, sulfate, sulfur dioxide, and particulate mass.« less

UAV Data-Links: Tasks, Types, Technologies and Examples

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

Services Mercedes - Benz *Clapra Mercedes - Benz Al cmercial *Leasing *rinancial R ail Systams aftrs Services *smar * lpmoser F reightliner commerciali...highlighting the basic variants of data-links Blohm, MTU and others to form Daimler- Benz and their general advantages and disadvantages a Aerospace (now...bandwidth devices for the consumer market . antenna characteristics Generally speaking, the data-rate of a digital-link signal processing. using BPSK

WIDELink: A Bootstrapping Approach to Identifying, Modeling and Linking On-Line Data Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-07-01

Mercedes Benz of Laguna Niguel — and collected on the order of 250 records from these sites. We normalized all data by lowercasing it. We then ran the...0.38 > [ mercedes , benz ] [47K] [5 . 0l v8] [ford] [21 , 3Digit] [4 . 3l v8] [mercury] [20 , 3Digit] [3 . 2l 6cyl] [lincoln] [2Digit , 3Digit] [3 . 2l

Impact of estradiol-valerate/dienogest on work productivity and activities of daily living in European and Australian women with heavy menstrual bleeding

PubMed Central

Wasiak, Radoslaw; Filonenko, Anna; Vanness, David J; Wittrup-Jensen, Kim U; Stull, Donald E; Siak, Steven; Fraser, Ian

2012-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact of estradiol-valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG; Qlaira®/Natazia®) on work productivity and activities of daily living in European and Australian women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Methods Women aged 18–54 years with a confirmed diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding and no recognizable pathology were recruited across nine European countries (the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, UK, and Ukraine) and Australia. The women were randomized to receive either E2V/DNG (n = 149) or placebo (n = 82) for seven treatment cycles (196 days). The outcomes assessed included work productivity (ie, productivity while at work) and activities of daily living, measured on a Likert scale from 0 to 10 (with higher values denoting higher impairment levels) at baseline and at the end of the third and seventh cycles (days 84 and 196). The equivalent monetary value associated with the changes in work productivity and activities of daily living was also calculated. Results Across all the countries, greater improvements from baseline to the end of treatment were observed with E2V/DNG treatment than placebo in work productivity (46.0% versus 15.1%) and activities of daily living (55.6% versus 30.8%). In 2008, savings associated with improvements in work productivity and activities of daily living due to E2V/DNG treatment (net of placebo improvement) were estimated to be between US$22–62 and US$18–56 per month (in purchasing power parity of US$), respectively. Conclusion E2V/DNG has a consistent positive impact on work productivity and activities of daily living in European and Australian women with heavy menstrual bleeding. These improvements were associated with a reduction in monetary burden of heavy menstrual bleeding compared with the placebo group, consistent with the response to treatment observed. PMID:22927764

JPRS Report China.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-04

A total of 828 Mercedes - Benz cars are in the process of rolling off the assembly line at the passenger car plant of the Changchun First Automotive...Hong’s ’Socialist Commodity Economy’ 22 Improving Contract System, Results 26 PROVINCIAL Jilin Factory Produces Mercedes Cars 31 FINANCE...successively promoted deputy office chief, office chief, and deputy director of the institute. In 1980, he conducted research at the Interna- tional

A Survey of Technology for Hybrid Vehicle Auxiliary Power Units.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-10-01

Compact V6 Engines," SAE Paper No. 920677, 1992. 45. Hiereth, H., Baehrens, W. E., Müller, W., and Withalm, G., "The Mercedes - Benz Group C Engines...Mfg. Model kW 1/kW kg/kW kg/kWh 44 Mazda KL ~~ 123^5 2/178 44 Mazda KF 104.00 2.826 44 Mazda KB 97.00 3.007 45 Mercedes - Benz M119HL

Populating the Semantic Web

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-07-01

Cars domain. We wrapped two used cars sites — Anaheim Lincoln Mer- cury and Mercedes Benz of Laguna Niguel — and collected on the order of 250 records...Make Mileage Engine < 1.31± 0.46 > < 2.38± 0.92 > < 3.83± 0.38 > [ mercedes , benz ] [47K] [5 . 0l v8] [ford] [21 , 3DIGIT] [4 . 3l v8] [mercury] [20

Prophylaxis of radiation dermatitis with a topical cortisone cream

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

Potera, M.E.; Lookingbill, D.P.; Stryker, J.A.

Nineteen cancer patients receiving radiation therapy to the head, neck, chest wall, or abdomen were evaluated in a double-blind study to determine the effectiveness of 0.2% hydrocortisone valerate vs. placebo in reducing acute radiation dermatitis. Patients applied hydrocortisone valerate to one-half of the irradiated area and the placebo to the other half beginning two weeks after the initiation of radiotherapy and continuing until three weeks after completion. Left and right sides were scored each week with respect to erythema, dry desquamation, moist desquamation, ulceration, and the duration and intensity of symptoms such as soreness, burning, and itching. No statistically significantmore » difference was found between the 0.2% hydrocortisone valerate and the placebo in the acute skin response or the symptoms of radiation dermatitis. The patients were evaluated three months following radiotherapy for evidence of skin atrophy. There were no differences found between hydrocortisone valerate and the placebo with respect to the late effects of radiation therapy.« less

Prophylaxis of radiation dermatitis with a topical cortisone cream

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

Potera, M.E.; Lookingbill, D.P.; Stryker, J.A.

Nineteen cancer patients receiving radiation therapy to the head, neck, chest wall, or abdomen were evaluated in a double-blind study to determine the effectiveness of 0.2% hydrocortisone valerate vs placebo in reducing acute radiation dermatitis. Patients applied hydrocortisone valerate to one-half of the irradiated area and the placebo to the other half beginning two weeks after the initiation of radiotherapy and continuing until three weeks after completion. Left and right sides were scored each week with respect to erythema, dry desquamation, moist desquamation, ulceraton, and the duration and intensity of symptoms such as soreness, burning, and itching. No statistically significantmore » difference was found between the 0.2% hydrocortisone valerate and the placebo in the acute skin response or the symptoms of radiation dermatitis. The patients were evaluated three months following radiotherapy for evidence of skin atrophy. There was no difference found between hydrocortisone valerate and the placebo with respect to the late effects of radiation therapy.« less

Comparative performance of a combined injectable contraceptive (50 mg norethisterone enanthate plus 5mg estradiol valerate) and a combined oral contraceptive (0.15 mg levonorgestrel plus 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol) in adolescents.

PubMed

Molina, Ramiro C; Sandoval, Jorge Z; Montero, Adela V; Oyarzún, Pamela G; Molina, Temístocles G; González, Electra A

2009-02-01

To compare in a regular non-clinical trial experience the efficacy, acceptability, and continuation rates of an injectable contraceptive containing 50 mg norethisterone enanthate plus 5mg estradiol valerate (IC) and an oral contraceptive containing 0.15 mg levonorgestrel plus 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol (OC), among adolescent users. A total of 251 adolescents ages 14-19 were followed during 12 months. The IC group (124 subjects) was studied for 1044 cycles and the OC group (127 subjects) was studied for 1368 cycles. The users were not assigned in a random selection. Information was collected from clinical records. Groups were compared using Pearson chi-square, odds ratio (95% confidence interval), t-test, and proportion difference test. The IC group had significant differences in baseline social risk, confidence, psychiatric problems, consumption of alcohol, and number of sexual partners. At 12 months, the IC group showed significant decrease in weight and increase in hypermenorrhea. In the OC group, dysmenorrhea decreased, and hypomenorrhea and regular cycles were significantly more frequent. One pregnancy occurred in the OC group (Pearl Index: 0.88). Final continuation rates at 12 months were 41.9% and 37.8% for IC and OC, respectively. The monthly injectable is a recommended contraceptive option for adolescents, especially for those facing psychosocial risk factors.

Bleeding pattern and cycle control with an estradiol-based oral contraceptive: a seven-cycle, randomized comparative trial of estradiol valerate/dienogest and ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel.

PubMed

Ahrendt, Hans-Joachim; Makalová, Dagmar; Parke, Susanne; Mellinger, Uwe; Mansour, Diana

2009-11-01

This study compared the bleeding pattern, cycle control and safety of an oral contraceptive (OC) comprising estradiol valerate/dienogest (E2V/DNG; administered using a dynamic dosing regimen) with a monophasic OC containing ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg/levonorgestrel 100 mcg (EE/LNG). E2V releases estradiol (E2), which is identical to endogenously produced 17beta-estradiol. This was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy trial lasting seven cycles in healthy women aged 18-50 years. Overall, 798 women were randomized and received allocated treatment (399 per group). There were significantly fewer bleeding/spotting days reported by women who received E2V/DNG than those who received EE/LNG [17.3+/-10.4 vs. 21.5+/-8.6, respectively, p<.0001, Reference Period 1 (Days 1-90); and 13.4+/-9.vs. 15.9+/-7.1, respectively, p<.0001, Reference Period 2 (Days 91-180)]. Through Cycles 1-7, the occurrence of scheduled withdrawal bleeding per cycle was 77.7-83.2% with E2V/DNG and 89.5-93.8% with EE/LNG (p<.0001 per cycle). The duration and intensity of scheduled withdrawal bleeding were reduced with E2V/DNG vs. EE/LNG. The incidence of intracyclic bleeding was similar with E2V/DNG (10.5%-18.6%) and EE/LNG (9.9%-17.1%) (p>.05 per cycle). No unintended pregnancies occurred with E2V/DNG, but there was one unintended pregnancy with EE/LNG. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 10.0% and 8.5% of women taking E2V/DNG and EE/LNG, respectively. Overall, 79.4% of women were satisfied with E2V/DNG and 79.9% with EE/LNG. A novel OC composed of E2V/DNG is associated with an acceptable bleeding profile that is comparable to that of an EE-containing OC.

Metabolic and haemostatic effects of estradiol valerate/dienogest, a novel oral contraceptive: a randomized, open-label, single-centre study.

PubMed

Junge, Wolfgang; Mellinger, Uwe; Parke, Susanne; Serrani, Marco

2011-01-01

The hormonal components of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have various metabolic and haemostatic effects. The objective of this study was to compare the metabolic and haemostatic effects of a novel COC comprising estradiol valerate/dienogest (E(2)V/DNG) with ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (EE/LNG). In a randomized, open-label study conducted in Germany over seven cycles, healthy women aged 18-50 years received E(2)V/DNG (E(2)V 3 mg on days 1-2, E(2)V 2 mg/DNG 2 mg on days 3-7, E(2)V 2 mg/DNG 3 mg on days 8-24, E(2)V 1 mg on days 25-26, placebo on days 27-28; n = 30) or EE/LNG (EE 0.03 mg/LNG 0.05 mg on days 1-6, EE 0.04 mg/LNG 0.075 mg on days 7-11, EE 0.03 mg/LNG 0.125 mg on days 12-21, placebo on days 22-28; n = 28). The primary variables were the mean intraindividual relative changes from baseline to cycle 7 in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Changes in other lipid parameters, haemostatic parameters, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), cortisol-binding globulin (CBG), carbohydrate metabolism parameters, blood pressure and body weight were also assessed. Mean ± SD HDL cholesterol increased by 7.9% ± 21.8% with E(2)V/DNG and decreased by 2.3% ± 14.4% with EE/LNG. Mean ± SD LDL cholesterol decreased by 6.5% ± 15.9% with E(2)V/DNG and by 3.0% ± 17.4% with EE/LNG. Mean ± SD prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and D-dimer levels remained essentially unchanged in the E(2)V/DNG group (-0.6% ± 30.3% and -2.1% ± 43.5%, respectively), but increased in the EE/LNG group (by 117.3% ± 358.0% and 62.9% ± 99.5%, respectively). Changes in other hepatic-induced parameters (SHBG, CBG) and carbohydrate metabolism were generally less pronounced with E(2)V/DNG versus EE/LNG. Body weight and blood pressure remained stable throughout the study in both treatment groups. Both formulations were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported

Synthesis and crystal structure of the [Co{sub 2}(Nicotinamide){sub 4}(C{sub 4}H{sub 9}COO){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O)] complex

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

Sadikov, G. G., E-mail: sadgg@igic.ras.ru; Antsyshkina, A. S.; Koksharova, T. V.

2007-09-15

The [Co{sub 2}L{sub 4}(C{sub 4}H{sub 9}COO){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O)] coordination compound of cobalt(II) valerate with nicotinamide (L) is synthesized and studied by IR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the synthesized compound is determined. The crystals are triclinic, and the unit cell parameters are as follows: a = 10.2759(10) A, b = 16.3858(10) A, c = 16.4262(10) A, {alpha} = 100.538(10) deg., {beta} = 101.199(10) deg., {gamma} = 90.813 (10) deg., Z = 2, and space group P1-bar. The structural units of the crystal are dimeric molecular complexes in which pairs of cobalt atoms are linked by triple bridges formed by oxygenmore » atoms of two bidentately coordinated valerate anions and a water molecule. The octahedral coordination of each cobalt atom is complemented by the pyridine nitrogen atoms of two nicotinamide ligands and the oxygen atom of the monodentate valerate group. The hydrocarbon chains of the valerate anions are disordered over two or three positions each.« less

The gas-liquid chromatography of carboxylic acid esters of the urinary 11-deoxy-17-oxo steroids. Determination as n-butyrates.

PubMed

Sadler, P A; Kellie, A E

1967-06-01

1. The gas-liquid-chromatographic separations of the acetate, propionate, n-butyrate, isobutyrate and n-valerate esters of androsterone, aetiocholanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone were studied on a 1% neopentyl glycol sebacate column. The n-butyrate, isobutyrate and n-valerate esters were well resolved. 2. The three steroids derived from hydrolysed urinary 17-oxo steroid conjugate extracts were analysed by gas-liquid chromatography after conversion into their n-butyrate esters. The results were compared with independent determinations involving chromatography on alumina.

Comment on ``The application of the thermodynamic perturbation theory to study the hydrophobic hydration'' [J. Chem. Phys. 139, 024101 (2013)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graziano, Giuseppe

2013-09-01

It is shown that the behaviour of the hydration thermodynamic functions obtained in the 3D Mercedes-Benz model of water by Mohoric et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 139, 024101 (2013)] is not qualitatively correct with respect to experimental data for a solute whose diameter is 1.5-fold larger than that of a water molecule. It is also pointed out that the failure is due to the fact that the used 3D Mercedes-Benz model of water [A. Bizjak, T. Urbic, V. Vlachy, and K. A. Dill, J. Chem. Phys. 131, 194504 (2009)] does not reproduce in a quantitatively correct manner the peculiar temperature dependence of water density.

Functional Polymers and Sequential Copolymers by Phase Transfer Catalysis. Synthesis of Thermotropic Side-Chain Liquid Crystalline Polymers Containing a Poly(2,6-Dimethyl-1,4-Phenylene Oxide) Main Chain.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-01

bromovalerate (Aldrich, 99%), 5-bromovaleronitrile (Aldrich, 95%), and 11-bromoundecanoic acid (Aldrich, 99%) were used without further purification. 4...atic proton’s). 71 Cm, 4 aromatic X~tons). C. Synthesis of 4- 4-oxybipheny1 butyrnc acid , 4-(4-inethoxy 4’-oxy- I hen 1 butyrnc acid , 5-(4-oxybipheny1...valeric acid , 5-(4-inethoxy-4-oxy- bi heny1 valeric acid . 11- 4-ox bipheny1 undecanoic acid and 11- 4-inethox -4 -ox biphenylundecanoic acid . The

The gas–liquid chromatography of carboxylic acid esters of the urinary 11-deoxy-17-oxo steroids

PubMed Central

Sadler, Patricia A.; Kellie, A. E.

1967-01-01

1. The gas–liquid-chromatographic separations of the acetate, propionate, n-butyrate, isobutyrate and n-valerate esters of androsterone, aetiocholanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone were studied on a 1% neopentyl glycol sebacate column. The n-butyrate, isobutyrate and n-valerate esters were well resolved. 2. The three steroids derived from hydrolysed urinary 17-oxo steroid conjugate extracts were analysed by gas–liquid chromatography after conversion into their n-butyrate esters. The results were compared with independent determinations involving chromatography on alumina. PMID:4227802

Estrogen-withdrawal migraine. I. Duration of exposure required and attempted prophylaxis by premenstrual estrogen administration.

PubMed

Somerville, B W

1975-03-01

The minimum exposure to estrogen required to cause estrogen-withdrawal migraine has been studied by giving long-acting estradiol valerate to four women and short-acting estradiol benzoate to two women. It was found that several days of exposure to high estrogen levels were needed to cause migraine on estrogen withdrawal. Oral administration of estrogen supplements in the form of estradiol valerate or as conjugated equine estrogens during the premenstrual phase in four women did not significantly affect plasma levels of estradiol, nor was it effective in preventing menstrual migraine.

Influence of alkyl sulfates on waste activated sludge fermentation at ambient temperature.

PubMed

Jiang, Su; Chen, Yinguang; Zhou, Qi

2007-09-05

Alkyl sulfates (AS), such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), are widely used in household and industrial products, and can be found in some wastewater and waste activated sludge (WAS). The effect of SDS on the fermentation of WAS at ambient temperature was investigated in this paper. Experimental results showed that the concentrations of protein and carbohydrate in aqueous phase increased with the amount of SDS. The concentrations of both NH(4)(+)-N and PO(4)(3-)-P in fermentation liquor also increased in the presence of SDS. In addition, it was observed that the fermentative short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration was affected by SDS. With the increase of SDS dosage, the maximum SCFAs concentration increased, and the fermentation time before reaching the maximum SCFAs concentration also increased. Further investigation showed that the produced SCFAs consisted of acetic, propionic, n-butyric, iso-butyric, n-valeric and iso-valeric acids, and acetic, iso-valeric and propionic acids were the three main products. The influence of SDS on methanogenesis was also investigated, and the inhibitory effect of SDS on methanogens activity was observed.

Partners | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

LiquidCool Solutions Mercedes-Benz MidAmerican Energy Company N-Dimension Nanosonic Nebland Software OMNETRIC Group Pacific Gas and Electric Company Panasonic Parker Hannifin PDC Machines Pecan Street

Insulated Concrete Homes Increase Durability and Energy Efficiency

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

None

2001-05-01

New houses designed by Mercedes Homes in Melbourne, Florida, save their homeowners money by using energy efficient features such as a high performance heat pump and solar control glazing to reduce cooling costs.

Kinetics and methane gas yields of selected C1 to C5 organic acids in anaerobic digestion.

PubMed

Yang, Yu; Chen, Qian; Guo, Jialiang; Hu, Zhiqiang

2015-12-15

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and other short-chain organic acids such as lactic and pyruvic acids are intermediates in anaerobic organic degradation. In this study, anaerobic degradation of seven organic acids in salt form was investigated, including formate (C1), acetate (C2), propionate (C3), pyruvate (C3), lactate (C3), butyrate (C4), and valerate (C5). Microbial growth kinetics on these organic acids were determined individually at 37 °C through batch anaerobic digestion tests by varying substrate concentrations from 250 to 4000 mg COD/L. The cumulative methane generation volume was determined real-time by respirometry coupled with gas chromatographic analysis while methane yield and related kinetics were calculated. The methane gas yields (fe, mg CH4 COD/mg substrate COD) from anaerobic degradation of formate, acetate, propionate, pyruvate, lactate, butyrate, and valerate were 0.44 ± 0.27, 0.58 ± 0.05, 0.53 ± 0.18, 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.05, 0.43 ± 0.15, 0.49 ± 0.11, respectively. Anaerobic degradation of formate showed self-substrate inhibition at the concentrations above 3250 mg COD/L. Acetate, propionate, pyruvate, butyrate, lactate, and valerate did not inhibit methane production at the highest concentrations tested (i.e., 4000 mg COD/L). Microbes growing on acetate had the highest overall specific growth rate (0.30 d(-1)) in methane production. For comparison, the specific microbial growth rates on formate, propionate, pyruvate, butyrate, lactate, and valerate for methane production were 0.10, 0.06, 0.08, 0.07, 0.05, 0.15 d(-1), respectively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigating catalyst coated membrane equilibration time for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cote, Philippe

Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division, manufactures polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stacks for use in vehicles. The manufacturing line is being optimized for efficiency and quality control, in order to uphold the high standards of Mercedes-Benz Inc. vehicles. In an operating polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, the catalyst coated membrane facilitates the electrochemical reaction that generates electricity. This research examines the equilibration of catalyst coated membrane rolls to controlled temperature and humidity conditions, before they are used in the manufacturing of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Equilibration involves allowing the water content in the catalyst coated membrane to stabilize at the controlled conditions, in order to reduce mechanical stress in the material for better manufacturability. Initial equilibration measurements were conducted on discrete catalyst coated membrane samples using novel electronic conductivity measurements of the catalyst layer, and compared to ionic conductivity measurements of the membrane. Electronic conductivity measurements are easier to implement in the manufacturing environment than the more complex ionic conductivity measurements. When testing discrete catalyst coated membrane samples in an environmental chamber, the equilibration trends for the measured ionic and electronic conductivity signals were similar enough to permit us to adapt the electronic conductivity measurements for catalyst coated membrane in roll form. Equilibration measurements of catalyst coated membrane rolls were optimized to achieve a robust and repeatable procedure which could be used in the manufacturing environment at Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division.

Mercedes-Benz pyloroplasty: a new technique.

PubMed

Vashney, S; Somers, S S

2001-01-01

Closure of large duodeno-pyloro-gastrotomy can be difficult. The resulting 'pyloroplasty' may lead to major deformity at the gastric outlet. We describe a technique that combines features of the Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty and V-Y plasty. The technique is simple and is not associated with any new post-operative problem.

A comparative 2-year study of the effects of sequential regimens of 1 mg 17beta-estradiol and trimegestone with a regimen containing estradiol valerate and norethisterone on the bleeding profile and endometrial safety in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Koninckx, P R; Spielmann, D

2005-08-01

To compare the bleeding profiles and endometrial protection of two sequential regimens of 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E2) and trimegestone (TMG) with a sequential estradiol valerate (E2V)/norethisterone (NET) regimen. This was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study conducted in eight countries in healthy, postmenopausal women with an intact uterus. A total of 1218 women were enrolled into the initial 1-year study (13 cycles), and subsequently 531 of these received treatment for a further year (26 cycles). Treatment regimens were 1 mg 17beta-E2 on days 1-14 and 1 mg 17beta-E2/0.125 mg TMG or 1 mg 17beta-E2/0.25 mg TMG on days 15-28, and 1 mg E2V on days 1-16 and 1 mg E2V/1 mg NET on days 17-28. Mean percentage of women reporting onset of withdrawal bleeding episodes during the week following discontinuation of progestogen was higher in the 1 mg 17beta-E2/0.25 mg TMG group than in the other two treatments, showing a more efficient progestogen effect on the endometrium and good predictability of bleeding onset with this treatment. The mean numbers and average lengths of bleeding episodes were similar in the three treatment groups. Overall, the bleeding profile was more favorable with 1 mg 17beta-E2/0.25 mg TMG than with the lower-dose TMG preparation. Both of the TMG regimens demonstrated a good protective effect on endometrial proliferation, with the 0.25 mg TMG dose showing a lower incidence of proliferative endometrium. The 1 mg 17beta-E2/0.25 mg TMG regimen showed an adequate protection of the endometrium, with an overall favorable bleeding profile.

The Mobile Advanced Command and Control Station (MACCS) Experimental Testbed

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

were selected: Vehicle: Dodge (Sprinter 2500 high-roof - Mercedes - Benz vehicle) Electrical equipment and habitability equipment: Crossroads Coaches...this innovative , mobile, experimental tested. IMPACT/APPLICATIONS While MACCS clearly supports the research agenda for both HAL and ONR (as well as

Wernher von Braun

NASA Image and Video Library

1959-01-01

In this picture, Dr. Wernher von Braun, who was serving as Director of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency's (ABMA) Development Operations Division, is shown posed with his Mercedes 220SE automobile in front of Redstone Building 4488, which houses the ABMA.

Optimal Policies for the Management of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Swap Station

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

occurring for many other vehicle manufacturers. Honda, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Cadillac, Fiat, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, SMART, Volkswagon, Kia, and Toyota ...rules depend on the current state of the system and not the entire history of states, Markovian decision rules [16] are considered. Furthermore, the

Revista Interamericana de Educacion de Adultos, 2003 (Interamerican Review of Adult Education, 2003).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guerra, Alfonso Rangel, Ed.

2003-01-01

This journal offers a collection of Spanish-language articles, including: "Educacion a Distancia y Uso de las Tecnologias: Experiencias Desafios y Oportunidades Educativas para Jovenes y Adultos" (Ma. Mercedes Ruiz); "Volver a a Educacion Fundamental? Notas para una Arquelogia de los Mandatos Fundacionales del CREFAL" (Jorge…

Insulated Concrete Homes Increase Durability and Energy Efficiency

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

Building America; Hendron, B.; Poole, L.

2001-06-05

New houses designed by Mercedes Homes in Melbourne, Florida, with technical support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program, save their homeowners money by using energy efficient features such as a high performance heat pump and solar control glazing to reduce cooling costs.

Long-Term Supplementation with Chromium Malate Improves Short Chain Fatty Acid Content in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

PubMed

Wu, Huiyu; Feng, Weiwei; Mao, Guanghua; Zhao, Ting; Wu, Xiangyang; Wang, Songmei; Zou, Yanmin; Yang, Liuqing; Wang, Liang

2016-11-01

Our previous study showed that chromium malate improved the composition of intestinal flora, glycometabolism, glycometabolism-related enzymes, and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of chromium malate with long-term supplementation on short chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in Sprague-Dawley rats. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with high linearity (R 2  ≥ 0.9995), low quantification limit (0.011-0.070 mM), and satisfactory recoveries. The method was simple and environmentally friendly. The acetic content in cecum of 3-month control group was significantly higher than that of 1-year control group. When compared with 1-year control group, chromium malate (at a dose of 20.0 μg Cr/kg bw) could significantly increase acetic, propionic, i-butyric butyric, butyric, i-valeric, valeric, and n-caproic levels. The acetic, propionic, i-butyric, valeric, and n-caproic contents of 1-year chromium malate group (at a dose of 20.0 μg Cr/kg bw) had a significant improvement when compared with 1-year chromium picolinate group. Acetic, propionic, and butyric contained approximately 91.65 % of the total SCFAs in 1-year group. The results indicated that the improvement of chromium malate on short chain fatty acid content change was better than that of chromium picolinate.

Managing Training Materials with Structured Text Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Streit, Les D.; And Others

1986-01-01

Describes characteristics of structured text design; benefits of its use in training; benefits for developers of training materials and steps in preparing training materials. A case study illustrating how the structured text design process solved the sales training needs of the Mercedes-Benz Truck Company is presented. (MBR)

An Assessment of the Marine Tactical Command and Control System (MTACCS)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

also need some appetite suppressants for the users. If you have to go to the hospital, it is better to have a Ford on the road than a Mercedes - Benz ... innovation . Standard interfaces and languages allow developers to concentrate on the program itself. Time and money is saved by not having to redevelop

Removal and recovery of inhibitory volatile fatty acids from mixed acid fermentations by conventional electrodialysis.

PubMed

Jones, Rhys Jon; Massanet-Nicolau, Jaime; Guwy, Alan; Premier, Giuliano C; Dinsdale, Richard M; Reilly, Matthew

2015-08-01

Hydrogen production during dark fermentation is inhibited by the co-production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) such as acetic and n-butyric acid. In this study, the effectiveness of conventional electrodialysis (CED) in reducing VFA concentrations in model solutions and hydrogen fermentation broths is evaluated. This is the first time CED has been reported to remove VFAs from hydrogen fermentation broths. During 60 min of operation CED removed up to 99% of VFAs from model solutions, sucrose-fed and grass-fed hydrogen fermentation broths, containing up to 1200 mg l(-1) each of acetic acid, propionic acid, i-butyric acid, n-butyric acid, i-valeric acid, and n-valeric acid. CED's ability to remove VFAs from hydrogen fermentation broths suggests that this technology is capable of improving hydrogen yields from dark fermentation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Prokaryotic Diversity in Cold, Oligotrophic Remote Lakes of Chilean Patagonia.

PubMed

Aguayo, Paulina; González, Paulina; Campos, Víctor; Maugeri, Teresa L; Papale, Maria; Gugliandolo, Concetta; Martinez, Miguel A

2017-05-01

The prokaryotic abundance and diversity in three cold, oligotrophic Patagonian lakes (Témpanos, Las Torres and Mercedes) in the northern region Aysén (Chile) were compared in winter and summer using 16S rRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis technique. Prokaryotic abundances, numerically dominated by Bacteria, were quite similar in the three lakes, but higher in sediments than in waters, and they were also higher in summer than in winter. The relative contribution of Archaea was greater in waters than in sediments, and in winter rather than in summer. Despite the phylogenetic analysis indicated that most sequences were affiliated to a few taxonomic groups, mainly referred to Proteobacteria (consisting of Beta-, Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria) and Euryarchaeota (mainly related to uncultured methanogens), their relative abundances differed in each sample, resulting in different bacterial and archaeal assemblages. In winter, the abundance of the dominant bacterial phylotypes were mainly regulated by the increasing levels of total organic carbon in waters. Archaeal abundance and richness appeared mostly influenced by pH in winter and total nitrogen content in summer. The prokaryotic community composition at Témpanos lake, located most northerly and closer to a glacier, greatly differed in respect to the other two lakes. In this lake was detected the highest bacterial diversity, being Betaproteobacteria the most abundant group, whereas Alphaproteobacteria were distinctive of Mercedes. Archaeal community associated with sediments was mainly represent by members related to the order of Methanosarcinales at Mercedes and Las Torres lakes, and by Crenarchaeota at Témpanos lake. Our results indicate that the proximity to the glacier and the seasonality shape the composition of the prokaryotic communities in these remote lakes. These results may be used as baseline information to follow the microbial community responses to

Force Protection: From Beirut to Khobar Towers, What Have We Learned?

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

and attached elements of BLT 1/8 (Battalion Landing Team 1/8, built around the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment), closely watched a yellow Mercedes ... Benz stake-bed truck, which entered the parking lot south of his post. The truck circled the lot once, then departed. At 0622 hours the same yellow

[Child abuse: an interdisciplinary management experience].

PubMed

Seldes, José Julio; Ziperovich, Valentina; Viota, Alejandra; Leiva, Fernanda

2008-12-01

Child abuse constitutes one of the most frequent forms of family violence. The following study tries to demonstrate the situation that arises in the city of Mercedes, Corrientes, Argentina, and to establish some associations about that matter. A series of 128 cases of abused children is presented, between 0 and 19 years old, attended from November 1998 to November 2002, in Moiru, Center of prevention, direction, attendance and qualification in social conducts of risk that works in Mercedes. 56% of physical abuse; 30% of sexual abuse; 10% of neglect; 3% of emotional abuse and 1% of syndrome of Münchaussen was detected, with a similar distribution by sexes in the total population. Demographic variables and certain associations in cases of physical abuse and sexual abuse are indicated. A significant association between mothers victims of domestic violence and physical abuse towards their children was demonstrated. 128 young boys and girls were seen in our center. It is considered that a significant population was treated where physical abuse and sexual abuse appears as most relevant.

ARC Accomplishments and Collaborations Pursuing Challenges with Vision and Focus

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-10

Navistar Defense LLC – Dr. Joe Lin, Eaton – Dr. Young Jae Kim, GM Hybrid Powertrain Eng. – Dr. Bin Wu, Mercedes - Benz Hybrid LLC – Dr. Vasilios Tsourapas...Fellows: 3 SAE, 4 ASME, 1 AAAS,1 IACM, 3 IEEE • 8 external Research and Educational Awards • 8 University Awards • 2 Young Scientists/Young Innovator

KINETIC STUDY ON THE INHIBITION OF HEN BRAIN NEUROTOXIC ESTERASE BY MIPAFOX

EPA Science Inventory

A direct method of assaying neurotoxic esterase (NTE) activity, using 4-nitrophenyl valerate, has been described. The technique was used to determine the biomolecular rate (ki), phosphorylation (k2), and affinity (kd) constants for the reaction of hen brain microsomal NTE with mi...

The mercedes-benz approach to γ-ray astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akerlof, Carl W.

1988-02-01

The sensitivity requirements for ground-based γ-ray astronomy are reviewed in the light of the most reliable estimates of stellar fluxes above 100 GeV. Current data strongly favor the construction of detectors with the lowest energy thresholds. Since improvements in angular resolution are limited by shower fluctuations, better methods of rejecting hadronic showers must be found to reliably observe the known astrophysical sources. Several possible methods for reducing this hadronic background are discussed.

Calcified gallstone fissures: the reversed Mercedes Benz sign.

PubMed

Strijk, S P

1987-01-01

This article describes the occurrence of an unusual radiating pattern of calcification in the center of large radiolucent gallstones. The radiographic findings are attributed to calcium deposition within the fissures of biliary calculi.

Estrogen-mediated Height Control in Girls with Marfan Syndrome.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Yun; Hyun, Hye Sun; Huh, Rimm; Jin, Dong-Kyu; Kim, Duk-Kyung; Yoon, Byung-Koo; Choi, DooSeok

2016-02-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of a stepwise regimen of estradiol valerate for height control in girls with Marfan syndrome. Eight girls with Marfan syndrome who had completed estrogen treatment for height control were included. Estradiol valerate was started at a dose of 2 mg/day, and then was increased. The projected final height was estimated using the initial height percentile (on a disease-specific growth curve for Korean Marfan syndrome [gcPFHt]), and the initial bone age (baPFHt). After the estrogen treatment, the projected final height was compared to the actual final height (FHt). The median baseline chronological and bone age were 10.0 and 10.5 years, respectively. After a median of 36.5 months of treatment, the median FHt (172.6 cm) was shorter than the median gcPFHt (181.0 cm) and baPFHt (175.9 cm). In the six patients who started treatment before the age of 11 years, the median FHt (171.8 cm) was shorter than the median gcPFHt (181.5 cm) and baPFHt (177.4 cm) after treatment. The median differences between the FHt and gcPFHt and baPFHt were 9.2 and 8.3 cm, respectively. In two patients started treatment after the age of 11, the differences between FHt and gcPFHt, and baPFHt after treatment were -4 and 1.4 cm, and -1.2 and 0 cm for each case, respectively. A stepwise increasing regimen of estradiol valerate may be an effective treatment for height control in girls with Marfan syndrome, especially when started under 11 years old.

Oil Vulnerabilities and United States Strategy

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-08

Mazda, Mercedes - Benz , Ford, Mercury, and Nissan offer flexible fuel vehicles in the United States. Ethanol is currently produced in the United States...national strategies and international politics. Is the US government promoting technology advances to find effective, efficient, and affordable...these revenues to fight poverty, promote literacy, and improve health care, to name a few of its domestic programs. The United States purchases over

String junction as a baryonic constituent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalashnikova, Yu. S.; Nefediev, A. V.

1996-02-01

We extend the model for QCD string with quarks to consider the Mercedes Benz string configuration describing the three-quark baryon. Under the assumption of adiabatic separation of quark and string junction motion we formulate and solve the classical equation of motion for the junction. We dare to quantize the motion of the junction, and discuss the impact of these modes on the baryon spectra.

Comparative Characteristics of Main Battle Tanks.

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-06-01

Depth Ford up to 7.4 feet, snorkel 13.1 feet, preparation time for snorkel @ 10 minutes 2-1 June 1973 q.- 4V-~v~W-. U W U U U POWER TRAIN Engine Mercedes ... Benz 4-stroke diesel, 10- cylinder, 900 V upright Engine hp 830 hp @ 2,200 rpm Maximum Torque/rpm 1, 989 ft/lb @ 1, 200 rpm Type Cooling Liquid @ 25

2007 Precision Strike Winter Roundtable - Precision Engagement - Strategic Context for the Long War

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

but also to import Mercedes - Benzes , pricey cognacs and other luxury items to buy loyalty. Washington fears that North Korea could decide to use its...Cappuccio—Executive Vice President and General Manager, Advanced Development Programs & Strategic Planning, Lockheed Martin Company JOINT INNOVATION ... Innovative Minds Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Frank Cappuccio, February 1, 2007 Precision Strike Winter Roundtable “Long Range Strike Weapons” 2Lockheed

Residues of Malathion and Metabolites in and on the Cotton Leaf vs. Toxicity to the Boll Weevil

Treesearch

D.A. Wolfenbarger

2002-01-01

Malathion was applied at 12 and 16 oz [A.l.]/a to cotton near Mercedes, TX, in 1995 and sampled on 0, 2, 4 and 6 d posttreatment to determine residues of malathion, malaoxon, and iso-malathion. Residues were then compared to determine toxicity to boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman. Residues of malathion comprised 99% of the leaf washes and 100% of the leaf...

49 CFR Appendix A-I to Part 541 - Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... X3. X4.1 X5. Z4. 1 Car Line. 3 Car Line. 4 Car Line. 5 Car Line. 6 Car Line. 7 Car Line. CHRYSLER....1 Civic. Acura TL. HYUNDAI Azera. Genesis. Equus (originally codenamed VI). JAGUAR F-Type. XJ. XK... Quattroporte. MAZDA 2. 3. 5. 6. CX-5. CX-7. CX-9. MX-5 Miata. Tribute. MERCEDES-BENZ smart USA fortwo. SL-Line...

49 CFR Appendix A-I to Part 541 - Lines With Antitheft Devices Which Are Exempted From the Parts-Marking Requirements of This...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... X3. X5. Z4. 1 Car Line. 3 Car Line. 4 Car Line.1 5 Car Line. 6 Car Line. 7 Car Line. CHRYSLER 300C... Malibu. Chevrolet Sonic. GMC Terrain. Pontiac G6. Saturn Aura. HONDA Acura TL. Civic.1 HYUNDAI Azera... MY 2013. Manufacturer Subject lines 3. 5. 6. CX-5. CX-7. CX-9. MX-5 Miata. Tribute. MERCEDES-BENZ...

Breaking Waves. IUTAM Symposium Held in Sydney, Australia on July 15-19, 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-01-01

Professor Roger Grimshaw and myself, I wish to thank ONR most sincerely for their generous support towards the successful staging of this important...act under the German Copyright Law. e Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg 1992 Printed in Germany The use of general descriptive names, registered names...protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. Typesetting: Camera ready by authors Printing: Mercedes-Druck, Berlin; Binding

A scanning electron microscope study and statistical analysis of adipocyte morphology in lipofilling: comparing the effects of harvesting and purification procedures with 2 different techniques.

PubMed

Rubino, Corrado; Mazzarello, Vittorio; Faenza, Mario; Montella, Andrea; Santanelli, Fabio; Farace, Francesco

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on adipocyte morphology of 2 techniques of fat harvesting and of fat purification in lipofilling, considering that the number of viable healthy adipocytes is important in fat survival in recipient areas of lipofilling. Fat harvesting was performed in 10 female patients from flanks, on one side with a 2-mm Coleman cannula and on the other side with a 3-mm Mercedes cannula. Thirty milliliter of fat tissue from each side was collected and divided into three 10 mL syringes: A, B, and C. The fat inside syringe A was left untreated, the fat in syringe B underwent simple sedimentation, and the fat inside syringe C underwent centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes. Each fat graft specimen was processed for examination under low-vacuum scanning electron microscope. Diameter (μ) and number of adipocytes per square millimeter and number of altered adipocytes per square millimeter were evaluated. Untreated specimens harvested with the 2 different techniques were first compared, then sedimented versus centrifuged specimens harvested with the same technique were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. The number of adipocytes per square millimeter was statistically higher in specimens harvested with the 3-mm Mercedes cannula (P = 0.0310). The number of altered cells was statistically higher in centrifuged specimens than in sedimented ones using both methods of fat harvesting (P = 0.0080) with a 2-mm Coleman cannula and (P = 0.0050) with a 3-mm Mercedes cannula. Alterations in adipocyte morphology consisted in wrinkling of the membrane, opening of pore with leakage of oily material, reduction of cellular diameter, and total collapse of the cellular membrane. Fat harvesting by a 3-mm cannula results in a higher number of adipocytes and centrifugation of the harvested fat results in a higher number of morphologic altered cells than sedimentation.

Influence of dietary protein content and source on colonic fermentative activity in dogs differing in body size and digestive tolerance.

PubMed

Nery, J; Goudez, R; Biourge, V; Tournier, C; Leray, V; Martin, L; Thorin, C; Nguyen, P; Dumon, H

2012-08-01

Low-consistency, high-moisture feces have been observed in large dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), compared with small dogs, and particularly in sensitive breeds (e.g., German Shepherd dogs). The aim of this work was to determine if greater colonic protein fermentation is responsible for poorer fecal quality in large sensitive dogs. Twenty-seven bitches were allotted to 4 groups based on size and digestive sensitivity: small, medium, large tolerant, and large sensitive. Five experimental diets varying in protein source [highly digestible wheat gluten (WG) vs. medium digestible poultry meal (PM), and protein concentration from 21.4 to 21.6 (LP) to 38.2 to 39.2% CP (HP)] were tested. Diets were fed for 14 d and followed by a 12-d transition period. Digestive fermentation by-products were investigated in fresh stools [ammonia, phenol, indole, and short chain fatty acids including acetate, propionate, and butyrate (C2 to C4 SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA), and valerate] and in urine (phenol and indole). Bacterial populations in feces were identified. The PM diets resulted in greater fecal concentrations of ammonia, BCFA, valerate, indole, and C2 to C4 SCFA than WG diets (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.039, P = 0.003, and P = 0.012, respectively). Greater concentrations of ammonia, BCFA, and valerate were found in the feces of dogs fed HP compared with LP diets (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.012, respectively). The concentrations of ammonia, valerate, phenol, and indole in feces of large sensitive dogs were greater (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.019, respectively) compared with the other groups. The Enterococcus populations were greater in feces of dogs fed with PMHP rather than WGLP diets (P = 0.006). Urinary phenol and indole excretion was greater when dogs were fed PM than WG diets (P < 0.001 and P = 0.038, respectively) and HP than LP diets (P = 0.001 and P = 0.087, respectively). Large sensitive dogs were prone to excrete a greater quantity of

Learning Register Variation. A Web-Based Platform for Developing Diaphasic Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allora, Adriano; Corino, Elisa; Onesti, Cristina

2012-01-01

The present paper shows the first results of a linguistic project devoted to the construction of web learning tools for reinforcing sensitivity to diaphasic varieties and for learning style variation in L2/LS learning. (Contains 1 figure and 1 footnote.) [Support for this research was provided by the VALERE Project.

Quantitative analysis of growth and volatile fatty acid production by the anaerobic ruminal bacterium Megasphaera elsdenii T81

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Megaspheara elsdenii T81 grew on either DL-lactate or D-glucose at similar rates (0.85 per h), but displayed major differences in the fermentation of these substrates. Lactate was fermented at up to 210-mM concentration to yield acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids. The bacterium was able t...

Methanotrophic production of copolymer, poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), with high hydroxyvalerate content

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Type II methanotrophic bacteria are a promising production platform for PHA biopolymers. These bacteria are known to produce pure poly-3-hydroxybutyrate homopolymer. We describe the production of a wide range of PHB-co-HV co-polymers by the co-feeding of methane and valerate. The ratio of HB to HV m...

Success of Saturn: A Case Study of the Saturn Automobile

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

speed in production with nearly 20,000 cars per month coming off the assembly line.133 MARKETING THE PRODUCT ADVERTISING STRATEGY Saturn’s approach to...Satisfaction Index.𔄁 5 In the Sales Satisfaction category Saturn finished sixth behind Lexus, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lincoln and Mercedes Benz , all...quality, inexpensive, fuel efficient automobiles. They put their cars on the market in the U.S. and Americans bought Japanese instead of expensive

The link of feast-phase dissolved oxygen (DO) with substrate competition and microbial selection in PHA production.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaofei; Oehmen, Adrian; Freitas, Elisabete B; Carvalho, Gilda; Reis, Maria A M

2017-04-01

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biobased and biodegradable polyesters with the potential to replace conventional plastics. Aeration requires large amounts of energy in PHA production by mixed microbial cultures (MMCs), particularly during the feast phase due to substrate uptake. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of DO concentrations on microbial selection, substrate competition and PHA production performance by MMCs. This represents the first study investigating DO impact on PHA production while feeding the multiple volatile fatty acids (VFAs) typically encountered in real fermented feedstocks, as well as the substrate preferences at different DO levels. Efficient microbial cultures were enriched under both high (3.47 ± 1.12 mg/L) and low (0.86 ± 0.50 mg/L) DO conditions in the feast phase containing mostly the same populations but with different relative abundance. The most abundant microorganisms in the two MMCs were Plasticicumulans, Zoogloea, Paracoccus, and Flavobacterium. Butyrate and valerate were found to be the preferred substrates as compared to acetate and propionate regardless of DO concentrations. In the accumulation step, the PHA storage capacity and yield were less affected by the change of DO levels when applying the culture selected under low DO in the feast phase (PHA storage capacity >60% and yield > 0.9 Cmol PHA/Cmol VFA). A high DO level is required for maximal PHA accumulation rates with the four VFAs (acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate) present, due to the lower specific uptake rates of acetate and propionate under low DO conditions. However, butyrate and valerate specific uptake rates were less impacted by DO levels and hence low DO for PHA accumulation may be effective when feed is composed of these substrates only. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancing sludge biodegradability and volatile fatty acid production by tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate pretreatment.

PubMed

Wu, Qing-Lian; Guo, Wan-Qian; Bao, Xian; Yin, Ren-Li; Feng, Xiao-Chi; Zheng, He-Shan; Luo, Hai-Chao; Ren, Nan-Qi

2017-09-01

A new pretreatment method based on tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) biocide was tried to enhance sludge disintegration, and improved sludge biodegradability and subsequent volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. Sludge activity decreased to less than 10% after 2 days pretreatment using 20mg/g-TSS THPS, which also obviously destroyed EPS and cell membrane, and dissolved more biodegradable substances (48.8%) than raw sludge (19.7%). Moreover, 20mg/g-TSS THPS pretreatment shortened fermentation time to 4days and improved VFA production to 2778mg COD/L (4.35 times than that in control). Therein, the sum of n-butyric, n-valeric and iso-valeric acids unexpectedly accounted for 60.5% of total VFA (only 20.1% of that in control). The more high molecular weight VFAs (C4-C5) than low molecular VFAs (C2-C3) resulted from THPS pretreatment benefited to subsequent medium-chain volatile acids (C6-C12) generation to realize the separation and recovery of organic carbon more efficiently. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effect of solids retention time and temperature on waste activated sludge hydrolysis and short-chain fatty acids accumulation under alkaline conditions in continuous-flow reactors.

PubMed

Feng, Leiyu; Wang, Hua; Chen, Yinguang; Wang, Qin

2009-01-01

The effects of solids retention time (SRT) and temperature on waste activated sludge (WAS) hydrolysis and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) accumulation were investigated in a series of continuous-flow reactors at pH 10. The experimental results showed that the increase of either SRT or temperature benefited the hydrolysis of WAS and the production of SCFAs. The changes in SRT gave also impact on the percentage of acetic and propionic acids in the fermentative SCFAs, but little influence on that of the slightly long-chain SCFAs, such as n-butyric, iso-butyric, n-valeric and iso-valeric acids. Compared with the control (pH unadjusted) experiment, at SRT of 12d and temperature of 20 degrees C the concentration of SCFAs produced at pH 10 increased from 261.2 to 933.5mg COD/L, and the propionic acid percentage improved from 11.7 to 16.0%. It can be concluded from this investigation that the efficient continuous production of SCFAs at pH 10 is feasible.

Why use of dienogest for the first contraceptive pill with estradiol?

PubMed

Mueck, Alfred O; Seeger, Harald; Bühling, Kai J

2010-02-01

Dienogest (DNG) has the essential properties of an effective progestogen for use in a new contraceptive pill using estradiol valerate as estrogenic component -- it inhibits ovulation and protects against endometrial proliferation. DNG is a derivative of norethisterone (NET), but has a cyanomethyl- instead of an ethinyl-group in C17 position which may offer a variety of benefits regarding hepatic effects. The similarity to NET is reflected in the high endometriotropy and in similar pharmacokinetics like short plasma half-live and high bioavailability. However, DNG also elicits properties of progesterone derivatives like neutrality in metabolic and cardiovascular system and considerable antiandrogenic activity, the latter increased by lack of binding to SHBG as specific property of DNG. It has no glucocorticoid and antimineralocorticoid activity and has no antiestrogenic activity with the consequence that possible beneficial estradiol effects should not be antagonized. This may be of special importance for the tolerability and safety of the first pill with estradiol valerate instead of ethinylestradiol, although well-designed postmarketing studies are still ongoing to demonstrate what can be expected on the basis of pharmacology.

Extrusion of barley and oat influence the fecal microbiota and SCFA profile of growing pigs.

PubMed

Moen, Birgitte; Berget, Ingunn; Rud, Ida; Hole, Anastasia S; Kjos, Nils Petter; Sahlstrøm, Stefan

2016-02-01

The effect of extrusion of barley and oat on the fecal microbiota and the formation of SCFA was evaluated using growing pigs as model system. The pigs were fed a diet containing either whole grain barley (BU), oat groat (OU), or their respective extruded samples (BE and OE). 454 pyrosequencing showed that the fecal microbiota of growing pigs was affected by both extrusion and grain type. Extruded grain resulted in lower bacterial diversity and enrichment in operational taxonomic units (OTUs) affiliated with members of the Streptococcus, Blautia and Bulleidia genera, while untreated grain showed enrichment in OTUs affiliated with members of the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera, and the butyrate-producing bacteria Butyricicoccus, Roseburia, Coprococcus and Pseudobutyrivibrio. Untreated grain resulted in a significant increase of n-butyric, i-valeric and n-valeric acid, which correlated with an increase of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. This is the first study showing that cereal extrusion affects the microbiota composition and diversity towards a state generally thought to be less beneficial for health, as well as less amounts of beneficial butyric acid.

Bilateral lambdoid and sagittal synostosis (BLSS): a unique craniosynostosis syndrome or predictable craniofacial phenotype?

PubMed

Hing, Anne V; Click, Eleanor S; Holder, Ursula; Seto, Marianne L; Vessey, Kyle; Gruss, Joseph; Hopper, Richard; Cunningham, Michael L

2009-05-01

Multisutural craniosynostosis that includes bilateral lambdoid and sagittal synostosis (BLSS) results in a very characteristic head shape with frontal bossing, turribrachycephaly, biparietal narrowing, occipital concavity, and inferior displacement of the ears. This entity has been reported both in the genetics literature as craniofacial dyssynostosis and in the surgical literature as "Mercedes Benz" syndrome. Craniofacial dyssynostosis was first described in 1976 by Dr. Neuhauser when he presented a series of seven patients with synostosis of the sagittal and lambdoid sutures, short stature, and developmental delay. Over the past 30 years nine additional patients with craniofacial dyssynostosis have been reported in the literature adding to the growing evidence for a distinct craniosynostosis syndrome. The term "Mercedes Benz" syndrome was coined by Moore et al. in 1998 due to the characteristic appearance of the fused sutures on three-dimensional CT imaging. In contrast to the aforementioned reported cases of craniofacial dyssynostosis, all three patients had normal development. Recently, there have been several case reports of patients with BLSS and distinct chromosomal anomalies. These findings suggest that BLSS is a heterogeneous disorder perhaps with syndromic, chromosomal, and isolated forms. In this manuscript we will present the largest series of patients with BLSS and review clinical, CT, and molecular findings.

Third Party Involvement in International Terrorist Extortion

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-03-01

wide audience to view the event . Because publicity is considered to be among the primary purposes of terrorism, a scale for measuring publicity was...with Palestineans, rank among the top four groups in total publicity generated. Their activities not only shocked their world-wide audience , but also...907 McKee-Tesca Company Saf rar-Peugeot Pepsi -Cola 902 903 904 908 909 9-*-0 Mercedes Benz Motor Company 911 912 913 914 Northwest Airlines Braniff

U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan: Flawed Assumptions Will Lead to Ultimate Failure

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

deciding to buy a Mercedes - Benz without considering transpor- tation needs or budget. Similarly, for U.S. poli- cymakers and strategists, the allure of...and promote the national interest.”1 The objectives, or output, of a successful foreign policy strategy must be crafted such that their achievement...tribal nature and diverse mix of ethnic groups create a unique challenge for anyone attempting to unite the people under a strong central government

Asian Organized Crime and Terrorist Activity in Canada, 1999-2002

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-07-01

Sun reported the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) seizure of 70 kilograms of heroin in Richmond Country and two Mercedes Benz automobiles, one...Department of State, Patterns of Global Terrorism, 2002 (Washington: 2003). <http://www.state.gov> 2 Jonathan Weisman, “Cigarette Black Market Feared...versions of which are available on the black market for roughly $1,000.11 Those found to be misrepresenting themselves at the border do not face

Finding Best Value in Two-Step Sealed Bidding

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

metric [Ref. 39: p. 34]. For example, a Mercedes Benz car might appear to have a higher net-value than a Ford Taurus; however, the total cost of owning a...Finally, the 1991 Defense Authorization Act required DOD to conduct market research prior to developing new specifications to determine if...at subsystem, component, and piece part levels in major developmental efforts [Ref. 15: p. 2-3]. There are many commercial market areas that are well

Sub-Saharan Africa Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-24

28 churches, 54 halls, a few government offices and dozens of buses and cars had been destroyed. A black doctor who possesses a Mercedes Benz ...Extravagance (Mick Collins; BUSINESS DAY, 25 Mar 87) 101 Property Market Gets Boost From New Sanctions-Busting Groups (BUSINESS DAY, 24 Mar 87) 102...this connection, government delegations visited a number of countries with stock markets to study their systems and mode of operations. This was also to

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, Europe

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-10-27

reprocessors involved. PRAVDA The BMW, Ford, Mercedes - Benz , Opel, Porsche and VW companies have joined together in the Project Team Recycling of Old...WEHRTECHNIK, Jun 92] 27 Effect of Common Market on European Aerospace Industry [Fausto Cereti; Bonn WEHRTECHNIK, Jun 92] 29 Thyssen Develops Laser...Europe. What, in your opinion, do you think the final solution will be in this sector of the industry? [Mehdorn] We’re talking about four market

Expeditionair Geneeskundige Uitrustingen. De Conceptmethode Toegepast op de Mercedes Benz Ziekenauto (Expeditionary Medical Kits. The Concept Method Applied to the Mercedes Benz Ambulance)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

Wtar D.S. Gerretse 6/8 Projectbegeleider Defensie Centraal Militair Hospitaal t.a.v. kol. M.L. Vervelde 9 / 11 Bibliotheek KMA 12/13 Programmaleider TNO...Research Kampweg 5 Postbus 23 3769 ZG Soesterberg TNO-rapport wwton T 034 635 62 11 TNO-DV 2006 A487 F 034 635 39 77 info-DenV@tnonI Expeditionair...verschillende gebruikerssessies met AMV’ers en Probleernstelfing Dit heefi gevolgen voor de medische chauffeur/gewondenverzorgers is de nicuwe Het inzetprofiel

21 CFR 524.1044d - Gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate ointment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... bacteria sensitive to gentamicin. (2)(i) For the treatment of acute and chronic canine otitis externa the.... The antibiotic susceptibility of the pathogenic organism should be determined prior to use of this...

21 CFR 522.850 - Estradiol valerate and norgestomet in combination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

.... (c) Conditions of use—(1) Amount. One implant and 2 milliliters of injection at time of implantation. (2) Indications for use. For synchronization of estrus/ovulation in cycling beef cattle and non...

21 CFR 522.850 - Estradiol valerate and norgestomet in combination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

.... (c) Conditions of use—(1) Amount. One implant and 2 milliliters of injection at time of implantation. (2) Indications for use. For synchronization of estrus/ovulation in cycling beef cattle and non...

21 CFR 522.850 - Estradiol valerate and norgestomet in combination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

.... (c) Conditions of use—(1) Amount. One implant and 2 milliliters of injection at time of implantation. (2) Indications for use. For synchronization of estrus/ovulation in cycling beef cattle and non...

21 CFR 522.850 - Estradiol valerate and norgestomet in combination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

.... (c) Conditions of use—(1) Amount. One implant and 2 milliliters of injection at time of implantation. (2) Indications for use. For synchronization of estrus/ovulation in cycling beef cattle and non...

21 CFR 522.850 - Estradiol valerate and norgestomet in combination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

.... (c) Conditions of use—(1) Amount. One implant and 2 milliliters of injection at time of implantation. (2) Indications for use. For synchronization of estrus/ovulation in cycling beef cattle and non...

21 CFR 524.1044d - Gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate ointment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., debris, crusted exudates, etc., with suitable nonirritating solutions. Excessive hair should be clipped... lesions, the lesion and adjacent area should be properly cleaned before treatment. Excessive hair should...

21 CFR 524.1044d - Gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate ointment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., debris, crusted exudates, etc., with suitable nonirritating solutions. Excessive hair should be clipped... lesions, the lesion and adjacent area should be properly cleaned before treatment. Excessive hair should...

21 CFR 524.1044d - Gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate ointment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

..., debris, crusted exudates, etc., with suitable nonirritating solutions. Excessive hair should be clipped... lesions, the lesion and adjacent area should be properly cleaned before treatment. Excessive hair should...

North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Development and Diplomacy

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-03

December 23, 2006. P. A12. Many of Kim Jong-il’s luxury goods purchases have been in Europe. They include Mercedes Benz and BMW automobiles, expensive...small scale atomic bomb. Most believed that North Korea had not reached the technology level to test the prototype of a small nuclear warhead.1 The...and possibly other weapons technology to Iran. There are known divisions within the Chinese government and Communist Party over the issue of support

Proceedings of the Discussion Meeting on Thermodynamics of Alloys Held in Barcelona, Spain on 23-26 May 1999. Series B. Volume 86

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-01

PUBLICACION DE LA REAL SOCIEOAD ESPANOLA DE PISICA AD-A 24 1 031 ANALES DE FISICA SERI[ B -Dhf 4!S - -c) D- NA- DZ-7 3. APLICACIONES , METODOS. -- E...ANALES DE FISICA Serie A: Fen6menos e Interacciones Serie B: Aplicaciones , M~todos e Instrumentos PUBLICACION DE LA REAL SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE FISICA...Apartado 1065. Avenida Reina Mercedes, s/n. Universidad de Sevilla. Sevilla - 41080. EDITOR DE FISICA ATOMICA, MOLECULAR Y NUCLEAR Prof. D. Jos6 Maria

Is There a Shortage of Computer Programmers/Systems Analysts? An Examination of the Empirical Evidence.

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

to own a Mercedes Benz . However, based on the market determined price few people are willing to pay for one. Yet, we don’t hear complaints that there...of Electrical and Electronic En§±neers, Fox Morris Personnel Consultants, The San Francisco Newspapers Advertising department and other sources. The...conducted in 12 December 1980 among 20 top metro markets revealed that companies across the board plan to increase their hiring in 1981 by anywhere from 10

JPRS Report, Soviet Union, Foreign Military Review, No. 12, December 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-11

on the cargo bed of the five-ton Unimog vehicle of the West German firm of Mercedes - Benz . It has four smoothbore barrels, each 3 m long and con...Center. The tactic of "quietly creeping" into SDI of course was not advertised . Moreover, excuses were heard when particular facts attesting to...productivity growth rates. Japanese export grew at outstripping rates, which led to a sharp aggravation of both countries’ rivalry in world markets . A

JPRS Report, Near East and South Asia, Iran

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-14

rates that make the export of goods to distant markets possible. C. More attention to the importance of advertisement in the development of goods such...The design and construction of this bus were also approved by Mercedes Benz . Zaka’i said the capacity of the new Iranian-made urban buses is 105...achieved. Despite all the problems that Iranian exports have faced in foreign markets , the operation of the export sector in the first three years

Herbal creams used for atopic eczema in Birmingham, UK illegally contain potent corticosteroids.

PubMed

Ramsay, H M; Goddard, W; Gill, S; Moss, C

2003-12-01

To determine whether "herbal creams" reported as being effective for the treatment of childhood atopic eczema contained corticosteroids. Patients attending the paediatric dermatology clinic at Birmingham Children's Hospital, April 2001 to March 2002, and who reported using "herbal creams" with good effect for atopic eczema were asked to submit the cream for analysis. Hydrocortisone, clobetasone butyrate, betamethasone valerate, and clobetasol propionate were analysed by HPLC. Twenty four creams from 19 patients, median (interquartile range) age 3.82 (0.69-7.98) years were analysed. All five creams labelled Wau Wa and the two labelled Muijiza cream contained clobetasol propionate. Thirteen of 17 unnamed creams contained corticosteroids: clobetasol proprionate (n = 4), clobetasol proprionate + hydrocortisone (n = 1), betamethasone valerate (n = 2), clobetasone butyrate (n = 3), and hydrocortisone (n = 2); there was an unidentified peak in one. Further analysis suggested Wau Wa cream contained approximately 20% proprietary Dermovate Cream in a paraffin base. No parents were aware that the creams contained steroid. The majority of herbal creams analysed illegally contained potent or very potent topical steroids. There is an urgent need for tighter regulation of herbal creams and for increased public education about the potential dangers of alternative therapies.

Effects of Lactobacilli and lactose on Salmonella typhimurium colonisation and microbial fermentation in the crop of the young turkey.

PubMed

Cutler, S A; Rasmussen, M A; Hensley, M J; Wilhelms, K W; Griffith, R W; Scanes, C G

2005-12-01

1. Three experiments were performed to examine the effects of Lactobacilli and lactose on microbial fermentation and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium colonisation in the crop of the young turkey. 2. The following carboxylic acids were detected in the crop ingesta: formic, acetic, butyric, lactic, valeric, caproic, oxalic, phenyl acetic, succinic and fumaric; propionic, isobutyric and isovaleric acids were not detectable. 3. At the beginning of the night, there were considerable quantities of ingesta in the crop of young turkeys. During the scotophase, there were progressive reductions in the contents and pH. Moreover, there were linear increases in the concentration of lactic, valeric and caproic acids (by approximately 7-fold over 8 h). Much smaller changes in crop pH were observed in the study where dietary treatments of Lactobacilli were not included. 4. Chronic addition of lactose or Lactobacilli to the diet exerted modest effects on the carboxylic acid concentration in the crop contents but did not consistently influence colonisation of the crop by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. 5. Young turkeys confine eating to the hours of illumination (photophase) with a peak in consumption prior to the subjective dusk.

Profile of a Terrorist.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

in their quarters by the Beirut International Airport. A Mercedes - Benz truck passed a Lebanese checkpoint and a Marine sentry guard before slamming...as "the use or threat of violence, a method of combat or strategy to achieve certain goals, that its aim is to induce a state of fear in the victim...that it is ruthless, and does not conform to humanitarian norms and that publicity is an essential factor in terrorist strategy ." (19:88) This is the

[Fissures in biliary calculi. Personal contribution (author's transl)].

PubMed

Nano, M; Potenzoni, F; Camandona, M; Casalegno, P A

1979-04-01

In a series of 70 patients suffering from biliary lithiasis, the roentgenologic findings of fissures in the calculi was observed in 5 cases examined by means of cholecystography and in 7 cases who underwent cholangiocholecystography. Fissures were demonstrated 11 times in calculi after surgery. The "Mercedes-Benz" sign was never observed at the abdominal examination without contrast medium. The presence of fissures may be an additional sign in the radiologic diagnosis of biliary calculi, but its value is not determinant.

Cascade upgrading of γ-valerolactone to biofuels.

PubMed

Yan, Kai; Lafleur, Todd; Wu, Xu; Chai, Jiajue; Wu, Guosheng; Xie, Xianmei

2015-04-25

Cascade upgrading of γ-valerolactone (GVL), produced from renewable cellulosic biomass, with selective conversion to biofuels pentyl valerate (PV) and pentane in one pot using a bifunctional Pd/HY catalyst is described. Excellent catalytic performance (over 99% conversion of GVL, 60.6% yield of PV and 22.9% yield of pentane) was achieved in one step. These biofuels can be targeted for gasoline and jet fuel applications.

Estrogen levels modify scopolamine-induced amnesia in gonadally intact rats.

PubMed

de Macêdo Medeiros, André; Izídio, Geison Souza; Sousa, Diego Silveira; Macedo, Priscila Tavares; Silva, Anatildes Feitosa; Shiramizu, Victor Kenji Medeiros; Cabral, Alicia; Ribeiro, Alessandra Mussi; Silva, Regina Helena

2014-08-04

Previous studies suggested that estrogen plays a role in cognitive function by modulating the cholinergic transmission. However, most of the studies dealing with this subject have been conducted using ovariectomized rats. In the present study we evaluated the effects of physiological and supra-physiological variation of estrogen levels on scopolamine-induced amnesia in gonadally intact female rats. We used the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task (PMDAT) in order to evaluate anxiety levels and motor activity concomitantly to the memory performance. In experiment 1, female Wistar rats in each estrous cycle phase received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p. 20 min before the training session in the PMDAT. In experiment 2, rats in diestrus received estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg) or sesame oil i.m., and scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p., 45 min and 20 min before the training, respectively. In experiment 3, rats in diestrus received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p. 20 min before the training, and estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg) or sesame oil i.m. immediately after the training session. In all experiments, a test session was performed 24 h later. The main results showed that: (1) scopolamine impaired retrieval and induced anxiolytic and hyperlocomotor effects in all experiments; (2) this cholinergic antagonist impaired acquisition only in animals in diestrus; (3) acute administration of estradiol valerate prevented the learning impairment induced by scopolamine and (4) interfered with memory consolidation process. The results suggest that endogenous variations in estrogen levels across the estrous cycle modulate some aspects of memory mediated by the cholinergic system. Indeed, specifically in diestrus, a stage with low estrogen levels, the impairment produced by scopolamine on the acquisition was counteracted by exogenous administration of the hormone, whereas the posttraining treatment potentiated the negative effects of scopolamine during the consolidation phase

[Clinical evaluation of Divina in treatment of hormonal disturbances in women].

PubMed

Warenik-Szymankiewicz, A; Halerz-Nowakowska, B; Wiza, M; Grotowski, W

2001-03-01

The aim of this study was the assessment of clinical efficacy during hormonal treatment with Divina among women with hormonal cycle disturbances. Divina is a estrogen-progesatagen drug containing 2 mg valerate estradiol and 10 mg medroxyprogesteron acetate. The influence on lipid profile, liver and kidney activity and glucose tolerance was assessed. The measurement of bone density was performed twice before and after 6 months of treatment with Divina.

21 CFR 524.1044b - Gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate otic solution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... use—(i) For the treatment of acute and chronic otitis externa caused by bacteria sensitive to.... (ii) For the treatment of infected superficial lesions caused by bacteria sensitive to gentamicin in...

21 CFR 524.1044b - Gentamicin sulfate, betamethasone valerate otic solution.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... use—(i) For the treatment of acute and chronic otitis externa caused by bacteria sensitive to.... (ii) For the treatment of infected superficial lesions caused by bacteria sensitive to gentamicin in...

Isolation of Lactobacillus sakei strain KJ-2008 and its removal of characteristic malodorous gases under anaerobic culture conditions.

PubMed

Kim, Jeong-Dong; Kang, Kook-Hee

2004-12-01

A number of different sources, such as composts, leachates, and pig feces samples were collected from different pig farms in Korea. Several microorganisms were screened for their ability to deodorize the malodorous gases. As a result, a novel malodorous gas-deodorizing bacterial strain KJ-2008 was isolated due to the most abundant of nitrate-supplemented minimal media under anaerobic conditions. Crimp-sealed serum bottles containing nitrate-supplemented minimal medium (MM-NO(3)(-)) in airtight conditions were inoculated with KJ-2008. Nitrate concentration decreased rapidly after 20 h incubation and nitrite production reached almost zero during the time the experimental was carried out. Taxonomic identification including 16S rDNA base sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate KJ-2008 had a 99.8% homology in its 16S rDNA base sequence with Lactobacillus sakei. Among the volatile fatty acids, acetic acid contained in large amounts in fresh piggery slurry decreased about 40% after 50 h incubation of the strain KJ-2008. n-Butyric acid, n-valeric acid, and iso-valeric acid gradually decreased, and iso-butyric acid and capronic acid dramatically eliminated at initial time with the treatment. Moreover, NH(3) removal efficiency reached a maximum of 98.5% after 50 h of incubation. The concentration of H(2)S did not change.

Patients' preferences for different corticosteroid vehicles are highly variable.

PubMed

Felix, Kayla; Unrue, Emily; Inyang, Meyene; Cardwell, Leah A; Oussedik, Elias; Richardson, Irma; Feldman, Steven R

2018-05-17

Topical corticosteroids, available in an array of vehicles are used to control a variety of inflammatory skin diseases. Patients' preferences for different vehicles may affect their willingness to use treatment. We assess corticosteroid vehicle preference and potential impact of topical characteristics on adherence and quality of life in patients with psoriasis. Subjects with psoriasis were recruited from Wake Forest University Dermatology Clinic. Subjects sampled desoximetasone 0.25% spray, betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment, fluocinonide 0.05% gel, betamethasone valerate 0.1% lotion, clobetasol propionate 0.05% foam, and fluocinonide 0.05% solution in a predetermined randomized order. Subjects completed a Vehicle Preference Measure, Determinants of Adherence Measure and a Determinants of Quality of Life Measure. Patients preferences for the various products were highly variable. Regarding determinants of adherence, patients' perception of absorption of the medication was ranked as 'quite important/extremely important' by 85% of total subjects. A majority of patients rated medication side effects as 'quite important/extremely important' when asked to consider topical characteristics' effect on quality of life. There was wide variation in patient preference for topical medication vehicles used for treating psoriasis. Several vehicle characteristics were considered important to adherence. Given the marked variation in vehicle preference, topical treatment should be individualized according to patients' preferences.

Effects of estradiol and FSH on leptin levels in women with suppressed pituitary.

PubMed

Geber, Selmo; Brandão, Augusto H F; Sampaio, Marcos

2012-06-15

Female fertility depends on adequate nutrition and energy reserves, suggesting a correlation between the metabolic reserve and reproductive capacity. Leptin regulates body weight and energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether estradiol or FSH alone has a direct effect on the production of leptin. A total of 64 patients submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with recombinant FSH for assisted reproduction and 20 patients using estradiol valerate for endometrial preparation for oocyte donation treatment were included in the study. All patients used GnRH analogues before starting treatment to achieve pituitary suppression. Blood samples for hormonal measurements were collected before starting and after completing the respective treatments. Data were analyzed statistically by the chi-square test, Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation test. We observed an elevation of serum leptin levels secondary to the increase in estradiol, in the absence of influence of any other ovarian or pituitary hormone. The rising rate of leptin levels was higher in women treated with recombinant FSH, which also had higher levels of estradiol, than in those treated with estradiol valerate. This study demonstrates a correlation between serum levels of estradiol and leptin, suggesting that estradiol is an important regulator of leptin production and that its effects can be amplified by its association with FSH.

Use of a colon simulation technique to assess the effect of live yeast on fermentation parameters and microbiota of the colon of pig.

PubMed

Pinloche, E; Williams, M; D'Inca, R; Auclair, E; Newbold, C J

2012-12-01

The impact of 2 doses of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated, 5 × 10(10) cfu/kg of feed (L1) and 5 × 10(11) cfu/kg of feed (L2) against a control (CON) with no added yeast, using an in vitro model [colon simulation technique (Cositec)] to mimic digestion in the pig colon. The L2 (but not L1) dose significantly improved DM digestibility compared to CON (61 v 58%) and increased NH(3) concentrations (+15%). Volatile fatty acid concentrations increased with L2 compared to CON--isobutyrate (+13.5%), propionate (+8.5%), isovalerate (+17.8%), and valerate (+25%)--but only valerate was increased with L1 (+14.2%). The analysis of microbiota from the liquid associated bacteria (LAB) and solid associated bacteria (SAB) revealed an interaction between the fraction and treatment (P < 0.05). Indeed, L2 had a significant impact on SAB and LAB (P < 0.01) whereas L1 only tended to change the structure of the population in the SAB (P < 0.1). Overall, this study showed that a live yeast probiotic could improve digestion in a colonic simulation model but only at the higher dose used and this effect was associated with a shift in the bacterial population therein.

Estrogen Replacement Regulates Vaginal Innervations in Ovariectomized Adult Virgin Rats: A Histological Study.

PubMed

Li, Ting; Ma, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Hong; Yan, Ping; Huo, Lili; Hu, Yongyan; Chen, Xi; Li, Ting; Zhang, Miao; Liu, Zhaohui

2017-01-01

Background . Our previous Gräfenberg spot findings confirmed that the distal-third areas of the anterior vaginal wall bore a significantly greater number of nerves and sexual hormone may have certain degree of influence on these significant differences. However, the role of estrogen in vaginal innervations remains controversial. Methods . To investigate whether hormonal-neural interactions occur in the vagina, sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham-operated, ovariectomy, and 4 treatment groups. After 2 weeks of treatment, vaginal biopsies were prepared with hematoxylin and eosin and PGP9.5 using immunohistochemistry. Results . The density of small nerve fibers was significantly higher in the distal-half areas of intact vaginal walls than the proximal-half areas ( P = 0.001). In contrast, the overall PGP 9.5-ir fiber innervation density was significantly decreased in the OVX rats subjected to surgical menopause. Sustained estrogen administration for 2 weeks resulted in nerve fiber proliferation, with values reaching normal levels in the low-dose estradiol valerate group. Conclusion . Our findings indicate that systemic hormonal therapy with low-dose estradiol valerate is effective and safe for treating deficient vaginal innervation caused by low level of estrogen activity in menopausal women and may aid studies to identify an optimal estradiol dose to provide relief from vaginal discomfort.

Modeling Hofmeister Effects

PubMed Central

Hribar-Lee, Barbara; Vlachy, Vojko; Dill, Ken A.

2009-01-01

A two dimensional model of water, so-called Mercedes-Benz model, was used to study effects of the size of hydrophobic solute on the insertion thermodynamics in electrolyte solutions. The model was examined by the constant pressure Monte Carlo computer simulation. The results were compared with the experimental data for noble gasses and methane in water and electrolyte solution. The influence of different ions at infinite dilution on the free energy of transfer was explored. Qualitative agreement with the experimental results was obtained. The mechanism of Hofmeister effects was proposed. PMID:20161468

Modeling Hofmeister Effects.

PubMed

Hribar-Lee, Barbara; Vlachy, Vojko; Dill, Ken A

2009-03-11

A two dimensional model of water, so-called Mercedes-Benz model, was used to study effects of the size of hydrophobic solute on the insertion thermodynamics in electrolyte solutions. The model was examined by the constant pressure Monte Carlo computer simulation. The results were compared with the experimental data for noble gasses and methane in water and electrolyte solution. The influence of different ions at infinite dilution on the free energy of transfer was explored. Qualitative agreement with the experimental results was obtained. The mechanism of Hofmeister effects was proposed.

(Bio)degradation of RDX and HMX in Marine/Estuarine Water and Sediments

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

and capability to metabolize organic acids and sugar. Both strains HAW-EB2 and HAW-EB5T utilize malate , valerate, peptone and yeast extract as sole...MEDINA) confirming that the nitramines were metabolized by sediment indigenous microorganisms. Both nitramines were also removed in microcosms prepared...Thus far all enzymes or crude enzyme extract examined were found to metabolize RDX or HMX via a le transfer process leading to denitration although 2e

State behavior during the Ukrainian crisis: the perspectives of Romania, France, and the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-26

Four Leaders, Three Cease-Fires, and Two Summits.” Center for Strategic and International Studies , October 23, 2015. Accessed April 17, 2016. http...United States A Monograph By MAJ Valerică-Iulian Sărățeanu Romanian Army School of Advanced Military Studies United States Army Command...SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) School of Advanced Military Studies , Advanced Military Studies Program 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12

PROLINE OXIDASES IN HANSENULA SUBPELLICULOSA

PubMed Central

Ling, Chung-Mei; Hedrick, L. R.

1964-01-01

Ling, Chung-Mei (Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago), and L. R. Hedrick. Proline oxidases in Hansenula subpelliculosa. J. Bacteriol. 87:1462–1470. 1964—Cells of Hansenula subpelliculosa can use l-proline as a carbon and a nitrogen source after a 6- to 8-hr induction period. However, they cannot use l-glutamate as both nitrogen and carbon sources unless the induction period is of several days' duration. Two l-proline oxidases were demonstrated in the mitochondrial preparation of this yeast. One forms the product Δ′-pyrroline-2-carboxylic acid (P2C), which is in equilibrium with α-keto-δ-amino-valeric acid; the other forms the product Δ′-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C), which is in equilibrium with glutamic-γ-semialdehyde. The first-mentioned enzyme is induced when l-proline is the carbon source; the second appears to be constitutive, and is probably associated with the use of l-proline as a nitrogen source. The P2C-forming enzyme is specific for the l isomer of proline, and is inactive against l-hydroxyproline. The enzyme activity is at its peak when the mitochondria are prepared from logarithmically grown cells, and is rapidly reduced after cells reach the stationary phase of growth. Kinetic studies with varying concentrations of substrate indicate a Michaelis-Menten constant of 2.45 × 10−2m. Paper chromatographic studies, chemical tests with H2O2, sensitivity to freezing, and spectral measurements indicate that proline oxidase from H. subpelliculosa mitochondria forms a product from l-proline which is like, if not identical to, P2C formed by the action of sheep kidney d-proline oxidase upon dl-proline. The soluble portion of the cell extract contains NAD+ enzymes which use either P2C (α-keto-δ-amino-valeric acid) or P5C (glutamic-γ-semialdehyde) as substrates. No glutamic dehydrogenase activity could be detected when l-glutamic acid and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) cofactor were added to the supernatant solution with the

The influence of minerals on decomposition of the n-alkyl-α-amino acid norvaline under hydrothermal conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCollom, Thomas M.

2013-03-01

Laboratory experiments were conducted to observe the effect of iron oxide and sulfide minerals on decomposition reactions of norvaline, a representative of a group of alkyl-α-amino acids observed in meteorites and prebiotic synthesis experiments. The primary products observed during heating of aqueous solutions of norvaline at temperatures of 156-186 °C in the presence of minerals included CO2, NH3, butyric acid, and valeric acid. The products indicated that norvaline predominantly decomposed by a combination of pathways that included both decarboxylation followed rapidly by oxidative deamination (norvaline → butanamide + CO2 → butyric acid + NH3) and deamination directly to valeric acid (norvaline → valeric acid + NH3). An experiment performed with alanine under similar conditions showed it decomposed by analogous reactions that produced acetic and propionic acids along with CO2 and NH3. For both amino acids, the presence of minerals accelerated decomposition rates as well as altered the final products of reaction, when compared with decomposition in the absence of mineral substrates. In addition, decomposition of norvaline was found to proceed much faster in the presence of the mineral assemblage hematite-magnetite-pyrite (HMP) than with the assemblage pyrite-pyrrhotite-magnetite (PPM), a trend that has been observed for several other organic compounds. The influence of minerals on decomposition reactions of these amino acids appears to be attributable to a combination of surface catalysis and production of dissolved sulfur compounds. Overall, the results indicate that minerals may exert a substantial influence on amino acid stability in many geologic environments, and emphasize the need to consider the impact of minerals when evaluating the lifetimes and decomposition rates of amino acids in terrestrial and planetary systems. Estimated half-lives for alkyl-α-amino acids based on the experimental results indicate that moderately hot hydrothermal

Effect of volatile fatty acids in anaerobic conditions on viability of helminth ova (Ascaris suum) in sanitization of municipal sludge.

PubMed

Rojas-Oropeza, Marcelo; Hernández-Uresti, Alejandro S; Ortega-Charleston, Luis S; Cabirol, Nathalie

2017-09-01

The present work aimed at evaluating the effect of four different mixtures of diverse volatile fatty acids (VFAs) on the viability of helminth ova (Ascaris suum), under mesophilic (35°C) anaerobic conditions and at different incubation times, in order to reproduce the process of two-phase anaerobic digestion. The mixtures of VFAs contained acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and isovaleric acids, used at concentrations normally found in acidogenic anaerobic digesters. The four treatments all showed a reduction in Ascaris suum ova viability, among which Treatment III (4.2 g-acetic acid L -1  +  2.2 g-propionic acid L -1  + 0.6 g-valeric acid L -1  + 0.6 g-isovaleric acid L -1 ) resulted the most efficient. We found that the full effect of VFAs on the viability loss of Ascaris suum ova in mesophilic conditions requires a minimum incubation time of 3 days. The highest efficiency in the loss of viability was observed with Treatment III and 4-day incubation. Interestingly, the proportion of acetic acid was three times as much in this treatment than in the other ones and resulted in an effect in a minimum time of 3 days. The mesophilic condition, however, was not sufficient to induce a complete loss of viability.

B-esterase activities and blood cell morphology in the frog Leptodactylus chaquensis (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae) on rice agroecosystems from Santa Fe Province (Argentina).

PubMed

Attademo, Andrés M; Cabagna-Zenklusen, Mariana; Lajmanovich, Rafael C; Peltzer, Paola M; Junges, Celina; Bassó, Agustín

2011-01-01

Activity of B-esterases (BChE: butyrylcholinesterase and CbE: carboxylesterase using two model substrates: α-naphthyl acetate and 4-nitrophenyl valerate) in a native frog, Leptodactylus chaquensis from rice fields (RF1: methamidophos and RF2: cypermethrin and endosulfan sprayed by aircraft) and non-contaminated area (pristine forest) was measured. The ability of pyridine-2-aldoxime methochloride (2-PAM) to reactivate BChE levels was also explored. In addition, changes in blood cell morphology and parasite infection were determined. Mean values of plasma BChE activities were lower in samples from the two rice fields than in those from the reference site. CbE (4-nitrophenyl valerate) levels varied in the three sites studied, being highest in RF1. Frog plasma from RF1 showed positive reactivation of BChE activity after incubation with 2-PAM. Blood parameters of frogs from RF2 revealed morphological alterations (anisochromasia and immature erythrocytes frequency). Moreover, a major infection of protozoan Trypanosoma sp. in individuals from the two rice fields was detected. We suggest that integrated use of several biomarkers (BChE and CBEs, chemical reactivation of plasma with 2-PAM, and blood cell parameters) may be a promising procedure for use in biomonitoring programmes to diagnose pesticide exposure of wild populations of this frog and other native anuran species in Argentina.

Effects of estradiol and FSH on leptin levels in women with suppressed pituitary

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Female fertility depends on adequate nutrition and energy reserves, suggesting a correlation between the metabolic reserve and reproductive capacity. Leptin regulates body weight and energy homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether estradiol or FSH alone has a direct effect on the production of leptin. Methods A total of 64 patients submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with recombinant FSH for assisted reproduction and 20 patients using estradiol valerate for endometrial preparation for oocyte donation treatment were included in the study. All patients used GnRH analogues before starting treatment to achieve pituitary suppression. Blood samples for hormonal measurements were collected before starting and after completing the respective treatments. Data were analyzed statistically by the chi-square test, Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation test. Results We observed an elevation of serum leptin levels secondary to the increase in estradiol, in the absence of influence of any other ovarian or pituitary hormone. The rising rate of leptin levels was higher in women treated with recombinant FSH, which also had higher levels of estradiol, than in those treated with estradiol valerate. Conclusions This study demonstrates a correlation between serum levels of estradiol and leptin, suggesting that estradiol is an important regulator of leptin production and that its effects can be amplified by its association with FSH. PMID:22703959

Theory for the solvation of nonpolar solutes in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, T.; Vlachy, V.; Kalyuzhnyi, Yu. V.; Dill, K. A.

2007-11-01

We recently developed an angle-dependent Wertheim integral equation theory (IET) of the Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of pure water [Silverstein et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 120, 3166 (1998)]. Our approach treats explicitly the coupled orientational constraints within water molecules. The analytical theory offers the advantage of being less computationally expensive than Monte Carlo simulations by two orders of magnitude. Here we apply the angle-dependent IET to studying the hydrophobic effect, the transfer of a nonpolar solute into MB water. We find that the theory reproduces the Monte Carlo results qualitatively for cold water and quantitatively for hot water.

The application of the thermodynamic perturbation theory to study the hydrophobic hydration.

PubMed

Mohoric, Tomaz; Urbic, Tomaz; Hribar-Lee, Barbara

2013-07-14

The thermodynamic perturbation theory was tested against newly obtained Monte Carlo computer simulations to describe the major features of the hydrophobic effect in a simple 3D-Mercedes-Benz water model: the temperature and hydrophobe size dependence on entropy, enthalpy, and free energy of transfer of a simple hydrophobic solute into water. An excellent agreement was obtained between the theoretical and simulation results. Further, the thermodynamic perturbation theory qualitatively correctly (with respect to the experimental data) describes the solvation thermodynamics under conditions where the simulation results are difficult to obtain with good enough accuracy, e.g., at high pressures.

Theory for the solvation of nonpolar solutes in water.

PubMed

Urbic, T; Vlachy, V; Kalyuzhnyi, Yu V; Dill, K A

2007-11-07

We recently developed an angle-dependent Wertheim integral equation theory (IET) of the Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of pure water [Silverstein et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 120, 3166 (1998)]. Our approach treats explicitly the coupled orientational constraints within water molecules. The analytical theory offers the advantage of being less computationally expensive than Monte Carlo simulations by two orders of magnitude. Here we apply the angle-dependent IET to studying the hydrophobic effect, the transfer of a nonpolar solute into MB water. We find that the theory reproduces the Monte Carlo results qualitatively for cold water and quantitatively for hot water.

The application of the thermodynamic perturbation theory to study the hydrophobic hydration

PubMed Central

Mohorič, Tomaž; Urbic, Tomaz; Hribar-Lee, Barbara

2013-01-01

The thermodynamic perturbation theory was tested against newly obtained Monte Carlo computer simulations to describe the major features of the hydrophobic effect in a simple 3D-Mercedes-Benz water model: the temperature and hydrophobe size dependence on entropy, enthalpy, and free energy of transfer of a simple hydrophobic solute into water. An excellent agreement was obtained between the theoretical and simulation results. Further, the thermodynamic perturbation theory qualitatively correctly (with respect to the experimental data) describes the solvation thermodynamics under conditions where the simulation results are difficult to obtain with good enough accuracy, e.g., at high pressures. PMID:23862923

F-cell world drive 2011: are tactical medicine principles applicable to a civilian scenario?

PubMed

Burkert, Manuel G

2012-01-01

In 2011, a Mercedes Benz (MB) conducted the F-Cell World Drive tour around the globe in 125 days. While crossing Asia from Shanghai (China) to Helsinki (Finland) by car, en route medical care was provided by embedded emergency physicians. The designated route crossed four different countries, multiple climate zones, and challenging road conditions. There was only limited information provided about hospitals and emergency medical services within different host nations in the planning phase, so we adopted tactical medical principles for mission planning and execution, as we were facing remote conditions and limitations to equipment, staffing, and patient transport. 2012.

The application of the thermodynamic perturbation theory to study the hydrophobic hydration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohorič, Tomaž; Urbic, Tomaz; Hribar-Lee, Barbara

2013-07-01

The thermodynamic perturbation theory was tested against newly obtained Monte Carlo computer simulations to describe the major features of the hydrophobic effect in a simple 3D-Mercedes-Benz water model: the temperature and hydrophobe size dependence on entropy, enthalpy, and free energy of transfer of a simple hydrophobic solute into water. An excellent agreement was obtained between the theoretical and simulation results. Further, the thermodynamic perturbation theory qualitatively correctly (with respect to the experimental data) describes the solvation thermodynamics under conditions where the simulation results are difficult to obtain with good enough accuracy, e.g., at high pressures.

Advanced control architecture for autonomous vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurer, Markus; Dickmanns, Ernst D.

1997-06-01

An advanced control architecture for autonomous vehicles is presented. The hierarchical architecture consists of four levels: a vehicle level, a control level, a rule-based level and a knowledge-based level. A special focus is on forms of internal representation, which have to be chosen adequately for each level. The control scheme is applied to VaMP, a Mercedes passenger car which autonomously performs missions on German freeways. VaMP perceives the environment with its sense of vision and conventional sensors. It controls its actuators for locomotion and attention focusing. Modules for perception, cognition and action are discussed.

Levulinic Acid Biorefineries: New Challenges for Efficient Utilization of Biomass.

PubMed

Pileidis, Filoklis D; Titirici, Maria-Magdalena

2016-03-21

Levulinic acid is a sustainable platform molecule that can be upgraded to valuable chemicals and fuel additives. This article focuses on the catalytic upgrading of levulinic acid into various chemicals such as levulinate esters, δ-aminolevulinic acid, succinic acid, diphenolic acid, γ-valerolactone, and γ-valerolactone derivatives such valeric esters, 5-nonanone, α-methylene-γ valerolactone, and other various molecular-weight alkanes (C9 and C18-C27 olefins). © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemosensory cues alter earthworm (Eisenia fetida) avoidance of lead-contaminated soil.

PubMed

Syed, Zuby; Alexander, Dana; Ali, Jasmine; Unrine, Jason; Shoults-Wilson, W Aaron

2017-04-01

Earthworms were shown to significantly avoid soils spiked with Pb at concentrations lower than or comparable to concentrations that demonstrate significant effects for other endpoints. It was also shown that inclusion of a microorganism-produced volatile compound that attracts earthworms, ethyl valerate, decreased avoidance of spiked soils. These findings suggest that care should be taken when analyzing earthworm avoidance of soils in which microorganism communities are not controlled. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:999-1004. © 2016 SETAC. © 2016 SETAC.

Volatile organic compounds at swine facilities: a critical review.

PubMed

Ni, Ji-Qin; Robarge, Wayne P; Xiao, Changhe; Heber, Albert J

2012-10-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are regulated aerial pollutants that have environmental and health concerns. Swine operations produce and emit a complex mixture of VOCs with a wide range of molecular weights and a variety of physicochemical properties. Significant progress has been made in this area since the first experiment on VOCs at a swine facility in the early 1960s. A total of 47 research institutions in 15 North American, European, and Asian countries contributed to an increasing number of scientific publications. Nearly half of the research papers were published by U.S. institutions. Investigated major VOC sources included air inside swine barns, in headspaces of manure storages and composts, in open atmosphere above swine wastewater, and surrounding swine farms. They also included liquid swine manure and wastewater, and dusts inside and outside swine barns. Most of the sample analyses have been focusing on identification of VOC compounds and their relationship with odors. More than 500 VOCs have been identified. About 60% and 10% of the studies contributed to the quantification of VOC concentrations and emissions, respectively. The largest numbers of VOC compounds with reported concentrations in a single experimental study were 82 in air, 36 in manure, and 34 in dust samples. The relatively abundant VOC compounds that were quantified in at least two independent studies included acetic acid, butanoic acid (butyric acid), dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, iso-valeric, p-cresol, propionic acid, skatole, trimethyl amine, and valeric acid in air. They included acetic acid, p-cresol, iso-butyric acid, butyric acid, indole, phenol, propionic acid, iso-valeric acid, and skatole in manure. In dust samples, they were acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, p-cresol, hexanal, and decanal. Swine facility VOCs were preferentially bound to smaller-size dusts. Identification and quantification of VOCs were restricted by using instruments based on

Formation of fatty acids in photochemical conversions of saturated hydrocarbons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Telegina, T. A.; Pavlovskaya, T. Y.; Ladyzhenskaya, A. I.

1977-01-01

Abiogenic synthesis of fatty acids was studied in photochemical conversions of saturated hydrocarbons. It was shown that, in a hydrocarbon water CaCO3 suspension, the action of 254 nm UV rays caused the formation of fatty acids with a maximum number of carbon atoms in the chain not exceeding that in the initial hydrocarbon. Synthesis of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, caproic, enanthic and caprylic (in the case of octane) acids occurs in heptane water CaCO3 and octane water CaCO3 systems.

Application of the Constant Exposure Time Technique to Transformation Experiments with Fission Neutrons; Failure to Demonstrate Dose-Rate Dependence

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

ive pro gramming or ltc’utrolns tld -, iii tile mixe’d field (’c)lthl(’ betet-- F-valer (calculation.is f’roni transfiirmiation data sets in min~ed...1991) but not all in vivo and fractions of the hypersensitive cells are expected at in vitro studies of radiation carcinogenesis (Ullrich the end of...fbrt donating beam time’ and dosimetry ticetrolls H. ( ;’suii berg. mauituscript ill prep- support and io the4 ntimerotis AFR RI staff members ara it

UV exposure in cars.

PubMed

Moehrle, Matthias; Soballa, Martin; Korn, Manfred

2003-08-01

There is increasing knowledge about the hazards of solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation to humans. Although people spend a significant time in cars, data on UV exposure during traveling are lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain basic information on personal UV exposure in cars. UV transmission of car glass samples, windscreen, side and back windows and sunroof, was determined. UV exposure of passengers was evaluated in seven German middle-class cars, fitted with three different types of car windows. UV doses were measured with open or closed windows/sunroof of Mercedes-Benz E 220 T, E 320, and S 500, and in an open convertible car (Mercedes-Benz CLK). Bacillus subtilis spore film dosimeters (Viospor) were attached to the front, vertex, cheeks, upper arms, forearms and thighs of 'adult' and 'child' dummies. UV wavelengths longer than >335 nm were transmitted through car windows, and UV irradiation >380 nm was transmitted through compound glass windscreens. There was some variation in the spectral transmission of side windows according to the type of glass. On the arms, UV exposure was 3-4% of ambient radiation when the car windows were shut, and 25-31% of ambient radiation when the windows were open. In the open convertible car, the relative personal doses reached 62% of ambient radiation. The car glass types examined offer substantial protection against short-wave UV radiation. Professional drivers should keep car windows closed on sunny days to reduce occupational UV exposure. In individuals with polymorphic light eruption, produced by long-wave UVA, additional protection by plastic films, clothes or sunscreens appears necessary.

Effects of partial replacement of maize in the diet with crude glycerin and/or soyabean oil on ruminal fermentation and microbial population in Nellore steers.

PubMed

Granja-Salcedo, Yury Tatiana; Duarte Messana, Juliana; Carneiro de Souza, Vinícius; Lino Dias, Ana Veronica; Takeshi Kishi, Luciano; Rocha Rebelo, Lucas; Teresinha Berchielli, Telma

2017-11-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether a combination of crude glycerin (CG) and soyabean oil (SO) could be used to partially replace maize in the diet of Nellore steers while maintaining optimum feed utilisation. Eight castrated Nellore steers fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a double 4×4 Latin square design balanced for residual effects, in a factorial arrangement (A×B), when factor A corresponded to the provision of SO, and factor B to the provision of CG. Steers feed SO and CG showed similar DM intake, DM, organic matter and neutral-detergent fibre digestibility to that of steers fed diets without oil and without glycerine (P>0·05). Both diets with CG additions reduced the acetate:propionate ratio and increased the proportion of iso-butyrate, butyrate, iso-valerate and valerate (P<0·05). Steers fed diets containing SO had less total N excretion (P<0·001) and showed greater retained N expressed as % N intake (P=0·022). SO and CG diet generated a greater ruminal abundance of Prevotella, Succinivibrio, Ruminococcus, Syntrophococcus and Succiniclasticum. Archaea abundance (P=0·002) and total ciliate protozoa were less in steers fed diets containing SO (P=0·011). CG associated with lipids could be an energy source, which is a useful strategy for the partial replacement of maize in cattle diets, could result in reduced total N excretion and ruminal methanogens without affecting intake and digestibility.

Microstructure synthesis control of biological polyhydroxyalkanoates with mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pederson, Erik Norman

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA's) are a class of biologically produced polymers, or plastic, that is synthesized by various microorganisms. PHA's are made from biorenewable resources and are fully biodegradable and biocompatible, making them an environmentally friendly green polymer. A method of incorporating polymer microstructure into the PHA synthesized in Ralstonia eutropha was developed. These microstructures were synthesized with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) as the polymer domains. To synthesize the PHB V copolymer, the additional presence of valerate was required. To control valerate substrate additions to the bioreactor, an off-gas mass spectrometry (MS) feedback control system was developed. Important process information including the cell physiology, growth kinetics, and product formation kinetics in the bioreactor was obtained with MS and used to control microstructure synthesis. The two polymer microstructures synthesized were core-shell granules and block copolymers. Block copolymers control the structure of the individual polymer chains while core-shell granules control the organization of many polymer chains. Both these microstructures result in properties unattainable by blending the two polymers together. The core-shell structures were synthesized with controlled domain thickness based on a developed model. Different block copolymers compositions were synthesized by varying the switching time of the substrate pulses responsible for block copolymer synthesis. The block copolymers were tested to determine their chemical properties and cast into films to determine the materials properties. These block copolymer films possessed new properties not achieved by copolymers or blends of the two polymers.

The effects of progesterone selection on psychological symptoms in hormone replacement therapy.

PubMed

Caglayan, Emel Kiyak; Kara, Mustafa; Etiz, Sema; Kumru, Pinar; Aka, Nurettin; Kose, Gultekin

2014-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy using dienogest and medroxyprogesterone acetate on psychological symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. A total of 73 patients who sought treatment at the menopause units of the authors' gynecology and obstetrics clinics between of November 2003 and October 2004 complaining of vasomotor symptoms were included in the study prospectively. The cases were divided into two groups: Group I (37 patients) was given 2 mg estradiol valerate and 2 mg dienogest, and Group II (36 patients) was given 2 mg estradiol valerate and 10 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. The groups' results in months 0 and 6 were compared through the evaluation of vasomotor and psychological symptom levels. No significant difference was found between the groups when the initial levels of vasomotor and psychological symptom subtypes were compared (p = 0.16). It was observed that all the psychological symptoms decreased in the 6th month in the group using dienogest in comparison with the initial situation, and that psychological symptoms increased in the group using medroxyprogesterone acetate in the evaluation performed in the 6th month compared with the initial levels. It was also found out that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups when compared in terms of these symptoms (p < 0.0001). While the use of dienogest normalizes the general psychological situation and sleep, it was observed that the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) worsens the general psychological situation.

Alternative fuel car

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-02-27

John C. Stennis Space Center, America's largest rocket engine test complex, and one of the country's leading consumers of liquid hydrogen, was the location Feb. 27 for a fuel stop of three Mercedes B-Class F-CELL vehicles. The B-Class F-CELL is an electric vehicle, which is powered by electricity produced on board the vehicle from hydrogen gas. The only emission by this unique vehicle is pure water vapor. Due to the limited number of existing hydrogen locations, Stennis Space Center provided a logical choice for a refueling location as the vehicle made its way across the United States as part of a worldwide tour.

New ester alkaloids from lupins (genus lupinus).

PubMed

Mühlbauer, P; Witte, L; Wink, M

1988-06-01

Esters of 13-hydroxylupanine and 4-hydroxylupanine with acetic, propionic, butyric, isobutyric, valeric, isovaleric, tiglic, benzoic, and TRANS-cinnamic acid have been synthesized and characterized by capillary gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (EI-MS, CI-MS). In LUPINUS POLYPHYLLUS, L. ALBUS, L. ANGUSTIFOLIUS, and L. MUTABILIS we could identify new ester alkaloids (e.g. 13-propyloxylupanine, 13-butyryloxylupanine, 13-isobutyryloxylupanine, and 4-tigloyloxylupanine) besides the known esters, i.e. 13-acetoxylupanine, 13-isovaleroyloxylupanine, 13-angeloyloxylupanine, 13-tigloyloxylupanine, 13-benzoyloxylupanine, 13- CIS-cinnamoyloxylupanine nine, and 13- TRANS-cinnamoyloxylupanine.

Improving TCO-Conjugated Antibody Reactivity for Bioorthogonal Pretargeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Tina Tingyi

Cancer remains a major cause of death because of its unpredictable progression. Utilizing bioorthogonal chemistry between trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and tetrazine to target imaging agents to tumors in two subsequent steps offers a more versatile platform for molecular imaging. This is accomplished by pretargeting TCO-modified primary antibody to cell surface biomarkers, followed by delivery of tetrazine-modified imaging probes. In previous work, it has been established that TCO-tetrazine chemistry can be applied to in vivo imaging, resulting in precise tumor detection. However, most TCO modifications on an antibody are not reactive because they are buried within hydrophobic domains. To expose and improve the reactivity, Rahim et al. incorporated a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker through a two-step reaction with DBCO-azide, which successfully maintained 100% TCO functionality. In this project, various types of linkers were studied to improve the reactivity in a single step. Three primary types of linkers were studied: hydrophilic PEG chains, hydrophobic short linkers, and amphiphilic linkers. Our results show that PEG chain alone can only maintain 40% TCO reactivity. Unexpectedly, a short alkyl chain (valeric acid) provided superior results, with 60% TCO reactivity. Lengthening the alkyl chain did not improve results further. Finally, an amphiphilic linker containing valeric acid and PEG performed worse than either linker type alone, at ˜30% functionality. We conclude that our previous 100% functional TCO result obtained with the two-step coupling may have stemmed from generation of the DBCO/azide cycloaddition product. Future work will explore factors such as rigidity of linker structure, polarity, or charges.

The increase of anterior pituitary dopamine in aging C57BL/6J female mice is caused by ovarian steroids, not intrinsic pituitary aging.

PubMed

Telford, N; Mobbs, C V; Sinha, Y N; Finch, C E

1986-01-01

We describe how the increase of anterior pituitary dopamine (DA) during aging in female mice is related to altered secretion of ovarian steroids during reproductive senescence. A number of age-correlated neuroendocrine changes in female rodents result from cumulative exposure to ovarian steroids over a lifetime of estrous cycles, or from the altered pattern of ovarian steroid secretion concomitant with reproductive senescence. Pituitary DA has been shown to increase with age in female rats. To examine how the age-correlated increase of pituitary DA may depend on estradiol (E2), we measured pituitary DA and serum prolactin (PRL) in the following groups of female mice: young (7 months) cycling, middle-aged (14 months) cycling and non-cycling, old (17 months) non-cycling, old (17 months) ovariectomized (OVX) at 4 months, and young mice given 0.2 mg E2 valerate or E2 implants. Mice from some of these groups were OVX 1, 4 or 8 weeks before sacrifice. Compared with young controls, 14-month-old cycling or non-cycling mice had 3-fold higher pituitary DA, and 17-month-old non-cycling mice had 5-fold higher pituitary DA. OVX for 2 or 13 months before sacrifice abolished the effect of age; OVX of young mice had no effect on pituitary DA. Three weeks after implantation of E2 into OVX young mice or 7 weeks after injection of E2 valerate in intact young mice, pituitary DA was elevated. The E2-sensitive fraction of pituitary DA does not appear to decrease PRL secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A novel LCMSMS method for quantitative measurement of short-chain fatty acids in human stool derivatized with 12C- and 13C-labelled aniline.

PubMed

Chan, James Chun Yip; Kioh, Dorinda Yan Qin; Yap, Gaik Chin; Lee, Bee Wah; Chan, Eric Chun Yong

2017-05-10

A novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS) method for the quantitative measurement of gut microbial-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in human infant stool has been developed and validated. Baseline chromatographic resolution was achieved for 12 SCFAs (acetic, butyric, caproic, 2,2-dimethylbutyric, 2-ethylbutyric, isobutyric, isovaleric, 2-methylbutyric, 4-methylvaleric, propionic, pivalic and valeric acids) within an analysis time of 15min. A novel sequential derivatization of endogenous and spiked SCFAs in stool via 12 C- and 13 C-aniline respectively, facilitated the accurate quantitation of 12 C-aniline derivatized endogenous SCFAs based on calibration of exogenously 13 C-derivatized SCFAs. Optimized quenching of derivatization agents prior to LCMSMS analysis further reduced to negligible levels the confounding chromatographic peak due to in-line derivatization of unquenched aniline with residual acetic acid present within the LCMS system. The effect of residual acetic acid, a common LCMS modifier, in analysis of SCFAs has not been addressed in previous SCFA assays. For the first time, a total of 9 SCFAs (acetic, butyric, caproic, isobutyric, isovaleric, 2-methylbutyric, 4-methylvaleric, propionic and valeric acids) were detected and quantitated in 107 healthy infant stool samples. The abundance and diversity of SCFAs in infant stool vary temporally from 3 weeks onwards and stabilize towards the end of 12 months. This in turn reflects the maturation of infant SCFA-producing gut microbiota community. In summary, this novel method is applicable to future studies that investigate the biological roles of SCFAs in paediatric health and diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro fermentation pattern of D-tagatose is affected by adaptation of the microbiota from the gastrointestinal tract of pigs.

PubMed

Laerke, H N; Jensen, B B; Højsgaard, S

2000-07-01

Knowledge of the fermentation pattern of D-tagatose is important for the assessment of energy value and compliance of D-tagatose. In vitro fermentation experiments with pig intestinal contents and bacteria harvested from the gastrointestinal tract of pigs were used to investigate the degradation of D-tagatose and the formation of fermentation products. Two groups of eight pigs were fed either a control diet containing 150 g/kg sucrose or a diet which had 100 g/kg of the sucrose replaced by D-tagatose. After 18 d the pigs were killed and the gastrointestinal contents collected for in vitro studies. No microbial fermentation of D-tagatose occurred in the stomach or in the small intestine, whereas the sugar was fermented in the cecum and colon. Formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, caproate and some heptanoate were produced by the microbial fermentation of D-tagatose by gut microbiota. Hydrogen and methane were also produced. The population of D-tagatose-degrading bacteria in fecal samples and the capacity of bacteria from the hindgut to degrade D-tagatose were higher in the pigs adapted to D-tagatose compared with unadapted pigs. In unadapted pigs, the major fermentation product from D-tagatose was acetic acid. Much more butyric and valeric acids were produced from D-tagatose by bacterial slurries of tagatose-adapted pigs compared with unadapted pigs; this was especially the case for samples from the colon. We conclude that D-tagatose is not fermented in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and the ability of the large intestinal microbiota to ferment D-tagatose is dependent on adaptation.

Metal-Chelate Immobilization of Lipase onto Polyethylenimine Coated MCM-41 for Apple Flavor Synthesis.

PubMed

Sadighi, Armin; Motevalizadeh, Seyed Farshad; Hosseini, Morteza; Ramazani, Ali; Gorgannezhad, Lena; Nadri, Hamid; Deiham, Behnaz; Ganjali, Mohammad Reza; Shafiee, Abbas; Faramarzi, Mohammad Ali; Khoobi, Mehdi

2017-08-01

An enzyme immobilized on a mesoporous silica nanoparticle can serve as a multiple catalyst for the synthesis of industrially useful chemicals. In this work, MCM-41 nanoparticles were coated with polyethylenimine (MCM-41@PEI) and further modified by chelation of divalent metal ions (M = Co 2+ , Cu 2+ , or Pd 2+ ) to produce metal-chelated silica nanoparticles (MCM-41@PEI-M). Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase (TLL) was immobilized onto MCM-41, MCM-41@PEI, and MCM-41@PEI-M by physical adsorption. Maximum immobilization yield and efficiency of 75 ± 3.5 and 65 ± 2.7% were obtained for MCM@PEI-Co, respectively. The highest biocatalytic activity at extremely acidic and basic pH (pH = 3 and 10) values were achieved for MCM-PEI-Co and MCM-PEI-Cu, respectively. Optimum enzymatic activity was observed for MCM-41@PEI-Co at 75 °C, while immobilized lipase on the Co-chelated support retained 70% of its initial activity after 14 days of storage at room temperature. Due to its efficient catalytic performance, MCM-41@PEI-Co was selected for the synthesis of ethyl valerate in the presence of valeric acid and ethanol. The enzymatic esterification yield for immobilized lipase onto MCM-41@PEI-Co was 60 and 53%, respectively, after 24 h of incubation in n-hexane and dimethyl sulfoxide media. Graphical Abstract Divalent metal chelated polyethylenimine coated MCM-41 (MCM-41@PEI-M) was used for immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase catalyzing green apple flavor preparation.

An assessment of the liquid-gas partitioning behavior of major wastewater odorants using two comparative experimental approaches: liquid sample-based vaporization vs. impinger-based dynamic headspace extraction into sorbent tubes.

PubMed

Iqbal, Mohammad Asif; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Szulejko, Jan E; Cho, Jinwoo

2014-01-01

The gas-liquid partitioning behavior of major odorants (acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, n-butyric acid, i-valeric acid, n-valeric acid, hexanoic acid, phenol, p-cresol, indole, skatole, and toluene (as a reference)) commonly found in microbially digested wastewaters was investigated by two experimental approaches. Firstly, a simple vaporization method was applied to measure the target odorants dissolved in liquid samples with the aid of sorbent tube/thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. As an alternative method, an impinger-based dynamic headspace sampling method was also explored to measure the partitioning of target odorants between the gas and liquid phases with the same detection system. The relative extraction efficiency (in percent) of the odorants by dynamic headspace sampling was estimated against the calibration results derived by the vaporization method. Finally, the concentrations of the major odorants in real digested wastewater samples were also analyzed using both analytical approaches. Through a parallel application of the two experimental methods, we intended to develop an experimental approach to be able to assess the liquid-to-gas phase partitioning behavior of major odorants in a complex wastewater system. The relative sensitivity of the two methods expressed in terms of response factor ratios (RFvap/RFimp) of liquid standard calibration between vaporization and impinger-based calibrations varied widely from 981 (skatole) to 6,022 (acetic acid). Comparison of this relative sensitivity thus highlights the rather low extraction efficiency of the highly soluble and more acidic odorants from wastewater samples in dynamic headspace sampling.

Expression of Aeromonas caviae polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene in Burkholderia sp. USM (JCM15050) enables the biosynthesis of SCL-MCL PHA from palm oil products.

PubMed

Chee, J-Y; Lau, N-S; Samian, M-R; Tsuge, T; Sudesh, K

2012-01-01

Burkholderia sp. USM (JCM15050) isolated from oil-polluted wastewater is capable of utilizing palm oil products and glycerol to synthesize poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)]. To confer the ability to produce polymer containing 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx), plasmid (pBBREE32d13) harbouring the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase gene of Aeromonas caviae (phaC(Ac)) was transformed into this strain.   The resulting transformant incorporated approximately 1 ± 0·3 mol% of 3HHx in the polymer when crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) or palm kernel acid oil was used as the sole carbon source. In addition, when the transformed strain was cultivated in the mixtures of CPKO and sodium valerate, PHA containing 69 mol% 3HB, 30 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate and 1 mol% 3HHx monomers was produced. Batch feeding of carbon sources with 0·5% (v/v) CPKO at 0 h and 0·25% (w/v) sodium valerate at 36 h yielded 6 mol% of 3HHx monomer by controlled-feeding strategies. Burkholderia sp. USM (JCM15050) has the metabolic pathways to supply both the short-chain length (SCL) and medium-chain length (MCL) PHA monomers. By transforming the strain with the Aer. caviae PHA synthase with broader substrate specificity, SCL-MCL PHA was produced.   This is the first study demonstrating the ability of transformant Burkholderia to produce P(3HB-co-3HHx) from a single carbon source. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Hydration of an apolar solute in a two-dimensional waterlike lattice fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzano, C.; de Stefanis, E.; Pretti, M.

2005-05-01

In a previous work, we investigated a two-dimensional lattice-fluid model, displaying some waterlike thermodynamic anomalies. The model, defined on a triangular lattice, is now extended to aqueous solutions with apolar species. Water molecules are of the “Mercedes Benz” type, i.e., they possess a D3 (equilateral triangle) symmetry, with three equivalent bonding arms. Bond formation depends both on orientation and local density. The insertion of inert molecules displays typical signatures of hydrophobic hydration: large positive transfer free energy, large negative transfer entropy (at low temperature), strong temperature dependence of the transfer enthalpy and entropy, i.e., large (positive) transfer heat capacity. Model properties are derived by a generalized first order approximation on a triangle cluster.

Hydration of an apolar solute in a two-dimensional waterlike lattice fluid.

PubMed

Buzano, C; De Stefanis, E; Pretti, M

2005-05-01

In a previous work, we investigated a two-dimensional lattice-fluid model, displaying some waterlike thermodynamic anomalies. The model, defined on a triangular lattice, is now extended to aqueous solutions with apolar species. Water molecules are of the "Mercedes Benz" type, i.e., they possess a D3 (equilateral triangle) symmetry, with three equivalent bonding arms. Bond formation depends both on orientation and local density. The insertion of inert molecules displays typical signatures of hydrophobic hydration: large positive transfer free energy, large negative transfer entropy (at low temperature), strong temperature dependence of the transfer enthalpy and entropy, i.e., large (positive) transfer heat capacity. Model properties are derived by a generalized first order approximation on a triangle cluster.

A simple water model in the presence of inert Lennard-Jones obstacles II: the hydrophobic effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurtjak, Mario; Urbic, Tomaz

2015-04-01

Using Monte Carlo computer simulations, hydrophobic effect for a non-polar particle with the diameter of a water molecule was studied in water, confined within a disordered matrix. Freely mobile two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz water was put in a disordered, but fixed, matrix of Lennard-Jones disks. Influence of temperature and matrix properties on the thermodynamic quantities of a non-polar solute solvation was studied. The hydrophobic effect is changed by the presence of the obstacles. Smaller matrix particles change the solute-water structure and thermodynamics drastically, as it was also observed for the properties of pure confined water. The study is bringing new scientific important observations in understanding the role of hydrophobic forces under confinement.

Adapting ethanol fuels to diesel engines

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

Not Available

During the 2nd International Alcohol Symposium 1977, Daimler-Benz reported on the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods of using ethanol in originally diesel-operated commercial vehicles, and especially about the first results in the field of adapting the ethanol fuel to the requirements of conventional diesel engines. Investigations to this effect were continued by Daimler-Benz AG, Stuttgart, and Mercedes-Benz of Brasil in coordination with competent Brazilian government departments. The development effort is primarily adapted to Brazilian conditions, since ethanol fuel is intended as a long-term project in this country. This report is presented under headings - auto-ignition; durability tests; remedialmore » measures; the injection systems; ethanol quality.« less

Brevisulcatic acids, marine ladder-frame polyethers from the red tide dinoflagellate Karenia brevisulcata in New Zealand.

PubMed

Suzuki, Rina; Irie, Raku; Harntaweesup, Yanit; Tachibana, Kazuo; Holland, Patrick T; Harwood, D Tim; Shi, Feng; Beuzenberg, Veronica; Itoh, Yoshiyuki; Pascal, Steven; Edwards, Patrick J B; Satake, Masayuki

2014-11-21

The isolation and structural determination of new marine ladder-frame polyethers, brevisulcatic acids-1 (1) and -4 (2) are reported. Brevisulcatic acids were isolated from the dinoflagellate Karenia brevisulcata, which was identified as the causative species of a major red tide event in New Zealand in 1998. The ether ring composition and a β-hydroxy, γ-methylene valeric acid side chain of 1 and 2 are common, but 2 has a γ-lactone as the 5-membered A-ring while 1 is the seco acid analogue. Compound 2 has structural and bioactivity similarities to brevetoxin A.

Potential of mean force between two hydrophobic solutes in water.

PubMed

Southall, Noel T; Dill, Ken A

2002-12-10

We study the potential of mean force between two nonpolar solutes in the Mercedes Benz model of water. Using NPT Monte Carlo simulations, we find that the solute size determines the relative preference of two solute molecules to come into contact ('contact minimum') or to be separated by a single layer of water ('solvent-separated minimum'). Larger solutes more strongly prefer the contacting state, while smaller solutes have more tendency to become solvent-separated, particularly in cold water. The thermal driving forces oscillate with solute separation. Contacts are stabilized by entropy, whereas solvent-separated solute pairing is stabilized by enthalpy. The free energy of interaction for small solutes is well-approximated by scaled-particle theory. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

Tracking prominent points in image sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahn, Michael

1994-03-01

Measuring image motion and inferring scene geometry and camera motion are main aspects of image sequence analysis. The determination of image motion and the structure-from-motion problem are tasks that can be addressed independently or in cooperative processes. In this paper we focus on tracking prominent points. High stability, reliability, and accuracy are criteria for the extraction of prominent points. This implies that tracking should work quite well with those features; unfortunately, the reality looks quite different. In the experimental investigations we processed a long sequence of 128 images. This mono sequence is taken in an outdoor environment at the experimental field of Mercedes Benz in Rastatt. Different tracking schemes are explored and the results with respect to stability and quality are reported.

A two-dimensional model of water: Solvation of nonpolar solutes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbič, T.; Vlachy, V.; Kalyuzhnyi, Yu. V.; Southall, N. T.; Dill, K. A.

2002-01-01

We recently applied a Wertheim integral equation theory (IET) and a thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) to the Mercedes-Benz (MB) model of pure water. These analytical theories offer the advantage of being computationally less intensive than the Monte Carlo simulations by orders of magnitudes. The long-term goal of this work is to develop analytical theories of water that can handle orientation-dependent interactions and the MB model serves as a simple workbench for this development. Here we apply the IET and TPT to the hydrophobic effect, the transfer of a nonpopular solute into MB water. As before, we find that the theories reproduce the Monte Carlo results quite accurately at higher temperatures, while they predict the qualitative trends in cold water.

Influence of chain ordering on the selectivity of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer membranes for permeant size and shape.

PubMed Central

Xiang, T X; Anderson, B D

1998-01-01

The effects of lipid chain packing and permeant size and shape on permeability across lipid bilayers have been investigated in gel and liquid crystalline dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers by a combined NMR line-broadening/dynamic light scattering method using seven short-chain monocarboxylic acids (formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and trimethylacetic acid) as permeants. The experimental permeability coefficients are compared with the predictions of a bulk solubility diffusion model in which the bilayer membrane is represented as a slab of bulk hexadecane. Deviations of the observed permeability coefficients (Pm) from the values predicted from solubility diffusion theory (Po) lead to the determination of a correction factor, the permeability decrement f (= Pm/Po), to account for the effects of chain ordering. The natural logarithm of f has been found to correlate linearly with the inverse of the bilayer free surface area with slopes of 25 +/- 2, 36 +/- 3, 45 +/- 8, 32 +/- 12, 33 +/- 4, 49 +/- 12, and 75 +/- 6 A2 for formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and trimethylacetic acid, respectively. The slope, which measures the sensitivity of the permeability coefficient of a given permeant to bilayer chain packing, exhibits an excellent linear correlation (r = 0.94) with the minimum cross-sectional area of the permeant and a poor correlation (r = 0.59) with molecular volume, suggesting that in the bilayer interior the permeants prefer to move with their long principal axis along the bilayer normal. Based on these studies, a permeability model combining the effects of bilayer chain packing and permeant size and shape on permeability across lipid membranes is developed. PMID:9826590

Impact of diets with a high content of greaves-meal protein or carbohydrates on faecal characteristics, volatile fatty acids and faecal calprotectin concentrations in healthy dogs.

PubMed

Hang, Ingrid; Heilmann, Romy M; Grützner, Niels; Suchodolski, Jan S; Steiner, Jörg M; Atroshi, Faik; Sankari, Satu; Kettunen, Anu; de Vos, Willem M; Zentek, Jürgen; Spillmann, Thomas

2013-10-09

Research suggests that dietary composition influences gastrointestinal function and bacteria-derived metabolic products in the dog colon. We previously reported that dietary composition impacts upon the faecal microbiota of healthy dogs. This study aims at evaluating the dietary influences on bacteria-derived metabolic products associated with the changes in faecal microbiota that we had previously reported. We fed high-carbohydrate starch based (HCS), [crude protein: 194 g/kg, starch: 438 g/kg], high-protein greaves-meal (HPGM), [crude protein: 609 g/kg, starch: 54 g/kg] and dry commercial (DC), [crude protein: 264 g/kg, starch: 277 g/kg] diets, and studied their effects on the metabolism of the colonic microbiota and faecal calprotectin concentrations in five Beagle dogs, allocated according to the Graeco-Latin square design. Each dietary period lasted for three weeks and was crossed-over with washout periods. Food intake, body weight, and faecal consistency scores, dry matter, pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and faecal canine calprotectin concentrations were determined. Faecal ammonia concentrations decreased with the HCS diet. All dogs fed the HPGM diet developed diarrhoea, which led to differences in faecal consistency scores between the diets. Faecal pH was higher with the HPGM diet. Moreover, decreases in propionic and acetic acids coupled with increases in branched-chain fatty acids and valeric acid caused changes in faecal total VFAs in dogs on the HPGM diet. Faecal canine calprotectin concentration was higher with the HPGM diet and correlated positively with valeric acid concentration. The HPGM diet led to diarrhoea in all dogs, and there were differences in faecal VFA profiles and faecal canine calprotectin concentrations.

Corticosteroid transdermal delivery significantly improves arthritis pain and functional disability.

PubMed

Iannitti, Tommaso; McDermott, Michael F; Laurino, Carmen; Malagoli, Andrea; Palmieri, Beniamino

2017-02-01

Arthritis is characterized by pain and functional limitation affecting the patients' quality of life. We performed a clinical study to investigate the efficacy of a betamethasone valerate medicated plaster (Betesil) in improving pain and functional disability in patients with arthritis and osteoarthritis. We enrolled 104 patients affected by osteoarthritis (n = 40) or arthritis (n = 64) in different joints. Patients received diclofenac sodium cream (2 g, four times a day) or a 2.25-mg dose of Betesil applied to the painful joint every night before bedtime for 10 days. Pain and functional disability were assessed, by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Redness was assessed by clinical inspection, and edema by the "fovea sign" method. C-reactive protein (CRP) was also measured; CRP can be used to cost-effectively monitor the pharmacological treatment efficacy and is increased during the acute-phase response, returning to physiological values after tissue recovery and functional restoration. All measurements were at baseline and at 10-day follow-up. At 10-day follow-up, a greater improvement in VAS and WOMAC pain and WOMAC stiffness and functional limitation scores from baseline was observed in patients treated with Betesil compared with diclofenac (all p < 0.01). At 10-day follow-up, improvement in redness, edema, and CRP levels from baseline was also greater in patients treated with Betesil compared with diclofenac (all p < 0.01). This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of transdermal delivery of betamethasone valerate in patients affected by arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Quantification of volatile fatty acids from cattle manure via non-catalytic esterification for odour indication.

PubMed

Lee, Sang-Ryong; Lee, Jechan; Cho, Seong-Heon; Kim, Jieun; Oh, Jeong-Ik; Tsang, Daniel C W; Jeong, Kwang-Hwa; Kwon, Eilhann E

2018-01-01

This report proposes a new approach to evaluate the odour nuisance of cattle manure samples from three different cattle breeds (i.e., native cattle, beef cattle, and milk cow) by means of quantification and speciation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). To this end, non-catalytic esterification thermally induced in the presence of a porous material (silica) was undertaken, and the optimal operational parameters such as the derivatizing temperature (330°C) for the maximum yield (≥99±0.4%) of volatile fatty acid methyl esters (VFAMEs) were established. Among the VFA species in cattle manure based on quantification of VFAs, the major species were acetic, butyric and valeric acid. Considering the odour threshold of each VFA, our experimental results suggested that the major contributors to odour nuisance were C 4-5 VFA species (i.e., butyric and valeric acid). Hydrothermal treatment was performed at 150°C for 0-40min to correlate the formation of VFAs with different types of cattle feed formulations. Our experimental data demonstrated that the formation of total VFAs is linearly proportional to the hydrothermal treatment duration and the total content of VFAs in native cattle, beef cattle, and milk cow manure samples reached up to ~1000, ~3200, and ~2800ppm, respectively. Thus, this study demonstrated that the degree of VFA formation is highly dependent on cattle feed formulations, which rely significantly on the protein content. Furthermore, the hydrothermal treatment provides a favourable condition for generating more VFAs. In this context, producing cattle manure into refused derived fuel (RDF) via a hydrothermal treatment is not a viable option to control odour. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pharmacodynamic effects of the fetal estrogen estetrol in postmenopausal women: results from a multiple-rising-dose study.

PubMed

Coelingh Bennink, Herjan J T; Verhoeven, Carole; Zimmerman, Yvette; Visser, Monique; Foidart, Jean-Michel; Gemzell-Danielsson, Kristina

2017-06-01

Estetrol (E4) is an estrogen produced exclusively by the human fetal liver during pregnancy. In this study the pharmacodynamic effects of escalating doses of E4 in postmenopausal women were investigated. This was a partly randomized, open-label, multiple-rising-dose study in 49 postmenopausal women. Participants were randomized to receive either 2 mg E4 or 2 mg estradiol-valerate (E2 V) for 28 days. Subsequent dose-escalation groups were (non-randomized): 10, 20 and 40 mg E4. Blood samples were collected regularly for measuring endocrine and hemostasis variables, lipids and lipoproteins, fasting glucose and bone turnover markers. Estetrol treatment resulted in a decrease of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and an increase of sex-hormone binding globulin. Changes in hemostasis variables were small. A lowering effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was accompanied with an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and no or minimal changes in triglycerides. The considerable decrease in osteocalcin levels in the three highest E4 dose groups and the small decrease in C-telopeptide levels were comparable to the E2 V control group and suggest a preventive effect on bone loss. All changes observed were dose-dependent. In this study, estetrol treatment showed dose-dependent estrogenic effects on endocrine parameters, bone turnover markers, and lipids and lipoproteins. The effect on triglycerides was small as were the effects on hemostatic variables. These results support the further investigation of estetrol as a candidate for hormone therapy. Quantitatively, the effects of 10 mg estetrol were similar to the study comparator 2 mg estradiol valerate.

Isolation and characterization of a bacterium that degrades various polyester-based biodegradable plastics.

PubMed

Teeraphatpornchai, T; Nakajima-Kambe, T; Shigeno-Akutsu, Y; Nakayama, M; Nomura, N; Nakahara, T; Uchiyama, H

2003-01-01

Microorganisms isolated from soil samples were screened for their ability to degrade various biodegradable polyester-based plastics. The most active strain, designated as strain TB-13, was selected as the best strain for degrading these plastics. From its phenotypic and genetic characteristics, strain TB-13 was closely related to Paenibacillus amyloyticus. It could degrade poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate), poly(caprolactone) and poly(ethylene succinate) but not poly(hydroxybutylate-co-valerate). However, it could not utilize these plastics as sole carbon sources. Both protease and esterase activities, which may be involved in the degradation of plastic, were constitutively detected in the culture broth.

[Studies on the oxidation reaction of octanol-2 with nitric acid by infrared spectroscopy].

PubMed

Zhang, G; Zhao, G; Wang, Y; Zhang, Q; Zhang, S; Lu, F

1998-04-01

In this paper, the reaction process of oxidation of octanol-2 with nitric acid has been studied by IR spectroscopy. It is found that the main components of non-sapoifiable matter are different in different oxidation degrees. The relation between oxidation products and the amount of nitric acid are investigated,the reaction mechanism has also been studied. Experimental results show that the oxidation process of octanol-2 is as follows: first, octanol-2 is oxidated to octanone-2, or to nitrate, nitrite and nitrile copmpounds, then these compounds are reoxidated to caproic acid in the meantime some by-products, such as valeric, enanthic acids are also found in oxidated products.

A simple and specific high performance liquid chromatography method for the assay of a series of novel dermal penetration enhancers.

PubMed

Michniak, B B; Seyda, K L

1993-02-01

Synopsis A series of clofibric acid amides has been synthesized and previously reported by the authors as possessing enhancer activity in vitro in athymic nude mouse skin against model drugs, hydrocortisone-21-acetate and beta-methasone-17-valerate. An assay was required for each of these enhancers however, which would be specific for each compound and would also separate model drugs and their metabolite peaks. This study reports reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography assays for clofibric acid amide and seven derivatives (Ia-Ig). All enhancers showed maximum absorption at 232 nm, betamethasone (BM) and its valerate (BMV) at 238 nm, and hydrocortisone (HC) and its acetate (HCA) at 242 nm. Practical units of detection for the amides were 0.46-2.8 mug ml(-1) and peaks were sharp and well-separated from steroid peaks in three vehicles - methanol alone. Franz diffusion cell receptor phase samples (isotonic phosphate buffer), and full-thickness athymic nude mouse skin extracts in methanol. Mobile phases consisted of various proportions of acetonitrile and water, some with 2-propanol. The octyl amide for example, with mobile phase CH(3)CN: H(2)O (85:15) at 1 ml min(-1) had a retention time (t(R)) of 7.9 mins. Under the same conditions, retention times for the steroids were HC, t(R)= 3.3 mins; HCA, t(R)= 4.3 mins; BM, t(R)= 3.4 mins; BMV, t(R)= 4.6 mins. Résumé Les auteurs avaient démontré dans un article précédent le pouvoir accélérateur de pénétration dermique in vitro d'une gamme d'amides d'acide clofibrique sur la peau de souris sans poils, et sans thymus avec des médicaments types tels que l'acetate 21 d'hydrocortisone et le valerate 17 de beta-metasone. Il a cependant été requis, pour chacun de ces accélérateurs, un test spécifique pour chaque composition, permettant de séparer chaque médicament et les pics des métabolites. Cette étude décrit des tests par chromatographie liquide à haute performance en phase inverse pour l

Bicuspid aortic valves: diagnostic accuracy of standard axial 64-slice chest CT compared to aortic valve image plane ECG-gated cardiac CT.

PubMed

Murphy, David J; McEvoy, Sinead H; Iyengar, Sri; Feuchtner, Gudrun; Cury, Ricardo C; Roobottom, Carl; Baumueller, Stephan; Alkadhi, Hatem; Dodd, Jonathan D

2014-08-01

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of standard axial 64-slice chest CT compared to aortic valve image plane ECG-gated cardiac CT for bicuspid aortic valves. The standard axial chest CT scans of 20 patients with known bicuspid aortic valves were blindly, randomly analyzed for (i) the appearance of the valve cusps, (ii) the largest aortic sinus area, (iii) the longest aortic cusp length, (iv) the thickest aortic valve cusp and (v) valve calcification. A second blinded reader independently analyzed the appearance of the valve cusps. Forty-two age- and sex-matched patients with known tricuspid aortic valves were used as controls. Retrospectively ECG-gated cardiac CT multiphase reconstructions of the aortic valve were used as the gold-standard. Fourteen (21%) scans were scored as unevaluable (7 bicuspid, 7 tricuspid). Of the remainder, there were 13 evaluable bicuspid valves, ten of which showed an aortic valve line sign, while the remaining three showed a normal Mercedes-Benz appearance owing to fused valve cusps. The 35 evaluable tricuspid aortic valves all showed a normal Mercedes-Benz appearance (P=0.001). Kappa analysis=0.62 indicating good interobserver agreement for the aortic valve cusp appearance. Aortic sinus areas, aortic cusp lengths and aortic cusp thicknesses of ≥ 3.8 cm(2), 3.2 cm and 1.6mm respectively on standard axial chest CT best distinguished bicuspid from tricuspid aortic valves (P<0.0001 for all). Of evaluable scans, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of standard axial chest CT in diagnosing bicuspid aortic valves was 77% (CI 0.54-1.0), 100%, 100% and 70% respectively. The aortic valve is evaluable in approximately 80% of standard chest 64-slice CT scans. Bicuspid aortic valves may be diagnosed on evaluable scans with good diagnostic accuracy. An aortic valve line sign, enlarged aortic sinuses and elongated, thickened valve cusps are specific CT features. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights

Enhancing Lipoaspirate Efficiency by Altering Liposuction Cannula Design

PubMed Central

Davis, Kathryn; Rohrich, Rod J.

2014-01-01

Background: Interplay between the components of a lipoplasty system (suction pump, suction tubing, collection canister, and cannula) determines liposuction efficiency. However, in clinical practice, none of the components are more important than the cannula. Cannula design including port design, port placement, and shaft characteristics is the single most influential contributor to flow resistance and dramatically effects speed of aspiration and final contour. Many variations on port design and placement are available, yet functional enhancements to the cannula shaft have largely been ignored. We have engineered a set of novel cannulas addressing vital elements of cannula design in the effort to enhance aspiration efficiency and efficacy. Methods: Two novel cannula designs (dual- and multiport, in-line configuration), created using a unique proprietary manufacturing process, were evaluated against a popular industry standard design (tri-port, Mercedes configuration) to assess aspiration efficiency. Cannulas with shaft diameters of 3, 4, and 5 mm were attached to a standardized lipoplasty system and evaluated in real time for their ability to aspirate a viscous applesauce medium over a 5-minute time course. For each cannula, we calculated (1) the cross-sectional area of the cannula shaft, (2) single and total port area, (3) port-to-shaft ratio, and (4) theoretical resistance. Results: The relationship between the cannula shaft and cannula port(s) directly influenced flow dynamics. Comparing medium uptake time, aspiration efficiency and the aspiration curves demonstrated a significant improvement of the 2 novel cannulas over the standard cannula in the 5- and 4-mm designations. In the 3-mm group, a difference in uptake time remained. However, a significant difference in aspiration efficiency was only seen between the dual-port novel cannula and tri-port Mercedes standard cannula. Further, differences in the aspiration curves between all 3-mm cannulas approached but

Enhancing lipoaspirate efficiency by altering liposuction cannula design.

PubMed

Beck, Daniel O; Davis, Kathryn; Rohrich, Rod J

2014-10-01

Interplay between the components of a lipoplasty system (suction pump, suction tubing, collection canister, and cannula) determines liposuction efficiency. However, in clinical practice, none of the components are more important than the cannula. Cannula design including port design, port placement, and shaft characteristics is the single most influential contributor to flow resistance and dramatically effects speed of aspiration and final contour. Many variations on port design and placement are available, yet functional enhancements to the cannula shaft have largely been ignored. We have engineered a set of novel cannulas addressing vital elements of cannula design in the effort to enhance aspiration efficiency and efficacy. Two novel cannula designs (dual- and multiport, in-line configuration), created using a unique proprietary manufacturing process, were evaluated against a popular industry standard design (tri-port, Mercedes configuration) to assess aspiration efficiency. Cannulas with shaft diameters of 3, 4, and 5 mm were attached to a standardized lipoplasty system and evaluated in real time for their ability to aspirate a viscous applesauce medium over a 5-minute time course. For each cannula, we calculated (1) the cross-sectional area of the cannula shaft, (2) single and total port area, (3) port-to-shaft ratio, and (4) theoretical resistance. The relationship between the cannula shaft and cannula port(s) directly influenced flow dynamics. Comparing medium uptake time, aspiration efficiency and the aspiration curves demonstrated a significant improvement of the 2 novel cannulas over the standard cannula in the 5- and 4-mm designations. In the 3-mm group, a difference in uptake time remained. However, a significant difference in aspiration efficiency was only seen between the dual-port novel cannula and tri-port Mercedes standard cannula. Further, differences in the aspiration curves between all 3-mm cannulas approached but did not reach significance. We

75 FR 31837 - Petition for Exemption From the Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Mercedes-Benz

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-04

... agency comparing its proposed device to antitheft devices already installed in the Aston Martin Vantage... effective in contributing to a 63.5% reduction in the theft rate for the Aston Martin Vantage Line... Martin Vantage vehicle line and 0.6784 for the MY 2007. MBUSA also referenced theft data published by the...

78 FR 4195 - Petition for Exemption From the Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard; Mercedes-Benz

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-18

..., transmitter key, electronic ignition starter switch control unit (EIS), the engine control module (ECM) and... immobilizer function. The interlinked system includes the engine, EIS, transmitter key, TCM and ECM (including...

Was It Really Worth Pain? Refurbishment of Mercedes-Benz Trucks by Botswana Defence Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-01

staff, especially those who were involved in rework, was their inability to access the fleet management system Mincom Ellipse database. Access to...CHAPTER IV This chapter analyzes the survey/questionnaires that were sent to the users, the project middle managers, and the CMER. The CMER was a de ...transferred directly to the BDF; they were accessed from a fund set up for the project. This enabled the project manager to have versatility in the

Two-dimensional lattice-fluid model with waterlike anomalies.

PubMed

Buzano, C; De Stefanis, E; Pelizzola, A; Pretti, M

2004-06-01

We investigate a lattice-fluid model defined on a two-dimensional triangular lattice, with the aim of reproducing qualitatively some anomalous properties of water. Model molecules are of the "Mercedes Benz" type, i.e., they possess a D3 (equilateral triangle) symmetry, with three bonding arms. Bond formation depends both on orientation and local density. We work out phase diagrams, response functions, and stability limits for the liquid phase, making use of a generalized first order approximation on a triangle cluster, whose accuracy is verified, in some cases, by Monte Carlo simulations. The phase diagram displays one ordered (solid) phase which is less dense than the liquid one. At fixed pressure the liquid phase response functions show the typical anomalous behavior observed in liquid water, while, in the supercooled region, a reentrant spinodal is observed.

Study of the effects of fuel composition and injection and combustion-system type and adjustment on exhaust emissions from light-duty diesels. Final report

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

Hare, C.T.

The project included measurement of emissions from four light-duty diesel automobiles operated on nine test fuels, and additional test work at non-standard (both advanced and retarded) injection timing using four of the nine fuels. The four test vehicles were a Mercedes 240D, Oldsmobile 5.7-liter, Peugeot 2.3-liter, and Volkswagen 1.6-liter, all 1982 models. Pre-identified fuel parameters intentionally varied among the test fuels included aromaticity, 10% distilled temperature, and 90% distilled temperature. Two steady-state test conditions (30 mph cruise and 56 BMEP/1700 rpm) were used. Visible smoke, dilute hydrocarbons, dilute CO/sub 2/, and dilute NO/sub x/ were measured continuously during all themore » tests, with key mode data tabulation for FTP (light-duty transient) cycles.« less

Drive cycle analysis of butanol/diesel blends in a light-duty vehicle.

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

Miers, S. A.; Carlson, R. W.; McConnell, S. S.

2008-10-01

The potential exists to displace a portion of the petroleum diesel demand with butanol and positively impact engine-out particulate matter. As a preliminary investigation, 20% and 40% by volume blends of butanol with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel were operated in a 1999 Mercedes Benz C220 turbo diesel vehicle (Euro III compliant). Cold and hot start urban as well as highway drive cycle tests were performed for the two blends of butanol and compared to diesel fuel. In addition, 35 MPH and 55 MPH steady-state tests were conducted under varying road loads for the two fuel blends. Exhaust gas emissions,more » fuel consumption, and intake and exhaust temperatures were acquired for each test condition. Filter smoke numbers were also acquired during the steady-state tests.« less

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with the gut microbiota pattern and gastrointestinal characteristics in an adult population.

PubMed

Mitsou, Evdokia K; Kakali, Aimilia; Antonopoulou, Smaragdi; Mountzouris, Konstantinos C; Yannakoulia, Mary; Panagiotakos, Demosthenes B; Kyriacou, Adamantini

2017-06-01

This study aimed to explore the potential associations of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with gut microbiota characteristics and gastrointestinal symptomatology in an adult population. Other long-term dietary habits (e.g. consumption of snacks and junk food or stimulant intake) were also evaluated in terms of the gut microbiota profile. Participants (n 120) underwent anthropometric, dietary, physical activity and lifestyle evaluation. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using a Mediterranean diet score, the MedDietScore, and subjects were classified into three tertiles according to individual adherence scoring. Gut microbiota composition was determined using quantitative PCR and plate-count techniques, and faecal SCFA were analysed using GC. Gastrointestinal symptoms were also evaluated. Participants with a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had lower Escherichia coli counts (P=0·022), a higher bifidobacteria:E. coli ratio (P=0·025), increased levels and prevalence of Candida albicans (P=0·039 and P=0·050, respectively), greater molar ratio of acetate (P=0·009), higher defaecation frequency (P=0·028) and a more pronounced gastrointestinal symptomatology compared with those reporting low adherence. A lower molar ratio of valerate was also observed in the case of high adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared with the other two tertiles (P for trend=0·005). Positive correlations of MedDietScore with gastrointestinal symptoms, faecal moisture, total bacteria, bifidobacteria:E. coli ratio, relative share of Bacteroides, C. albicans and total SCFA, as well as negative associations with cultivable E. coli levels and valerate were indicated. Fast food consumption was characterised by suppressed representation of lactobacilli and butyrate-producing bacteria. In conclusion, our findings support a link between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and gut microbiota characteristics.

Effects of grain, fructose, and histidine on ruminal pH and fermentation products during an induced subacute acidosis protocol.

PubMed

Golder, H M; Celi, P; Rabiee, A R; Heuer, C; Bramley, E; Miller, D W; King, R; Lean, I J

2012-04-01

The effects of grain, fructose, and histidine on ruminal pH and fermentation products were studied in dairy cattle during an induced subacute acidosis protocol. Thirty Holstein heifers were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups: (1) control (no grain); (2) grain [fed at a crushed triticale dry matter intake (DMI) of 1.2% of body weight (BW)]; (3) grain (0.8% of BW DMI)+fructose (0.4% of BW DMI); (4) grain (1.2% of BW DMI)+histidine (6 g/head); and (5) grain (0.8% of BW DMI)+fructose (0.4% of BW DMI)+histidine (6 g/head) in a partial factorial arrangement. Heifers were fed 1 kg of grain daily with ad libitum access to ryegrass silage and alfalfa hay for 10 d. Feed was withheld for 14 h before challenge day, on which heifers were fed 200 g of alfalfa hay and then the treatment diets immediately thereafter. Rumen samples were collected 5 min after diet ingestion, 60 min later, and at 3 subsequent 50-min intervals. Grain decreased ruminal pH and increased ammonia, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, butyrate, propionate, and valerate concentrations compared with controls. The addition of grain had no effect on ruminal D- and L-lactate concentrations. Fructose markedly decreased ruminal pH and markedly increased D- and L-lactate concentrations. Fructose increased total VFA and butyrate and decreased valerate concentrations. Although histidine did not have a marked effect on ruminal fermentation, increased concentrations of histamine were observed following feeding. This study demonstrates that the substitution of some grain for fructose can lower ruminal pH and increase VFA and lactate concentrations, warranting further investigation into the role of sugars on the risk of acidosis in dairy cattle. Copyright © 2012 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Defluviitalea raffinosedens sp. nov., a thermophilic, anaerobic, saccharolytic bacterium isolated from an anaerobic batch digester treating animal manure and rice straw.

PubMed

Ma, Shichun; Huang, Yan; Wang, Cong; Fan, Hui; Dai, Lirong; Zhou, Zheng; Liu, Xing; Deng, Yu

2017-05-01

A thermophilic, anaerobic, fermentative bacterium, strain A6T, was obtained from an anaerobic batch digester treating animal manure and rice straw. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, slightly curved rods with a size of 0.6-1×2.5-8.2 µm, non-motile and produced terminal spores. The temperature, pH and NaCl concentration ranges for growth were 40-60 °C, 6.5-8.0 and 0-15.0 g l-1, with optimum growth noted at 50-55 °C, pH 7.5 and in the absence of NaCl, respectively. Yeast extract was required for growth. d-Glucose, maltose, d-xylose, d-galactose, d-fructose, d-ribose, lactose, raffinose, sucrose, d-arabinose, cellobiose, d-mannose and yeast extract were used as carbon and energy sources. The fermentation products from glucose were ethanol, lactate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, iso-butyrate, iso-valerate, H2 and CO2. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 36.6 mol%. The predominant fatty acids were C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 1, C14 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 N-alcohol and C13 : 0 3-OH. Respiratory quinones were not detected. The polar lipid profile comprised phosphoglycolipids, phospholipids, glycolipids, a diphosphatidylglycerol, a phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified lipid. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the strain was closely related to Defluviitalea saccharophila DSM 22681T with a similarity of 96.0 %. Based on the morphological, physiological and taxonomic characterization, strain A6T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Defluviitalea, for which the name Defluviitalea raffinosedens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A6T (=DSM 28090T=ACCC 19951T).

The role of pH in determining the species composition of the human colonic microbiota.

PubMed

Duncan, Sylvia H; Louis, Petra; Thomson, John M; Flint, Harry J

2009-08-01

The pH of the colonic lumen varies with anatomical site and microbial fermentation of dietary residue. We have investigated the impact of mildly acidic pH, which occurs in the proximal colon, on the growth of different species of human colonic bacteria in pure culture and in the complete microbial community. Growth was determined for 33 representative human colonic bacteria at three initial pH values (approximately 5.5, 6.2 and 6.7) in anaerobic YCFA medium, which includes a mixture of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with 0.2% glucose as energy source. Representatives of all eight Bacteroides species tested grew poorly at pH 5.5, as did Escherichia coli, whereas 19 of the 23 gram-positive anaerobes tested gave growth rates at pH 5.5 that were at least 50% of those at pH 6.7. Growth inhibition of B. thetaiotaomicron at pH 5.5 was increased by the presence of the SCFA mix (33 mM acetate, 9 mM propionate and 1 mM each of iso-valerate, valerate and iso-butyrate). Analysis of amplified 16S rRNA sequences demonstrated a major pH-driven shift within a human faecal bacterial community in a continuous flow fermentor. Bacteroides spp. accounted for 27% of 16S rRNA sequences detected at pH 5.5, but 86% of sequences at pH 6.7. Conversely, butyrate-producing gram-positive bacteria related to Eubacterium rectale represented 50% of all 16S rRNA sequences at pH 5.5, but were not detected at pH 6.7. Inhibition of the growth of a major group of gram-negative bacteria at mildly acidic pH apparently creates niches that can be exploited by more low pH-tolerant microorganisms.

Prevention of volatile fatty acids production and limitation of odours from winery wastewaters by denitrification.

PubMed

Bories, André; Guillot, Jean-Michel; Sire, Yannick; Couderc, Marie; Lemaire, Sophie-Andréa; Kreim, Virginie; Roux, Jean-Claude

2007-07-01

The effect of the addition of nitrate to winery wastewaters to control the formation of VFA in order to prevent odours during storage and treatment was studied in batch bioreactors at different NO(3)/chemical oxygen demand (COD) ratios and at full scale in natural evaporation ponds (2 x 7000 m(2)) by measuring olfactory intensity. In the absence of nitrate, butyric acid (2304 mgL(-1)), acetic acid (1633 mgL(-1)), propionic acid (1558 mgL(-1)), caproic acid (499 mgL(-1)) and valeric acid (298 mgL(-1)) were produced from reconstituted winery wastewater. For a ratio of NO(3)/COD=0.4 gg(-1), caproic and valeric acids were not formed. The production of butyric and propionic acids was reduced by 93.3% and 72.5%, respectively, at a ratio of NO(3)/COD=0.8, and by 97.4% and 100% at a ratio of NO(3)/COD=1.2 gg(-1). Nitrate delayed and decreased butyric acid formation in relation to the oxidoreduction potential. Studies in ponds showed that the addition of concentrated calcium nitrate (NITCAL) to winery wastewaters (3526 m(3)) in a ratio of NO(3)/COD=0.8 inhibited VFA production, with COD elimination (94%) and total nitrate degradation, and no final nitrite accumulation. On the contrary, in ponds not treated with nitrate, malodorous VFA (from propionic to heptanoïc acids) represented up to 60% of the COD. Olfactory intensity measurements in relation to the butanol scale of VFA solutions and the ponds revealed the pervasive role of VFA in the odour of the untreated pond as well as the clear decrease in the intensity and not unpleasant odour of the winery wastewater pond enriched in nitrates. The results obtained at full scale underscored the feasibility and safety of the calcium nitrate treatment as opposed to concentrated nitric acid.

Chemical composition and nutritive value of four varieties of cassava leaves grown in South-Western Nigeria.

PubMed

Oni, A O; Onwuka, C F I; Arigbede, O M; Anele, U Y; Oduguwa, O O; Onifade, O S; Tan, Z L

2011-10-01

The nutritive value of leaves of four varieties of cassava - MS 6, TMS 30555, Idileruwa and TMS 30572 was evaluated based on their chemical composition and in vitro fermentation. Crude protein (CP) contents of cassava leaves ranged from 177 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM), with TMS 30555 showing the highest CP contents. Neutral detergent fibre (NDFom) and acid detergent fibre (ADFom) contents of cassava leaves ranged from 596 to 662 and 418 to 546 g/kg DM respectively. Condensed tannin (CT) and hydrocyanic acid contents ranged from 1.0 to 3.8 g/kg and 58.5 to 86.7 mg/kg DM respectively. The range of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the supernatant after in vitro incubation of the cassava varieties was: acetate (14.7-31.5 mmol/l); propionate (4.5-6.3 mmol/l); butyrate (3.1-3.9 mmol/l); valerate (0.4-0.6 mmol/l); iso-butyrate (0.6-1.3 mmol/l); iso-valerate (1.1-1.9 mmol/l). The acetate:propionate ratio resulting from fermentation of TMS 30555 was higher(p < 0.05) than that of the other leaves. The highest in vitro gas production of 50.5 ml/200 mg DM was recorded for MS6 being higher (p < 0.05) than for TMS 30572, but similar to TMS 30555 and Idileruwa. The DM, CP, ADF and HCN contents of cassava leaves were positively correlated with gas production, while CT content was negatively correlated with gas production. The study showed that leaves of the varieties MS 6 and TMS 30555 are superior to the others in terms of CP and gas production indicating a higher digestibility and energy content and thus nutritive potential. They may therefore serve as supplements for ruminants fed on poor roughages. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

RELACIÓN MÉDICO PACIENTE: DERECHOS DEL ADULTO MAYOR

PubMed Central

Barrantes-Monge, Melba; Rodríguez, Eduardo; Lama, Alexis

2009-01-01

Existen prejuicios en relación con la vejez, incluso entre los profesionales que se dedican a la gerontología. Uno común y peligroso es considerar que los viejos son todos enfermos o discapacitados. La relación médico-paciente es la piedra angular de la práctica y ética médicas. Para alcanzar el respeto por los adultos mayores es necesaria una medicina prudente, basada en una práctica en la cual la reflexión ética y clínica pueda contribuir. Esto último es posible si se hacen valer los derechos del adulto mayor, en particular como paciente para la toma de decisiones. PMID:20379380

PubMed

Barrantes-Monge, Melba; Rodríguez, Eduardo; Lama, Alexis

2009-01-01

Existen prejuicios en relación con la vejez, incluso entre los profesionales que se dedican a la gerontología. Uno común y peligroso es considerar que los viejos son todos enfermos o discapacitados.La relación médico-paciente es la piedra angular de la práctica y ética médicas. Para alcanzar el respeto por los adultos mayores es necesaria una medicina prudente, basada en una práctica en la cual la reflexión ética y clínica pueda contribuir. Esto último es posible si se hacen valer los derechos del adulto mayor, en particular como paciente para la toma de decisiones.

Optical coherence tomography demonstrates differential epidermal thinning of human forearm volar skin after 2 weeks application of a topical corticosteroid vs a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory alternative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Boadi, Joseph; Danby, Simon; Cork, Michael; Matcher, Stephen J.

2013-03-01

The effects on skin of two commercially available topical creams for the treatment of eczema are quantitatively studied using optical coherence tomography. An archetypal corticosteroid (Betamethasone valerate) is compared with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Tacrolimus monohydrate) via left/right comparisons of the epidermal thickness of volar forearm skin on selected volunteers, at baseline and after 14 days of treatment. In 3 of 4 subjects we confirmed previous observations that corticosteroids produce pronounced physical thinning of the epidermis over timescales of a few weeks. In 3 of 4 subjects we further found that Tacrolimus produced no change in epidermal thickness. In one of 4 subjects we found evidence that the epidermis was actually thickened following treatment using Tacrolimus.

Can direct gas-liquid chromatography of clinical samples detect specific organisms?

PubMed Central

Watt, B; Geddes, P A; Greenan, O A; Napier, S K; Mitchell, A

1982-01-01

A total of 1929 samples was analyzed by direct gas-liquid chromatography and the volatile fatty acid (VFA) patterns of the positive samples were compared with the results of culture. There was no correlation between any bacterial genus or species and the detailed VFA patterns although the presence of butyric or valeric acids, or both, was generally associated with the presence of anaerobes and that of acetic acid was generally associated with aerobic bacteria; however, the technique could not predict the nature of the subsequent bacterial isolate. There was also poor correlation between the VFA pattern in a given sample and the VFA pattern(s) of anaerobic bacteria subsequently isolated from that sample. PMID:7096589

A postmenopause-like model of ovariectomized Wistar rats to identify active principles of Erythrina lysistemon (Fabaceae).

PubMed

Mvondo, M A; Njamen, D; Fomum, S Tanee; Wandji, J; Vollmer, Günter

2011-10-01

To determine whether the two major compounds of Erythrina lysistemon are active principles accounting for Erythrina estrogenic effects, we used a postmenopause-like model of ovariectomized Wistar rats to evaluate their effects on some menopausal problems. Ovariectomized rats were orally treated either with compound 1 or compound 2 at 1 and 10 mg/kg BW for 28 days. Estradiol valerate served as the reference substance. As results, compounds 1 and 2 displayed estrogen-like effects on the uterus and the vagina, and reduced atherogenic risks by decreasing the two assessed atherogenic parameters, the total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and the atherogenic index of plasma. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of odor recorder using Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miura, Tomohiro; Nakamoto, Takamichi; Moriizumi, Toyosaka

It is necessary to determine the recipe of a target odor with sufficient accuracy to realize an odor recorder for recording and reproducing it. We studied the recipe measurement method of a target odor using a mass spectrometry. It was confirmed that the linear superposition was valid when the binary mixture of the apple-flavor components such as isobutyric acid and ethyl valerate was measured. The superposition of a mass spectrum pattern may enable the recipe determination of a multi-component odor easily. In this research, we succeeded in the recipe determinations of orange flavor made up of 14 component odors when its typical recipe, the equalized, the citral-enhanced and the citronellol-enhanced ones were measured.

Two-dimensional lattice-fluid model with waterlike anomalies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzano, C.; de Stefanis, E.; Pelizzola, A.; Pretti, M.

2004-06-01

We investigate a lattice-fluid model defined on a two-dimensional triangular lattice, with the aim of reproducing qualitatively some anomalous properties of water. Model molecules are of the “Mercedes Benz” type, i.e., they possess a D3 (equilateral triangle) symmetry, with three bonding arms. Bond formation depends both on orientation and local density. We work out phase diagrams, response functions, and stability limits for the liquid phase, making use of a generalized first order approximation on a triangle cluster, whose accuracy is verified, in some cases, by Monte Carlo simulations. The phase diagram displays one ordered (solid) phase which is less dense than the liquid one. At fixed pressure the liquid phase response functions show the typical anomalous behavior observed in liquid water, while, in the supercooled region, a reentrant spinodal is observed.

Classification of robust heteroclinic cycles for vector fields in {\\protect\\bb R}^3 with symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawker, David; Ashwin, Peter

2005-09-01

We consider a classification of robust heteroclinic cycles in the positive octant of {\\bb R}^3 under the action of the symmetry group {{\\bb Z}_2}^3 . We introduce a coding system to represent different classes up to a topological equivalence, and produce a characterization of all types of robust heteroclinic cycle that can arise in this situation. These cycles may or may not contain the origin within the cycle. We proceed to find a connection between our problem and meandric numbers. We find a direct correlation between the number of classes of robust heteroclinic cycle that do not include the origin and the 'Mercedes-Benz' sequence of integers characterizing meanders through a 'Y-shaped' configuration. We investigate upper and lower bounds for the number of classes possible for robust cycles between n equilibria, one of which may be the origin.

Water's hydrogen bonds in the hydrophobic effect: a simple model.

PubMed

Xu, Huafeng; Dill, Ken A

2005-12-15

We propose a simple analytical model to account for water's hydrogen bonds in the hydrophobic effect. It is based on computing a mean-field partition function for a water molecule in the first solvation shell around a solute molecule. The model treats the orientational restrictions from hydrogen bonding, and utilizes quantities that can be obtained from bulk water simulations. We illustrate the principles in a 2-dimensional Mercedes-Benz-like model. Our model gives good predictions for the heat capacity of hydrophobic solvation, reproduces the solvation energies and entropies at different temperatures with only one fitting parameter, and accounts for the solute size dependence of the hydrophobic effect. Our model supports the view that water's hydrogen bonding propensity determines the temperature dependence of the hydrophobic effect. It explains the puzzling experimental observation that dissolving a nonpolar solute in hot water has positive entropy.

Effect of pH on fecal recovery of energy derived from volatile fatty acids.

PubMed

Kien, C L; Liechty, E A

1987-01-01

We assessed the effect of pH on volatilization of short-chain fatty acids during lyophilization. Acetic, propionic, valeric, and butyric acids were added to a fecal homogenate in amounts sufficient to raise the energy density by 18-27%. Fecal homogenate samples were either acidified (pH 2.8-3.2), alkalinized (pH 7.9-8.7), or left unchanged (4.0-4.8) prior to lyophilization and subsequent bomb calorimetry. Alkalinizing the fecal samples prevented the 20% loss of energy derived from each of these volatile fatty acids observed in samples either acidified or without pH adjustment. These data suggest that in energy balance studies involving subjects with active colonic fermentation, fecal samples should be alkalinized prior to lyophilization and bomb calorimetry.

Construction of two genetic linkage maps in cultivated tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa) using microsatellite and AFLP markers

PubMed Central

Julier, Bernadette; Flajoulot, Sandrine; Barre, Philippe; Cardinet, Gaëlle; Santoni, Sylvain; Huguet, Thierry; Huyghe, Christian

2003-01-01

Background Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a major forage crop. The genetic progress is slow in this legume species because of its autotetraploidy and allogamy. The genetic structure of this species makes the construction of genetic maps difficult. To reach this objective, and to be able to detect QTLs in segregating populations, we used the available codominant microsatellite markers (SSRs), most of them identified in the model legume Medicago truncatula from EST database. A genetic map was constructed with AFLP and SSR markers using specific mapping procedures for autotetraploids. The tetrasomic inheritance was analysed in an alfalfa mapping population. Results We have demonstrated that 80% of primer pairs defined on each side of SSR motifs in M. truncatula EST database amplify with the alfalfa DNA. Using a F1 mapping population of 168 individuals produced from the cross of 2 heterozygous parental plants from Magali and Mercedes cultivars, we obtained 599 AFLP markers and 107 SSR loci. All but 3 SSR loci showed a clear tetrasomic inheritance. For most of the SSR loci, the double-reduction was not significant. For the other loci no specific genotypes were produced, so the significant double-reduction could arise from segregation distortion. For each parent, the genetic map contained 8 groups of four homologous chromosomes. The lengths of the maps were 2649 and 3045 cM, with an average distance of 7.6 and 9.0 cM between markers, for Magali and Mercedes parents, respectively. Using only the SSR markers, we built a composite map covering 709 cM. Conclusions Compared to diploid alfalfa genetic maps, our maps cover about 88–100% of the genome and are close to saturation. The inheritance of the codominant markers (SSR) and the pattern of linkage repulsions between markers within each homology group are consistent with the hypothesis of a tetrasomic meiosis in alfalfa. Except for 2 out of 107 SSR markers, we found a similar order of markers on the chromosomes between the

Interest of pregnant women in the use of SMS (short message service) text messages for the improvement of perinatal and postnatal care.

PubMed

Cormick, Gabriela; Kim, Natalie A; Rodgers, Ashlei; Gibbons, Luz; Buekens, Pierre M; Belizán, José M; Althabe, Fernando

2012-08-06

Mobile health (mHealth) is emerging as a useful tool to improve healthcare access especially in the developing world, where limited access to health services is linked to poor antenatal care, and maternal and perinatal mortality.The objective of this study is to 1) understand pregnant women's access and usage of cell phones and 2) survey the health information needs and interests in a population attending public hospitals and health centers of two cities in Argentina. This information is not available and it is the basis to develop a strategy for improving maternal care via cell phones. Questionnaires were verbally administered to pregnant women who were attending an antenatal care visit in community health centers and public hospitals in Rosario, Santa Fe and Mercedes, Corrientes. Participants were 18 years of age or older and had previously given birth. The data obtained was qualitative and analyzed using SPSS version 18. A total of 147 pregnant women meeting inclusion criteria (Rosario: 63; Mercedes: 84) were approached and verbally consented to participate. The average age was 29.5 years, most lived in urban areas (89%) with a mean travel time of 43.4 minutes required to get to the health center and 57.3 minutes to get the hospital.Ninety-six percent of women (n = 140) responded that they would like to receive text messages and cell phone calls with information regarding prenatal care, although the topics and period of time to receive information varied greatly. Considering the vast majority of the interviewed women had access to and were interested in receiving text messages and calls with educational information regarding pregnancy and infant health, pregnant women in Argentina could benefit from such an mHealth program. The low access to Internet suggests it is not an option for this population; however, this cannot be assumed as representative of the country's situation.To retain active participation, other forms of health communication, such as a 2

Effects of rearview cameras and rear parking sensors on police-reported backing crashes.

PubMed

Cicchino, Jessica B

2017-11-17

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of rearview cameras, rear parking sensors, and both systems combined in preventing police-reported backing crashes. Negative binomial regression was used to compare rates of police-reported backing crash involvements per insured vehicle year in 22 U.S. states during 2009-2014 between passenger vehicle models with backing technologies and the same vehicle models where the optional systems were not purchased, controlling for other factors affecting crash risk. Rearview cameras were examined from four automakers, rear parking sensors from 2 automakers, and both systems combined from a single automaker. Rearview cameras reduced backing crash involvement rates by 17%. Reductions were larger for drivers 70 and older (36%) than for drivers younger than 70 (16%); however, estimates for older and younger drivers did not differ significantly from one another. The Buick Lucerne's rear parking sensor system reduced backing crash involvement rates significantly by 34%, but the reduction for Mercedes-Benz vehicles fit with a sensor system was small and not statistically significant. When averaged between the 2 automakers, effects were significantly larger for drivers 70 and older (38% reduction) than for drivers younger than 70 (1% increase); effects were significant for older but not younger drivers. Backing crash involvement rates were 13% lower among Mercedes-Benz vehicles with a rearview camera and parking sensors than among vehicles without, but this finding was not significant. Rearview cameras are effective in preventing police-reported backing crashes. Effects of rear parking sensors are less straightforward; it is unclear whether the Buick Lucerne system's benefits are due to the older age of its drivers, characteristics of the vehicle or system, or a combination. Systems may be especially beneficial to older drivers who might have limitations that make backing challenging. Although effect estimates did not

What is a realistic frontal-offset test procedure?

PubMed

Scheunert, D; Justen, R; Herrmann, R; Zeidler, F; Decker, J; Kallina, I

1994-06-01

With an increasing number of vehicles satisfying the FMVSS 208 Flat Barrier Impact Test and increasing belt usage, a high reduction of occupant injuries in general and a change from acceleration-induced to intrusion-induced injury mechanisms has been observed in Europe. The significance of intrusion-induced injury mechanisms associated with offset frontal impacts is assuming greater importance. Beginning in 1978, in response to this challenge, Mercedes-Benz has emphasized front structural countermeasures that have been found to be effective in the frequent asymmetrical frontal impacts. As an internal test, an offset impact with 40% overlap against a rigid barrier was defined. The relationship between actual accident frontal-overlap damage and barrier-test overlap values is explored in the paper. The results support the view that if a test of this type and associated design countermeasures were adopted by all vehicle manufacturers, a significant reduction of injuries would take place.

Surgical management of retraction pockets of the pars tensa with cartilage and perichondrial grafts.

PubMed

Spielmann, P; Mills, R

2006-09-01

Stable, self-cleansing retraction pockets of the pars tensa are common incidental findings and require no treatment. In other cases, recurrent discharge occurs and there may also be associated conductive hearing loss. In a minority of cases, cholesteatoma may develop. This paper presents the results of surgery using a graft composed of cartilage and perichondrium for retraction pockets involving the posterior half of the tympanic membrane, as well as early results using a larger graft designed to manage retraction of the entire tympanic membrane. Data on 51 patients with posterior retraction pockets are presented. Forty-two (82 per cent) patients had no aural discharge one year following surgery and the tympanic membrane was not retracted in 43 (84 per cent). The larger 'Mercedes-Benz' graft was used in four patients and the results obtained suggested that it may prove a successful technique for extensive retraction pockets.

Poisson equation for the three-loop ladder diagram in string theory at genus one

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Anirban

2016-11-01

The three-loop ladder diagram is a graph with six links and four cubic vertices that contributes to the D12ℛ4 amplitude at genus one in type II string theory. The vertices represent the insertion points of vertex operators on the toroidal worldsheet and the links represent scalar Green functions connecting them. By using the properties of the Green function and manipulating the various expressions, we obtain a modular invariant Poisson equation satisfied by this diagram, with source terms involving one-, two- and three-loop diagrams. Unlike the source terms in the Poisson equations for diagrams at lower orders in the momentum expansion or the Mercedes diagram, a particular source term involves a five-point function containing a holomorphic and a antiholomorphic worldsheet derivative acting on different Green functions. We also obtain simple equalities between topologically distinct diagrams, and consider some elementary examples.

Thermodynamic properties of water in confined environments: a Monte Carlo study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gladovic, Martin; Bren, Urban; Urbic, Tomaž

2018-05-01

Monte Carlo simulations of Mercedes-Benz water in a crowded environment were performed. The simulated systems are representative of both composite, porous or sintered materials and living cells with typical matrix packings. We studied the influence of overall temperature as well as the density and size of matrix particles on water density, particle distributions, hydrogen bond formation and thermodynamic quantities. Interestingly, temperature and space occupancy of matrix exhibit a similar effect on water properties following the competition between the kinetic and the potential energy of the system, whereby temperature increases the kinetic and matrix packing decreases the potential contribution. A novel thermodynamic decomposition approach was applied to gain insight into individual contributions of different types of inter-particle interactions. This decomposition proved to be useful and in good agreement with the total thermodynamic quantities especially at higher temperatures and matrix packings, where higher-order potential-energy mixing terms lose their importance.

Effects of Static or Oscillating Dietary Crude Protein Levels on Fermentation Dynamics of Beef Cattle Diets Using a Dual-Flow Continuous Culture System

PubMed Central

Benedeti, Pedro Del Bianco; da Silva, Lorrayny Galoro; de Paula, Eduardo Marostegan; Monteiro, Hugo Fernando; Shenkoru, Teshome; Santos, Stefanie Alvarenga; Poulson, Simon Roger

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing dietary crude protein (CP) levels and also comparing the effects of static versus oscillating dietary CP on ruminal nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen (N) metabolism, and microbial efficiency in beef cattle diets using a dual-flow continuous culture system. Eight fermenters (1,223 ± 21 mL) were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with periods lasting 12 d each (8 d for adaptation and 4 d for sampling). Dietary treatments were: 1) 10% CP, 2) 12% CP, 3) 14% CP, and 4) 10 and 14% CP diets oscillating at 48-h intervals. Experimental diets consisted of 50% orchard hay and 50% concentrate. Fermenters were fed 72 g/d and solid and liquid dilution rates were adjusted to 5.5 and 11%/h, respectively. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with α = 0.05. Apparent and true ruminal digestibilities of dry matter and organic matter were not affected (P > 0.05) by increasing dietary CP, nor by oscillating dietary CP. Total volatile fatty acids concentration and molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, iso-butyrate and iso-valerate were not affected (P > 0.05) by increasing or oscillating dietary CP. Ruminal NH3-N concentration increased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to increasing dietary CP. Total N, non-ammonia N, and rumen undegraded protein flows did not differ among treatments or between oscillating dietary CP and static 12% CP. Microbial N and NH3-N flows and microbial efficiency did not differ when comparing oscillating versus static CP (P > 0.05). However, there was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) for these variables when dietary CP was increased. These results indicate that either ruminal microorganisms do not respond to oscillating CP levels or are capable of coping with 48-h periods of undernourishment. PMID:28036405

Prevalence and consequence of subacute ruminal acidosis in Polish dairy herds.

PubMed

Stefańska, B; Nowak, W; Komisarek, J; Taciak, M; Barszcz, M; Skomiał, J

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in Polish high-yielding dairy herds. Also, the relationships between the chemical composition of the diet and the feed particle size, ruminal pH and the occurrence of this metabolic disease and the fermentation profile were determined. Rumen fluid samples were obtained from a total of 213 cows from nine dairy herds (≥20 cows per herd) via rumenocentesis. Almost 14% (30/213) of cows as acidotic (pH<5.6) were found, which is indicative of SARA. Moreover, 44% of the herds were classified as SARA-positive and 56% as SARA-negative. Results of the current study suggested that the physically effective NDF (NDF >1.18 mm) -to-starch ratio could be better indices than peNDF >1.18 mm to preventing the occurrence of SARA, and their level should not be lower than 1.00. Also, linear negative relationships between rumen fluid pH and concentration of propionate, valerate and total VFA were determined. According to the herd's SARA status and rumen fluid biochemical indices, there were significant differences between the pH of rumen fluid (p ≤ 0.01), concentrations of acetate (p ≤ 0.05), propionate (p ≤ 0.05), n-butyrate (p ≤ 0.01), n-valerate (p ≤ 0.01), the sum of VFA (p ≤ 0.01) and ammonia (p ≤ 0.05) in SARA-positive herds compared to SARA-negative herds. The better understanding the strategy of ruminant nutrition to coordinate energy conversion and the role of the ruminal pH in regulating N-NH 3 production, absorption through rumen mucosa, urea secretion, the more successfully we can utilize these processes with due recognition of animal needs and welfare, as well as prevention of SARA occurrence. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Volatile organic compound flux from manure of cattle fed diets differing in grain processing method and co-product inclusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hales, Kristin; Parker, David B.; Cole, N. Andy

2015-01-01

Odor emissions from livestock production have become increasingly important in the past decade. Odors derived from animal feeding operations are caused by odorous VOC emitted from the mixture of feces and urine, as well as feed and silage which may be experiencing microbial fermentation. Distillers grains are a by-product of corn grain fermentation used to produce fuel ethanol, and this industry has grown rapidly throughout the U.S. in past years. Therefore, the use of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) in feedlot cattle diets has also increased. The objective of this research was to determine specific VOC emissions from feces and urine or a mixture of both, from cattle fed steam flaked or dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diets containing either 0% or 30% WDGS. Flux of dimethyl trisulfide was greater from feces of cattle fed DRC than steam-flaked corn (SFC) diets. No other differences in flux from feces were detected across dietary treatments for phenol, 4-methylphenol, indole, skatole, dimethyl disulfide, and flux of volatile fatty acids (VFA) such as acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids (P > 0.15). Flux of skatole, acetic acid, and valeric acid from urine was greater for cattle fed SFC than DRC diets (P < 0.05). Moreover, dimethyl disulfide flux was greater for cattle fed DRC vs. SFC diets (P = 0.05). When evaluating WDGS inclusion in the diet, flux of acetic acid and heptanoic acid from urine was greater when cattle were fed diets containing 0% WDGS than 30% WDGS (P < 0.05). When combining urine and feces in the ratio in which they were excreted from the animal, flux of propionic acid was greater when cattle were fed DRC vs. SFC diets (P = 0.05). Based on these results, the majority of the VOC, VFA, and odor flux from cattle feeding operations is from the urine. Therefore, dietary strategies to reduce odor from cattle feeding facilities should primarily focus on reducing excretion of odorous compounds in the urine.

Functional Aromatic Poly(1,3,4-Oxadiazole-Ether)s with Benzimidazole Pendants: Synthesis, Thermal and Dielectric Studies

PubMed Central

Ganesh, Shimoga D.; Pai, Vasantakumar K.; Kariduraganavar, Mahadevappa Y.; Jayanna, Madhu B.

2014-01-01

Poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole-ether) with reactive carboxylic acid pendants was synthesized from solution polymerization via nucleophilic displacement polycondensation among 2,5-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (BFPOx) and 4,4′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) valeric acid (BHPA). Without altering the polymeric segments, benzimidazole modified poly(1,3,4-oxadiazole-ether)s were prepared by varying stoichiometric ratios of 1,2-phenylenediamine. The molecular structural characterization of these polymers was achieved by, FT-IR, NMR, TGA, elemental analysis, and analytical techniques. The weight-average molecular weight of virgin polymer with carboxylic acid functionality was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and was found to be 22400 (Mw/Mn = 2.07). All the synthesized polyethers were compressed into pellets and electrical contacts were established to perform dielectric properties. PMID:27437448

Effects of ω-Amino Acids and Related Compounds on Staphylococcal Infections in Mice: a Combined Prophylactic-Therapeutic Procedure 1

PubMed Central

Tsuchiya, Yoshiki; Tanaka, Kinji; Cook, Elton S.; Nutini, Leo G.

1970-01-01

By a short-term combined prophylactic-therapeutic procedure, the following compounds were found to be active against staphylococcal infections in Swiss mice: γ-aminobutyric acid, γ-amino-β-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB), δ-amino-valeric acid (DAVA), ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA), trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid (trans-AMCHA), taurine, and cysteic acid. Many of these compounds had displayed limited or no activity by a previously used prophylactic procedure. Although DAVA and GABOB were the most potent of the straight-chain ω-amino acids, trans-AMCHA displayed the greatest antistaphylococcic activity of the ω-amino acids thus far investigated. Homocarnosine (γ-aminobutyrl histidine, which also was active by the prophylactic procedure) equalled trans-AMCHA in activity. Taurine was similar in potency to DAVA, and the activity of cysteic acid approximated that of EACA. PMID:5422309

Influence of electrospun scaffolds prepared from distinct polymers on proliferation and viability of endothelial cells

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

Matveeva, V. G., E-mail: matveeva-vg@mail.ru; Antonova, L. V., E-mail: antonova.la@mail.ru; Velikanova, E. A.

We compared electrospun nonwoven scaffolds from polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate (PHBV)/polycaprolactone (PHBV/PCL). The surface of PHBV/PCL and PCL scaffolds was highly porous and consisted of randomly distributed fibers, whilst the surface of PLA scaffolds consisted of thin straight fibers, which located more sparsely, forming large pores. Culture of EA.hy 926 endothelial cells on these scaffolds during 7 days and further fluorescent microscopy demonstrated that the surface of PHBV/PCL scaffolds was most favorable for efficient adhesion, proliferation, and viability of endothelial cells. The lowest proliferation rate and cell viability were detected on PLA scaffolds. Therefore, PHBV/PCL electrospun nonwovenmore » scaffolds demonstrated the best results regarding endothelial cell proliferation and viability as compared to PCL and PLA scaffolds.« less

Optimization of VFAs and ethanol production with waste sludge used as the denitrification carbon source.

PubMed

Guo, Liang; Zhang, Jiawen; Yin, Li; Zhao, Yangguo; Gao, Mengchun; She, Zonglian

2015-01-01

An acidification metabolite such as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and ethanol could be used as denitrification carbon sources for solving the difficult problem of carbon source shortages and low nitrogen removal efficiency. A proper control of environmental factors could be essential for obtaining the optimal contents of VFAs and ethanol. In this study, suspended solids (SS), oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and shaking rate were chosen to investigate the interactive effects on VFAs and ethanol production with waste sludge. It was indicated that T-VFA yield could be enhanced at lower ORP and shaking rate. Changing the SS, ORP and shaking rate could influence the distribution of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric acids and ethanol. The optimal conditions for VFAs and ethanol production used as a denitrification carbon source were predicted by analyzing response surface methodology (RSM).

Effects of partial mixed rations and supplement amounts on milk production and composition, ruminal fermentation, bacterial communities, and ruminal acidosis.

PubMed

Golder, H M; Denman, S E; McSweeney, C; Wales, W J; Auldist, M J; Wright, M M; Marett, L C; Greenwood, J S; Hannah, M C; Celi, P; Bramley, E; Lean, I J

2014-09-01

Late-lactation Holstein cows (n=144) that were offered 15kg dry matter (DM)/cow per day of perennial ryegrass to graze were randomized into 24 groups of 6. Each group contained a fistulated cow and groups were allocated to 1 of 3 feeding strategies: (1) control (10 groups): cows were fed crushed wheat grain twice daily in the milking parlor and ryegrass silage at pasture; (2) partial mixed ration (PMR; 10 groups): PMR that was isoenergetic to the control diet and fed twice daily on a feed pad; (3) PMR+canola (4 groups): a proportion of wheat in the PMR was replaced with canola meal to produce more estimated metabolizable protein than other groups. Supplements were fed to the control and PMR cows at 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16kg of DM/d, and to the PMR+canola cows at 14 or 16kg of DM/d. The PMR-fed cows had a lower incidence of ruminal acidosis compared with controls, and ruminal acidosis increased linearly and quadratically with supplement fed. Yield of milk fat was highest in the PMR+canola cows fed 14 or 16kg of total supplement DM/d, followed by the PMR-fed cows, and was lowest in controls fed at these amounts; a similar trend was observed for milk fat percentage. Milk protein yield was higher in the PMR+canola cows fed 14 or 16kg of total supplement DM/d. Milk yield and milk protein percentage were not affected by feeding strategy. Milk, energy-corrected milk, and milk protein yields increased linearly with supplement fed, whereas milk fat percentage decreased. Ruminal butyrate and d-lactate concentrations, acetate-to-propionate ratio, (acetate + butyrate)/propionate, and pH increased in PMR-fed cows compared with controls for all supplement amounts, whereas propionate and valerate concentrations decreased. Ruminal acetate, butyrate, and ammonia concentrations, acetate-to-propionate ratio, (acetate + butyrate)/propionate, and pH linearly decreased with amounts of supplement fed. Ruminal propionate concentration linearly increased and valerate concentration linearly

Energy saving through LED in signaling functions for automotive exterior lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bony, Alexis; Hamami, Khaled; Tebbe, Frank; Mertens, Jens

2011-05-01

Safety considerations have always driven the way for improving exterior automotive lighting legal requirements. With the recent adoption of day-time running lamps for passenger cars, the steadily increasing need for reduction of vehicle power consumption has led to the introduction of LED-based day-time running lamps. Solutions with incandescent bulbs have also been implemented, as they present price advantages while offering limited design perspectives. In the meantime, technology developments has turned LED sources into ideal candidates for daytime running lamps by increasing their lumen per watt efficiency ratio towards values around 100 lm/W or higher. In this work, taking as an example the new Mercedes-Benz roadster SLK (R172), we present the first single LED daytime- running lamp, with a total power consumption below 5W per vehicle. After reviewing legal requirements, the optical and electronic concepts are discussed. Details on the tail lamp LED functions are also discussed, and particularly the advantages from the realization of fog lamp with LEDs.

Analytical theory of the hydrophobic effect of solutes in water.

PubMed

Urbic, Tomaz; Dill, Ken A

2017-09-01

We develop an analytical statistical-mechanical model for hydrophobic solvation in water. In this three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz-like model, two neighboring waters have three possible interaction states: a radial van der Waals interaction, a tetrahedral orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction, or no interaction. Nonpolar solutes are modeled as van der Waals particles of different radii. The model is sufficiently simple that we can calculate the partition function and thermal and volumetric properties of solvation versus temperature, pressure, and solute radius. Predictions are in good agreement with results of Monte Carlo simulations. And their trends agree with experiments on hydrophobic solute insertion. The theory shows that first-shell waters are more highly structured than bulk waters, because of hydrogen bonding, and that that structure melts out faster with temperature than it does in bulk waters. Because the theory is analytical, it can explore a broad range of solvation properties and anomalies of water, at minimal computational expense.

Simple model of hydrophobic hydration.

PubMed

Lukšič, Miha; Urbic, Tomaz; Hribar-Lee, Barbara; Dill, Ken A

2012-05-31

Water is an unusual liquid in its solvation properties. Here, we model the process of transferring a nonpolar solute into water. Our goal was to capture the physical balance between water's hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions in a model that is simple enough to be nearly analytical and not heavily computational. We develop a 2-dimensional Mercedes-Benz-like model of water with which we compute the free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and the heat capacity of transfer as a function of temperature, pressure, and solute size. As validation, we find that this model gives the same trends as Monte Carlo simulations of the underlying 2D model and gives qualitative agreement with experiments. The advantages of this model are that it gives simple insights and that computational time is negligible. It may provide a useful starting point for developing more efficient and more realistic 3D models of aqueous solvation.

A two-dimensional model of water: Theory and computer simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbič, T.; Vlachy, V.; Kalyuzhnyi, Yu. V.; Southall, N. T.; Dill, K. A.

2000-02-01

We develop an analytical theory for a simple model of liquid water. We apply Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) and integral equation theory (IET) for associative liquids to the MB model, which is among the simplest models of water. Water molecules are modeled as 2-dimensional Lennard-Jones disks with three hydrogen bonding arms arranged symmetrically, resembling the Mercedes-Benz (MB) logo. The MB model qualitatively predicts both the anomalous properties of pure water and the anomalous solvation thermodynamics of nonpolar molecules. IET is based on the orientationally averaged version of the Ornstein-Zernike equation. This is one of the main approximations in the present work. IET correctly predicts the pair correlation function of the model water at high temperatures. Both TPT and IET are in semi-quantitative agreement with the Monte Carlo values of the molar volume, isothermal compressibility, thermal expansion coefficient, and heat capacity. A major advantage of these theories is that they require orders of magnitude less computer time than the Monte Carlo simulations.

Three point-advancement closure for skin defects.

PubMed

Tamir, G; Birkby, C S; Berg, D

1999-10-01

Circular skin defects are common following Mohs' surgery. Traditional closure (primary, flap, or graft) may involve extensive surgery. Multidirectional advancement closures such as the purse-string closure have been advocated as another useful tool in such cases. To describe a variation on purse-string closure that, in certain cases, is an excellent alternative to other reconstructions, and will provide good cosmetic and functional outcome. A three-point anchoring suture is placed after undermining to advance the surrounding tissue toward the centre, creating a "Mercedes Benz" or tripod closure following removal of "dog-ears." Circular wounds in designated areas can be more easily closed, creating well-tolerated, favourable scars. Large wounds may be closed with the advantage of avoidance of larger flaps, of decreased wound healing compared to second intention, and of minimizing removal of healthy tissue. An initial trial of closure with this method does not limit subsequent use of other repairs should it be less than satisfactory.

Analytical theory of the hydrophobic effect of solutes in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, Tomaz; Dill, Ken A.

2017-09-01

We develop an analytical statistical-mechanical model for hydrophobic solvation in water. In this three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz-like model, two neighboring waters have three possible interaction states: a radial van der Waals interaction, a tetrahedral orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction, or no interaction. Nonpolar solutes are modeled as van der Waals particles of different radii. The model is sufficiently simple that we can calculate the partition function and thermal and volumetric properties of solvation versus temperature, pressure, and solute radius. Predictions are in good agreement with results of Monte Carlo simulations. And their trends agree with experiments on hydrophobic solute insertion. The theory shows that first-shell waters are more highly structured than bulk waters, because of hydrogen bonding, and that that structure melts out faster with temperature than it does in bulk waters. Because the theory is analytical, it can explore a broad range of solvation properties and anomalies of water, at minimal computational expense.

Substrate specificity of xenobiotic metabolizing esterases in the liver of two catfish species

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

Jaiswal, R.G.; Huang, T.L.; Obih, P.O.

1994-12-31

The preliminary studies were conducted on the characterization of substrate specificity in the liver microsomes and cytosol of two catfish species, Ictalurus punctatus and Ictalurus natalie. A series of five esters of p-nitrophenol were used as calorimetric substrates to assay the carboxylesterases. The substrate specificity of liver microsomal and cytosolic carboxylesterases were remarkably different from each other. The valerate ester of p-nitrophenol was most rapidly hydrolyzed by the microsomal carboxylesterases, whereas the prioponate ester was the best substrate for cytosolic carboxylesterases. The Ictalurus natalie catfish species were obtained from the Devil Swamp site of the Mississippi River Basin which ismore » known to be heavily contaminated with toxic and hazardous industrial wastes. These results will be discussed in relation to the responses of xenobiotic metabolizing esterases to environmental pollutants and their possible use as biomarkers.« less

Fifty-year flood-inundation maps for Nacaome, Honduras

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kresch, David L.; Mastin, M.C.; Olsen, T.D.

2002-01-01

After the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, maps of the areas and depths of 50-year-flood inundation at 15 municipalities in Honduras were prepared as a tool for agencies involved in reconstruction and planning. This report, which is one in a series of 15, presents maps of areas in the municipality of Nacaome that would be inundated by 50-year floods on Rio Nacaome, Rio Grande, and Rio Guacirope. Geographic Information System (GIS) coverages of the flood inundation are available on a computer in the municipality of Nacaome as part of the Municipal GIS project and on the Internet at the Flood Hazard Mapping Web page (http://mitchnts1.cr.usgs.gov/projects/floodhazard.html). These coverages allow users to view the flood inundation in much more detail than is possible using the maps in this report. Water-surface elevations for 50-year-floods on Rio Nacaome, Rio Grande, and Rio Guacirope at Nacaome were computed using HEC-RAS, a one-dimensional, steady-flow, step-backwater computer program. The channel and floodplain cross sections used in HEC-RAS were developed from an airborne light-detection-and-ranging (LIDAR) topographic survey of the area and ground surveys at two bridges. The estimated 50-year-flood discharge for Rio Nacaome at Nacaome, 5,040 cubic meters per second, was computed as the drainage-area-adjusted weighted average of two independently estimated 50-year-flood discharges for the gaging station Rio Nacaome en Las Mercedes, located about 13 kilometers upstream from Nacaome. One of the discharges, 4,549 cubic meters per second, was estimated from a frequency analysis of the 16 years of peak-discharge record for the gage, and the other, 1,922 cubic meters per second, was estimated from a regression equation that relates the 50-year-flood discharge to drainage area and mean annual precipitation. The weighted-average of the two discharges is 3,770 cubic meters per second. The 50-year-flood discharges for Rio Grande, 3,890 cubic meters per

78 FR 48769 - Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Daimler AG, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-09

... subject vehicles contain parking lamps that exceed the maximum designated candlepower output level... for parking lamps). Due to a programming issue in the electronic control unit, the voltage in the parking lamp circuit is 12.8 volts which is higher than the design voltage specification of 7 volts in the...

76 FR 28501 - Notice of Receipt of Petition for Decision That Nonconforming 2005 Mercedes-Benz 350 CLS...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-17

... 350 CLS Passenger Cars Are Eligible for Importation AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety... CLS passenger cars are eligible for importation. SUMMARY: This document announces receipt by the... 350 CLS passenger cars that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal...

76 FR 4421 - Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Daimler AG, Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-25

... company Daimler AG (DAG) has determined that certain 2002-2009 G-Class multipurpose vehicles, equipped... meet the requirements of paragraph S7.8.5 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108... of the subject vehicles and Daimler AG is the manufacturer of the vehicles. Daimler AG is organized...

Redirection of Metabolic Hydrogen by Inhibiting Methanogenesis in the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC)

PubMed Central

Guyader, Jessie; Ungerfeld, Emilio M.; Beauchemin, Karen A.

2017-01-01

A decrease in methanogenesis is expected to improve ruminant performance by allocating rumen metabolic hydrogen ([2H]) to more energy-rendering fermentation pathways for the animal. However, decreases in methane (CH4) emissions of up to 30% are not always linked with greater performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the fate of [2H] when CH4 production in the rumen is inhibited by known methanogenesis inhibitors (nitrate, NIT; 3-nitrooxypropanol, NOP; anthraquinone, AQ) in comparison with a control treatment (CON) with the Rumen Simulation Technique (RUSITEC). Measurements started after 1 week adaptation. Substrate disappearance was not modified by methanogenesis inhibitors. Nitrate mostly seemed to decrease [2H] availability by acting as an electron acceptor competing with methanogenesis. As a consequence, NIT decreased CH4 production (−75%), dissolved dihydrogen (H2) concentration (−30%) and the percentages of reduced volatile fatty acids (butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, caproate and heptanoate) except propionate, but increased acetate molar percentage, ethanol concentration and the efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (+14%) without affecting gaseous H2. Nitrooxypropanol decreased methanogenesis (−75%) while increasing both gaseous and dissolved H2 concentrations (+81% and +24%, respectively). Moreover, NOP decreased acetate and isovalerate molar percentages and increased butyrate, valerate, caproate and heptanoate molar percentages as well as n-propanol and ammonium concentrations. Methanogenesis inhibition with AQ (−26%) was associated with higher gaseous H2 production (+70%) but lower dissolved H2 concentration (−76%), evidencing a lack of relationship between the two H2 forms. Anthraquinone increased ammonium concentration, caproate and heptanoate molar percentages but decreased acetate and isobutyrate molar percentages, total microbial nitrogen production and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (�

HemoHIM improves ovarian morphology and decreases expression of nerve growth factor in rats with steroid-induced polycystic ovaries.

PubMed

Kim, Sung Ho; Lee, Hae June; Kim, Joong Sun; Moon, Changjong; Kim, Jong Choon; Bae, Chun Sik; Park, Hae Ran; Jung, Uhee; Jo, Sung Kee

2009-12-01

Estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovaries (PCOs) in rats cause the anovulation and cystic ovarian morphology. We investigated whether treatment with HemoHIM influences the ovarian morphology and the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in an EV-induced PCO rat model. PCO was induced by a single intramuscular injection of EV (4 mg, dissolved in sesame oil) in adult cycling rats. HemoHIM was either administered orally (100 mg/kg of body weight/day) for 35 consecutive days or injected intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg of body weight) every other day after EV injection. Ovarian morphology was almost normalized, and NGF was normalized in the PCO + HemoHIM group. HemoHIM lowered the high numbers of antral follicles and increased the number of corpora lutea in PCOs. The results are consistent with a beneficial effect of HemoHIM in the prevention and treatment of PCO syndrome.

Effect of trace metals and sulfite oxidation of adipic acid degradation in FGD systems. Final report Dec 81-May 82

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

Jarvis, J.B.; Terry, J.C.; Schubert, S.A.

The report gives results of the measurement of the adipic acid degradation rate in a bench-scale flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system, designed to simulate many of the important aspects of full-scale FGD systems. Results show that the adipic acid degradation rate depends on the sulfite oxidation rate, the adipic acid concentration, the presence of manganese in solution, and temperature. The degradation rate is also affected by pH, but only when manganese is present. Adipic acid degradation products identified in the liquid phase include valeric, butyric, propionic, succinic, and glutaric acids. When manganese was present, the predominant degradation products were succinicmore » and glutaric acids. Analysis of solids from the bench scale tests shows large concentrations of coprecipitated adipic acid in low oxidation sulfite solids. By contrast, low quantities of coprecipitated adipic acid were found in high oxidation gypsum solids.« less

Evaluation of Adsorption Characteristics of a Fibrous Adsorbent Containing Zwitter-Ionic Functional Group, Targeting Organic Acids.

PubMed

Nakazawa, Akira; Tang, Ning; Inoue, Yoshinori; Kamichatani, Waka; Katoh, Toshifumi; Saito, Mitsuru; Obara, Kenji; Toriba, Akira; Hayakawa, Kazuichi

2017-01-01

Diallylamine-maleic acid copolymer (DAM)-nonwoven fabric (DAM-f), a fibrous adsorbent, contains DAM with zwitter-ionic functional groups and forms a hydration layer on the surface. The aim of this report was to evaluate the adsorption selectivity of DAM-f to semi-volatile organic acid (C1-C5). In the aqueous phase, formic acid dissolved in the hydration layer bound to the imino group of DAM-f due to anion exchange interaction. In the gas phase, the adsorption amounts of organic acids increased with the exposure time. Moreover, the adsorption rate constants correlated with the air/water partition coefficients (log K aw ) for formic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid and isovaleric acid, except for acetic acid. These results indicate that DAM-f is highly selective to hydrophilic compounds which easily move from the air to the hydration layer of DAM-f.

[Ligands of cholinesterases of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine structure].

PubMed

Basova, N E; Kormilitsin, B N; Perchenok, A Yu; Rozengatt, E V; Saakov, V S; Suvorov, A A

2013-01-01

The paper is a review of literature data on interaction of the mammalian erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and blood serum butyrylcholinesterase with a group of isomer complex ester derivatives (acetates, propionates, butyrates, valerates, and isobutyrates) of bases and iodomethylates of ephedrine and its enantiomer pseudoephedrine. For 20 alkaloid monoesters, parameters of enzymatic hydrolysis are determined and their certain specificity toward acetylcholinesterase is revealed, whereas 5 diesters of iodomethylates of pseudoephedrine were hydrolyzed only by butyrylcholinesterase. The studied 20 aklaloid diesters and 10 trimethylammonium derivatives turned out to be non-competitive reversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and competitive inhibitors of butyrylcholinesterase. The performed for the first time isomer and enantiomer analysis "structure-efficiency" has shown that in most cases it is possible to state the greater comlementarity of the catalytical surface of enzymes for ligands of the pseudoephedrine structure, such differentiation being realized more often at the reversible inhibition of enzymes. pseudoephedrine.

Orientation-dependent integral equation theory for a two-dimensional model of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbič, T.; Vlachy, V.; Kalyuzhnyi, Yu. V.; Dill, K. A.

2003-03-01

We develop an integral equation theory that applies to strongly associating orientation-dependent liquids, such as water. In an earlier treatment, we developed a Wertheim integral equation theory (IET) that we tested against NPT Monte Carlo simulations of the two-dimensional Mercedes Benz model of water. The main approximation in the earlier calculation was an orientational averaging in the multidensity Ornstein-Zernike equation. Here we improve the theory by explicit introduction of an orientation dependence in the IET, based upon expanding the two-particle angular correlation function in orthogonal basis functions. We find that the new orientation-dependent IET (ODIET) yields a considerable improvement of the predicted structure of water, when compared to the Monte Carlo simulations. In particular, ODIET predicts more long-range order than the original IET, with hexagonal symmetry, as expected for the hydrogen bonded ice in this model. The new theoretical approximation still errs in some subtle properties; for example, it does not predict liquid water's density maximum with temperature or the negative thermal expansion coefficient.

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Effects of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement therapy on laryngeal tissue: a histopathological experimental animal study.

PubMed

Tatlipinar, Arzu; Günes, Pembegül; Ozbeyli, Dilek; Cimen, Burak; Gökçeer, Tanju

2011-12-01

To determine the histopathological effect of estrogen deficiency and hormone replacement treatment on laryngeal tissue in ovariectomized rats. Animal study. The study was conducted at the animal experiment laboratory of Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. Six-month-old female Wistar albino rats were divided into the following 3 groups (n = 8 per group): sham-operated control, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized with estrogen replacement. Rats in the ovariectomized with estrogen replacement group received 17 β-estradiol valerate (200 µg/kg, subcutaneously) once a week. Animals were killed after 8 weeks of intervention. Significant changes were observed in the ovariectomized group when edema in lamina propria, inflammation in squamous, respiratory epithelia and lamina propria, pseudostratification, and cilia loss were assessed. Except cilia loss, there were no significant differences in the assessments between the sham-operated control and ovariectomized with estrogen replacement groups. On the basis of histopathological evaluations, it was shown that estrogen replacement helped to improve laryngeal changes due to experimentally induced menopause.

Biofunctionalized Nanofibers Using Arthrospira (Spirulina) Biomass and Biopolymer

PubMed Central

de Morais, Michele Greque; Stillings, Christopher; Dersch, Roland; Rudisile, Markus; Pranke, Patrícia; Costa, Jorge Alberto Vieira; Wendorff, Joachim

2015-01-01

Electrospun nanofibers composed of polymers have been extensively researched because of their scientific and technical applications. Commercially available polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate (PHB-HV) copolymers are good choices for such nanofibers. We used a highly integrated method, by adjusting the properties of the spinning solutions, where the cyanophyte Arthrospira (formally Spirulina) was the single source for nanofiber biofunctionalization. We investigated nanofibers using PHB extracted from Spirulina and the bacteria Cupriavidus necator and compared the nanofibers to those made from commercially available PHB and PHB-HV. Our study assessed nanofiber formation and their selected thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. We found that nanofibers produced from Spirulina PHB and biofunctionalized with Spirulina biomass exhibited properties which were equal to or better than nanofibers made with commercially available PHB or PHB-HV. Our methodology is highly promising for nanofiber production and biofunctionalization and can be used in many industrial and life science applications. PMID:25667931

Induction of peroxisomal beta-oxidation by a microbial catabolite of cholic acid in rat liver and cultured rat hepatocytes.

PubMed Central

Nishimaki-Mogami, T; Takahashi, A; Toyoda, K; Hayashi, Y

1993-01-01

The capability of (4R)-4-(2,3,4,6,6a beta,7,8,9,9a alpha,9b beta-decahydro-6a beta-methyl-3-oxo-1H-cyclopental[f]quinolin-7 beta-yl)valeric acid (DCQVA), a catabolite of cholic acid produced by enterobacteria, to induce peroxisome proliferation in vivo and in vitro was studied. Rats given 0.3% DCQVA in the diet for 2 weeks showed marked increases in peroxisomal beta-oxidation, mitochondrial 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase and microsomal laurate omega-oxidation activities in the liver compared with control rats given the diet without DCQVA. Cultured rat hepatocytes treated with DCQVA for 72 h also exhibited greatly enhanced beta-oxidation activity. The increased activity was concentration-dependent and the effective concentrations were comparable with those of clofibric acid that produced the same degree of induction in the assay. The results demonstrate that DCQVA is a potent peroxisome proliferator that occurs naturally in rat intestine. PMID:8216219

Intrinsic gas production kinetics of selected intermediates in anaerobic filters for demand-orientated energy supply.

PubMed

Krümpel, Johannes Hagen; Illi, Lukas; Lemmer, Andreas

2018-03-01

As a consequence of a growing share of solar and wind power, recent research on biogas production highlighted a need for demand-orientated, flexible gas production to provide grid services and enable a decentralized stabilization of the electricity infrastructure. Two-staged anaerobic digestion is particularly suitable for shifting the methane production into times of higher demand due to the spatio-temporal separation of hydrolysis and methanogenesis. To provide a basis for predicting gas production in an anaerobic filter, kinetic parameters of gas production have been determined experimentally in this study. A new methodology is used, enabling their determination during continuous operation. An order in methane production rate could be established by comparing the half lives of methane production. The order was beginning with the fastest: acetic acid>ethanol>butyric acid>iso-butyric acid>valeric acid>propionic acid>1,2propanediol>lactic acid. However, the mixture of a natural hydrolysate from the acidification tank appeared to produce methane faster than all single components tested.

The one-stage autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion for sewage sludge treatment: stabilization process and mechanism.

PubMed

Liu, Shugen; Zhu, Nanwen; Li, Loretta Y

2012-01-01

Batch experiment was carried out in a simulated thermophilic aerobic digester to investigate the digestion process of one-stage autothermal thermophilic aerobic digester and to explore the sludge stabilization mechanism. Volatile solids removal was 38.4% at 408 h and 45.0% at 552 h. Chemical oxidation demand, total nitrogen, and ammonia nitrogen in supernatant increased rapidly up to 168 h, and all of them fluctuated moderately after 360 h. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulated rapidly up to 24 to 168 h, then declined sharply, reaching a low concentration after 312 h. Propionic, iso-valeric, and iso-butyric acids, in addition to acetic acids, were also the major components of VFA. As the biochemical metabolic process was inhibited under oxygen-deficiency condition, the digestion system can produce acetic, propionic, butyric acids and other VFA constituents to meet the demand for NAD(+) and maximize ATP generation. The ORP affected the VFA production and depletion as well as sulfate levels. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimized Carbonate and Ester-Based Li-Ion Electrolytes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smart, Marshall; Bugga, Ratnakumar

2008-01-01

To maintain high conductivity in low temperatures, electrolyte co-solvents have been designed to have a high dielectric constant, low viscosity, adequate coordination behavior, and appropriate liquid ranges and salt solubilities. Electrolytes that contain ester-based co-solvents in large proportion (greater than 50 percent) and ethylene carbonate (EC) in small proportion (less than 20 percent) improve low-temperature performance in MCMB carbon-LiNiCoO2 lithium-ion cells. These co-solvents have been demonstrated to enhance performance, especially at temperatures down to 70 C. Low-viscosity, ester-based co-solvents were incorporated into multi-component electrolytes of the following composition: 1.0 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) + ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) + X (1:1:8 volume percent) [where X = methyl butyrate (MB), ethyl butyrate EB, methyl propionate (MP), or ethyl valerate (EV)]. These electrolyte formulations result in improved low-temperature performance of lithium-ion cells, with dramatic results at temperatures below 40 C.

Long-term high-solids anaerobic digestion of food waste: Effects of ammonia on process performance and microbial community.

PubMed

Peng, Xuya; Zhang, ShangYi; Li, Lei; Zhao, Xiaofei; Ma, Yao; Shi, Dezhi

2018-04-22

A long-term high solids anaerobic digestion of food waste was conducted to identify microbial mechanisms of ammonia inhibition during digestion and to clarify correlations between ammonia accumulation, microbial community dynamics (diversity, composition, and interactions), and process stability. Results show that the effects of ammonia on process performance and microbial community were indirectly caused by volatile fatty acid accumulation. Excess free ammonia blocked acetate metabolism, leading to process instability. Accumulated acetate caused feedback inhibition at the acetogenesis stage, which resulted in considerable accumulation of propionate, valerate, and other long-chain fatty acids. This high concentration of volatile fatty acids reduced the abundance of syntrophic acetogenic bacteria and allowed hydrolytic fermentative bacteria to dominate. The normally interactive and orderly metabolic network was broken, which further exacerbated the process instability. These results improve the understanding of microbial mechanisms which contribute to process instability and provide guidance for the microbial management of anaerobic digesters. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Metabolomic Approach to Studying the Impact of Moderate Red-Wine Consumption on Urinary Metabolome.

PubMed

Esteban-Fernández, Adelaida; Ibañez, Clara; Simó, Carolina; Bartolomé, Begoña; Moreno-Arribas, M Victoria

2018-04-06

Moderate red-wine consumption has been widely described to exert several benefits in human health. This is mainly due to its unique content of bioactive polyphenols, which suffer several modifications along their pass through the digestive system, including microbial transformation in the colon and phase-II metabolism, until they are finally excreted in urine and feces. To determine the impact of moderate wine consumption in the overall urinary metabolome of healthy volunteers ( n = 41), samples from a red-wine interventional study (250 mL/day, 28 days) were investigated. Urine (24 h) was collected before and after intervention and analyzed by an untargeted ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry metabolomics approach. 94 compounds linked to wine consumption, including specific wine components (tartaric acid), microbial-derived phenolic metabolites (5-(dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactones and 4-hydroxyl-5-(phenyl)-valeric acids), and endogenous compounds were identified. Also, some relationships between parallel fecal and urinary metabolomes are discussed.

Instability mechanisms and early warning indicators for mesophilic anaerobic digestion of vegetable waste.

PubMed

Li, Dong; Chen, Lin; Liu, Xiaofeng; Mei, Zili; Ren, Haiwei; Cao, Qin; Yan, Zhiying

2017-12-01

In order to elucidate the instability mechanism, screen early warning indicators, and propose control measures, the mesophilic digestion of vegetable waste (VW) was carried out at organic loading rates (OLR) of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5g volatile solid (VS)/(Ld). The process parameters, including biogas components, volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia, pH, total alkalinity (TA), bicarbonate alkalinity (BA), and intermediate alkalinity (IA), were monitored every day. Digestion was inhibited at OLR of 1.5gVS/(Ld). The primary causes of instability are a high sugar and negligible ammonia content, in addition to the feed without effluent recirculation, which led to BA loss. The ratios of CH 4 /CO 2 , VFA/BA, propionate, n-butyrate and iso-valerate were selected as early warning indicators. In order to maintain the digestion of VW at a high OLR, control measures including effluent recirculation and trace element addition are recommended. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving production of volatile fatty acids from food waste fermentation by hydrothermal pretreatment.

PubMed

Yin, Jun; Wang, Kun; Yang, Yuqiang; Shen, Dongsheng; Wang, Meizhen; Mo, Han

2014-11-01

Food waste (FW) was pretreated by a hydrothermal method and then fermented for volatile fatty acid (VFAs) production. The soluble substance in FW increased after hydrothermal pretreatment (⩽200 °C). Higher hydrothermal temperature would lead to mineralization of the organic compounds. The optimal temperature for organic dissolution was 180 °C, at which FW dissolved 42.5% more soluble chemical oxygen demand than the control. VFA production from pretreated FW fermentation was significantly enhanced compared with the control. The optimal hydrothermal temperature was 160 °C with a VFA yield of 0.908 g/g VSremoval. Butyrate and acetate were the prevalent VFAs followed by propionate and valerate. FW fermentation was inhibited after 200 °C pretreatment. The VFAs were extracted from the fermentation broth by liquid-liquid extraction. The VFA recovery was 50-70%. Thus, 0.294-0.411 g VFAs could be obtained per gram of hydrothermally pretreated FW (in dry weight) by this method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Isolation and characterization of bacterium producing lipid from short-chain fatty acids.

PubMed

Okamura, Yoshiko; Nakai, Shota; Ohkawachi, Masahiko; Suemitsu, Masahiro; Takahashi, Hirokazu; Aki, Tsunehiro; Matsumura, Yukihiko; Tajima, Takahisa; Nakashimada, Yutaka; Matsumoto, Mitsufumi

2016-02-01

Anaerobic fermentation generates propionic acid, which inhibits microbial growth and accumulates in wastewater containing increased amounts of organic matter. We therefore isolated a propionic acid-assimilating bacterium that could produce triacylglycerol, for use in wastewater treatment. Nitratireductor sp. strain OM-1 can proliferate in medium containing propionic, acetic, butyric, and valeric acids as well as glycerol, and produces triacylglycerol when both propionic and acetic acids or glycerol are present. In composite model wastewater containing acetic acid, propionic acid and glycerol, this strain shows an even higher conversion rate, suggesting that it is suitable for wastewater treatment. Further, nitrogen depletion in medium containing an acetic-propionic acid mixture resulted in the production of the light oil 2-butenoic acid 1-methylethyl ester, but not triacylglycerol. Collectively, our data indicate that strain OM-1 has the potential to reduce accumulation of activated sludge in wastewater treatment and may contribute to the production of biodiesel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Analysis of the effects on menopausal symptoms, quality of Life, and cardiovascular risk factors of five different therapy in women at early stage of menopause].

PubMed

Xue, W; Sun, A J; Zheng, T P; Jiang, J F; Wang, Y P; Zhang, Y; Chen, F L; Deng, Y; Wang, Y F

2016-08-02

To explore the effects of five different therapy in women at early stage of menopause on menopausal symptoms, quality of Life and cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 140 women at early stage of menopause were randomly divided into five groups. Thirty women took Conjugated estrogen and medroxyprogesterone acetate(CEE+ MPA) sequential therapy, 27 women took estradiol valerate and medroxyprogesterone acetate(E2V+ MPA) sequential therapy, 26 women took estradiol valerate and Progesterone Soft Capsules(E2V+ P) sequential therapy, 30 women took Kuntai capsule, and 27 took Cohosh extract.Patients in the Menopausal Hormone Therapy(MHT) groups took twelve cycles of treatment course, in the botanical drug and Chinese patent drug groups took twelve months. The KMI scalewas used to measure the level of menopausal symptoms. MENQOL scale was used to measure the health-related quality of life before and at the 3(rd) month, 6(th) month, 9(rd) month and 12(th) month after the treatment. Some serological indicators which related to cardiovascular risk factors were collected before and at the 12(th) month after the treatment. (1) KMI: It showed that the KMI in five groups after the treatment were significantly different(P<0.01), the group of CEE+ MPA decreased most(13±1). The KMI after the treatment were all significantly lower than that before. (2)MENQOL: It showed that the MENQOL in five groups were significantly different(P<0.01), the group of CEE+ MPA decreased most (84±3), then the group of Kuntai(85±3). The MENQOL after the treatment were all significantly lower than that before. (3)The change of cardiovascular risk factors: it showed that the serological indicators FBGin group of CEE+ MPA after the treatment were significantly lower than that before(P<0.05); the TC, LDL, FI in group of E2V+ MPA after the treatment were significantly lower than that before(P<0.05); the FBG, FI in group of E2V+ P after the treatment were significantly lower than that before(P<0.05). The

In vivo indices for predicting acidosis risk of grains in cattle: Comparison with in vitro methods.

PubMed

Lean, I J; Golder, H M; Black, J L; King, R; Rabiee, A R

2013-06-01

Our objective was to evaluate a near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) used in the feed industry to estimate the potential for grains to increase the risk of ruminal acidosis. The existing NIRS calibration was developed from in sacco and in vitro measures in cattle and grain chemical composition measurements. To evaluate the existing model, 20 cultivars of 5 grain types were fed to 40 Holstein heifers using a grain challenge protocol and changes in rumen VFA, ammonia, lactic acids, and pH that are associated with acidosis were measured. A method development study was performed to determine a grain feeding rate sufficient to induce non-life threatening but substantial ruminal changes during grain challenge. Feeding grain at a rate of 1.2% of BW met these criteria, lowering rumen pH (P = 0.01) and increasing valerate (P < 0.01) and propionate concentrations (P = 0.01). Valerate was the most discriminatory measure indicating ruminal change during challenge. Heifers were assigned using a row by column design in an in vivo study to 1 of 20 grain cultivars and were reassigned after a 9 d period (n = 4 cattle/treatment). The test grains were dry rolled oats (n = 3), wheat (n = 6), barley (n = 4), triticale (n = 4), and sorghum (n = 3) cultivars. Cattle were adapted to the test grain and had ad libitum access to grass silage 11 d before the challenge. Feed was withheld for 14 h before challenge feeding with 0.3 kg DM of silage followed by the respective test grain fed at 1.2% of BW. A rumen sample was taken by stomach tube 5, 65, 110, 155, and 200 min after grain consumption. The rumen is not homogenous and samples of rumen fluid obtained by stomach tube will differ from those gained by other methods. Rumen pH was measured immediately; individual VFA, ammonia, and D- and L-lactate concentrations were analyzed later. Rumen pH (P = 0.002) and all concentrations of fermentation products differed among grains (P = 0.001). A previously defined discriminant score

Comparison of fermentation of diets of variable composition and microbial populations in the rumen of sheep and Rusitec fermenters. I. Digestibility, fermentation parameters, and microbial growth.

PubMed

Martínez, M E; Ranilla, M J; Tejido, M L; Ramos, S; Carro, M D

2010-08-01

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated sheep and 8 Rusitec fermenters were used to determine the effects of forage to concentrate (F:C) ratio and type of forage in the diet on ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis. The purpose of the study was to assess how closely fermenters can mimic the dietary differences found in vivo. The 4 experimental diets contained F:C ratios of 70:30 or 30:70 with either alfalfa hay or grass hay as the forage. Microbial growth was determined in both systems using (15)N as a microbial marker. Rusitec fermenters detected differences between diets similar to those observed in sheep by changing F:C ratio on pH; neutral detergent fiber digestibility; total volatile fatty acid concentrations; molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and caproate; and amylase activity. In contrast, Rusitec fermenters did not reproduce the dietary differences found in sheep for NH(3)-N and lactate concentrations, dry matter (DM) digestibility, proportions of isobutyrate and valerate, carboxymethylcellulase and xylanase activities, and microbial growth and its efficiency. Regarding the effect of the type of forage in the diet, Rusitec fermenters detected differences between diets similar to those found in sheep for most determined parameters, with the exception of pH, DM digestibility, butyrate proportion, and carboxymethylcellulase activity. Minimum pH and maximal volatile fatty acid concentrations were reached at 2h and at 6 to 8h postfeeding in sheep and fermenters, respectively, indicating that feed fermentation was slower in fermenters compared with that in sheep. There were differences between systems in the magnitude of most determined parameters. In general, fermenters showed lower lactate concentrations, neutral detergent fiber digestibility, acetate:propionate ratios, and enzymatic activities. On the contrary, fermenters showed greater NH(3)-N concentrations, DM digestibility, and proportions of propionate

Inclusion of psyllium in milk replacer for neonatal calves. 2. Effects on volatile fatty acid concentrations, microbial populations, and gastrointestinal tract size.

PubMed

Cannon, S J; Fahey, G C; Pope, L L; Bauer, L L; Wallace, R L; Miller, B L; Drackley, J K

2010-10-01

Fermentable fibers such as psyllium increase volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the lower digestive tract and increase the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) mass of many mammals. We reasoned that psyllium inclusion in milk replacer might produce similar effects in neonatal dairy calves, which could lead to improved growth and health. Male Holstein calves were fed a milk replacer (22% crude protein, 20% fat) either without or with psyllium (1.1% of dry matter, DM) from 2 d through 28 d of age. Milk replacer was reconstituted to 12.5% DM and fed at 12% of calf body weight, adjusted weekly. Water was offered ad libitum but no starter was fed. Three calves per treatment were harvested weekly to sample digesta from the reticulo-rumen, abomasum, jejunum, proximal colon, and distal colon, and to determine length and mass of GIT components. Psyllium in milk replacer increased the proportion of butyrate in reticulo-rumen contents from 2.4 to 3.2% of total but did not affect total VFA concentrations. Total VFA concentrations were very low in the jejunum but psyllium tended to increase total VFA, acetate, and valerate concentrations; valerate accounted for 15.9 and 16.7% of total VFA (molar basis) for control and psyllium calves, respectively. Psyllium increased total VFA concentrations in the proximal and distal colon by 104.4 and 45.6%, respectively, but had little effect on the profile of VFA. Psyllium in milk replacer increased populations of bifidobacteria (from 9.7 to 10.3 log(10) cfu/g of DM) and lactobacilli (from 8.2 to 9.4 log(10) cfu/g of DM) in the reticulo-rumen, but did not affect populations in jejunum or colon. Calves fed psyllium had 12.0% greater total GIT mass and 9.4% greater GIT as a percentage of body weight. Psyllium tended to increase mass of the reticulo-rumen and significantly increased mass of duodenum (34.2%), jejunum (14.5%), and colon (14.6%). Density of intestinal tissues from calves fed psyllium-supplemented milk replacer was 25.9% greater

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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Bifurcation phenomena in cylindrical convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuckerman, Laurette; Boronska, K.; Bordja, L.; Martin-Witkowski, L.; Navarro, M. C.

2008-11-01

We present two bifurcation scenarios occurring in Rayleigh-Benard convection in a small-aspect-ratio cylinder. In water (Pr=6.7) with R/H=2, Hof et al. (1999) observed five convective patterns at Ra=14200. We have computed 14 stable and unstable steady branches, as well as novel time-dependent branches. The resulting complicated bifurcation diagram, can be partitioned according to azimuthal symmetry. For example, three-roll and dipole states arise from an m=1 bifurcation, four-roll and ``pizza'' branches from m=2, and the ``mercedes'' state from an m=3 bifurcation after successive saddle-node bifurcations via ``marigold'', ``mitsubishi'' and ``cloverleaf'' states. The diagram represents a compromise between the physical tendency towards parallel rolls and the mathematical requirement that primary bifurcations be towards trigonometric states. Our second investigation explores the effect of exact counter-rotation of the upper and lower bounding disks on axisymmetric flows with Pr=1 and R/H=1. The convection threshold increases and, for sufficiently high rotation, the instability becomes oscillatory. Limit cycles originating at the Hopf bifurcation are annihilated when their period becomes infinite at saddle-node-on-periodic-orbit (SNOPER) bifurcations.

Dynamics of Proton Spin: Role of qqq Force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, A. N.

The analytic structure of the qqq wave function, obtained recently in the high momentum regime of QCD, is employed for the formulation of baryonic transition amplitudes via quark loops. A new aspect of this study is the role of a direct (Y -shaped, Mercedes-Benz type) qqq force in generating the qqq wave function The dynamics is that of a Salpeter-like equation (3D support for the kernel) formulated covariantly on the light front, a la Markov-Yukawa Transversality Principle (MYTP) which warrants a 2-way interconnection between the 3D and 4D Bethe-Salpeter (BSE) forms for 2 as well as 3 fermion quarks. The dynamics of this 3-body force shows up through a characteristic singularity in the hypergeometric differential equation for the 3D wave function ϕ, corresponding to a negative eigenvalue of the spin operator iσ1·σ2 × σ3 which is an integral part of the qqq force. As a first application of this wave function to the problem of the proton spin anomaly, the two-gluon contribution to the anomaly yields an estimate of the right sign, although somewhat smaller in magnitude.

Liquid-liquid critical point in a simple analytical model of water.

PubMed

Urbic, Tomaz

2016-10-01

A statistical model for a simple three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water was used to study phase diagrams. This model on a simple level describes the thermal and volumetric properties of waterlike molecules. A molecule is presented as a soft sphere with four directions in which hydrogen bonds can be formed. Two neighboring waters can interact through a van der Waals interaction or an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. For pure water, we explored properties such as molar volume, density, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and isothermal compressibility and found that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with temperature as in real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. The model exhibits also two critical points for liquid-gas transition and transition between low-density and high-density fluid. Coexistence curves and a Widom line for the maximum and minimum in thermal expansion coefficient divides the phase space of the model into three parts: in one part we have gas region, in the second a high-density liquid, and the third region contains low-density liquid.

Liquid-liquid critical point in a simple analytical model of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, Tomaz

2016-10-01

A statistical model for a simple three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz model of water was used to study phase diagrams. This model on a simple level describes the thermal and volumetric properties of waterlike molecules. A molecule is presented as a soft sphere with four directions in which hydrogen bonds can be formed. Two neighboring waters can interact through a van der Waals interaction or an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. For pure water, we explored properties such as molar volume, density, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and isothermal compressibility and found that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with temperature as in real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. The model exhibits also two critical points for liquid-gas transition and transition between low-density and high-density fluid. Coexistence curves and a Widom line for the maximum and minimum in thermal expansion coefficient divides the phase space of the model into three parts: in one part we have gas region, in the second a high-density liquid, and the third region contains low-density liquid.

Anaerobic accumulation of short-chain fatty acids from algae enhanced by damaging cell structure and promoting hydrolase activity.

PubMed

Feng, Leiyu; Chen, Yunzhi; Chen, Xutao; Duan, Xu; Xie, Jing; Chen, Yinguang

2018-02-01

Short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) produced from harvested algae by anaerobic fermentation with uncontrolled pH was limited due to the solid cell structure of algae. This study, therefore, was undertaken to enhance the generation of SCFAs from algae by controlling the fermentation pH. pH influenced not only the total SCFAs production, but the percentage of individual SCFA. The maximal yield of SCFAs occurred at pH 10.0 and fermentation time of 6 d (3161 mg COD/L), which mainly contained acetic and iso-valeric acids and was nearly eight times that at uncontrolled pH (392 mg COD/L). Mechanism exploration revealed at alkaline pH, especially at pH 10.0, not only the cell structure of algae was damaged effectively, but also activities and relative quantification of hydrolases as well as the abundance of microorganisms responsible for organics hydrolysis and SCFAs production were improved. Also, the released microcystins from algae were removed efficiently during alkaline anaerobic fermentation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topical hydrocortisone 17-butyrate 21-propionate in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases: pharmacological data, clinical efficacy, safety and calculation of the therapeutic index.

PubMed

Fölster-Holst, R; Abeck, D; Torrelo, A

2016-03-01

Hydrocortisone 17-butyrate 21-propionate (hydrocortisone buteprate, HBP) is a medium potent, non-halogenated double-ester of hydrocortisone with a favorable benefit/risk ratio for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. HBP is available as a 0.1% cream or ointment formulation. Good results were obtained with a once-daily topical treatment. HBP is characterized by a strong topical anti-inflammatory activity and weak systemic action. It is considered to have potency comparable to that of betamethasone 17-valerate (BV), but its systemic effects are less pronounced. HBP was shown to have a good efficacy in the treatment of various oozing and lichenified eczematous skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD) and in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Even in very young children, HBP proved successful as an effective and safe drug. A therapeutic index of 2.0 can be attributed to this glucocorticoid. In this respect, there is no difference between topical HBP and other topical glucocorticoids with increased benefit/risk ratio, e.g. prednicarbate (PC), methylprednisolone aceponate (MPA) and mometasone furoate (MM).

The enzymes of biotin dependent CO2 metabolism: What structures reveal about their reaction mechanisms

PubMed Central

Waldrop, Grover L; Holden, Hazel M; Maurice, Martin St

2012-01-01

Biotin is the major cofactor involved in carbon dioxide metabolism. Indeed, biotin-dependent enzymes are ubiquitous in nature and are involved in a myriad of metabolic processes including fatty acid synthesis and gluconeogenesis. The cofactor, itself, is composed of a ureido ring, a tetrahydrothiophene ring, and a valeric acid side chain. It is the ureido ring that functions as the CO2 carrier. A complete understanding of biotin-dependent enzymes is critically important for translational research in light of the fact that some of these enzymes serve as targets for anti-obesity agents, antibiotics, and herbicides. Prior to 1990, however, there was a dearth of information regarding the molecular architectures of biotin-dependent enzymes. In recent years there has been an explosion in the number of three-dimensional structures reported for these proteins. Here we review our current understanding of the structures and functions of biotin-dependent enzymes. In addition, we provide a critical analysis of what these structures have and have not revealed about biotin-dependent catalysis. PMID:22969052

Estrus synchronization in sheep with synthetic progestagens.

PubMed

Awel, Hayatu; Eshetu, Lisanework; Tadesse, Gebrehiwot; Birhanu, Alemselam; Khar, S K

2009-10-01

Sixteen female sheep of Degua breed were assigned to receive either the full dose of norgestomet ear implant and injectable solution containing norgestomet and estradiol valerate (n = 8) or half the dose (n = 8). The ear implants were removed in both groups on day 12. All ewes received an intramuscular administration of 500 IU PMSG at implant withdrawal. Synchronized ewes were individually hand mated twice at 48 and 60 hours after implant removal. One ewe in each group however refused mating on both occasions. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted by bimanual external palpation 90 to 100 days post mating. The conception rates (3/7, 42.85%) and (5/7, 71.42%) were recorded in the two treatment groups, respectively. All eight ewes lambed between 145 to 153 days post mating. In group I ewes carried only singletons (prolificity rate 1.0) whereas in group II two ewes delivered twins, producing 7 lambs with prolificity rate of 1.4 (N.S). From this preliminary investigation it appears that the lower dose of norgestomet ear implants offers better option for estrus synchronization accompanied by higher fertility.

Comparative in vitro fermentations of cranberry and grape seed polyphenols with colonic microbiota.

PubMed

Sánchez-Patán, Fernando; Barroso, Elvira; van de Wiele, Tom; Jiménez-Girón, Ana; Martín-Alvarez, Pedro J; Moreno-Arribas, M Victoria; Martínez-Cuesta, M Carmen; Peláez, Carmen; Requena, Teresa; Bartolomé, Begoña

2015-09-15

In this study, we have assessed the phenolic metabolism of a cranberry extract by microbiota obtained from the ascending colon and descending colon compartments of a dynamic gastrointestinal simulator (SHIME). For comparison, parallel fermentations with a grape seed extract were carried out. Extracts were used directly without previous intestinal digestion. Among the 60 phenolic compounds targeted, our results confirmed the formation of phenylacetic, phenylpropionic and benzoic acids as well as phenols such as catechol and its derivatives from the action of colonic microbiota on cranberry polyphenols. Benzoic acid (38.4μg/ml), 4-hydroxy-5-(3'-hydroxyphenyl)-valeric acid (26.2μg/ml) and phenylacetic acid (19.5μg/ml) reached the highest concentrations. Under the same conditions, microbial degradation of grape seed polyphenols took place to a lesser extent compared to cranberry polyphenols, which was consistent with the more pronounced antimicrobial effect observed for the grape seed polyphenols, particularly against Bacteroides, Prevotella and Blautia coccoides-Eubacterium rectale. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anti-Androgenic Activity of Nardostachys jatamansi DC and Tribulus terrestris L. and Their Beneficial Effects on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Induced Rat Models.

PubMed

Sandeep, Palakkil Mavilavalappil; Bovee, Toine F H; Sreejith, Krishnan

2015-08-01

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major hyperandrogenic disorder. Many drugs prescribed specifically to treat PCOS have side effects; however, previous studies suggest that natural therapeutics including botanicals may be less invasive and equally effective for the management of PCOS. In the present study, plants were screened for antiandrogenic activity using the RIKILT yeast Androgen bioAssay (RAA). Selected positive plants were subsequently tested for their efficacy against PCOS induced by estradiol valerate (EV) in rat models. RAA revealed the antiandrogenic property of Nardostachys jatamansi DC (NJ), Tribulus terrestris L. (TT), and Embelia tsjeriam-cottam DC (EJ), whereas Whithania somnifera Dunal (WS), Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (SR), and Helicteres isora L. (HI) exhibited androgenic properties. EJ also exhibited mild androgenic activity and therefore was excluded from further study. EV administration reduced the weight gain and disrupted cyclicity in all rats. NJ and TT extract treatment normalized estrous cyclicity and steroidal hormonal levels and regularized ovarian follicular growth. The in vitro antiandrogenic activity of plant extracts and their positive effects on different parameters of PCOS were proved in vivo.

Microbial fuel cells operating on mixed fatty acids.

PubMed

Freguia, Stefano; Teh, Ee Hoi; Boon, Nico; Leung, Kar Man; Keller, Jurg; Rabaey, Korneel

2010-02-01

Strategies are being developed to harvest the energy content of the wasted sludge generated from the treatment of domestic wastewater. Sludge can be hydrolysed and fermented, giving a mixture of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Based on the composition of such a fermented stream, synthetic media were created and tested for VFA conversion in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Mainly acetate and propionate were preferred as electron donors in the mixed VFA system, which generated a power density of 49+/-1 mW L(NAC)(-1). The other VFAs (butyrates/valerates/caproic acid) were also removed, albeit at lower rates. In single VFA tests, each VFA could be removed, but particularly i-butyrate did not provide significant current generation. PCR-DGGE indicated that the microbial community structure was highly determined by the fed VFA, rather than by the initial inoculum. The communities were dominated by Proteobacteria such as Geobacter, Comamonas, Pseudomonas and Pelobacter species. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using fatty acids, as present in fermented sludge hydrolysates, for current generation.

Anaerobic digestion of cattail by rumen cultures.

PubMed

Hu, Zhen-Hu; Yu, Han-Qing

2006-01-01

The anaerobic digestion of aquatic plants could serve the dual roles for producing renewable energy and reducing waste. In this study, the anaerobic digestion of cattail (Typha latifolia linn), a lignocellulosic aquatic plant, by rumen microorganisms in batch cultures was investigated. At a substrate level of 12.4 g/l volatile solids (VS) and pH 6.7, maximum VS conversion of 66% was achieved within an incubation time of 125 h. However, a decrease in pH from 6.7 to 5.8 resulted in a marked reduction in VS conversion. The total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) yield was about 0.56 g/g VS digested. Acetate and propionate were the major aqueous fermentation products, while butyrate, i-butyrate and valerate were also formed in smaller quantities. Biogas that was produced was composed of carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen. A modified Gompertz equation was developed to describe substrate consumption and product formation. The hydrolysis of insoluble components was the rate-limiting step in the anaerobic digestion of cattail.

HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis of body odor to test the efficacy of foot deodorant formulations.

PubMed

Caroprese, Alessandro; Gabbanini, Simone; Beltramini, Claudia; Lucchi, Elena; Valgimigli, Luca

2009-11-01

Foot malodor is mostly due to short-chain fatty acids produced by bacterial metabolism of eccrine sweating. We aimed to develop a protocol for an objective (instrumental) efficacy evaluation of foot deodorant formulations. Head-space solid-phase microextractions of target fatty acids from the feet of six healthy volunteers were analyzed by GC-MS. A comparative analysis of the treated vs. the untreated foot was performed in each subject after washing the feet with a physiologic solution and incubating at 36 degrees C for 24-72 h in tryptic soy agar growth medium. Acetic, butyric, isobutyric and isovaleric acids were identified as the main contributors to foot malodor in the majority of volunteers. Propionic, valeric and isocaproic acids were also detected in some subjects. Comparative analysis according to the protocol developed showed a statistically significant (P<0.01) reduction of target fatty acids ranging from -26.6% to -77.0%. The protocol developed is a convenient, sensitive and non-invasive method to test the efficacy of foot deodorant formulations in human volunteers.

Fermentation of wet-exploded corn stover for the production of volatile fatty acids.

PubMed

Murali, Nanditha; Fernandez, Sebastian; Ahring, Birgitte Kiaer

2017-03-01

Volatile fatty acids (VFA) have been used as platform molecules for production of biofuels and bioproducts. In the current study, we examine the VFA production from wet-exploded corn stover through anaerobic fermentation using rumen bacteria. The total VFA yield (acetic acid equivalents) was found to increase from 22.8g/L at 2.5% total solids (TS) to 40.8g/L at 5% TS. It was found that the acetic acid concentration increased from 10g/L to 22g/L at 2.5% and 5% TS, respectively. An increased propionic acid production was seen between day 10 and 20 at 5% TS. Valeric acid (4g/L) was produced at 5% TS and not at 2.5% TS. Composition analysis showed that 50% of the carbohydrates were converted to VFA at 5% TS and 33% at 2.5% TS. Our results show that rumen fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass after wet explosion can produce high concentrations of VFA without addition of external enzymes of importance for the process economics of lignocellulosic biorefineries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anaerobic digestion of tuna waste for the production of volatile fatty acids.

PubMed

Bermúdez-Penabad, Noela; Kennes, Christian; Veiga, Maria C

2017-10-01

Fish canning industries generate a significant amount of solid waste that can be digested anaerobically into volatile fatty acids (VFA). The aim of this research was to study the effect of various pHs, ranging from 5.0 to 10.0, and percentage of total solids on the anaerobic digestion of tuna waste into VFA, both in batch assays and continuous reactor. The production of VFA was affected by pH and was significantly higher under alkaline conditions. At pH 8.0, the VFA production reached 30,611mgCOD/L. The VFA mainly consisted of acetic, propionic, n-butyric and i-valeric acids. Acetic acid was the main product at all the pHs tested. In terms of total solids (TS) the best results were obtained with 2.5% total solids, reaching 0.73gCOD VFA /gCOD waste . At higher TS concentrations (5 and 8% TS) lower yields were reached probably due to inhibition at high VFA concentration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organic loading rate effect on the acidogenesis of cheese whey: a comparison between UASB and SBR reactors.

PubMed

Calero, R; Iglesias-Iglesias, R; Kennes, C; Veiga, M C

2017-09-16

Volatile fatty acids (VFA) production and degree of acidification (DA) were investigated in the anaerobic treatment of cheese whey by comparison of two processes: a continuous process using a laboratory upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and a discontinuous process using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). The main purpose of this work was to study the organic loading rate (OLR) effect on the yield of VFA in two kinds of reactors. The predominant products in the acidogenic process in both reactors were: acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate. The maximum DA obtained was 98% in an SBR at OLR of 2.7 g COD L -1 d -1 , and 97% in the UASB at OLR at 15.1 g COD L -1 d -1 . The results revealed that the UASB reactor was more efficient at a medium OLR with a higher VFA yield, while with the SBR reactor, the maximum acidification was obtained at a lower OLR with changes in the VFA profile at different OLRs applied.

H2 production with anaerobic sludge using activated-carbon supported packed-bed bioreactors.

PubMed

Lee, Kuo-Shing; Lo, Yung-Sheng; Lo, Yung-Chung; Lin, Ping-Jei; Chang, Jo-Shu

2003-01-01

Packed-bed bioreactors containing activated carbon as support carrier were used to produce H2 anaerobically from a sucrose-limiting medium while acclimated sewage sludge was used as the H2 producer. The effects of bed porosity (epsilon(b)) and substrate loading rate on H2 fermentation were examined using packed beds with epsilon(b) of 70-90% being operated at hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 0.5-4 h. Higher epsilon(b) and lower HRT favored H2 production. With 20 g COD l(-1) of sucrose in the feed, the optimal H2 production rate (7.4 l h(-1) l(-1)) was obtained when the bed with epsilon(b) = 90% was operated at HRT = 0.5 h. Flocculation of cells enhanced the retention of sludge for stable operations of the bioreactor at low HRTs. The gas products resulting from fermentative H2 production consisted of 30-40% H2 and 60-70% CO2. Butyric acid was the primary soluble product, followed by propionic acid and valeric acid.

Estrogen supplementation attenuates glucocorticoid and catecholamine responses to mental stress in perimenopausal women.

PubMed

Komesaroff, P A; Esler, M D; Sudhir, K

1999-02-01

Estrogens are reported to provide protection against the development of cardiovascular disease in women, but the mechanisms underlying these effects are not well defined. We hypothesized that estrogen might affect the hormonal responses to stress. We therefore studied cortisol, ACTH, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and norepinephrine spillover and hemodynamic responses to a 10-min mental arithmetic test in 12 perimenopausal women randomized to 8 weeks of estrogen supplementation (estradiol valerate, 2 mg daily; n = 7) or placebo (n = 5). Total body and forearm norepinephrine spillover were measured by radiotracer methodology. After supplementation with estradiol, the increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in response to mental stress were reduced, and cortisol, ACTH, plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine, and total body norepinephrine spillover responses to stress were significantly attenuated (P < 0.05 in each case). Forearm norepinephrine spillover was unchanged by estrogen, and there was no change in any of the responses after placebo. We conclude that estrogen supplementation in perimenopausal women attenuates blood pressure, glucocorticoid, and catecholamine responses to psychological stress.

Influence of aerobic and anoxic microenvironments on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production from food waste and acidogenic effluents using aerobic consortia.

PubMed

Reddy, M Venkateswar; Mohan, S Venkata

2012-01-01

The functional role of aerobic and anoxic microenvironments on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production using food waste (UFW) and effluents from acidogenic biohydrogen production process (FFW) were studied employing aerobic mixed culture as biocatalyst. Anoxic microenvironment documented higher PHA production, while aerobic microenvironment showed higher substrate degradation. FFW showed higher PHA accumulation (39.6%) than UFW (35.6%) due to ready availability of precursors (fatty acids). Higher fraction of poly-3-hydroxy butyrate (PHB) was observed compared to poly-3-hydroxy valerate (PHV) in the accumulated PHA in the form of co-polymer [P3(HB-co-HV)]. Dehydrogenase, phosphatase and protease enzymatic activities were monitored during process operation. Integration with fermentative biohydrogen production yielded additional substrate degradation under both aerobic (78%) and anoxic (72%) microenvironments apart from PHA production. Microbial community analysis documented the presence of aerobic and facultative organisms capable of producing PHA. Integration strategy showed feasibility of producing hydrogen along with PHA by consuming fatty acids generated during acidogenic process in association with increased treatment efficiency. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polycystic ovarian disease: animal models.

PubMed

Mahajan, D K

1988-12-01

The reproductive systems of human beings and other vertebrates are grossly similar. In the ovary particularly, the biochemical and physiologic processes are identical not only in the formation of germ cells, the development of primordial follicles and their subsequent growth to Graafian follicles, and eventual ovulation but also in anatomic structure. In a noncarcinogenic human ovary, hypersecretion of androgen causes PCOD. Such hypersecretion may result from a nonpulsatile, constant elevated level of circulating LH or a disturbance in the action of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus. In studying the pathophysiology of PCOD in humans, one must be aware of the limitations for manipulating the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Although the rat is a polytocous rodent, the female has a regular ovarian cyclicity of 4 or 5 days, with distinct proestrus, estrus, and diestrus phases. Inasmuch as PCOD can be experimentally produced in the rat, that species is a good model for studying the pathophysiology of human PCOD. These PCOD models and their validity have been described: (1) estradiol-valerate, (2) DHA, (3) constant-light (LL), and (4) neonatally androgenized. Among these, the LL model is noninvasive and seems superior to the others for study of the pathophysiology of PCOD. The production of the polycystic ovarian condition in the rat by the injection of estrogens or androgens in neonate animals, or estradiol or DHA in adult rats, or the administration of antigonadotropins to these animals all cause a sudden appearance of the persistent estrus state by disturbing the metabolic and physiologic processes, whereas exposure of the adult rat to LL causes polycystic ovaries gradually, similar to what is seen in human idiopathic PCOD. After about 50 days of LL, the rat becomes anovulatory and the ovaries contain thickened tunica albuginea and many atretic follicles, and the tertiary follicles are considerably distended and cystic. The granulosa and theca cells appear normal

[Studies on anaerobic infection in oro-maxillary region--rapid diagnosis by gas-liquid chromatography and antibiotic susceptibilities of anaerobic bacteria].

PubMed

Tanaka, J I

1989-08-01

Subject material for this study was pus collected from patients with purulent inflammation in the oro-maxillary region. Direct gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis was made, bacterial isolation and identification were carried out, and comparisons were made with results from GLC analysis and anaerobic isolates in a PYG medium. In addition, antibiotic susceptibilities of anaerobic bacteria were examined. Results 1. Anaerobic bacteria were isolated from 85 of 100 cases of obstructive abscesses. Of the 85, 49 were cases of mixed infection involving both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria; and 64 cases were involved with more than 2 species of anaerobic bacteria. Of the 184 strains of anaerobic isolates, 53 were Bacteroides sp. and 51 were Peptostreptococcus sp. The 2 groups accounted for more than half of the isolates. 2. Group A, in which no VFA was detected, accounted for 17 out of 100 cases. Group B, in which acetic acid was detected, accounted for 20 cases; and Group C, in which butyric acid was detected, accounted for 20 cases; and Group D, in which iso-valeric acid was detected, accounted for 8 cases. Direct GLC analysis revealed iso-caproic and caproic acids in the 35 cases constituting Group E. 3. Whereas the percentage of anaerobic bacteria was 64.7% in Group A and 60% in Group B, significantly higher percentages were noted in Group C (95%), Group D (100%) and Group E (100%). The following species were isolated as major member in the groups; Group A--Streptococcus intermedius, Group B--Peptostreptococcus micros, Group C--Fusobacterium nucleatum, Group D--Bacteroides gingivalis, and Group E--Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. 4. In all cases, the sum of VFA produced in the PYG medium by anaerobic isolates was classified into Group A' to E'. Ratios of agreement between VFA as revealed by direct GLC and VFA as revealed by PYG.GLC were as follows: Group A-A'; 47.1%, Group B-B' and C-C'; 45%, Group D-D'; 87.5%, and Group E-E'; 62.9%. 5. In Group B, no propionic acid

MALL liposuction: the natural evolution of subdermal superficial liposuction.

PubMed

Gasperoni, C; Salgarello, M

1994-01-01

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

Virtual Transgenics: Using a Molecular Biology Simulation to Impact Student Academic Achievement and Attitudes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shegog, Ross; Lazarus, Melanie M.; Murray, Nancy G.; Diamond, Pamela M.; Sessions, Nathalie; Zsigmond, Eva

2012-10-01

The transgenic mouse model is useful for studying the causes and potential cures for human genetic diseases. Exposing high school biology students to laboratory experience in developing transgenic animal models is logistically prohibitive. Computer-based simulation, however, offers this potential in addition to advantages of fidelity and reach. This study describes and evaluates a computer-based simulation to train advanced placement high school science students in laboratory protocols, a transgenic mouse model was produced. A simulation module on preparing a gene construct in the molecular biology lab was evaluated using a randomized clinical control design with advanced placement high school biology students in Mercedes, Texas ( n = 44). Pre-post tests assessed procedural and declarative knowledge, time on task, attitudes toward computers for learning and towards science careers. Students who used the simulation increased their procedural and declarative knowledge regarding molecular biology compared to those in the control condition (both p < 0.005). Significant increases continued to occur with additional use of the simulation ( p < 0.001). Students in the treatment group became more positive toward using computers for learning ( p < 0.001). The simulation did not significantly affect attitudes toward science in general. Computer simulation of complex transgenic protocols have potential to provide a "virtual" laboratory experience as an adjunct to conventional educational approaches.

Orientational order as the origin of the long-range hydrophobic effect.

PubMed

Banerjee, Saikat; Singh, Rakesh S; Bagchi, Biman

2015-04-07

The long range attractive force between two hydrophobic surfaces immersed in water is observed to decrease exponentially with their separation-this distance-dependence of effective force is known as the hydrophobic force law (HFL). We explore the microscopic origin of HFL by studying distance-dependent attraction between two parallel rods immersed in 2D Mercedes Benz model of water. This model is found to exhibit a well-defined HFL. Although the phenomenon is conventionally explained by density-dependent theories, we identify orientation, rather than density, as the relevant order parameter. The range of density variation is noticeably shorter than that of orientational heterogeneity. The latter is comparable to the observed distances of hydrophobic force. At large separation, attraction between the rods arises primarily from a destructive interference among the inwardly propagating oppositely oriented heterogeneity generated in water by the two rods. As the rods are brought closer, the interference increases leading to a decrease in heterogeneity and concomitant decrease in free energy of the system, giving rise to the effective attraction. We notice formation of hexagonal ice-like structures at the onset of attractive region which suggests that metastable free energy minimum may play a role in the origin of HFL.

Receptacle model of salting-in by tetramethylammonium ions.

PubMed

Hribar-Lee, Barbara; Dill, Ken A; Vlachy, Vojko

2010-11-25

Water is a poor solvent for nonpolar solutes. Water containing ions is an even poorer solvent. According to standard terminology, the tendency of salts to precipitate oils from water is called salting-out. However, interestingly, some salt ions, such as tetramethylammonium (TMA), cause instead the salting-in of hydrophobic solutes. Even more puzzling, there is a systematic dependence on solute size. TMA causes the salting-out of small hydrophobes and the salting-in of larger nonpolar solutes. We study these effects using NPT Monte Carlo simulations of the Mercedes-Benz (MB) + dipole model of water, which was previously shown to account for hydrophobic effects and ion solubilities in water. The present model gives a structural interpretation for the thermodynamics of salting-in. The TMA structure allows deep penetration by a first shell of waters, the dipoles of which interact electrostatically with the ion. This first water shell sets up a second water shell that is shaped to act as a receptacle that binds the nonpolar solute. In this way, a nonpolar solute can actually bind more tightly to the TMA ion than to another hydrophobe, leading to the increased solubility and salting-in. Such structuring may also explain why molecular ions do not follow the same charge density series as atomic ions do.

Influence of particulate trap oxidizers on emission of mutagenic compounds by diesel automobiles.

PubMed

Rasmussen, R E; Devillez, G; Smith, L R

1989-06-01

Diesel exhaust particles are known to contain mutagenic and carcinogenic chemicals. The aim of this study was to determine whether, and to what extent, catalytic particulate trap oxidizers on light-duty diesel engines may reduce the emission of particle-associated mutagenic chemicals into the environment. Exhaust particles were collected from Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen diesel automobiles, equipped with or without the manufacturer's exhaust traps, while running on a chassis dynamometer under specified load conditions. Exhaust particles were collected from a dilution tunnel onto 20" X 20" Teflon-coated fiberglass filters. Mutagenesis tests of dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of the particles were conducted using the Ames Salmonella bacterial test system. The mutation rate was calculated in terms of histidine revertants per mile of travel during a set of standard test cycles. With both vehicles the traps produced an 87-92% reduction in the total amount of particulate material collected by the filters. There was no significant change in the specific mutagenic activity (revertants per microgram of DCM particle extract) with or without the traps. These studies support the notion that installation of exhaust traps which reduce particulate emission on diesel-powered vehicles will also reduce the emission of particle-associated mutagenic and carcinogenic materials into the environment.

Self-assessment of postoperative scars in living liver donors.

PubMed

Imamura, Hajime; Soyama, Akihiko; Takatsuki, Mitsuhisa; Muraoka, Izumi; Hara, Takanobu; Yamaguchi, Izumi; Tanaka, Takayuki; Kinoshita, Ayaka; Kuroki, Tamotsu; Eguchi, Susumu

2013-01-01

The application of less invasive techniques for liver surgery in patients undergoing living donor hepatectomy (LDH) has been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate physical status according to type of incision in donors. One hundred and forty-seven living liver donors underwent hepatectomy using three types of incisions: (i) Mercedes-Benz incision (M.B.), (ii) right subcostal incision with midline up to xiphoid incision (S.C.), and (iii) short upper midline incision (U.M.). A total of 100 donors answered the questionnaires, and 87 had sufficient data for the analyses. An original questionnaire designed to evaluate the physical status concerning postoperative scars. The questionnaire consisted of three major categories: appearance, sensation, and daily activities. The univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Numbness of the abdominal wall was reported more frequently by the donor with M.B.s and right subcostal incisions up to xiphoid incisions. In terms of appearance, sensation, and daily activities, LDH with a U.M. was found to have a good self-assessment compared with that performed using other types of incisions. LDH with a U.M. is a preferable procedure in terms of physical status and safety. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Orientational order as the origin of the long-range hydrophobic effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Saikat; Singh, Rakesh S.; Bagchi, Biman

2015-04-01

The long range attractive force between two hydrophobic surfaces immersed in water is observed to decrease exponentially with their separation—this distance-dependence of effective force is known as the hydrophobic force law (HFL). We explore the microscopic origin of HFL by studying distance-dependent attraction between two parallel rods immersed in 2D Mercedes Benz model of water. This model is found to exhibit a well-defined HFL. Although the phenomenon is conventionally explained by density-dependent theories, we identify orientation, rather than density, as the relevant order parameter. The range of density variation is noticeably shorter than that of orientational heterogeneity. The latter is comparable to the observed distances of hydrophobic force. At large separation, attraction between the rods arises primarily from a destructive interference among the inwardly propagating oppositely oriented heterogeneity generated in water by the two rods. As the rods are brought closer, the interference increases leading to a decrease in heterogeneity and concomitant decrease in free energy of the system, giving rise to the effective attraction. We notice formation of hexagonal ice-like structures at the onset of attractive region which suggests that metastable free energy minimum may play a role in the origin of HFL.

Quality Designed Twin Wire Arc Spraying of Aluminum Bores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

König, Johannes; Lahres, Michael; Methner, Oliver

2015-01-01

After 125 years of development in combustion engines, the attractiveness of these powerplants still gains a great deal of attention. The efficiency of engines has been increased continuously through numerous innovations during the last years. Especially in the field of motor engineering, consequent friction optimization leads to cost-effective fuel consumption advantages and a CO2 reduction. This is the motivation and adjusting lever of NANOSLIDE® from Mercedes-Benz. The twin wire arc-spraying process of the aluminum bore creates a thin, iron-carbon-alloyed coating which is surface-finished through honing. Due to the continuous development in engines, the coating strategies must be adapted in parallel to achieve a quality-conformed coating result. The most important factors to this end are the controlled indemnification of a minimal coating thickness and a homogeneous coating deposition of the complete bore. A specific system enables the measuring and adjusting of the part and the central plunging of the coating torch into the bore to achieve a homogeneous coating thickness. Before and after measurement of the bore diameter enables conclusions about the coating thickness. A software tool specifically developed for coating deposition can transfer this information to a model that predicts the coating deposition as a function of the coating strategy.

Dual education and industrial cooperation in electrical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Váradiné Szarka, A.

2016-11-01

Dual education in higher education is a new system in Hungary introduced by Mercedes Benz with cooperation of Kecskemet College. In the new system companies support certain number of students and provide them strong practical education in their field. Students applying successfully for dual education study together with non-dual students at the university, so they go through the same university courses as their non-dual colleagues, but while non-dual students’ academic year includes 2×14 weeks active semester and 2×6 weeks exam session, all over 40 weeks, dual students have 48 working weeks including study at the university and practicing at the company. The main question of the success which one is the most effective model to be applied. This paper summarises 2 models of dual education with their advantages and disadvantages and also it presents practical realization at the University of Debrecen with special attention to measurement and instrumentation. Dual education in BSc level electrical engineering course cooperates with 6 multinational companies of the region in four specialization. Dual education also has great impact to the modernisation of engineering education. Detailed study of dual education in field of instrumentation and measurement is provided in the paper.

Hybrid baryons [alpha].

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

Page, P. R.

The authors review the status of hybrid baryons. The only known way to study hybrids rigorously is via excited adiabatic potentials. Hybrids can be modeled by both the bag and flux tube models. The low lying hybrid baryon is N 1/2{sup +} with a mass of 1.5 - 1.8 GeV. Hybrid baryons can be produced in the glue rich processes of diffractive {gamma}N and {pi}N production, {Psi} decays and p{bar p} annihilation. We review the current status of research on three quarks with a gluonic excitation, called a hybrid baryon. The excitation is not an orbital or radial excitation betweenmore » the quarks. Hybrid baryons have also been reviewed elsewhere. The Mercedes-Benz logl in Figure 1 indicates two possible views of the confining interaction of three quarks, an essential issue in the study of hybrid baryons. In the logo the three points where the Y shape meets the boundary circle should be identified with the three quarks. There are two possibilities fo rthe interaction of the quarks: (1) a pairwise interaction of the quarks represented by the circle, or (2) a Y shaped interaction between the quarks, represented by the Y-shape in the logo.« less

Effects of free ammonia on volatile fatty acid accumulation and process performance in the anaerobic digestion of two typical bio-wastes.

PubMed

Shi, Xuchuan; Lin, Jia; Zuo, Jiane; Li, Peng; Li, Xiaoxia; Guo, Xianglin

2017-05-01

The effect of free ammonia on volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation and process instability was studied using a lab-scale anaerobic digester fed by two typical bio-wastes: fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) and food waste (FW) at 35°C with an organic loading rate (OLR) of 3.0kg VS/(m 3 ·day). The inhibitory effects of free ammonia on methanogenesis were observed due to the low C/N ratio of each substrate (15.6 and 17.2, respectively). A high concentration of free ammonia inhibited methanogenesis resulting in the accumulation of VFAs and a low methane yield. In the inhibited state, acetate accumulated more quickly than propionate and was the main type of accumulated VFA. The co-accumulation of ammonia and VFAs led to an "inhibited steady state" and the ammonia was the main inhibitory substance that triggered the process perturbation. By statistical significance test and VFA fluctuation ratio analysis, the free ammonia inhibition threshold was identified as 45mg/L. Moreover, propionate, iso-butyrate and valerate were determined to be the three most sensitive VFA parameters that were subject to ammonia inhibition. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Polyphenols Ameliorate Functional Constipation Symptoms in Humans Beyond Equivalent Amount of Fiber.

PubMed

P Venancio, Vinicius; Kim, Hyemee; A Sirven, Maritza; D Tekwe, Carmen; Honvoh, Gilson; T Talcott, Stephen; U Mertens-Talcott, Susanne

2018-05-07

Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition associated with intestinal inflammation and considerably impaired quality of life, affecting about 20% of Americans. Dietary fiber and laxatives aid in its treatment but do not fully address all symptoms, such as intestinal inflammation. Mango (Mangifera indica L.), a fiber- and polyphenol-rich fruit may provide anti-inflammatory effects in constipation. The 4-week consumption of mango fruit (300 g) or the equivalent amount of fiber was investigated in otherwise healthy human volunteers with chronic constipation that were randomly assigned to either group. Blood and fecal samples and digestive wellness questionnaires were collected at the beginning and end of the study. Results show that mango consumption significantly improved constipation status (stool frequency, consistency, and shape) and increased gastrin levels and fecal concentrations of short chain fatty acid (valeric acid) while lowering endotoxin and interleukin 6 concentrations in plasma. In this pilot study, the consumption of mango improves symptoms and associated biomarkers of constipation beyond an equivalent amount of fiber. Larger follow-up studies would need to investigate biomarkers for intestinal inflammation in more detail. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Lactobacillus plantarum IFPL935 favors the initial metabolism of red wine polyphenols when added to a colonic microbiota.

PubMed

Barroso, Elvira; Sánchez-Patán, Fernando; Martín-Alvarez, Pedro J; Bartolomé, Begoña; Moreno-Arribas, María Victoria; Peláez, Carmen; Requena, Teresa; van de Wiele, Tom; Martínez-Cuesta, M Carmen

2013-10-23

This work aimed to unravel the role of Lactobacillus plantarum IFPL935 strain in the colonic metabolism of a polyphenolic red wine extract, when added to a complex human colonic microbiota from the dynamic simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME). The concentration of microbial-derived phenolic metabolites and microbial community changes along with fermentative and proteolytic activities were monitored. The results showed that L. plantarum IFPL935 significantly increased the concentration of the initial microbial ring-fission catabolite of catechins and procyanidins, diphenylpropanol, and, similarly, 4-hydroxy-5-(3'-hydroxyphenyl)valeric acid production. Overall, the addition of L. plantarum IFPL935 did not have an impact on the total concentration of phenolic metabolites, except for batches inoculated with colonic microbiota from the effluent compartment (EC), where the figures were significantly higher when L. plantarum IFPL935 was added (24 h). In summary, the data highlighted that L. plantarum IFPL935 may have an impact on the bioavailability of these dietary polyphenols. Some of the microbial-derived metabolites may play a key role in the protective effects that have been linked to a polyphenol-rich diet.

[Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study].

PubMed

Beikert, F C; Schönfeld, B S; Frank, U; Augustin, M

2013-01-01

Phytotherapeutics are widely used in medicine. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the antiinflammatory potential of seven medical plant extracts using the ultraviolet- (UV)-erythema test. Randomized, placebo-controlled study on 40 healthy subjects. Test areas on the upper back were irradiated with the 1.5 fold UV-B minimal erythema dose (MED). Formulations of Aloe vera, Chamomilla recutita, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, Mentha arvensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Coriandrum sativum as well as 1% hydrocortisone acetate and 0.1% betamethasone valerate as positive controls and unguentum leniens as vehicle control were applied under occlusion on the irradiated areas and on non-irradiated area on the contralateral side. Photometric assessment of the erythema was performed before the application of the substances (t0), at 24 h (t1) and at 48 h (t2). Aloe vera, Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed an antiinflammatory effect compared to UV-control and unguentum leniens. However, the results were only statistically significant for Aloe vera. All tested plant extracts were well tolerated. Aloe vera possesses an antiinflammatory effect on UV-induced erythemas.

Anaerobic digestion of swine manure under natural zeolite addition: VFA evolution, cation variation, and related microbial diversity.

PubMed

Lin, Lin; Wan, Chunli; Liu, Xiang; Lei, Zhongfang; Lee, Duu-Jong; Zhang, Yi; Tay, Joo Hwa; Zhang, Zhenya

2013-12-01

Batch experiments were carried out on anaerobic digestion of swine manure under 10 % of total solids and 60 g/L of zeolite addition at 35 °C. Four distinctive volatile fatty acid (VFAs) evolution stages were observed during the anaerobic process, i.e., VFA accumulation, acetic acid (HAc) and butyric acid (HBu) utilization, propionic acid (HPr) and valeric acid (HVa) degradation, and VFA depletion. Large decreases in HAc/HBu and HPr/HVa occurred respectively at the first and second biogas peaks. Biogas yield increased by 20 % after zeolite addition, about 356 mL/g VSadded with accelerated soluble chemical oxygen demand degradation and VFA (especially HPr and HBu) consumption in addition to a shortened lag phase between the two biogas peaks. Compared with Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) (100-300 mg/L) released from zeolite, simultaneous K(+) and NH4 (+) (580-600 mg/L) adsorptions onto zeolite particles contributed more to the enhanced biogasification, resulting in alleviated inhibition effects of ammonium on acidogenesis and methanogenesis, respectively. All the identified anaerobes could be grouped into Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and zeolite addition had no significant influence on the microbial biodiversity in this study.

The association of isoconazole-diflucortolone in the treatment of pediatric tinea corporis.

PubMed

Veraldi, Stefano; Schianchi, Rossana; Pontini, Paolo; Gorani, Alberto

2018-03-01

Tinea corporis is a common mycotic infection in children. Staphylococcus aureus superinfections may be observed in atopic children with tinea corporis suffering from severe pruritus and consequent scratching. From 2006 to 2011, we observed 288 children with mycologically proven tinea corporis. In 39 of them (13.5%) tinea corporis was superinfected by S. aureus: all these children were affected by atopic dermatitis. We interpreted these bacterial superinfections as the clinical result of scratching due to pruritus. In 2012, we decided to treat all children with a single lesion of tinea corporis with a combination of 1% isoconazole nitrate and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate cream (one application/day for 5-7 days), followed by a treatment with isoconazole or clotrimazole or ciclopirox cream (two applications/day for two weeks). From 2012 to 2014, we observed 108 children with tinea corporis confirmed by mycological examinations. Clinical and mycological recovery was observed in 93 of them (86.1%). Only four of these children (3.7%) developed S. aureus superinfections. Our study in atopic children with tinea corporis superinfected by S. aureus confirms that a topical therapy with the association isoconazole-diflucortolone is useful and safe.

Heart Rate Changes in Electroacupuncture Treated Polycystic Ovary in Rats.

PubMed

Ramadoss, Mukilan; Ramanathan, Gunasekaran; Subbiah, Angelie Jessica; Natrajan, Chidambaranathan

2016-03-01

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder, it affects both humans and animals. It may induce coronary heart disease, obesity and hyperandrogenism. Previous studies show that Low frequency Electroacupuncture (EA) have an effect on PCOS, however the exact pathway is unclear. To find the effect of EA on autonomic activity of the heart in Estradiol Valerate (EV) induced PCOS rats. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed in 3 groups: 1) Control; 2) PCOS rats; and 3) PCOS rats after EA treatment (n=8 in each group). From the time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis (linear measures) HRV analysis was done. EA stimulation was given at low frequency of 2Hz for 15 min on alternate days for 4-5 weeks. Collected data were statistically analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance with the application of multiple comparisons of Tukey test. EA treatment group shows significant reduction in Heart Rate (HR) and low frequency, high frequency ratio (LF/HF); and increase in RR interval, Total Power (TP) when compared to PCOS group. The study concludes that EA treatment has a significant effect on reducing sympathetic tone and decreasing HR in PCOS.

Beta-ketothiolase deficiency: An unusual cause of recurrent ketoacidosis.

PubMed

Kılıç-Yıldırım, Gonca; Durmuş-Aydoğdu, Sultan; Ceylaner, Serdar; Sass, Jörn Oliver

2017-01-01

Kılıç-Yıldırım G, Durmuş-Aydoğdu S, Ceylaner S, Sass JO. Beta-ketothiolase deficiency: An unusual cause of recurrent ketoacidosis. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 471-474. Beta-ketothiolase deficiency (mitochondrial acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, MAT or T2 deficiency) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of isoleucine and ketone body metabolism due to acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase-1 (ACAT1) gene mutations. The disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of ketoasidosis which starts with vomiting and followed by dehydration and tachypnea. Here, we present a patient who was admitted to the hospital with severe acidosis and dehydration because of vomiting induced by protein rich nutrient and was diagnosed with MAT deficiency. 3-hydroxy-butyric acid, acetoacetic acid and 3-hydroxy-iso-valeric acid levels were significantly increased and tiglyglycine as trace amount in the urine organic acid analysis of the patient. Genetic analysis for ACAT-1 showed compound heterozygosity for the mutations c.949G > A (p.D317N) and c.951C > T (p.D317D), which both are known to cause exon 10 skipping and to be pathogenic missense mutations.

Separating esterase targets of organophosphorus compounds in the brain by preparative chromatography.

PubMed

Mangas, I; Vilanova, E; Benabent, M; Estévez, J

2014-02-10

Low level exposure to organophosphorus esters (OPs) may cause long-term neurological effects and affect specific cognition domains in experimental animals and humans. Action on known targets cannot explain most of these effects by. Soluble carboxylesterases (EC 3.1.1.1) of chicken brain have been kinetically discriminated using paraoxon, mipafox and phenylmethyl sulfonylfluoride as inhibitors and phenyl valerate as a substrate. Three different enzymatic components were discriminated and called Eα, Eβ and Eγ. In this work, a fractionation procedure with various steps was developed using protein native separation methods by preparative HPLC. Gel permeation chromatography followed by ion exchange chromatography allowed enriched fractions with different kinetic behaviors. The soluble chicken brain fraction was fractionated, while total esterase activity, proteins and enzymatic components Eα, Eβ and Eγ were monitored in each subfraction. After the analysis, 13 fractions were pooled and conserved. Preincubation of the soluble chicken brain fraction of with the organophosphorus mipafox gave rise to a major change in the ion exchange chromatography profile, but not in the molecular exchanged chromatography profile, which suggest that mipafox permanently modifies the ionic properties of numerous proteins. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solubility calculations of branched and linear amino acids using lattice cluster theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischlschweiger, Michael; Enders, Sabine; Zeiner, Tim

2014-09-01

In this work, the activity coefficients and the solubility of amino acids in water were calculated using the lattice cluster theory (LCT) combined with the extended chemical association lattice model allowing self-association as well as cross-association. This permits the study of the influence of the amino acids structure on the thermodynamic properties for the first time. By the used model, the activity coefficient and solubilities of the investigated fourteen amino acids (glycine, alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, dl-valine, dl-threonine, dl-methionine, l-leucine, l-glutamic acid, l-proline, hydroxyproline, histidine, l-arginine, α-amino valeric acid) could be described in good accordance with experimental data. In the case of different α-amino acids, but different hydrocarbon chains, the same interaction energy parameter can be used within the LCT. All studied amino acids could be modelled using the same parameter for the description of the amino acid association properties. The formed cross-associates contain more amino acids than expressed by the overall mole fraction of the solution. Moreover, the composition of the cross-associates depends on temperature, where the amount of amino acids increases with increasing temperature.

Production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from methanol by a new methylotrophic bacterium Methylobacterium sp. GW2.

PubMed

Yezza, A; Fournier, D; Halasz, A; Hawari, J

2006-11-01

A new bacterial strain, isolated from groundwater contaminated with explosives, was characterized as a pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph, affiliated to the genus Methylobacterium. The bacterial isolate designated as strain GW2 was found capable of producing the homopolymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) from various carbon sources such as methanol, ethanol, and succinate. Methanol acted as the best substrate for the production of PHB reaching 40 % w/w dry biomass. PHB accumulation was observed to be a growth-associated process, so that there was no need for two-step fermentation. Optimal growth occurred at 0.5 % (v/v) methanol concentration, and growth was strongly inhibited at alpha concentration above 2 % (v/v). Methylobacterium sp. strain GW2 was also able to accumulate the copolyester poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-poly-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHB/HV) when valeric acid was supplied as an auxiliary carbon source to methanol. After 66 h, a copolymer content of 30 % (w/w) was achieved with a PHB to PHV ratio of 1:2. Biopolymers produced by strain GW2 had an average molecular weight ranging from 229,350 to 233,050 Da for homopolymer PHB and from 362,430 to 411,300 Da for the copolymer PHB/HV.

Paleoclimatic implications (Late Cretaceous-Paleogene) from micromorphology of calcretes, palustrine limestones and silcretes, southern Paraná Basin, Uruguay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tófalo, Ofelia R.; Pazos, Pablo J.

2010-04-01

Sedimentologic and petrographic analyses of outcroping and subsurface calcretes, palustrine carbonates, and silcretes were carried out in the southern Paraná Basin (Uruguay). The aim of this work is to describe the microfabric and interpret the genesis of these rocks through detailed analyses, since they contain significant paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic evolution information. The main calcrete and silcrete host rock (Mercedes Formation) is represented by a fluvial thinning upward succession of conglomerate and sandstone deposits, with isolated pelitic intervals and paleosoils. Most of the studied calcretes are macroscopically massive with micromorphological features of alpha fabric, originated by displacive growth of calcite in the host clastic material due to evaporation, evapotranspiration and degassing. Micromorphologically, calcretes indicate an origin in the vadose and phreatic diagenetic environments. Micrite is the principal component, and speaks of rapid precipitation in the vadose zone from supersaturated solutions. The abundance of microsparite and secondary sparite is regarded as the result of dissolution and reprecipitation processes. Although present, brecciated calcretes are less common. They are frequent in vadose diagenetic environments, where the alternation between cementation and non-tectonic fracturing conditions take place. These processes generated episodes of fragmentation, brecciation and cementation. Fissures are filled with clear primary sparitic calcite, formed by precipitation of extremely supersaturated solutions in a phreatic diagenetic environment. The micromorphological characteristics indicate that calcretes resulted from carbonate precipitation in the upper part of the groundwater table and the vadose zone, continuously nourished by lateral migration of groundwater. The scarcity of biogenic structures suggests that they were either formed in zones of little biological activity or that the overimposed processes related to

A meta-analysis of lasalocid effects on rumen measures, beef and dairy performance, and carcass traits in cattle.

PubMed

Golder, H M; Lean, I J

2016-01-01

The effects of lasalocid on rumen measures, beef and dairy performance, and carcass traits were evaluated using meta-analysis. Meta-regression was used to investigate sources of heterogeneity. Ten studies (20 comparisons) were used in the meta-analysis on rumen measures. Lasalocid increased total VFA and ammonia concentrations by 6.46 and 1.44 m, respectively. Lasalocid increased propionate and decreased acetate and butyrate molar percentage (M%) by 4.62, 3.18, and 0.83%, respectively. Valerate M% and pH were not affected. Meta-regression found butyrate M% linearly increased with duration of lasalocid supplementation (DUR; = 0.017). When >200 mg/d was fed, propionate and valerate M% were higher and acetate M% was lower ( = 0.042, = 0.017, and = 0.005, respectively). Beef performance was assessed using 31 studies (67 comparisons). Lasalocid increased ADG by 40 g/d, improved feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) by 410 g/kg, and improved feed efficiency (FE; combined measure of G:F and the inverse of F:G). Lasalocid did not affect DMI, but heterogeneity in DMI was influenced by DUR ( = 0.004) and the linear effect of entry BW ( = 0.011). The combination of ≤100 vs. >100 d DUR and entry BW ≤275 vs. >275 kg showed that cattle ≤275 kg at entry fed lasalocid for >100 d had the lowest DMI. Heterogeneity of ADG was influenced by the linear effect of entry BW ( = 0.028) but not DUR. Combining entry BW ≤275 vs. >275 kg and DUR showed that cattle entering at >275 kg fed ≤100 d had the highest ADG. The FE ( = 0.025) and F:G ( = 0.015) linearly improved with dose, and entry BW >275 kg improved F:G ( = 0.038). Fourteen studies (25 comparisons) were used to assess carcass traits. Lasalocid increased HCW by 4.73 kg but not dressing percentage, mean fat cover, or marbling score. Heterogeneity of carcass traits was low and not affected by DUR or dose. Seven studies (11 comparisons) were used to assess dairy performance but the study power was relatively low and the evidence base is

Rumen morphometrics and the effect of digesta pH and volume on volatile fatty acid absorption.

PubMed

Melo, L Q; Costa, S F; Lopes, F; Guerreiro, M C; Armentano, L E; Pereira, M N

2013-04-01

The effects of rumen digesta volume and pH on VFA absorption and its relation to rumen wall morphology were evaluated. Nine rumen cannulated cows formed 3 groups based on desired variation in rumen morphology: The High group was formed by Holsteins yielding 25.9 kg milk/d and fed on a high-grain total mixed ration (TMR); the Medium group by Holstein-Zebu crossbreds yielding 12.3 kg milk/d and fed on corn silage, tropical pasture, and a commercial concentrate; and the Dry group by nonlactating grazing Jerseys fed exclusively on tropical pasture. Within each group, a sequence of 3 ruminal conditions was induced on each cow in 3 × 3 Latin Squares, with 7-d periods: high digesta volume and high pH (HVHP), low volume and high pH (LVHP), and low volume and low pH (LVLP). Rumen mucosa was biopsied on the first day of Period 1. Ruminal morphometric variables evaluated were mitotic index, absorptive surface and papillae number per square centimeter of wall, area per papillae, papillae area as a percentage of absorptive surface, and epithelium, keratinized layer, and nonkeratinized layer thickness. There was marked variation in rumen morphology among the groups of cows. Grazing Jerseys had decreased rumen wall absorptive surface area and basal cells mitotic index, and increased thickness of the epithelium and of the keratin layer compared with cows receiving concentrates. Mean rumen pH throughout the 4 h sampling period was: 6.78 for HVHP, 7.08 for LVHP, and 5.90 for LVLP (P < 0.01). The capacity of the rumen wall to absorb VFA was estimated by the Valerate/CrEDTA technique. The fractional exponential decay rate for the ratio of valeric acid to Cr (k Val/Cr) was determined by rumen digesta sampling at 20-min intervals during 4 h, after the mixing of markers and the return of the evacuated ruminal content. The k Val/Cr values for treatments HVHP, LVHP, and LVLP were, respectively: 19.6, 23.9, and 35.0 %/h (SEM = 2.01; P = 0.21 for contrast HVHP vs. LVHP and P < 0.01 for

ZEBRA battery meets USABC goals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dustmann, Cord-H.

In 1990, the California Air Resources Board has established a mandate to introduce electric vehicles in order to improve air quality in Los Angeles and other capitals. The United States Advanced Battery Consortium has been formed by the big car companies, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Department of Energy in order to establish the requirements on EV-batteries and to support battery development. The ZEBRA battery system is a candidate to power future electric vehicles. Not only because its energy density is three-fold that of lead acid batteries (50% more than NiMH) but also because of all the other EV requirements such as power density, no maintenance, summer and winter operation, safety, failure tolerance and low cost potential are fulfilled. The electrode material is plain salt and nickel in combination with a ceramic electrolyte. The cell voltage is 2.58 V and the capacity of a standard cell is 32 Ah. Some hundred cells are connected in series and parallel to form a battery with about 300 V OCV. The battery system including battery controller, main circuit-breaker and cooling system is engineered for vehicle integration and ready to be mounted in a vehicle [J. Gaub, A. van Zyl, Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicles with ZEBRA Batteries, EVS-14, Orlando, FL, Dec. 1997]. The background of these features are described.

Extreme multiplicity in cylindrical Rayleigh-Bénard convection. II. Bifurcation diagram and symmetry classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borońska, Katarzyna; Tuckerman, Laurette S.

2010-03-01

A large number of flows with distinctive patterns have been observed in experiments and simulations of Rayleigh-Bénard convection in a water-filled cylinder whose radius is twice the height. We have adapted a time-dependent pseudospectral code, first, to carry out Newton’s method and branch continuation and, second, to carry out the exponential power method and Arnoldi iteration to calculate leading eigenpairs and determine the stability of the steady states. The resulting bifurcation diagram represents a compromise between the tendency in the bulk toward parallel rolls and the requirement imposed by the boundary conditions that primary bifurcations be toward states whose azimuthal dependence is trigonometric. The diagram contains 17 branches of stable and unstable steady states. These can be classified geometrically as roll states containing two, three, and four rolls; axisymmetric patterns with one or two tori; threefold-symmetric patterns called Mercedes, Mitsubishi, marigold, and cloverleaf; trigonometric patterns called dipole and pizza; and less symmetric patterns called CO and asymmetric three rolls. The convective branches are connected to the conductive state and to each other by 16 primary and secondary pitchfork bifurcations and turning points. In order to better understand this complicated bifurcation diagram, we have partitioned it according to azimuthal symmetry. We have been able to determine the bifurcation-theoretic origin from the conductive state of all the branches observed at high Rayleigh number.

Sound in ecclesiastical spaces in Cordoba. Architectural projects incorporating acoustic methodology (El sonido del espacio eclesial en Cordoba. El proyecto arquitectonico como procedimiento acustico)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suarez, Rafael

2003-11-01

This thesis is concerned with the acoustic analysis of ecclesiastical spaces, and the subsequent implementation of acoustic design methodology in architectural renovations. One begins with an adequate architectural design of specific elements (shape, materials, and textures), with the intention of elimination of acoustic deficiencies that are common in such spaces. These are those deficiencies that impair good speech intelligibility and good musical audibility. The investigation is limited to churches in the province of Cordoba and to churches built after the reconquest of Spain (1236) and up until the 18th century. Selected churches are those that have undergone architectural renovations to adapt them to new uses or to make them more suitable for liturgical use. The thesis attempts to summarize the acoustic analyses and the acoustical solutions that have been implemented. The results are presented in a manner that should be useful for the adoption of a model for the functional renovation of ecclesiastical spaces. Such would allow those involved in architectural projects to specify the nature of the sound, even though somewhat intangible, within the ecclesiastical space. Thesis advisors: Jaime Navarro and Juan J. Sendra Copies of this thesis written in Spanish may be obtained by contacting the advisor, Jaime Navarro, E.T.S. de Arquitectura de Sevilla, Dpto. de Construcciones Arquitectonicas I, Av. Reina Mercedes, 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain. E-mail address: jnavarro@us.es

Space Weather Now-Casting for Area-Denied Locations: Testing All-Sky-Imaging Applications at Geomagnetic Conjugate Points.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgardner, J. L.; Mendillo, M.; Martinis, C. R.; Hickey, D. A.; Wroten, J.

2017-12-01

We explore the concept of using an all-sky-imager (ASI) in one hemisphere to provide now-casting of ionospheric perturbations in the opposite hemisphere. The specific example deals with low-latitude plasma instabilities known as equatorial spread-F (ESF) that depend on geomagnetic field controlled electrodynamics. ASI observations of 630.0 nm airglow from 300 km exhibit regions of low emission ("airglow depletions") that correlate highly with ESF patterns of radiowave disruptions, e.g., from GPS satellites. For both oceanographic and geopolitical reasons, there are vast regions of the globe that cannot be used for ground-based now-casting of local ESF effects. For such area-denied locations, it is possible for observations of airglow depletions from the opposite hemisphere to be used to specify both local and conjugate location environmental impacts. We use fifteen months of ASI observations from the El Leoncito Observatory (Argentina) to predict simultaneous conditions at its trans-equatorial geomagnetic conjugate point in Villa de Leyva (Colombia)—validated by independent ASI observations at that location. We find the success rate of conjugate point now-casting to be greater than 95% for large-scale ESF occurrence patterns. For a different pair of stations at higher magnetic latitudes, three years of observations from the Arecibo Observatory (Puerto Rico) were used to make ESF now-casting at its conjugate point in Mercedes (Argentina) with a 85% success rate.

Oxidant generation and toxicity enhancement of aged-diesel exhaust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qianfeng; Wyatt, Anna; Kamens, Richard M.

Diesel exhaust related airborne Particulate Matter (PM) has been linked to a myriad of adverse health outcomes, ranging from cancer to cardiopulmonary disease. The underlying toxicological mechanisms are of great scientific interest. A hypothesis under investigation is that many of the adverse health effects may derive from oxidative stress, initiated by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within affected cells. In this study, the main objective was to determine whether aged-diesel exhaust PM has a higher oxidant generation and toxicity than fresh diesel exhaust PM. The diesel exhaust PM was generated from a 1980 Mercedes-Benz model 300SD, and a dual 270 m 3 Teflon film chamber was utilized to generate two test atmospheres. One side of the chamber is used to produce ozone-diesel exhaust PM system, and another side of the chamber was used to produce diesel exhaust PM only system. A newly optimized dithiothreitol (DTT) method was used to assess their oxidant generation and toxicity. The results of this study showed: (1) both fresh and aged-diesel exhaust PM had high oxidant generation and toxicity; (2) ozone-diesel exhaust PM had a higher toxicity response than diesel exhaust PM only; (3) the diesel exhaust PM toxicity increased with time; (4) the optimized DTT method could be used as a good quantitative chemical assay for oxidant generation and toxicity measurement.

Evaluation of Exhaust Emissions from Three Diesel-Hybrid Cars and Simulation of After-Treatment Systems for Ultralow Real-World NOx Emissions.

PubMed

Franco, Vicente; Zacharopoulou, Theodora; Hammer, Jan; Schmidt, Helge; Mock, Peter; Weiss, Martin; Samaras, Zissis

2016-12-06

Hybridization offers great potential for decreasing pollutant and carbon dioxide emissions of diesel cars. However, an assessment of the real-world emissions performance of modern diesel hybrids is missing. Here, we test three diesel-hybrid cars on the road and benchmark our findings with two cars against tests on the chassis dynamometer and model simulations. The pollutant emissions of the two cars tested on the chassis dynamometer were in compliance with the relevant Euro standards over the New European Driving Cycle and Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure. On the road, all three diesel-hybrids exceeded the regulatory NO x limits (average exceedance for all trips: +150% for the Volvo, +510% for the Peugeot, and +550% for the Mercedes-Benz) and also showed elevated on-road CO 2 emissions (average exceedance of certification values: +178, +77, and +52%, respectively). These findings point to a wide discrepancy between certified and on-road CO 2 and suggest that hybridization alone is insufficient to achieve low-NO x emissions of diesel powertrains. Instead, our simulation suggests that properly calibrated selective catalytic reduction filter and lean-NO x trap after-treatment technologies can reduce the on-road NO x emissions to 0.023 and 0.068 g/km on average, respectively, well below the Euro 6 limit (0.080 g/km).

Acoustics of native-American ceremonial sites in prehispanic America (Acustica en los espacios escenios rituales prehispanicos)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Maria Isabel

2003-11-01

This thesis establishes a methodology that incorporates the latest procedures used in architectural acoustics for the study of open spaces of this general type, and definitions are given for the acoustic variables of interest. The ``Juego de Pelota'' (ball game) sites are the only ceremonial sites built specifically for the performance of a fertility ritual, and are ideal for the study of prehispanic architectural topographies. Analysis of the acoustic properties of such sites revealed that the topographical characteristics of the elevation profiles of these architectural structures determine the acoustic behavior of these spaces. Such profiles are classified into three basic types: (i) inclined profile, (ii) terraced profile, and (iii) mixed profile. The terraced profiles are the most efficient, and the mixed profiles are the least efficient, in regard to acoustics. The consideration of the acoustic behavior of architectural structures intended for the ``Ball Game,'' as the designs evolved over time, leads to the conclusion that acoustical sensations that contributed effectively to the characteristic mystical atmosphere of the ceremonial rituals were characteristic only of those sites constructed in the ``classical'' period. Thesis advisors: Jaime Navarro and Juan J. Sendra Copies of this thesis written in Spanish may be obtained by contacting the advisor, Jaime Navarro, E.T.S. de Arquitectura de Sevilla, Dpto. de Construcciones Arquitectonicas I, Av. Reina Mercedes, 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain. E-mail address: jnavarro@us.es

Effect of tannins on growth performance and intestinal ecosystem in weaned piglets.

PubMed

Biagia, Giacomo; Cipollini, Irene; Paulicks, Brigitte R; Roth, Franz X

2010-04-01

Tannins are natural polyphenolic compounds that can reduce digestibility of dietary protein but also display antibacterial effects. The present study investigated, in vitro and in vivo, the effect of different levels of tannins (using a chestnut wood extract containing 75% tannins) on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and wall morphology in piglets. During a 24 h in vitro caecal fermentation, the utilisation of tannins at 0.75, 1.5, 3, and 6 g/l significantly reduced total gas production and concentrations of ammonia and volatile fatty acids and increased viable counts of enterococci and coliforms. When fed to piglets at 1.13, 2.25, and 4.5 g/kg, tannins significantly improved feed efficiency and reduced caecal concentrations of ammonia, iso-butyric, and iso-valeric acid. Viable counts of lactobacilli tended to be increased by tannins in the jejunum, while bacterial caecal counts were not affected. Depth of ileal crypts tended to decrease in piglets fed tannins at 2.25 and 4.5 g/kg. The present study showed that feeding weaned piglets with a tannin-rich wood extract can result in improved feed efficiency and reduction of intestinal bacterial proteolytic reactions. The growth-enhancing effect that tannins had on enterococci and coliforms under in vitro conditions deserves further investigation.

The Potential Role of Seaweeds in the Natural Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production.

PubMed

Maia, Margarida R G; Fonseca, António J M; Oliveira, Hugo M; Mendonça, Carla; Cabrita, Ana R J

2016-08-30

This study is the first to evaluate the effects of five seaweeds (Ulva sp., Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina latissima, Gigartina sp., and Gracilaria vermiculophylla) on gas and methane production and ruminal fermentation parameters when incubated in vitro with two substrates (meadow hay and corn silage) for 24 h. Seaweeds led to lower gas production, with Gigartina sp. presenting the lowest value. When incubated with meadow hay, Ulva sp., Gigartina sp. and G. vermiculophylla decreased methane production, but with corn silage, methane production was only decreased by G. vermiculophylla. With meadow hay, L. ochroleuca and S. latissima promoted similar methane production as the control, but with corn silage, L. ochroleuca increased it. With the exception of S. latissima, all seaweeds promoted similar levels of total volatile fatty acid production. The highest proportion of acetic acid was produced with Ulva sp., G. vermiculophylla, and S. latissima; the highest proportion of butyric acid with the control and L. ochroleuca; and the highest proportion of iso-valeric acid with Gigartina sp. These results reveal the potential of seaweeds to mitigate ruminal methane production and the importance of the basal diet. To efficiently use seaweeds as feed ingredients with nutritional and environmental benefits, more research is required to determine the mechanisms underlying seaweed and substrate interactions.

The Potential Role of Seaweeds in the Natural Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production

PubMed Central

Maia, Margarida R. G.; Fonseca, António J. M.; Oliveira, Hugo M.; Mendonça, Carla; Cabrita, Ana R. J.

2016-01-01

This study is the first to evaluate the effects of five seaweeds (Ulva sp., Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina latissima, Gigartina sp., and Gracilaria vermiculophylla) on gas and methane production and ruminal fermentation parameters when incubated in vitro with two substrates (meadow hay and corn silage) for 24 h. Seaweeds led to lower gas production, with Gigartina sp. presenting the lowest value. When incubated with meadow hay, Ulva sp., Gigartina sp. and G. vermiculophylla decreased methane production, but with corn silage, methane production was only decreased by G. vermiculophylla. With meadow hay, L. ochroleuca and S. latissima promoted similar methane production as the control, but with corn silage, L. ochroleuca increased it. With the exception of S. latissima, all seaweeds promoted similar levels of total volatile fatty acid production. The highest proportion of acetic acid was produced with Ulva sp., G. vermiculophylla, and S. latissima; the highest proportion of butyric acid with the control and L. ochroleuca; and the highest proportion of iso-valeric acid with Gigartina sp. These results reveal the potential of seaweeds to mitigate ruminal methane production and the importance of the basal diet. To efficiently use seaweeds as feed ingredients with nutritional and environmental benefits, more research is required to determine the mechanisms underlying seaweed and substrate interactions. PMID:27572486

Optimised anaerobic treatment of house-sorted biodegradable waste and slaughterhouse waste in a high loaded half technical scale digester.

PubMed

Resch, C; Grasmug, M; Smeets, W; Braun, R; Kirchmayr, R

2006-01-01

Anaerobic co-digestion of organic wastes from households, slaughterhouses and meat processing industries was optimised in a half technical scale plant. The plant was operated for 130 days using two different substrates under organic loading rates of 10 and 12 kgCOD.m(-3).d(-1). Since the substrates were rich in fat and protein components (TKN: 12 g.kg(-1) the treatment was challenging. The process was monitored on-line and in the laboratory. It was demonstrated that an intensive and stable co-digestion of partly hydrolysed organic waste and protein rich slaughterhouse waste can be achieved in the balance of inconsistent pH and buffering NH4-N. In the first experimental period the reduction of the substrate COD was almost complete in an overall stable process (COD reduction >82%). In the second period methane productivity increased, but certain intermediate products accumulated constantly. Process design options for a second digestion phase for advanced degradation were investigated. Potential causes for slow and reduced propionic and valeric acid degradation were assessed. Recommendations for full-scale process implementation can be made from the experimental results reported. The highly loaded and stable codigestion of these substrates may be a good technical and economic treatment alternative.

Alternative treatment of ovarian cysts with Tribulus terrestris extract: a rat model.

PubMed

Dehghan, A; Esfandiari, A; Bigdeli, S Momeni

2012-02-01

Tribulus terrestris has long been used in traditional medicine to treat impotency and improve sexual functions in man. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of T. terrestris extract in the treatment of polycystic ovary (PCO) in Wistar rat. Estradiol valerate was injected to 15 mature Wistar rats to induce PCO. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (control, low-dose and high-dose groups) of five each and received 0, 5 and 10 mg of T. terrestris extract, respectively.Treatments began on days 50 and 61 after estradiol injection; at the same time, vaginal smear was prepared. The ovaries were removed on day 62, and histological sections were prepared accordingly. The number and diameter of corpora lutea, thickness of the theca interna layer and the number of all follicles were evaluated in both ovaries. In comparison with the control group, the number of corpora lutea and primary and secondary follicles significantly increased following T. terrestris treatment; however, the number of ovarian cysts significantly decreased. It can be concluded that T. terrestris have a luteinizing effect on ovarian cysts, which may relate to its gonadotropin-like activity; also, a high dose of the extract can efficiently remove ovarian cysts and resume ovarian activity. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Reactor performance of a 750 m(3) anaerobic digestion plant: varied substrate input conditions impacting methanogenic community.

PubMed

Wagner, Andreas Otto; Malin, Cornelia; Lins, Philipp; Gstraunthaler, Gudrun; Illmer, Paul

2014-10-01

A 750 m(3) anaerobic digester was studied over a half year period including a shift from good reactor performance to a reduced one. Various abiotic parameters like volatile fatty acids (VFA) (formic-, acetic-, propionic-, (iso-)butyric-, (iso-)valeric-, lactic acid), total C, total N, NH4 -N, and total proteins, as well as the organic matter content and dry mass were determined. In addition several process parameters such as temperature, pH, retention time and input of substrate and the concentrations of CH4, H2, CO2 and H2S within the reactor were monitored continuously. The present study aimed at the investigation of the abundance of acetogens and total cell numbers and the microbial methanogenic community as derived from PCR-dHPLC analysis in order to put it into context with the determined abiotic parameters. An influence of substrate quantity on the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion process was found as well as a shift from a hydrogenotrophic in times of good reactor performance towards an acetoclastic dominated methanogenic community in times of reduced reactor performance. After the change in substrate conditions it took the methano-archaeal community about 5-6 weeks to be affected but then changes occurred quickly. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[DIFFERENTIAL SENSITIVITY OF MICROORGANISMS TO POLYHEXAMETHYLENEGUANIDINE].

PubMed

Lysytsya, A V; Mandygra, Y M; Bojko, O P; Romanishyna, O O; Mandygra, M S

2015-01-01

Factors identified that affect the sensitivity of microorganisms to polyhexamethyleneguanidine (PHMG). Salts of PHMG chloride, valerate, maleate, succinate was to use. Test strains of Esherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Leptospira interrogans, Paenibacillus larvae, Mycobacterium bovis, M. avium, M. fortuitum, Aspergillus niger and some strains of viruses are taken as objects of research. We have determined that the cytoplasm membrane phospholipids is main "target" for the polycation molecules of PHMG. A differential sensitivity of the microorganisms to this drug is primarily determined by relative amount of lipids in membrane and their accessibility. Such trends exist: increase the relative contents of anionic lipids and more negative surface electric potential of membrane, and reduction of the sizes fat acid remainder of lipids bring to increase of microorganism sensitivity. Types of anion salt PHMG just have a certain value. Biocide activity of PHMG chloride is more, than its salts with organic acid. Feasibility of combining PHMG with other biocides in the multicomponent disinfectants studied and analyzed. This combination does not lead to a significant increase in the sensitivity of microorganisms tested in most cases. Most species of pathogenic bacteria can be quickly neutralized by aqueous solutions of PHMG in less than 1% concentrations.

Pituitary, ovarian and additional contraceptive effects of an estradiol-based combined oral contraceptive: results of a randomized, open-label study.

PubMed

Endrikat, Jan; Parke, Susanne; Trummer, Dietmar; Serrani, Marco; Duijkers, Ingrid; Klipping, Christine

2013-02-01

The estrogen step-down/progestogen step-up 28-day estradiol valerate/dienogest (E(2)V/DNG) oral contraceptive effectively inhibits ovulation; however, limited data are available regarding its effects on estradiol (E2), progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or its additional extraovarian contraceptive effects. In this secondary analysis, 100 women received E(2)V 3 mg on days 1-2, E(2)V 2 mg/DNG 2 mg on days 3-7, E(2)V 2 mg/DNG 3 mg on days 8-24, E(2)V 1 mg on days 25-26 and placebo on days 27-28 for one treatment cycle. Measures included the presence/absence of cervical mucus; endometrial thickness; and serum E2, progesterone, and gonadotropin levels. E2, progesterone, LH and FSH levels did not exhibit the typical ovulatory increase and remained relatively stable during the cycle. E(2)V/DNG reduced mean maximal endometrial thickness and proportion of women with visible cervical mucus. All parameters returned to pretreatment levels during the posttreatment cycle. E(2)V/DNG provides extraovarian contraceptive effects (reducing endometrial thickness and cervical mucus production) in addition to inhibiting ovulation, assuring contraceptive efficacy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Link between microbial composition and carbon substrate-uptake preferences in a PHA-storing community

PubMed Central

Albuquerque, Maria G E; Carvalho, Gilda; Kragelund, Caroline; Silva, Ana F; Barreto Crespo, Maria T; Reis, Maria A M; Nielsen, Per H

2013-01-01

The microbial community of a fermented molasses-fed sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operated under feast and famine conditions for production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) was identified and quantified through a 16 S rRNA gene clone library and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The microbial enrichment was found to be composed of PHA-storing populations (84% of the microbial community), comprising members of the genera Azoarcus, Thauera and Paracoccus. The dominant PHA-storing populations ensured the high functional stability of the system (characterized by high PHA-storage efficiency, up to 60% PHA content). The fermented molasses contained primarily acetate, propionate, butyrate and valerate. The substrate preferences were determined by microautoradiography-FISH and differences in the substrate-uptake capabilities for the various probe-defined populations were found. The results showed that in the presence of multiple substrates, microbial populations specialized in different substrates were selected, thereby co-existing in the SBR by adapting to different niches. Azoarcus and Thauera, primarily consumed acetate and butyrate, respectively. Paracoccus consumed a broader range of substrates and had a higher cell-specific substrate uptake. The relative species composition and their substrate specialization were reflected in the substrate removal rates of different volatile fatty acids in the SBR reactor. PMID:22810062

Acidogenic fermentation of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and cheese whey for bio-plastic precursors recovery - Effects of process conditions during batch tests.

PubMed

Girotto, Francesca; Lavagnolo, Maria Cristina; Pivato, Alberto; Cossu, Raffaello

2017-12-01

The problem of fossil fuels dependency is being addressed through sustainable bio-fuels and bio-products production worldwide. At the base of this bio-based economy there is the efficient use of biomass as non-virgin feedstock. Through acidogenic fermentation, organic waste can be valorised in order to obtain several precursors to be used for bio-plastic production. Some investigations have been done but there is still a lack of knowledge that must be filled before moving to effective full scale plants. Acidogenic fermentation batch tests were performed using food waste (FW) and cheese whey (CW) as substrates. Effects of nine different combinations of substrate to inoculum (S/I) ratio (2, 4, and 6) and initial pH (5, 7, and 9) were investigated for metabolites (acetate, butyrate, propionate, valerate, lactate, and ethanol) productions. Results showed that the most abundant metabolites deriving from FW fermentation were butyrate and acetate, mainly influenced by the S/I ratio (acetate and butyrate maximum productions of 21.4 and 34.5g/L, respectively, at S/I=6). Instead, when dealing with CW, lactate was the dominant metabolite significantly correlated with pH (lactate maximum production of 15.7g/L at pH = 9). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pendant dual sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) proton exchange membranes for fuel cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Minh Dat Thinh; Yang, Sungwoo; Kim, Dukjoon

2016-10-01

Poly(arylene ether ketone) (PAEK) possessing carboxylic groups at the pendant position is synthesized, and the substitution degree of pendant carboxylic groups is controlled by adjusting the ratio of 4,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)valeric acid and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane. Dual sulfonated 3,3-diphenylpropylamine (SDPA) is grafted onto PAEK as a proton-conducting moiety via the amidation reaction with carboxylic groups. The transparent and flexible membranes with different degrees of sulfonation are fabricated so that we can test and compare their structure and properties with a commercial Nafion® 115 membrane for PEMFC applications. All prepared PAEK-SDPA membranes exhibit good oxidative and hydrolytic stability from Fenton's and high temperature water immersion test. SAXS analysis illustrates an excellent phase separation between the hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic pendant groups, resulting in big ionic clusters. The proton conductivity was measured at different relative humidity, and its behavior was analyzed by hydration number of the membrane. Among a series of membranes, some samples (including B20V80-SDPA) show not only higher proton conductivity, but also higher integrated cell performance than those of Nafion® 115 at 100% relative humidity, and thus we expect these to be good candidate membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

Using slaughterhouse waste in a biochemical-based biorefinery - results from pilot scale tests.

PubMed

Schwede, Sebastian; Thorin, Eva; Lindmark, Johan; Klintenberg, Patrik; Jääskeläinen, Ari; Suhonen, Anssi; Laatikainen, Reino; Hakalehto, Elias

2017-05-01

A novel biorefinery concept was piloted using protein-rich slaughterhouse waste, chicken manure and straw as feedstocks. The basic idea was to provide a proof of concept for the production of platform chemicals and biofuels from organic waste materials at non-septic conditions. The desired biochemical routes were 2,3-butanediol and acetone-butanol fermentation. The results showed that hydrolysis resulted only in low amounts of easily degradable carbohydrates. However, amino acids released from the protein-rich slaughterhouse waste were utilized and fermented by the bacteria in the process. Product formation was directed towards acidogenic compounds rather than solventogenic products due to increasing pH-value affected by ammonia release during amino acid fermentation. Hence, the process was not effective for 2,3-butanediol production, whereas butyrate, propionate, γ-aminobutyrate and valerate were predominantly produced. This offered fast means for converting tedious protein-rich waste mixtures into utilizable chemical goods. Furthermore, the residual liquid from the bioreactor showed significantly higher biogas production potential than the corresponding substrates. The combination of the biorefinery approach to produce chemicals and biofuels with anaerobic digestion of the residues to recover energy in form of methane and nutrients that can be utilized for animal feed production could be a feasible concept for organic waste utilization.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis.

PubMed

Naldi, Luigi

2010-12-07

Seborrhoeic dermatitis affects at least 10% of the population. Malassezia (Pityrosporum) ovale is thought to be the causative organism, and causes inflammation by still poorly defined mechanisms. Seborrhoeic dermatitis tends to relapse after treatment. We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of topical treatments for seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp in adults? What are the effects of topical treatments for seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face and body in adults? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to April 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). We found 12 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: bifonazole, emollients, ketoconazole, lithium succinate, selenium sulphide, tar shampoo, terbinafine, and topical corticosteroids (betamethasone valerate, clobetasol propionate, clobetasone butyrate, hydrocortisone, mometasone furoate).

The Potential Role of Seaweeds in the Natural Manipulation of Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maia, Margarida R. G.; Fonseca, António J. M.; Oliveira, Hugo M.; Mendonça, Carla; Cabrita, Ana R. J.

2016-08-01

This study is the first to evaluate the effects of five seaweeds (Ulva sp., Laminaria ochroleuca, Saccharina latissima, Gigartina sp., and Gracilaria vermiculophylla) on gas and methane production and ruminal fermentation parameters when incubated in vitro with two substrates (meadow hay and corn silage) for 24 h. Seaweeds led to lower gas production, with Gigartina sp. presenting the lowest value. When incubated with meadow hay, Ulva sp., Gigartina sp. and G. vermiculophylla decreased methane production, but with corn silage, methane production was only decreased by G. vermiculophylla. With meadow hay, L. ochroleuca and S. latissima promoted similar methane production as the control, but with corn silage, L. ochroleuca increased it. With the exception of S. latissima, all seaweeds promoted similar levels of total volatile fatty acid production. The highest proportion of acetic acid was produced with Ulva sp., G. vermiculophylla, and S. latissima; the highest proportion of butyric acid with the control and L. ochroleuca; and the highest proportion of iso-valeric acid with Gigartina sp. These results reveal the potential of seaweeds to mitigate ruminal methane production and the importance of the basal diet. To efficiently use seaweeds as feed ingredients with nutritional and environmental benefits, more research is required to determine the mechanisms underlying seaweed and substrate interactions.

Deferribacter thermophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel thermophilic manganese- and iron-reducing bacterium isolated from a petroleum reservoir.

PubMed

Greene, A C; Patel, B K; Sheehy, A J

1997-04-01

A thermophilic anaerobic bacterium, designated strain BMAT (T = type strain), was isolated from the production water of Beatrice oil field in the North Sea (United Kingdom). The cells were straight to bent rods (1 to 5 by 0.3 to 0.5 microns) which stained gram negative. Strain BMAT obtained energy from the reduction of manganese (IV), iron(III), and nitrate in the presence of yeast extract, peptone, Casamino Acids, tryptone, hydrogen, malate, acetate, citrate, pyruvate, lactate, succinate, and valerate. The isolate grew optimally at 60 degrees C (temperature range for growth, 50 to 65 degrees C) and in the presence of 2% (wt/vol) NaCl (NaCl range for growth, 0 to 5% [wt/vol]). The DNA base composition was 34 mol% G + C. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that strain BMAT is a member of the domain Bacteria. The closest known bacterium is the moderate thermophile Flexistipes sinusarabici (similarity value, 88%). Strain BMAT possesses phenotypic and phylogenetic traits that do not allow its classification as a member of any previously described genus; therefore, we propose that this isolate should be described as a member of a novel species of a new genus, Deferribacter thermophilus gen. nov., sp. nov.

Influence of feed/inoculum ratios and waste cooking oil content on the mesophilic anaerobic digestion of food waste.

PubMed

Li, Yangyang; Jin, Yiying; Borrion, Aiduan; Li, Jinhui

2018-03-01

Information on the anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW) with different waste cooking oil contents is limited in terms of the effect of the initial substrate concentrations. In this work, batch tests were performed to evaluate the combined effects of waste cooking oil content (33-53%) and feed/inoculum (F/I) ratios (0.5-1.2) on biogas/methane yield, process stability parameters and organics reduction during the FW AD. Both waste cooking oil and the inoculation ratios were found to affect digestion parameters during the AD process start-up and the F/I ratio was the predominant factor affecting AD after the start-up phase. The possible inhibition due to acidification caused by volatile fatty acids accumulation, low pH values and long-chain fatty acids was reversible. The characteristics of the final digestate indicated a stable anaerobic system, whereas samples with F/I ratios ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 display higher propionic and valeric acid contents and high amounts of total ammonia nitrogen and free ammonia nitrogen. Overall, F/I ratios higher than 0.70 caused inhibition and resulted in low biogas/methane yields from the FW. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Vehicle Component Benchmarking Using a Chassis Dynamometer: Using a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and a 2013 Mercedes E350 (SAE Paper 2015-01-0589)

EPA Science Inventory

Light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel economy (FE) standards for MYs 2012 -2025 are requiring vehicle powertrains to become much more efficient. The EPA is using a full vehicle simulation model, called the Advanced Light-duty Powertrain and Hybrid Analysis (ALPHA), to ...

[Effect of Residual Hydrogen Peroxide on Hydrolysis Acidification of Sludge Pretreated by Microwave -H2O2-Alkaline Process].

PubMed

Jia, Rui-lai; Liu, Ji-bao; Wei, Yuan-song; Cai, Xing

2015-10-01

MW-H2O2-OH(pH = 11) + catalase group, the dominant VFAs were acetic, iso-valeric and n-butyric acids. For MW-H2O2-OH (pH = 11) group, the dominant VFAs were acetic, propionic and iso-valeric acids. In the optimized hydrolysis acidification time for each group, percentages of the three main acids accounted for more than 75% of total VFAs, and percentages of acetic acid accounted for more than 41% of total VFAs.

Night vision: requirements and possible roadmap for FIR and NIR systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Källhammer, Jan-Erik

2006-04-01

A night vision system must increase visibility in situations where only low beam headlights can be used today. As pedestrians and animals have the highest risk increase in night time traffic due to darkness, the ability of detecting those objects should be the main performance criteria, and the system must remain effective when facing the headlights of oncoming vehicles. Far infrared system has been shown to be superior to near infrared system in terms of pedestrian detection distance. Near infrared images were rated to have significantly higher visual clutter compared with far infrared images. Visual clutter has been shown to correlate with reduction in detection distance of pedestrians. Far infrared images are perceived as being more unusual and therefore more difficult to interpret, although the image appearance is likely related to the lower visual clutter. However, the main issue comparing the two technologies should be how well they solve the driver's problem with insufficient visibility under low beam conditions, especially of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. With the addition of an automatic detection aid, a main issue will be whether the advantage of FIR systems will vanish given NIR systems with well performing automatic pedestrian detection functionality. The first night vision introductions did not generate the sales volumes initially expected. A renewed interest in night vision systems are however to be expected after the release of night vision systems by BMW, Mercedes and Honda, the latter with automatic pedestrian detection.

Subdermal liposuction.

PubMed

Gasperoni, C; Salgarello, M; Emiliozzi, P; Gargani, G

1990-01-01

Liposuction is a widely used technique today and indications are that it is becoming even more popular due to new technical refinements. The use of cannulae with a smaller diameter allows suction of the fat immediately under the dermis. The cannula we use to perform this new kind of fat suction is straight and has an external diameter of less than 2 mm. This cannula, the so-called Mercedes cannula, has a bullet tip and a three-hole head. Moreover, the holes are not round but are slit-shaped and oriented in the same plane at 120 degrees. This cannula is specifically designed to produce less trauma. The cannula with one downward-facing orifice is not suitable for suction of the subdermal layer and an upward-facing orifice would be too traumatic. The advantage of this new technique, apart from the possibility of treating patients with very slight adiposity, is to allow an effective skin retraction. When a large amount of fat has already been aspirated, residual deformities can occur. These skin irregularities represent the lack of an effective cutaneous retraction mostly due to the permanence of the subdermal fat. In fact, the presence of a thick subdermal adipose layer decreases the possibility of skin retraction. Therefore, indications for liposuction of the subdermal fat are mainly the slight adiposities and the remnant deformities of a previous liposuction operation. Moreover, this technique is applied to every lipoplasty whenever better skin retraction is needed.

Elective living donor liver transplantation by hybrid hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery and short upper midline laparotomy.

PubMed

Eguchi, Susumu; Takatsuki, Mitsuhisa; Soyama, Akihiko; Hidaka, Masaaki; Tomonaga, Tetsuo; Muraoka, Izumi; Kanematsu, Takashi

2011-11-01

Although the technique of liver transplantation is well developed, the invasiveness of the operation can be decreased with laparoscopic procedures. We performed elective living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) through a short midline incision combined with hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). Nine selected patients with end stage liver disease underwent the procedure between July, 2010 and February, 2011 (median age 60, median Child-Pugh 9, median MELD score 14). Splenectomy was performed simultaneously in 7 cases. The liver (and spleen) were mobilized by a sealing device under a HALS procedure with an 8-cm upper midline incision, followed by explantation of the diseased liver (and spleen) through the upper midline incision which was extended to 12 to 15 cm. Partial liver grafts were implanted through the upper midline incision. The median duration of the operation was 741 minutes, the median time needed for anastomosis was 48 minutes, the median blood loss was 3,940 g, and the median liver weight was 866 g. Eight recipients are alive and have good graft function. A difficult implantation for one patient required an additional right transverse incision. When compared with 13 recent liver recipients who underwent LDLT with a regular Mercedes-Benz-type incision, no clinically relevant drawbacks of the HALS hybrid procedure were observed. We have shown the feasibility and safety of LDLT performed through a short midline incision without abdominal muscle disruption with the aid of HALS. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A statistical mechanical theory for a two-dimensional model of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbic, Tomaz; Dill, Ken A.

2010-06-01

We develop a statistical mechanical model for the thermal and volumetric properties of waterlike fluids. Each water molecule is a two-dimensional disk with three hydrogen-bonding arms. Each water interacts with neighboring waters through a van der Waals interaction and an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. This model, which is largely analytical, is a variant of the Truskett and Dill (TD) treatment of the "Mercedes-Benz" (MB) model. The present model gives better predictions than TD for hydrogen-bond populations in liquid water by distinguishing strong cooperative hydrogen bonds from weaker ones. We explore properties versus temperature T and pressure p. We find that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with T as real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations of MB water, including the density anomaly, the minimum in the isothermal compressibility, and the decreased number of hydrogen bonds for increasing temperature. The model reproduces that pressure squeezes out water's heat capacity and leads to a negative thermal expansion coefficient at low temperatures. In terms of water structuring, the variance in hydrogen-bonding angles increases with both T and p, while the variance in water density increases with T but decreases with p. Hydrogen bonding is an energy storage mechanism that leads to water's large heat capacity (for its size) and to the fragility in its cagelike structures, which are easily melted by temperature and pressure to a more van der Waals-like liquid state.

A statistical mechanical theory for a two-dimensional model of water.

PubMed

Urbic, Tomaz; Dill, Ken A

2010-06-14

We develop a statistical mechanical model for the thermal and volumetric properties of waterlike fluids. Each water molecule is a two-dimensional disk with three hydrogen-bonding arms. Each water interacts with neighboring waters through a van der Waals interaction and an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. This model, which is largely analytical, is a variant of the Truskett and Dill (TD) treatment of the "Mercedes-Benz" (MB) model. The present model gives better predictions than TD for hydrogen-bond populations in liquid water by distinguishing strong cooperative hydrogen bonds from weaker ones. We explore properties versus temperature T and pressure p. We find that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with T as real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations of MB water, including the density anomaly, the minimum in the isothermal compressibility, and the decreased number of hydrogen bonds for increasing temperature. The model reproduces that pressure squeezes out water's heat capacity and leads to a negative thermal expansion coefficient at low temperatures. In terms of water structuring, the variance in hydrogen-bonding angles increases with both T and p, while the variance in water density increases with T but decreases with p. Hydrogen bonding is an energy storage mechanism that leads to water's large heat capacity (for its size) and to the fragility in its cagelike structures, which are easily melted by temperature and pressure to a more van der Waals-like liquid state.

In vitro effects of sodium bicarbonate buffer on rumen fermentation, levels of lipopolysaccharide and biogenic amine, and composition of rumen microbiota.

PubMed

Mao, Shengyong; Huo, Wenjie; Liu, Junhua; Zhang, Ruiyang; Zhu, Weiyun

2017-03-01

Diets containing high levels of carbohydrates provoke a rapid decrease of rumen pH and high levels of biogenic amines and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which severely impair the health and performance of ruminants. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium bicarbonate (BC) buffer on rumen fermentation, levels of LPS and biogenic amine, and composition of rumen microbiota using in vitro rumen cultures. Sodium bicarbonate supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the final pH levels and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and LPS, as well as the proportions of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate, and it decreased (P < 0.05) the proportion of butyrate and the levels of lactic acid, methylamine, tryptamine, tyramine, histamine and putrescine compared with the control. Pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that BC inclusion increased (P < 0.05) the bacterial diversity index compared with the control. Adding BC also decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Streptococcus and Butyrivibrio and increased (P < 0.05) the proportions of Ruminococcus, Succinivibrio and Prevotella. Sodium bicarbonate supplementation has beneficial effects in the reduction of bioamine levels and the increase in ruminal pH, and in modifying the microbial ecology of the rumen; however, it results in an accumulation of LPS under high-grain diet conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Two Halophytic Plants (Kochia and Atriplex) on Digestibility, Fermentation and Protein Synthesis by Ruminal Microbes Maintained in Continuous Culture

PubMed Central

Riasi, A.; Mesgaran, M. Danesh; Stern, M. D.; Ruiz Moreno, M. J.

2012-01-01

Eight continuous culture fermenters were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate various nutritional values of Kochia (Kochia scoparia) compared with Atriplex (Atriplex dimorphostegia). Dried and pelleted samples (leaves and stems) provided substrate for metabolism by ruminal microbes maintained in a continuous culture fermentation system. Results indicated that there were no differences (p>0.05) in dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility between the two halophytic plants. Atriplex had higher (p<0.05) organic matter (OM) digestibility compared with Kochia. Neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) digestibility of Atriplex (411 g/kg) was higher (p<0.05) than that of Kochia (348 g/kg), however acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility was higher (p<0.05) in Kochia compared with Atriplex (406 vs. 234 g/kg). There were no differences (p>0.05) between the two halophytic plants in molar proportion of acetate and propionate, but the concentration of butyrate and valerate in Kochia were about two fold of Atriplex (p<0.05). When Kochia provided substrate to the microbes, protein synthesis was higher (p<0.05) compared with feeding Atriplex (5.96 vs. 4.85 g N/kg of OM truly digested). It was concluded that Kochia scoparia and Atriplex dimorphostegia had similar digestibility of DM and CP. It appears that these halophytic plants may not have enough digestible energy for high producing ruminants. PMID:25049608

Structural and biochemical characterisation of Archaeoglobus fulgidus esterase reveals a bound CoA molecule in the vicinity of the active site.

PubMed

Sayer, Christopher; Finnigan, William; Isupov, Michail N; Levisson, Mark; Kengen, Servé W M; van der Oost, John; Harmer, Nicholas J; Littlechild, Jennifer A

2016-05-10

A new carboxyl esterase, AF-Est2, from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus has been cloned, over-expressed in Escherichia coli and biochemically and structurally characterized. The enzyme has high activity towards short- to medium-chain p-nitrophenyl carboxylic esters with optimal activity towards the valerate ester. The AF-Est2 has good solvent and pH stability and is very thermostable, showing no loss of activity after incubation for 30 min at 80 °C. The 1.4 Å resolution crystal structure of AF-Est2 reveals Coenzyme A (CoA) bound in the vicinity of the active site. Despite the presence of CoA bound to the AF-Est2 this enzyme has no CoA thioesterase activity. The pantetheine group of CoA partially obstructs the active site alcohol pocket suggesting that this ligand has a role in regulation of the enzyme activity. A comparison with closely related α/β hydrolase fold enzyme structures shows that the AF-Est2 has unique structural features that allow CoA binding. A comparison of the structure of AF-Est2 with the human carboxyl esterase 1, which has CoA thioesterase activity, reveals that CoA is bound to different parts of the core domain in these two enzymes and approaches the active site from opposite directions.

Supplementation with Ca salts of soybean oil interacts with concentrate level in grazing dairy cows: intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal parameters.

PubMed

Macedo, Fernanda Lopes; Batistel, Fernanda; de Souza, Jonas; Chagas, Lucas Jado; Santos, Flávio Augusto Portela

2016-12-01

In this study, we investigated the associative effects of concentrate levels and Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) supplementation on performance and ruminal parameters of mid-lactation dairy cows grazing on tropical pasture. Twenty-four Jersey × Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design and assigned to four treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Factors evaluated were concentrate levels (low, 3 kg/day vs. high, 7 kg/day of concentrate) and CSSO supplementation (without CSSO vs. with 250 g CSSO cow/day). All cows grazed on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Cameroon) and received the supplemental treatments for a 90-day period. The high concentrate level decreased forage intake and grazing time. In addition, the high concentrate level increased rumen propionate concentration and microbial synthesis and tended to decrease ammonia-N compared with low concentrate level. The addition of CSSO tended to decrease valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and microbial synthesis. In conclusion, feeding CSSO for mid lactating cows grazing on tropical pasture had negative effects on rumen function. In contrast, CSSO supplementation tended to interact with concentrate level and increased energy intake when fed at low concentrate level. Feeding the high level of concentrate was an effective strategy to increase energy intake and microbial synthesis and improve N utilization.

Characterization of Bioderived Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Size Exclusion Chromatography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negulescu, Ioan; Cueto, Rafael; Rusch, Kelly; Gutierrez-Wing, Teresa; Stevens, Benjamin

2008-03-01

The plant derived polyesters, better known as polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHAs, are renewable and sustainable: [-O-CH(CH3)-(CH2)x-CO-]n. If x = 0 PHA is Poly(lactic acid), PLA; if x = 1 or 2 it is Poly(hydroxy butyrate), PHB, or Poly(hydroxy valerate), PHV. SEC and light scattering have been used before for determination of the absolute molecular mass of PLA dissolved in CHCl3 (Malmgren et al., J. Thermal Anal. Calorim., 2006, 83, 35-40). To our best knowledge there is no publication on the determination of the absolute MW of other PHAs. The bioderived polymers analyzed in this work were four catalog PHA samples: PHB Fluka 81329, PHB Natural Aldrich 363502, 95PHB/5PHV Aldrich 403105, and 92PHB/8PHV Aldrich 403113. SEC/LS instrumentation used: three Phenogel (1K-10000K) columns + a guard column, an Agilent pump and Wyatt Heleos MALS, QUELS (DLS), ViscoStar and rEX DRI detectors, all in series. The experimental dn/dc of PHB in CHCl3 (0.0336 ml/g at 658nm) allowed the determination of absolute MW of all PHA samples: PHB Fluka Mw 345,100 Mn 218,400; PHB Aldrich Mw 335,700 Mn 185,000; 92PHB/8PHV Mw 144,700 Mn 91,970; 95PHB/5PHV Mw 253,000 Mn 193,800.

New once-a-month injectable contraceptives, with particular reference to Cyclofem/Cyclo-Provera.

PubMed

Hall, P E

1998-08-01

Once-a-month injectable contraceptives containing a progestogen and an estrogen have been developed that disrupt vaginal bleeding patterns less than the widely used progestogen-only preparations. Pharmacokinetic studies were undertaken of dosages and ratios of the progestogens and the respective estrogens. In Phase III clinical trials, annual pregnancy rates were below 0.4% for Mesigyna (norethisterone enanthate/estradiol valerate, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) and below 0.2% for Cyclofem (MPA/E2C) (medroxyprogesterone acetate/estradiol cypionate, Aplicaciones Farmaceuticas, SA, Mexico and PT Tunggal, Indonesia). More than two-thirds of women had predictable, regular cycles, and discontinuation due to bleeding-related problems occurred less than half as often as with progestogen-only injectables. With MPA/E2C, return to fertility is similar to that observed with other hormonal or intrauterine methods, and both products have little effect on lipids or hemostasis. Introductory trials of MPA/E2C in 12000 women with 100000 woman-months of experience confirmed the high efficacy of the product in routine use. The use of MPA/E2C in a non-reusable injection device, Uniject (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ) is discussed. Once-a-month hormonal contraceptives have been shown to provide a safe contraceptive option for all women and an alternative for women who wish to use injectable formulations that cause less disruption in vaginal bleeding and minimal side effects.

Ester-Based Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Li-Ion Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smart, Marshall; Bugga, Ratnakumar

2005-01-01

Electrolytes comprising LiPF6 dissolved at a concentration of 1.0 M in five different solvent mixtures of alkyl carbonates have been found to afford improved performance in rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemical cells at temperatures as low as -70 C. These and other electrolytes have been investigated in continuing research directed toward extending the lower limit of practical operating temperatures of Li-ion cells. This research at earlier stages, and the underlying physical and chemical principles, were reported in numerous previous NASA Tech Briefs articles, the most recent being Low-EC-Content Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Li-Ion Cells (NPO-30226), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 1 (January 2003), page 46. The ingredients of the present solvent mixtures are ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), methyl butyrate (MB), methyl propionate (MP), ethyl propionate (EP), ethyl butyrate (EB), and ethyl valerate (EV). In terms of volume proportions of these ingredients, the present solvent mixtures are 1EC + 1EMC + 8MB, 1EC + 1EMC + 8EB, 1EC + 1EMC + 8MP, 1EC + 1EMC + 8EV, and 1EC + 9EMC. These electrolytes were placed in Liion cells containing carbon anodes and LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathodes, and the low-temperature electrical performances of the cells were measured. The cells containing the MB and MP mixtures performed best.

Organic-inorganic random copolymers from methacrylate-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) with 3-methacryloxypropylheptaphenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane: synthesis via RAFT polymerization and self-assembly behavior.

PubMed

Wei, Kun; Li, Lei; Zheng, Sixun; Wang, Ge; Liang, Qi

2014-01-14

In this contribution, we report the synthesis of organic-inorganic random polymers from methacrylate-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (MAPEO) (Mn = 950) and 3-methacryloxypropylheptaphenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MAPOSS) macromers via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with 4-cyano-4-(thiobenzoylthio) valeric acid (CTBTVA) as the chain transfer agent. The organic-inorganic random copolymers were characterized by means of (1)H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results of GPC indicate that the polymerizations were carried out in a controlled fashion. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the organic-inorganic random copolymers in bulk were microphase-separated and the POSS microdomains were formed via POSS-POSS interactions. In aqueous solutions the organic-inorganic random copolymers were capable of self-assembling into spherical nanoobjects as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic laser scattering (DLS). The self-assembly behavior of the organic-inorganic random copolymers was also found to occur in the mixtures with the precursors of epoxy. The nanostructures were further fixed via subsequent curing reaction and thus the organic-inorganic nanocomposites were obtained. The formation of nanophases in epoxy thermosets was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The organic-inorganic nanocomposites displayed the enhanced surface hydrophobicity as evidenced by surface contact angle measurements.

Downregulation of natriuretic peptide system and increased steroidogenesis in rat polycystic ovary.

PubMed

Pereira, Virginia M; Honorato-Sampaio, Kinulpe; Martins, Almir S; Reis, Fernando M; Reis, Adelina M

2014-10-01

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is known to regulate ovarian functions, such as follicular growth and steroid hormone production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the natriuretic peptide system in a rat model of chronic anovulation, the rat polycystic ovary. Adult female Wistar rats received a single subcutaneous injection of 2mg estradiol valerate to induce polycystic ovaries, while the control group received vehicle injection. Two months later, their ovaries were quickly removed and analyzed. Polycystic ovaries exhibited marked elevation of testosterone and estradiol levels compared to control ovaries. The levels of ANP and the expression of ANP mRNA were highly reduced in the polycystic ovaries compared to controls. By immunohistochemistry, polycystic ovaries showed weaker ANP staining in stroma, theca cells and oocytes compared to controls. Polycystic ovaries also had increased activity of neutral endopeptidase, the main proteolytic enzyme that degrades natriuretic peptides. ANP receptor C mRNA was reduced and ANP binding to this receptor was absent in polycystic ovaries. Collectively, these results indicate a downregulation of the natriuretic peptide system in rat polycystic ovary, an established experimental model of anovulation with high ovarian testosterone and estradiol levels. Together with previous evidence demonstrating that ANP inhibits ovarian steroidogenesis, these findings suggest that low ovarian ANP levels may contribute to the abnormal steroid hormone balance in polycystic ovaries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improved Performance in Mammalian Cell Perfusion Cultures by Growth Inhibition.

PubMed

Wolf, Moritz K F; Closet, Aurélie; Bzowska, Monika; Bielser, Jean-Marc; Souquet, Jonathan; Broly, Hervé; Morbidelli, Massimo

2018-05-21

Mammalian cell perfusion cultures represent a promising alternative to the current fed-batch technology for the production of various biopharmaceuticals. Long-term operation at a fixed viable cell density (VCD) requires a viable culture and a constant removal of excessive cells. Product loss in the cell removing bleed stream deteriorates the process yield. In this study, the authors investigate the use of chemical and environmental growth inhibition on culture performance by either adding valeric acid (VA) to the production media or by reducing the culture temperature (33.0 °C) with respect to control conditions (36.5 °C, no VA). Low temperature significantly reduces cellular growth, thus, resulting in lower bleed rates accompanied by a reduced product loss of 11% compared to 26% under control conditions. Additionally, the cell specific productivity of the target protein improves and maintained stable leading to media savings per mass of product. VA shows initially an inhibitory effect on cellular growth. However, cells seemed to adapt to the presence of the inhibitor resulting in a recovery of the cellular growth. Cell cycle and Western blot analyses support the observed results. This work underlines the role of temperature as a key operating variable for the optimization of perfusion cultures. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Programming of Dopaminergic Neurons by Neonatal Sex Hormone Exposure: Effects on Dopamine Content and Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression in Adult Male Rats

PubMed Central

Espinosa, Pedro; Silva, Roxana A.; Sanguinetti, Nicole K.; Venegas, Francisca C.; Riquelme, Raul; González, Luis F.; Cruz, Gonzalo; Renard, Georgina M.; Moya, Pablo R.; Sotomayor-Zárate, Ramón

2016-01-01

We sought to determine the long-term changes produced by neonatal sex hormone administration on the functioning of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in adult male rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously at postnatal day 1 and were assigned to the following experimental groups: TP (testosterone propionate of 1.0 mg/50 μL); DHT (dihydrotestosterone of 1.0 mg/50 μL); EV (estradiol valerate of 0.1 mg/50 μL); and control (sesame oil of 50 μL). At postnatal day 60, neurochemical studies were performed to determine dopamine content in substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area and dopamine release in nucleus accumbens. Molecular (mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase) and cellular (tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity) studies were also performed. We found increased dopamine content in substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area of TP and EV rats, in addition to increased dopamine release in nucleus accumbens. However, neonatal exposure to DHT, a nonaromatizable androgen, did not affect midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Correspondingly, compared to control rats, levels of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and protein were significantly increased in TP and EV rats but not in DHT rats, as determined by qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Our results suggest an estrogenic mechanism involving increased tyrosine hydroxylase expression, either by direct estrogenic action or by aromatization of testosterone to estradiol in substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area. PMID:26904299

Programming of Dopaminergic Neurons by Neonatal Sex Hormone Exposure: Effects on Dopamine Content and Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression in Adult Male Rats.

PubMed

Espinosa, Pedro; Silva, Roxana A; Sanguinetti, Nicole K; Venegas, Francisca C; Riquelme, Raul; González, Luis F; Cruz, Gonzalo; Renard, Georgina M; Moya, Pablo R; Sotomayor-Zárate, Ramón

2016-01-01

We sought to determine the long-term changes produced by neonatal sex hormone administration on the functioning of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in adult male rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously at postnatal day 1 and were assigned to the following experimental groups: TP (testosterone propionate of 1.0 mg/50 μL); DHT (dihydrotestosterone of 1.0 mg/50 μL); EV (estradiol valerate of 0.1 mg/50 μL); and control (sesame oil of 50 μL). At postnatal day 60, neurochemical studies were performed to determine dopamine content in substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area and dopamine release in nucleus accumbens. Molecular (mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase) and cellular (tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity) studies were also performed. We found increased dopamine content in substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area of TP and EV rats, in addition to increased dopamine release in nucleus accumbens. However, neonatal exposure to DHT, a nonaromatizable androgen, did not affect midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Correspondingly, compared to control rats, levels of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and protein were significantly increased in TP and EV rats but not in DHT rats, as determined by qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Our results suggest an estrogenic mechanism involving increased tyrosine hydroxylase expression, either by direct estrogenic action or by aromatization of testosterone to estradiol in substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area.

Structural and biochemical characterisation of Archaeoglobus fulgidus esterase reveals a bound CoA molecule in the vicinity of the active site

PubMed Central

Sayer, Christopher; Finnigan, William; Isupov, Michail N.; Levisson, Mark; Kengen, Servé W. M.; van der Oost, John; Harmer, Nicholas J.; Littlechild, Jennifer A.

2016-01-01

A new carboxyl esterase, AF-Est2, from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus has been cloned, over-expressed in Escherichia coli and biochemically and structurally characterized. The enzyme has high activity towards short- to medium-chain p-nitrophenyl carboxylic esters with optimal activity towards the valerate ester. The AF-Est2 has good solvent and pH stability and is very thermostable, showing no loss of activity after incubation for 30 min at 80 °C. The 1.4 Å resolution crystal structure of AF-Est2 reveals Coenzyme A (CoA) bound in the vicinity of the active site. Despite the presence of CoA bound to the AF-Est2 this enzyme has no CoA thioesterase activity. The pantetheine group of CoA partially obstructs the active site alcohol pocket suggesting that this ligand has a role in regulation of the enzyme activity. A comparison with closely related α/β hydrolase fold enzyme structures shows that the AF-Est2 has unique structural features that allow CoA binding. A comparison of the structure of AF-Est2 with the human carboxyl esterase 1, which has CoA thioesterase activity, reveals that CoA is bound to different parts of the core domain in these two enzymes and approaches the active site from opposite directions. PMID:27160974

Anaerosporomusa subterranea gen. nov., sp. nov., a spore-forming anaerobe belonging to the class Negativicutes isolated from saprolite.

PubMed

Choi, Jessica K; Shah, Madhavi; Yee, Nathan

2016-10-01

A Gram-stain-negative, spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium designated strain RU4T was isolated from a saprolite core collected from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA. Cells were slightly curved rods and exhibited an outer membrane exterior to a thin cell wall. Strain RU4T formed heat-resistant endospores in late-log phase and stationary phase cultures. Under anaerobic conditions, strain RU4T grew by fermenting fumarate and maleate, but did not grow on glucose, glycerol, pyruvate, lactate, succinate, citrate, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate or valerate. Strain RU4T did not reduce sulfate or ferric iron. The main cellular fatty acids were C17 : 0 cyclo, C16 : 0 and C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 52 mol%. Analysis of the 16S rRNA, rpoB, recA, infB, gyrB and atpD gene sequences indicated that the isolate is related to members of the family Sporomusaceae. Based on 92 % sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene to its closest relatives in the family Sporomusaceae and divergent physiological traits, the newly-cultivated isolate was assigned to a novel species of a new genus, Anaerosporomusa subterranea gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Anaerosporomusa subterranea is RU4T (=DSM 29728T=ATCC BAA-2723T).

Hyberbaric oxygen increases atresia in normal & steroid induced PCO rat ovaries

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background In this study, we investigated the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the morphology of estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovary (PCO) to find a new treatment modality for improvement of PCO. Methods The rats were divided into four groups. Group1, control; group 2, PCO group; group 3, PCO with HBOT group and group 4, normal ovary with HBOT. PCO was induced by a single intramuscular injection of 4 mg EV in adult cycling rats. Other rats with normal ovaries had oil injection as placebo. HBOT was applied to third and fourth groups for six weeks. Histopathologic evaluation of ovaries of all groups were performed & compared. Results Six weeks of HBOT was resulted in increase in follicular atresia, decrease in the number of primary, secondary, tertiary follicles and decrease in the number of fresh corpus luteum in normal rat ovary. HBOT on polycystic rat ovary, resulted in significant increase in atretic follicles which were already present. Conclusions HBOT of six weeks itself, changed ovarian morphology in favor of atresia both in PCO group and control group. This result of aggravated follicular atresia after HBOT on EV induced PCO may be due to long-term exposure in our protocol which with this state seems to be inapplicable in the improvement of PCO morphology. PMID:22309835

Gut microbiota richness promotes its stability upon increased dietary fibre intake in healthy adults.

PubMed

Tap, Julien; Furet, Jean-Pierre; Bensaada, Martine; Philippe, Catherine; Roth, Hubert; Rabot, Sylvie; Lakhdari, Omar; Lombard, Vincent; Henrissat, Bernard; Corthier, Gérard; Fontaine, Eric; Doré, Joël; Leclerc, Marion

2015-12-01

Gut microbiota richness and stability are important parameters in host-microbe symbiosis. Diet modification, notably using dietary fibres, might be a way to restore a high richness and stability in the gut microbiota. In this work, during a 6-week nutritional trial, 19 healthy adults consumed a basal diet supplemented with 10 or 40 g dietary fibre per day for 5 days, followed by 15-day washout periods. Fecal samples were analysed by a combination of 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, intestinal cell genotoxicity assay, metatranscriptomics sequencing approach and short-chain fatty analysis. This short-term change in the dietary fibre level did not have the same impact for all individuals but remained significant within each individual gut microbiota at genus level. Higher microbiota richness was associated with higher microbiota stability upon increased dietary fibre intake. Increasing fibre modulated the expression of numerous microbiota metabolic pathways such as glycan metabolism, with genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes active on fibre or host glycans. High microbial richness was also associated with high proportions of Prevotella and Coprococcus species and high levels of caproate and valerate. This study provides new insights on the role of gut microbial richness in healthy adults upon dietary changes and host microbes' interaction. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Microbiology published by Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Gateways to clinical trials.

PubMed

Bayes, M; Rabasseda, X; Prous, J R

2002-05-01

Gateways to Clinical Trials is a guide to the most recent clinical trials in current literature and congresses. The data in the following tables can be retrieved from the Clinical Studies knowledge area of Prous Science Integrity, the drug discovery and development portal, http://integrity.prous.com. This issue focuses on the following selection of drugs: Abacavir sulfate, abarelix, abciximab, acarbose, alefacept, alteplase, amisulpride, amoxicillin trihydrate, apomorphine hydrochloride, aprepitant, argatroban monohydrate, aspirin, atenolol; Betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, bicalutamide, bleomycin sulfate; Calcium carbonate, candesartan cilexetil, celecoxib, cetirizine hydrochloride, cisplatin, clarithromycin, clavulanate potassium, clomethiazole edisilate, clopidogrel hydrogensulfate, cyclophosphamide, chorionic gonadotropin (human); Dalteparin sodium, desloratadine, dexamethasone, doxorubicin, DPC-083; Efalizumab, efavirenz, enoxaparin sodium, eprosartan mesilate, etanercept, etoposide, ezetimibe; Faropenem daloxate, fenofibrate, fluocinolone acetonide, flutamide, fluvastatin sodium, follitropin beta, fondaparinux sodium; Gabapentin, glibenclamide, goserelin, granisetron hydrochloride; Haloperidol, hydrochlorothiazide; Imiquimod, interferon beta-1a, irbesartan, iseganan hydrochloride; L-758298, lamivudine, lanoteplase, leflunomide, leuprorelin acetate, loratadine, losartan potassium; Melagatran, metformin hydrochloride, methotrexate, metronidazole, micafungin sodium, mitoxantrone hydrochloride; Nelfinavir mesilate, neutral insulin injection, nizatidine; Olopatadine hydrochloride, omeprazole, ondansetron hydrochloride; Pamidronate sodium, paracetamol, paroxetine hydrochloride, perindopril, pimecrolimus, pioglitazone hydrochloride, piroxicam, pleconaril, pralmorelin, pravastatin sodium, prednisolone, prednisone, propofol; Raloxifene hydrochloride, ranpirnase, remifentanil hydrochloride, risedronate sodium, risperidone, rofecoxib, ropinirole

Linking microbial community structure and product spectrum of rice straw fermentation with undefined mixed culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ai, Binling; Chi, Xue; Meng, Jia; Sheng, Zhanwu; Zheng, Lili; Zheng, Xiaoyan; Li, Jianzheng

2017-12-01

Undefined mixed culture-based fermentation is an alternative strategy for biofuels and bioproducts production from lignocellulosic biomass without supplementary cellulolytic enzymes. Mixed culture produces mixed carboxylates. To estimate the relationship between microbial community structure and product spectrum, carboxylate production was initiated by mixed cultures with different microbial community structure. All the inoculum cultures were derived from the same enrichment culture from the combination of cattle manure, pig manure compost, corn field soil and rotten wood. Due to the differences in the preparation method and culture time, the inoculum cultures for batch fermentation had high similarity in microbial community structure, while the community structure of each inoculum culture for repeated batch fermentation differed from that of another. The inoculum cultures with similar community structure led to a similar product spectrum. In batch fermentation, the selectivity of main product butyric acid stabilized around 76%. The inoculum cultures with different community structures resulted in different product spectra. In repeated batch fermentation, the butyric acid content gradually decreased to 27%, and the by-product acetic acid content steadily increased to 56%. The other by-products including propionic, valeric and caproic acids were also increased. It is deduced that keeping the microbial community structure stable makes the basic and key precondition for steady production of specific carboxylic acid with undefined mixed culture.

Pharmacodynamics of combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives: 2. effects on hemostasis.

PubMed

Farris, Manuela; Bastianelli, Carlo; Rosato, Elena; Brosens, Ivo; Benagiano, Giuseppe

2017-10-01

The pharmacodynamic effects of various combined oral estrogen-progestin combinations (COC) are examined for their components alone or in the various combined formulations. Special emphasis is given to products containing natural estrogens. Areas covered: Recent information on the effect of androgens, estrogens, progestins, as well as various COC combinations on the coagulation cascade will be reviewed aiming at providing an updated picture. The present article reviews hemostatic changes occurring during use of classic and modern combinations of estrogens (ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, estradiol valerate and estetrol) and new progestins (desogestrel, gestodene, dienogest, drospirenone, nomegestrol acetate), compared to classic compounds, such as levonorgestrel. Both pro- and anti-coagulatory effects of COC in healthy women are detailed and possible links with incidence of thromboembolic events are discussed. Expert commentary: Overall, the picture is reassuring: the use of natural estrogens and of new generation progestins has reduced pro-coagulatory changes in healthy subjects, although the observed differences in the risk of venous thromboembolism between second and third generation progestins is still incompletely understood. At the same time, there still is a need for large comparative and surveillance studies before firm conclusions can be drawn. At any rate, available evidence indicates that hemostatic effects of the newer COC, especially those utilizing natural estrogens, are minimal and often remain with the normal range.

[The isolation of organic compounds from hydrosulfuric mineral waters with the use of the extractive freezing-out technique with centrifugation].

PubMed

Bekhterev, V N; Kabina, E A

The mineral waters, enriched with organic substances find extensive application in balneotherapy. The fast and efficient methods for the identification and quantitative measurement of organic compounds (in the first place, organic acids) in such waters need to be developed for the estimation of their quality and biological activity. The objective of the present study was to elaborate a gas chromatographic method for the determination of monobasic carbonic acids in sulfide-containing mineral waters by means of extractive freezing-out in combination with the application of the centrifugal forces for the elucidation of the metrological characteristics of the compounds of interest. The secondary objective was to estimate the prospects for the application of the method of interest for determining the dissolved organic compounds in mineral waters. The following carbonic acids were used for the purposes of the study: acetic acid (analytical grade), Russia; propionic grade (extra pure), Ferak, Germany; butyric acid (pure), Russia; valeric acid (pure), Russia; caproic acid (pure), Russia; oenanthic acid (pure), Russia; and caprylic acid (pure), Russia). Acetonitrile («O» grade), Russia, was used as the extracting agent. The LV-210 analytical balance (Russia) was used to prepare the model and standard solutions of the organic compounds and to determine their mass. The extracts and standard mixture were investigated by the gas chromatographic technique with the use of the Kristallyuks apparatus («Meta-Khrom», Russia) equipped with the flame ionization detector and the capillary column. Extractive freezing-out in the combination with centrifugation was performed with the laboratory installation for this purpose. Under the model conditions, a single extractive freezing-out procedure with the centrifugation of the sample made it possible to reach the 22-37-fold concentration of C2-C8 monobasic carbonic acids during their transfer from water into acetonitrile. The

Architectural acoustics and the heritage of theater architecture in Andalusia (Acustica arquitectonica y patrimonio teatral en Andalucia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leon, Angel Luis

2003-11-01

This thesis reports on the study of the acoustic properties of 18 theaters belonging to the Andalusian historical and architectural heritage. These theaters have undergone recent renovations to modernize and equip them appropriately. Coincident with this work, evaluations and qualification assessments with regard to their acoustic properties have been carried out for the individual theaters and for the group as a whole. Data measurements for this purpose consisted of acoustic measurements in situ, both before the renovation and after the renovation. These results have been compared with computer simulations of sound fields. Variables and parameters considered include the following: reverberation time, rapid speech transition index, back-ground noise, definition, clarity, strength, lateral efficiency, interaural cross-correlation coefficient, volume/seat ratio, volume/audience-area ratio. Based on the measurements and analysis, general conclusions are given in regard to the acoustic performance of theaters whose typology and size are comparable to those that were used in this study (between 800 and 8000 cubic meters). It is noted that these properties are comparable to those of the majority of European theaters. The results and conclusions are presented so that they should be of interest to architectural acoustics practitioners and to architects who are involved in the planning of renovation projects for theaters Thesis advisors: Juan J. Sendra and Jaime Navarro Copies of this thesis written in Spanish may be obtained by contacting the author, Angel L. Leon, E.T.S. de Arquitectura de Sevilla, Dpto. de Construcciones Arquitectonicas I, Av. Reina Mercedes, 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain. E-mail address: leonr@us.es

A statistical mechanical theory for a two-dimensional model of water

PubMed Central

Urbic, Tomaz; Dill, Ken A.

2010-01-01

We develop a statistical mechanical model for the thermal and volumetric properties of waterlike fluids. Each water molecule is a two-dimensional disk with three hydrogen-bonding arms. Each water interacts with neighboring waters through a van der Waals interaction and an orientation-dependent hydrogen-bonding interaction. This model, which is largely analytical, is a variant of the Truskett and Dill (TD) treatment of the “Mercedes-Benz” (MB) model. The present model gives better predictions than TD for hydrogen-bond populations in liquid water by distinguishing strong cooperative hydrogen bonds from weaker ones. We explore properties versus temperature T and pressure p. We find that the volumetric and thermal properties follow the same trends with T as real water and are in good general agreement with Monte Carlo simulations of MB water, including the density anomaly, the minimum in the isothermal compressibility, and the decreased number of hydrogen bonds for increasing temperature. The model reproduces that pressure squeezes out water’s heat capacity and leads to a negative thermal expansion coefficient at low temperatures. In terms of water structuring, the variance in hydrogen-bonding angles increases with both T and p, while the variance in water density increases with T but decreases with p. Hydrogen bonding is an energy storage mechanism that leads to water’s large heat capacity (for its size) and to the fragility in its cagelike structures, which are easily melted by temperature and pressure to a more van der Waals-like liquid state. PMID:20550408

Spin dynamics of qqq wave function on light front in high momentum limit of QCD: Role of qqq force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, A. N.

2008-04-01

The contribution of a spin-rich qqq force (in conjunction with pairwise qq forces) to the analytical structure of the qqq wave function is worked out in the high momentum regime of QCD where the confining interaction may be ignored, so that the dominant effect is Coulombic. A distinctive feature of this study is that the spin-rich qqq force is generated by a ggg vertex (a genuine part of the QCD Lagrangian) wherein the 3 radiating gluon lines end on as many quark lines, giving rise to a (Mercedes-Benz type) Y-shaped diagram. The dynamics is that of a Salpeter-like equation (3D support for the kernel) formulated covariantly on the light front, a la Markov-Yukawa Transversality Principle (MYTP) which warrants a 2-way interconnection between the 3D and 4D Bethe-Salpeter (BSE) forms for 2 as well as 3 fermion quarks. With these ingredients, the differential equation for the 3D wave function ϕ receives well-defined contributions from the qq and qqq forces. In particular a negative eigenvalue of the spin operator iσ1 · σ2 × σ3 which is an integral part of the qqq force, causes a characteristic singularity in the differential equation, signalling the dynamical effect of a spin-rich qqq force not yet considered in the literature. The potentially crucial role of this interesting effect vis-a-vis the so-called 'spin anomaly' of the proton, is a subject of considerable physical interest.

Water in the presence of inert Lennard-Jones obstacles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurtjak, Mario; Urbic, Tomaz

2014-04-01

Water confined by the presence of a 'sea' of inert obstacles was examined. In the article, freely mobile two-dimensional Mercedes-Benz (MB) water put to a disordered, but fixed, matrix of Lennard-Jones disks was studied by the Monte Carlo computer simulations. For the MB water molecules in the matrix of Lennard-Jones disks, we explored the structures, hydrogen-bond-network formation and thermodynamics as a function of temperature and size and density of matrix particles. We found that the structure of model water is perturbed by the presence of the obstacles. Density of confined water, which was in equilibrium with the bulk water, was smaller than the density of the bulk water and the temperature dependence of the density of absorbed water did not show the density anomaly in the studied temperature range. The behaviour observed as a consequence of confinement is similar to that of increasing temperature, which can for a matrix lead to a process similar to capillary evaporation. At the same occupancy of space, smaller matrix molecules cause higher destruction effect on the absorbed water molecules than the bigger ones. We have also tested the hypothesis that at low matrix densities the obstacles induce an increased ordering and 'hydrogen bonding' of the MB model molecules, relative to pure fluid, while at high densities the obstacles reduce MB water structuring, as they prevent the fluid to form good 'hydrogen-bonding' networks. However, for the size of matrix molecules similar to that of water, we did not observe this effect.

Lithospheric structure below seismic stations in Cuba from the joint inversion of Rayleigh surface waves dispersion and receiver functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, O'Leary; Moreno, Bladimir; Romanelli, Fabio; Panza, Giuliano F.

2012-05-01

The joint inversion of Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion and receiver functions has been used to study the crust and upper mantle structure at eight seismic stations in Cuba. Receiver functions have been computed from teleseismic recordings of earthquakes at epicentral (angular) distances in the range from 30° to 90° and Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion relations have been taken from earlier surface wave tomographic studies in the Caribbean area. The thickest crust (˜30 km) below Cuban stations is found at Cascorro (CCC) and Maisí (MAS) whereas the thinnest crust (˜18 km) is found at stations Río Carpintero (RCC) and Guantánamo Bay (GTBY), in the southeastern part of Cuba; this result is in agreement with the southward gradual thinning of the crust revealed by previous studies. In the crystalline crust, the S-wave velocity varies between ˜2.8 and ˜3.9 km s-1 and, at the crust-mantle transition zone, the shear wave velocity varies from ˜4.0 and ˜4.3 km s-1. The lithospheric thickness varies from ˜65 km, in the youngest lithosphere, to ˜150 km in the northeastern part of the Cuban island, below Maisí (MAS) and Moa (MOA) stations. Evidence of a subducted slab possibly belonging to the Caribbean plate is present below the stations Las Mercedes (LMG), RCC and GTBY whereas earlier subducted slabs could explain the results obtained below the Soroa (SOR), Manicaragua (MGV) and Cascorro (CCC) station.

Antibiotic release from biodegradable PHBV microparticles.

PubMed

Sendil, D; Gürsel, I; Wise, D L; Hasirci, V

1999-05-20

For the treatment of periodontal diseases, design of a controlled release system seemed very appropriate for an effective, long term result. In this study a novel, biodegradable microbial polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), PHBV of various valerate contents containing a well established antibiotic, tetracycline, known to be effective against many of the periodontal disease related microorganisms, was used in the construction of a controlled release system. Tetracycline was loaded in the PHBV microspheres and microcapsules both in its acidic (TC) and in neutral form (TCN). Microcapsules of PHBV were prepared under different conditions using w/o/w double emulsion and their properties such as encapsulation efficiency, loading, release characteristics, and morphological properties were investigated. It was found that concentration of emulsifiers polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin (varied between 0-4%) influenced the encapsulation efficiency appreciably. In order to increase encapsulation efficiency (from the obtained range of 18.1-30.1%) and slow down the release of the highly soluble tetracycline.HCl, it was neutralized with NaOH. Encapsulation efficiency of neutralized tetracycline was much higher (51.9-65.3%) due to the insoluble form of the drug used during encapsulation. The release behaviour of neither of the drugs was found to be of zero order. Rather the trends fitted reasonably well to Higuchi's approach for release from spherical micropheres. Biodegradability was not an appreciable parameter in the release from microcapsules because release was complete before any signs of degradation were observed.

Mitochondrial enzymes and endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores as targets of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

PubMed

Gibson, Gary E; Huang, Hsueh-Meei

2004-08-01

Considerable evidence indicates that oxidative stress accompanies age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Specific mechanisms by which oxidative stress leads to neurodegeneration are unknown. Two targets of oxidative stress that are known to change in neurodegenerative diseases are the mitochondrial enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) and endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores. KGDHC activities are diminished in all common neurodegenerative diseases and the changes are particularly well documented in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A second change that occurs in cells from AD patients is an exaggerated endoplasmic reticulum calcium store [i.e., bombesin-releasable calcium stores (BRCS)]. H(2)O(2), a general oxidant, changes both variables in the same direction as occurs in disease. Other oxidants selectively alter these variables. Various antioxidants were used to help define the critical oxidant species that modifies these responses. All of the antioxidants diminish the oxidant-induced carboxy-dichlorofluorescein (cDCF) detectable reactive oxygen species (ROS), but have diverse actions on these cellular processes. For example, alpha-keto-beta-methyl-n-valeric acid (KMV) diminishes the H(2)O(2) effects on BRCS, while trolox and DMSO exaggerate the response. Acute trolox treatment does not alter H(2)O(2)-induced changes in KGDHC, whereas chronic treatment with trolox increases KGDHC almost threefold. The results suggest that KGDHC and BRCS provide targets by which oxidative stress may induce neurodegeneration and a useful tool for selecting antioxidants for reversing age-related neurodegeneration.

Management of experimental benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats using a food-based therapy containing Telfairia occidentalis seeds.

PubMed

Ejike, Chukwunonso E C C; Ezeanyika, Lawrence U S

2011-01-01

The usefulness of diet containing Telfairia occidentalis seeds, in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats was studied. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups. BPH was induced by sub-cutaneous injection of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol valerate (ratio, 10:1) every other day for 28 days. Rats in the test group were placed on the test diet for 7 days following disease induction. One control group (DC) was fed on a normal diet for 7 days following disease induction. Two other control groups, HC and HDC, were given sub-cutaneous olive oil (vehicle) for the same duration, and placed on the test diet and normal diet, respectively. Markers of BPH, and hormone profile were determined using standard methods. The results show that relative prostate weight and protein content of the prostates were lower [albeit not significantly (p>0.05)] in the test group, relative to the DC group. Serum prostatic acid phosphatase concentrations (U/L) decreased significantly (p<0.05) from 2.9 ± 0.2 in the DC group to 2.1 ± 0.7 in the test group. Histological findings corroborate these data. The testosterone: estradiol ratio (× 10(3)) was increased from 4.0 ± 0.2 in the DC group to 4.6 ± 0.2 in the test group. The test diet reduced the mass and secretory activity of the enlarged prostate and may act by increasing the testosterone: estradiol ratio.

Do Valenced Odors and Trait Body Odor Disgust Affect Evaluation of Emotion in Dynamic Faces?

PubMed

Syrjänen, Elmeri; Liuzza, Marco Tullio; Fischer, Håkan; Olofsson, Jonas K

2017-12-01

Disgust is a core emotion evolved to detect and avoid the ingestion of poisonous food as well as the contact with pathogens and other harmful agents. Previous research has shown that multisensory presentation of olfactory and visual information may strengthen the processing of disgust-relevant information. However, it is not known whether these findings extend to dynamic facial stimuli that changes from neutral to emotionally expressive, or if individual differences in trait body odor disgust may influence the processing of disgust-related information. In this preregistered study, we tested whether a classification of dynamic facial expressions as happy or disgusted, and an emotional evaluation of these facial expressions, would be affected by individual differences in body odor disgust sensitivity, and by exposure to a sweat-like, negatively valenced odor (valeric acid), as compared with a soap-like, positively valenced odor (lilac essence) or a no-odor control. Using Bayesian hypothesis testing, we found evidence that odors do not affect recognition of emotion in dynamic faces even when body odor disgust sensitivity was used as moderator. However, an exploratory analysis suggested that an unpleasant odor context may cause faster RTs for faces, independent of their emotional expression. Our results further our understanding of the scope and limits of odor effects on facial perception affect and suggest further studies should focus on reproducibility, specifying experimental circumstances where odor effects on facial expressions may be present versus absent.

Characterization of microbial metabolism of Syrah grape products in an in vitro colon model using targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches.

PubMed

Aura, Anna-Marja; Mattila, Ismo; Hyötyläinen, Tuulia; Gopalacharyulu, Peddinti; Cheynier, Veronique; Souquet, Jean-Marc; Bes, Magali; Le Bourvellec, Carine; Guyot, Sylvain; Orešič, Matej

2013-03-01

Syrah red grapes are used in the production of tannin-rich red wines. Tannins are high molecular weight molecules, proanthocyanidins (PAs), and poorly absorbed in the upper intestine. In this study, gut microbial metabolism of Syrah grape phenolic compounds was investigated. Syrah grape pericarp was subjected to an enzymatic in vitro digestion model, and red wine and grape skin PA fraction were prepared. Microbial conversion was screened using an in vitro colon model with faecal microbiota, by measurement of short-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography (GC) and microbial phenolic metabolites using GC with mass detection (GC-MS). Red wine metabolites were further profiled using two-dimensional GC mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS). In addition, the effect of PA structure and dose on conversion efficiency was investigated by GC-MS. Red wine exhibited a higher degree of C1-C3 phenolic acid formation than PA fraction or grape pericarp powders. Hydroxyphenyl valeric acid (flavanols and PAs as precursors) and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (anthocyanin as a precursor) were identified from the red wine metabolite profile. In the absence of native grape pericarp or red wine matrix, the isolated PAs were found to be effective in the dose-dependent inhibition of microbial conversions and short-chain fatty acid formation. Metabolite profiling was complementary to targeted analysis. The identified metabolites had biological relevance, because the structures of the metabolites resembled fragments of their grape phenolic precursors or were in agreement with literature data.

Candida albicans Utilizes a Modified β-Oxidation Pathway for the Degradation of Toxic Propionyl-CoA*

PubMed Central

Otzen, Christian; Bardl, Bettina; Jacobsen, Ilse D.; Nett, Markus; Brock, Matthias

2014-01-01

Propionyl-CoA arises as a metabolic intermediate from the degradation of propionate, odd-chain fatty acids, and some amino acids. Thus, pathways for catabolism of this intermediate have evolved in all kingdoms of life, preventing the accumulation of toxic propionyl-CoA concentrations. Previous studies have shown that fungi generally use the methyl citrate cycle for propionyl-CoA degradation. Here, we show that this is not the case for the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans despite its ability to use propionate and valerate as carbon sources. Comparative proteome analyses suggested the presence of a modified β-oxidation pathway with the key intermediate 3-hydroxypropionate. Gene deletion analyses confirmed that the enoyl-CoA hydratase/dehydrogenase Fox2p, the putative 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA hydrolase Ehd3p, the 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase Hpd1p, and the putative malonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase Ald6p essentially contribute to propionyl-CoA degradation and its conversion to acetyl-CoA. The function of Hpd1p was further supported by the detection of accumulating 3-hydroxypropionate in the hpd1 mutant on propionyl-CoA-generating nutrients. Substrate specificity of Hpd1p was determined from recombinant purified enzyme, which revealed a preference for 3-hydroxypropionate, although serine and 3-hydroxyisobutyrate could also serve as substrates. Finally, virulence studies in a murine sepsis model revealed attenuated virulence of the hpd1 mutant, which indicates generation of propionyl-CoA from host-provided nutrients during infection. PMID:24497638

Effects of Hormone Therapy on Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Sánchez-Rodríguez, Martha A; Zacarías-Flores, Mariano; Castrejón-Delgado, Lizett; Ruiz-Rodríguez, Ana Karen; Mendoza-Núñez, Víctor Manuel

2016-08-24

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral hormone therapy (HT) on oxidative stress (OS) in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out. We formed four groups of 25 women each; healthy (HW) and MetS women (MSW) were assigned to HT (1 mg/day of estradiol valerate plus 5 mg/10 day of medroxiprogesterone) or placebo. We measured plasma lipoperoxides, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, total plasma antioxidant status and uric acid, as OS markers. Alternative cut-off values of each parameter were defined and a stress score (SS) ranging from 0 to 7 was used as total OS. MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria. Participants were seen at baseline, 3 and 6 months. After 6 months, MetS decreased in MSW-HT (48%), their triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) improved; in the other groups no difference was found. SS in MSW-HT decreased (3.8 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.3, p < 0.05) and OS was also reduced (44%), this effect was evident since 3 mo. HW-HT with high OS also decreased (40%). In placebo groups there was no change. Our findings suggest that HT improve lipids and OS associated to MetS in postmenopausal women.

Sustainable and efficient biohydrogen production via electrohydrogenesis.

PubMed

Cheng, Shaoan; Logan, Bruce E

2007-11-20

Hydrogen gas has tremendous potential as an environmentally acceptable energy carrier for vehicles, but most hydrogen is generated from nonrenewable fossil fuels such as natural gas. Here, we show that efficient and sustainable hydrogen production is possible from any type of biodegradable organic matter by electrohydrogenesis. In this process, protons and electrons released by exoelectrogenic bacteria in specially designed reactors (based on modifying microbial fuel cells) are catalyzed to form hydrogen gas through the addition of a small voltage to the circuit. By improving the materials and reactor architecture, hydrogen gas was produced at yields of 2.01-3.95 mol/mol (50-99% of the theoretical maximum) at applied voltages of 0.2 to 0.8 V using acetic acid, a typical dead-end product of glucose or cellulose fermentation. At an applied voltage of 0.6 V, the overall energy efficiency of the process was 288% based solely on electricity applied, and 82% when the heat of combustion of acetic acid was included in the energy balance, at a gas production rate of 1.1 m(3) of H(2) per cubic meter of reactor per day. Direct high-yield hydrogen gas production was further demonstrated by using glucose, several volatile acids (acetic, butyric, lactic, propionic, and valeric), and cellulose at maximum stoichiometric yields of 54-91% and overall energy efficiencies of 64-82%. This electrohydrogenic process thus provides a highly efficient route for producing hydrogen gas from renewable and carbon-neutral biomass resources.

Fungal degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates and a semiquantitative assay for screening their degradation by terrestrial fungi.

PubMed

Matavulj, M; Molitoris, H P

1992-12-01

The current problems with decreasing fossile resources and increasing environmental pollution by petrochemical-based plastics have stimulated investigations to find biosynthetic materials which are also biodegradable. Bacterial reserve materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have been discovered to possess thermoplastic properties and can be synthesized from renewable resources. Poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) is at present the most promising PHA; and BIOPOL, its copolymer with poly-beta-hydroxy-valerate (PHV), is already industrially produced (ICI, UK), and used as packaging material (WELLA, FRG). According to the literature, PHA degradation has so far mainly been observed in bacteria; only under certain environmental conditions has fungal degradation of PHAs been indicated. Since fungi constitute an important part of microbial populations participating in degradation processes, a simple screening method for fungal degradation of BIOPOL, a PHA-based plastic, was developed. Several media with about 150 fungal strains from different terrestrial environments and belonging to different systematic and ecological groups were used. PHA depolymerization was tested on three PHB-based media, each with 0.1% BIOPOL or PHB homopolymer causing turbidity of the medium. The media contained either a comparatively low or high content of organic carbon (beside PHA) or were based on mineral medium with PHA as the principal source of carbon. The degradation activity was detectable due to formation of a clear halo around the colony (Petri plates) or a clear zone under the colony (test tubes).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pilot-scale testing of renewable biocatalyst for swine manure treatment and mitigation of odorous VOCs, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurer, Devin L.; Koziel, Jacek A.; Bruning, Kelsey; Parker, David B.

2017-02-01

Comprehensive control of odors, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with swine production is a critical need. A pilot-scale experiment was conducted to evaluate surface-applied soybean peroxidase (SBP) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) as a manure additive to mitigate emissions of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOC) including dimethyl disulfide/methanethiol (DMDS/MT), dimethyl trisulfide, n-butyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, p-cresol, indole, and skatole. The secondary impact on emissions of NH3, H2S, and GHG was also measured. The SBP was tested at four treatments (2.28-45.7 kg/m2 manure) with CaO2 (4.2% by weight of SBP) over 137 days. Significant reductions in VOC emissions were observed: DMDS/MT (36.2%-84.7%), p-cresol (53.1%-89.5%), and skatole (63.2%-92.5%). There was a corresponding significant reduction in NH3 (14.6%-67.6%), and significant increases in the greenhouse gases CH4 (32.7%-232%) and CO2 (20.8%-124%). The remaining emissions (including N2O) were not statistically different. At a cost relative to 0.8% of a marketed hog it appears that SBP/CaO2 treatment could be a promising option at the lowest (2.28 kg/m2) treatment rate for reducing odorous gas and NH3 emissions at swine operations, and field-scale testing is warranted.

Characterization of major offensive odorants released from lake sediment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susaya, Janice; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Chang, Yoon-Seok

2011-02-01

The amount of odorants effused from Lake Sihwa during the low tide period was estimated using sediment samples collected from various sites. A wide variety of odorants released from lake sediment were measured such as reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs), aldehydes, nitrogenous compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). A comparison of emission rates (μg m -2 min -1) showed large mean values from such species as NH 3 (14,550), toluene (370), and DMS (106), while the lowest values were seen from VFAs and some VOCs. If their emission concentrations are converted into odor intensity (OI), the OI values were dominated by such odorants as NH 3 (2.07), H 2S (1.65), DMS (1.80), acetaldehyde (1.52), butyric acid (1.59), butyraldehyde (1.28), isovaleric acid (1.15), and valeric acid (0.78). The dilution to threshold (D/T) ratio derived on the basis of the air dilution sensory (ADS) test yielded a mean of 62 (range: 10-173); 19 out of 21 samples were seen to exceed the guideline D/T value of 15. The sum of odor intensities derived from individual odorants exhibited strong compatibilities with the D/T ratio ( r2 = 0.87; α = 0.003). The overall results of this study confirm that the sediment can play an important role in the malodor phenomenon in the area surrounding the Lake Sihwa.

Haemostatic and metabolic impact of estradiol pills and drospirenone-containing ethinylestradiol pills vs. levonorgestrel-containing ethinylestradiol pills: A literature review.

PubMed

Lete, Iñaki; Chabbert-Buffet, Nathalie; Jamin, Christian; Lello, Stefano; Lobo, Paloma; Nappi, Rossella E; Pintiaux, Axelle

2015-01-01

Since its introduction 50 years ago, the contraceptive pill has continuously evolved to decrease the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with its use. An increased risk of VTE still remains, however. Other concerns, such as effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, have also been reported. In this study we compared two reference combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing ethinylestradiol (EE)/levonorgestrel (LNG) and EE/drospirenone (DRSP) with COCs containing estradiol (E2) (estradiol valerate [E2V]/dienogest [DNG] and E2/nomegestrol acetate [NOMAC]). They were evaluated according to their influence on recognised haemostatic and metabolic markers. A literature search of the MEDLINE/PubMed database was conducted for head-to-head studies. EE/LNG was chosen as the comparator pill. The haemostatic impact of E2 pills and EE/LNG has been extensively compared, in contrast to that of EE/DRSP and EE/LNG. Changes in haemostatic and metabolic marker levels between EE/LNG and E2V/DNG were generally not statistically significant. E2/NOMAC showed statistically significantly favourable results on haemostatic markers and had a neutral effect on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism when compared with EE/LNG. E2/NOMAC exhibits less haemostatic and metabolic impact than EE/LNG and other COCs, suggesting that it may be a promising candidate to reduce residual VTE risk associated with COC use. Confirmation from a well-powered prospective clinical trial is, however, needed.

Effects of Hormone Therapy on Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Rodríguez, Martha A.; Zacarías-Flores, Mariano; Castrejón-Delgado, Lizett; Ruiz-Rodríguez, Ana Karen; Mendoza-Núñez, Víctor Manuel

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral hormone therapy (HT) on oxidative stress (OS) in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out. We formed four groups of 25 women each; healthy (HW) and MetS women (MSW) were assigned to HT (1 mg/day of estradiol valerate plus 5 mg/10 day of medroxiprogesterone) or placebo. We measured plasma lipoperoxides, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, total plasma antioxidant status and uric acid, as OS markers. Alternative cut-off values of each parameter were defined and a stress score (SS) ranging from 0 to 7 was used as total OS. MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria. Participants were seen at baseline, 3 and 6 months. After 6 months, MetS decreased in MSW-HT (48%), their triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) improved; in the other groups no difference was found. SS in MSW-HT decreased (3.8 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.3, p < 0.05) and OS was also reduced (44%), this effect was evident since 3 mo. HW-HT with high OS also decreased (40%). In placebo groups there was no change. Our findings suggest that HT improve lipids and OS associated to MetS in postmenopausal women. PMID:27563883

Acetolactate metabolism and the presence of a dehydroxy acid dehydratase in micro-organisms

PubMed Central

Wixom, R. L.

1965-01-01

1. The growth characteristics of nine micro-organisms on complex broth and defined media, usually with a single nitrogen source (other than vitamins), were examined as a necessary step before growth of cells for enzyme assays. Six of these bacteria gave a positive colour test with a creatine–potassium hydroxide reagent, indicating the presence of acetoin, which other investigators have shown is formed via the intermediate, α-acetolactate. 2. Cell-free extracts of exponential-phase cells of Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus morganii, Acetobacter rancens (two strains), A. kuetzingianus, A. acetosus, Acetomonas (Acetobacter) melanogenus and Acetomonas (Acetobacter) suboxydans (A.T.C.C. no. 621) were found to contain the enzyme, dihydroxy acid dehydratase (2,3-dihydroxy acid hydro-lyase). 3. The specific activity of the dehydratase from organisms grown on valine- and isoleucine-deficient media was greater than those grown on a complex broth or media containing complete amino acid mixtures. The omission of valine plus isoleucine from a medium containing 19 amino acids caused an increase in the dehydratase specific activity of Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus morganii. 4. The rate of keto acid formation from αβ-dihydroxyisovalerate by extracts of six of the above-named organisms was faster than, but somewhat proportional to, the similar rate from αβ-dihydroxy-β-methyl-n-valerate as substrate. 5. These findings may be related to acetolactate synthesis, acetoin formation and valine–isoleucine biosynthesis in the above-mentioned micro-organisms. PMID:14348203

Freeze-all policy: fresh vs. frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

PubMed

Roque, Matheus; Valle, Marcello; Guimarães, Fernando; Sampaio, Marcos; Geber, Selmo

2015-05-01

To compare in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes between fresh embryo transfer (ET) and frozen-thawed ET (the "freeze-all" policy), with fresh ET performed only in cases without progesterone (P) elevation. Prospective, observational, cohort study. Private IVF center. A total of 530 patients submitted to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonist protocol, and cleavage-stage, day-3 ET. None. Ongoing pregnancy rates. A total of 530 cycles were included in the analysis: 351 in the fresh ET group (when P levels were ≤1.5 ng/mL on the trigger day); and 179 cycles in the freeze-all group (ET performed after endometrial priming with estradiol valerate, at 6 mg/d, taken orally). For the fresh ET group vs. the freeze-all group, respectively, the implantation rate was 19.9% and 26.5%; clinical pregnancy rate was 35.9% and 46.4%; and ongoing pregnancy rate was 31.1% and 39.7%. The IVF outcomes were significantly better in the group using the freeze-all policy, compared with the group using fresh ET. These results suggest that even in a select group of patients that underwent fresh ET (P levels ≤1.5 ng/mL), endometrial receptivity may have been impaired by COS, and outcomes may be improved by using the freeze-all policy. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Valeriana officinalis ameliorates vacuous chewing movements induced by reserpine in rats.

PubMed

Pereira, Romaiana Picada; Fachinetto, Roselei; de Souza Prestes, Alessandro; Wagner, Caroline; Sudati, Jéssie Haigert; Boligon, Aline Augusti; Athayde, Margareth Linde; Morsch, Vera Maria; Rocha, João Batista Teixeira

2011-11-01

Oral movements are associated with important neuropathologies as Parkinson's disease and tardive dyskinesia. However, until this time, there has been no known efficacious treatment, without side effects, for these disorders. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible preventive effects of V. officinalis, a phytotherapic that has GABAergic and antioxidant properties, in vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) induced by reserpine in rats. Adult male rats were treated with reserpine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and/or with V. officinalis (in the drinking water, starting 15 days before the administration of the reserpine). VCMs, locomotor activity and oxidative stress measurements were evaluated. Furthermore, we carried out the identification of valeric acid and gallic acid by HPLC in the V. officinalis tincture. Our findings demonstrated that reserpine caused a marked increase on VCMs and the co-treatment with V. officinalis was able to reduce the intensity of VCM. Reserpine did not induce oxidative stress in cerebral structures (cortex, hippocampus, striatum and substantia nigra). However, a significant positive correlation between DCF-oxidation (an estimation of oxidative stress) in the cortex and VCMs (p < 0.05) was observed. Moreover, a negative correlation between Na(+)K(+)-ATPase activity in substantia nigra and the number of VCMs was observed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, V. officinalis had behavioral protective effect against reserpine-induced VCMs in rats; however, the exact mechanisms that contributed to this effect have not been completely understood.

Identification of lipolytic enzymes isolated from bacteria indigenous to Eucalyptus wood species for application in the pulping industry.

PubMed

Ramnath, L; Sithole, B; Govinden, R

2017-09-01

This study highlights the importance of determining substrate specificity at variable experimental conditions. Lipases and esterases were isolated from microorganisms cultivated from Eucalyptus wood species and then concentrated (cellulases removed) and characterized. Phenol red agar plates supplemented with 1% olive oil or tributyrin was ascertained to be the most favourable method of screening for lipolytic activity. Lipolytic activity of the various enzymes were highest at 45-61 U/ml at the optimum temperature and pH of between at 30-35 °C and pH 4-5, respectively. Change in pH influenced the substrate specificity of the enzymes tested. The majority of enzymes tested displayed a propensity for longer aliphatic acyl chains such as dodecanoate (C 12 ), myristate (C 14 ), palmitate (C 16 ) and stearate (C 18 ) indicating that they could be characterised as potential lipases. Prospective esterases were also detected with specificity towards acetate (C 2 ), butyrate (C 4 ) and valerate (C 5 ). Enzymes maintained up to 95% activity at the optimal pH and temperature for 2-3 h. It is essential to test substrates at various pH and temperature when determining optimum activity of lipolytic enzymes, a method rarely employed. The stability of the enzymes at acidic pH and moderate temperatures makes them excellent candidates for application in the treatment of pitch during acid bi-sulphite pulping, which would greatly benefit the pulp and paper industry.

Advances in cyanobacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates production.

PubMed

Singh, Akhilesh Kumar; Mallick, Nirupama

2017-11-01

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have received much attention in the current scenario due to their attractive material properties, namely biodegradability, biocompatibility, thermoplasticity, hydrophobicity, piezoelectricity and stereospecificity. All these properties make them highly competitive for various industrial applications similar to non-degradable conventional plastics. In PHA biosynthesis, PHA synthase acts as a natural catalyst for PHA polymerization process using the (R)-hydroxyacyl-CoA as substrate. Cyanobacteria can accumulate PHAs under photoautotrophic and/or mixotrophic growth conditions with organic substrates such as acetate, glucose, propionate, valerate, and so on. The natural incidence of PHA accumulation by the cyanobacteria is known since 1966. Nevertheless, PHA accumulation in cyanobacteria based on the cell biomass and volumetric productivity is critically lower than the heterotrophic bacteria. Consequently, cyanobacteria are nowadays not considered for commercial production of PHAs. Thus, strain improvements by genetic modification, new cultivation and harvesting techniques, advanced photobioreactor development, efficient and sustainable downstream processes, alternate economical carbon sources and usage of various metabolic inhibitors are suggested for enhancing cyanobacterial PHA accumulation. In addition, identification of transcriptional regulators like RNA polymerase sigma factor (SigE) and a response regulator (Rre37) together with the recent major scientific breakthrough on the existence of complete Krebs cycle in cyanobacteria would be helpful in taking PHA production from cyanobacteria to a new-fangled height in near future. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Est16, a New Esterase Isolated from a Metagenomic Library of a Microbial Consortium Specializing in Diesel Oil Degradation.

PubMed

Pereira, Mariana Rangel; Mercaldi, Gustavo Fernando; Maester, Thaís Carvalho; Balan, Andrea; Lemos, Eliana Gertrudes de Macedo

2015-01-01

Lipolytic enzymes have attracted attention from a global market because they show enormous biotechnological potential for applications such as detergent production, leather processing, cosmetics production, and use in perfumes and biodiesel. Due to the intense demand for biocatalysts, a metagenomic approach provides methods of identifying new enzymes. In this study, an esterase designated as Est16 was selected from 4224 clones of a fosmid metagenomic library, revealing an 87% amino acid identity with an esterase/lipase (accession number ADM63076.1) from an uncultured bacterium. Phylogenetic studies showed that the enzyme belongs to family V of bacterial lipolytic enzymes and has sequence and structural similarities with an aryl-esterase from Pseudomonas fluorescens and a patented Anti-Kazlauskas lipase (patent number US20050153404). The protein was expressed and purified as a highly soluble, thermally stable enzyme that showed a preference for basic pH. Est16 exhibited activity toward a wide range of substrates and the highest catalytic efficiency against p-nitrophenyl butyrate and p-nitrophenyl valerate. Est16 also showed tolerance to the presence of organic solvents, detergents and metals. Based on molecular modeling, we showed that the large alpha-beta domain is conserved in the patented enzymes but not the substrate pocket. Here, it was demonstrated that a metagenomic approach is suitable for discovering the lipolytic enzyme diversity and that Est16 has the biotechnological potential for use in industrial processes.

Pharmacodynamics of combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives: 1. Effects on metabolism.

PubMed

Bastianelli, Carlo; Farris, Manuela; Rosato, Elena; Brosens, Ivo; Benagiano, Giuseppe

2017-03-01

The risk-benefit profile of any pharmacologic agent must be evaluated against risks connected with the events to be avoided. This is especially true in the case of hormonal contraception, not intended to combat a disease. Over the six decades during which their use has progressively expanded, the risk-benefit profile of combined oral contraceptives (COC) has substantially changed, with new combinations, dosages and mode of administration appearing on the market. Area covered: In a series of articles, recent information on the complex issue of COC risks and benefits will be reviewed in the hope of providing an updated picture. The present article reviews metabolic changes occurring during use of modern combinations of estrogens (ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, estradiol valerate and estetrol) and new progestins (desogestrel, gestodene, dienogest, drospirenone, nomegestrol acetate), often compared to classic compounds, such as levonorgestrel. Three categories of metabolic effects in healthy women are detailed: on carbohydrates, lipid and bone mineral content. Expert commentary: Overall, the picture is reassuring: the new generations of progestins are basically devoid of androgenic, estrogenic or glucocorticoid related side-effects. This should result in an improved safety profile, although past history teaches us that that large comparative and surveillance studies are required before firm conclusions can be drawn. At any rate, available evidence indicates that metabolic effects of third and fourth generation progestins, especially when they are combined with natural estrogens, are minimal and, if used in healthy women, should not cause concern.

Faecal short chain fatty acids in healthy subjects participating in a randomised controlled trial examining a soluble highly viscous polysaccharide versus control.

PubMed

Reimer, R A; Pelletier, X; Carabin, I G; Lyon, M R; Gahler, R J; Wood, S

2012-08-01

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by the bacterial fermentation of dietary fibre and have been linked with intestinal health. The present study examined faecal SCFA concentrations in subjects consuming a novel soluble highly viscous polysaccharide (HVP) or control for 3 weeks. A total of 54 healthy adults participated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects were randomised to consume HVP or control (skim milk powder). A dose of 5 g day(-1) was consumed in the first week, followed by 10 g day(-1) in the second and third weeks (n = 27 per group). The primary outcome was SCFA concentrations in faecal samples collected at baseline (visit 1, V1), at 1 week (V2) and at 3 week (V3). The reduction in faecal acetate from V1 to V3 in control subjects was not observed in subjects consuming HVP. There were no differences in propionate, butyrate, valerate or caproate concentrations. There was a significant treatment effect (P = 0.03) for total SCFA, with higher concentrations observed in subjects consuming HVP versus control. HVP is a viscous functional fibre that may influence gut microbial fermentation. Further work is warranted to examine the fermentative properties of HVP and possible links with appetite regulation and reduced serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics © 2012 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Towards cancer cell-specific phototoxic organometallic rhenium(I) complexes.

PubMed

Leonidova, Anna; Pierroz, Vanessa; Rubbiani, Riccardo; Heier, Jakob; Ferrari, Stefano; Gasser, Gilles

2014-03-21

Over the recent years, several Re(I) organometallic compounds have been shown to be toxic to various cancer cell lines. However, these compounds lacked sufficient selectivity towards cancer tissues to be used as novel chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we probe the potential of two known N,N-bis(quinolinoyl) Re(I) tricarbonyl complex derivatives, namely Re(I) tricarbonyl [N,N-bis(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)amino]-4-butane-1-amine (Re-NH₂) and Re(I) tricarbonyl [N,N-bis(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)amino]-5-valeric acid (Re-COOH), as photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitizers. Re-NH₂ and Re-COOH proved to be excellent singlet oxygen generators in a lipophilic environment with quantum yields of about 75%. Furthermore, we envisaged to improve the selectivity of Re-COOH via conjugation to two types of peptides, namely a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and a derivative of the neuropeptide bombesin, to form Re-NLS and Re-Bombesin, respectively. Fluorescent microscopy on cervical cancer cells (HeLa) showed that the conjugation of Re-COOH to NLS significantly enhanced the compound's accumulation into the cell nucleus and more specifically into its nucleoli. Importantly, in view of PDT applications, the cytotoxicity of the Re complexes and their bioconjugates increased significantly upon light irradiation. In particular, Re-Bombesin was found to be at least 20-fold more toxic after light irradiation. DNA photo-cleavage studies demonstrated that all compounds damaged DNA via singlet oxygen and, to a minor extent, superoxide production.

Nutrient Intake Is Associated with Longevity Characterization by Metabolites and Element Profiles of Healthy Centenarians

PubMed Central

Cai, Da; Zhao, Shancang; Li, Danlei; Chang, Fang; Tian, Xiangxu; Huang, Guohong; Zhu, Zhenjun; Liu, Dong; Dou, Xiaowei; Li, Shubo; Zhao, Mouming; Li, Quanyang

2016-01-01

The relationships between diet and metabolites as well as element profiles in healthy centenarians are important but remain inconclusive. Therefore, to test the interesting hypothesis that there would be distinctive features of metabolites and element profiles in healthy centenarians, and that these would be associated with nutrient intake; the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), total bile acids and ammonia in feces, phenol, p-cresol, uric acid, urea, creatinine and ammonia in urine, and element profiles in fingernails were determined in 90 healthy elderly people, including centenarians from Bama county (China)—a famous longevous region—and elderly people aged 80–99 from the longevous region and a non-longevous region. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis was used for pattern recognition. As a result, the centenarians showed a distinct metabolic pattern. Seven characteristic components closely related to the centenarians were identified, including acetic acid, total SCFA, Mn, Co, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. Their concentrations were significantly higher in the centenarians group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the dietary fiber intake was positively associated with butyric acid contents in feces (r = 0.896, p < 0.01), and negatively associated with phenol in urine (r = −0.326, p < 0.01). The results suggest that the specific metabolic pattern of centenarians may have an important and positive influence on the formation of the longevity phenomenon. Elevated dietary fiber intake should be a path toward health and longevity. PMID:27657115

The treatment of severe premenstrual syndrome with goserelin with and without 'add-back' estrogen therapy: a placebo-controlled study.

PubMed

Leather, A T; Studd, J W; Watson, N R; Holland, E F

1999-02-01

The study aimed to determine if the addition of daily low-dose oral estrogen with a cyclical progestogen given to young women using a depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog implant for the treatment of their premenstrual syndrome (PMS) would affect the clinical outcome. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study in a specialist premenstrual syndrome clinic setting, 60 women aged between 20 and 45 years were randomized to one of three treatment groups: Group A (placebo implant four weekly + placebo tablets daily), Group B (goserelin 3.6 mg implant four weekly + estradiol valerate 2 mg daily with norethisterone 5 mg from days 21-28 of a 28-day cycle) or Group C (goserelin 3.6 mg implant four weekly + placebo tablets daily). Differences between PMS scores at 2, 4 and 6 months were compared with pretreatment values. There was a significant improvement in PMS scores in Group C (Zoladex + placebo) after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment when compared to pretreatment values and Group A (placebo + placebo). The addition of a low-dose oral estrogen with a cyclical progestogen to GnRH analog treatment (Group B) resulted in a less dramatic response when compared to pretreatment values and no significant improvement when compared to Group A (placebo + placebo) at 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment. The addition of a low-dose oral estrogen with a cyclical progestogen to depot GnRH analog therapy in the treatment of PMS reduces the clinical response.

Hot flushes and biochemical markers for cardiovascular disease: a randomized trial on hormone therapy.

PubMed

Tuomikoski, P; Mikkola, T S; Tikkanen, M J; Ylikorkala, O

2010-10-01

Menopausal hot flushes may affect the responses of various vascular risk factors to hormone therapy (HT). We compared the responses of biochemical markers for cardiovascular diseases to HT in recently postmenopausal women with tolerable or intolerable hot flushes. Healthy, non-smoking freshly postmenopausal women (n = 150) with no previous HT use were studied. Seventy-two women reported intolerable hot flushes (> or =7 moderate/severe episodes/day) and 78 women tolerable hot flushes (< or =3 mild episodes/day). The participants were treated in randomized order with either transdermal estradiol gel (1 mg), oral estradiol valerate (2 mg) with or without medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 mg), or placebo for 6 months. Treatment-induced changes in lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were compared. The trial is registered in the US National Institutes of Health Clinical Research Registry (no. NCT00668603). Pretreatment hot flush status was not related to the responses of these markers to different forms of HT. However, when all active regimens were evaluated together as a post-hoc analysis, 7/10 markers showed a tendency toward greater beneficial changes in women with intolerable hot flushes. Furthermore, in women with intolerable hot flushes and with HT use, the increases in SHBG (Spearman's rho = - 0.570, p < 0.001) were related to the reductions in hot flushes during the use of HT. Hot flushes appear to be no significant determinant for the responses of vascular markers to HT use.

Solid-solid collapse transition in a two dimensional model molecular system.

PubMed

Singh, Rakesh S; Bagchi, Biman

2013-11-21

Solid-solid collapse transition in open framework structures is ubiquitous in nature. The real difficulty in understanding detailed microscopic aspects of such transitions in molecular systems arises from the interplay between different energy and length scales involved in molecular systems, often mediated through a solvent. In this work we employ Monte-Carlo simulation to study the collapse transition in a model molecular system interacting via both isotropic as well as anisotropic interactions having different length and energy scales. The model we use is known as Mercedes-Benz (MB), which, for a specific set of parameters, sustains two solid phases: honeycomb and oblique. In order to study the temperature induced collapse transition, we start with a metastable honeycomb solid and induce transition by increasing temperature. High density oblique solid so formed has two characteristic length scales corresponding to isotropic and anisotropic parts of interaction potential. Contrary to the common belief and classical nucleation theory, interestingly, we find linear strip-like nucleating clusters having significantly different order and average coordination number than the bulk stable phase. In the early stage of growth, the cluster grows as a linear strip, followed by branched and ring-like strips. The geometry of growing cluster is a consequence of the delicate balance between two types of interactions, which enables the dominance of stabilizing energy over destabilizing surface energy. The nucleus of stable oblique phase is wetted by intermediate order particles, which minimizes the surface free energy. In the case of pressure induced transition at low temperature the collapsed state is a disordered solid. The disordered solid phase has diverse local quasi-stable structures along with oblique-solid like domains.

Emissions from diesel and stratified charge powered cars. Final report

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

Springer, K.J.

A total of ten passenger cars, four powered by diesel engines, two by stratified charge gasoline engines, one by a stratified charge operating on gasoline and diesel fuel, two by control equipped conventional engines, and one powered by a gas turbine, have been subjected to a wide variety of emissions evaluations. The vehicles, all late model, low mileage, included a Nissan Datsun, a Mercedes 220D, a Peugeot 504D, an Opel Rekord 2100D, a standard Capri, a stratified charge (PROCO) Capri, a low emission prototype Ford LTD, the Texaco TCCS stratified charge powered Cricket operated on gasoline and on diesel fuel,more » a Honda CVCC stratified charge, and a Chrysler gas turbine car. All were 4-cylinder except the LTD and the gas turbine. Tailpipe emissions were measured by the 1975 light duty Federal Test Procedure for gaseous emissions. Smoke and fuel economy were also determined during this test cycle. Chassis dynamometer versions of the 1974 heavy duty diesel smoke and gaseous emissions tests were employed. Odor and related instrumental-chemical measurements were made under seven steady state and three acceleration conditions. The prototype diesel odor analytical system, developed under CRC contract, was applied to the exhaust from both diesel and gasoline engines. Its use as a predictive method of diesel odor was investigated. Noise measurements were taken by SAE driveby as well as under a variety of exterior-interior conditions. Comparisons of the results for all vehicles are by emission category. The emissions from the group of diesel cars are compared to the conventional gasoline, Ford PROCO, Texas TCCS, and Honda CVCC.« less

2D to 3D fusion of echocardiography and cardiac CT for TAVR and TAVI image guidance.

PubMed

Khalil, Azira; Faisal, Amir; Lai, Khin Wee; Ng, Siew Cheok; Liew, Yih Miin

2017-08-01

This study proposed a registration framework to fuse 2D echocardiography images of the aortic valve with preoperative cardiac CT volume. The registration facilitates the fusion of CT and echocardiography to aid the diagnosis of aortic valve diseases and provide surgical guidance during transcatheter aortic valve replacement and implantation. The image registration framework consists of two major steps: temporal synchronization and spatial registration. Temporal synchronization allows time stamping of echocardiography time series data to identify frames that are at similar cardiac phase as the CT volume. Spatial registration is an intensity-based normalized mutual information method applied with pattern search optimization algorithm to produce an interpolated cardiac CT image that matches the echocardiography image. Our proposed registration method has been applied on the short-axis "Mercedes Benz" sign view of the aortic valve and long-axis parasternal view of echocardiography images from ten patients. The accuracy of our fully automated registration method was 0.81 ± 0.08 and 1.30 ± 0.13 mm in terms of Dice coefficient and Hausdorff distance for short-axis aortic valve view registration, whereas for long-axis parasternal view registration it was 0.79 ± 0.02 and 1.19 ± 0.11 mm, respectively. This accuracy is comparable to gold standard manual registration by expert. There was no significant difference in aortic annulus diameter measurement between the automatically and manually registered CT images. Without the use of optical tracking, we have shown the applicability of this technique for effective fusion of echocardiography with preoperative CT volume to potentially facilitate catheter-based surgery.

Solid-solid collapse transition in a two dimensional model molecular system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rakesh S.; Bagchi, Biman

2013-11-01

Solid-solid collapse transition in open framework structures is ubiquitous in nature. The real difficulty in understanding detailed microscopic aspects of such transitions in molecular systems arises from the interplay between different energy and length scales involved in molecular systems, often mediated through a solvent. In this work we employ Monte-Carlo simulation to study the collapse transition in a model molecular system interacting via both isotropic as well as anisotropic interactions having different length and energy scales. The model we use is known as Mercedes-Benz (MB), which, for a specific set of parameters, sustains two solid phases: honeycomb and oblique. In order to study the temperature induced collapse transition, we start with a metastable honeycomb solid and induce transition by increasing temperature. High density oblique solid so formed has two characteristic length scales corresponding to isotropic and anisotropic parts of interaction potential. Contrary to the common belief and classical nucleation theory, interestingly, we find linear strip-like nucleating clusters having significantly different order and average coordination number than the bulk stable phase. In the early stage of growth, the cluster grows as a linear strip, followed by branched and ring-like strips. The geometry of growing cluster is a consequence of the delicate balance between two types of interactions, which enables the dominance of stabilizing energy over destabilizing surface energy. The nucleus of stable oblique phase is wetted by intermediate order particles, which minimizes the surface free energy. In the case of pressure induced transition at low temperature the collapsed state is a disordered solid. The disordered solid phase has diverse local quasi-stable structures along with oblique-solid like domains.

Neonatal exposure to estradiol increases dopaminergic transmission in Nucleus Accumbens and morphine-induced conditioned place preference in adult female rats.

PubMed

Bonansco, Christian; Martínez-Pinto, Jonathan; Silva, Roxana A; Velásquez, Victoria B; Martorell, Andrés; Selva, Mónica V; Espinosa, Pedro; Moya, Pablo R; Cruz, Gonzalo; Andrés, María Estela; Sotomayor-Zárate, Ramón

2018-01-29

Steroid sex hormones produce physiological effects in reproductive tissues and also in non-reproductive tissues such as the brain, particularly in cortical, limbic and midbrain areas. Dopamine (DA) neurons involved in processes such as prolactin secretion (tuberoinfundibular system), motor circuit regulation (nigrostriatal system) and driving of motivated behavior (mesocorticolimbic system), are specially regulated by sex hormones. Indeed, sex hormones promote neurochemical and behavioral effects induced by drugs of abuse by tuning midbrain DA neurons in adult animals. However, the long-term effects induced by neonatal exposure to sex hormones on dopaminergic neurotransmission have not been fully studied. The focus of this work was to reveal if a single neonatal exposure with estradiol valerate (EV) results in a programming of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) of adult female rats. To answer this question, electrophysiological, neurochemical, cellular, molecular and behavioral techniques were used. The data show that frequency but not amplitude of the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) is significantly increased in NAcc medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of EV-treated rats. In addition, DA content and release are both increased in the NAcc of EV-treated rats, caused by an increased synthesis of this neurotransmitter. These results are functionally associated with a higher percentage of EV-treated rats conditioned to morphine, a drug of abuse, compared with controls. In conclusion, neonatal programming with estradiol increases NAcc dopaminergic neurotransmission in the adulthood, which may be associated with increased reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of Cathode-Associated Microbial Communities and Metabolite Profiles in a Glycerol-Fed Bioelectrochemical System

PubMed Central

Dennis, Paul G.; Harnisch, Falk; Yeoh, Yun Kit; Tyson, Gene W.

2013-01-01

Electrical current can be used to supply reducing power to microbial metabolism. This phenomenon is typically studied in pure cultures with added redox mediators to transfer charge. Here, we investigate the development of a current-fed mixed microbial community fermenting glycerol at the cathode of a bioelectrochemical system in the absence of added mediators and identify correlations between microbial diversity and the respective product outcomes. Within 1 week of inoculation, a Citrobacter population represented 95 to 99% of the community and the metabolite profiles were dominated by 1,3-propanediol and ethanol. Over time, the Citrobacter population decreased in abundance while that of a Pectinatus population and the formation of propionate increased. After 6 weeks, several Clostridium populations and the production of valerate increased, which suggests that chain elongation was being performed. Current supply was stopped after 9 weeks and was associated with a decrease in glycerol degradation and alcohol formation. This decrease was reversed by resuming current supply; however, when hydrogen gas was bubbled through the reactor during open-circuit operation (open-circuit potential) as an alternative source of reducing power, glycerol degradation and metabolite production were unaffected. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the community appeared to catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction, leading to a +400-mV shift in its onset potential. Our results clearly demonstrate that current supply can alter fermentation profiles; however, further work is needed to determine the mechanisms behind this effect. In addition, operational conditions must be refined to gain greater control over community composition and metabolic outcomes. PMID:23603684

Involvement of the Beta-Endorphin Neurons of the Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus in Ethanol-Induced Place Preference Conditioning in Mice

PubMed Central

Pastor, Raúl; Font, Laura; Miquel, Marta; Phillips, Tamara J.; Aragon, Carlos M.G.

2014-01-01

Background Increasing evidence indicates that mu- and delta-opioid receptors are decisively involved in the retrieval of memories underlying conditioned effects of ethanol. The precise mechanism by which these receptors participate in such effects remains unclear. Given the important role of the proopiomelanocortin (POMc)-derived opioid peptide beta-endorphin, an endogenous mu- and delta-opioid receptor agonist, in some of the behavioral effects of ethanol, we hypothesized that beta-endorphin would also be involved in ethanol conditioning. Methods In the present study we treated female Swiss mice with estradiol valerate (EV), which induces a neurotoxic lesion of the beta-endorphin neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ArcN). These mice were compared to saline-treated controls to investigate the role of beta-endorphin in the acquisition, extinction and reinstatement of ethanol (0 or 2 g/kg; i.p.)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Results Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed a decreased number of POMc-containing neurons of the ArcN with EV treatment. EV did not affect the acquisition or reinstatement of ethanol-induced CPP, but facilitated its extinction. Behavioral sensitization to ethanol, seen during the conditioning days, was not present in EV-treated animals. Conclusions The present data suggest that ArcN beta-endorphins are involved in the retrieval of conditioned memories of ethanol, and are implicated in the processes that underlie extinction of ethanol-cue associations. Results also reveal a dissociated neurobiology supporting behavioral sensitization to ethanol and its conditioning properties, as a beta-endorphin deficit affected sensitization to ethanol, while leaving acquisition and reinstatement of ethanol-induced CPP unaffected. PMID:22014186

Evidence against protective role of sex hormone estrogen in Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in ovarectomized rat model.

PubMed

Pezeshki, Zahra; Nematbakhsh, Mehdi; Nasri, Hamid; Talebi, Ardeshir; Pilehvarian, Ali-Asghar; Safari, Tahereh; Eshraghi-Jazi, Fatemeh; Haghighi, Maryam; Ashrafi, Farzaneh

2013-01-01

Cisplatin (CP) is an effective drug in cancer therapy to treat the solid tumors, but it is accompanied with nephrotoxicity. The protective effect of estrogen in cardiovascular diseases is well-documented; but its nephron-protective effect against CP-induced nephrotoxicity is not completely understood. Thirty ovarectomized Wistar rats were divided in to five groups. Groups 1-3 received different doses of estradiol valerate (0.5, 2.5 and 10 mg/kg/week) in sesame oil for 4 weeks, and at the end of week 3, a single dose of CP (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [IP]) was administrated. Group 4 (positive control) received the same regimen as group 1-3 without estradiol without vehicle. The negative control group (Group 5) received sesame oil during the study. The animals were sacrificed 1 week after CP injection for histopathological studies. The serum level of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, kidney tissue damage score (KTDS), kidney weight and percentage of body weight change in CP-treated groups significantly increased (P < 0.05), however, there were no significant differences detected between the estrogen-treated groups (Groups 1-3) and the positive control group (Group 4). Although, estradiol administration enhanced the serum level of nitrite, it was not affected by CP. Finally, significant correlation between KTDS and kidney weight was detected (r (2) = 0.63, P < 0.01). Estrogen is not nephron-protective against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. Moreover, it seems that the mechanism may be related to estrogen-induced oxidative stress in the kidney, which may promote the nephrotoxicity.

Cost-effectiveness of a barrier-strengthening moisturizing cream as maintenance therapy vs. no treatment after an initial steroid course in patients with atopic dermatitis in Sweden--with model applications for Denmark, Norway and Finland.

PubMed

Hjalte, F; Asseburg, C; Tennvall, G R

2010-04-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects health and quality of life and it has great impact on both health-care costs and costs to the society. The objective of this study was to develop a model to analyse the cost-effectiveness of a barrier-strengthening moisturizing cream as maintenance therapy compared with no treatment after initial treatment with betamethasone valerate in adult patients with AD in Sweden. A further aim was to apply a similar health-economic analysis for Denmark, Norway and Finland. A Markov simulation model was developed including data from three sources: (i) efficacy data from a randomized controlled trial including patients with moderate AD treated with either a moisturizing cream or no treatment, (ii) resource utilization and quality of life data, and (iii) unit prices from official price lists. A societal perspective was used and the analysis was performed according to treatment practice in Sweden. The model simulation was also applied for Denmark, Norway and Finland with inclusion of country-specific unit costs. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results. The results from the present analyses of treatment for patients with moderate AD indicate that maintenance treatment with a moisturizing cream during eczema-free periods could be cost-effective in a societal perspective. Similar results were obtained for Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. According to the analysis, treatment with a moisturizing cream was found to be a cost-effective option compared with no treatment in eczema-free periods in adult patients with AD in the four Nordic countries.

Identifying target regions for vigilance improvement under hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal syndrome patients by means of electroencephalographic tomography (LORETA).

PubMed

Saletu, B; Anderer, P; Saletu-Zyhlarz, G M; Gruber, D; Metka, M; Huber, J

2005-04-01

Daytime fatigue, which at the neurophysiological level is due to vigilance decrements, is a frequent complaint in postmenopausal women. In a three-arm, 2-month, parallel group-design study, vigilance-promoting effects of a novel continuous combination (=Climodien 2/3) of estradiol valerate (EV; 2 mg) and dienogest (DNG; 3 mg) were compared with the effects of both EV alone and placebo in 55 insomniac, postmenopausal syndrome patients. Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) was undertaken to identify the cerebral target regions of hormone replacement therapy. An omnibus significance test revealed Climodien to increase activity in 882 of 2,394 voxels in the alpha-2 band, followed by 733, 706, and 664 voxels in the beta-2, beta-1, and beta-3 bands, and 509 voxels in the delta band, whereas 2 mg EV alone did not produce a significant suprathreshold activity. Current density increased predominantly in the right hemisphere, which had already been described in the literature as the center of the vigilance system. In the fast alpha range, which plays a major role in the context of vigilance, increased activity was found in the right prefrontal, temporal, and superior parietal cortices, i.e., those brain areas of the right-sided fronto-parietal neuronal network that are responsible for sustained attention. A further activity increase was seen in the anterior cingulate gyrus associated with attentional control and conflict monitoring. The right temporal lobe showed increased current density in all frequency bands. Electroencephalographic tomography (LORETA) identified the right-hemispheric vigilance system as the target region of Climodien.

Inhibition of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex alters mitochondrial function and cellular calcium regulation.

PubMed

Huang, Hsueh-Meei; Zhang, Hui; Xu, Hui; Gibson, Gary E

2003-01-20

Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases. The alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) catalyzes a key and arguably rate-limiting step of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). A reduction in the activity of the KGDHC occurs in brains and cells of patients with many of these disorders and may underlie the abnormal mitochondrial function. Abnormalities in calcium homeostasis also occur in fibroblasts from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and in cells bearing mutations that lead to AD. Thus, the present studies test whether the reduction of KGDHC activity can lead to the alterations in mitochondrial function and calcium homeostasis. alpha-Keto-beta-methyl-n-valeric acid (KMV) inhibits KGDHC activity in living N2a cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Surprisingly, concentration of KMV that inhibit in situ KGDHC by 80% does not alter the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). However, similar concentrations of KMV induce the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, reduce basal [Ca(2+)](i) by 23% (P<0.005), and diminish the bradykinin (BK)-induced calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by 46% (P<0.005). This result suggests that diminished KGDHC activities do not lead to the Ca(2+) abnormalities in fibroblasts from AD patients or cells bearing PS-1 mutations. The increased release of cytochrome c with diminished KGDHC activities will be expected to activate other pathways including cell death cascades. Reductions in this key mitochondrial enzyme will likely make the cells more vulnerable to metabolic insults that promote cell death.

Sympathetic innervation regulates macrophage activity in rats with polycystic ovary.

PubMed

Figueroa, Florencia; Mendoza, Gisela; Cardozo, Darío; Mohamed, Fabián; Oliveros, Liliana; Forneris, Myriam

2018-07-01

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low-grade inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenism and ovarian hyperinnervation. The aim of this work is to investigate whether in vivo bilateral superior ovarian nerve (SON) section in adult rats with estradiol valerate-induced PCOS (PCO rats) affects macrophage spleen cells (MФ) and modifies the steroidogenic ability of their secretions. Culture media of MФ from PCO rats and PCO rats with SON section (PCO-SON rats) were used to stimulate in vitro intact ovaries. Compared with macrophages PCO, macrophages from PCO-SON rats released less tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide, expressed lower Bax and Nfkb mRNA and showed reduced TUNEL staining. Also, in PCO rats, the SON section decreased kisspeptin and nerve growth factor mRNA expressions, without changes in Trka receptor mRNA levels. Macrophage secretions from PCO-SON rats decreased androstenedione and stimulated progesterone release in PCO ovaries, compared to macrophage secretions from PCO rats. No changes were observed in ovarian estradiol response. These findings emphasize the importance of the SON in spleen MΦ, since its manipulation leads to secondary modifications of immunological and neural mediators, which might influence ovarian steroidogenesis. In PCO ovaries, the reduction of androstenedione and the improvement of progesterone release induced by PCO-SON MΦ secretion, might be beneficial considering the hormonal anomalies characteristic of PCOS. We present functional evidence that modulation of the immune-endocrine function by peripheral sympathetic nervous system might have implications for understanding the pathophysiology of PCOS. © 2018 Society for Endocrinology.

Properties of Acetate Kinase Isozymes and a Branched-Chain Fatty Acid Kinase from a Spirochete

PubMed Central

Harwood, Caroline S.; Canale-Parola, Ercole

1982-01-01

Spirochete MA-2, which is anaerobic, ferments glucose, forming acetate as a major product. The spirochete also ferments (but does not utilize as growth substrates) small amounts of l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine, forming the branched-chain fatty acids isovalerate, 2-methylbutyrate, and isobutyrate, respectively, as end products. Energy generated through the fermentation of these amino acids is utilized to prolong cell survival under conditions of growth substrate starvation. A branched-chain fatty acid kinase and two acetate kinase isozymes were resolved from spirochete MA-2 cell extracts. Kinase activity was followed by measuring the formation of acyl phosphate from fatty acid and ATP. The branched-chain fatty acid kinase was active with isobutyrate, 2-methylbutyrate, isovalerate, butyrate, valerate, or propionate as a substrate but not with acetate as a substrate. The acetate kinase isozymes were active with acetate and propionate as substrates but not with longer-chain fatty acids as substrates. The acetate kinase isozymes and the branched-chain fatty acid kinase differed in nucleoside triphosphate and cation specificities. Each acetate kinase isozyme had an apparent molecular weight of approximately 125,000, whereas the branched-chain fatty acid kinase had a molecular weight of approximately 76,000. These results show that spirochete MA-2 synthesizes a branched-chain fatty acid kinase specific for leucine, isoleucine, and valine fermentation. It is likely that a phosphate branched-chain amino acids is also synthesized by spirochete MA-2. Thus, in spirochete MA-2, physiological mechanisms have evolved which serve specifically to generate maintenance energy from branched-chain amino acids. PMID:6288660

Systematic modulation and enhancement of CO{sub 2} : N{sub 2} selectivity and water stability in an isoreticular series of bio-MOF-11 analogues

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

Li, Tao; Chen, De-Li; Sullivan, Jeanne E.

2013-02-01

An isoreticular series of cobalt-adeninate bio-MOFs (bio-MOFs 11-14) is reported. The pores of bio-MOFs 11-14 are decorated with acetate, propionate, butyrate, and valerate, respectively. The nitrogen (N{sub 2}) and carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) adsorption properties of these materials are studied and compared. The isosteric heats of adsorption for CO{sub 2} are calculated, and the CO{sub 2}:N{sub 2} selectivities for each material are 10 determined. As the lengths of the aliphatic chains decorating the pores in bio-MOFs 11-14 increase, the BET surface areas decrease from 1148 m{sup 2}/g to 17 m{sup 2}/g while the CO{sub 2}:N{sub 2} selectivities predicted from idealmore » adsorbed solution theory at 1 bar and 273 K for a 10:90 CO{sub 2}:N{sub 2} mixture range from 73:1 for bio-MOF-11 to 123:1 for bio-MOF-12 and finally to 107:1 for bio-MOF-13. At 298 K, the selectivities are 43:1 for bio-MOF-11, 52:1 for bio-MOF-12, and 40:1 for bio-MOF-13. Additionally, it is shown that 15 bio-MOF-14 exhibits a unique molecular sieving property that allows it to adsorb CO{sub 2} but not N{sub 2} at 273 and 298 K. Finally, the water stability of bio-MOFs 11-14 increases with increasing aliphatic chain length. Bio-MOF-14 exhibits no loss of crystallinity or porosity after soaking in water for one month.« less

Cellular function of neuropathy target esterase in lysophosphatidylcholine action

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

Vose, Sarah C.; Center for Children's Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720; Fujioka, Kazutoshi

2008-11-01

Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) plays critical roles in embryonic development and maintenance of peripheral axons. It is a secondary target of some organophosphorus toxicants including analogs of insecticides and chemical warfare agents. Although the mechanistic role of NTE in vivo is poorly defined, it is known to hydrolyze lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in vitro and may protect cell membranes from cytotoxic accumulation of LPC. To determine the cellular function of NTE, Neuro-2a and COS-7 cells were transfected with a full-length human NTE-containing plasmid yielding recombinant NTE (rNTE). We find the same inhibitor sensitivity and specificity profiles for rNTE assayed with LPC ormore » phenyl valerate (a standard NTE substrate) and that this correlation extends to the LPC hydrolases of human brain, lymphocytes and erythrocytes. All of these LPC hydrolases are therefore very similar to each other in respect to a conserved inhibitor binding site conformation. NTE is expressed in brain and lymphocytes and contributes to LPC hydrolase activities in these tissues. The enzyme or enzymes responsible for erythrocyte LPC hydrolase activity remain to be identified. We also show that rNTE protects Neuro-2a and COS-7 cells from exogenous LPC cytotoxicity. Expression of rNTE in Neuro-2a cells alters their phospholipid balance (analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with single ion monitoring) by lowering LPC-16:0 and LPC-18:0 and elevating glycerophosphocholine without a change in phosphatidylcholine-16:0/18:1 or 16:0/18:2. NTE therefore serves an important function in LPC homeostasis and action.« less

Plasma esterases in the tegu lizard Tupinambis merianae (Reptilia, Teiidae): impact of developmental stage, sex, and organophosphorus in vitro exposure.

PubMed

Basso, Agustín; Attademo, Andrés M; Lajmanovich, Rafael C; Peltzer, Paola M; Junges, Celina; Cabagna, Mariana C; Fiorenza, Gabriela S; Sanchez-Hernandez, Juan Carlos

2012-01-01

In this study, we determined normal serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and carboxylesterase (CbE) activities in Tupinambis merianae in order to obtain reference values for organophosphorus pesticide monitoring. Forty-two T. merianae individuals were grouped by sex and size to identify potential differences in their enzyme levels to allow for proper representation of normal values for females, males, juveniles, and hatchlings. Mean CbE was determined using two model substrates: alpha-naphtylacetate (α-NA) and p-nitrophenyl valerate (4-NPV). BChE and CbE sensitivity to malaoxon (Mx) was also evaluated as well as the possibility of BChE reactivation with pyridine-2-aldoxime methochloride (2-PAM). Mean adult females' BChE was significantly higher than adult males, juveniles, and hatchlings. No significant differences were found between groups regarding CbE. CbE (4-NPV) activity showed slightly negative correlation with lizard snout-vent length, while BChE and CbE (α-NA) showed no correlation with body size. Apparent IC(50) values for BChE and CbE (α-NA) suggested different sensitivities among groups. CbE (4-NPV) could not be inhibited. All Mx-inhibited groups treated with 2-PAM in a final concentration of 2.8 mM showed clear signs of reactivation. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that (1) plasma esterase activity did not vary with age and sex, except for BChE activity, and (2) because biological and environmental variables could be confounding factors in the response of plasma cholinesterases, complementary biomarkers like CbE inhibition and oxime-induced reactivation of esterases are strongly recommended.

Competitive immunoassay for analysis of bisphenol A in children's sera using a specific antibody.

PubMed

Yang, Fanfan; Xu, Long; Zhu, Lixin; Zhang, Ying; Meng, Wei; Liu, Renrong

2016-06-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been reported as a potential estrogenic substance that could affect human health and reproduction. In this study, a monoclonal antibody (Mab) against BPA was produced after the immunization of Balb/c mice with a conjugate of 4,4-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) valeric acid coupling with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (BVA-KLH). The obtained Mab showed higher affinity against BPA and lower cross-reactivity toward 4,4'-sulfonyldiphenol, diphenolic acid, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, and other common phenolic compounds. Basing on the Mab, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) was developed. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.1 ng mL(-1) with the linear working range of 0.45-10.56 ng mL(-1). After sample extraction, the fortified serum samples were detected with intra- and inter-assay recovery ranges of 81.2-92.9 and 84.4-94.4 %, respectively. Then, 100 children's sera were screened by ic-ELISA. The result showed that 54 % of the serum samples were BPA-positive. The positive samples were purified by immuno-affinity column (IAC) and further confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector measured at λ ex/λ em 228/310 nm in acetonitrile-water solution (v:v, 40:60). The analysis of the unknown samples showed that ic-ELISA agreed well with the HPLC results. It also revealed that the ELISA developed here could be a useful tool for screening BPA in children's sera before the validation of HPLC.

Profiling the metabolome changes caused by cranberry procyanidins in plasma of female rats using (1) H NMR and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS global metabolomics approaches.

PubMed

Liu, Haiyan; Garrett, Timothy J; Tayyari, Fariba; Gu, Liwei

2015-11-01

The objective was to investigate the metabolome changes in female rats gavaged with partially purified cranberry procyanidins (PPCP) using (1) H NMR and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS metabolomics approaches, and to identify the contributing metabolites. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into two groups and administered PPCP or partially purified apple procyanidins (PPAP) for three times using a 250 mg extracts/kg body weight dose. Plasma was collected 6 h after the last gavage and analyzed using (1) H NMR and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS. No metabolome difference was observed using (1) H NMR metabolomics approach. However, LC-HRMS metabolomics data show that metabolome in the plasma of female rats administered PPCP differed from those gavaged with PPAP. Eleven metabolites were tentatively identified from a total of 36 discriminant metabolic features based on accurate masses and/or product ion spectra. PPCP caused a greater increase of exogenous metabolites including p-hydroxybenzoic acid, phenol, phenol-sulphate, catechol sulphate, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylvaleric acid, and 4'-O-methyl-(-)-epicatechin-3'-O-beta-glucuronide in rat plasma. Furthermore, the plasma level of O-methyl-(-)-epicatechin-O-glucuronide, 4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxyphenyl)-valeric acid-O-sulphate, 5-(hydroxyphenyl)-ϒ-valerolactone-O-sulphate, 4-hydroxydiphenylamine, and peonidin-3-O-hexose were higher in female rats administered with PPAP. The metabolome changes caused by cranberry procyanidins were revealed using an UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS global metabolomics approach. Exogenous and microbial metabolites were the major identified discriminate biomarkers. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Corticosteroid transdermal delivery to target swelling, edema and inflammation following facial rejuvenation procedures

PubMed Central

Iannitti, T; Rottigni, V; Palmieri, B

2013-01-01

Background and aim The use of transdermal therapeutic systems has spread worldwide since they allow effective local drug delivery. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a new betamethasone valerate medicated plaster (Betesil®) to manage facial swelling, edema, inflammation, ecchymosis, and hematoma, when applied immediately after a facial rejuvenation procedure. Materials and methods We applied the plaster to the skin of 20 healthy patients for 12 hours immediately after hyaluronic acid-based procedure performed with the aim of erasing facial wrinkles of perioral and nasolabial folds and improving chin and eye contour. A further 20 patients underwent the same cosmetic procedure, but they were treated with an aescin 10% cream (applied immediately after the procedure, in the evening, and the morning after) and served as control group. Results Betesil® application resulted in a significant improvement in swelling/edema/inflammation score, if compared with aescin 10% cream (P < 0.01). As for facial ecchymosis and hematoma around the needle injection track, only two patients in the active treatment group displayed minimal ecchymosis and hematoma. In the control group, two patients presented minimal ecchymosis and three slight hematoma. However, using the ecchymosis/hematoma score, no significant difference between Betesil® and aescin 10% cream groups was observed. Patients’ satisfaction was significantly higher among subjects receiving Betesil®, if compared to patients receiving aescin 10% cream (P < 0.01). Conclusion The present study supports the use of Betesil® plaster immediately after facial cosmetic procedures in order to safely control swelling, edema, and inflammation. PMID:24101860

Separation of aliphatic carboxylic acids and benzenecarboxylic acids by ion-exclusion chromatography with various cation-exchange resin columns and sulfuric acid as eluent.

PubMed

Ohta, Kazutoku; Ohashi, Masayoshi; Jin, Ji-Ye; Takeuchi, Toyohide; Fujimoto, Chuzo; Choi, Seong-Ho; Ryoo, Jae-Jeong; Lee, Kwang-Pill

2003-05-16

The application of various hydrophilic cation-exchange resins for high-performance liquid chromatography (sulfonated silica gel: TSKgel SP-2SW, carboxylated silica gel: TSKgel CM-2SW, sulfonated polymethacrylate resin: TSKgel SP-5PW, carboxylated polymethacrylate resins: TSKgel CM-5PW and TSKgel OA-Pak A) as stationary phases in ion-exclusion chromatography for C1-C7 aliphatic carboxylic acids (formic, acetic, propionic, butyric, isovaleric, valeric, isocaproic, caproic, 2-methylhexanoic and heptanoic acids) and benzenecarboxylic acids (pyromellitic, trimellitic, hemimellitic, o-phthalic, m-phthalic, p-phthalic, benzoic, salicylic acids and phenol) was carried out using diluted sulfuric acid as the eluent. Silica-based cation-exchange resins (TSKgel SP-2SW and TSKgel CM-2SW) were very suitable for the ion-exclusion chromatographic separation of these benzenecarboxylic acids. Excellent simultaneous separation of these benzenecarboxylic acids was achieved on a TSKgel SP-2SW column (150 x 6 mm I.D.) in 17 min using a 2.5 mM sulfuric acid at pH 2.4 as the eluent. Polymethacrylate-based cation-exchange resins (TSKgel SP-5PW, TSKgel CM-5PW and TSKgel OA-Pak A) acted as advanced stationary phases for the ion-exclusion chromatographic separation of these C1-C7 aliphatic carboxylic acids. Excellent simultaneous separation of these C1-C7 acids was achieved on a TSKgel CM-5PW column (150 x 6 mm I.D.) in 32 min using a 0.05 mM sulfuric acid at pH 4.0 as the eluent.

Antiadhesive Activity and Metabolomics Analysis of Rat Urine after Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Administration.

PubMed

Peron, Gregorio; Pellizzaro, Anna; Brun, Paola; Schievano, Elisabetta; Mammi, Stefano; Sut, Stefania; Castagliuolo, Ignazio; Dall'Acqua, Stefano

2017-07-19

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) is used to treat noncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). A-type procyanidins (PAC-A) are considered the active constituents able to inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urinary epithelium. However, the role of PAC-A in UTIs is debated, because of their poor bioavailability, extensive metabolism, limited knowledge about urinary excretion, and contradictory clinical trials. The effects of 35-day cranberry supplementation (11 mg/kg PAC-A, 4 mg/kg PAC-B) were studied in healthy rats using a ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based metabolomics approach. Microbial PAC metabolites, such as valeric acid and valerolactone derivatives, were related to cranberry consumption. An increased urinary excretion of glucuronidated metabolites was also observed. In a further experiment, urine samples were collected at 2, 4, 8, and 24 h after cranberry intake and their antiadhesive properties were tested against uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The 8 h samples showed the highest activity. Changes in urinary composition were studied by ultra performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight (UPLC-QTOF), observing the presence of PAC metabolites. The PAC-A2 levels were measured in all collected samples, and the highest amounts, on the order of ng/mL, were found in the samples collected after 4 h. Results indicate that the antiadhesive activity against uropathogenic bacteria observed after cranberry consumption is ascribable to PAC-A metabolites rather than to a direct PAC-A effect, as the measured PAC-A levels in urine was lower than those reported as active in the literature.

A novel method to quantify the emission and conversion of VOCs in the smoking of electronic cigarettes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yong-Hyun; Kim, Ki-Hyun

2015-11-01

An analytical technique was developed for the quantitation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in three different forms of electronic cigarette (EC): solution, vapor, and aerosol. Through the application of the mass change tracking (MCT) approach, the consumed amount of the solution was measured to track the conversion of targets between the different phases. The concentration of aerosol plus vapor (A&V) decreased exponentially (559 to 129 g m-3) with increasing puff velocity (0.05 to 1 L min-1). A strong correlation existed between sampling volume and consumed solution mass (R2 = 0.9972 ± 0.0021 (n = 4)). In the EC solution, acetic acid was considerably high (25.8 μg mL-1), along with trace quantities of some VOCs (methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, propionic acid, and i-butyric acid: 0.24 ± 0.15 μg mL-1 (n = 4)). In the aerosol samples, many VOCs (n-butyraldehyde, n-butyl acetate, benzene, xylene, styrene, n-valeric acid, and n-hexanoic acid) were newly produced (138 ± 250 μg m-3). In general, the solution-to-aerosol (S/A) conversion was significant: e.g., 1,540% for i-butyric acid. The emission rates of all targets computed based on their mass in aerosol/ consumed solution (ng mL-1) were from 30.1 (p-xylene) to 398 (methyl ethyl ketone), while those of carboxyls were much higher from 166 (acetic acid) to 5,850 (i-butyric acid).

Leachate properties as indicators of methane production process in MSW anaerobic digestion bioreactor landfill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Yunmin; Wang, Li'ao; Xu, Tengtun; Li, Jiaxiang; Song, Xue; Hu, Chaochao

2018-03-01

In this paper, bioreactor was used to simulate the municipal solid waste (MSW) biodegradation process of landfill, tracing and testing trash methanogenic process and characteristics of leachate during anaerobic digestion, exploring the relationship between the two processes, aiming to screen out the indicators that can predict the methane production process of anaerobic digestion, which provides the support for real-time adjustment of technological parameters of MSW anaerobic digestion system and ensures the efficient operation of bioreactor landfill. The results showed that MSW digestion gas production rate constant is 0.0259 1/d, biogas production potential is 61.93 L/kg. The concentration of TN in leachate continued to increase, showing the trend of nitrogen accumulation. "Ammonia poisoning" was an important factor inhibiting waste anaerobic digestion gas production. In the anaerobic digestion system, although pH values of leachate can indicate methane production process to some degree, there are obvious lagging behind, so it cannot be used as indicator alone. The TOC/TN value of leachate has a certain indication on the stability of the methane production system. When TOC/TN value was larger than12, anaerobic digestion system was stable along with normal production of biogas. However, when TOC/TN value was lower than 12, the digestive system is unstable and the gas production is small. In the process of anaerobic digestion, the synthesis and transformation of valeric acid is more active. HAc/HVa changed greatly and had obvious inflection points, from which methane production period can be predicted.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over study to determine the gastrointestinal effects of consumption of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides enriched bread in healthy volunteers

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Prebiotics are food ingredients, usually non-digestible oligosaccharides, that are selectively fermented by populations of beneficial gut bacteria. Endoxylanases, altering the naturally present cereal arabinoxylans, are commonly used in the bread industry to improve dough and bread characteristics. Recently, an in situ method has been developed to produce arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS) at high levels in breads through the use of a thermophilic endoxylanase. AXOS have demonstrated potentially prebiotic properties in that they have been observed to lead to beneficial shifts in the microbiota in vitro and in murine, poultry and human studies. Methods A double-blind, placebo controlled human intervention study was undertaken with 40 healthy adult volunteers to assess the impact of consumption of breads with in situ produced AXOS (containing 2.2 g AXOS) compared to non-endoxylanase treated breads. Volatile fatty acid concentrations in faeces were assessed and fluorescence in situ hybridisation was used to assess changes in gut microbial groups. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels in saliva were also measured. Results Consumption of AXOS-enriched breads led to increased faecal butyrate and a trend for reduced iso-valerate and fatty acids associated with protein fermentation. Faecal levels of bifidobacteria increased following initial control breads and remained elevated throughout the study. Lactobacilli levels were elevated following both placebo and AXOS-breads. No changes in salivary secretory IgA levels were observed during the study. Furthermore, no adverse effects on gastrointestinal symptoms were reported during AXOS-bread intake. Conclusions AXOS-breads led to a potentially beneficial shift in fermentation end products and are well tolerated. PMID:22657950

Sustainable and efficient biohydrogen production via electrohydrogenesis

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

Cheng, S.; Logan, B.E.

2007-11-20

Hydrogen gas has tremendous potential as an environmentally acceptable energy carrier for vehicles, but most hydrogen is generated from nonrenewable fossil fuels such as natural gas. Here, the authors show that efficient and sustainable hydrogen production is possible from any type of biodegradable organic matter by electrohydrogenesis. In this process, protons and electrons released by exoelectrogenic bateria in specially designed reactors (based on modifying microbial fuel cells) are catalyzed to form hydrogen gas through the addition of a small voltage to the circuit. By improving the materials and reactor architecture, hydrogen gas was produced at yields of 2.01-3.95 mol/mol (50-99%more » of the theoretical maximum) at applied voltages of 0.2 to 0.8 V using acetic acid, a typical dead-end product of glucose or cellulose fermentation. At an applied voltage of 0.6 V, the overall energy efficiency of the process was 288% based solely on electricity applied, and 82% when the heat of combusion of acetic acid was included in the energy balance, at a gas production rate of 1.1 m{sup 3} of H{sub 2} per cubic meter of reactor per day. Direct high-yield hydrogen gas production was further demonstrated by using glucose, several volatile acids (acetic, butyric, lactic, propionic, and valeric), and cellulose at maximum stoichiometric yields of 54-91% and overall energy efficiencies of 64-82%. This electrohydrogenic process thus provides a highly efficient route for producting hydrogen gas from renewable and carbon-neutral biomass resources.« less

Assessing the biodegradability of microparticles disposed down the drain.

PubMed

McDonough, Kathleen; Itrich, Nina; Casteel, Kenneth; Menzies, Jennifer; Williams, Tom; Krivos, Kady; Price, Jason

2017-05-01

Microparticles made from naturally occurring materials or biodegradable plastics such as poly(3-hydroxy butyrate)-co-(3-hydroxy valerate), PHBV, are being evaluated as alternatives to microplastics in personal care product applications but limited data is available on their ultimate biodegradability (mineralization) in down the drain environmental compartments. An OECD 301B Ready Biodegradation Test was used to quantify ultimate biodegradability of microparticles made of PHBV foam, jojoba wax, beeswax, rice bran wax, stearyl stearate, blueberry seeds and walnut shells. PHBV polymer was ready biodegradable reaching 65.4 ± 4.1% evolved CO 2 in 5 d and 90.5 ± 3.1% evolved CO 2 in 80 d. PHBV foam microparticles (125-500 μm) were mineralized extensively with >66% CO 2 evolution in 28 d and >82% CO 2 evolution in 80 d. PHBV foam microparticles were mineralized at a similar rate and extent as microparticles made of jojoba wax, beeswax, rice bran wax, and stearyl stearate which reached 84.8  ± 4.8, 84.9  ± 2.2, 82.7  ± 4.7, and 86.4 ± 3.2% CO 2 evolution respectively in 80 d. Blueberry seeds and walnut shells mineralized more slowly only reaching 39.3  ± 6.9 and 5.1 ± 2.8% CO 2 evolution in 80 d respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differences in the methanogen population exist in sika deer (Cervus nippon) fed different diets in China.

PubMed

Li, Zhi Peng; Liu, Han Lu; Jin, Chun Ai; Cui, Xue Zhe; Jing, Yi; Yang, Fu He; Li, Guang Yu; Wright, André-Denis G

2013-11-01

Understanding the methanogen structure from sika deer (Cervus nippon) in China may be beneficial to methane mitigation. In the present preliminary study, we investigated the methanogen community in the rumen of domesticated sika deer fed either tannin-rich plants (oak leaf, OL group) or corn stalk (CS group) using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries. Overall, we obtained 197 clone sequences, revealing 146 unique phylotypes, which were assigned to 36 operational taxonomic units at the species level (98 % identity). Methanogens related to the genus Methanobrevibacter were the predominant phylotypes representing 83.9 % (OL library) and 85.9 % (CS library) of the clones. Methanobrevibacter millerae was the most abundant species in both libraries, but the proportion of M. millerae-related clones in the CS library was higher than in the OL library (69.5 and 51.4 %, respectively). Moreover, Methanobrevibacter wolinii-related clones (32.5 %) were predominant in the OL library. Methanobrevibacter smithii-related clones and Methanobrevibacter ruminantium-related clones accounted for 6.5 and 6.6 % in the CS library, respectively. However, these clones were absent from the OL library. The concentrations of butyrate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were significantly higher in the OL group, but the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and valerate and the acetate to propionate ratio in the OL group were not significantly different between the two groups. Tannin-rich plants may have affected the distribution of genus Methanobrevibacter phylotypes at the species level and the concentration and composition of SCFAs.

Resumption of menstruation and pituitary response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea subjects undertaking estrogen replacement therapy.

PubMed

Shen, Z Q; Xu, J J; Lin, J F

2013-11-01

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) refers to a functional menstrual disorder with various causes and presentations. Recovery of menstrual cyclicity is common in long-term follow-up but the affecting factors remain unknown. To explore factors affecting the menstrual resumption and to evaluate the pituitary response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in FHA. Thirty cases with FHA were recruited. All subjects were put on continuous 1 mg/day estradiol valerate orally and followed up monthly. Recovery was defined as the occurrence of at least three consecutive regular cycles. Responder referred to those who recovered within two years of therapy. Gonadotropin response to the 50 μg GnRH challenge was tested every three months. Nineteen (63.3%) subjects recovered with a mean time to recovery of 26.8 months. Time to recovery was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) before and by amenorrhea. Twentyone cases had undertaken therapy for more than two years and 10 of them recovered. BMI before and by amenorrhea were negatively correlated with the recovery. Significant increase of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH response to GnRH were noted after recovery. Menstrual resumption was common in FHA undertaking estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). The likelihood of recovery was affected by their BMI before and by amenorrhea but not by the weight gain during therapy. Low serum LH and attenuated LH response to GnRH were the main features of pituitary deficiency in FHA. The menstrual resumption in FHA was accompanied by the recovery of serum LH and the LH response to GnRH.

Isolation and Characterization of EstC, a New Cold-Active Esterase from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)

PubMed Central

Brault, Guillaume; Shareck, François; Hurtubise, Yves; Lépine, François; Doucet, Nicolas

2012-01-01

The genome sequence of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) contains more than 50 genes coding for putative lipolytic enzymes. Many studies have shown the capacity of this actinomycete to store important reserves of intracellular triacylglycerols in nutrient depletion situations. In the present study, we used genome mining of S. coelicolor to identify genes coding for putative, non-secreted esterases/lipases. Two genes were cloned and successfully overexpressed in E. coli as His-tagged fusion proteins. One of the recombinant enzymes, EstC, showed interesting cold-active esterase activity with a strong potential for the production of valuable esters. The purified enzyme displayed optimal activity at 35°C and was cold-active with retention of 25% relative activity at 10°C. Its optimal pH was 8.5–9 but the enzyme kept more than 75% of its maximal activity between pH 7.5 and 10. EstC also showed remarkable tolerance over a wide range of pH values, retaining almost full residual activity between pH 6–11. The enzyme was active toward short-chain p-nitrophenyl esters (C2–C12), displaying optimal activity with the valerate (C5) ester (k cat/K m = 737±77 s−1 mM−1). The enzyme was also very active toward short chain triglycerides such as triacetin (C2:0) and tributyrin (C4:0), in addition to showing good primary alcohol and organic solvent tolerance, suggesting it could function as an interesting candidate for organic synthesis of short-chain esters such as flavors. PMID:22396747

Comprehensive Metabolomics Study To Assess Longitudinal Biochemical Changes and Potential Early Biomarkers in Nonobese Diabetic Mice That Progress to Diabetes.

PubMed

Buchwald, Peter; Tamayo-Garcia, Alejandro; Ramamoorthy, Sivapriya; Garcia-Contreras, Marta; Mendez, Armando J; Ricordi, Camillo

2017-10-06

A global nontargeted longitudinal metabolomics study was carried out in male and female NOD mice to characterize the time-profile of the changes in the metabolic signature caused by onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and identify possible early biomarkers in T1D progressors. Metabolomics profiling of samples collected at five different time-points identified 676 and 706 biochemicals in blood and feces, respectively. Several metabolites were expressed at significantly different levels in progressors at all time-points, and their proportion increased strongly following onset of hyperglycemia. At the last time-point, when all progressors were diabetic, a large percentage of metabolites had significantly different levels: 57.8% in blood and 27.8% in feces. Metabolic pathways most strongly affected included the carbohydrate, lipid, branched-chain amino acid, and oxidative ones. Several biochemicals showed considerable (>4×) change. Maltose, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, and kojibiose increased, while 1,5-anhydroglucitol decreased more than 10-fold. At the earliest time-point (6-week), differences between the metabolic signatures of progressors and nonprogressors were relatively modest. Nevertheless, several compounds had significantly different levels and show promise as possible early T1D biomarkers. They include fatty acid phosphocholine derivatives from the phosphatidylcholine subpathway (elevated in both blood and feces) as well as serotonin, ribose, and arabinose (increased) in blood plus 13-HODE, tocopherol (increased), diaminopimelate, valerate, hydroxymethylpyrimidine, and dulcitol (decreased) in feces. A combined metabolic signature based on these compounds might serve as an early predictor of T1D-progressors.

The Protective Effect of γ-aminobutyric Acid on Kidney Injury Induced by Renal Ischemia-reperfusion in Ovariectomized Estradiol-treated Rats.

PubMed

Talebi, Nahid; Nematbakhsh, Mehdi; Monajemi, Ramesh; Mazaheri, Safoora; Talebi, Ardeshir; Vafapour, Marzieh

2016-01-01

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the most important causes of kidney injury, which is possibly gender-related. This study was designed to investigate the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) against IRI in ovariectomized estradiol-treated rats. Thirty-five ovariectomized Wistar rats were used in six experimental groups. The first three groups did not subject to estradiol treatment and assigned as sham-operated, control, and GABA-treated groups. GABA (50 μmol/kg) and saline were injected in the treated and control groups 30 min before the surgery, respectively. The second three groups received the same treatments but received estradiol valerate (500 μg/kg, intramuscularly) 3 days prior to the surgery. The IRI was induced in the control and treated groups by clamping the renal artery for 45 min and then 24 h of reperfusion. All animals were sacrificed for the measurements. The serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, kidney weight, and kidney tissue damage score significantly increased in the IRI rats (P < 0.05). GABA significantly decreased the aforementioned parameters (P < 0.05). The uterus weight increased significantly in rats that received estradiol (P < 0.05). Serum and kidney levels of nitrite (nitric oxide metabolite) did not alter significantly. Serum level of malondialdehyde increased significantly in the ovariectomized rats exposed to IRI (P < 0.05). It seems that GABA improved IRI in ovariectomized rats. Estradiol was also nephroprotective against IRI. However, co-administration of estradiol and GABA could not protect the kidney against IRI.

Effects of cottonseed meal supplementation time on ruminal fermentation and forage intake by Holstein steers fed fescue hay.

PubMed

Judkins, M B; Krysl, L J; Barton, R K; Holcombe, D W; Gunter, S A; Broesder, J T

1991-09-01

Four ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (average BW 303 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design digestion trial to study the influence of daily cottonseed meal (CSM; 1.6 g of CP/kg of BW) supplementation time on forage intake and ruminal fluid kinetics and fermentation. Steers were housed individually in tie stalls and were fed chopped fescue hay on an ad libitum basis at 0600 and 1400. Treatments were 1) control, grass hay only (CON) and grass hay and CSM fed once daily at 2) 0600 (EAM) 3) 1000 (MAM), or 4) 1400 (PM). Ruminal NH3 N concentrations reflected a time of supplementation x sampling time interaction (P less than .05); CON steers had the lowest (P less than .05) ruminal NH3 N concentrations at all times other than at 0600, 1000, 1200, and 2400, when they did not differ (P greater than .05) from at least one of the supplemented groups. Forage intake, ratio of bacterial purine:N, rate of DM and NDF disappearance, and ruminal fluid kinetics were not influenced (P greater than .05) by supplementation time. Total ruminal VFA differed (P less than .05) between CON and supplemented steers, as well as among supplemented steers (linear and quadratic effects P less than .05). Acetate, propionate, and valerate proportions were influenced (P less than .05) by a sampling time X supplementation time interaction. Under the conditions of this study, greater peak ammonia concentrations with morning supplementation than with afternoon supplementation did not stimulate ruminal fermentation or rate of NDF disappearance.

Serum interleukin-6 levels in murine models of Candida albicans infection.

PubMed

Kovács, Renátó; Czudar, Anita; Horváth, László; Szakács, Levente; Majoros, László; Kónya, József

2014-03-01

Two Balb/C mouse models of Candida infection were used to detect serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses. The first model used systemic infection by Candida albicans ATCC 10231 strain infected through the lateral tail vein of mice without any specific pretreatment. The median Candida burdens of the kidneys were 1.5 × 106 CFU/ml 24 h postinoculation (p.i.) and 1.2 × 107 CFU/ml 72 h p.i., while median serum IL-6 levels were 479.3 pg/ml and 934.5 pg/ml, respectively. The Candida burden showed significant correlation with serum IL-6 24 h p.i. (R2 = 0.6358; P = 0.0082) but not 72 h p.i.The second model was a mouse vaginitis model applying intravaginal inoculation of mice pretreated with subcutaneous estradiol-valerate (10 mg/ml) 3 days before infection. Candida cell count in vaginal lavage fluid was 2.8 × 106 CFU/ml 24 h p.i. and 1.4 × 108 CFU/ml 72 h p.i. Serum IL-6 response was detected in 4 of 15 mice 24 h p.i. and 9 of 15 mice 72 h p.i. Even the responders had low IL-6 serum levels (mean values 29.9 pg/ml and 60.1 pg/ml, respectively) not correlating with Candida cell count in vaginal lavage fluid.In conclusion, serum IL-6 had strong relationship with systemic C. albicans infection while the local C. albicans infection of the vagina led to partial, prolonged and limited serum IL-6 response.

Structure-Specific Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Plasma Cholesterol Concentration in Male Syrian Hamsters.

PubMed

Zhao, Yimin; Liu, Jianhui; Hao, Wangjun; Zhu, Hanyue; Liang, Ning; He, Zouyan; Ma, Ka Ying; Chen, Zhen-Yu

2017-12-20

Previous studies have shown that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are capable of decreasing plasma cholesterol. However, the relative plasma-cholesterol-lowering activity of individual SCFAs and the underlying mechanisms by which SCFAs decrease plasma cholesterol remain largely unknown. The present study was done to compare the plasma-cholesterol-lowering potencies of four common SCFAs with 2-5 carbons and to investigate their interactions with gene expressions of key regulatory factors involved in cholesterol metabolism. For 6 weeks, five groups of male Golden hamsters were fed either a control high-cholesterol diet (HCD) or one of the four experimental HCDs containing 0.5 mol of acetate (Ac), propionate (Pr), butyrate (Bu), or valerate (Va) per kilogram of the diet. The results showed that Ac, Pr, and Bu significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol (TC) by 24, 18, and 17% (P < 0.05), respectively. All four SCFAs could decrease non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio. The addition of Ac, Pr, or Bu into the diet significantly promoted fecal excretion of bile acids by 121, 113, or 120% (P < 0.05), respectively, and upregulated the gene expressions of sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2), low-density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the liver. It was concluded that SCFAs with 2-4 carbons (Ac, Pr, and Bu) are more hypocholesterolemic than Va, which has 5 carbons, via enhancing fecal excretion of bile acids and promoting the hepatic uptake of cholesterol from the blood.

Chemical composition and allelopathic potential of essential oils obtained from Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. Cultivated in Tunisia.

PubMed

El Ayeb-Zakhama, Asma; Sakka-Rouis, Lamia; Bergaoui, Afifa; Flamini, Guido; Ben Jannet, Hichem; Harzallah-Skhiri, Fethia

2015-04-01

Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. (Fabaceae), synonym Acacia saligna (Labill.) H. L.Wendl., native to West Australia and naturalized in North Africa and South Europe, was introduced in Tunisia for rangeland rehabilitation, particularly in the semiarid zones. In addition, this evergreen tree represents a potential forage resource, particularly during periods of drought. A. cyanophylla is abundant in Tunisia and some other Mediterranean countries. The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from different plant parts, viz., roots, stems, phyllodes, flowers, and pods (fully mature fruits without seeds), was characterized for the first time here. According to GC-FID and GC/MS analyses, the principal compound in the phyllode and flower oils was dodecanoic acid (4), representing 22.8 and 66.5% of the total oil, respectively. Phenylethyl salicylate (8; 34.9%), heptyl valerate (3; 17.3%), and nonadecane (36%) were the main compounds in the root, stem, and pod oils, respectively. The phyllode and flower oils were very similar, containing almost the same compounds. Nevertheless, the phyllode oil differed from the flower oil for its higher contents of hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (6), linalool (1), pentadecanal, α-terpineol, and benzyl benzoate (5) and its lower content of 4. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses separated the five essential oils into four groups, each characterized by its main constituents. Furthermore, the allelopathic activity of each oil was evaluated using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as a plant model. The phyllode, flower, and pod oils exhibited a strong allelopathic activity against lettuce. Copyright © 2015 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

Maximally dense packings of two-dimensional convex and concave noncircular particles.

PubMed

Atkinson, Steven; Jiao, Yang; Torquato, Salvatore

2012-09-01

Dense packings of hard particles have important applications in many fields, including condensed matter physics, discrete geometry, and cell biology. In this paper, we employ a stochastic search implementation of the Torquato-Jiao adaptive-shrinking-cell (ASC) optimization scheme [Nature (London) 460, 876 (2009)] to find maximally dense particle packings in d-dimensional Euclidean space R(d). While the original implementation was designed to study spheres and convex polyhedra in d≥3, our implementation focuses on d=2 and extends the algorithm to include both concave polygons and certain complex convex or concave nonpolygonal particle shapes. We verify the robustness of this packing protocol by successfully reproducing the known putative optimal packings of congruent copies of regular pentagons and octagons, then employ it to suggest dense packing arrangements of congruent copies of certain families of concave crosses, convex and concave curved triangles (incorporating shapes resembling the Mercedes-Benz logo), and "moonlike" shapes. Analytical constructions are determined subsequently to obtain the densest known packings of these particle shapes. For the examples considered, we find that the densest packings of both convex and concave particles with central symmetry are achieved by their corresponding optimal Bravais lattice packings; for particles lacking central symmetry, the densest packings obtained are nonlattice periodic packings, which are consistent with recently-proposed general organizing principles for hard particles. Moreover, we find that the densest known packings of certain curved triangles are periodic with a four-particle basis, and we find that the densest known periodic packings of certain moonlike shapes possess no inherent symmetries. Our work adds to the growing evidence that particle shape can be used as a tuning parameter to achieve a diversity of packing structures.

Maximally dense packings of two-dimensional convex and concave noncircular particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, Steven; Jiao, Yang; Torquato, Salvatore

2012-09-01

Dense packings of hard particles have important applications in many fields, including condensed matter physics, discrete geometry, and cell biology. In this paper, we employ a stochastic search implementation of the Torquato-Jiao adaptive-shrinking-cell (ASC) optimization scheme [Nature (London)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature08239 460, 876 (2009)] to find maximally dense particle packings in d-dimensional Euclidean space Rd. While the original implementation was designed to study spheres and convex polyhedra in d≥3, our implementation focuses on d=2 and extends the algorithm to include both concave polygons and certain complex convex or concave nonpolygonal particle shapes. We verify the robustness of this packing protocol by successfully reproducing the known putative optimal packings of congruent copies of regular pentagons and octagons, then employ it to suggest dense packing arrangements of congruent copies of certain families of concave crosses, convex and concave curved triangles (incorporating shapes resembling the Mercedes-Benz logo), and “moonlike” shapes. Analytical constructions are determined subsequently to obtain the densest known packings of these particle shapes. For the examples considered, we find that the densest packings of both convex and concave particles with central symmetry are achieved by their corresponding optimal Bravais lattice packings; for particles lacking central symmetry, the densest packings obtained are nonlattice periodic packings, which are consistent with recently-proposed general organizing principles for hard particles. Moreover, we find that the densest known packings of certain curved triangles are periodic with a four-particle basis, and we find that the densest known periodic packings of certain moonlike shapes possess no inherent symmetries. Our work adds to the growing evidence that particle shape can be used as a tuning parameter to achieve a diversity of packing structures.

Reliability of lead-calcium automotive batteries in practical operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burghoff, H.-G.; Richter, G.

In order to reach a statistically sound conclusion on the suitability of maintenance-free, lead-calcium automotive batteries for practical operations, the failure behaviour of such batteries has been observed in a large-scale experiment carried out by Mercedes Benz AG and Robert Bosch GmbH in different climatic zones of North America. The results show that the average failure behaviour is not significantly different to that of batteries from other manufacturers using other grid alloy systems and operated under otherwise identical conditions; the cumulative failure probability after 30 months is 17%. The principal causes of failure are: (i) early failure: transport damage, filling errors, and short-circuits due to the outer plates being pushed up during plate-block assembly (manufacturing defect); (ii) statistical failure: short-circuits due to growth of positive plates caused by a reduction in the mechanical strength of the cast positive grid as a result of corrosion; (iii) late failure due to an increased occurrence of short-circuits, especially frequent in outer cell facing the engine of the vehicle (subjected to high temperature), and to defects caused by capacity decay. As expected, the batteries exhibit extremely low water loss in each cell. The poor cyclical performance of stationary batteries, caused by acid stratification and well-known from laboratory tests, has no detrimental effect on the batteries in use. After a thorough analysis of the corrosion process, the battery manufacturer changed the grid alloy and the method of its production, and thus limited the corrosion problem with cast lead-calcium grids and with it the possibility of plate growth. The mathematical methods used in this study, and in particular the characteristic factors derived from them, have proven useful for assessing the suitability of automotive batteries.

Hybrid procedure in living donor liver transplantation.

PubMed

Soyama, A; Takatsuki, M; Hidaka, M; Adachi, T; Kitasato, A; Kinoshita, A; Natsuda, K; Baimakhanov, Z; Kuroki, T; Eguchi, S

2015-04-01

We have previously reported a hybrid procedure that uses a combination of laparoscopic mobilization of the liver and subsequent hepatectomy under direct vision in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We present the details of this hybrid procedure and the outcomes of the procedure. Between January 1997 and August 2014, 204 LDLTs were performed at Nagasaki University Hospital. Among them, 67 recent donors underwent hybrid donor hepatectomy. Forty-one donors underwent left hemihepatectomy, 25 underwent right hemihepatectomy, and 1 underwent posterior sectionectomy. First, an 8-cm subxiphoid midline incision was made; laparoscopic mobilization of the liver was then achieved with a hand-assist through the midline incision under the pneumoperitoneum. Thereafter, the incision was extended up to 12 cm for the right lobe and posterior sector graft and 10 cm left lobe graft procurement. Under direct vision, parenchymal transection was performed by means of the liver-hanging maneuver. The hybrid procedure for LDLT recipients was indicated only for selected cases with atrophic liver cirrhosis without a history of upper abdominal surgery, significant retroperitoneal collateral vessels, or hypertrophic change of the liver (n = 29). For total hepatectomy and splenectomy, the midline incision was sufficiently extended. All of the hybrid donor hepatectomies were completed without an extra subcostal incision. No significant differences were observed in the blood loss or length of the operation compared with conventional open procedures. All of the donors have returned to their preoperative activity level, with fewer wound-related complaints compared with those treated with the use of the conventional open procedure. In recipients treated with the hybrid procedure, no clinically relevant drawbacks were observed compared with the recipients treated with a regular Mercedes-Benz-type incision. Our hybrid procedure was safely conducted with the same quality as the conventional

Luxury for the masses.

PubMed

Silverstein, Michael J; Fiske, Neil

2003-04-01

Increasingly wide income disparities, higher levels of education, and greater awareness of other cultures' ideas of the good life have given rise to a new class of American consumer. And a new category of products and services, including automobiles, apparel, food, wine, and spirits, has sprung into being to cater to it. That category is called new luxury. America's middle-market consumers are trading up to higher levels of quality and taste than ever before. Members of the middle market (those earning $50,000 and above annually) collectively have around $1 trillion of disposable income. And they will pay premiums of 20% to 200% for well-designed, well-engineered, and well-crafted goods that can't be found in the mass middle market and that have the artisanal touches of traditional luxury items. Most important, even when they address basic necessities, such goods evoke and engage consumers' emotions while feeding their aspirations for a better life. Supply-side forces are essential to the rise of new luxury. Like the consumers of their goods, entrepreneurs are better educated and more sophisticated about their customers than ever before. In addition, global sourcing, falling trade barriers and transportation costs, and rising offshore manufacturing standards are making possible the economical production of alluring products of high quality. Unlike old-luxury goods, new-luxury products can generate high sales volumes despite their relatively high prices. As a result, new-luxury companies are achieving levels of profitability and growth beyond the reach of their conventional competitors. Whether the item in question is a $6 Panera sandwich or a $30,000 Mercedes, new luxury is a formula that middle-market companies, facing erosion of their market share by high-end and low-end producers, can ill afford to ignore.