Effects of gene knockdown of CNP on ventricular remodeling after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through NPRB/Cgmp signaling pathway in rats.

PubMed

Wu, Lian-He; Zhang, Qi; Zhang, Shen; Meng, Lu-Yu; Wang, Yan-Chi; Sheng, Cun-Jian

2018-02-01

This study aimed to explore effects of CNP on ventricular remodeling following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury through the NPRB/cGMP signaling pathway. Rat cardiomyocytes were assigned into: control, I/R, I/R + CNP, and I/R + 8-Br-cGMP groups. ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to detect cGMP content and expression, respectively. After model establishment of I/R rats, normal control, CNP -/- control, I/R, and CNP -/- groups were set. Indexes of heart were detected using echocardiography and hemodynamics. ELISA was used to measure serum CNP, cGMP, LDH, cTn I, CK-MB, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Myocardial infarct was identified by TTC staining, and apoptosis conditions by TUNEL staining. QRT-PCR and Western blotting were adopted to detect expressions of CNP, NPRB, cGMP, and apoptosis-related genes. Compared with control group, cGMP contents and expression in the I/R, I/R + CNP and I/R + 8-Br-cGMP groups were decreased. Levels of LVEDV, LVESV, LVDS, LVDD, IVSD, LVM, LVEDP, and LVSP were higher in the I/R, CNP -/- control, and CNP -/- groups than normal control group while LVEF, SV, CO, and ±dp/dtmax were lower. Compared with the normal control group, LDH, cTn I, CK-MB, TNF-α, and IL-6 were higher in the I/R, CNP -/- control and CNP -/- groups; pathological changes and myocardial infarction were observed in the I/R, CNP -/- control, and CNP -/- groups; expressions of apoptosis-related genes in those groups were higher; while CNP, NPRB, cGMP, and Bcl-2 expressions were decreased. We came to the conclusion that gene knockdown of CNP blocks the NPRB/cGMP signaling pathway, thereby aggravating myocardial I/R injury and causing ventricular remodeling in rats. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Simple, rapid, and cost-effective modified Carba NP test for carbapenemase detection among Gram-negative bacteria

PubMed Central

Rudresh, Shoorashetty Manohara; Ravi, Giriyapur Siddappa; Sunitha, Lakshminarayanappa; Hajira, Sadiya Noor; Kalaiarasan, Ellappan; Harish, Belgode Narasimha

2017-01-01

PURPOSE: Detection of carbapenemases among Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is important for both clinicians and infection control practitioners. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommends Carba NP (CNP) as confirmatory test for carbapenemase production. The reagents required for CNP test are costly and hence the test cannot be performed on a routine basis. The present study evaluates modifications of CNP test for rapid detection of carbapenemases among GNB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GNB were screened for carbapenemase production using CNP, CarbAcineto NP (CANP), and modified CNP (mCNP) test. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on all the carbapenem-resistant bacteria for carbapenemase genes. The results of three phenotypic tests were compared with PCR. RESULTS: A total of 765 gram negative bacteria were screened for carbapenem resistance. Carbapenem resistance was found in 144 GNB. The metallo-β-lactamases were most common carbapenemases followed by OXA-48-like enzymes. The CANP test was most sensitive (80.6%) for carbapenemases detection. The mCNP test was 62.1% sensitive for detection of carbapenemases. The mCNP, CNP, and CANP tests were equally sensitive (95%) for detection of NDM enzymes among Enterobacteriaceae. The mCNP test had poor sensitivity for detection of OXA-48-like enzymes. CONCLUSION: The mCNP test was rapid, cost-effective, and easily adoptable on routine basis. The early detection of carbapenemases using mCNP test will help in preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in the hospital settings. PMID:28966495

Simple, rapid, and cost-effective modified Carba NP test for carbapenemase detection among Gram-negative bacteria.

PubMed

Rudresh, Shoorashetty Manohara; Ravi, Giriyapur Siddappa; Sunitha, Lakshminarayanappa; Hajira, Sadiya Noor; Kalaiarasan, Ellappan; Harish, Belgode Narasimha

2017-01-01

Detection of carbapenemases among Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is important for both clinicians and infection control practitioners. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommends Carba NP (CNP) as confirmatory test for carbapenemase production. The reagents required for CNP test are costly and hence the test cannot be performed on a routine basis. The present study evaluates modifications of CNP test for rapid detection of carbapenemases among GNB. The GNB were screened for carbapenemase production using CNP, CarbAcineto NP (CANP), and modified CNP (mCNP) test. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on all the carbapenem-resistant bacteria for carbapenemase genes. The results of three phenotypic tests were compared with PCR. A total of 765 gram negative bacteria were screened for carbapenem resistance. Carbapenem resistance was found in 144 GNB. The metallo-β-lactamases were most common carbapenemases followed by OXA-48-like enzymes. The CANP test was most sensitive (80.6%) for carbapenemases detection. The mCNP test was 62.1% sensitive for detection of carbapenemases. The mCNP, CNP, and CANP tests were equally sensitive (95%) for detection of NDM enzymes among Enterobacteriaceae. The mCNP test had poor sensitivity for detection of OXA-48-like enzymes. The mCNP test was rapid, cost-effective, and easily adoptable on routine basis. The early detection of carbapenemases using mCNP test will help in preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in the hospital settings.

Circulating osteocrin stimulates bone growth by limiting C-type natriuretic peptide clearance.

PubMed

Kanai, Yugo; Yasoda, Akihiro; Mori, Keita P; Watanabe-Takano, Haruko; Nagai-Okatani, Chiaki; Yamashita, Yui; Hirota, Keisho; Ueda, Yohei; Yamauchi, Ichiro; Kondo, Eri; Yamanaka, Shigeki; Sakane, Yoriko; Nakao, Kazumasa; Fujii, Toshihito; Yokoi, Hideki; Minamino, Naoto; Mukoyama, Masashi; Mochizuki, Naoki; Inagaki, Nobuya

2017-11-01

Although peptides are safe and useful as therapeutics, they are often easily degraded or metabolized. Dampening the clearance system for peptide ligands is a promising strategy for increasing the efficacy of peptide therapies. Natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) and its naturally occurring ligand, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), are potent stimulators of endochondral bone growth, and activating the CNP/NPR-B system is expected to be a powerful strategy for treating impaired skeletal growth. CNP is cleared by natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C); therefore, we investigated the effect of reducing the rate of CNP clearance on skeletal growth by limiting the interaction between CNP and NPR-C. Specifically, we generated transgenic mice with increased circulating levels of osteocrin (OSTN) protein, a natural NPR-C ligand without natriuretic activity, and observed a dose-dependent skeletal overgrowth phenotype in these animals. Skeletal overgrowth in OSTN-transgenic mice was diminished in either CNP- or NPR-C-depleted backgrounds, confirming that CNP and NPR-C are indispensable for the bone growth-stimulating effect of OSTN. Interestingly, double-transgenic mice of CNP and OSTN had even higher levels of circulating CNP and additional increases in bone length, as compared with mice with elevated CNP alone. Together, these results support OSTN administration as an adjuvant agent for CNP therapy and provide a potential therapeutic approach for diseases with impaired skeletal growth.

Dynamic response of C-type natriuretic peptide and its aminoterminal propeptide (NTproCNP) to growth hormone treatment in children with short stature.

PubMed

Olney, Robert C; Salehi, Parisa; Prickett, Timothy C R; Lima, John J; Espiner, Eric A; Sikes, Kaitlin M; Geffner, Mitchell E

2016-10-01

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its aminoterminal propeptide (NTproCNP) are potential biomarkers of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) efficacy. The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacodynamics of plasma CNP and NTproCNP levels in response to rhGH treatment and to identify the optimal time of sampling after starting rhGH. This was a prospective, observational study. Subjects were treated with rhGH for 1 year, with blood sampled at regular intervals. Eighteen prepubertal children, eight with low levels of GH on biochemical testing and ten with idiopathic short stature, completed the study. Blood levels of CNP, NTproCNP, GH, insulin-like growth factor-I, leptin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase were measured. Anthropometrics were obtained. Plasma levels of both CNP and NTproCNP reached peak levels 7-28 days after starting rhGH treatment and then declined to intermediate levels through the first year. Plasma NTproCNP levels after 14 days trended towards a correlation with height velocity after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Unexpectedly, serum GH levels measured 2 and 28 days after starting rhGH correlated strongly with height velocity after 6 and 12 months of treatment. This study identified 14 days after starting rhGH treatment as the optimal time for assessing CNP and NTproCNP levels as biomarkers of rhGH efficacy. Additionally, we identified GH levels as a potential biomarker. Larger, prospective studies are now needed to test the clinical utility of these biomarkers. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mechanical and thermal properties of polylactic acid composites reinforced with cellulose nanoparticles extracted from kenaf fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ketabchi, Mohammad Reza; Khalid, Mohammad; Thevy Ratnam, Chantara; Walvekar, Rashmi

2016-12-01

Different approaches have been attempted to use biomass as filler for production of biodegradable polymer composites. In this study, cellulose nanoparticles (CNP) extracted from kenaf fibres were used to produce polylactic acid (PLA) based biodegradable nanocomposites. CNP concentration was varied from 1-5 wt. % and blended with PLA using Brabender twin-screw compounder. Effects of CNP loading on the mechanical, thermal and dynamic properties of PLA were investigated. Studies on the morphological properties and influence of CNP loading on the properties of CNP/PLA nanocomposite were also conducted. The results show an adequate compatibility between CNP and PLA matrix. Moreover, addition of 3 wt. % of CNP improved the PLA tensile strength by 25%.

C-type natriuretic peptide ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis by acting on lung fibroblasts in mice.

PubMed

Kimura, Toru; Nojiri, Takashi; Hino, Jun; Hosoda, Hiroshi; Miura, Koichi; Shintani, Yasushi; Inoue, Masayoshi; Zenitani, Masahiro; Takabatake, Hiroyuki; Miyazato, Mikiya; Okumura, Meinoshin; Kangawa, Kenji

2016-02-19

Pulmonary fibrosis has high rates of mortality and morbidity; however, no effective pharmacological therapy has been established. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a member of the natriuretic peptide family, selectively binds to the transmembrane guanylyl cyclase (GC)-B receptor and exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in various organs through vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts that have a cell-surface GC-B receptor. Given the pathophysiological importance of fibroblast activation in pulmonary fibrosis, we hypothesized that the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of exogenous CNP against bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis were exerted in part by the effect of CNP on pulmonary fibroblasts. C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups, CNP-treated (2.5 μg/kg/min) and vehicle, to evaluate BLM-induced (1 mg/kg) pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. A periostin-CNP transgenic mouse model exhibiting CNP overexpression in fibroblasts was generated and examined for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of CNP via fibroblasts in vivo. Additionally, we assessed CNP attenuation of TGF-β-induced differentiation into myofibroblasts by using immortalized human lung fibroblasts stably expressing GC-B receptors. Furthermore, to investigate whether CNP acts on human lung fibroblasts in a clinical setting, we obtained primary-cultured fibroblasts from surgically resected lungs of patients with lung cancer and analyzed levels of GC-B mRNA transcription. CNP reduced mRNA levels of the profibrotic cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, as well as collagen deposition and the fibrotic area in lungs of mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, similar CNP effects were observed in transgenic mice exhibiting fibroblast-specific CNP overexpression. In cultured-lung fibroblasts, CNP treatment attenuated TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and increased mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin and SM22α, indicating that CNP suppresses fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. Furthermore, human lung fibroblasts from patients with or without interstitial lung disease substantially expressed GC-B receptor mRNA. These data suggest that CNP ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β signaling and myofibroblastic differentiation in lung fibroblasts. Therefore, we propose consideration of CNP for clinical application to pulmonary fibrosis treatment.

Simultaneous degradation of commercially produced CNP herbicide and of contaminated dioxin by treatment using the white-rot fungus Phlebia brevispora.

PubMed

Kamei, Ichiro; Kondo, Ryuichiro

2006-11-01

An experiment was carried out to study the degradation of commercially produced chlornitrofen (2,4,6-trichlorophenyl p-nitrophenyl ether; CNP) herbicide contaminated with 1,3,6,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,3,6,8-tetraCDD) by means of the white rot fungus Phlebia brevispora TMIC33929. Recently, we reported that 1,3,6,8-tetraCDD was degraded by P. brevispora. In the degradation experiment using CNP standard compounds, CNP was transformed into several metabolites including monomethoxylated compounds and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol by P. brevispora. When the mixture of CNP and 1,3,6,8-tetraCDD was treated with P. brevispora, each substrate was degraded and metabolites were detected. The treatment of the commercially produced CNP herbicide by P. brevispora led to the degradation of CNP and contaminated 1,3,6,8-tetraCDD as a result. These results indicate that P. brevispora can degrade CNP and 1,3,6,8-tetraCDD at the same time, and that biological treatment of commercially produced CNP herbicide is possible.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Germline CNPs and SNPs in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

29495382 29497726 2345 0.0305 0.0038 0.0090 0.0226 ALK CNP207 2 34552823 34590561 37739 0.2119 0.0000 0.5688 0.0000 Transposase CNP10266 2 34917577...CNP216 2 41091947 41099391 7445 0.1896 0.0000 0.1490 0.0000 DUF1725 CNP10279 2 42300861 42306117 5257 0.0113 0.0000 0.0135 0.0000 EML4 CNP10280 2

Untangling the biological effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles: the role of surface valence states

PubMed Central

Pulido-Reyes, Gerardo; Rodea-Palomares, Ismael; Das, Soumen; Sakthivel, Tamil Selvan; Leganes, Francisco; Rosal, Roberto; Seal, Sudipta; Fernández-Piñas, Francisca

2015-01-01

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria; CNPs) have been found to have both pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant effects on different cell systems or organisms. In order to untangle the mechanisms which underlie the biological activity of nanoceria, we have studied the effect of five different CNPs on a model relevant aquatic microorganism. Neither shape, concentration, synthesis method, surface charge (ζ-potential), nor nominal size had any influence in the observed biological activity. The main driver of toxicity was found to be the percentage of surface content of Ce3+ sites: CNP1 (58%) and CNP5 (40%) were found to be toxic whereas CNP2 (28%), CNP3 (36%) and CNP4 (26%) were found to be non-toxic. The colloidal stability and redox chemistry of the most and least toxic CNPs, CNP1 and CNP2, respectively, were modified by incubation with iron and phosphate buffers. Blocking surface Ce3+ sites of the most toxic CNP, CNP1, with phosphate treatment reverted toxicity and stimulated growth. Colloidal destabilization with Fe treatment only increased toxicity of CNP1. The results of this study are relevant in the understanding of the main drivers of biological activity of nanoceria and to define global descriptors of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) bioactivity which may be useful in safer-by-design strategies of nanomaterials. PMID:26489858

C-type natriuretic peptide is synthesized and secreted from leukemia cell lines, peripheral blood cells, and peritoneal macrophages.

PubMed

Kubo, A; Isumi, Y; Ishizaka, Y; Tomoda, Y; Kangawa, K; Dohi, K; Matsuo, H; Minamino, N

2001-05-01

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the third member of the natriuretic peptide family. Cultured endothelial cells secrete CNP, and its secretion rate from the endothelial cells is augmented by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which participate in the pathophysiology of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the regulation of CNP secretion from monocytes and macrophages to estimate its contribution to the progression of inflammation. CNP secretion rates from two human leukemia cell lines (THP-1 and HL-60), human peripheral blood lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, and mouse peritoneal macrophages were measured under conditions with or without stimulation. Immunoreactive CNP levels in the culture media of these cells were measured by a specific radioimmunoassay. The secretion rates of CNP from THP-1 and HL-60 cells were augmented according to the degree of their differentiation into macrophage-like cells under the stimulation with phorbol ester. Peripheral blood monocytes also increased the CNP secretion rate after their differentiation into macrophages. Retinoic acid elicited synergistic effects on the CNP secretion rate from HL-60 cells when administered with lipopolysaccharide, interferon-gamma, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or phorbol ester. In contrast, the phorbol ester-stimulated CNP secretion rate from THP-1 cells was suppressed with dexamethasone, which inhibits monocyte differentiation into macrophage. The secretion rate of CNP from monocytes was shown to be regulated based on the degree of their differentiation. This study provides evidence that the monocyte/macrophage system is one of the sources of CNP, especially under inflammatory conditions.

Persistent Seroconversion after Accidental Eye Exposure to Calcifying Nanoparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ciftcioglu, Neva; Aho, Katja M.; McKay, David S.; Kajander, E. Olavi

2007-01-01

Biosafety of nanomaterials has attracted much attention recently. We report here a case where accidental human eye exposure to biogenic nanosized calcium phosphate in the form of calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) raised a strong IgG immune response against proteins carried by CNP. The antibody titer has persisted over ten years at the high level. The IgG was detected by ELISA using CNPs propagated in media containing bovine and human serum as antigen. The exposure incident occurred to a woman scientist (WS) at a research laboratory in Finland at 1993. CNP, also termed "nanobacteria", is a unique self-replicating agent that has not been fully characterized and no data on biohazards were available at that time. Before the accident, her serum samples were negative for both CNP antigen and anti-CNP antibody using specific ELISA tests (Nanobac Oy, Kuopio, Finland). The accident occurred while WS was harvesting CNP cultures. Due to a high pressure in pipetting, CNP pellet splashed into her right eye. Both eyes were immediately washed with water and saline. The following days there was irritation and redness in the right eye. These symptoms disappeared within two weeks without any treatment. Three months after the accident, blood and urine samples of WS were tested for CNP cultures (2), CNP-specific ELISA tests, and blood cell counts. Blood cell counts were normal, CNP antigen and culture tests were negative. A high IgG anti-CNP antibody titer was detected (see Figure). The antibodies of this person have been used thereafter as positive control and standard in ELISA manufacturing (Nano-Sero IgG ELISA, Nanobac Oy, Kuopio, Finland).

A comparison of dispersing media for various engineered carbon nanoparticles.

PubMed

Buford, Mary C; Hamilton, Raymond F; Holian, Andrij

2007-07-27

With the increased manufacture and use of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) there has been increasing concern about the potential toxicity of fugitive CNP in the workplace and ambient environment. To address this matter a number of investigators have conducted in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. However, a variety of different approaches for suspension of these particles (culture media, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide, phosphate-buffered saline, fetal calf serum, and others), and different sources of materials have generated potentially conflicting outcomes. The quality of the dispersion of nanoparticles is very dependent on the medium used to suspend them, and this then will most likely affect the biological outcomes. In this work, the distributions of different CNP (sources and types) have been characterized in various media. Furthermore, the outcome of instilling the different agglomerates, or size distributions, was examined in mouse lungs after one and seven days. Our results demonstrated that CNP suspended in serum produced particle suspensions with the fewest large agglomerates, and the most uniform distribution in mouse lungs. In addition, no apparent clearance of instilled CNP took place from lungs even after seven days. This work demonstrates that CNP agglomerates are present in all dispersing vehicles to some degree. The vehicle that contains some protein, lipid or protein/lipid component disperses the CNP best, producing fewer large CNP agglomerates. In contrast, vehicles absent of lipid and protein produce the largest CNP agglomerates. The source of the CNP is also a factor in the degree of particle agglomeration within the same vehicle.

Radiation-Induced Cranial Nerve Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients After Definitive Radiotherapy

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

Kong, Lin, E-mail: konglinj@gmail.co; Lu, Jiade J.; Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore

2011-04-01

Purpose: To address the characteristics and the causative factors of radiation-induced cranial nerve palsy (CNP) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with an extensive period of followed-up. Patients and Methods: A total of 317 consecutive and nonselected patients treated with definitive external-beam radiotherapy between November 1962 and February 1995 participated in this study. The median doses to the nasopharynx and upper neck were 71 Gy (range, 55-86 Gy) and 61 Gy (range, 34-72 Gy), respectively. Conventional fractionation was used in 287 patients (90.5%). Forty-five patients (14.2%) received chemotherapy. Results: The median follow-up was 11.4 years (range, 5.1-38.0 years). Ninety-eight patients (30.9%)more » developed CNP, with a median latent period of 7.6 years (range, 0.3-34 years). Patients had a higher rate of CNP (81 cases, 25.5%) in lower-group cranial nerves compared with upper group (44 cases, 13.9%) ({chi}{sup 2} = 34.444, p < 0.001). Fifty-nine cases experienced CNP in more than one cranial nerve. Twenty-two of 27 cases (68.8%) of intragroup CNP and 11 of 32 cases (40.7%) of intergroup CNP occurred synchronously ({chi}{sup 2} = 4.661, p = 0.031). The cumulative incidences of CNP were 10.4%, 22.4%, 35.5%, and 44.5% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that CNP at diagnosis, chemotherapy, total radiation dose to the nasopharynx, and upper neck fibrosis were independent risk factors for developing radiation-induced CNP. Conclusion: Radiation-induced fibrosis may play an important role in radiation-induced CNP. The incidence of CNP after definitive radiotherapy for NPC remains high after long-term follow-up and is dose and fractionation dependent.« less

C-type natriuretic peptide suppresses mesangial proliferation and matrix expression via a MMPs/TIMPs-independent pathway in vitro.

PubMed

Huang, Bao Yu; Hu, Peng; Zhang, Dong Dong; Jiang, Guang Mei; Liu, Si Yan; Xu, Yao; Wu, Yang Fang; Xia, Xun; Wang, Ya

2017-08-01

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) acts mainly in a local, paracrine fashion to regulate vascular tone and cell proliferation. Although several in vivo studies have demonstrated that CNP exerts an inhibitory effect on mesangial matrix generation, a limited number of reports exist about the anti-extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation effect of CNP and its underlying mechanisms in mesangial cells (MCs) in vitro. In this study, human MCs were incubated in serum-containing medium in the absence or presence of CNP (0, 10 and 100 pM) for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. CNP administration significantly suppresses MCs proliferation and collagen (Col)-IV expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, the study presented herein was designed as a first demonstration of the regulative effects of CNP on the metabolisms of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in MCs in vitro, and found that: (1) CNP administration significantly decreased the secretion and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the cultured MCs; (2) the secretion and expression of TIMP-1 progressively elevated after treatment with CNP for 24 and 48 h, whereas declined at later time point; (3) CNP expression was negatively correlated with MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression; (4) the balance of MMPs/TIMPs was shifted toward the reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and/or the increment in TIMP-1 expression, which could not account for the down-regulation of Col-IV expression in CNP-treated MCs. In conclusion, CNP suppresses mesangial proliferation and ECM expression via a MMPs/TIMPs-independent pathway in vitro.

Patients with Concomitant Chronic Neck Pain and Myofascial Pain in Masticatory Muscles Have More Widespread Pain and Distal Hyperalgesia than Patients with Only Chronic Neck Pain.

PubMed

Muñoz-García, Daniel; López-de-Uralde-Villanueva, Ibai; Beltrán-Alacreu, Héctor; La Touche, Roy; Fernández-Carnero, Josué

2017-03-01

Insufficient evidence exists to compare widespread pain (WP), pain sensibility, and psychological factors that occur in patients presenting with chronic neck pain (CNP) or a combination of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and other complaints. The present study compared the pain sensibility and psychological factors of subjects with CNP with those with TMD + CNP. Cross-sectional study. Local community. A nonprobabilistic convenience sample of 86 persons with CNP or TMD was recruited into three groups: CNP, TMD with myofascial pain in masticatory muscles with cocomitant CNP (TMD + CNP), and asymptomatic control groups consisted of 27, 29, and 30 participants, respectively. Participants underwent a clinical examination to evaluate WP with computerized assessment based on the pain drawing, pressure pain thresholds (PPT), and psychological factors, which were evaluated using the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). Statistically significant differences were observed between participants with CNP and TMD + CNP for WP (t = -2.80, P  < 0.01, d = -1.06). Post hoc analyses only revealed significant differences between TMD + CNP participants and asymptomatic controls for PPT at extratrigeminal areas. Pearson correlation analyses showed a moderate positive association between symptomatic groups within the WP and STAI ( P  < 0.05) and a moderate negative association between PCS and PPT ( P  < 0.05) at the right tibialis muscle. TMD + CNP participants had more areas of pain and also showed widespread pain hyperalgesia. Both groups of participants had psychological factors positively associated with STAI and WP; further, PCS and the PPT at the extratrigeminal region were negatively associated with each other in both groups, except for the left tibialis in the TMD + CNP group. © 2016 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

The Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Generation Program: Evaluating CNP520 Efficacy in the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

Lopez Lopez, C; Caputo, A; Liu, F; Riviere, M E; Rouzade-Dominguez, M-L; Thomas, R G; Langbaum, J B; Lenz, R; Reiman, E M; Graf, A; Tariot, P N

2017-01-01

Alzheimer's disease pathology begins decades before the onset of clinical symptoms. This provides an opportunity for interventional clinical trials to potentially delay or prevent the onset of cognitive impairment or dementia. CNP520 (a beta-site-amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme inhibitor) is in clinical development for the treatment of preclinical Alzheimer's disease under the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Generation Program. The Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative is a public-private partnership intended to accelerate the evaluation of Alzheimer's disease prevention therapies. The Generation Program comprises two pivotal phase II/III studies with similar designs to assess the efficacy and safety of investigational treatments in a cognitively unimpaired population at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease based on age and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype (i.e., presence of the APOE ε4 allele). The program has been designed to maximize benefit to Alzheimer's disease research. Generation Study 1 (NCT02565511) and Generation Study 2 (NCT03131453) are currently enrolling; their key features are presented here.

Quantum Transport near the Charge Neutrality Point in Inverted Type-II InAs/GaSb Field-Effect Transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, W.; Klem, J. F.; Kim, J. K.; Thalakulam, M.; Cich, M. J.; Lyo, S. K.

2013-03-01

We present here our recent quantum transport results around the charge neutrality point (CNP) in a type-II InAs/GaSb field-effect transistor. At zero magnetic field, a conductance minimum close to 4e2 / h develops at the CNP and it follows semi-logarithmic temperature dependence. In quantized magnetic (B) fields and at low temperatures, well developed integer quantum Hall states are observed in the electron as well as hole regimes. Electron transport shows noisy behavior around the CNP at extremely high B fields. When the diagonal conductivity σxx is plotted against the Hall conductivity σxy, a conductivity circle law is discovered, suggesting a chaotic quantum transport behavior. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Management of Cancer Cachexia and Guidelines Implementation in a Comprehensive Cancer Center: A Physician-Led Cancer Nutrition Program Adapted to the Practices of a Country.

PubMed

Senesse, Pierre; Isambert, Agnès; Janiszewski, Chloé; Fiore, Stéphanie; Flori, Nicolas; Poujol, Sylvain; Arroyo, Eric; Courraud, Julie; Guillaumon, Vanessa; Mathieu-Daudé, Hélène; Colasse, Sophie; Baracos, Vickie; de Forges, Hélène; Thezenas, Simon

2017-09-01

Cancer-associated cachexia is correlated with survival, side-effects, and alteration of the patients' well-being. We implemented an institution-wide multidisciplinary supportive care team, a Cancer Nutrition Program (CNP), to screen and manage cachexia in accordance with the guidelines and evaluated the impact of this new organization on nutritional care and funding. We estimated the workload associated with nutrition assessment and cachexia-related interventions and audited our clinical practice. We then planned, implemented, and evaluated the CNP, focusing on cachexia. The audit showed a 70% prevalence of unscreened cachexia. Parenteral nutrition was prescribed to patients who did not meet the guideline criteria in 65% cases. From January 2009 to December 2011, the CNP team screened 3078 inpatients. The screened/total inpatient visits ratio was 87%, 80%, and 77% in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. Cachexia was reported in 74.5% (n = 2253) patients, of which 94.4% (n = 1891) required dietary counseling. Over three years, the number of patients with artificial nutrition significantly decreased by 57.3% (P < 0.001), and the qualitative inpatients enteral/parenteral ratio significantly increased: 0.41 in 2009, 0.74 in 2010, and 1.52 in 2011. Between 2009 and 2011, the CNP costs decreased significantly for inpatients nutritional care from 528,895€ to 242,272€, thus financing the nutritional team (182,520€ per year). Our results highlight the great benefits of implementing nutritional guidelines through a physician-led multidisciplinary team in charge of nutritional care in a comprehensive cancer center. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Variable nutrient stoichiometry (carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus) across trophic levels determines community and ecosystem properties in an oligotrophic mangrove system.

PubMed

Scharler, U M; Ulanowicz, R E; Fogel, M L; Wooller, M J; Jacobson-Meyers, M E; Lovelock, C E; Feller, I C; Frischer, M; Lee, R; McKee, K; Romero, I C; Schmit, J P; Shearer, C

2015-11-01

Our study investigated the carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry of mangrove island of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (Twin Cays, Belize). The C:N:P of abiotic and biotic components of this oligotrophic ecosystem was measured and served to build networks of nutrient flows for three distinct mangrove forest zones (tall seaward fringing forest, inland dwarf forests and a transitional zone). Between forest zones, the stoichiometry of primary producers, heterotrophs and abiotic components did not change significantly, but there was a significant difference in C:N:P, and C, N, and P biomass, between the functional groups mangrove trees, other primary producers, heterotrophs, and abiotic components. C:N:P decreased with increasing trophic level. Nutrient recycling in the food webs was highest for P, and high transfer efficiencies between trophic levels of P and N also indicated an overall shortage of these nutrients when compared to C. Heterotrophs were sometimes, but not always, limited by the same nutrient as the primary producers. Mangrove trees and the primary tree consumers were P limited, whereas the invertebrates consuming leaf litter and detritus were N limited. Most compartments were limited by P or N (not by C), and the relative depletion rate of food sources was fastest for P. P transfers thus constituted a bottleneck of nutrient transfer on Twin Cays. This is the first comprehensive ecosystem study of nutrient transfers in a mangrove ecosystem, illustrating some mechanisms (e.g. recycling rates, transfer efficiencies) which oligotrophic systems use in order to build up biomass and food webs spanning various trophic levels.

Variable nutrient stoichiometry (carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus) across trophic levels determines community and ecosystem properties in an oligotrophic mangrove system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scharler, U.M.; Ulanowicz, Robert E.; Fogel, M.L.; Wooller, M.J.; Jacobson-Meyers, M.E.; Lovelock, C.E.; Feller, I.C.; Frischer, M.; Lee, R.; Mckee, Karen L.; Romero, I.C.; Schmit, J.P.; Shearer, C.

2015-01-01

Our study investigated the carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry of mangrove island of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (Twin Cays, Belize). The C:N:P of abiotic and biotic components of this oligotrophic ecosystem was measured and served to build networks of nutrient flows for three distinct mangrove forest zones (tall seaward fringing forest, inland dwarf forests and a transitional zone). Between forest zones, the stoichiometry of primary producers, heterotrophs and abiotic components did not change significantly, but there was a significant difference in C:N:P, and C, N, and P biomass, between the functional groups mangrove trees, other primary producers, heterotrophs, and abiotic components. C:N:P decreased with increasing trophic level. Nutrient recycling in the food webs was highest for P, and high transfer efficiencies between trophic levels of P and N also indicated an overall shortage of these nutrients when compared to C. Heterotrophs were sometimes, but not always, limited by the same nutrient as the primary producers. Mangrove trees and the primary tree consumers were P limited, whereas the invertebrates consuming leaf litter and detritus were N limited. Most compartments were limited by P or N (not by C), and the relative depletion rate of food sources was fastest for P. P transfers thus constituted a bottleneck of nutrient transfer on Twin Cays. This is the first comprehensive ecosystem study of nutrient transfers in a mangrove ecosystem, illustrating some mechanisms (e.g. recycling rates, transfer efficiencies) which oligotrophic systems use in order to build up biomass and food webs spanning various trophic levels.

A comparison of dispersing media for various engineered carbon nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Buford, Mary C; Hamilton, Raymond F; Holian, Andrij

2007-01-01

Background With the increased manufacture and use of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) there has been increasing concern about the potential toxicity of fugitive CNP in the workplace and ambient environment. To address this matter a number of investigators have conducted in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. However, a variety of different approaches for suspension of these particles (culture media, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide, phosphate-buffered saline, fetal calf serum, and others), and different sources of materials have generated potentially conflicting outcomes. The quality of the dispersion of nanoparticles is very dependent on the medium used to suspend them, and this then will most likely affect the biological outcomes. Results In this work, the distributions of different CNP (sources and types) have been characterized in various media. Furthermore, the outcome of instilling the different agglomerates, or size distributions, was examined in mouse lungs after one and seven days. Our results demonstrated that CNP suspended in serum produced particle suspensions with the fewest large agglomerates, and the most uniform distribution in mouse lungs. In addition, no apparent clearance of instilled CNP took place from lungs even after seven days. Conclusion This work demonstrates that CNP agglomerates are present in all dispersing vehicles to some degree. The vehicle that contains some protein, lipid or protein/lipid component disperses the CNP best, producing fewer large CNP agglomerates. In contrast, vehicles absent of lipid and protein produce the largest CNP agglomerates. The source of the CNP is also a factor in the degree of particle agglomeration within the same vehicle. PMID:17655771

Genetic diversity analysis of cyanogenic potential (CNp) of root among improved genotypes of cassava using simple sequence repeat markers.

PubMed

Moyib, O K; Mkumbira, J; Odunola, O A; Dixon, A G

2012-12-01

Cyanogenic potential (CNp) of cassava constitutes a serious problem for over 500 million people who rely on the crop as their main source of calories. Genetic diversity is a key to successful crop improvement for breeding new improved variability for target traits. Forty-three improved genotypes of cassava developed by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (ITA), Ibadan, were characterized for CNp trait using 35 Simple Sequence.Repeat (SSR) markers. Essential colorimetry picric test was used for evaluation of CNp on a color scale of 1 to 14. The CNp scores obtained ranged from 3 to 9, with a mean score of 5.48 (+/- 0.09) based on Statistical Analysis System (SAS) package. TMS M98/ 0068 (4.0 +/- 0.25) was identified as the best genotype with low CNp while TMS M98/0028 (7.75 +/- 0.25) was the worst. The 43 genotypes were assigned into 7 phenotypic groups based on rank-sum analysis in SAS. Dissimilarity analysis representatives for windows generated a phylogenetic tree with 5 clusters which represented hybridizing groups. Each of the clusters (except 4) contained low CNp genotypes that could be used for improving the high CNp genotypes in the same or near cluster. The scatter plot of the genotypes showed that there was little or no demarcation for phenotypic CNp groupings in the molecular groupings. The result of this study demonstrated that SSR markers are powerful tools for the assessment of genetic variability, and proper identification and selection of parents for genetic improvement of low CNp trait among the IITA cassava collection.

Genomic analyses and cloning of novel chicken natriuretic peptide genes reveal new insights into natriuretic peptide evolution.

PubMed

Trajanovska, Sofie; Inoue, Koji; Takei, Yoshio; Donald, John A

2007-11-01

The natriuretic peptide (NP) family consists of multiple subtypes in teleosts, including atrial, B-type, ventricular, and C-type NPs (ANP, BNP, VNP, CNP-1-4, respectively), but only ANP, BNP, CNP-3, and CNP-4 have been identified in tetrapods. As part of understanding the molecular evolution of NPs in the tetrapod lineage, we identified NP genes in the chicken genome. Previously, only BNP and CNP-3 have been identified in birds, but we characterized two new chicken NP genes by cDNA cloning, synteny and phylogenetic analyses. One gene is an orthologue of CNP-1, which has only ever been reported in teleostei and bichir. The second gene could not be assigned to a particular NP subtype because of high sequence divergence and was named renal NP (RNP) due to its predominant expression in the kidney. CNP-1 mRNA was only detected in brain, while CNP-3 mRNA was expressed in kidney, heart, and brain. In the developing embryo, BNP and RNP transcripts were most abundant 24h post-fertilization, while CNP mRNA increased in a stage-dependent manner. Synthetic chicken RNP stimulated an increase in cGMP production above basal level in chicken kidney membrane preparations and caused a potent dose-dependent vasodilation of pre-constricted dorsal aortic rings. From conserved chromosomal synteny, we propose that the CNP-4 and ANP genes have been lost in chicken, and that RNP may have evolved from a VNP-like gene. Furthermore, we have demonstrated for the first time that CNP-1 is retained in the tetrapod lineage.

The Application of an Evidence-Based Clinical Nursing Path for Improving the Preoperative and Postoperative Quality of Care of Pediatric Retroperitoneal Neuroblastoma Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial at a Tertiary Medical Institution.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Mo, Lin; Tang, Yan; Wang, Qiuhong; Huang, Xiaoyan

A clinical nursing path (CNP) that encourages patients and their families to become actively involved in healthcare decision-making processes may improve outcomes of pediatric retroperitoneal neuroblastoma (NB) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and value of an evidence-based CNP provided to pediatric retroperitoneal NB patients undergoing resection surgery. One hundred twenty NB cases were assigned to a control group or a CNP group. The control group was provided with standard nursing care. The CNP group was provided with nursing care in accordance with an evidence-based CNP. The utility and value of the CNP were compared with standard nursing care. Outcome measures included rates of postoperative complications, lengths of hospital stay, and cost of hospitalization, as well as preoperative and postoperative quality of care and patient satisfaction with care. The rates of postoperative complications, length of preoperative hospitalization, total length of hospital stay, and costs of hospitalization were significantly lower for patients receiving the CNP compared with the control group. Preoperative and postoperative quality of care and patient satisfaction with care were significantly higher in patients receiving the CNP compared with the control group. Adoption of a CNP for preoperative and postoperative care of pediatric retroperitoneal NB patients undergoing resection surgery improves clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction with care. A CNP can increase families' participation in a patient's recovery process, enhance nurses' understanding of the services they are providing, and improve the quality of healthcare received by patients.

Studies on electrochemical glucose sensing, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of fabricated copper nanoparticle immobilized chitin nanostructure.

PubMed

Solairaj, Dhanasekaran; Rameshthangam, Palanivel; Muthukumaran, Palanisamy; Wilson, Jeyaraj

2017-08-01

In this study, copper nanoparticle immobilized chitin nanocomposite (CNP/CuNP) was synthesized and used for the development of non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor. The CNP/CuNP was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. The glucose sensing property of CNP/CuNP was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). As a result of the synergistic effect of CNP and CuNP, the modified electrode displayed effective electro-oxidation of glucose in 0.1M NaOH solution. At 0.45V potential the modified electrode showed response towards glucose in the linear range of 1-1000μM with a lowest detection limit of 0.776μM with better selectivity and stability. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of CNP/CuNP was evaluated against bacterial and fungal strains. CNP/CuNP displayed enhanced antimicrobial activity when compared to CNP and CuNP alone. Similarly, cytotoxicity of CNP/CuNP was tested against Artemia salina, which showed no toxic effect in the tested concentration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of C-type natriuretic peptide on catecholamine release in the pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias).

PubMed

Montpetit, C J; McKendry, J; Perry, S F

2001-08-01

The interaction between homologous C-type natriuretic peptide (dfCNP) and catecholamine release in cardiovascular control was assessed in the marine dogfish (Squalus acanthias). This was accomplished by evaluation of the dynamics of the dfCNP-elicited secretion of catecholamines in situ and in vivo. With an in situ saline-perfused postcardinal sinus preparation, it was demonstrated that perfusion with saline containing dfCNP (10(-9) mol x L(-1)) did not affect the secretion of either noradrenaline or adrenaline. However, the presence of dfCNP in the perfusate significantly enhanced carbachol-evoked secretion of noradrenaline. In vivo, intravascular injection of dfCNP (10(-9) mol x kg(-1)) caused a biphasic pressor-depressor response consisting of a brief increase in caudal artery blood pressure (P(CA)) followed by a prolonged reduction in P(CA). Furthermore, although systemic resistance initially increased, it was subsequently maintained at baseline values in the face of persistent decreases in both P(CA) and cardiac output. Bolus injection of dfCNP elicited significant increases in plasma noradrenaline levels that peaked within 10 min; plasma adrenaline levels were unaffected. The release of noradrenaline elicited by dfCNP was unaffected by prior blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) (with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril) or by pretreatment with the nicotinic receptor blocker hexamethonium. The delayed decrease in P(CA) was not observed in the hexamethonium-treated fish. Prior blockade of beta-adrenoreceptors (with sotalol) or alpha-adrenoreceptors (with prazosin) either significantly reduced (sotalol) or abolished (prazosin) the increase in plasma noradrenaline levels after dfCNP injection. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the elevation of plasma noradrenaline levels observed in vivo following dfCNP injection is not caused by a direct effect of dfCNP on catecholamine secretion from axillary body chromaffin cells. Furthermore, the dfCNP-mediated increase of plasma noradrenaline appears to be unrelated to changes in P(CA) and is insensitive to blockade of the RAS or nicotinic receptors. However, stimulation of adrenergic receptors, in particular the alpha-adrenoreceptors, appears to be a key mechanism underlying the dfCNP-elicited secretion of noradrenaline. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Renal receptors for atrial and C-type natriuretic peptides in the rat.

PubMed

Brown, J; Zuo, Z

1992-07-01

Receptors for alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide (alpha-ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide [CNP-(1-22)] were quantified in kidneys from adult Wistar rats by in vitro autoradiography. 125I-labeled alpha-ANP (100 pM) bound reversibly to glomeruli, outer medullary vasa recta, and inner medulla with an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 3-6 nM. The presence of 10 microM des-[Gln18,Ser19,Gly20,Leu21,Gly22]ANP-(4- 23) (C-ANP), a specific ligand of the ANPR-C subtype of alpha-ANP receptor, inhibited approximately 50% of the glomerular binding of 125I-alpha-ANP, and this moiety of glomerular binding was also inhibited by CNP-(1-22) with an apparent inhibitory constant (Ki) of 10.47 +/- 7.59 nM. C-ANP and CNP-(1-22) showed little affinity for the medullary binding sites of alpha-ANP. 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) (110 pM) bound solely to glomeruli and was competitively displaced by increasing concentrations of [Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) with an apparent Kd of 1.42 +/- 0.48 nM. Binding of increasing concentrations (25 pM to 1 nM) of 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) in the presence or absence of 1 microM [Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) also demonstrated a high affinity (Kd of 0.41 +/- 0.07 nM) for the glomerular binding of 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22). Bound 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) could be displaced by excess alpha-ANP and excess CNP-(1-22), both with high affinities. The glomerular binding of 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) was also prevented by 10 microM C-ANP. Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate produced by isolated glomeruli was measured by radioimmunoassay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Data protection in biomaterial banks for Parkinson's disease research: the model of GEPARD (Gene Bank Parkinson's Disease Germany).

PubMed

Eggert, Karla; Wüllner, Ullrich; Antony, Gisela; Gasser, Thomas; Janetzky, Bernd; Klein, Christine; Schöls, Ludger; Oertel, Wolfgang

2007-04-15

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Although 10 gene loci have been identified to cause a Parkinsonian syndrome, these loci account only for a minority of PD patients. Large, systematic research programs are required to collect, store, and analyze DNA samples and clinical information to support further discovery of additional genetic components of PD or other movement disorders. Such programs facilitate research into the relationship between genotype and phenotype. The German Competence Network on Parkinson's disease (CNP) initiated the Gene Bank Parkinson's Disease Germany (GEPARD), providing an administrative and scientific infrastructure for the storage of DNA and clinical data that are electronically accessible and protective of patient rights. In this article, we offer guidance on how to establish a framework for a clinical genetic data and DNA bank, and describe GEPARD as a model that may be useful to other local, national, and international research groups developing similar programs.

Evaluation of the protective effect of pentoxifylline on carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in rats.

PubMed

Hajighorbani, Mahboobeh; Ahmadi-Hamedani, Mahmood; Shahab, Elaheh; Hayati, Farzad; Kafshdoozan, Khatereh; Keramati, Keivan; Amini, Amin Hossein

2017-06-01

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP) is the most common type of prostatitis and oxidative stress (OS) was shown to be highly elevated in prostatitis patients. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on CNP induced by carrageenan in rats. Male adult Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into control, CNP and three treatment groups (n = 6) including CNP + cernilton and CNP + PTX groups. CNP was induced by single intraprostatic injection of 1% carrageenan (100 µl). Rats in treatment groups received orally cernilton 100 mg/kg and PTX at 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 week after CNP induction for 21 days. Prostatic index (PI), prostatic specific antigen (PSA), tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), serum lipid peroxidation (MDA), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and histopathological changes were compared between groups. There were significant increase of PI, serum levels of PSA, TNF-α and MDA in CNP group at 29 day. In treatment groups, significant reduction in PI, serum levels of PSA, TNF-α, MDA and creatinine was observed especially in rats treated with dose of 50 mg/kg of PTX. In CNP group, histopathological changes of the prostate such as leucocyte infiltration, large involutions and projection into the lumen and reducing the volume of the lumen were observed as well. Whereas PTX, especially at dose of 50 mg/kg, could improve the above-mentioned changes remarkably in CNP treated rats. For the first time, our findings indicated that PTX improved CNP induced by carrageenan in rats.

C-type natriuretic peptide modulates quorum sensing molecule and toxin production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Blier, Anne-Sophie; Veron, Wilfried; Bazire, Alexis; Gerault, Eloïse; Taupin, Laure; Vieillard, Julien; Rehel, Karine; Dufour, Alain; Le Derf, Franck; Orange, Nicole; Hulen, Christian; Feuilloley, Marc G. J.

2011-01-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa coordinates its virulence expression and establishment in the host in response to modification of its environment. During the infectious process, bacteria are exposed to and can detect eukaryotic products including hormones. It has been shown that P. aeruginosa is sensitive to natriuretic peptides, a family of eukaryotic hormones, through a cyclic nucleotide-dependent sensor system that modulates its cytotoxicity. We observed that pre-treatment of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) increases the capacity of the bacteria to kill Caenorhabditis elegans through diffusive toxin production. In contrast, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) did not affect the capacity of the bacteria to kill C. elegans. The bacterial production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was enhanced by both BNP and CNP whereas the production of phenazine pyocyanin was strongly inhibited by CNP. The amount of 2-heptyl-4-quinolone (HHQ), a precursor to 2-heptyl-3-hydroxyl-4-quinolone (Pseudomonas quinolone signal; PQS), decreased after CNP treatment. The quantity of 2-nonyl-4-quinolone (HNQ), another quinolone which is synthesized from HHQ, was also reduced after CNP treatment. Conversely, both BNP and CNP significantly enhanced bacterial production of acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) [e.g. 3-oxo-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone (3OC12-HSL) and butanoylhomoserine lactone (C4-HSL)]. These results correlate with an induction of lasI transcription 1 h after bacterial exposure to BNP or CNP. Concurrently, pre-treatment of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with either BNP or CNP enhanced PAO1 exotoxin A production, via a higher toxA mRNA level. At the same time, CNP led to elevated amounts of algC mRNA, indicating that algC is involved in C. elegans killing. Finally, we observed that in PAO1, Vfr protein is essential to the pro-virulent effect of CNP whereas the regulator PtxR supports only a part of the CNP pro-virulent activity. Taken together, these data reinforce the hypothesis that during infection natriuretic peptides, particularly CNP, could enhance the virulence of PAO1. This activity is relayed by Vfr and PtxR activation, and a general diagram of the virulence activation cascade involving AHL, HCN and exotoxin A is proposed. PMID:21511763

Serum NT-proCNP levels increased after initiation of GH treatment in patients with achondroplasia/hypochondroplasia.

PubMed

Kubota, Takuo; Wang, Wei; Miura, Kohji; Nakayama, Hirofumi; Yamamoto, Keiko; Fujiwara, Makoto; Ohata, Yasuhisa; Tachibana, Makiko; Kitaoka, Taichi; Takakuwa, Satoshi; Miyoshi, Yoko; Namba, Noriyuki; Ozono, Keiichi

2016-06-01

Serum amino-terminal propeptide of C-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proCNP) levels have been proposed as a biomarker of linear growth in healthy children. The usefulness of NT-proCNP in patients with achondroplasia (ACH)/hypochondroplasia (HCH) remains to be elucidated. The objective was to study whether serum NT-proCNP level is a good biomarker for growth in ACH/HCH and other patients of short stature. This was a longitudinal cohort study. Sixteen children with ACH (aged 0·4-4·3 years), six children with HCH (2·7-6·3 years), 23 children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) (2·2-9·0 years), eight short children with GH deficiency (GHD) (2·9-6·8 years) and five short children born small for gestational age (SGA) (2·0-6·6 years). Patients with ACH/HCH received GH treatment for 1 year. Serum NT-proCNP levels and height were measured. NT-proCNP levels positively correlated with height velocity in these short children (P < 0·05, r = 0·27). NT-proCNP levels inversely correlated with age in children with ISS alone (P < 0·01, r = -0·55). Serum NT-proCNP levels in patients with ACH/HCH were increased 3 months following the initiation of GH treatment (P < 0·05). Height SDS gain during GH treatment for 1 year was positively correlated with the changes in NT-proCNP levels after the initiation of GH (P < 0·01, r = 0·72). Serum NT-proCNP levels may be a good biomarker to indicate the effect of GH treatment on growth in patients with ACH/HCH at least in the first year and height velocity in short stature patients. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of engineered nanoparticles on vasomotor responses in rat intrapulmonary artery

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

Courtois, Arnaud, E-mail: arnaud.courtois@u-bordeaux2.f; Inserm, U885, Bordeaux, F-33076; Andujar, Pascal

2010-06-01

Pulmonary circulation could be one of the primary vascular targets of finest particles that can deeply penetrate into the lungs after inhalation. We investigated the effects of engineered nanoparticles on vasomotor responses of small intrapulmonary arteries using isometric tension measurements. Acute in vitro exposure to carbon nanoparticles (CNP) decreased, and in some case abolished, the vasomotor responses induced by several vasoactive agents, whereas acute exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO{sub 2}NP) did not. This could be attributed to a decrease in the activity of those vasoactive agents (including PGF{sub 2{alpha}}, serotonin, endothelin-1 and acetylcholine), as suggested when they were exposedmore » to CNP before being applied to arteries. Also, CNP decreased the contraction induced by 30 mM KCl, without decreasing its activity. After endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores depletion (by caffeine and thapsigargin), CaCl{sub 2} addition induced a contraction, dependent on Store-Operated Calcium Channels that was not modified by acute CNP exposure. Further addition of 30 mM KCl elicited a contraction, originating from activation of Voltage-Operated Calcium Channels that was diminished by CNP. Contractile responses to PGF{sub 2{alpha}} or KCl, and relaxation to acetylcholine were modified neither in pulmonary arteries exposed in vitro for prolonged time to CNP or TiO{sub 2}NP, nor in those removed from rats intratracheally instilled with CNP or TiO{sub 2}NP. In conclusion, prolonged in vitro or in vivo exposure to CNP or TiO{sub 2}NP does not affect vasomotor responses of pulmonary arteries. However, acute exposure to CNP decreases contraction mediated by activation of Voltage-Operated, but not Store-Operated, Calcium Channels. Moreover, interaction of some vasoactive agents with CNP decreases their biological activity that might lead to misinterpretation of experimental data.« less

Reduced ability of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) to activate natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) causes dwarfism in lbab−/− mice

PubMed Central

Yoder, Andrea R.; Kruse, Andrew C.; Earhart, Cathleen A.; Ohlendorf, Douglas H.; Potter, Lincoln R.

2015-01-01

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) stimulates endochondrial ossification by activating the transmembrane guanylyl cyclase, natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B). Recently, a spontaneous autosomal recessive mutation that causes severe dwarfism in mice was identified. The mutant, called long bone abnormality (lbab), contains a single point mutation that converts an arginine to a glycine in a conserved coding region of the CNP gene, but how this mutation affects CNP activity has not been reported. Here, we determined that thirty to greater than one hundred-fold more CNPlbab was required to activate NPR-B as compared to wild-type CNP in whole cell cGMP elevation and membrane guanylyl cyclase assays. The reduced ability of CNPlbab to activate NPR-B was explained, at least in part, by decreased binding since ten-fold more CNPlbab than wild-type CNP was required to compete with [125I][Tyr0]CNP for receptor binding. Molecular modeling suggested that the conserved arginine is critical for binding to an equally conserved acidic pocket in NPR-B. These results indicate that reduced binding to and activation of NPR-B causes dwarfism in lbab−/− mice. PMID:18554750

A myelin gene causative of a catatonia-depression syndrome upon aging

PubMed Central

Hagemeyer, Nora; Goebbels, Sandra; Papiol, Sergi; Kästner, Anne; Hofer, Sabine; Begemann, Martin; Gerwig, Ulrike C; Boretius, Susann; Wieser, Georg L; Ronnenberg, Anja; Gurvich, Artem; Heckers, Stephan H; Frahm, Jens; Nave, Klaus-Armin; Ehrenreich, Hannelore

2012-01-01

Severe mental illnesses have been linked to white matter abnormalities, documented by postmortem studies. However, cause and effect have remained difficult to distinguish. CNP (2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase) is among the oligodendrocyte/myelin-associated genes most robustly reduced on mRNA and protein level in brains of schizophrenic, bipolar or major depressive patients. This suggests that CNP reduction might be critical for a more general disease process and not restricted to a single diagnostic category. We show here that reduced expression of CNP is the primary cause of a distinct behavioural phenotype, seen only upon aging as an additional ‘pro-inflammatory hit’. This phenotype is strikingly similar in Cnp heterozygous mice and patients with mental disease carrying the AA genotype at CNP SNP rs2070106. The characteristic features in both species with their partial CNP ‘loss-of-function’ genotype are best described as ‘catatonia-depression’ syndrome. As a consequence of perturbed CNP expression, mice show secondary low-grade inflammation/neurodegeneration. Analogously, in man, diffusion tensor imaging points to axonal loss in the frontal corpus callosum. To conclude, subtle white matter abnormalities inducing neurodegenerative changes can cause/amplify psychiatric diseases. PMID:22473874

Amino-terminal propeptide of C-type natriuretic peptide and linear growth in children: effects of puberty, testosterone, and growth hormone.

PubMed

Olney, Robert C; Prickett, Timothy C R; Yandle, Timothy G; Espiner, Eric A; Han, Joan C; Mauras, Nelly

2007-11-01

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a paracrine factor of the growth plate, plays a key role in stimulating bone growth. The amino-terminal propeptide of CNP (NTproCNP) is produced in equimolar amounts with CNP and is measurable in plasma, providing a potential biomarker for growth plate activity and, hence, linear growth. We explored the effects of puberty, testosterone, and GH treatment on NTproCNP levels in normal and short-statured children. This was a retrospective analysis of samples obtained during previous studies. The study was conducted at a pediatric clinical research center. Children with short stature due to GH deficiency, idiopathic short stature (ISS), or constitutional delay of growth and maturation (CDGM) were studied (n = 37). A cohort of normal-statured adolescent boys was also studied (n = 23). Children with GH deficiency and ISS were studied before and during testosterone and/or GH treatment. Boys with CDGM and healthy controls were studied once. The main outcomes were NTproCNP levels before and during growth-promoting therapy and during pubertal growth. Children with short stature due to GH deficiency, ISS, or CDGM had comparable baseline levels of NTproCNP, and levels increased markedly in response to GH or testosterone treatment. In boys with CDGM, levels were comparable with height-matched controls but were less than those from age-matched controls. In healthy boys, NTproCNP appears to peak with the pubertal growth spurt. NTproCNP levels increase during growth-promoting therapy and are increased during puberty in boys. This novel biomarker of growth may have clinical utility in the evaluation of children with short stature and for monitoring growth-promoting therapy.

C-type natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide receptors of rat brain.

PubMed

Brown, J; Zuo, Z

1993-03-01

Natriuretic peptide receptors in rat brain were mapped by in vitro autoradiography using 125I-labeled [Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) to bind atrial natriuretic peptide receptor (ANPR)-B and ANPR-C receptors selectively, and 125I-labeled alpha-ANP to select ANPR-A and ANPR-C receptors. Des-[Gln18,Ser19,Gly20,Leu21,Gly22]ANP-(4- 23)-amide (C-ANP) was used for its selectivity for ANPR-C over ANPR-A. Specific binding of 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) with a dissociation constant (Kd) approximately 1 nM occurred in olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, lateral septal nucleus, choroid plexus, and arachnoid mater. This binding was abolished by C-type natriuretic peptide [CNP-(1-22)], alpha-ANP and C-ANP, and conformed to ANPR-C. 125I-alpha-ANP bound to all structures that bound 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22). This binding was also inhibited by both CNP-(1-22) and C-ANP, confirming the presence of ANPR-C-like binding sites. However, ANPR-C-like binding sites were heterogenous because only some had high affinities for 125I-[Tyr0]CNP-(1-22) and CNP-(1-22). 125I-alpha-ANP also bound sites without affinities for C-ANP or CNP-(1-22). These sites were consistent with ANPR-A. They occurred mainly on the olfactory bulb, the choroid plexus, and the subfornical organ. Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production was strongly stimulated by alpha-ANP but not by CNP-(1-22) in olfactory bulb. Neither ligand stimulated it in cortical tissue. Thus the natriuretic peptide binding sites of rat brain conformed to ANPR-A and to heterogenous ANPR-C-like sites. No ANPR-B were detected.

Cognitive Neuropsychology Has Been, Is, And Will Be Significant To Aphasiology

PubMed Central

Laine, Matti; Martin, Nadine

2012-01-01

Background In recent years, some critical voices have been raised in regard to the significance of cognitive neuropsychology (CNP) to the study of brain and mind. Given the central role of language disorders in CNP research, it is time to consider the relevance of this research approach in aphasiology. Aims We analyze the main points of criticism raised against the CNP research approach, evaluate the significance of this approach to the study of acquired language disorders, and make some suggestions concerning further development of the field. Main Contribution The main points of criticism against CNP (reliance on single-case studies; single-minded hunt for dissociations; emptiness of theorizing) have been important long-term concerns but do not take into account the fact that during its history of circa four decades, the CNP approach has diversified. There are thus CNP studies that rely on case series analyses, focus on error analyses rather than mere dissociations, or employ computational modeling rather than the “boxes-and-arrows” models of the mental architecture. The CNP approach to cognition and its disorders is thus applicable to different research questions and theoretical stances, providing experimental rigor to single-case patient studies. With regard to clinical applications in aphasia diagnostics and treatment, the CNP approach provides a richer view on the strengths and weaknesses of a patient’s cognitive-linguistic abilities. Conclusions We believe that CNP case studies continue to be an important source of information for generating hypotheses and providing converging evidence for research on the mind and on the brain. There is however a need for further research development especially in computational modeling of language processes, their impairments, and recovery. This research is expected to provide further benefit to clinical diagnostics and treatment of aphasia. PMID:23280004

[Copper nanoparticles as modulators of apoptosis and structural changes in some organs].

PubMed

Sizova, E A; Miroshnikov, S A; Poliakova, V S; Lebedev, S V; Glushchenko, N N

2013-01-01

The effect of repeated intramuscular injection into the organism of copper nanoparticles (CNP) with the diameter of 103 nm on the index of cell readiness to apoptosis and the structure of liver, spleen, kidney, as well as sensomotor cerebral cortex, was studied in 78 male Wistar rats. CNP were injected once per week for 12 weeks. The organs were studied using histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric methods. It was found that after the injections, CNP were distributed into organs and tissues of animals causing structural changes that were specific for eaach tissue. Toxicity of CNP in respect to microgliocytes was demonstrated at a dose of 2 mg/kg, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity--at 6 mg/kg. The increase of CNP load on the organism up to toxic threshold (maximum tolerated dose) resulted in the appearance of signs of dystrophy and tissue necrosis. The data obtained suggest the application of an index of cell readiness to apoptosis, as assessed by caspase 3 expression, as a criterion for evaluation of CNP injection safety.

Chitosan nanoparticles inhibit the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts through an antiangiogenic mechanism.

PubMed

Xu, Yinglei; Wen, Zhengshun; Xu, Zirong

2009-12-01

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) have demonstrated anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo by a few recent researches. However, the mechanisms involved in their potential anticancer activity remain to be elucidated. In this study, the effects of CNP on tumor growth were investigated using a model of nude mice xenografted with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (BEL-7402) cells. The results demonstrated that the treatment of these nude mice with CNP significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced tumor necrosis. Furthermore, microvessel density (MVD) determination by counting immunohistologically stained tumor microvessels suggested that CNP dose-dependent tumor suppression was correlated with the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. Mechanistically, immunohistochemical and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase reaction assays provided evidence that CNP-mediated inhibition of tumor angiogenesis was linked to impaired levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Due to their low or non-toxicity, CNP and their derivatives may represent a novel class of anti-cancer drug.

Highly transparent, low-haze, hybrid cellulose nanopaper as electrodes for flexible electronics.

PubMed

Xu, Xuezhu; Zhou, Jian; Jiang, Long; Lubineau, Gilles; Ng, Tienkhee; Ooi, Boon S; Liao, Hsien-Yu; Shen, Chao; Chen, Long; Zhu, J Y

2016-06-16

Paper is an excellent candidate to replace plastics as a substrate for flexible electronics due to its low cost, renewability and flexibility. Cellulose nanopaper (CNP), a new type of paper made of nanosized cellulose fibers, is a promising substrate material for transparent and flexible electrodes due to its potentially high transparency and high mechanical strength. Although CNP substrates can achieve high transparency, they are still characterized by high diffuse transmittance and small direct transmittance, resulting in high optical haze of the substrates. In this study, we proposed a simple methodology for large-scale production of high-transparency, low-haze CNP comprising both long cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and short cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). By varying the CNC/CNF ratio in the hybrid CNP, we could tailor its total transmittance, direct transmittance and diffuse transmittance. By increasing the CNC content, the optical haze of the hybrid CNP could be decreased and its transparency could be increased. The direct transmittance and optical haze of the CNP were 75.1% and 10.0%, respectively, greatly improved from the values of previously reported CNP (31.1% and 62.0%, respectively). Transparent, flexible electrodes were fabricated by coating the hybrid CNP with silver nanowires (AgNWs). The electrodes showed a low sheet resistance (minimum 1.2 Ω sq(-1)) and a high total transmittance (maximum of 82.5%). The electrodes were used to make a light emitting diode (LED) assembly to demonstrate their potential use in flexible displays.

Anodization Mechanism on SiC Nanoparticle Reinforced Al Matrix Composites Produced by Power Metallurgy

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Sonia C.; Conde, Ana; Arenas, María A.; Rocha, Luis A.; Velhinho, Alexandre

2014-01-01

Specimens of aluminum-based composites reinforced by silicon carbide nanoparticles (Al/SiCnp) produced by powder metallurgy (PM) were anodized under voltage control in tartaric-sulfuric acid (TSA). In this work, the influence of the amount of SiCnp on the film growth during anodizing was investigated. The current density versus time response and the morphology of the porous alumina film formed at the composite surface are compared to those concerning a commercial aluminum alloy (AA1050) anodized under the same conditions. The processing method of the aluminum alloys influences the efficiency of the anodizing process, leading to a lower thicknesses for the unreinforced Al-PM alloy regarding the AA1050. The current density versus time response is strongly dependent on the amount of SiCnp. The current peaks and the steady-state current density recorded at each voltage step increases with the SiCnp volume fraction due to the oxidation of the SiCnp. The formation mechanism of the anodic film on Al/SiCnp composites is different from that occurring in AA1050, partly due the heterogeneous distribution of the reinforcement particles in the metallic matrix, but also to the entrapment of SiCnp in the anodic film. PMID:28788295

Natriuretic peptide receptors regulate cytoprotective effects in a human ex vivo 3D/bioreactor model.

PubMed

Peake, Nicholas; Su, Nyan; Ramachandran, Manoj; Achan, Pramod; Salter, Donald M; Bader, Dan L; Moyes, Amie J; Hobbs, Adrian J; Chowdhury, Tina T

2013-07-24

The present study examined the effect of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and biomechanical signals on anabolic and catabolic activities in chondrocyte/agarose constructs. Natriuretic peptide (Npr) 2 and 3 expression were compared in non-diseased (grade 0/1) and diseased (grade IV) human cartilage by immunofluoresence microscopy and western blotting. In separate experiments, constructs were cultured under free-swelling conditions or subjected to dynamic compression with CNP, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), the Npr2 antagonist P19 or the Npr3 agonist cANF⁴⁻²³. Nitric oxide (NO) production, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) release, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis and CNP concentration were quantified using biochemical assays. Gene expression of Npr2, Npr3, CNP, aggrecan and collagen type II were assessed by real-time qPCR. Two-way ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni-corrected t-test were used to analyse the data. The present study demonstrates increased expression of natriuretic peptide receptors in diseased or older cartilage (age 70) when compared to non-diseased tissue (age 60) which showed minimal expression. There was strong parallelism in the actions of CNP on cGMP induction resulting in enhanced GAG synthesis and reduction of NO and PGE₂ release induced by IL-1β. Inhibition of Npr2 with P19 maintained catabolic activities whilst specific agonism of Npr3 with cANF⁴⁻²³ had the opposite effect and reduced NO and PGE₂ release. Co-stimulation with CNP and dynamic compression enhanced anabolic activities and inhibited catabolic effects induced by IL-1β. The presence of CNP and the Npr2 antagonist abolished the anabolic response to mechanical loading and prevented loading-induced inhibition of NO and PGE₂ release. In contrast, the presence of the Npr3 agonist had the opposite effect and increased GAG synthesis and cGMP levels in response to mechanical loading and reduced NO and PGE₂ release comparable to control samples. In addition, CNP concentration and natriuretic peptide receptor expression were increased with dynamic compression. Mechanical loading mediates endogenous CNP release leading to increased natriuretic peptide signalling. The loading-induced CNP/Npr2/cGMP signalling route mediates anabolic events and prevents catabolic activities induced by IL-1β. The CNP pathway therefore represents a potentially chondroprotective intervention for patients with OA, particularly when combined with physiotherapeutic approaches to stimulate biomechanical signals.

Early pulmonary response is critical for extra-pulmonary carbon nanoparticle mediated effects: comparison of inhalation versus intra-arterial infusion exposures in mice.

PubMed

Ganguly, Koustav; Ettehadieh, Dariusch; Upadhyay, Swapna; Takenaka, Shinji; Adler, Thure; Karg, Erwin; Krombach, Fritz; Kreyling, Wolfgang G; Schulz, Holger; Schmid, Otmar; Stoeger, Tobias

2017-06-20

The death toll associated with inhaled ambient particulate matter (PM) is attributed mainly to cardio-vascular rather than pulmonary effects. However, it is unclear whether the key event for cardiovascular impairment is particle translocation from lung to circulation (direct effect) or indirect effects due to pulmonary particle-cell interactions. In this work, we addressed this issue by exposing healthy mice via inhalation and intra-arterial infusion (IAI) to carbon nanoparticles (CNP) as surrogate for soot, a major constituent of (ultrafine) urban PM. Equivalent surface area CNP doses in the blood (30mm 2 per animal) were applied by IAI or inhalation (lung-deposited dose 10,000mm 2 ; accounting for 0.3% of lung-to-blood CNP translocation). Mice were analyzed for changes in hematology and molecular markers of endothelial/epithelial dysfunction, pro-inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and coagulation in lungs and extra-pulmonary organs after CNP inhalation (4 h and 24 h) and CNP infusion (4 h). For methodological reasons, we used two different CNP types (spark-discharge and Printex90), with very similar physicochemical properties [≥98 and ≥95% elemental carbon; 10 and 14 nm primary particle diameter; and 800 and 300 m 2 /g specific surface area] for inhalation and IAI respectively. Mild pulmonary inflammatory responses and significant systemic effects were observed following 4 h and 24 h CNP inhalation. Increased retention of activated leukocytes, secondary thrombocytosis, and pro-inflammatory responses in secondary organs were detected following 4 h and 24 h of CNP inhalation only. Interestingly, among the investigated extra-pulmonary tissues (i.e. aorta, heart, and liver); aorta revealed as the most susceptible extra-pulmonary target following inhalation exposure. Bypassing the lungs by IAI however did not induce any extra-pulmonary effects at 4 h as compared to inhalation. Our findings indicate that extra-pulmonary effects due to CNP inhalation are dominated by indirect effects (particle-cell interactions in the lung) rather than direct effects (translocated CNPs) within the first hours after exposure. Hence, CNP translocation may not be the key event inducing early cardiovascular impairment following air pollution episodes. The considerable response detected in the aorta after CNP inhalation warrants more emphasis on this tissue in future studies.

Endothelial C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Acts on Pericytes to Regulate Microcirculatory Flow and Blood Pressure.

PubMed

Špiranec, Katarina; Chen, Wen; Werner, Franziska; Nikolaev, Viacheslav O; Naruke, Takashi; Koch, Franziska; Werner, Andrea; Eder-Negrin, Petra; Diéguez-Hurtado, Rodrigo; Adams, Ralf H; Baba, Hideo A; Schmidt, Hannes; Schuh, Kai; Skryabin, Boris V; Movahedi, Kiavash; Schweda, Frank; Kuhn, Michaela

2018-04-06

Background -Peripheral vascular resistance has a major impact on arterial blood pressure levels. Endothelial C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) participates in the local regulation of vascular tone but the target cells remain controversial. The cGMP-producing guanylyl cyclase-B (GC-B) receptor for CNP is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, whereas endothelial cell-specific CNP knockout mice are hypertensive, mice with deletion of GC-B in VSMC have unaltered blood pressure. Methods -We analyzed whether the vasodilating response to CNP changes along the vascular tree, i.e. whether the GC-B receptor is expressed in microvascular types of cells. Mice with a floxed GC-B ( Npr2 ) gene were interbred with Tie2-Cre or PDGF-Rβ-Cre ERT2 lines to develop mice lacking GC-B in endothelial cells or in precapillary arteriolar SMC and capillary pericytes. Intravital microscopy, (non)invasive hemodynamics, fluorescence energy transfer studies of pericyte's cAMP levels in situ and renal physiology were combined to dissect whether and how CNP/GC-B/cGMP signaling modulates microcirculatory tone and blood pressure. Results -Intravital microscopy studies revealed that the vasodilatatory effect of CNP increases towards small-diameter arterioles and capillaries. Consistently, CNP did not prevent endothelin-1-induced acute constrictions of proximal arterioles but fully reversed endothelin effects in precapillary arterioles and capillaries. Here, the GC-B receptor is expressed both in endothelial and mural cells, i.e. in pericytes. Notably, the vasodilatatory effects of CNP were preserved in mice with endothelial GC-B deletion but abolished in mice lacking GC-B in microcirculatory SMC and pericytes. CNP, via GC-B/cGMP signaling modulates two signaling cascades in pericytes: it activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase I to phosphorylate downstream targets such as the cytoskeleton-associated vasodilator activated phosphoprotein; and it inhibits phosphodiesterase 3A, thereby enhancing pericyte's cAMP levels. Ultimately these pathways prevent endothelin-induced increases of pericyte calcium levels and pericyte contraction. Mice with deletion of GC-B in microcirculatory SMC and pericytes have elevated peripheral resistance and chronic arterial hypertension without a change in renal function. Conclusions -Our studies indicate that endothelial CNP regulates distal arteriolar and capillary blood flow. CNP-induced GC-B/cGMP signaling in microvascular SMC and pericytes is essential for the maintenance of normal microvascular resistance and blood pressure.

An Evaluation of the Mississippi Recipes for Success Program from the Perspective of Child Nutrition Directors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Chelsea; Lambert, Laurel; Chang, Yunhee; Carithers, Teresa

2017-01-01

Purpose/Objectives: The Mississippi Recipes for Success (MRS), a customizable selective menu system resource, was developed for child nutrition program (CNP) directors to comply with USDA nutrition regulations. The resource is available in printed and online formats and includes recipes, menu matrixes, food safety, and training materials for meal…

New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals. Nourishing News. Volume 4, Issue 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Idaho State Department of Education, 2009

2009-01-01

Idaho Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) released the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals in January 2009 with the recommendation that all School Food Authorities fully implement the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School Meals into their programs starting August 2009. Along with the release of the New Nutrition Standards for Idaho School…

Field Emission Enhancement and the Field-Screening Effect Reduction using Carbon Nanopipettes as Cold Cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safir, Abdelilah; Mudd, David; Yazdanpanah, Mehdi; Dobrokhotov, Vladimir; Sumanasekera, Gamini; Cohn, Robert

2008-03-01

In this work, we report a recent experimental study of high emission current densities exceeding 10mA/cm^2 and breakdown electric field lower than 5Volts/μm from novel cold cathodes such as conical shaped carbon nanopipettes (CNP). CNP were grown by CVD on Pt wire and have apex as sharp as 10nm with length between 3-6μm. The emission experiments were conducted under vacuum in a scanning electron microscope for individual CNP and in a dedicated chamber for bulk samples. CNP's conical bases and low density contribute significantly to the reduction of the screening effect and to the field emission enhancement. The experimental value for the field enhancement factor, γ, was about 867. Comparing emission results taken from CNP and aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) show that the ratio between γCNP and γMWNT is ˜1.6 which contributes to the reduction of screening effect. The emission from multilayers of graphene was also studied. High emission current (20μA) demonstrates promising emission properties of graphene.

Chitosan nanoparticles: A positive modulator of innate immune responses in plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, Swarnendu; Chakraborty, Nilanjan; Dasgupta, Adhiraj; Sarkar, Joy; Panda, Koustubh; Acharya, Krishnendu

2015-10-01

The immunomodulatory role of the natural biopolymer, chitosan, has already been demonstrated in plants, whilst its nanoparticles have only been examined for biomedical applications. In our present study, we have investigated the possible ability and mechanism of chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) to induce and augment immune responses in plants. CNP-treatment of leaves produced significant improvement in the plant’s innate immune response through induction of defense enzyme activity, upregulation of defense related genes including that of several antioxidant enzymes as well as elevation of the levels of total phenolics. It is also possible that the extracellular localization of CNP may also play a role in the observed upregulation of defense response in plants. Nitric oxide (NO), an important signaling molecule in plant defense, was also observed to increase following CNP treatment. However, such CNP-mediated immuno-stimulation was significantly mitigated when NO production was inhibited, indicating a possible role of NO in such immune induction. Taken together, our results suggest that CNP may be used as a more effective phytosanitary or disease control agent compared to natural chitosan for sustainable organic cultivation.

Chitosan nanoparticles: A positive modulator of innate immune responses in plants

PubMed Central

Chandra, Swarnendu; Chakraborty, Nilanjan; Dasgupta, Adhiraj; Sarkar, Joy; Panda, Koustubh; Acharya, Krishnendu

2015-01-01

The immunomodulatory role of the natural biopolymer, chitosan, has already been demonstrated in plants, whilst its nanoparticles have only been examined for biomedical applications. In our present study, we have investigated the possible ability and mechanism of chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) to induce and augment immune responses in plants. CNP-treatment of leaves produced significant improvement in the plant’s innate immune response through induction of defense enzyme activity, upregulation of defense related genes including that of several antioxidant enzymes as well as elevation of the levels of total phenolics. It is also possible that the extracellular localization of CNP may also play a role in the observed upregulation of defense response in plants. Nitric oxide (NO), an important signaling molecule in plant defense, was also observed to increase following CNP treatment. However, such CNP-mediated immuno-stimulation was significantly mitigated when NO production was inhibited, indicating a possible role of NO in such immune induction. Taken together, our results suggest that CNP may be used as a more effective phytosanitary or disease control agent compared to natural chitosan for sustainable organic cultivation. PMID:26471771

Toward Tailor-Made Biocide Materials Based on Poly(propylene)/Copper Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Palza, Humberto; Gutiérrez, Sebastian; Delgado, Katherine; Salazar, Oriana; Fuenzalida, Victor; Avila, Jonathan I; Figueroa, Guillermo; Quijada, Raúl

2010-03-16

A set of poly(propylene) composites containing different amounts of copper nanoparticles (CNP) were prepared by the melt mixed method and their antimicrobial behavior was quantitatively studied. The time needed to reduce the bacteria to 50% dropped to half with only 1 v/v % of CNP, compared to the polymer without CNP. After 4 h, this composite killed more than 99.9% of the bacteria. The biocide kinetics can be controlled by the nanofiller content; composites with CNP concentrations higher than 10 v/v % eliminated 99% of the bacteria in less than 2 h. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy did not detect CNP at the surface, therefore the biocide behavior was attributed to copper in the bulk of the composite. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

cGMP inhibition of type 3 phosphodiesterase is the major mechanism by which C-type natriuretic peptide activates CFTR in the shark rectal gland

PubMed Central

De Jonge, Hugo R.; Tilly, Ben C.; Hogema, Boris M.; Pfau, Daniel J.; Kelley, Catherine A.; Kelley, Megan H.; Melita, August M.; Morris, Montana T.; Viola, Ryan M.

2013-01-01

The in vitro perfused rectal gland of the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) and filter-grown monolayers of primary cultures of shark rectal gland (SRG) epithelial cells were used to analyze the signal transduction pathway by which C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) stimulates chloride secretion. CNP binds to natriuretic receptors in the basolateral membrane, elevates cellular cGMP, and opens cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channels in the apical membrane. CNP-provoked chloride secretion was completely inhibitable by the nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine and the PKA inhibitor H89 but insensitive to H8, an inhibitor of type I and II isoforms of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGKI and cGKII). CNP-induced secretion could not be mimicked by nonhydrolyzable cGMP analogs added alone or in combination with the protein kinase C activator phorbolester, arguing against a role for cGK or for cGMP-induced PKC signaling. We failed to detect a dogfish ortholog of cGKII by molecular cloning and affinity chromatography. However, inhibitors of the cGMP-inhibitable isoform of phosphodiesterase (PDE3) including milrinone, amrinone, and cilostamide but not inhibitors of other PDE isoenzymes mimicked the effect of CNP on chloride secretion in perfused glands and monolayers. CNP raised cGMP and cAMP levels in the SRG epithelial cells. This rise in cAMP as well as the CNP and amrinone-provoked chloride secretion, but not the rise in cGMP, was almost completely blocked by the Gαi-coupled adenylyl cyclase inhibitor somatostatin, arguing against a role for cGMP cross-activation of PKA in CNP action. These data provide molecular, functional, and pharmacological evidence for a CNP/cGMP/PDE3/cAMP/PKA signaling cascade coupled to CFTR in the SRG. PMID:24259420

Use of combination neonatal prophylaxis for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection in European high-risk infants.

PubMed

Chiappini, Elena; Galli, Luisa; Giaquinto, Carlo; Ene, Luminita; Goetghebuer, Tessa; Judd, Ali; Lisi, Catiuscia; Malyuta, Ruslan; Noguera-Julian, Antoni; Ramos, Jose Tomas; Rojo-Conejo, Pablo; Rudin, Christoph; Tookey, Pat; de Martino, Maurizio; Thorne, Claire

2013-03-27

To evaluate use of combination neonatal prophylaxis (CNP) in infants at high risk for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in Europe and investigate whether CNP is more effective in preventing MTCT than single drug neonatal prophylaxis (SNP). Individual patient-data meta-analysis across eight observational studies. Factors associated with CNP receipt and with MTCT were explored by logistic regression using data from nonbreastfed infants, born between 1996 and 2010 and at high risk for MTCT. In 5285 mother-infant pairs, 1463 (27.7%) had no antenatal or intrapartum antiretroviral prophylaxis, 915 (17.3%) had only intrapartum prophylaxis and 2907 (55.0%) mothers had detectable delivery viral load despite receiving antenatal antiretroviral therapy. Any neonatal prophylaxis was administered to 4623 (87.5%) infants altogether; 1105 (23.9%) received CNP. Factors significantly associated with the receipt of CNP were later calendar birth year, no elective caesarean section, maternal CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl, maternal delivery viral load more than 1000 copies/ml, no antenatal antiretroviral therapy, receipt of intrapartum single-dose nevirapine and cohort. After adjustment, absence of neonatal prophylaxis was associated with higher risk of MTCT compared to neonatal prophylaxis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.29; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.46-2.59; P < 0.0001]. Further, there was no association between CNP and MTCT compared to SNP (aOR 1.41; 95% CI 0.97-2.5; P = 0.07). In this European population, CNP use is increasing and associated with presence of MTCT risk factors. The finding of no observed difference in MTCT risk between one drug and CNP may reflect residual confounding or the fact that CNP may be effective only in a subgroup of infants rather than the whole population of high-risk infants.

Refueling Strategies for a Team of Cooperating AUVs

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

manager, and thus the constraint a centrally managed underwater network imposes on the mission. Task management utilizing Robust Decentralized Task ...the computational complexity. A bid based approach to task management has also been studied as a possible means of decentralization of group task ...currently performing another task . In [18], ground robots perform distributed task allocation using the ASyMTRy-D algorithm, which is based on CNP

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate responses to atrial natriuretic factor, brain natriuretic peptide, but not C-type natriuretic peptide, and the characterization of their receptors in rat medullary thick ascending limb.

PubMed

Luk, J K; Wong, E F; Sun, A; Wong, N L

1994-12-01

The effects of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on renal medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) have not been fully understood. The aim of this study is to examine the second-messenger responses of rat mTAL to ANF, BNP, and CNP. Characterizations of the ANF, BNP, and CNP receptors in mTAL were also performed by radioligand studies. Results showed that ANF and BNP were both capable of eliciting cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) responses in mTAL. Conversely, no cGMP response was observed upon stimulation by CNP in mTAL. The presence of ANF receptors was demonstrated by radioligand studies. One receptor site was found, and the Kd and maximum binding capacity were 4.0 +/- 0.45 nmol/L and 277.8 +/- 47.7 fmol/mg protein, respectively. BNP receptors were also found in mTAL, and ANF and BNP were sharing the same receptor. On the contrary, no CNP receptor could be shown by radioligand studies. These results suggest that guanylyl cyclase-coupled receptors (atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-A [ANPR-A]) specific for ANF and BNP are present in rat mTAL, while those for CNP (ANPR-B) are absent. ANF and BNP but not CNP act on mTAL to control water excretion.

Plasma C-type natriuretic peptide as a predictor for therapeutic response to metoprolol in children with postural tachycardia syndrome.

PubMed

Lin, Jing; Han, Zhenhui; Li, Hongxia; Chen, Selena Ying; Li, Xueying; Liu, Ping; Wang, Yuli; Tang, Chaoshu; Du, Junbao; Jin, Hongfang

2015-01-01

POTS is a global public-health disease, but predictor for therapeutic response to metoprolol in children with POTS is lacking. This study was designed to investigate predictive value of plasma C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol on postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in children. Totally 34 children with POTS and 27 healthy children were included in the study. The head-up test or head-up tilt test was used to check heart rate and blood pressure from supine to upright in subjects. A double antibody (competitive) sandwich immunoluminometric assay was used to detect plasma CNP. Metoprolol was used to treat children with POTS. The difference in plasma concentrations of CNP between responders and non-responders was compared. An ROC curve was used to analyze plasma CNP to predict efficacy of metoprolol on POTS in children. Plasma CNP in children with POTS was significantly higher than that of healthy children [(51.9 ± 31.4) vs. (25.1 ± 19.1) pg/ml, P <0.001]. Plasma CNP in responders to metoprolol was significantly higher than non-responders [(59.1 ± 33.5) vs. (34.8 ± 16.7) pg/ml, P = 0.037] before treatment. The ROC curve showed that area under the curve was 0.821 (95% CI 0.642-0.999). The cut-off value of plasma CNP > 32.55 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 70% in predicting therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol on POTS children. Plasma CNP might serve as a useful predictor for the therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol on POTS in children.

Plasma C-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Predictor for Therapeutic Response to Metoprolol in Children with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

PubMed Central

Li, Hongxia; Chen, Selena Ying; Li, Xueying; Liu, Ping; Wang, Yuli; Tang, Chaoshu; Du, Junbao; Jin, Hongfang

2015-01-01

POTS is a global public-health disease, but predictor for therapeutic response to metoprolol in children with POTS is lacking. This study was designed to investigate predictive value of plasma C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol on postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in children. Totally 34 children with POTS and 27 healthy children were included in the study. The head-up test or head-up tilt test was used to check heart rate and blood pressure from supine to upright in subjects. A double antibody (competitive) sandwich immunoluminometric assay was used to detect plasma CNP. Metoprolol was used to treat children with POTS. The difference in plasma concentrations of CNP between responders and non-responders was compared. An ROC curve was used to analyze plasma CNP to predict efficacy of metoprolol on POTS in children. Plasma CNP in children with POTS was significantly higher than that of healthy children [(51.9 ± 31.4) vs. (25.1 ± 19.1) pg/ml, P <0.001]. Plasma CNP in responders to metoprolol was significantly higher than non-responders [(59.1 ± 33.5) vs. (34.8 ± 16.7) pg/ml, P = 0.037] before treatment. The ROC curve showed that area under the curve was 0.821 (95% CI 0.642–0.999). The cut-off value of plasma CNP > 32.55 pg/ml yielded a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 70% in predicting therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol on POTS children. Plasma CNP might serve as a useful predictor for the therapeutic efficacy of metoprolol on POTS in children. PMID:25811760

Chitosan Nanoparticles Act as an Adjuvant to Promote both Th1 and Th2 Immune Responses Induced by Ovalbumin in Mice

PubMed Central

Wen, Zheng-Shun; Xu, Ying-Lei; Zou, Xiao-Ting; Xu, Zi-Rong

2011-01-01

The study was conducted to investigate the promoted immune response to ovalbumin in mice by chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) and its toxicity. CNP did not cause any mortality or side effects when mice were administered subcutaneously twice with a dose of 1.5 mg at 7-day intervals. Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were immunized subcutaneously with 25 μg ovalbumin (OVA) alone or with 25 μg OVA dissolved in saline containing Quil A (10 μg), chitosan (CS) (50 μg) or CNP (12.5, 50 or 200 μg) on days 1 and 15. Two weeks after the secondary immunization, serum OVA-specific antibody titers, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and production and mRNA expression of cytokines from splenocytes were measured. The serum OVA-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibody titers and Con A-, LPS-, and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation were significantly enhanced by CNP (P < 0.05) as compared with OVA and CS groups. CNP also significantly promoted the production of Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines and up-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines in splenocytes from the immunized mice compared with OVA and CS groups. Besides, CNP remarkably increased the killing activities of NK cells activity (P < 0.05). The results suggested that CNP had a strong potential to increase both cellular and humoral immune responses and elicited a balanced Th1/Th2 response, and that CNP may be a safe and efficacious adjuvant candidate suitable for a wide spectrum of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. PMID:21747747

Spinal Changes of a Newly Isolated Neuropeptide Endomorphin-2 Concomitant with Vincristine-Induced Allodynia

PubMed Central

Huang, Ben-Qing; Liu, Ji-Dong; Liu, Hui; Zhang, Nan; Li, Li; Chen, Jian-Hua

2014-01-01

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CNP) is the major dose-limiting factor in cancer chemotherapy. However, the neural mechanisms underlying CNP remain unclear. There is increasing evidence implicating the involvement of spinal endomorphin-2 (EM2) in neuropathic pain. In this study, we used a vincristine-evoked rat CNP model displaying mechanical allodynia and central sensitization, and observed a significant decrease in the expression of spinal EM2 in CNP. Also, while intrathecal administration of exogenous EM2 attenuated allodynia and central sensitization, the mu-opioid receptor antagonist β-funaltrexamine facilitated these events. We found that the reduction in spinal EM2 was mediated by increased activity of dipeptidylpeptidase IV, possibly as a consequence of chemotherapy-induced oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings suggest that a decrease in spinal EM2 expression causes the loss of endogenous analgesia and leads to enhanced pain sensation in CNP. PMID:24586889

PCR localization of C-type natriuretic peptide and B-type receptor mRNAs in rat nephron segments.

PubMed

Terada, Y; Tomita, K; Nonoguchi, H; Yang, T; Marumo, F

1994-08-01

The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) mRNA and its receptor, natriuretic peptide B-type receptor (ANPR-B) mRNA, in rat renal structures. The microlocalization of mRNAs coding for CNP and ANPR-B was carried out in the rat kidney, using an assay of reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in individual microdissected renal tubule segments, glomeruli, vasa recta bundle, and arcuate arteries. The PCR signal for CNP was detected in glomerulus, vasa recta bundle, and arcuate artery. The PCR product of ANPR-B was widely present in renal structures. Relatively large amounts of ANPR-B PCR product were detected in glomerulus, vasa recta bundle, arcuate artery, and distal nephron segments. A relatively high concentration of CNP (10(-7) M) stimulated guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate accumulation in glomerulus, medullary thick ascending limb, cortical collecting duct, and inner medullary collecting duct. Our data demonstrate that CNP can be produced locally in the glomerulus and renal vascular system and that ANPR-B is widely distributed in renal structures. Thus CNP may influence renal function and act in autocrine and paracrine fashions in the kidney.

Renal C-type natriuretic peptide and natriuretic peptide receptor B mRNA expression are affected by water deprivation in the Spinifex Hopping mouse.

PubMed

Heimeier, Rachel A; Donald, John A

2003-11-01

This study investigated the effect of water deprivation on the expression of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) mRNA, and the ability of NPR-B to generate cGMP in the Spinifex Hopping mouse, Notomys alexis. This rodent is a native of central and western Australia that is well adapted to survive in arid environments. Initially, CNP and NPR-B cDNAs (partial for NPR-B) were cloned and sequenced, and were shown to have high homology with those of rat and mouse. RT-PCR analysis showed CNP mRNA expression in the kidney, proximal and distal colon and small intestine, whilst NPR-B mRNA expression was found in the kidney, proximal and distal colon and the atria. Using a semi-quantitative multiplex PCR technique, the expression of renal CNP and NPR-B mRNA was determined in 7- and 14-day water-deprived hopping mice, in parallel with control hopping mice (access to water). Water deprivation significantly decreased the relative levels of CNP and NPR-B mRNA expression in both the 7- and 14-day water-deprived hopping mice, when compared to control hopping mice. In contrast, the ability of CNP to stimulate cGMP production was significantly increased after 14 days of water deprivation. This study shows that alterations in the renal CNP/NPR-B system may be an important physiological adjustment when water is scarce.

In field damage of high and low cyanogenic cassava due to a generalist insect herbivore Cyrtomenus bergi (Hemiptera: Cydnidae).

PubMed

Riis, Lisbeth; Bellotti, Anthony Charles; Castaño, Oscar

2003-12-01

The hypothesis that cyanogenic potential in cassava roots deters polyphagous insects in the field is relevant to current efforts to reduce or eliminate the cyanogenic potential in cassava. To test this hypothesis, experiments were conducted in the field under natural selection pressure of the polyphagous root feeder Cyrtomenus bergi Froeschner (Hemiptera: Cydnidae). A number of cassava varieties (33) as well as 13 cassava siblings and their parental clone, each representing a determined level of cyanogenic potential (CNP), were scored for damage caused by C. bergi and related to CNP and nonglycosidic cyanogens, measured as hydrogen cyanide. Additionally, 161 low-CNP varieties (< 50 ppm hydrogen cyanide, fresh weight) from the cassava germplasm core collection at Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) were screened for resistance/tolerance to C. bergi. Low root damage scores were registered at all levels of CNP. Nevertheless, CNP and yield (or root size) partly explained the damage in cassava siblings (r2 = 0.82) and different cassava varieties (r2 = 0.42), but only when mean values of damage scores were used. This relation was only significant in one of two crop cycles. A logistic model describes the underlying negative relation between CNP and damage. An exponential model describes the underlying negative relation between root size and damage. Damage, caused by C. bergi feeding, released nonglycosidic cyanogens, and an exponential model fits the underlying positive relation. Fifteen low-CNP clones were selected for potential resistance/tolerance against C. bergi.

The effects of esterified solvents on the diffusion of a model compound across human skin: an ATR-FTIR spectroscopic study.

PubMed

McAuley, W J; Chavda-Sitaram, S; Mader, K T; Tetteh, J; Lane, M E; Hadgraft, J

2013-04-15

Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to investigate the effects of three fatty acid esters on skin permeation. Propylene glycol diperlargonate (DPPG), isopropyl myristate (IPM) and isostearyl isostearate (ISIS) were selected as pharmaceutically relevant solvents with a range of lipophilicities and cyanophenol (CNP) was used as a model drug. The resultant data were compared with that obtained when water was used as the solvent. The diffusion of CNP, DPPG and IPM across epidermis was successfully described by a Fickian model. When ISIS was used as a solvent Fickian behaviour was only obtained across isolated stratum corneum suggesting that the hydrophilic layers of the epidermis interfere with the permeation of the hydrophobic ISIS. The diffusion coefficients of CNP across epidermis in the different solvents were not significantly different. Using chemometric data analysis diffusion profiles for the solvents were deconvoluted from that of the skin and modelled. Each of these solvents was found to diffuse at a faster rate across the skin than CNP. DPPG considerably increased the concentration of CNP in the stratum corneum in comparison with the other solvents indicating strong penetration enhancer potential. In contrast IPM produced a similar CNP concentration in the stratum corneum to water with ISIS resulting in a lower CNP concentration suggesting negligible enhancement and penetration retardation effects for these two solvents respectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Multi-Scale Response of Water Quality, Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration to Coupled Macronutrient Cycling from Source to Sea: TURF2SURF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cosby, B. J., Jr.; Wade, A. J.; Reinsch, S.; Robins, P. E.; Emmett, B.; Jago, C. F.

2015-12-01

Turf2Surf is a large, multi-disciplinary project that aims to test the hypothesis that the spatial and temporal patterns of water quality, C sequestration and biodiversity are better explained through the large-scale coupling of C, N and P cycles than by single cycle, single system approaches. To achieve this, a catchment-scale study of the River Conwy (349 km2) in Wales is being done with emphasis on determining when, where and how coupled macronutrient (C, N, P) cycling occurs in the biogeochemical hot-spots of the soils, the riparian zone, instream and in the river-estuarine transition zone. A major integrated measurement programme is now largely complete. New data are being analysed to understand which soil properties have greatest influence on above and below-ground productivity including plant traits and how microbial processing is controlled by stoichiometry and nutrient priming. Within the stream network, new understanding is being produced on the in-river algal and whole ecosystem (metabolic) response to CNP additions and the factors affecting the fate and cycling of organic matter. In the estuary, initial results indicate a subsurface jet is causing stratification and a velocity anomaly has been observed. Both are important in terms of suspended matter transport and floc break-up. An integrated model is being built to describe the soil-atmosphere-vegetation processes which is linked, firstly, to flow and water quality models that describe the CNP flux transport and transformations from the headwaters to the estuary and, secondly, to biodiversity models. The purpose of the integrated model is to quantify how coupled CNP cycles may respond to environmental change and thereby affect C sequestration, water quality and biodiversity in the future. The team are now in the major phase of data synthesis and model development and are interested in linking with similar studies involving coupled CNP cycles across the atmospheric-terrestrial-freshwater-coastal continuum.

The Multi-Scale Response of Water Quality, Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration to Coupled Macronutrient Cycling from Source to Sea: TURF2SURF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wade, Andrew; Emmett, Bridget; Jago, Colin; Stutter, Marc; Biggs, Jeremy

2016-04-01

Turf2Surf is a large, multi-disciplinary project that aims to test the hypothesis that the spatial and temporal patterns of water quality, C sequestration and biodiversity are better explained through the large-scale coupling of C, N and P cycles than by single cycle, single system approaches. To achieve this, a catchment-scale study of the River Conwy (349 km2) in Wales is being done with emphasis on determining when, where and how coupled macronutrient (C, N, P) cycling occurs in the biogeochemical hot-spots of the soils, the riparian zone, instream and in the river-estuarine transition zone. A major integrated measurement programme is now largely complete. New data are being analysed to understand which soil properties have greatest influence on above and below-ground productivity including plant traits and how microbial processing is controlled by stoichiometry and nutrient priming. Within the stream network, new understanding is being produced on the in-river algal and whole ecosystem (metabolic) response to CNP additions and the factors affecting the fate and cycling of organic matter. In the estuary, initial results indicate a subsurface jet is causing stratification and a velocity anomaly has been observed. Both are important in terms of suspended matter transport and floc break-up. An integrated model is being built to describe the soil-atmosphere-vegetation processes which is linked, firstly, to flow and water quality models that describe the CNP flux transport and transformations from the headwaters to the estuary and, secondly, to biodiversity models. The purpose of the integrated model is to quantify how coupled CNP cycles may respond to environmental change and thereby affect C sequestration, water quality and biodiversity in the future. The team are now in the major phase of data synthesis and model development and are interested in linking with similar studies involving coupled CNP cycles across the atmospheric-terrestrial-freshwater-coastal continuum.

Vasonatrin peptide: a unique synthetic natriuretic and vasorelaxing peptide.

PubMed Central

Wei, C M; Kim, C H; Miller, V M; Burnett, J C

1993-01-01

This study reports the cardiovascular and renal actions of a novel and newly synthesized 27-amino acid peptide termed vasonatrin peptide (VNP). VNP is a chimera of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). This synthetic peptide possesses the 22-amino acid structure of CNP, which is a cardiovascular selective peptide of endothelial origin and is structurally related to ANP. VNP also possesses the five-amino acid COOH terminus of ANP. The current study demonstrates both in vitro and in vivo that VNP possesses the venodilating actions of CNP, the natriuretic actions of ANP, and unique arterial vasodilating actions not associated with either ANP or CNP. Images PMID:8408658

Absence of C-type natriuretic peptide receptors in hamster glomeruli.

PubMed

Luk, J K; Wong, E F; Wong, N L

1994-01-01

The distribution of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor B (ANPR-B) varies between tissues and species. The aim of this study is to determine whether ANPR-B is present in the hamster glomeruli. In vitro C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)- and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-stimulated cGMP accumulation studies were performed in hamster glomeruli. Elevated cGMP accumulations were observed upon ANF addition. No cGMP response was seen with CNP. Competitive receptor-binding experiments were performed with 125I-CNP and 125I-ANF against their respective cold peptides in hamster glomeruli. Although no CNP binding was detected, positive ANF binding was found and two types of ANF receptor were demonstrated. The affinity (Kdl) and maximum binding capacity (Bmaxl) of the high-affinity ANF receptor were 0.014 +/- 0.001 nM and 60.4 +/- 10.2 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Those of the low-affinity receptor (Kd2 and Bmax2) were 45.7 +/- 6.2 nM and 28.3 +/- 6.3 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Similarly, saturation binding experiments also failed to show any CNP receptor binding in hamster glomeruli. This finding suggests that ANPR-B is not present in hamster glomeruli and CNP is not a direct physiological regulator of hamster renal function.

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis for the Enumeration and Characterization of Mineralo-Organic Nanoparticles in Feline Urine

PubMed Central

Mellema, M.; Stoller, M.; Queau, Y.; Ho, S. P.; Chi, T.; Larsen, J. A.; Passlack, N.; Fascetti, A. J.; Mohr, C.; Westropp, J. L.

2016-01-01

Urinary stone disease, particularly calcium oxalate, is common in both humans and cats. Calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) are spherical nanocrystallite material, and are composed of proteins (fetuin, albumin) and inorganic minerals. CNP are suggested to play a role in a wide array of pathologic mineralization syndromes including urolithiasis. We documented the development of a clinically relevant protocol to assess urinary CNP in 9 healthy cats consuming the same diet in a controlled environment using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA®). NTA® is a novel method that allows for characterization of the CNP in an efficient, accurate method that can differentiate these particles from other urinary submicron particulates. The predominant nanoscale particles in feline urine are characteristic of CNP in terms of their size, their ability to spontaneously form under suitable conditions, and the presence of an outer layer that is rich in calcium and capable of binding to hydroxyapatite binders such as alendronate and osteopontin. The expansion of this particle population can be suppressed by the addition of citrate to urine samples. Further, compounds targeting exosomal surfaces do not label these particulates. As CNP have been associated with a number of significant urologic maladies, the method described herein may prove to be a useful adjunct in evaluating lithogenesis risk in mammals. PMID:28005930

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis for the Enumeration and Characterization of Mineralo-Organic Nanoparticles in Feline Urine.

PubMed

Mellema, M; Stoller, M; Queau, Y; Ho, S P; Chi, T; Larsen, J A; Passlack, N; Fascetti, A J; Mohr, C; Westropp, J L

2016-01-01

Urinary stone disease, particularly calcium oxalate, is common in both humans and cats. Calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) are spherical nanocrystallite material, and are composed of proteins (fetuin, albumin) and inorganic minerals. CNP are suggested to play a role in a wide array of pathologic mineralization syndromes including urolithiasis. We documented the development of a clinically relevant protocol to assess urinary CNP in 9 healthy cats consuming the same diet in a controlled environment using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA®). NTA® is a novel method that allows for characterization of the CNP in an efficient, accurate method that can differentiate these particles from other urinary submicron particulates. The predominant nanoscale particles in feline urine are characteristic of CNP in terms of their size, their ability to spontaneously form under suitable conditions, and the presence of an outer layer that is rich in calcium and capable of binding to hydroxyapatite binders such as alendronate and osteopontin. The expansion of this particle population can be suppressed by the addition of citrate to urine samples. Further, compounds targeting exosomal surfaces do not label these particulates. As CNP have been associated with a number of significant urologic maladies, the method described herein may prove to be a useful adjunct in evaluating lithogenesis risk in mammals.

Conophylline inhibits non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice

PubMed Central

Sakamoto, Kazumasa; Yamauchi, Taeko; Inoue, Tadahisa; Kobayashi, Yuji; Yamamoto, Takaya; Ishii, Norimitsu; Ohashi, Tomohiko; Sumida, Yoshio; Ito, Kiyoaki; Nakao, Haruhisa; Fukuzawa, Yoshitaka; Umezawa, Kazuo; Yoneda, Masashi

2017-01-01

Conophylline (CnP), a vinca alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the tropical plant Ervatamia microphylla, attenuates hepatic fibrosis in mice. However, little is known about whether CnP inhibits steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice. A methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet was administered to male db/db mice as a NASH model, and CnP (1 μg/kg/d) was co-administered. Eight weeks after the commencement of the MCD diet, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, and hepatic fat metabolism-, inflammation-, and fibrosis-related markers were examined. Feeding on an MCD for 8 weeks induced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. CnP significantly attenuated the MCD-induced increases in hepatic steatosis, as well as hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. The MCD diet increased hepatic transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA levels, which are correlated with hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The diet also attenuated acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) mRNA levels, which are involved in β-oxidation. The putative mechanism of the CnP effect involves reduced hepatic TGF-β mRNA levels, and increased mRNA levels of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and its target genes ACOX1 and CPT1. The results of this study indicate that CnP inhibits steatohepatitis, possibly through the inhibition of hepatic TGF-β mRNA levels, and induces an increase in PPARα mRNA levels, resulting in the attenuation of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice. CnP might accordingly be a suitable therapeutic option for NASH. PMID:28594915

The Relevance of Proprioception to Chronic Neck Pain: A Correlational Analysis of Flexor Muscle Size and Endurance, Clinical Neck Pain Characteristics, and Proprioception.

PubMed

Amiri Arimi, Somayeh; Ghamkhar, Leila; Kahlaee, Amir H

2018-01-02

Impairment in the cervical proprioception and deep flexor muscle function and morphology have been regarded to be associated with chronic neck pain (CNP).  The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between proprioception and flexor endurance capacity and size and clinical CNP characteristics.  This was an observational, cross-sectional study.  Rehabilitation hospital laboratory.  Sixty subjects with or without CNP participated in the study.  Joint position error, clinical deep flexor endurance test score, longus colli/capitis and sternocleidomastoid muscle size, pain intensity, neck pain-related disability, and fear of movement were assessed. Multivariate analysis of variance and Pearson correlation tests were used to compare the groups and quantify the strength of the associations among variables, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the predictive value of the dependent variables for the development of neck pain.  CNP patients showed lower flexor endurance (P = 0.01) and smaller longus colli size (P < 0.01). The joint position error was not statistically different between the groups. Longus colli size was correlated with local flexor endurance in both CNP (P = 0.01) and control (P = 0.04) groups. Among clinical CNP characteristics, kinesiophobia showed fair correlation with joint position error (r = 0.39, P = 0.03). Left rotation error and local flexor endurance were significant predictors of CNP development (β = 1.22, P = 0.02, and β = 0.97, P = 0.02, respectively).  The results indicated that cervical proprioception was associated neither with deep flexor muscle structure/function nor with clinical CNP characteristics. Left rotation error and local flexor endurance were found relevant to neck pain development. © 2017 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Hepatocyte growth factor incorporated chitosan nanoparticles augment the differentiation of stem cell into hepatocytes for the recovery of liver cirrhosis in mice

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Short half-life and low levels of growth factors in the niche of injured microenvironment necessitates the exogenous and sustainable delivery of growth factors along with stem cells to augment the regeneration of injured tissues. Methods Here, recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) by ionic gelation method and studied for its morphological and physiological characteristics. Cirrhotic mice received either hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or mesenchymal stemcells (MSC) with or without HGF incorporated chitosan nanoparticles (HGF-CNP) and saline as control. Biochemical, histological, immunostaining and gene expression assays were carried out using serum and liver tissue samples. One way analysis of variance was used for statics application Results Serum levels of selected liver protein and enzymes were significantly increased in the combination of MSC and HGF-CNP (MSC+HGF-CNP) treated group. Immunopositive staining for albumin (Alb) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for Alb, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), CK18, cytokeratin 19 (CK19) ascertained that MSC-HGF-CNP treatment could be an effective combination to repopulate liver parenchymal cells in the liver cirrhosis. Zymogram and western blotting for matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9) revealed that MMP2 actively involved in the fibrolysis of cirrhotic tissue. Immunostaining for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and type I collagen showed decreased expression in the MSC+HGF-CNP treatment. These results indicated that HGF-CNP enhanced the differentiation of stem cells into hepatocytes and supported the reversal of fibrolysis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Conclusion Bone marrow stem cells were isolated, characterized and transplanted in mice model. Biodegradable biopolymeric nanoparticles were prepared with the pleotrophic protein molecule and it worked well for the differentiation of stem cells, especially mesenchymal phenotypic cells. Transplantation of bone marrow MSC in combination with HGF-CNP could be an ideal approach for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. PMID:21526984

A novel peptide from the ACEI/BPP-CNP precursor in the venom of Crotalus durissus collilineatus.

PubMed

Higuchi, Shigesada; Murayama, Nobuhiro; Saguchi, Ken-ichi; Ohi, Hiroaki; Fujita, Yoshiaki; da Silva, Nelson Jorge; de Siqueira, Rodrigo José Bezerra; Lahlou, Saad; Aird, Steven D

2006-10-01

In crotaline venoms, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs, also known as bradykinin potentiating peptides (BPPs)], are products of a gene coding for an ACEI/BPP-C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) precursor. In the genes from Bothrops jararaca and Gloydius blomhoffii, ACEI/BPP sequences are repeated. Sequencing of a cDNA clone from venom glands of Crotalus durissus collilineatus showed that two ACEIs/BPPs are located together at the N-terminus, but without repeats. An additional sequence for CNP was unexpectedly found at the C-terminus. Homologous genes for the ACEI/BPP-CNP precursor suggest that most crotaline venoms contain both ACEIs/BPPs and CNP. The sequence of ACEIs/BPPs is separated from the CNP sequence by a long spacer sequence. Previously, there was no evidence that this spacer actually coded any expressed peptides. Aird and Kaiser (1986, unpublished) previously isolated and sequenced a peptide of 11 residues (TPPAGPDVGPR) from Crotalus viridis viridis venom. In the present study, analysis of the cDNA clone from C. d. collilineatus revealed a nearly identical sequence in the ACEI/BPP-CNP spacer. Fractionation of the crude venom by reverse phase HPLC (C(18)), and analysis of the fractions by mass spectrometry (MS) indicated a component of 1020.5 Da. Amino acid sequencing by MS/MS confirmed that C. d. collilineatus venom contains the peptide TPPAGPDGGPR. Its high proline content and paired proline residues are typical of venom hypotensive peptides, although it lacks the usual N-terminal pyroglutamate. It has no demonstrable hypotensive activity when injected intravenously in rats; however, its occurrence in the venoms of dissimilar species suggests that its presence is not accidental. Evidence suggests that these novel toxins probably activate anaphylatoxin C3a receptors.

Effects of endopeptidase inhibition on the relaxation response of isolated human penile erectile tissue to vasoactive peptides.

PubMed

Rahardjo, H E; Reichelt, K; Sonnenberg, J E; Sohn, M; Kuczyk, M A; Ückert, S

2016-12-01

Peptides, such as CNP, CGRP and VIP, are involved in the function of male penile erectile tissue. Tissue levels of said peptides are controlled by the endopeptidase enzymes. Theoretically, the inhibition of the degradation of CNP, CGRP and/or VIP should result in an enhancement in penile smooth muscle relaxation. The effects were investigated of CNP or VIP (0.1 nm-1 μm), without and following pre-exposure of the tissue to a threshold concentration of the endopeptidase inhibitor KC 12615 (10 μm, for 20 min), on the reversion of tension induced by means of electrical field stimulation. Drug effects on the production of cyclic AMP/GMP were also evaluated. Neither KC 12615, CNP and VIP nor the combination of CNP plus KC 12615 or VIP plus KC 12615 increased the response of the tissue to EFS. While no effects were observed of a pre-exposure of the tissue to KC 12615 on the production of cyclic AMP in the presence of VIP, an enhancement was registered in the accumulation of cyclic AMP in the presence of CNP plus KC 12615. Further studies are indicated to investigate whether endopeptidase inhibitors might tend to be more effective in tissues affected by a decreased local production of vasoactive peptides. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Purification and characterization of a novel polysaccharide-peptide complex from Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves.

PubMed

Huang, Danmin; Li, Yunhong; Cui, Fengjie; Chen, Jun; Sun, Jiamin

2016-02-10

A novel polysaccharide-peptide complex CNP-1-2 with molecular weight of 9.17 × 10(4) Da was obtained from Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and purification with Superdex 200 and DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. CNP-1-2 exhibited the highest growth inhibitory effect on human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 with inhibition ratio of 92.34% and stimulated activation of macrophages with NO secretion level of 47.53 μmol/L among the polysaccharide fractions. CNP-1-2 comprised approximately 87.25% carbohydrate and 9.37% protein. Monosaccharide analysis suggested that CNP-1-2 was composed of L-rhamnose, l-arabinose, D-mannose, D-glucose and D-galactose with a molar ratio of 1.30:1.00:2.56:4.95:5.09. Methylation analysis, FT-IR, and (1)H NMR spectroscopy analysis revealed that CNP-1-2 might have a backbone consisting of 1,4-linked Glcp, 1,3-linked Glcp, 1,3-linked Manp, 1,4-linked Galp, 1,2,6-linked Galp and 1,2,6-linked Galp. Its side chain might be composed of 1-linked Araf, 1,6-linked Galp and 1-linked Rhap residues. AFM (atomic force micrograph) analysis revealed that CNP-1-2 had the molecular aggregation along with branched and entangled structure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of a CNP Analog in a Fgfr3 Mouse Model Recapitulating Achondroplasia

PubMed Central

Lorget, Florence; Kaci, Nabil; Peng, Jeff; Benoist-Lasselin, Catherine; Mugniery, Emilie; Oppeneer, Todd; Wendt, Dan J.; Bell, Sean M.; Bullens, Sherry; Bunting, Stuart; Tsuruda, Laurie S.; O'Neill, Charles A.; Di Rocco, Federico; Munnich, Arnold; Legeai-Mallet, Laurence

2012-01-01

Achondroplasia (ACH), the most common form of dwarfism, is an inherited autosomal-dominant chondrodysplasia caused by a gain-of-function mutation in fibroblast-growth-factor-receptor 3 (FGFR3). C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) antagonizes FGFR3 downstream signaling by inhibiting the pathway of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Here, we report the pharmacological activity of a 39 amino acid CNP analog (BMN 111) with an extended plasma half-life due to its resistance to neutral-endopeptidase (NEP) digestion. In ACH human growth-plate chondrocytes, we demonstrated a decrease in the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, confirming that this CNP analog inhibits fibroblast-growth-factor-mediated MAPK activation. Concomitantly, we analyzed the phenotype of Fgfr3Y367C/+ mice and showed the presence of ACH-related clinical features in this mouse model. We found that in Fgfr3Y367C/+ mice, treatment with this CNP analog led to a significant recovery of bone growth. We observed an increase in the axial and appendicular skeleton lengths, and improvements in dwarfism-related clinical features included flattening of the skull, reduced crossbite, straightening of the tibias and femurs, and correction of the growth-plate defect. Thus, our results provide the proof of concept that BMN 111, a NEP-resistant CNP analog, might benefit individuals with ACH and hypochondroplasia. PMID:23200862

Neutral endopeptidase-resistant C-type natriuretic peptide variant represents a new therapeutic approach for treatment of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3-related dwarfism.

PubMed

Wendt, Daniel J; Dvorak-Ewell, Melita; Bullens, Sherry; Lorget, Florence; Bell, Sean M; Peng, Jeff; Castillo, Sianna; Aoyagi-Scharber, Mika; O'Neill, Charles A; Krejci, Pavel; Wilcox, William R; Rimoin, David L; Bunting, Stuart

2015-04-01

Achondroplasia (ACH), the most common form of human dwarfism, is caused by an activating autosomal dominant mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 gene. Genetic overexpression of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a positive regulator of endochondral bone growth, prevents dwarfism in mouse models of ACH. However, administration of exogenous CNP is compromised by its rapid clearance in vivo through receptor-mediated and proteolytic pathways. Using in vitro approaches, we developed modified variants of human CNP, resistant to proteolytic degradation by neutral endopeptidase, that retain the ability to stimulate signaling downstream of the CNP receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor B. The variants tested in vivo demonstrated significantly longer serum half-lives than native CNP. Subcutaneous administration of one of these CNP variants (BMN 111) resulted in correction of the dwarfism phenotype in a mouse model of ACH and overgrowth of the axial and appendicular skeletons in wild-type mice without observable changes in trabecular and cortical bone architecture. Moreover, significant growth plate widening that translated into accelerated bone growth, at hemodynamically tolerable doses, was observed in juvenile cynomolgus monkeys that had received daily subcutaneous administrations of BMN 111. BMN 111 was well tolerated and represents a promising new approach for treatment of patients with ACH. Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Dwarfism and early death in mice lacking C-type natriuretic peptide

PubMed Central

Chusho, Hideki; Tamura, Naohisa; Ogawa, Yoshihiro; Yasoda, Akihiro; Suda, Michio; Miyazawa, Takashi; Nakamura, Kenji; Nakao, Kazuki; Kurihara, Tatsuya; Komatsu, Yasato; Itoh, Hiroshi; Tanaka, Kiyoshi; Saito, Yoshihiko; Katsuki, Motoya; Nakao, Kazuwa

2001-01-01

Longitudinal bone growth is determined by endochondral ossification that occurs as chondrocytes in the cartilaginous growth plate undergo proliferation, hypertrophy, cell death, and osteoblastic replacement. The natriuretic peptide family consists of three structurally related endogenous ligands, atrial, brain, and C-type natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, and CNP), and is thought to be involved in a variety of homeostatic processes. To investigate the physiological significance of CNP in vivo, we generated mice with targeted disruption of CNP (Nppc−/− mice). The Nppc−/− mice show severe dwarfism as a result of impaired endochondral ossification. They are all viable perinatally, but less than half can survive during postnatal development. The skeletal phenotypes are histologically similar to those seen in patients with achondroplasia, the most common genetic form of human dwarfism. Targeted expression of CNP in the growth plate chondrocytes can rescue the skeletal defect of Nppc−/− mice and allow their prolonged survival. This study demonstrates that CNP acts locally as a positive regulator of endochondral ossification in vivo and suggests its pathophysiological and therapeutic implication in some forms of skeletal dysplasia. PMID:11259675

[Application of clinical nursing path in standard management of advanced schistosomiasis patients with splenomegaly].

PubMed

Yang, Liu; Liu, Juan-Juan

2013-04-01

To study the feasibility and effect of clinical nursing path in the standard management of advanced schistosomiasis patients with splenomegaly. A total of 64 advanced schistosomiasis patients with splenomegaly were randomly divided into a routine nursing group (control group) and a clinical nursing pathway group (CNP group), and the postoperative situation, average hospitalization days, cost of hospitalization and the satisfaction of the patients of the 2 groups were compared. The complications, average hospitalization days, costs of hospitalization in the CNP group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group, and satisfaction rate of the patients in the CNP group increased from 81.25% to 100%. The implementation of CNP effectively reduces the length of hospitalization, costs and complications, and improves the satisfaction of the patients.

Selective activation of the B natriuretic peptide receptor by C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP).

PubMed

Koller, K J; Lowe, D G; Bennett, G L; Minamino, N; Kangawa, K; Matsuo, H; Goeddel, D V

1991-04-05

The natriuretic peptides are hormones that can stimulate natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant activity in vivo, presumably through the activation of two known cell surface receptor guanylyl cyclases (ANPR-A and ANPR-B). Although atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and, to a lesser extent, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are efficient activators of the ANPR-A guanylyl cyclase, neither hormone can significantly stimulate ANPR-B. A member of this hormone family, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), potently and selectively activated the human ANPR-B guanylyl cyclase. CNP does not increase guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate accumulation in cells expressing human ANPR-A. The affinity of CNP for ANPR-B is 50- or 500-fold higher than ANP or BNP, respectively. This ligand-receptor pair may be involved in the regulation of fluid homeostasis by the central nervous system.

CNP-1 (ARRD-17), a novel substrate of calcineurin, is critical for modulation of egg-laying and locomotion in response to food and lysine sensation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Jee, Changhoon; Choi, Tae-Woo; Kalichamy, Karunambigai; Yee, Jong Zin; Song, Hyun-Ok; Ji, Yon Ju; Lee, Jungsoo; Lee, Jin Il; L'Etoile, Noelle D; Ahnn, Joohong; Lee, Sun-Kyung

2012-03-30

Calcineurin is a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase involved in calcium signaling pathways. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the loss of calcineurin activity causes pleiotropic defects including hyperadaptation of sensory neurons, hypersensation to thermal difference and hyper-egg-laying when worms are refed after starvation. In this study, we report on arrd-17 as calcineurin-interacting protein-1 (cnp-1), which is a novel molecular target of calcineurin. CNP-1 interacts with the catalytic domain of the C. elegans calcineurin A subunit, TAX-6, in a yeast two-hybrid assay and is dephosphorylated by TAX-6 in vitro. cnp-1 is expressed in ASK, ADL, ASH and ASJ sensory neurons as TAX-6. It acts downstream of tax-6 in regulation of locomotion and egg-laying after starvation, ASH sensory neuron adaptation and lysine chemotaxis, that is known to be mediated by ASK neurons. Altogether, our biochemical and genetic evidence indicates that CNP-1 is a direct target of calcineurin and required in stimulated egg-laying and locomotion after starvation, adaptation to hyperosmolarity and attraction to lysine, which is modulated by calcineurin. We suggest that the phosphorylation status of CNP-1 plays an important role in regulation of refed stimulating behaviors after starvation and attraction to amino acid, which provides valuable nutritious information. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

C-type natriuretic peptide: a link between hyperandrogenism and anovulation in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Reis, Adelina M; Honorato-Sampaio, Kinulpe

2018-05-16

The polycystic ovary (PCO) syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in women and is associated with several clinical disorders. Despite the great amount of research in the area, mechanisms involved in the genesis of this syndrome remain poorly understood. In a recent issue of Clinical Science (vol. 132, issue 7, 759-776), Wang and colleagues, highlight the important role of overactivated C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (CNP/NPR2) system in preventing oocyte maturation and ovulation in PCOS mice model induced by androgen. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment caused anovulation, high levels of androgen and estrogen receptors (AR and ER) in the ovary, high expression of CNP and natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) in granulosa cells (GC), and an increase in testosterone and estradiol (E 2 ) levels in sera. The high level of CNP/NPR2 was associated with oocyte meiotic arrest and very low ovulation rate. Treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or inhibitors of AR or ER reduced the level of CNP/NPR2, which resulted in meiotic resumption and ovulation. The article provided important information for understanding the effect of ovarian steroids on control of oocyte maturation and fertility and highlighted CNP/NPR2 as a specific pathway that is potentially involved in the ovulatory disruption in PCOS. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

Endothelial C-type natriuretic peptide maintains vascular homeostasis

PubMed Central

Moyes, Amie J.; Khambata, Rayomand S.; Villar, Inmaculada; Bubb, Kristen J.; Baliga, Reshma S.; Lumsden, Natalie G.; Xiao, Fang; Gane, Paul J.; Rebstock, Anne-Sophie; Worthington, Roberta J.; Simone, Michela I.; Mota, Filipa; Rivilla, Fernando; Vallejo, Susana; Peiró, Concepción; Sánchez Ferrer, Carlos F.; Djordjevic, Snezana; Caulfield, Mark J.; MacAllister, Raymond J.; Selwood, David L.; Ahluwalia, Amrita; Hobbs, Adrian J.

2014-01-01

The endothelium plays a fundamental role in maintaining vascular homeostasis by releasing factors that regulate local blood flow, systemic blood pressure, and the reactivity of leukocytes and platelets. Accordingly, endothelial dysfunction underpins many cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Herein, we evaluated mice with endothelial-specific deletion of Nppc, which encodes C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and determined that this mediator is essential for multiple aspects of vascular regulation. Specifically, disruption of CNP leads to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, atherogenesis, and aneurysm. Moreover, we identified natriuretic peptide receptor–C (NPR-C) as the cognate receptor that primarily underlies CNP-dependent vasoprotective functions and developed small-molecule NPR-C agonists to target this pathway. Administration of NPR-C agonists promotes a vasorelaxation of isolated resistance arteries and a reduction in blood pressure in wild-type animals that is diminished in mice lacking NPR-C. This work provides a mechanistic explanation for genome-wide association studies that have linked the NPR-C (Npr3) locus with hypertension by demonstrating the importance of CNP/NPR-C signaling in preserving vascular homoeostasis. Furthermore, these results suggest that the CNP/NPR-C pathway has potential as a disease-modifying therapeutic target for cardiovascular disorders. PMID:25105365

Anticancer activity of silver and copper embedded chitin nanocomposites against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells.

PubMed

Solairaj, Dhanasekaran; Rameshthangam, Palanivel; Arunachalam, Gnanapragasam

2017-12-01

Chitin is a natural biopolymer widely used in biomedical and environmental applications due to its distinctive physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Although the anticancer property of chitin nanoforms and chitin derivatives against various cancers were studied earlier, there is no report in the chitin nanostructure incorporated metal nanocomposite. The present study was aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of chitin incorporated silver and copper nanocomposite against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Cytotoxicity of chitin nanoparticles (CNP), silver nanoparticles (AgNP), copper nanoparticles (CuNP), chitin/silver nanocomposite (CNP/AgNP) and chitin/copper nanocomposite (CNP/CuNP) was evaluated. Among all the above, CNP/AgNP has shown a lower of 31 mg as inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) value. Our study further showed the increased generation of reactive oxygen species with decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and damage in the membrane integrity, thus confirms the cellular cytotoxic action of CNP/AgNP. In conclusion, the present study validates that, incorporating chitin nanoparticles with metallic nanostructure could be an effective and promising therapeutic agent against breast cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of three global change drivers on terrestrial C:N:P stoichiometry: a global synthesis.

PubMed

Yue, Kai; Fornara, Dario A; Yang, Wanqin; Peng, Yan; Li, Zhijie; Wu, Fuzhong; Peng, Changhui

2017-06-01

Over the last few decades, there has been an increasing number of controlled-manipulative experiments to investigate how plants and soils might respond to global change. These experiments typically examined the effects of each of three global change drivers [i.e., nitrogen (N) deposition, warming, and elevated CO 2 ] on primary productivity and on the biogeochemistry of carbon (C), N, and phosphorus (P) across different terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we capitalize on this large amount of information by performing a comprehensive meta-analysis (>2000 case studies worldwide) to address how C:N:P stoichiometry of plants, soils, and soil microbial biomass might respond to individual vs. combined effects of the three global change drivers. Our results show that (i) individual effects of N addition and elevated CO 2 on C:N:P stoichiometry are stronger than warming, (ii) combined effects of pairs of global change drivers (e.g., N addition + elevated CO 2 , warming + elevated CO 2 ) on C:N:P stoichiometry were generally weaker than the individual effects of each of these drivers, (iii) additive interactions (i.e., when combined effects are equal to or not significantly different from the sum of individual effects) were more common than synergistic or antagonistic interactions, (iv) C:N:P stoichiometry of soil and soil microbial biomass shows high homeostasis under global change manipulations, and (v) C:N:P responses to global change are strongly affected by ecosystem type, local climate, and experimental conditions. Our study is one of the first to compare individual vs. combined effects of the three global change drivers on terrestrial C:N:P ratios using a large set of data. To further improve our understanding of how ecosystems might respond to future global change, long-term ecosystem-scale studies testing multifactor effects on plants and soils are urgently required across different world regions. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Oxidative stress augments secretion of endothelium-derived relaxing peptides, C-type natriuretic peptide and adrenomedullin.

PubMed

Chun, T H; Itoh, H; Saito, T; Yamahara, K; Doi, K; Mori, Y; Ogawa, Y; Yamashita, J; Tanaka, T; Inoue, M; Masatsugu, K; Sawada, N; Fukunaga, Y; Nakao, K

2000-05-01

Excess oxidative stress is one of the major metabolic abnormalities on vascular walls in hypertension and atherosclerosis. In order to further elucidate the endothelial function under oxidative stress, the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on expression of two novel endothelium-derived vasorelaxing peptides, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and adrenomedullin (AM) from bovine carotid artery endothelial cells (BCAECs) was examined. BCAECs were treated with H2O2 (0.1-1.0 mmol/ l) and/or an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (5-10 mmol/l), and incubated for 48 h. The concentrations of CNP and AM were measured with the specific radioimmuno assays that we originally developed. CNP and AM mRNA expressions were also examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Treatment of BCAECs with 0.5 and 1 mmol/l H2O2 induced 9-and 10-fold increases of CNP concentration in the media. Addition of 10 mmol/l NAC significantly suppressed the effect of H2O2 by 52%. RT-PCR analysis showed that CNP mRNA expression in BCAECs was also rapidly augmented within 1 h with H2O2 (1 mmol/l) treatment, and reached a peak at 3 h to show a 10-fold increase. AM secretion from BCAECs also increased to two-fold with exposure to 0.5 mmol/l H2O2, accompanied with the augmented level of AM mRNA. NAC 10 mmol/l completely suppressed the effect of H2O2 on AM secretion. In this study, it has been demonstrated that H2O2 augments endothelial secretion of the two endothelium-derived relaxing peptides, CNP and AM. Our findings suggest the increased secretion of CNP and AM from endothelium under oxidative stress may function to compensate the impaired nitric oxide-dependent vasorelaxation in hypertension and atherosclerosis.

The natriuretic peptides BNP and CNP increase heart rate and electrical conduction by stimulating ionic currents in the sinoatrial node and atrial myocardium following activation of guanylyl cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide receptors.

PubMed

Springer, Jeremy; Azer, John; Hua, Rui; Robbins, Courtney; Adamczyk, Andrew; McBoyle, Sarah; Bissell, Mary Beth; Rose, Robert A

2012-05-01

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are best known for their ability to regulate blood vessel tone and kidney function whereas their electrophysiological effects on the heart are less clear. Here, we measured the effects of BNP and CNP on sinoatrial node (SAN) and atrial electrophysiology in isolated hearts as well as isolated SAN and right atrial myocytes from mice. BNP and CNP dose-dependently increased heart rate and conduction through the heart as indicated by reductions in R-R interval, P wave duration and P-R interval on ECGs. In conjunction with these ECG changes BNP and CNP (100 nM) increased spontaneous action potential frequency in isolated SAN myocytes by increasing L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)) and the hyperpolarization-activated current (I(f)). BNP had no effect on right atrial myocyte APs in basal conditions; however, in the presence of isoproterenol (10nM), BNP increased atrial AP duration and I(Ca,L). Quantitative gene expression and immunocytochemistry data show that all three NP receptors (NPR-A, NPR-B and NPR-C) are expressed in the SAN and atrium. The effects of BNP and CNP on SAN and right atrial myocytes were maintained in mutant mice lacking functional NPR-C receptors and blocked by the NPR-A antagonist A71915 indicating that BNP and CNP function through their guanylyl cyclase-linked receptors. Our data also show that the effects of BNP and CNP are completely absent in the presence of the phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor milrinone. Based on these data we conclude that NPs can increase heart rate and electrical conduction by activating the guanylyl cyclase-linked NPR-A and NPR-B receptors and inhibiting PDE3 activity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance Using Electropolymerization of Self-Doped Polyaniline on Carbon Film.

PubMed

Wang, Po-Hsin; Wang, Tzong-Liu; Lin, Wen-Churng; Lin, Hung-Yin; Lee, Mei-Hwa; Yang, Chien-Hsin

2018-03-31

In this work, we electrochemically deposited self-doped polyanilines (SPANI) on the surface of carbon-nanoparticle (CNP) film, enhancing the superficial faradic reactions in supercapacitors and thus improving their performance. SPANI was electrodeposited on the CNP-film employing electropolymerization of aniline (AN) and o-aminobenzene sulfonic acid (SAN) comonomers in solution. Here, SAN acts in dual roles of a self-doped monomer while it also provides an acidic environment which is suitable for electropolymerization. The performance of SPANI-CNP-based supercapacitors significantly depends upon the mole ratio of AN/SAN. Supercapacitor performance was investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge and discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The optimal performance of SPANI-CNP-based supercapacitor exists at AN/SAN ratio of 1.0, having the specific capacitance of 273.3 Fg -1 at the charging current density of 0.5 Ag -1 .

Sequential effect of phages and cold nitrogen plasma against Escherichia coli O157:H7 biofilms on different vegetables.

PubMed

Cui, Haiying; Bai, Mei; Yuan, Lu; Surendhiran, Duraiarasan; Lin, Lin

2018-03-02

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) is one of the most common pathogens in fresh vegetables and fruits, and most of the diseases produced by E. coli O157:H7 are associated with biofilms. Cold nitrogen plasma (CNP) is a cold sterilization technique which has no residue. However to completely eliminate the biofilm on the surface of vegetables the processing power and time of CNP have to be enhanced, which will impact on the quality of fruits and vegetables. Thus the sequential treatment of CNP and phage techniques was engineered in this study. Compared to treatment performed separately, sequential treatment not only had more mild treatment conditions as 400W CNP treatment for 2min and 5% phage treatment for 30min, but also exhibited more remarkable effect on eradicating E. coli O157:H7 biofilms in vitro and on vegetables. The population of E. coli O157:H7 was approximately reduced by 2logCFU/cm 2 after individual treatment of 5% phages for 30min or 500W CNP for 3min. While the sequential treatment of CNP (400W, 2min) and phages (5%, 30min) reduced the E. coli O157:H7 viable count in biofilm by 5.71logCFU/cm 2 . Therefore, the sequential treatment holds a great promise to improve the current treatment systems of bacterial contamination on different vegetable surfaces. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of nutrient ratios on E. coli re-growth in urban streams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aitkenhead-Peterson, J. A.; McCrary, K.; Gentry, T. J.; Harclerode, C. L.

2010-12-01

E. coli an indicator for fecal pathogens in aquatic systems, is one of the major impairments of streams and rivers in USA. We examined re-growth of E.coli in UV-treated wastewater effluent by spiking effluent with extract obtained from managed turf grass and ornamental tree foliage. Our original hypothesis that the increased quantity and quality of DOC would increase re-growth was rejected. Instead we found that the ratio of C:N:P of our extracts was able to explain between 64 and 89% of the variance in E. coli re-growth. The C:N:P ratio of treated sewage effluent of 0.64 was too low to produce re-growth which commenced at C:N:P ratio’s of around 3.7 at 24 hrs and > 5.8 at 12 hrs. As precipitation or irrigation water interacts with the landscape vegetation of urban golf courses, athletic fields, parks and homeowner gardens in urban watersheds prior to running off to streams and rivers its solution C:N:P ratio may be conducive to E. coli re-growth in those watersheds with wastewater treatment plant point source discharge. To test this theory further we examined E. coli and stream C:N:P ratio in four watersheds downstream of wastewater treatment plants. Here we found that stream C:N:P ratio explained 98% of the variance in E. coli. Interestingly this phenomenon only occurs in streams downstream of waste water treatment plants suggesting that revival of E. coli in sewage effluent is possible if watershed conditions are conducive to their re-growth.

Critical Evaluation of Gamma-Irradiated Serum Used as Feeder in the Culture and Demonstration of Putative Nanobacteria and Calcifying Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Young, John D.

2010-01-01

The culture and demonstration of putative nanobacteria (NB) and calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) from human and animal tissues has relied primarily on the use of a culture supplement consisting of FBS that had been γ-irradiated at a dose of 30 kGy (γ-FBS). The use of γ-FBS is based on the assumption that this sterilized fluid has been rid entirely of any residual NB/CNP, while it continues to promote the slow growth in culture of NB/CNP from human/animal tissues. We show here that γ-irradiation (5–50 kGy) produces extensive dose-dependent serum protein breakdown as demonstrated through UV and visible light spectrophotometry, fluorometry, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and gel electrophoresis. Yet, both γ-FBS and γ-irradiated human serum (γ-HS) produce NB/CNP in cell culture conditions that are morphologically and chemically indistinguishable from their normal serum counterparts. Contrary to earlier claims, γ-FBS does not enhance the formation of NB/CNP from several human body fluids (saliva, urine, ascites, and synovial fluid) tested. In the presence of additional precipitating ions, both γ-irradiated serum (FBS and HS) and γ-irradiated proteins (albumin and fetuin-A) retain the inherent dual NB inhibitory and seeding capabilities seen also with their untreated counterparts. By gel electrophoresis, the particles formed from both γ-FBS and γ-HS are seen to have assimilated into their scaffold the same smeared protein profiles found in the γ-irradiated sera. However, their protein compositions as identified by proteomics are virtually identical to those seen with particles formed from untreated serum. Moreover, particles derived from human fluids and cultured in the presence of γ-FBS contain proteins derived from both γ-FBS and the human fluid under investigation—a confusing and unprecedented scenario indicating that these particles harbor proteins from both the host tissue and the FBS used as feeder. Thus, the NB/CNP described in the literature clearly bear hybrid protein compositions belonging to different species. We conclude that there is no basis to justify the use of γ-FBS as a feeder for the growth and demonstration of NB/CNP or any NB-like particles in culture. Moreover, our results call into question the validity of the entire body of literature accumulated to date on NB and CNP. PMID:20436679

Introducing novel amorphous carbon nanoparticles as energy acceptors into a chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer immunoassay system.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenxing; Gao, Hongfei; Fu, Zhifeng

2013-11-21

A novel chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) system for competitive immunoassay of biomolecules was developed by using novel amorphous carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) prepared from candle soot as energy acceptors. The CNPs were firstly prepared to bind with the antigen (Ag) for obtaining the nanocomposite CNP-Ag, and this obtained CNP-Ag was then reacted with the horseradish peroxidase-labeled antibody (HRP-Ab) to assemble the CRET system. The luminol catalyzed by HRP serving as the energy donor for CNPs triggered the CRET phenomenon between luminol and CNPs, which led to the chemiluminescence signal decrease. Due to the competitive immunoreaction of the target antigen and the CNP-Ag, a part of the CNP-Ag was replaced from the HRP-Ab, and then resulted in a weaker interaction between luminol and CNPs. Thus the competitive immunoreaction led to a higher chemiluminescence emission. This CNP-based CRET system was successfully applied to detect the human IgG as a model analyte, and a linear range of 10-200 ng mL(-1) and a detection limit of 1.9 ng mL(-1) (S/N = 3) were obtained. The results for real sample analysis demonstrated its application potential in some important areas such as clinical diagnosis.

Oligodendrocyte-specific loss of Cdk5 disrupts the architecture of nodes of Ranvier as well as learning and memory.

PubMed

Luo, Fucheng; Zhang, Jessie; Burke, Kathryn; Romito-DiGiacomo, Rita R; Miller, Robert H; Yang, Yan

2018-05-02

Myelination of the central nervous system is important for normal motor and sensory neuronal function and recent studies also link it to efficient learning and memory. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is required for normal oligodendrocyte development, myelination and myelin repair. Here we show that conditional deletion of Cdk5 by targeting with CNP (CNP;Cdk5 CKO) results in hypomyelination and disruption of the structural integrity of Nodes of Ranvier. In addition, CNP;Cdk5 CKO mice exhibited a severe impairment of learning and memory compared to controls that may reflect perturbed neuron-glial interactions. Co-culture of cortical neurons with CNP;Cdk5 CKO oligodendrocyte lineage cells resulted in a significant reduction in the density of neuronal dendritic spines. In short term fear-conditioning studies, CNP;Cdk5 CKO mice had decreased hippocampal levels of immediate early genes such as Arc and Fos, and lower levels of p-CREB and p-cofilin suggested these pathways are affected by the levels of myelination. The novel roles of Cdk5 in oligodendrocyte lineage cells may provide insights for helping understand the cognitive changes sometimes seen in demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fiche Pratique: Concours TV 5--La television a l'ecole; Autre temps, autre temps; Cassette FDM frequence plus--l'invite; Science en francais (Practical Ideas: TV 5 Competition--Television in Schools; Once Again, Another Tense; The "FDM" Audiocassette Series--The Guest; Science in French).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cuncea, Nicolae; And Others

1993-01-01

The language classroom activities described include work with TV programs (interviews, cooking demonstrations, scenes without soundtrack); exercises with passe compose and passe simple verb tenses; descriptions of available French cassette programs; and use of texts on scientific subjects to build reading for meaning. (CNP)

C-type natriuretic peptide functions as an innate neuroprotectant in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in mouse via natriuretic peptide receptor 2.

PubMed

Ma, Qingyi; Zhang, Lubo

2018-06-01

Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is the most common cause of brain injury in neonates, which leads to high neonatal mortality and severe neurological morbidity in later life (Vannucci, 2000; Volpe, 2001). Yet the molecular mechanisms of neuronal death and brain damage induced by neonatal HI remain largely elusive. Herein, using both in vivo and in vitro models, we determine an endogenous neuroprotectant role of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in preserving neuronal survival after HI brain injury in mouse pups. Postnatal day 7 (P7) mouse pups with CNP deficiency (Nppc lbab/lbab ) exhibit increased brain infarct size and worsened long-term locomotor function after neonatal HI compared with wildtype control (Nppc +/+ ). In isolated primary cortical neurons, recombinant CNP dose-dependently protects primary neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) insult. This neuroprotective effect appears to be mediated through its cognate natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2), in that antagonization of NPR2, but not NPR3, exacerbates neuronal death and counteracts the protective effect of CNP on primary neurons exposed to OGD insult. Immunoblot and confocal microscopy demonstrate the abundant expression of NPR2 in neurons of the neonatal brain and in isolated primary cortical neurons as well. Moreover, similar to CNP deficiency, administration of NPR2 antagonist P19 via intracerebroventricular injection prior to HI results in exacerbated neuronal death and brain injury after HI. Altogether, the present study indicates that CNP and its cognate receptor NPR2 mainly expressed in neurons represent an innate neuroprotective mechanism in neonatal HI brain injury. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of C-type natriuretic peptide receptors in human mesangial cells.

PubMed

Zhao, J; Ardaillou, N; Lu, C Y; Placier, S; Pham, P; Badre, L; Cambar, J; Ardaillou, R

1994-09-01

Our aim was to examine whether the human glomerulus was a target for C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and how A, B and C receptors of natriuretic peptides (ANPR-A, ANPR-B, ANPR-C) were distributed in glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells. CNP stimulated cyclic GMP production in cultured human mesangial and epithelial cells with similar threshold concentrations (1 nM) and maximum effects (basal value x 30 at 1 microM). In contrast, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was only stimulatory in epithelial cells. [125I] CNP bound specifically to mesangial cells with a Kd of 0.47 nM and Bmax of 42 fmol/mg. Equilibrium of binding was obtained after four to five hours at +4 degrees C and nonspecific binding represented 10 to 20% of total binding. HS142-1 (100 micrograms/ml), a specific inhibitor of ANPR-A and ANPR-B, suppressed 90% of CNP-dependent cyclic GMP production whereas it had little effect on [125I]-CNP binding, suggesting that C receptors were largely predominant in mesangial cells. No biological effect of CNP on mesangial cells, including change in basal or angiotensin II-induced contractility and inhibition of basal or serum-dependent proliferation, could be demonstrated. Similar results were obtained with 8-bromo-cyclic GMP and sodium nitroprusside. Intraglomerular localization of ANPR-A, ANPR-B and ANPR-C mRNA was studied using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction with amplification of their corresponding cDNA by different primers. Amplification products were identified on gel electrophoresis by their predicted sizes and sequencing. ANPR-A, ANPR-B and ANPR-C mRNA were present in epithelial cells whereas only ANPR-B and ANPR-C mRNA were detected in mesangial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Variations in Patterns of Utilization and Charges for the Care of Neck Pain in North Carolina, 2000 to 2009: A Statewide Claims' Data Analysis.

PubMed

Hurwitz, Eric L; Li, Dongmei; Guillen, Jenni; Schneider, Michael J; Stevans, Joel M; Phillips, Reed B; Phelan, Shawn P; Lewis, Eugene A; Armstrong, Richard C; Vassilaki, Maria

2016-05-01

The purpose of the study was to compare utilization and charges generated by medical doctors (MD), doctors of chiropractic (DC) and physical therapists (PT) by provider patterns of care for the treatment of neck pain in North Carolina. This was an analysis of neck-pain-related closed claim data from the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees (NCSHP) from 2000 to 2009. Data were extracted from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina for the NCSHP using ICD-9 diagnostic codes for uncomplicated neck pain (UNP) and complicated neck pain (CNP). Care patterns with single-provider types and no referrals incurred the least average charges for both UNP and CNP. When care did not include referral providers or services, for either UNP or CNP, MD care with PT was generally less expensive than MD care with DC care. However, when care involved referral providers or services, MD and PT care was on average more expensive than MD and DC care for either UNP or CNP. Risk-adjusted charges for patients in the middle quintile of risk (available 2006-2009) were lower for chiropractic patients with or without medical care or referral care to other providers. Chiropractic care alone or DC with MD care incurred appreciably fewer charges for UNP or CNP compared to MD care with or without PT care, when care included referral providers or services. This finding was reversed when care did not include referral providers or services. Risk-adjusted charges for UNP and CNP patients were lower for DC care patterns. Copyright © 2016 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High level of C-type natriuretic peptide induced by hyperandrogen-mediated anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome mice.

PubMed

Wang, Xiao; Wang, Huarong; Liu, Wei; Zhang, Zhiyuan; Zhang, Yanhao; Zhang, Wenqiang; Chen, Zijiang; Xia, Guoliang; Wang, Chao

2018-04-16

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, is a complex endocrinopathy that affects the fertility of 9-18% of reproductive-aged women. However, the exact mechanism of PCOS, especially hyperandrogen-induced anovulation, is largely unknown to date. Physiologically, the natriuretic peptide type C/natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (CNP/NPR2) system is essential for sustaining oocyte meiotic arrest until the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. We therefore hypothesized that the CNP/NPR2 system is also involved in PCOS and contributes to arresting oocyte meiosis and ovulation. Here, based on a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS-like mouse model, persistent high levels of CNP/NPR2 were detected in anovulation ovaries. Meanwhile, oocytes arrested at the germinal vesicle stage correlated with persistent high levels of androgen and estrogen. We further showed that ovulation failure in these mice could be a result of elevated Nppc/Npr2 gene transcription that was directly increased by androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER) receptor signaling. Consistent with this, anovulation was alleviated by administration of either exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or inhibitors of AR or ER to reduce the level of CNP/NPR2. Additionally, the CNP/NPR2 expression pattern in the anovulated follicles was, to some extent, consistent with the clinical expression in PCOS patients. Therefore, our study highlights the important role an overactive CNP/NPR2 system caused by hyperandrogenism in preventing oocytes from maturation and ovulation in PCOS mice. Our findings provide insight into potential mechanisms responsible for infertility in women with PCOS. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

Central neuropathic pain in MS is due to distinct thoracic spinal cord lesions.

PubMed

Okuda, Darin T; Melmed, Kara; Matsuwaki, Takashi; Blomqvist, Anders; Craig, Arthur D Bud

2014-08-01

To determine a neuro-anatomic cause for central neuropathic pain (CNP) observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Parallel clinical and neuro-anatomical studies were performed. A clinical investigation of consecutively acquired MS patients with and without CNP (i.e. cold allodynia or deep hyperesthesia) within a single MS center was pursued. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between an upper central thoracic spinal cord focus to central pain complaints. To identify the hypothesized autonomic interneurons with bilateral descending projections to lumbosacral sensory neurons, retrograde single- and double-labeling experiments with CTb and fluorescent tracers were performed in three animal species (i.e. rat, cat, and monkey). Clinical data were available in MS patients with (n = 32; F:23; median age: 34.6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27.4-45.5)) and without (n = 30; F:22; median age: 36.6 years [IQR: 31.6-47.1]) CNP. The value of a central focus between T1-T6 in relation to CNP demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83.8-99.9) and specificity of 83.3% (95% CI: 65.3-94.4). A significant relationship between CNP and a centrally located focus within the thoracic spine was also observed (odds ratio [OR]: 155.0 [95% CI lower limit: 16.0]; P < 0.0001, two-tailed Fisher exact test). In all animal models, neurons with bilateral descending projections to the lumbosacral superficial dorsal horn were concentrated in the autonomic intermediomedial nucleus surrounding the mid-thoracic central canal. Our observations provide the first evidence for the etiology of CNP. These data may assist with the development of refined symptomatic therapies and allow for insights into unique pain syndromes observed in other demyelinating subtypes.

Does hemiplegic shoulder pain share clinical and sensory characteristics with central neuropathic pain? A comparative study.

PubMed

Zeilig, Gabi; Rivel, Michal; Doron, Dana; Defrin, Ruth

2016-10-01

Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common poststroke complication and is considered to be a chronic pain syndrome. It is negatively correlated with the functional recovery of the affected arm and the quality of life of the individual. It also leads to a longer length of stay in rehabilitation. Today, there is no consensus as to the underlying mechanism causing HSP, making the syndrome difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and sensory profile of individuals with HSP to that of individuals with established central neuropathic pain (CNP) in order to identify common features and the presence of neuropathic components in HSP. Cross sectional controlled study. Outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Sixteen chronic HSP patients and 18 chronic CNP patients with spinal cord injury (SCI-CNP). The chronic pain characteristics, thresholds of thermal and tactile sensations and presence of pathological sensations were compared between groups, and between painful and pain free body regions within groups. Correlations were calculated between HSP intensity and sensory and musculoskeletal characteristics. Patients with HSP and patients with SCI-CNP had similar decrease of thermal sensibility in the painful compared to intact body regions and both groups presented similar rates of pathological sensations in painful regions. HSP and SCI-CNP differed however, in the quality of pain and aggravating factors. Significant correlations were found between HSP intensity and heat-pain threshold, presence of subluxation and spasticity. The similarities between HSP and SCI-CNP and the altered spinothalamic function and sensitization suggest that HSP has neuropathic components in its mechanism. Nevertheless, the unique features of HSP point towards additional possible mechanisms. The use of specific therapy options for neuropathic pain should be considered when treating patients with HSP.

Hypomorphic mutation in mouse Nppc gene causes retarded bone growth due to impaired endochondral ossification

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

Tsuji, Takehito; Kondo, Eri; Yasoda, Akihiro

2008-11-07

Long bone abnormality (lbab/lbab) is a spontaneous mutant mouse characterized by dwarfism with shorter long bones. A missense mutation was reported in the Nppc gene, which encodes C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), but it has not been confirmed whether this mutation is responsible for the dwarf phenotype. To verify that the mutation causes the dwarfism of lbab/lbab mice, we first investigated the effect of CNP in lbab/lbab mice. By transgenic rescue with chondrocyte-specific expression of CNP, the dwarf phenotype in lbab/lbab mice was completely compensated. Next, we revealed that CNP derived from the lbab allele retained only slight activity to inducemore » cGMP production through its receptor. Histological analysis showed that both proliferative and hypertrophic zones of chondrocytes in the growth plate of lbab/lbab mice were markedly reduced. Our results demonstrate that lbab/lbab mice have a hypomorphic mutation in the Nppc gene that is responsible for dwarfism caused by impaired endochondral ossification.« less

Tissue Permeability Effects Associated with the Use of Mucoadhesive Cationic Nanoformulations of Docetaxel in the Bladder.

PubMed

Pandey, Rakhi; Jackson, John K; Mugabe, Clement; Liggins, Richard; Burt, Helen M

2016-08-01

Recently, efficacy studies in mice have shown that amine-terminated cationic (CNP) nanoparticulate carriers of DTX offer an improved formulation of the drug for intravesical delivery. It is hypothesized that this improved efficacy may arise from a carrier mediated bladder exfoliation process that removes the urothelial barrier allowing for increased drug uptake into bladder tissue. The objective of this study was to investigate exfoliation processes in fresh pig's bladders (ex vivo) exposed to three cationic polyglycerols with increasing degrees of amination (denoted 350, 580 and 780). The study also compared the tissue depth profile of DTX uptake into these tissues using these different carriers. Aminated polyglycerols were synthesized and characterized in the laboratory with low (CNP-360), medium (CNP-580) and high (CNP-780) levels of amine content. CNP-based DTX solutions and commercial DTX solutions in polysorbate 80 (Taxotere®) were doped with (3)H-radiolabeled DTX and prepared by solvent evaporation from acetonitrile, followed by drying and reconstitution in pH 6.4 buffer. Sections of fresh pig's bladder tissue were clamped into Franz diffusion cells and the urothelial side was exposed to the DTX solutions for 2 h. Tissue sections were then frozen for sectioning by cryotome sectioning and subsequently processed for drug analysis by liquid scintillation counting. Alternatively tissue sections were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde and 2% paraformaldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer for the purposes of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Exposure of the urothelial surface to the amine-terminated polyglycerol solutions resulted in the exfoliation of bladder tissues in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Exfoliation was significantly more pronounced when using CNPs with a medium or high levels of amination whereas only minor levels of exfoliation were seen with low levels. Following incubation of tissues in Tween-based commercial formulations (Taxotere) of DTX (0.5 mg/mL) the drug was detectable at low levels (10-40 μg/g tissue) in all depths of tissue. Similar drug uptake was observed using the CNP-360 formulation. However drug uptake levels were increased to 60-100 μg/g tissue when samples were incubated with either the CNP-580 or CNP-780 formulations. The use of cationic polyglycerols with higher levels of amine termination allows for an enhanced uptake of DTX into bladder tissues as compared to commercial (Taxotere) formulations. These increased drug levels probably arise from exfoliation processes resulting in a temporary elimination of the urothelial permeability barrier and increased drug penetration into the tissue.

Reversed cortical over-activity during movement imagination following neurofeedback treatment for central neuropathic pain.

PubMed

Hasan, Muhammad Abul; Fraser, Matthew; Conway, Bernard A; Allan, David B; Vučković, Aleksandra

2016-09-01

One of the brain signatures of the central neuropathic pain (CNP) is the theta band over-activity of wider cortical structures, during imagination of movement. The objective of the study was to investigate whether this over-activity is reversible following the neurofeedback treatment of CNP. Five paraplegic patients with pain in their legs underwent from twenty to forty neurofeedback sessions that significantly reduced their pain. In order to assess their dynamic cortical activity they were asked to imagine movements of all limbs a week before the first and a week after the last neurofeedback session. Using time-frequency analysis we compared EEG activity during imagination of movement before and after the therapy and further compared it with EEG signals of ten paraplegic patients with no pain and a control group of ten able-bodied people. Neurofeedback treatment resulted in reduced CNP and a wide spread reduction of cortical activity during imagination of movement. The reduction was significant in the alpha and beta band but was largest in the theta band. As a result cortical activity became similar to the activity of other two groups with no pain. Reduction of CNP is accompanied by reduced cortical over-activity during movement imagination. Understanding causes and consequences mechanism through which CNP affects cortical activity. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Characterization and distribution of natriuretic peptide receptors in the rat uterus.

PubMed

Dos Reis, A M; Fujio, N; Dam, T V; Mukaddam-Daher, S; Jankowski, M; Tremblay, J; Gutkowska, J

1995-10-01

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors were characterized in rat uterus. The binding of [125I]ANP to uterine membranes was completely competed for by increasing concentrations of unlabeled ANP (Kd = 0.39 nM) and brain natriuretic peptide (Kd = 1.24 nM) and partially by C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP; Kd = 80.4 nM), but not by C-ANF. Also, [125I]Tyr-CNP bound to uterine membranes was completely competed by unlabeled CNP (Kd = 1.12 nM). Cross-linking of [125I]ANP to uterine membranes revealed the presence of one band of 130 kilodaltons, corresponding to the guanylyl cyclase (GC-A and/or GC-B) subtypes of natriuretic peptide receptors. The presence of messenger RNA coding for genes of both GC-A and GC-B receptors was shown by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, ANP and, to a lesser degree, CNP stimulated the production of cGMP in rat uterus. Autoradiographic studies localized the highest binding of [125I]ANP in the endometrium, whereas [125I]Tyr-CNP binding was distributed in the endometrium as well as in the myometrium. These results demonstrate that rat uterine ANP receptors are of the guanylyl cyclase-coupled subtypes. The uterus is a target of natriuretic peptides where ANP induces its biological effects through the production of cGMP.

Extraction of Capillary Non-perfusion from Fundus Fluorescein Angiogram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivaswamy, Jayanthi; Agarwal, Amit; Chawla, Mayank; Rani, Alka; Das, Taraprasad

Capillary Non-Perfusion (CNP) is a condition in diabetic retinopathy where blood ceases to flow to certain parts of the retina, potentially leading to blindness. This paper presents a solution for automatically detecting and segmenting CNP regions from fundus fluorescein angiograms (FFAs). CNPs are modelled as valleys, and a novel technique based on extrema pyramid is presented for trough-based valley detection. The obtained valley points are used to segment the desired CNP regions by employing a variance-based region growing scheme. The proposed algorithm has been tested on 40 images and validated against expert-marked ground truth. In this paper, we present results of testing and validation of our algorithm against ground truth and compare the segmentation performance against two others methods.The performance of the proposed algorithm is presented as a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under this curve is 0.842 and the distance of ROC from the ideal point (0,1) is 0.31. The proposed method for CNP segmentation was found to outperform the watershed [1] and heat-flow [2] based methods.

Association between Randall's Plaque and Calcifying Nanoparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Citfcioglu, Neva; Vejdani, Kaveh; Lee, Olivia; Mathew, Grace; Aho, Katja M.; Kajander, Olavi; McKay, David S.; Jones, Jeffrey A.; Feiveson, Alan H.; Stoller, Marshall L.

2007-01-01

Randall initially described calcified subepithelial papillary plaques, which he hypothesized as nidi for kidney stone formation. The discovery of calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) in many calcifying processes of human tissues has raised another hypothesis about their possible involvement in urinary stone formation. This research is the first attempt to investigate the potential association of these two hypotheses. We collected renal papilla and blood samples from 17 human patients who had undergone laparoscopic nephrectomy due to neoplasia. Immunohistochemical staining (IHS) was applied on the tissue samples using monoclonal antibody 8D10 (mAb) against CNP. Homogenized papillary tissues and serum samples were cultured for CNP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were performed on fixed papillary samples. Randall's plaques were visible on gross inspection in 11 out of 17 collected samples. IHS was positive for CNP antigen in 8 of these 11 visually positive samples, but in only 1 of the remaining 6 samples. SEM revealed spherical apatite formations in 14 samples, all of which had calcium and phosphate peaks detected by EDS analysis. From this study, there was some evidence of a link between the presence of Randall's plaques and the detection of CNP, also referred to as nanobacteria. Although causality was not demonstrated, these results suggest that further studies with negative control samples should be made to explore the etiology of Randall's plaque formation, thus leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of stone formation.

Circulatory CNP Rescues Craniofacial Hypoplasia in Achondroplasia.

PubMed

Yamanaka, S; Nakao, Kazumasa; Koyama, N; Isobe, Y; Ueda, Y; Kanai, Y; Kondo, E; Fujii, T; Miura, M; Yasoda, A; Nakao, Kazuwa; Bessho, K

2017-12-01

Achondroplasia is the most common genetic form of human dwarfism, characterized by midfacial hypoplasia resulting in occlusal abnormality and foramen magnum stenosis, leading to serious neurologic complications and hydrocephalus. Currently, surgery is the only way to manage jaw deformity, neurologic complications, and hydrocephalus in patients with achondroplasia. We previously showed that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a potent stimulator of endochondral bone growth of long bones and vertebrae and is also a potent stimulator in the craniofacial region, which is crucial for midfacial skeletogenesis. In this study, we analyzed craniofacial morphology in a mouse model of achondroplasia, in which fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is specifically activated in cartilage ( Fgfr3 ach mice), and investigated the mechanisms of jaw deformities caused by this mutation. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of CNP on the maxillofacial area in these animals. Fgfr3 ach mice exhibited midfacial hypoplasia, especially in the sagittal direction, caused by impaired endochondral ossification in craniofacial cartilage and by premature closure of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis, an important growth center in craniomaxillofacial skeletogenesis. We crossed Fgfr3 ach mice with transgenic mice in which CNP is expressed in the liver under the control of the human serum amyloid-P component promoter, resulting in elevated levels of circulatory CNP ( Fgfr3 ach /SAP-Nppc-Tg mice). In the progeny, midfacial hypoplasia in the sagittal direction observed in Fgfr3 ach mice was improved significantly by restoring the thickness of synchondrosis and promoting proliferation of chondrocytes in the craniofacial cartilage. In addition, the foramen magnum stenosis observed in Fgfr3 ach mice was significantly ameliorated in Fgfr3 ach /SAP-Nppc-Tg mice due to enhanced endochondral bone growth of the anterior intraoccipital synchondrosis. These results clearly demonstrate the therapeutic potential of CNP for treatment of midfacial hypoplasia and foramen magnum stenosis in achondroplasia.

Estrogenic effects of nonylphenol and octylphenol isomers in vitro by recombinant yeast assay (RYA) and in vivo with early life stages of zebrafish.

PubMed

Puy-Azurmendi, E; Olivares, A; Vallejo, A; Ortiz-Zarragoitia, M; Piña, B; Zuloaga, O; Cajaraville, M P

2014-01-01

Commercial OP and NP are complex isomer mixtures that can be individually present in the environment, showing different estrogenic potencies. The aims of this study were to establish the estrogenic potency of some AP isomers in comparison to the commercial NP (cNP) mixture in vitro and to investigate in vivo their possible effects during the embryo and larval development of zebrafish. An in vitro estrogen receptor-based recombinant yeast assay was used to test the estrogenicity of specific AP isomers (22-OP, 33-OP, 22-NP, 33-NP and 363-NP) and cNP. The EC₅₀ was in the range of 0.6-7.7 mg/L. Both OP isomers and 363-NP exhibited higher estrogenic activity than cNP. For in vivo experiments, one-day postfertilisation (dpf) embryos were exposed to cNP (50, 250 and 500 μg/L), 363-NP and 33-OP (50 μg/L), 17β-estradiol (100 ng/L) and DMSO (0.01% v/v) for 4weeks. After exposure fish were maintained for 2 weeks in clean water in order to evaluate a possible recovery. Fish of groups exposed to cNP and 363-NP were the last to hatch. Histological alterations were not observed after 7, 28 or 42 dpf. Exposure to 33-OP increased transcriptional levels of erα, vtg and cyp19a1b genes. However, transcriptional response in E2 exposure was observed at later stages and with higher fold induction levels. Exposure to cNP decreased levels of erα whereas increased levels of rxrγ and cyp19a1b. Exposure to 363-NP did not cause changes in transcriptional levels of studied genes. The differences in response of the OP isomer compared to the NP isomer in zebrafish could be related to the rapid decay in concentration of the latter. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Redox-active cerium oxide nanoparticles protect human dermal fibroblasts from PQ-induced damage.

PubMed

von Montfort, Claudia; Alili, Lirija; Teuber-Hanselmann, Sarah; Brenneisen, Peter

2015-01-01

Recently, it has been published that cerium (Ce) oxide nanoparticles (CNP; nanoceria) are able to downregulate tumor invasion in cancer cell lines. Redox-active CNP exhibit both selective pro-oxidative and antioxidative properties, the first being responsible for impairment of tumor growth and invasion. A non-toxic and even protective effect of CNP in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) has already been observed. However, the effect on important parameters such as cell death, proliferation and redox state of the cells needs further clarification. Here, we present that nanoceria prevent HDF from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cell death and stimulate proliferation due to the antioxidative property of these particles. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Association between Randall's Plaque and Calcifying Nanoparticles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ciftcioglu, Neva; Vejdani, Kaveh; Lee, Olivia; Mathew, Grace; Aho, Katja M.; Kajander, Olavi; McKay, David S.; Jones, Jeff A.; Hayat, Matthew; Stoller, Marshall L.

2007-01-01

Randall's plaques, first described by Alexander Randall in the 1930s, are small subepithelial calcifications in the renal papillae (RP) that also extend deeply into the renal medulla. Despite the strong correlation between the presence of these plaques and the formation of renal stones, the precise origin and pathogenesis of Randall s plaque formation remain elusive. The discovery of calcifying nanoparticles (CNP) and their detection in many calcifying processes of human tissues has raised hypotheses about their possible involvement in renal stone formation. We collected RP and blood samples from 17 human patients who had undergone laparoscopic nephrectomy due to neoplasia. Homogenized RP tissues and serum samples were cultured for CNP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were performed on fixed RP samples. Immunohistochemical staining (IHS) was applied on the tissue samples using CNP-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb). Randall s plaques were visible on gross inspection in 11 out of 17 collected samples. Cultures of all serum samples and 13 tissue homogenates had CNP growth within 4 weeks. SEM revealed spherical apatite formations in 14 samples, with calcium and phosphate peaks detected by EDS analysis. IHS was positive in 9 out of 17 samples. A strong link was found between the presence of Randall s plaques and the detection of CNP, also referred to as nanobacteria. These results suggest new insights into the etiology of Randall's plaque formation, and will help us understand the pathogenesis of stone formation. Further studies on this topic may lead us to new approaches on early diagnosis and novel medical therapies of kidney stone formation.

The relationship between mindfulness, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, depression, and quality of life among cancer survivors living with chronic neuropathic pain.

PubMed

Poulin, Patricia A; Romanow, Heather C; Rahbari, Noriyeh; Small, Rebecca; Smyth, Catherine E; Hatchard, Taylor; Solomon, Brahm K; Song, Xinni; Harris, Cheryl A; Kowal, John; Nathan, Howard J; Wilson, Keith G

2016-10-01

This study aims to examine if mindfulness is associated with pain catastrophizing, depression, disability, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors with chronic neuropathic pain (CNP). We conducted a cross-sectional survey with cancer survivors experiencing CNP. Participants (n = 76) were men (24 %) and women (76 %) with an average age of 56.5 years (SD = 9.4). Participants were at least 1 year post-treatment, with no evidence of cancer, and with symptoms of neuropathic pain for more than three months. Participants completed the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), along with measures of pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, pain interference, depression, and HRQOL. Mindfulness was negatively correlated with pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, pain interference, and depression, and it was positively correlated with mental health-related HRQOL. Regression analyses demonstrated that mindfulness was a negative predictor of pain intensity and depression and a positive predictor of mental HRQOL after controlling for pain catastrophizing, age, and gender. The two mindfulness facets that were most consistently associated with better outcomes were non-judging and acting with awareness. Mindfulness significantly moderated the relationships between pain intensity and pain catastrophizing and between pain intensity and pain interference. It appears that mindfulness mitigates the impact of pain experiences in cancer survivors experiencing CNP post-treatment. This study suggests that mindfulness is associated with better adjustment to CNP. This provides the foundation to explore whether mindfulness-based interventions improve quality of life among cancer survivors living with CNP.

Magnetic Carbon nanoparticles enabled efficient photothermal alteration of mammalian cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardenas, Nelson; Thomas, Patrick; Yu, Lingfeng; Mohanty, Samarendra

2011-03-01

While cw near-infrared (NIR) laser beams have been finding widespread application in photothermal therapy of cancer and pulsed NIR laser microbeams are recently being used for optoporation of exogeneous impermeable materials into cells. Since, carbon nanomaterials are very good in photothermal conversion, we utilized carbon nanoparticles (CNP) doped with Fe, so that they can be localized in a defined area by two fold selectivity, (i) external magnetic field for retention of the CNP in targeted area and (ii) surface functionalization for binding the targeted cells. Here, we report efficient photothermal therapy as well as poration of cells using magnetic CNPs with very low power continuous wave laser beam. Localization of CNPs on cell membrane under application of magnetic field was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. At different power levels, cells could be damaged or microinjected with fluorescence protein-encoding plasmids or impermeable dyes. Monte Carlo simulation showed that the dose of NIR laser beam is sufficient to elicit response for magnetic CNP based photothermal treatment at significant depth. The results of our study suggest that magnetic CNP based photothermal alteration is a viable approach to remotely guide treatments offering high efficiency with significantly reduced cytotoxicity.

The short-term effects of TENS plus therapeutic ultrasound combinations in chronic neck pain.

PubMed

Sayilir, Selcuk

2018-05-01

To investigate the effects of TENS plus therapeutic ultrasound combinations on symptom relief, physical functionality, perceived stress levels, daytime sleepiness and neck mobility in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP). A total of 64 patients were divided into two groups as the TENS plus ultrasound group (n = 39) and the control CNP group (n = 25). The therapy comprised TENS and therapeutic ultrasound applications for 10 sessions. The control subjects were discouraged from using analgesics but were allowed to use paracetamol daily, if necessary. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), visual analog scale (VAS) and tragus-wall/chin-manubrium distances were recorded at the baseline and after therapy. Significant improvements were detected in the TENS plus ultrasound group compared to the control CNP subjects in respect of VAS, PSS and NDI scores after the TENS plus therapeutic ultrasound therapies (all p < 0.05). The combination of therapeutic ultrasound plus TENS can be an effective modality for relieving pain/stress levels and improving functionality in the short-term of CNP. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Porous immobilized C coated N doped TiO2 containing in-situ generated polyenes for enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabri, N. A.; Nawi, M. A.; Nawawi, W. I.

2015-10-01

Carbon coated nitrogen-doped Degussa P25TiO2 (or C,N-P25TiO2) was successfully immobilized on a glass plate using epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the organic binders. Photo-etching of the fabricated system for 10 h oxidized its PVC binder into polyenes as well as forming a highly porous surface. The band gap energy (Eg) of the photo-etched immobilized photocatalyst system (C,N-P25TiO2/ENR/PVC-10 h) was reduced from 2.91 to 2.86 eV. Its photocatalytic activity was studied via photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) under a 45 W visible light fluorescent lamp. C,N-P25TiO2/ENR/PVC-10 h with polyenes performed better than its slurry counterpart under visible light irradiation where the conjugated double bonds acted as photo sensitizers. The immobilized C,N-P25TiO2/ENR/PVC-10 h has excellent reusability and sustainable with an average k value of 0.056 ± 0.011 min-1 and average percent removal of 99.18 ± 0.54%.

C:n:p Stoichiometry of New Production In The North Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koeve, W.

Recently and independently published estimates of global net community production which were based on seasonal changes of either nutrients (NO3 and PO4) or dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the surface ocean indicate that the stoichiometry of new pro- duction strongly differs from the well established remineralisation ratios in the deep ocean (the Redfield ratio). This difference appears to be most pronounce in the North Atlantic ocean. Data quality issues as well as methodological differences in the data analysis applied in the published studies, however, make this comparison of nutri- ent and carbon based estimated ambigious. In this presentation historical data (World Ocean Atlas and Data 1998), data from the World Ocean Circulation Experiment and empirical approaches are combined in a consistent way to provide a reassessment of the C:N:P elemental ratio of new (export) production in the North Atlantic. It is found that published nutrient budgets are severe underestimates and hence apparent C:N:P ratios were overestimated. At least in the North Atlantic the uncertainty of the winter time distribution of nutrients (and DIC) is a major source of the uncertainty of the C:N:P ratio of net community production.

Area Handbook Series: Portugal, A Country Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

result of their excessive dependence on debt financing, Quimigal and Setenave, as well as Companhia Nacional de Petro- quimica (CNP), a state-owned...Gerais de Material de Engenharia (OGME) for the overhaul of military vehicles; and Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronautico (OGMA) for maintenance and...CNP. See Companhia Nacional de Petro- (CCP). See Portuguese Confederation quimica of Commerce coal, 149 Confederaqio Geral dos Trabalhadores coastline

Effect of tool rotation speed on microstructure and tensile properties of FSW joints of 2024-T351 and 7075-T651 reinforced with SiC nano particle: The role of FSW single pass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. S. Anil; Murigendrappa, S. M.; Kumar, Hemantha; Shekhar, Himanshu

2018-04-01

Friction stir welding (FSW) dissimilar joints of aluminium alloys of 2024-T351 and 7075-T651 were produced by reinforcing silicon carbide nano particle (SiCNP) in the rectangular cut groove made on the adjoining surface of the two dissimilar alloy plates joined in the butt configuration. A FSW tool of taper threaded cylindrical shape is used for producing the FSW dissimilar joints reinforced with SiCNP in the weld nugget zone (WNZ) and to produce metal matrix nano composite (MMNC) at the WNZ. In the experimental investigation, the constant FSW tool traverse speed of 40 mm/min and tool plunge depth of 6.2 mm/min is kept as constant, while the FSW tool rotation speed was varied from 400 rpm to 1800 rpm. The effect continuous varying tool rotation speed range from 400 rpm to 1800 rpm along the weld length and on the distribution of SiCNP in WNZ is analysed by conducting macro and microstructure study using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). In the experimental investigation, the combination of continuous varying FSW tool rotation speed range from 900rpm to 1150 rpm, constant tool traverse speed range 40 mm/min and tool plunge depth of 6.2 mm results in defect free, proper distribution of SiCNP and highest tensile properties for the FSW dissimilar joints. The highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 380 MPa and yield strength (YS) of 150 MPa was observed for the combination of FSW tool rotation speed of 1000 rpm and tool traverse speed of 40 mm/min. The increasing in FSW tool rotation speed above 1250 rpm results in non homogeneous distribution of SiCNP in WNZ, excessive flash in the weld crown area and shows decreasing tendency in the tensile properties of the FSW dissimilar weld joints produced with reinforcing the SiCNP in the WNZ.

Diverse Diurnal and Seasonal Sapflux Responses in Three Co-occurring Species from East Himalayan Wet Temperate Forests in Sikkim Himalaya, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, M.; Joseph, G.; Krishnaswamy, J.

2016-12-01

In a first attempt from Eastern Himalaya, we investigate diurnal and seasonal variability in transpiration by three dominant co-occurring species, Symplocos sps (SYP), Eurya sps (EU) & Castanopsis sps (CNP) from a regenerating East-Himalyan wet temperate forest stand located at 2150 amsl in the Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim, India. We installed 13 trees (5 SYP, 5 EU & 3 CNP) with Granier's thermal dissipation method (TDM)-based sapflow sensors (different depths of sapwood in one tree of each species for radial sapflow profile and at 2ndcm depth for remaining trees) for the dry season from November 2013 - May 2014. Environmental variables like temperature, relative humidity, soil water potential, rainfall and streamflow were measured using dataloggers-based sensors. Radially, SYP and EU showed higher sapflux density (SFD) in the outer xylem, whereas CNP had highest SFD near the inner xylem. Diurnally, both SYP and EU exhibited bi-modal peaks (early-morning and late-afternoon) during the moist months, and unimodal peaks (noon) in the relatively drier months; indicating probable controls of soil moisture on transpiration. CNP showed only unimodal peak (noon). Higher SFD was observed at the sensor placed on the north-facing side, across all species, indicating circumferential variability. As the dry season progressed, SYP and EU exhibited decreasing transpiration, whereas Castnopsis showed consistently high rates (probably due to deeper rooting depths). Discrete weighted-mean method was used calculating whole-tree sapflow in the trees with depth sensors. Results suggest that SYP and EU exhibit similar transpiration characteristics possibly due their similar eco-physiological traits (secondary species); in contrast to CNP (canopy species). CNP showed relatively higher sapflow than reported from Central Himalaya, indicative of evolution under a relatively wetter climate. Vapour pressure deficit and solar radiation act as drivers of transpiration, which seems to impact streamflow causing diurnal variability. We highlight the importance of understanding variability in sapflow across species for accurate assessment of stand transpiration, which in turn is crucial for our understanding of how these forests govern our water resources - the springs and the streams.

Salinity-dependent in vitro effects of homologous natriuretic peptides on the pituitary-interrenal axis in eels.

PubMed

Ventura, Albert; Kusakabe, Makoto; Takei, Yoshio

2011-08-01

We examined the effects of atrial, B-type, ventricular and C-type natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, VNP and CNP1, 3, 4) on cortisol secretion from interrenal tissue in vitro in both freshwater (FW) and seawater (SW)-acclimated eels. We first localized the interrenal and chromaffin cells in the eel head kidney using cell specific markers (cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450ssc) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), respectively) and established the in vitro incubation system for eel interrenal tissue. Unexpectedly, none of the NPs given alone to the interrenal tissue of FW and SW eels stimulated cortisol secretion. However, ANP and VNP, but not BNP and three CNPs, enhanced the steroidogenic action of ACTH in SW interrenal preparations, while CNP1 and CNP4, but not ANP, BNP, VNP and CNP3, potentiated the ACTH action in FW preparations. These salinity dependent effects of NPs are consistent with the previous in vivo study in the eel where endogenous ACTH can act with the injected NPs. 8-Br-cGMP also enhanced the ACTH action in both FW and SW eel preparations, suggesting that the NP actions were mediated by the guanylyl cyclase-coupled NP receptors (GC-A and B) that were localized in the eel interrenal. Further, ANP and CNP1 stimulated ACTH secretion from isolated pituitary glands of SW and/or FW eels. In summary, the present study revealed complex mechanisms of NP action on corticosteroidogenesis through the pituitary-interrenal axis in eels, thereby providing a deeper insight into the role of the NP family in the acclimation of this euryhaline teleost to diverse salinity environments. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oligodendrocyte gene expression is reduced by and influences effects of chronic social stress in mice.

PubMed

Cathomas, F; Azzinnari, D; Bergamini, G; Sigrist, H; Buerge, M; Hoop, V; Wicki, B; Goetze, L; Soares, S; Kukelova, D; Seifritz, E; Goebbels, S; Nave, K-A; Ghandour, M S; Seoighe, C; Hildebrandt, T; Leparc, G; Klein, H; Stupka, E; Hengerer, B; Pryce, C R

2018-03-22

Oligodendrocyte gene expression is downregulated in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. In mice, chronic social stress (CSS) leads to depression-relevant changes in brain and emotional behavior, and the present study shows the involvement of oligodendrocytes in this model. In C57BL/6 (BL/6) mice, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted with prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus from CSS and controls; a gene enrichment database for neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes was used to identify cell origin of deregulated genes, and cell deconvolution was applied. To assess the potential causal contribution of reduced oligodendrocyte gene expression to CSS effects, mice heterozygous for the oligodendrocyte gene cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (Cnp1) on a BL/6 background were studied; a 2 genotype (wildtype, Cnp1 +/- ) × 2 environment (control, CSS) design was used to investigate effects on emotional behavior and amygdala microglia. In BL/6 mice, in prefrontal cortex and amygdala tissue comprising gray and white matter, CSS downregulated expression of multiple oligodendroycte genes encoding myelin and myelin-axon-integrity proteins, and cell deconvolution identified a lower proportion of oligodendrocytes in amygdala. Quantification of oligodendrocyte proteins in amygdala gray matter did not yield evidence for reduced translation, suggesting that CSS impacts primarily on white matter oligodendrocytes or the myelin transcriptome. In Cnp1 mice, social interaction was reduced by CSS in Cnp1 +/- mice specifically; using ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) expression, microglia activity was increased additively by Cnp1 +/- and CSS in amygdala gray and white matter. This study provides back-translational evidence that oligodendrocyte changes are relevant to the pathophysiology and potentially the treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society.

Prevalence of chronic head, neck and low back pain and associated factors in women residing in the Autonomous Region of Madrid (Spain).

PubMed

Jiménez-Sánchez, Silvia; Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, César; Carrasco-Garrido, Pilar; Hernández-Barrera, Valentín; Alonso-Blanco, Cristina; Palacios-Ceña, Domingo; Jiménez-García, Rodrigo

2012-01-01

To compare the prevalence of chronic headache (CH), chronic neck pain (CNP) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) in the autonomous region of Madrid by analyzing gender differences and to determine the factors associated with each pain location in women in 2007. We analyzed data obtained from adults aged 16 years or older (n = 12,190) who participated in the 2007 Madrid Regional Health Survey. This survey includes data from personal interviews conducted in a representative population residing in family dwellings in Madrid. The presence CH, CNP, and CLBP was analyzed. Sociodemographic features, self-perceived health status, lifestyle habits, psychological distress, drug consumption, use of healthcare services, the search for alternative solutions, and comorbid diseases were analyzed by using logistic regression models. The prevalence of CH, CNP and CLBP was significantly higher (P<0.001) in women (7.3%, 8.4%, 14.1%, respectively) than in men (2.2%, 3.2%, 7.8%, respectively). In women, CH, CNP and CBLP were significantly associated with having ≥3 chronic diseases (OR 7.1, 8.5, 5.8, respectively), and with the use of analgesics and drugs for inflammation (OR: 3.5, 1.95, 2.5, respectively). In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with pain in distinct body locations differed between men and women. This study found that CH, CNP and CLBP are a major public health problem in women in central Spain. Women have a higher overall prevalence of chronic pain than men. Chronic pain was associated with a higher use of analgesics and healthcare services. Copyright © 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Nanocarrier-mediated foliar zinc fertilization influences expression of metal homeostasis related genes in flag leaves and enhances gluten content in durum wheat.

PubMed

Deshpande, Paresh; Dapkekar, Ashwin; Oak, Manoj; Paknikar, Kishore; Rajwade, Jyutika

2018-01-01

Wheat is the staple food for most of the world's population; however, it is a poor source of zinc. Foliar fertilization of zinc via zinc loaded chitosan nanocarriers (Zn-CNP) post-anthesis has proved to be a promising approach for grain zinc enhancement in durum wheat as evidenced in our earlier study. However, the molecular mechanism of uptake of zinc via Zn-CNP remains unclear. Foliar application of Zn-CNP was performed at post anthesis stages in two durum wheat cultivars (MACS 3125 and UC1114, containing the Gpc-B1 gene), and expression levels of several metal-related genes were analyzed during early senescence. Zn-CNP application indeed caused changes in gene expression as revealed by qPCR data on representative genes involved in metal homeostasis, phloem transporters, and leaf senescence. Furthermore, zinc-regulated transporters and iron (Fe)-regulated transporter-like protein (ZIP) family [ZIP1, ZIP7, ZIP15], CA (carbonic anhydrase), and DMAS (2'-deoxymugineic acid synthase) in flag leaves exhibited significant correlation with zinc content in the seeds. The analysis of grain endosperm proteins showed enhancement of gamma gliadins while other gluten subunits decreased. Gene expression within ZIP family members varied with the type of cultivar mostly attributed to the Gpc-B1, concentration of external zinc ions as well as the type of tissue analyzed. Correlation analysis revealed the involvement of the selected genes in zinc enhancement. At the molecular level, uptake of zinc via Zn-CNP nanocarrier was comparable to the uptake of zinc via common zinc fertilizers i.e. ZnSO4.

The Development of Translational Biomarkers as a Tool for Improving the Understanding, Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain.

PubMed

Buckley, David A; Jennings, Elaine M; Burke, Nikita N; Roche, Michelle; McInerney, Veronica; Wren, Jonathan D; Finn, David P; McHugh, Patrick C

2018-03-01

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is one of the most significant unmet clinical needs in modern medicine. Alongside the lack of effective treatments, there is a great deficit in the availability of objective diagnostic methods to reliably facilitate an accurate diagnosis. We therefore aimed to determine the feasibility of a simple diagnostic test by analysing differentially expressed genes in the blood of patients diagnosed with CNP of the lower back and compared to healthy human controls. Refinement of microarray expression data was performed using correlation analysis with 3900 human 2-colour microarray experiments. Selected genes were analysed in the dorsal horn of Sprague-Dawley rats after L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL), using qRT-PCR and ddPCR, to determine possible associations with pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning CNP and whether they represent translational biomarkers of CNP. We found that of the 15 potential biomarkers identified, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) gene expression was upregulated in chronic neuropathic lower back pain (CNBP) (p = 0.0049) which positively correlated (R = 0.68, p = ≤0.05) with increased plasma TIMP1 levels in this group (p = 0.0433). Moreover, plasma TIMP1 was also significantly upregulated in CNBP than chronic inflammatory lower back pain (p = 0.0272). In the SNL model, upregulation of the Timp1 gene was also observed (p = 0.0058) alongside a strong trend for the upregulation of melanocortin 1 receptor (p = 0.0847). Our data therefore highlights several genes that warrant further investigation, and of these, TIMP1 shows the greatest potential as an accessible and translational CNP biomarker.

Negative quantum capacitance induced by midgap states in single-layer graphene.

PubMed

Wang, Lin; Wang, Yang; Chen, Xiaolong; Zhu, Wei; Zhu, Chao; Wu, Zefei; Han, Yu; Zhang, Mingwei; Li, Wei; He, Yuheng; Xiong, Wei; Law, Kam Tuen; Su, Dangsheng; Wang, Ning

2013-01-01

We demonstrate that single-layer graphene (SLG) decorated with a high density of Ag adatoms displays the unconventional phenomenon of negative quantum capacitance. The Ag adatoms act as resonant impurities and form nearly dispersionless resonant impurity bands near the charge neutrality point (CNP). Resonant impurities quench the kinetic energy and drive the electrons to the Coulomb energy dominated regime with negative compressibility. In the absence of a magnetic field, negative quantum capacitance is observed near the CNP. In the quantum Hall regime, negative quantum capacitance behavior at several Landau level positions is displayed, which is associated with the quenching of kinetic energy by the formation of Landau levels. The negative quantum capacitance effect near the CNP is further enhanced in the presence of Landau levels due to the magnetic-field-enhanced Coulomb interactions.

Negative Quantum Capacitance Induced by Midgap States in Single-layer Graphene

PubMed Central

Wang, Lin; Wang, Yang; Chen, Xiaolong; Zhu, Wei; Zhu, Chao; Wu, Zefei; Han, Yu; Zhang, Mingwei; Li, Wei; He, Yuheng; Xiong, Wei; Law, Kam Tuen; Su, Dangsheng; Wang, Ning

2013-01-01

We demonstrate that single-layer graphene (SLG) decorated with a high density of Ag adatoms displays the unconventional phenomenon of negative quantum capacitance. The Ag adatoms act as resonant impurities and form nearly dispersionless resonant impurity bands near the charge neutrality point (CNP). Resonant impurities quench the kinetic energy and drive the electrons to the Coulomb energy dominated regime with negative compressibility. In the absence of a magnetic field, negative quantum capacitance is observed near the CNP. In the quantum Hall regime, negative quantum capacitance behavior at several Landau level positions is displayed, which is associated with the quenching of kinetic energy by the formation of Landau levels. The negative quantum capacitance effect near the CNP is further enhanced in the presence of Landau levels due to the magnetic-field-enhanced Coulomb interactions. PMID:23784258

Chelators Exhibiting Triple Fluorescence.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-08-31

l-NN-dimethylamino-propane, forms an intramolecular 9 exciplex between the phenyl and amino end groups. The formation of an intramolecular exciplex 10...alkyl amino chains. e.g. 3-(4-cyanophenyl)-l-N.N- 21 dimethylaminopropane (CNP3NM, Fig. I b), can form intramolecular exciplexes which arise due to 2...for intramolecular exciplex formation in CNP3NM is indicated by 4 the strong. red-shifted fluorescence observed, and the complete absence of LE

Equal channel angular pressing of powder processed Al6061/SiC nano metal matrix composites and study of its wear properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bongale, Arunkumar M.; Kumar, Satish

2018-03-01

Nano Metal Matrix Composites were fabricated by a novel approach by combining powder metallurgy and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) using aluminium alloy 6061 (Al6061) as matrix phase and 2, 4 and 6 wt% of silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCnp) as reinforcements. Alloying elements of Al6061 in their elemental form are blended together using high energy planetary ball mill and calculated wt% of SiCnp were mixed with it. Thus formed composite powder mixture is compacted in a uniaxial compaction die and then subjected to ECAP up to three passes. Density and porosity of samples were estimated using Archimedes’ principle. Pin on disc setup is used to evaluate the wear properties of the composites under different speed and loading conditions. Tests revealed that increase in wt% of SiCnp reduces the wear rate of the composites whereas increasing the load and speed increases wear rate of the composite samples. SEM micrographs of worn surfaces indicated different types of wear mechanism responsible for wear of the specimens under different testing conditions. Also, wt% of SiCnp and the number of passes through ECAP were found to increase the hardness value of the composite material.

Zinc use efficiency is enhanced in wheat through nanofertilization.

PubMed

Dapkekar, Ashwin; Deshpande, Paresh; Oak, Manoj D; Paknikar, Kishore M; Rajwade, Jyutika M

2018-05-01

Ferti-fortification of wheat with zinc, an essential micronutrient is one of the strategies for combating 'hidden hunger' in a large proportion of people all over the world. During fertilization, application of large quantities of micronutrients often results in nutrient wastage and subsequent environmental pollution. Here, we report zinc complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNP) for ferti-fortification of durum wheat in field-scale experiments. The efficacy of Zn-CNP was assessed vis-à-vis conventionally applied ZnSO 4 (0.2%; 400 mgL -1 zinc) in two durum wheat genotypes (MACS 3125, an indigenous high yielding genotype and UC 1114, a genotype containing the Gpc-B1gene). The observed grain zinc enrichment using Zn-CNP nanocarrier (~36%) and conventional ZnSO 4 (~50%) were comparable, despite 10 folds less zinc (40 mgL -1 ) used in the former. Nanofertilizer application increased grain zinc content without affecting grain yield, protein content, spikelets per spike, thousand kernel weight, etc. Grain zinc enrichment observed in the four-year field trials on plots with varying soil zinc content was consistent, proving the utility of Zn-CNP as a novel nanofertilizer which enhanced fertilizer use efficiency. Our work describes a new paradigm in micronutrient fortification, viz. 'use nanofertilizers at the right place, right time and in right doses'.

Microglia ablation alleviates myelin-associated catatonic signs in mice

PubMed Central

Janova, Hana; Arinrad, Sahab; Balmuth, Evan; Mitjans, Marina; Bittner, Robert A.; Pan, Hong; Goebbels, Sandra; Begemann, Martin; Gerwig, Ulrike C.; Langner, Sönke; Werner, Hauke B.; Davatzikos, Christos; Völzke, Henry; West, Brian L.; Reif, Andreas; Grabe, Hans Jörgen; Nave, Klaus-Armin

2017-01-01

The underlying cellular mechanisms of catatonia, an executive “psychomotor” syndrome that is observed across neuropsychiatric diseases, have remained obscure. In humans and mice, reduced expression of the structural myelin protein CNP is associated with catatonic signs in an age-dependent manner, pointing to the involvement of myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. Here, we showed that the underlying cause of catatonic signs is the low-grade inflammation of white matter tracts, which marks a final common pathway in Cnp-deficient and other mutant mice with minor myelin abnormalities. The inhibitor of CSF1 receptor kinase signaling PLX5622 depleted microglia and alleviated the catatonic symptoms of Cnp mutants. Thus, microglia and low-grade inflammation of myelinated tracts emerged as the trigger of a previously unexplained mental condition. We observed a very high (25%) prevalence of individuals with catatonic signs in a deeply phenotyped schizophrenia sample (n = 1095). Additionally, we found the loss-of-function allele of a myelin-specific gene (CNP rs2070106-AA) associated with catatonia in 2 independent schizophrenia cohorts and also associated with white matter hyperintensities in a general population sample. Since the catatonic syndrome is likely a surrogate marker for other executive function defects, we suggest that microglia-directed therapies may be considered in psychiatric disorders associated with myelin abnormalities. PMID:29252214

C-type natriuretic peptide-modified lipid vesicles: fabrication and use for the treatment of brain glioma.

PubMed

Wu, Jia-Shuan; Mu, Li-Min; Bu, Ying-Zi; Liu, Lei; Yan, Yan; Hu, Ying-Jie; Bai, Jing; Zhang, Jing-Ying; Lu, Weiyue; Lu, Wan-Liang

2017-06-20

Chemotherapy of brain glioma faces a major obstacle owing to the inability of drug transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Besides, neovasculatures in brain glioma site result in a rapid infiltration, making complete surgical removal virtually impossible. Herein, we reported a novel kind of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) modified vinorelbine lipid vesicles for transferring drug across the BBB, and for treating brain glioma along with disrupting neovasculatures. The studies were performed on brain glioma U87-MG cells in vitro and on glioma-bearing nude mice in vivo. The results showed that the CNP-modified vinorelbine lipid vesicles could transport vinorelbine across the BBB, kill the brain glioma, and destroy neovasculatures effectively. The above mechanisms could be associated with the following aspects, namely, long circulation in the blood; drug transport across the BBB via natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPRB)-mediated transcytosis; elimination of brain glioma cells and disruption of neovasculatures by targeting uptake and cytotoxic injury. Besides, CNP-modified vinorelbine lipid vesicles could induce apoptosis of the glioma cells. The mechanisms could be related to the activations of caspase 8, caspase 3, p53, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibition of survivin. Hence, CNP-modified lipid vesicles could be used as a carrier material for treating brain glioma and disabling glioma neovasculatures.

Carbon nanoparticle for highly sensitive and selective fluorescent detection of mercury(II) ion in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Li, Hailong; Zhai, Junfeng; Tian, Jingqi; Luo, Yonglan; Sun, Xuping

2011-08-15

In this article, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were used as a novel fluorescent sensing platform for highly sensitive and selective Hg(2+) detection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of CNPs obtained from candle soot used in this type of sensor. The general concept used in this approach is based on that adsorption of the fluorescently labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe by CNP via π-π stacking interactions between DNA bases and CNP leads to substantial dye fluorescence quenching; however, in the presence of Hg(2+), T-Hg(2+)-T induced hairpin structure does not adsorb on CNP and thus retains the dye fluorescence. A detection limit as low as 10nM was achieved. The present CNP-based biosensor for Hg(2+) detection exhibits remarkable specificity against other possible metal ions. Furthermore, superior selectivity performance was observed when Hg(2+) detection was carried out in the presence of a large amount of other interference ions. Finally, in order to evaluate its potential practical application, Hg(2+) detection was conducted with the use of lake water other than pure buffer and it is believed that it holds great promise for real sample analysis upon further development. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cognitive Neural Prosthetics

PubMed Central

Andersen, Richard A.; Hwang, Eun Jung; Mulliken, Grant H.

2010-01-01

The cognitive neural prosthetic (CNP) is a very versatile method for assisting paralyzed patients and patients with amputations. The CNP records the cognitive state of the subject, rather than signals strictly related to motor execution or sensation. We review a number of high-level cortical signals and their application for CNPs, including intention, motor imagery, decision making, forward estimation, executive function, attention, learning, and multi-effector movement planning. CNPs are defined by the cognitive function they extract, not the cortical region from which the signals are recorded. However, some cortical areas may be better than others for particular applications. Signals can also be extracted in parallel from multiple cortical areas using multiple implants, which in many circumstances can increase the range of applications of CNPs. The CNP approach relies on scientific understanding of the neural processes involved in cognition, and many of the decoding algorithms it uses also have parallels to underlying neural circuit functions. PMID:19575625

Adsorption of Methylene Blue, Bromophenol Blue, and Coomassie Brilliant Blue by α-chitin nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Dhananasekaran, Solairaj; Palanivel, Rameshthangam; Pappu, Srinivasan

2015-01-01

Expelling of dyestuff into water resource system causes major thread to the environment. Adsorption is the cost effective and potential method to remove the dyes from the effluents. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the adsorption of dyestuff (Methylene Blue (MB), Bromophenol Blue (BPB) and Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB)) by α-chitin nanoparticles (CNP) prepared from Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798) shell waste. On contrary to the most recognizable adsorption studies using chitin, this is the first study using unique nanoparticles of ⩽50 nm used for the dye adsorption process. The results showed that the adsorption process increased with increase in the concentration of CNP, contact time and temperature with the dyestuff, whereas the adsorption process decreased with increase in the initial dye concentration and strong acidic pH. The results from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that the interaction between dyestuff and CNP involved physical adsorption. The adsorption process obeys Langmuir isotherm (R2 values were 0.992, 0.999 and 0.992 for MB, BPB and CBB, and RL value lies between 0 and 1 for all the three dyes) and pseudo second order kinetics (R2 values were 0.996, 0.999 and 0.996 for MB, BPB and CBB) more effectively. The isotherm and kinetic models confirmed that CNP can be used as a suitable adsorbent material for the removal of dyestuff from effluents. PMID:26843977

The cascade of C:N:P stoichiometry in an ombrotrophic peatland: from plants to peat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Meng; Moore, Tim R.; Talbot, Julie; Richard, Pierre J. H.

2014-01-01

Northern peatlands are important carbon (C) sinks and while the patterns of C accumulation have been frequently investigated, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) accumulation are often neglected. Here we link the C:N:P stoichiometry from foliar plant tissues, through senescent litters to peat, and determine C, N and P accumulation rates at Mer Bleue Bog, eastern Canada. Average C:N:P ratios changed from 794:17:1 in the foliar tissues to 911:10:1 in litter and 1285:32:1 in acrotelm peat. The increase in C:N and C:P ratios from mature to senescent tissues is related to nutrient resorption. The increase in C:P and N:P ratios in peat, which was contrary to that observed in Canadian forest soils, may be related to plant/mycorrhizae uptake of P. The long-term apparent rates of C, N and P accumulation were 29.5 ± 2.1 (SE) g C, 0.87 ± 0.01 g N and 0.017 ± 0.002 g P m-2 yr-1, respectively. The significant correlation between the accumulation rates of N and P and that of C suggests more attention be placed on C:N:P stoichiometry in peatland biogeochemistry, in particular in understanding why C:P ratios are so large in the lower parts of the profile.

The Role of Ventral Tegmental Area Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in Chronic Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats.

PubMed

Ko, Moon Yi; Jang, Eun Young; Lee, June Yeon; Kim, Soo Phil; Whang, Sung Hun; Lee, Bong Hyo; Kim, Hee Young; Yang, Chae Ha; Cho, Hee Jung; Gwak, Young S

2018-04-20

Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently results in chronic neuropathic pain (CNP). However, the understanding of brain neural circuits in CNP modulation is unclear. The present study examined the changes of ventral tegmental area (VTA) putative GABAergic and dopaminergic neuronal activity with CNP attenuation in rats. SCI was established by T10 clip compression injury (35 g, 1 min) in rats, and neuropathic pain behaviors, in vivo extracellular single-cell recording of putative VTA gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)/dopamine neurons, extracellular GABA level, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and vesicular GABA transporters (VGATs) were measured in the VTA, respectively. The results revealed that extracellular GABA level was significantly increased in the CNP group (50.5 ± 18.9 nM) compared to the sham control group (10.2 ± 1.7 nM). In addition, expression of GAD 65/67 , c-Fos, and VGAT exhibited significant increases in the SCI groups compared to the sham control group. With regard to neuropathic pain behaviors, spontaneous pain measured by ultrasound vocalizations (USVs) and evoked pain measured by paw withdrawal thresholds showed significant alteration, which was reversed by intravenous (i.v.) administration of morphine (0.5-5.0 mg/kg). With regard to in vivo electrophysiology, VTA putative GABAergic neuronal activity (13.6 ± 1.7 spikes/sec) and putative dopaminergic neuronal activity (2.4 ± 0.8 spikes/sec) were increased and decreased, respectively, in the SCI group compared to the sham control group. These neuronal activities were reversed by i.v. administration of morphine. The present study suggests that chronic increase of GABAergic neuronal activity suppresses dopaminergic neuronal activity in the VTA and is responsible for negative emotion and motivation for attenuation of SCI-induced CNP.

Forest wildfire increases soil microbial biomass C:N:P stoichiometry in long-term effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xuan

2017-04-01

Boreal forest fire strongly influences carbon (C) stock in permafrost soil by thawing permafrost table which accelerated microbe decomposition process. We studied soil microbial biomass stoichiometry in a gradient of four (3 yr, 25 yr, 46 yr and more than 100 yr) ages since fire in Canada boreal forest. Soil microbial biomass (MB) in long-term after fire is significantly higher than in short-term. MB C and nitrogen (N) were mainly dominated by corresponding soil element concentration and inorganic P, while MB phosphorus (P) changes were fully explained by soil N. Fire ages and soil temperature positively increased MB N and P, indicating the negative impact by fire. Microbial C:N:P gradually increased with fire ages from 15:2:1 to 76:6:1 and then drop down to 17:2:1 in the oldest fire ages. The degree of homeostasis of microbial C, N and P are close to 1 indicates non-homoeostasis within microbial elements, while it of C:N:P is close to 8 shows a strong homeostasis within element ratios and proved microbial stoichiometric ratio is not driven by soil element ratios. In conclusion, i) microbial biomass elements highly depends on soil nutrient supply rather than fire ages; ii) wildfire decreased microbial stoichiometry immediate after fire but increased with years after fire (YF) which at least 3 times higher than > 100 fire ages; iii) microbial biomass C, N and P deviated from strict homeostasis but C:N:P ratio reflects stronger homeostasis.

Investigation of the effect of traditional Chinese medicine on pain and inflammation in chronic nonbacterial prostatitis in rats.

PubMed

Liu, Y-J; Song, G-H; Liu, G T

2016-08-01

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the symptoms of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CNP/CPPS) may be treated using a cocktail of herbs that stimulate blood circulation ('activating blood circulation formula'). We investigated the effect of three doses of this formula on a rat model of CNP/CPPS. Male Wistar rats were injected with a saline extract of male sex accessory glands on days 0 and 30 to induce prostatitis and then treated daily by gavage between days 32 and 60. Treatment with low, medium and high doses of activating blood circulation formula resulted in an almost total rescue of paw withdrawal threshold at day 60, and treatment with the highest dose also significantly decreased prostate inflammation (assessed histopathologically). We further observed elevated serum prostaglandin E2 levels in the CNP/CPPS model which decreased upon high-dose treatment, and increased Cox-2 expression in the prostate and spinal cord dorsal horn which was rescued in both tissues in the high-dose group and in the prostate in the medium-dose group. These results shed light on a possible mechanism by which activating blood circulation therapy may alleviate pain in a rat model of CNP/CPPS by downregulating Cox-2 expression in the spinal cord, thereby raising the pain threshold. Further research will be needed to fully characterise the mechanism by which activating blood circulation therapy produces this therapeutic effect. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Microscopic Observation of Self-Propagation of Calcifying Nanoparticles (Nanobacteria)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mathew, Grace; McKay, David S.; Ciftcioglu, Neva

2007-01-01

Biologists typically define living organisms as carbon and water-based cellular forms with :self-replication" as the fundamental trait of the life process. However, this standard dictionary definition of life does not help scientists to categorize self-replicators like viruses, prions, proteons and artificial life. CNP also named nanobacteria were discovered in early 1990s as about 100 nanometer-sized bacteria-like particles with unique apatite mineral-shells around them, and found to be associated with pathological-calcification related diseases. Although CNP have been isolated and cultured from mammalian blood and diseased calcified tissues, and their biomineralizing properties well established, their biological nature and self-replicating capability have always been severely challenged. The terms "self-replication", "self-assembly" or "self-propagation" have been widely used for all systems including nanomachines, crystals, computer viruses and memes. In a simple taxonomy, all biological and non-biological "self replicators", have been classified into "living" or "nonliving" based on the properties of the systems and the amount of support they require to self-replicate. To enhance our understanding about self-replicating nature of CNP, we have investigated their growth in specific culture conditions using conventional inverted light microscope and BioStation IM, Nikon s latest time-lapse imaging system. Their morphological structure was examined using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. This present study, in conjunction with previous findings of metabolic activity, antibiotic sensitivity, antibody specificity, morphological aspects and infectivity, all concomitantly validate CNP as living self-replicators.

Design, Synthesis, and Actions of a Novel Chimeric Natriuretic Peptide: CD-NP

PubMed Central

Lisy, Ondrej; Huntley, Brenda K.; McCormick, Daniel J.; Kurlansky, Paul A.; Burnett, John C.

2008-01-01

Objectives Our aim was to design, synthesize and test in vivo and in vitro a new chimeric peptide that would combine the beneficial properties of 2 distinct natriuretic peptides with a biological profile that goes beyond native peptides. Background Studies have established the beneficial vascular and antiproliferative properties of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). While lacking renal actions, CNP is less hypotensive than the cardiac peptides atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide but unloads the heart due to venodilation. Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide is a potent natriuretic and diuretic peptide that is markedly hypotensive and functions via a separate guanylyl cyclase receptor compared with CNP. Methods Here we engineered a novel chimeric peptide CD-NP that represents the fusion of the 22-amino acid peptide CNP together with the 15-amino acid linear C-terminus of Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide. We also determined in vitro in cardiac fibroblasts cyclic guanosine monophosphate-activating and antiproliferative properties of CD-NP. Results Our studies demonstrate in vivo that CD-NP is natriuretic and diuretic, glomerular filtration rate enhancing, cardiac unloading, and renin inhibiting. CD-NP also demonstrates less hypotensive properties when compared with B-type natriuretic peptide. In addition, CD-NP in vitro activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate and inhibits cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Conclusions The current findings advance an innovative design strategy in natriuretic peptide drug discovery and development to create therapeutic peptides with favorable properties that may be preferable to those associated with native natriuretic peptides. PMID:18582636

Design, synthesis, and actions of a novel chimeric natriuretic peptide: CD-NP.

PubMed

Lisy, Ondrej; Huntley, Brenda K; McCormick, Daniel J; Kurlansky, Paul A; Burnett, John C

2008-07-01

Our aim was to design, synthesize and test in vivo and in vitro a new chimeric peptide that would combine the beneficial properties of 2 distinct natriuretic peptides with a biological profile that goes beyond native peptides. Studies have established the beneficial vascular and antiproliferative properties of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). While lacking renal actions, CNP is less hypotensive than the cardiac peptides atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide but unloads the heart due to venodilation. Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide is a potent natriuretic and diuretic peptide that is markedly hypotensive and functions via a separate guanylyl cyclase receptor compared with CNP. Here we engineered a novel chimeric peptide CD-NP that represents the fusion of the 22-amino acid peptide CNP together with the 15-amino acid linear C-terminus of Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide. We also determined in vitro in cardiac fibroblasts cyclic guanosine monophosphate-activating and antiproliferative properties of CD-NP. Our studies demonstrate in vivo that CD-NP is natriuretic and diuretic, glomerular filtration rate enhancing, cardiac unloading, and renin inhibiting. CD-NP also demonstrates less hypotensive properties when compared with B-type natriuretic peptide. In addition, CD-NP in vitro activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate and inhibits cardiac fibroblast proliferation. The current findings advance an innovative design strategy in natriuretic peptide drug discovery and development to create therapeutic peptides with favorable properties that may be preferable to those associated with native natriuretic peptides.

Stress-dependent dilated cardiomyopathy in mice with cardiomyocyte-restricted inactivation of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase I

PubMed Central

Frantz, Stefan; Klaiber, Michael; Baba, Hideo A.; Oberwinkler, Heike; Völker, Katharina; Gaβner, Birgit; Bayer, Barbara; Abeβer, Marco; Schuh, Kai; Feil, Robert; Hofmann, Franz; Kuhn, Michaela

2013-01-01

Aims Cardiac hypertrophy is a common and often lethal complication of arterial hypertension. Elevation of myocyte cyclic GMP levels by local actions of endogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) or by pharmacological inhibition of phosphodiesterase-5 was shown to counter-regulate pathological hypertrophy. It was suggested that cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (cGKI) mediates this protective effect, although the role in vivo is under debate. Here, we investigated whether cGKI modulates myocyte growth and/or function in the intact organism. Methods and results To circumvent the systemic phenotype associated with germline ablation of cGKI, we inactivated the murine cGKI gene selectively in cardiomyocytes by Cre/loxP-mediated recombination. Mice with cardiomyocyte-restricted cGKI deletion exhibited unaltered cardiac morphology and function under resting conditions. Also, cardiac hypertrophic and contractile responses to β-adrenoreceptor stimulation by isoprenaline (at 40 mg/kg/day during 1 week) were unaltered. However, angiotensin II (Ang II, at 1000 ng/kg/min for 2 weeks) or transverse aortic constriction (for 3 weeks) provoked dilated cardiomyopathy with marked deterioration of cardiac function. This was accompanied by diminished expression of the [Ca2+]i-regulating proteins SERCA2a and phospholamban (PLB) and a reduction in PLB phosphorylation at Ser16, the specific target site for cGKI, resulting in altered myocyte Ca2+i homeostasis. In isolated adult myocytes, CNP, but not ANP, stimulated PLB phosphorylation, Ca2+i-handling, and contractility via cGKI. Conclusion These results indicate that the loss of cGKI in cardiac myocytes compromises the hypertrophic program to pathological stimulation, rendering the heart more susceptible to dysfunction. In particular, cGKI mediates stimulatory effects of CNP on myocyte Ca2+i handling and contractility. PMID:22199120

Fabric strain sensor integrated with CNPECs for repeated large deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Weijing

Flexible and soft strain sensors that can be used in smart textiles for wearable applications are much desired. They should meet the requirements of low modulus, large working range and good fatigue resistance as well as good sensing performances. However, there were no commercial products available and the objective of the thesis is to investigate fabric strain sensors based on carbon nanoparticle (CNP) filled elastomer composites (CNPECs) for potential wearing applications. Conductive CNPECs were fabricated and investigated. The introduction of silicone oil (SO) significantly decreased modulus of the composites to less than 1 MPa without affecting their deformability and they showed good stability after heat treatment. With increase of CNP concentration, a percolation appeared in electrical resistivity and the composites can be divided into three ranges. I-V curves and impedance spectra together with electro-mechanical studies demonstrated a balance between sensitivity and working range for the composites with CNP concentrations in post percolation range, and were preferred for sensing applications only if the fatigue life was improved. Due to the good elasticity and failure resist property of knitted fabric under repeated extension, it was adopted as substrate to increase the fatigue life of the conductive composites. After optimization of processing parameters, the conductive fabric with CNP concentration of 9.0CNP showed linear I-V curves when voltage is in the range of -1 V/mm and 1 V/mm and negligible capacitive behavior when frequency below 103 Hz even with strain of 60%. It showed higher sensitivity due to the combination of nonlinear resistance-strain behavior of the CNPECs and non-even strain distribution of knitted fabric under extension. The fatigue life of the conductive fabric was greatly improved. Extended on the studies of CNPECs and the coated conductive fabrics, a fabric strain sensor was designed, fabricated and packaged. The Young's modulus of the packaged fabric strain sensor was less than 1 MPa; the strain gauge factor was 4.76 within the strain range of 0-40% and the hysteresis was 5.5%; the resistance relaxation was 5.56% with a constant strain of 40%; the fatigue life of the sensor was more than 100,000 cycles.

A novel GoldNano Carb test for rapid phenotypic detection of carbapenemases, particularly OXA type, in Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp.

PubMed

Srisrattakarn, Arpasiri; Lulitanond, Aroonlug; Wilailuckana, Chotechana; Charoensri, Nicha; Daduang, Jureerut; Chanawong, Aroonwadee

2017-09-01

To develop a simple gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based colorimetric test, GoldNano Carb (GoldC), for detecting carbapenemase production in Gram-negative bacteria, compared with updated Carba NP (CNP) and CarbAcineto NP (CAcNP) tests by using PCR methods as gold standard. Ninety-nine carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. isolates and 89 non-CPE isolates were tested by the GoldC and CNP. Additionally, the CAcNP was performed in the Acinetobacter spp. isolates. The final imipenem (imipenem/cilastatin form) concentration was 5 mg/mL for all three tests. For the GoldC, the imipenem powder was added directly to bacterial cell suspension in distilled water prior to detection of acid product by the citrate-capped AuNP solution. An AuNP change from red to purple, blue or green indicates carbapenemase activity. The GoldC detected all carbapenemase producers except one OXA-23-like producer (99.0% sensitivity), whereas 11 carbapenemase producers (10 Acinetobacter and 1 P. aeruginosa) were CNP negative (88.9% sensitivity). However, the GoldC and CNP provided 100% and 98.6% sensitivity, respectively, for the CPE and Pseudomonas spp. Both tests gave one false positive from CTX-M-1-like-producing Enterobacter spp. (98.9% specificity). The GoldC and CAcNP detected 96.7% and 93.3% of the Acinetobacter spp. isolates, respectively. Interestingly, times to positivity by the GoldC were markedly shorter than those by the CNP (76.8% versus 36.2% positive at 5 min) and CAcNP (43.3% at 5 min versus 20% within 30 min). The GoldC is fast, easy, highly sensitive and inexpensive (∼$0.25 per test), suggesting that it may be suitable for routine carbapenemase detection in low-resource settings for infection control or epidemiological purposes. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of 2-Chloro-5-Nitrophenol Degradation in a Newly Isolated Bacterium, Cupriavidus sp. Strain CNP-8

PubMed Central

Min, Jun; Chen, Weiwei; Wang, Jinpei; Hu, Xiaoke

2017-01-01

Compound 2-chloro-5-nitrophenol (2C5NP) is a typical chlorinated nitroaromatic pollutant. To date, the bacteria with the ability to degrade 2C5NP are rare, and the molecular mechanism of 2C5NP degradation remains unknown. In this study, Cupriavidus sp. strain CNP-8 utilizing 2-chloro-5-nitrophenol (2C5NP) and meta-nitrophenol (MNP) via partial reductive pathways was isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil. Biodegradation kinetic analysis indicated that 2C5NP degradation by this strain was concentration dependent, with a maximum specific degradation rate of 21.2 ± 2.3 μM h−1. Transcriptional analysis showed that the mnp genes are up-regulated in both 2C5NP- and MNP-induced strain CNP-8. Two Mnp proteins were purified to homogeneity by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. In addition to catalyzing the reduction of MNP, MnpA, a NADPH-dependent nitroreductase, also catalyzes the partial reduction of 2C5NP to 2-chloro-5-hydroxylaminophenol via 2-chloro-5-nitrosophenol, which was firstly identified as an intermediate of 2C5NP catabolism. MnpC, an aminohydroquinone dioxygenase, is likely responsible for the ring-cleavage reaction of 2C5NP degradation. Gene knockout and complementation indicated that mnpA is necessary for both 2C5NP and MNP catabolism. To our knowledge, strain CNP-8 is the second 2C5NP-utilizing bacterium, and this is the first report of the molecular mechanism of microbial 2C5NP degradation. PMID:28959252

Activation of p38 MAP Kinase is Involved in Central Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury

PubMed Central

Crown, Eric D; Gwak, Young Seob; Ye, Zaiming; Johnson, Kathia M; Hulsebosch, Claire E

2008-01-01

Recent work regarding chronic central neuropathic pain (CNP) following spinal cord injury (SCI) suggests that activation of key signaling molecules such as members of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family play a role in the expression of at-level mechanical allodynia. Specifically, Crown and colleagues (2005, 2006) have shown that the development of at-level CNP following moderate spinal cord injury is correlated with increased expression of the activated (and thus phosphorylated) forms of the MAPKs extracellular signal related kinase and p38 MAPK. The current study extends this work by directly examining the role of p38 MAPK in the maintenance of at-level CNP following spinal cord injury. Using a combination of behavioral, immunocytochemical, and electrophysiological measures we demonstrate that increased activation of p38 MAPK occurs in the spinal cord just rostral to the site of injury in rats that develop at-level mechanical allodynia after moderate SCI. Immunocytochemical analyses indicate that the increases in p38 MAPK activation occurred in astrocytes, microglia, and dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cord rostral to the site of injury. Inhibiting the enzymatic activity of p38 MAPK dose dependently reverses the behavioral expression of at-level mechanical allodynia and also decreases the hyperexcitability seen in thoracic dorsal horn neurons after moderate SCI. Taken together, these novel data are the first to demonstrate causality that increased activation of p38 MAPK in multiple cell types play an important role in the maintenance of at-level CNP following spinal cord injury. PMID:18590729

Regulation and therapeutic targeting of peptide-activated receptor guanylyl cyclases

PubMed Central

Potter, Lincoln R.

2016-01-01

Cyclic GMP is a ubiquitous second messenger that regulates a wide array of physiologic processes such as blood pressure, long bone growth, intestinal fluid secretion, phototransduction and lipolysis. Soluble and single-membrane-spanning enzymes called guanylyl cyclases (GC) synthesize cGMP. In humans, the latter group consists of GC-A, GC-B, GC-C, GC-E and GC-F, which are also known as NPR-A, NPR-B, StaR, Ret1-GC and Ret2-GC, respectively. Membrane GCs are activated by peptide ligands such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), guanylin, uroguanylin, heat stable enterotoxin and GC-activating proteins. Nesiritide and carperitide are clinically approved peptide-based drugs that activate GC-A. CD-NP is an experimental heart failure drug that primarily activates GC-B but also activates GC-A at high concentrations and is resistant to degradation. Inactivating mutations in GC-B cause acromesomelic dysplasia type Maroteaux dwarfism and chromosomal mutations that increase CNP concentrations are associated with Marfanoid-like skeletal overgrowth. Pump-based CNP infusions increase skeletal growth in a mouse model of the most common type of human dwarfism, which supports CNP/GC-B-based therapies for short stature diseases. Linaclotide is a peptide activator of GC-C that stimulates intestinal motility and is in late-stage clinical trials for the treatment of chronic constipation. This review discusses the discovery of cGMP, guanylyl cyclases, the general characteristics and therapeutic applications of GC-A, GC-B and GC-C, and emphasizes the regulation of transmembrane guanylyl cyclases by phosphorylation and ATP. PMID:21185863

Final technical report DOE award DE-SC0007206 Improving CESM Efficiency to Study Variable C:N:P Stoichiometry in the Oceans

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

Primeau, Francois William

2016-02-11

This report lists the accomplishments of the project, which includes: (1) analysis of inorganic nutrient concentration data as well as suspended particulate organic matter data in the ocean to demonstrate that the carbon to nitrogen to phosphorus ratios (C:N:P) of biological uptake and export vary on large spatial scales, (2) the development of a new computationally efficient method for simulating biogeochemical tracers in earth system models, (3) the application of the method to help calibrate an improved representation of dissolved organic matter in the ocean that includes variable C:N:P stoichiometry. This research is important because biological uptake of carbon andmore » nutrients in the upper ocean and export by sinking particles and downward mixing of dissolved organic matter helps maintain a vertical gradient in the carbon dioxide concentration in the ocean. This gradient is key to understanding the partitioning of CO2 between the ocean and the atmosphere. The final report lists seven peer reviewed scientific publications, one Ph.D. thesis, one technical report and two papers in preparation.« less

Nanoscale characteristics of triacylglycerol oils: phase separation and binding energies of two-component oils to crystalline nanoplatelets.

PubMed

MacDougall, Colin J; Razul, M Shajahan; Papp-Szabo, Erzsebet; Peyronel, Fernanda; Hanna, Charles B; Marangoni, Alejandro G; Pink, David A

2012-01-01

Fats are elastoplastic materials with a defined yield stress and flow behavior and the plasticity of a fat is central to its functionality. This plasticity is given by a complex tribological interplay between a crystalline phase structured as crystalline nanoplatelets (CNPs) and nanoplatelet aggregates and the liquid oil phase. Oil can be trapped within microscopic pores within the fat crystal network by capillary action, but it is believed that a significant amount of oil can be trapped by adsorption onto crystalline surfaces. This, however, remains to be proven. Further, the structural basis for the solid-liquid interaction remains a mystery. In this work, we demonstrate that the triglyceride liquid structure plays a key role in oil binding and that this binding could potentially be modulated by judicious engineering of liquid triglyceride structure. The enhancement of oil binding is central to many current developments in this area since an improvement in the health characteristics of fat and fat-structured food products entails a reduction in the amount of crystalline triacylglycerols (TAGs) and a relative increase in the amount of liquid TAGs. Excessive amounts of unbound, free oil, will lead to losses in functionality of this important food component. Engineering fats for enhanced oil binding capacity is thus central to the design of more healthy food products. To begin to address this, we modelled the interaction of triacylglycerol oils, triolein (OOO), 1,2-olein elaidin (OOE) and 1,2-elaidin olein (EEO) with a model crystalline nanoplatelet composed of tristearin in an undefined polymorphic form. The surface of the CNP in contact with the oil was assumed to be planar. We considered pure OOO and mixtures of OOO + OOE and OOO + EEO with 80% OOO. The last two cases were taken as approximations to high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO). The intent was to investigate whether phase separation on a nanoscale took place. We defined an "oil binding capacity" parameter, B(Q,Q'), relating a state Q to a reference state Q'. We used atomic scale molecular dynamics in the NVT ensemble and computed averages over 1-5 ns. We found that the probability of the OOE phase separating into a layer on the surface of the CNP compared to being retained randomly in an OOO + OOE mix were approximately equal. However, we found that it was probable that the EEO component of an OOO + EEO mix would phase separate and coat the surface of the CNP. These results suggest a mechanism whereby many-component oils undergo phase separation on a nanoscale so as to create a transition oil region between the surface of the CNP and the bulk major oil component (OOO in the case considered here) so as to create the appropriate oil binding capacity for the use to which it is put.

Comparative Study of a Novel Biochemical Assay, the Rapidec Carba NP Test, for Detecting Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PubMed

Lifshitz, Ziv; Adler, Amos; Carmeli, Yehuda

2016-02-01

The novel biochemical test, the Rapidec Carba NP (RCNP), was evaluated using carbapenemase- and non-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The RCNP test was compared with the Carba NP test (CNP) and the modified Hodge test. Compared to the CNP test, the RCNP test had identical sensitivity (96%) and lower specificity (93% versus 100%). The medium used to culture the isolates significantly affected test sensitivity and specificity. The RCNP test was quicker and easier to perform than the other tests. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Impaired resolution of inflammatory response in the lungs of JF1/Msf mice following carbon nanoparticle instillation

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Declined lung function is a risk factor for particulate matter associated respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Carbon nanoparticles (CNP) are a prominent component of outdoor air pollution that causes pulmonary toxicity mainly through inflammation. Recently we demonstrated that mice (C3H/HeJ) with higher than normal pulmonary function resolved the elicited pulmonary inflammation following CNP exposure through activation of defense and homeostasis maintenance pathways. To test whether CNP-induced inflammation is affected by declined lung function, we exposed JF1/Msf (JF1) mice with lower than normal pulmonary function to CNP and studied the pulmonary inflammation and its resolution. Methods 5 μg, 20 μg and 50 μg CNP (Printex 90) were intratracheally instilled in JF1 mice to determine the dose response and the time course of inflammation over 7 days (20 μg dosage). Inflammation was assessed using histology, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis and by a panel of 62 protein markers. Results 24 h after instillation, 20 μg and 50 μg CNP caused a 25 fold and 19 fold increased polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) respectively while the 5 μg represented the 'no observable adverse effect level' as reflected by PMN influx (9.7 × 10E3 vs 8.9 × 10E3), and BAL/lung concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Time course assessment of the inflammatory response revealed that compared to day1 the elevated BAL PMN counts (246.4 × 10E3) were significantly decreased at day 3 (72.9 × 10E3) and day 7 (48.5 × 10E3) but did not reach baseline levels indicating slow PMN resolution kinetics. Strikingly on day 7 the number of macrophages doubled (455.0 × 10E3 vs 204.7 × 10E3) and lymphocytes were 7-fold induced (80.6 × 10E3 vs 11.2 × 10E3) compared to day1. At day 7 elevated levels of IL1B, TNF, IL4, MDC/CCL22, FVII, and vWF were detected in JF1 lungs which can be associated to macrophage and lymphocyte activation. Conclusion This explorative study indicates that JF1 mice with impaired pulmonary function also exhibits delayed resolution of particle mediated lung inflammation as evident from elevated PMN and accumulation of macrophages and lymphocytes on day7. It is plausible that elevated levels of IL1B, IL4, TNF, CCL22/MDC, FVII and vWF counteract defense and homeostatic pathways thereby driving this phenomenon. PMID:21756372

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene expression construct: Development, nanodelivery and effect on reproduction in air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus.

PubMed

Rathor, Pravesh Kumar; Bhat, Irfan Ahmad; Rather, Mohd Ashraf; Gireesh-Babu, Pathakota; Kumar, Kundan; Purayil, Suresh Babu Padinhate; Sharma, Rupam

2017-11-01

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is responsible for the relocation of cholesterol across mitochondrial membrane in vertebrates and is, therefore, a key factor in regulating the rate and timing of steroidogenesis. In the present study, we developed chitosan nanoparticle (CNP) conjugated StAR gene construct (CNP-pcDNA4-StAR) in a eukaryotic expression vector, pcDNA4/HisMax A. CNPs of 135.4nm diameter, 26.7mV zeta potential and 0.381 polydispersity index were used for conjugation. The loading efficiency (LE) of pcDNA4-StAR construct with CNPs was found to be 86%. After the 24h of intramuscular injection, the CNP-pcDNA4-StAR plasmid could be detected from testis, brain, kidney and muscle tissues of Clarias batrachus. The transcript levels of important reproductive genes viz. cyp11a1, cyp17a1, 3β-hsd, 17β-hsd and cyp19a1 in CNP-pcDNA4-StAR treated group were initially low up to 24h, but significantly increased subsequently up to 120h. In naked pcDNA4-StAR treated group, the mRNA level of 3β-hsd, 17β-hsd and cyp19a1 increased initially up to 24h, while cyp11a1 and cyp17a1 increased up to 48h and then started declining. Similar results were obtained for 11-Ketotestosterone and 17β-estradiol. The results indicate relatively long lasting effects of nano-conjugated construct compared to the construct alone. Furthermore, the histopathology of gonads and liver authenticates its possible role in the gonadal development in fish without any adverse effect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of retinal capillary nonperfusion in fundus fluorescein angiogram of diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Rasta, Seyed Hossein; Nikfarjam, Shima; Javadzadeh, Alireza

2015-01-01

Retinal capillary nonperfusion (CNP) is one of the retinal vascular diseases in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. As there is no comprehensive detection technique to recognize CNP areas, we proposed a different method for computing detection of ischemic retina, non-perfused (NP) regions, in fundus fluorescein angiogram (FFA) images. Whilst major vessels appear as ridges, non-perfused areas are usually observed as ponds that are surrounded by healthy capillaries in FFA images. A new technique using homomorphic filtering to correct light illumination and detect the ponds surrounded in healthy capillaries on FFA images was designed and applied on DR fundus images. These images were acquired from the diabetic patients who had referred to the Nikookari hospital and were diagnosed for diabetic retinopathy during one year. Our strategy was screening the whole image with a fixed window size, which is small enough to enclose areas with identified topographic characteristics. To discard false nominees, we also performed a thresholding operation on the screen and marked images. To validate its performance we applied our detection algorithm on 41 FFA diabetic retinopathy fundus images in which the CNP areas were manually delineated by three clinical experts. Lesions were found as smooth regions with very high uniformity, low entropy, and small intensity variations in FFA images. The results of automated detection method were compared with manually marked CNP areas so achieved sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 78%, and accuracy of 91%.The result was present as a Receiver operating character (ROC) curve, which has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.796 with 95% confidence intervals. This technique introduced a new automated detection algorithm to recognize non-perfusion lesions on FFA. This has potential to assist detecting and managing of ischemic retina and may be incorporated into automated grading diabetic retinopathy structures.

Transient Cnp expression by early progenitors causes Cre-Lox-based reporter lines to map profoundly different fates.

PubMed

Tognatta, Reshmi; Sun, Wenjing; Goebbels, Sandra; Nave, Klaus-Armin; Nishiyama, Akiko; Schoch, Susanne; Dimou, Leda; Dietrich, Dirk

2017-02-01

NG2 expressing oligodendroglial precursor cells are ubiquitous in the central nervous system and the only cell type cycling throughout life. Previous fate mapping studies have remained inconsistent regarding the question whether NG2 cells are capable of generating certain types of neurons. Here, we use CNP-Cre mice to map the fate of a sub-population of NG2 cells assumed to be close to differentiation. When crossing these mice with the ROSA26/YFP Cre-reporter line we discovered large numbers of reporter-expressing pyramidal neurons in the piriform and dorsal cortex. In contrast, when using Z/EG reporter mice to track the fate of Cnp-expressing NG2 cells only oligodendroglial cells were found reporter positive. Using BrdU-based birth dating protocols and inducible NG2CreER:ROSA26/YFP mice we show that YFP positive neurons are generated from radial glial cells and that these radial glial cells display temporary and low level activity of certain oligodendroglial genes sufficient to recombine the Cre-inducible reporter gene in ROSA26/YFP but not in Z/EG mice. Taken together, we did not obtain evidence for generation of neurons from NG2 cells. Our results suggest that with an appropriate reporter system Cnp activity can be used to define a proliferative subpopulation of NG2 cells committed to generate oligodendrocytes. However, the strikingly different results obtained from ROSA26/YFP versus Z/EG mice demonstrate that the choice of Cre-reporter line can be of crucial importance for fate mapping studies and other applications of the Cre-lox technology. GLIA 2017;65:342-359. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The efficacy of traditional acupuncture on patients with chronic neck pain: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Yang, Yiling; Yan, Xiaoxia; Deng, Hongmei; Zeng, Dian; Huang, Jianpeng; Fu, Wenbin; Xu, Nenggui; Liu, Jianhua

2017-07-10

A large number of randomized trials on the use of acupuncture to treat chronic pain have been conducted. However, there is considerable controversy regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture. We designed a randomized trial involving patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) to investigate whether acupuncture is more effective than a placebo in treating CNP. A five-arm, parallel, single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was designed. Patients with CNP of more than 3 months' duration are being recruited from Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (China). Following examination, 175 patients will be randomized into one of five groups (35 patients in each group) as follows: a traditional acupuncture group (group A), a shallow-puncture group (group B), a non-acupoint acupuncture group (group C), a non-acupoint shallow-puncture group (group D) and a sham-puncture group (group E). The interventions will last for 20 min and will be carried out twice a week for 5 weeks. The primary outcome will be evaluated by changes in the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). Secondary outcomes will be measured by the pain threshold, the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and diary entries. Analysis of the data will be performed at baseline, at the end of the intervention and at 3 months' follow-up. The safety of acupuncture will be evaluated at each treatment period. The purpose of this trial is to determine whether traditional acupuncture is more effective for chronic pain relief than sham acupuncture in adults with CNP, and to determine which type of sham acupuncture is the optimal control for clinical trials. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-IOR-15006886 . Registered on 2 July 2015.

A Routing Protocol for Multisink Wireless Sensor Networks in Underground Coalmine Tunnels

PubMed Central

Xia, Xu; Chen, Zhigang; Liu, Hui; Wang, Huihui; Zeng, Feng

2016-01-01

Traditional underground coalmine monitoring systems are mainly based on the use of wired transmission. However, when cables are damaged during an accident, it is difficult to obtain relevant data on environmental parameters and the emergency situation underground. To address this problem, the use of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has been proposed. However, the shape of coalmine tunnels is not conducive to the deployment of WSNs as they are long and narrow. Therefore, issues with the network arise, such as extremely large energy consumption, very weak connectivity, long time delays, and a short lifetime. To solve these problems, in this study, a new routing protocol algorithm for multisink WSNs based on transmission power control is proposed. First, a transmission power control algorithm is used to negotiate the optimal communication radius and transmission power of each sink. Second, the non-uniform clustering idea is adopted to optimize the cluster head selection. Simulation results are subsequently compared to the Centroid of the Nodes in a Partition (CNP) strategy and show that the new algorithm delivers a good performance: power efficiency is increased by approximately 70%, connectivity is increased by approximately 15%, the cluster interference is diminished by approximately 50%, the network lifetime is increased by approximately 6%, and the delay is reduced with an increase in the number of sinks. PMID:27916917

A Routing Protocol for Multisink Wireless Sensor Networks in Underground Coalmine Tunnels.

PubMed

Xia, Xu; Chen, Zhigang; Liu, Hui; Wang, Huihui; Zeng, Feng

2016-11-30

Traditional underground coalmine monitoring systems are mainly based on the use of wired transmission. However, when cables are damaged during an accident, it is difficult to obtain relevant data on environmental parameters and the emergency situation underground. To address this problem, the use of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has been proposed. However, the shape of coalmine tunnels is not conducive to the deployment of WSNs as they are long and narrow. Therefore, issues with the network arise, such as extremely large energy consumption, very weak connectivity, long time delays, and a short lifetime. To solve these problems, in this study, a new routing protocol algorithm for multisink WSNs based on transmission power control is proposed. First, a transmission power control algorithm is used to negotiate the optimal communication radius and transmission power of each sink. Second, the non-uniform clustering idea is adopted to optimize the cluster head selection. Simulation results are subsequently compared to the Centroid of the Nodes in a Partition (CNP) strategy and show that the new algorithm delivers a good performance: power efficiency is increased by approximately 70%, connectivity is increased by approximately 15%, the cluster interference is diminished by approximately 50%, the network lifetime is increased by approximately 6%, and the delay is reduced with an increase in the number of sinks.

Fabrication of Water Jet Resistant and Thermally Stable Superhydrophobic Surfaces by Spray Coating of Candle Soot Dispersion.

PubMed

Qahtan, Talal F; Gondal, Mohammed A; Alade, Ibrahim O; Dastageer, Mohammed A

2017-08-08

A facile synthesis method for highly stable carbon nanoparticle (CNP) dispersion in acetone by incomplete combustion of paraffin candle flame is presented. The synthesized CNP dispersion is the mixture of graphitic and amorphous carbon nanoparticles of the size range of 20-50 nm and manifested the mesoporosity with an average pore size of 7 nm and a BET surface area of 366 m 2 g -1 . As an application of this material, the carbon nanoparticle dispersion was spray coated (spray-based coating) on a glass surface to fabricate superhydrophobic (water contact angle > 150° and sliding angle < 10 °) surfaces. The spray coated surfaces were found to exhibit much improved water jet resistance and thermal stability up to 400 °C compared to the surfaces fabricated from direct candle flame soot deposition (candle-based coating). This study proved that water jet resistant and thermally stable superhydrophobic surfaces can be easily fabricated by simple spray coating of CNP dispersion gathered from incomplete combustion of paraffin candle flame and this technique can be used for different applications with the potential for the large scale fabrication.

Timing of Indonesian Gateway Restriction Between 4.0 and 2.8 Ma and its Impact on Indian Ocean Surface Waters Based on Calcareous Nannoplankton Assemblages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auer, G.; De Vleeschouwer, D.; Groeneveld, J.; Bogus, K.; Henderiks, J.; Castañeda, I. S.; Expedition 356 Scientists, I.

2017-12-01

The Early Pliocene is characterized by a fundamental reorganization of Earth's climate. In particular, the ongoing constriction of the Indonesian Gateway (IG) around 4.0 - 3.0 Ma is commonly evoked cause for these climatic changes (Christensen et al., 2017; De Schepper et al., 2014; Karas et al., 2009; 2017). The constriction of the IG, caused by the northward movement of Australia and related uplift of Indonesia, had major effects on global climate and may have contributed to Northern Hemisphere cooling via complex atmospheric and oceanographic teleconnections. Untangling the exact timing of IG constriction is thus critical for resolving the mechanisms driving Earth's climatic evolution during the Pliocene. Here we present high-resolution reconstructions of surface water conditions and IG connectivity using calcareous nannoplankton (CNP) assemblages between 4.0 and 2.8 Ma at Site U1463 (18°59'S, 117°37'E; IODP Expedition 356). Located on the Northwest Shelf (NWS) of Australia, the site lies directly in the path of the upper branch of the Leeuwin-Holloway current, making it an ideal location to study Pliocene IG dynamics and their influence on the eastern Indian Ocean. Using modern analogue based interpretation of CNP assemblages, in combination with an independent orbitally tuned age model, shows a change in surface water conditions along the NWS 3.8 Ma recognizable by a decrease in tropical taxa like Umbilicosphaera sibogae and Sphenolithus spp. Subsequently, a shift from Gephyrocapsa sp. to Reticulofenestra sp. dominated CNP assemblages and the increase of mesotrophic CNP taxa (e.g. Umbilicosphaera jafari; Helicosphaera spp.), suggests that warm, stratified, oligotrophic (i.e. tropical) waters were replaced by cooler, more turbulent, and less saline waters by 3.8 - 3.6 Ma. We relate this switch in dominant water masses to changes in IG geometry delivering relatively cooler and fresher waters from northern Pacific sources to the NWS. The abundance of Calcidiscus leptoporus and overall decreasing CNP diversity, however, correlates with temperature records from the equatorial Indian Ocean. Combined with existing records, our data thus suggest that initial IG constriction occurred 3.8 - 3.75 Ma while also reflecting the response of the tropical Indian Ocean to cooling in the southern high latitudes.

Immediate effect of chandra nadi pranayama (left unilateral forced nostril breathing) on cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients.

PubMed

Bhavanani, Ananda Balayogi; Madanmohan; Sanjay, Zeena

2012-07-01

Recent studies have reported differential physiological and psychological effects produced by exclusive right and left nostril breathing and clinical research is required to prove immediate and sustained efficacy of these techniques in various psychosomatic conditions such as hypertension (HT). The present study was designed to determine immediate effects of 27 rounds of exclusive left nostril breathing, a yogic pranayama technique known as chandra nadi pranayama (CNP) on cardiovascular parameters in patients of essential HT. Twenty two patients of essential HT under regular standard medical management were individually taught to perform CNP by a qualified yoga instructor with a regularity of 6 breaths/min throughout a performance of 27 rounds of CNP. Pre and post intervention heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) measurements were recorded using non-invasive semi-automatic BP monitor and Students t test for paired data used to determine significant differences. Twenty seven rounds of CNP produced an immediate decrease in all the measured cardiovascular parameters with the decrease in HR, systolic pressure (SP), pulse pressure, rate-pressure product and double product being statistically significant. Further, gender-based sub-analysis of our data revealed that our male participants evidenced significant reductions in HR and SP with an insignificant decrease in diastolic pressure, while in female participants only HR decreased significantly with an insignificant decrease in SP. It is concluded that CNP is effective in reducing HR and SP in hypertensive patients on regular standard medical management. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previously published reports on immediate effects of left UFNB in patients of HT and ours is the first to report on this beneficial clinical effect. This may be due to a normalization of autonomic cardiovascular rhythms with increased vagal modulation and/or decreased sympathetic activity along with improvement in baroreflex sensitivity. Further studies are required to enable a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved as well as determine how long such a BP lowering effect persists. We recommend that this simple and cost effective technique be added to the regular management protocol of HT and utilized when immediate reduction of BP is required in day-to-day as well as clinical situations.

Atrial natriuretic peptide provokes a dramatic increase in cyclic GMP formation and markedly inhibits muscarinic-stimulated Ca2+ mobilisation in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells.

PubMed

Ding, K H; Ali, N; Abdel-Latif, A A

1999-02-01

We investigated the effects of cGMP-elevating agents, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), on cGMP accumulation and on carbachol (CCh)-stimulated intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilisation in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells and in primary cultured cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (CISM) cells. The stimulatory effects of the natriuretic peptides on cGMP production correlated well with their inhibitory effects on CCh-induced [Ca+1]i mobilisation, and these effects were significantly more pronounced in the SV-CISM-2 cells than in the CISM cells. Thus, ANP (1 microM) increased cGMP production in the SV-CISM-2 cells and CISM cells by 487- and 1.7-fold, respectively, and inhibited CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilisation by 95 and 3%, respectively. In the SV-CISM-2 cells, ANP and CNP dose dependently inhibited CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilisation with IC50 values of 156 and 412 nM, respectively, and dose dependently stimulated cGMP formation with EC50 values of 24 and 88 nM, respectively, suggesting that the inhibitory actions of the peptides are mediated through cGMP. Both ANP and CNP stimulated cGMP accumulation in a time-dependent manner. The potency of the cGMP-elevating agents were in the following order: ANP>CNP>SNP; these agents had no effect on cAMP accumulation. The inhibitory effects of the natriuretic peptides were mimicked by 8-Br-cGMP, a selective activator of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. LY83583, a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, significantly inhibited SNP-induced cGMP formation but had no effect on those of ANP and CNP. The basal activities of the guanylyl cyclase and the dissociation constant (Kd) and total receptor density (Bmax) values of the natriuretic peptide receptor for [125I]ANP binding were not significantly different between the two cell types. The cGMP system, as with the cAMP system, has a major inhibitory influence on the muscarinic responses in the iris sphincter smooth muscle cells, and SV-CISM-2 cells can serve as an excellent model for investigating the cross talk between cGMP and the Ca2+ signalling system.

A turn-on coordination nanoparticle-based fluorescent probe for phosphate in human serum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Na; Li, Jian; Lu, Zhixiang; Bian, Longchun; Zheng, Liyan; Cao, Qiue; Ding, Zhongtao

2015-03-01

Coordination nanoparticles (CNPs) are becoming attractive platforms for chemical sensing applications because their unique adjustable properties offer the opportunity to design various luminescent nanoprobes. Here, we present a CNP-based fluorescent nanoprobe, in which fluorophores (rhodamine B, RB) and quenchers (methylene blue, MB) were spontaneously enfolded by coordination networks self-assembled of adenine, biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (BDA) and zinc ions. The aggregation of fluorophores and quenchers in CNPs resulted in a quenched state fluorescence of RB. RB and MB could be released from CNPs in the presence of phosphate, which triggered the fluorescence of RB. On the basis of recognition-driven disassembly principle, a novel turn-on fluorescent probe for the determination of PO43- with a wide response range (0.5-50 μM) has been successfully applied in the detection of phosphate in human serum samples. This work not only develops a probe for phosphate but also provides a general strategy for designing nanoprobes or nanocarriers towards various targets by altering organic linkers or metal ions.Coordination nanoparticles (CNPs) are becoming attractive platforms for chemical sensing applications because their unique adjustable properties offer the opportunity to design various luminescent nanoprobes. Here, we present a CNP-based fluorescent nanoprobe, in which fluorophores (rhodamine B, RB) and quenchers (methylene blue, MB) were spontaneously enfolded by coordination networks self-assembled of adenine, biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (BDA) and zinc ions. The aggregation of fluorophores and quenchers in CNPs resulted in a quenched state fluorescence of RB. RB and MB could be released from CNPs in the presence of phosphate, which triggered the fluorescence of RB. On the basis of recognition-driven disassembly principle, a novel turn-on fluorescent probe for the determination of PO43- with a wide response range (0.5-50 μM) has been successfully applied in the detection of phosphate in human serum samples. This work not only develops a probe for phosphate but also provides a general strategy for designing nanoprobes or nanocarriers towards various targets by altering organic linkers or metal ions. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Supplementary figures. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr00515a

Chemical safety of cassava products in regions adopting cassava production and processing--experience from Southern Africa.

PubMed

Nyirenda, D B; Chiwona-Karltun, L; Chitundu, M; Haggblade, S; Brimer, L

2011-03-01

The cassava belt area in Southern Africa is experiencing an unforeseen surge in cassava production, processing and consumption. Little documentation exists on the effects of this surge on processing procedures, the prevailing levels of cyanogenic glucosides of products consumed and the levels of products commercially available on the market. Risk assessments disclose that effects harmful to the developing central nervous system (CNS) may be observed at a lower exposure than previously anticipated. We interviewed farmers in Zambia and Malawi about their cultivars, processing procedures and perceptions concerning cassava and chemical food safety. Chips, mixed biscuits and flour, procured from households and markets in three regions of Zambia (Luapula-North, Western and Southern) as well as products from the Northern, Central and Southern regions of Malawi, were analyzed for total cyanogenic potential (CNp). Processed products from Luapula showed a low CNp, <10 mg HCN equiv./kg air dried weight, while samples from Mongu, Western Province, exhibited high levels of CNp, varying from 50 to 290 mg HCN equiv./kg. Even the lowest level is five times higher than the recommended safety level of 10mg/kg decided on for cassava flour. Our results call for concerted efforts in promoting gender oriented processing technologies. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced photomechanical response of a Ni-Ti shape memory alloy coated with polymer-based photothermal composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez-Zúñiga, M. G.; Sánchez-Arévalo, F. M.; Hernández-Cordero, J.

2017-10-01

A simple way to enhance the activation of shape memory effects with light in a Ni-Ti alloy is demonstrated. Using polydimethylsiloxane-carbon nanopowder (PDMS+CNP) composites as coatings, the one-way shape memory effect (OWSME) of the alloy can be triggered using low power IR light from a laser diode. The PDMS+CNP coatings serve as photothermal materials capable to absorb light, and subsequently generate and dissipate heat in a highly efficient manner, thereby reducing the optical powers required for triggering the OWSME in the Ni-Ti alloy. Experimental results with a cantilever flexural test using both, bare Ni-Ti and coated samples, show that the PDMS+CNP coatings perform as thermal boosters, and therefore the temperatures required for phase transformation in the alloy can be readily obtained with low laser powers. It is also shown that the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) can be set in the Ni-Ti alloy through cycling the TWSME by simply modulating the laser diode signal. This provides a simple means for training the material, yielding a light driven actuator capable to provide forces in the mN range. Hence, the use of photothermal coatings on Ni-Ti shape memory alloys may offer new possibilities for developing light-controlled smart actuators.

The effects of hypoxia on the ERG in paediatric cerebral malaria.

PubMed

Lochhead, J; Movaffaghy, A; Falsini, B; Harding, S; Riva, C; Molyneux, M

2010-02-01

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a disease of high mortality worldwide. It can be associated with malarial retinopathy (MR) resulting from impaired perfusion within the retinal microvasculature. Areas of capillary non-perfusion (CNP) appear white (retinal whitening) on ophthalmoloscopy. In this study, electrophysiological investigations were performed to investigate the physiological consequences of these hypoxic and ischaemic changes. Children admitted with CM were assessed for inclusion in the study. Those with MR underwent further detailed fundus assessment to quantify retinal whitening and were then designated a severity score. Electrophysiological recordings were performed using a miniganzfeldt stimulator with calibration to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Visual (ISCEV) standards. ERG data were then analysed with respect to presence of MR and also graded disease severity. Thirty-one children were recruited with a diagnosis of CM, 20 had MR (group 1), and 11 had absent MR (group 2). Statistical analyses of these two groups showed a significant relationship between reduced single flash cone b wave amplitude (CBWA) and increased severity of retinal whitening/CNP (P<0.05). Cone and maximal response b : a wave ratios remained >1 in all subjects. Retinal whitening/CNP in MR is associated with significant changes in ERG cone b wave function. The relatively high b : a ratio is compatible with the high frequency of MR resolution without sequelae.

Climate variability from the Florida Bay sedimentary record: Possible teleconnections to ENSO, PNA and CNP

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cronin, T. M.; Dwyer, Gary S.; Schwede, S.B.; Vann, C.D.; Dowsett, H.

2002-01-01

We analyzed decadal and interannual climate variability in South Florida since 1880 using geochemical and faunal paleosalinity indicators from isotopically dated sediment cores at Russell Bank in Florida Bay (FB). Using the relative abundance of 2 ostracode species and the Mg/Ca ratios in Loxoconcha matagordensis shells to reconstruct paleosalinity, we found evidence for cyclic oscillations in the salinity of central FB. During this time salinity fluctuated from as low as ~18 parts per thousand (ppt) to as high as ~57 ppt. Time series analyses suggest, in addition to a 5.6 yr Mg/Ca based salinity periodicity, there are 3 other modes of variability in paleosalinity indicators: 6-7, 8-9, and 13-14 yr periods which occur in all paleo-proxies. To search for factors that might cause salinity to vary in FB, we compared the Russell Bank paleosalinity record to South Florida winter rainfall, the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the winter Pacific North American (PNA) index, and a surrogate for the PNA in the winter season, the Central North Pacific (CNP) index. SOI and PNA/CNP appear to be associated with South Florida winter precipitation. Time series analyses of SOI and winter rainfall for the period 1910-1999 suggest ~5, 6-7, 8-9 and 13-14 yr cycles. The 6-7 yr and 13-14 yr cycles correspond to those observed in the faunal and geochemical time series from Russell Bank. The main periods of the CNP index are 5-6 and 13-15 yr, which are similar to those observed in FB paleosalinity. Cross-spectral analyses show that winter rainfall and salinity are coherent at 5.6 yr with a salinity lag of ~1.6 mo. These results suggest that regional rainfall variability influences FB salinity over interannual and decadal timescales and that much of this variability may have its origin in climate variability in the Pacific Ocean/atmosphere system.

Meta-analysis of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for relief of spinal pain.

PubMed

Resende, L; Merriwether, E; Rampazo, É P; Dailey, D; Embree, J; Deberg, J; Liebano, R E; Sluka, K A

2018-04-01

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis analysing the existing data on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or interferential current (IFC) for chronic low back pain (CLBP) and/or neck pain (CNP) taking into account intensity and timing of stimulation, examining pain, function and disability. Seven electronic databases were searched for TENS or IFC treatment in non-specific CLBP or CNP. Four reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TENS or IFC intervention in adult individuals with non-specific CLBP or CNP. Primary outcomes were for self-reported pain intensity and back-specific disability. Two reviewers performed quality assessment, and two reviewers extracted data using a standardized form. Nine RCTs were selected (eight CLBP; one CNP), and seven studies with complete data sets were included for meta-analysis (655 participants). For CLBP, meta-analysis shows TENS/IFC intervention, independent of time of assessment, was significantly different from placebo/control (p < 0.02). TENS/IFC intervention was better than placebo/control, during therapy (p = 0.02), but not immediately after therapy (p = 0.08), or 1-3 months after therapy (p = 0.99). Analysis for adequate stimulation parameters was not significantly different, and there was no effect on disability. This systematic review provides inconclusive evidence of TENS benefits in low back pain patients because the quality of the studies was low, and adequate parameters and timing of assessment were not uniformly used or reported. Without additional high-quality clinical trials using sufficient sample sizes and adequate parameters and outcome assessments, the outcomes of this review are likely to remain unchanged. These data highlight the need for additional high-quality RCTs to examine the effects of TENS in CLBP. Trials should consider intensity of stimulation, timing of outcome assessment and assessment of pain, disability and function. © 2017 European Pain Federation - EFIC®.

Impact of locomotion training with a neurologic controlled hybrid assistive limb (HAL) exoskeleton on neuropathic pain and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in chronic SCI: a case study (.).

PubMed

Cruciger, Oliver; Schildhauer, Thomas A; Meindl, Renate C; Tegenthoff, Martin; Schwenkreis, Peter; Citak, Mustafa; Aach, Mirko

2016-08-01

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a common condition associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been reported to be severe, disabling and often treatment-resistant and therefore remains a clinical challenge for the attending physicians. The treatment usually includes pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological approaches. Body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and locomotion training with driven gait orthosis (DGO) have evolved over the last decades and are now considered to be an established part in the rehabilitation of SCI patients. Conventional locomotion training goes along with improvements of the patients' walking abilities in particular speed and gait pattern. The neurologic controlled hybrid assistive limb (HAL®, Cyberdyne Inc., Ibraki, Japan) exoskeleton, however, is a new tailored approach to support motor functions synchronously to the patient's voluntary drive. This report presents two cases of severe chronic and therapy resistant neuropathic pain due to chronic SCI and demonstrates the beneficial effects of neurologic controlled exoskeletal intervention on pain severity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Both of these patients were engaged in a 12 weeks period of daily HAL®-supported locomotion training. In addition to improvements in motor functions and walking abilities, both show significant reduction in pain severity and improvements in all HRQoL domains. Although various causal factors likely contribute to abatement of CNP, the reported results occurred due to a new approach in the rehabilitation of chronic spinal cord injury patients. These findings suggest not only the feasibility of this new approach but in conclusion, demonstrate the effectiveness of neurologic controlled locomotion training in the long-term management of refractory neuropathic pain. Implications for Rehabilitation CNP remains a challenge in the rehabilitation of chronic SCI patients. Locomotion training with the HAL exoskeleton seems to improve CNP in chronic SCI. HAL locomotion training is feasible and safe in the rehabilitation of chronic SCI patients.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Yuan, Qi-ling; Guo, Tuan-mao; Liu, Liang; Sun, Fu; Zhang, Yin-gang

2015-01-01

Background Neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP) are common symptoms bothering people in daily life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat various symptoms and diseases in China and has been demonstrated to be effective. The objective of the present study was to review and analyze the existing data about pain and disability in TCM treatments for NP and LBP. Methods Studies were identified by a comprehensive search of databases, such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, up to September 1, 2013. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in managing NP and LBP. Results Seventy five randomized controlled trials (n = 11077) were included. Almost all of the studies investigated individuals experiencing chronic NP (CNP) or chronic LBP (CLBP). We found moderate evidence that acupuncture was more effective than sham-acupuncture in reducing pain immediately post-treatment for CNP (visual analogue scale (VAS) 10 cm, mean difference (MD) = -0.58 (-0.94, -0.22), 95% confidence interval, p = 0.01), CLBP (standardized mean difference = -0.47 (-0.77, -0.17), p = 0.003), and acute LBP (VAS 10 cm, MD = -0.99 (-1.24, -0.73), p< 0.001). Cupping could be more effective than waitlist in VAS (100 mm) (MD = -19.10 (-27.61, -10.58), p < 0. 001) for CNP or medications (e.g. NSAID) for CLBP (MD = -5.4 (-8.9, -0.19), p = 0.003). No serious or life-threatening adverse effects were found. Conclusions Acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping could be efficacious in treating the pain and disability associated with CNP or CLBP in the immediate term. Gua sha, tai chi, qigong, and Chinese manipulation showed fair effects, but we were unable to draw any definite conclusions, and further research is still needed. The efficacy of tuina and moxibustion is unknown because no direct evidence was obtained. These TCM modalities are relatively safe. PMID:25710765

Common Questions About Chronic Prostatitis.

PubMed

Holt, James D; Garrett, W Allan; McCurry, Tyler K; Teichman, Joel M H

2016-02-15

Chronic prostatitis is relatively common, with a lifetime prevalence of 1.8% to 8.2%. Risk factors include conditions that facilitate introduction of bacteria into the urethra and prostate (which also predispose the patient to urinary tract infections) and conditions that can lead to chronic neuropathic pain. Chronic prostatitis must be differentiated from other causes of chronic pelvic pain, such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and pelvic floor dysfunction; prostate and bladder cancers; benign prostatic hyperplasia; urolithiasis; and other causes of dysuria, urinary frequency, and nocturia. The National Institutes of Health divides prostatitis into four syndromes: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP), chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP)/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. CBP and CNP/CPPS both lead to pelvic pain and lower urinary tract symptoms. CBP presents as recurrent urinary tract infections with the same organism identified on repeated cultures; it responds to a prolonged course of an antibiotic that adequately penetrates the prostate, if the urine culture suggests sensitivity. If four to six weeks of antibiotic therapy is effective but symptoms recur, another course may be prescribed, perhaps in combination with alpha blockers or nonopioid analgesics. CNP/CPPS, accounting for more than 90% of chronic prostatitis cases, presents as prostatic pain lasting at least three months without consistent culture results. Weak evidence supports the use of alpha blockers, pain medications, and a four- to six-week course of antibiotics for the treatment of CNP/CPPS. Patients may also be referred to a psychologist experienced in managing chronic pain. Experts on this condition recommend a combination of treatments tailored to the patient's phenotypic presentation. Urology referral should be considered when appropriate treatment is ineffective. Additional treatments include pelvic floor physical therapy, phytotherapy, and pain management techniques. The UPOINT (urinary, psychosocial, organ-specific, infection, neurologic/systemic, tenderness) approach summarizes the various factors that may contribute to presentation and can guide treatment.

Temporal changes in soil C-N-P stoichiometry over the past 60 years across subtropical China.

PubMed

Yu, Zaipeng; Wang, Minhuang; Huang, Zhiqun; Lin, Teng-Chiu; Vadeboncoeur, Matthew A; Searle, Eric B; Chen, Han Y H

2018-03-01

Controlled experiments have shown that global changes decouple the biogeochemical cycles of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), resulting in shifting stoichiometry that lies at the core of ecosystem functioning. However, the response of soil stoichiometry to global changes in natural ecosystems with different soil depths, vegetation types, and climate gradients remains poorly understood. Based on 2,736 observations along soil profiles of 0-150 cm depth from 1955 to 2016, we evaluated the temporal changes in soil C-N-P stoichiometry across subtropical China, where soils are P-impoverished, with diverse vegetation, soil, and parent material types and a wide range of climate gradients. We found a significant overall increase in soil total C concentration and a decrease in soil total P concentration, resulting in increasing soil C:P and N:P ratios during the past 60 years across all soil depths. Although average soil N concentration did not change, soil C:N increased in topsoil while decreasing in deeper soil. The temporal trends in soil C-N-P stoichiometry differed among vegetation, soil, parent material types, and spatial climate variations, with significantly increased C:P and N:P ratios for evergreen broadleaf forest and highly weathered Ultisols, and more pronounced temporal changes in soil C:N, N:P, and C:P ratios at low elevations. Our sensitivity analysis suggests that the temporal changes in soil stoichiometry resulted from elevated N deposition, rising atmospheric CO 2 concentration and regional warming. Our findings revealed that the responses of soil C-N-P and stoichiometry to long-term global changes have occurred across the whole soil depth in subtropical China and the magnitudes of the changes in soil stoichiometry are dependent on vegetation types, soil types, and spatial climate variations. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Pathway focused protein profiling indicates differential function for IL-1B, -18 and VEGF during initiation and resolution of lung inflammation evoked by carbon nanoparticle exposure in mice

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Carbonaceous nanoparticles possess an emerging source of human exposure due to the massive release of combustion products and the ongoing revolution in nanotechnology. Pulmonary inflammation caused by deposited nanoparticles is central for their adverse health effects. Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with favourable lung physiology are at lower risk for particulate matter associated respiratory diseases probably due to efficient control of inflammation and repair process. Therefore we selected a mouse strain C3H/HeJ (C3) with robust lung physiology and exposed it to moderately toxic carbon nanoparticles (CNP) to study the elicited pulmonary inflammation and its resolution. Methods 5 μg, 20 μg and 50 μg CNP were intratracheally (i.t.) instilled in C3 mice to identify the optimal dose for subsequent time course studies. Pulmonary inflammation was assessed using histology, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis and by a panel of 62 protein markers. Results 1 day after instillation of CNP, C3 mice exhibited a typical dose response, with the lowest dose (5 μg) representing the 'no effect level' as reflected by polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN), and BAL/lung concentrations of pro-inflammatory proteins. Histological analysis and BAL-protein concentration did not reveal any evidence of tissue injury in 20 μg CNP instilled animals. Accordingly time course assessment of the inflammatory response was performed after 3 and 7 days with this dose (20 μg). Compared to day 1, BAL PMN counts were significantly decreased at day 3 and completely returned to normal by day 7. We have identified protein markers related to the acute response and also to the time dependent response in lung and BAL. After complete resolution of PMN influx on day 7, we detected elevated concentrations of 20 markers that included IL1B, IL18, FGF2, EDN1, and VEGF in lung and/or BAL. Biological pathway analysis revealed these factors to be involved in a closely regulated molecular cascade with IL1B/IL18 as upstream and FGF2/EDN1/VEGF as downstream molecules. Conclusion Considering the role of VEGF, FGF2 and EDN1 in lung development and morphogenesis together with the lack of any evident tissue damage we suggest a protective/homeostatic machinery to be associated in lungs of stable organisms to counter the CNP challenge as a precautionary measure. PMID:19954533

Self-assembled thin films of Fe3O4-Ag composite nanoparticles for spintronic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chengpeng; Leung, Chi Wah; Pong, Philip W. T.

2017-10-01

Controlled self-assembly of multi-component magnetic nanoparticles could lead to nanomaterial-based magnetic devices with novel structures and intriguing properties. Herein, self-assembled thin films of Fe3O4-Ag composite nanoparticles (CNPs) with hetero-dimeric shapes were fabricated using interfacial assembly method. The CNP-assembled thin films were further transferred to patterned silicon substrates followed by vacuum annealing, producing CNP-based magnetoresistive (MR) devices. Due to the presence of intra-particle interfaces and inter-particle barriers, an enhanced MR ratio and a non-linear current-voltage relation were observed in the device. The results of this work can potentially pave the way to the future exploration and development of spintronic devices built from composite nanomaterials.

Central peptidergic mechanisms controlling reproductive hormone secretion: novel methodology reveals a role for the natriuretic peptides.

PubMed

Samson, W K; Alexander, B D; Skala, K D; Huang, F L; Fulton, R J

1992-05-01

A variety of neural factors can influence reproductive hormone secretion by neuromodulatory actions within the hypothalamus or neuroendocrine actions within the anterior pituitary gland. Passive immunoneutralization and antagonist administration protocols have suggested physiological roles for a number of these factors; however, both experimental approaches have severe technical limitations. We have developed novel methodology utilizing cytotoxin cell targeting with neuropeptides linked to the toxic A chain of the plant cytotoxin ricin. With this methodology we can target and destroy in vivo or in vitro cells bearing receptors for that peptide. Ricin A chain conjugated to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a neuropeptide known to pharmacologically inhibit luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) release, was injected into the cerebroventricular system of intact, cycling rats and ovariectomized rats. Cytotoxin conjugate treatment significantly lengthened the estrous cycle. In ovariectomized rats the luteinizing hormone surge induced by steroid priming was completely inhibited. LHRH content of the median eminences of these rats was not significantly altered. These data suggest that ANP binding to clearance receptors in the hypothalamus displaces the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) from the shared clearance receptor, making more CNP available to inhibit LHRH release. In the absence of cells bearing the clearance receptor all available CNP binds to the ANPR-B receptor and exerts its effect via an inhibitory interneuron, since LHRH fibers are spared by this treatment.

Persistent anomalies of the extratropical Northern Hemisphere wintertime circulation as an initiator of El Niño/Southern Oscillation events

DOE PAGES

Anderson, Bruce T.; Hassanzadeh, Pedram; Caballero, Rodrigo

2017-08-31

Climates across both hemispheres are strongly influenced by tropical Pacific variability associated with the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Conversely, extratropical variability also can affect the tropics. In particular, seasonal-mean alterations of near-surface winds associated with the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) serve as a significant extratropical forcing agent of ENSO. However, it is still unclear what dynamical processes give rise to year-to-year shifts in these long-lived NPO anomalies. Here in this paper we show that intraseasonal variability in boreal winter pressure patterns over the Central North Pacific (CNP) imparts a significant signature upon the seasonal-mean circulations characteristic of the NPO. Furthermore » we show that the seasonal-mean signature results in part from year-to-year variations in persistent, quasi-stationary low-pressure intrusions into the subtropics of the CNP, accompanied by the establishment of persistent, quasi-stationary high-pressure anomalies over high latitudes of the CNP. Overall, we find that the frequency of these persistent extratropical anomalies (PEAs) during a given winter serves as a key modulator of intraseasonal variability in extratropical North Pacific circulations and, through their influence on the seasonal-mean circulations in and around the southern lobe of the NPO, the state of the equatorial Pacific 9–12 months later.« less

Persistent anomalies of the extratropical Northern Hemisphere wintertime circulation as an initiator of El Niño/Southern Oscillation events

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

Anderson, Bruce T.; Hassanzadeh, Pedram; Caballero, Rodrigo

Climates across both hemispheres are strongly influenced by tropical Pacific variability associated with the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Conversely, extratropical variability also can affect the tropics. In particular, seasonal-mean alterations of near-surface winds associated with the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) serve as a significant extratropical forcing agent of ENSO. However, it is still unclear what dynamical processes give rise to year-to-year shifts in these long-lived NPO anomalies. Here in this paper we show that intraseasonal variability in boreal winter pressure patterns over the Central North Pacific (CNP) imparts a significant signature upon the seasonal-mean circulations characteristic of the NPO. Furthermore » we show that the seasonal-mean signature results in part from year-to-year variations in persistent, quasi-stationary low-pressure intrusions into the subtropics of the CNP, accompanied by the establishment of persistent, quasi-stationary high-pressure anomalies over high latitudes of the CNP. Overall, we find that the frequency of these persistent extratropical anomalies (PEAs) during a given winter serves as a key modulator of intraseasonal variability in extratropical North Pacific circulations and, through their influence on the seasonal-mean circulations in and around the southern lobe of the NPO, the state of the equatorial Pacific 9–12 months later.« less

Trauma Care Training for National Police Nurses in Colombia

PubMed Central

Rubiano, Andrés M.; Sánchez, Álvaro I.; Guyette, Francis; Puyana, Juan C.

2010-01-01

Introduction In response to a requirement for advanced trauma care nurses to provide combat tactical medical support, the antinarcotics arm of the Colombian National Police (CNP) requested the Colombian National Prehospital Care Association to develop a Combat Tactical Medicine Course (MEDTAC course). Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of this course in imparting knowledge and skills to the students. Methods We trained 374 combat nurses using the novel MEDTAC course. We evaluated students using pre-and postcourse performance with a 45-question examination. Field simulations and live tissue exercises were evaluated by instructors using a Likert scale with possible choices of 1 to 4. Interval estimation of proportions was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Differences in didactic test scores were assessed using a t-test at 0.05 level of statistical significance. Results Between March 2006 and July 2007, 374 combat nursing students of the CNP were trained. The difference between examination scores before and after the didactic part of the course was statistically significant (p < 0.01). After the practical session of the course, all participants (100%) demonstrated competency on final evaluation. Conclusions The MEDTAC course is an effective option improving the knowledge and skills of combat nurses serving in the CNP. MEDTAC represents a customized approach for military trauma care training in Colombia. This course is an example of specialized training available for groups that operate in austere environments with limited resources. PMID:19947877

Thermoresponsive core-shell magnetic nanoparticles for combined modalities of cancer therapy.

PubMed

Purushotham, S; Chang, P E J; Rumpel, H; Kee, I H C; Ng, R T H; Chow, P K H; Tan, C K; Ramanujan, R V

2009-07-29

Thermoresponsive polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles loaded with anti-cancer drugs are of considerable interest for novel multi-modal cancer therapies. Such nanoparticles can be used for magnetic drug targeting followed by simultaneous hyperthermia and drug release. Gamma-Fe(2)O(3) iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) with average sizes of 14, 19 and 43 nm were synthesized by high temperature decomposition. Composite magnetic nanoparticles (CNP) of 43 nm MNP coated with the thermoresponsive polymer poly-n-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) were prepared by dispersion polymerization of n-isopropylacrylamide monomer in the presence of the MNP. In vitro drug release of doxorubicin-(dox) loaded dehydrated CNP at temperatures below and above the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM (34 degrees C) revealed a weak dependence of drug release on swelling behavior. The particles displayed Fickian diffusion release kinetics; the maximum dox release at 42 degrees C after 101 h was 41%. In vitro simultaneous hyperthermia and drug release of therapeutically relevant quantities of dox was achieved, 14.7% of loaded dox was released in 47 min at hyperthermia temperatures. In vivo magnetic targeting of dox-loaded CNP to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a buffalo rat model was studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. In summary, the good in vitro and in vivo performance of the doxorubicin-loaded thermoresponsive polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles suggests considerable promise for applications in multi-modal treatment of cancer.

Enhanced absorption of TM waves in conductive nanoparticles structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousa, H. M.; Shabat, M. M.; Ouda, A. K.; Schaadt, D. M.

2018-05-01

This paper tackles anti-reflection coating structure for silicon solar cell where conductive nanoparticle (CNP) film is sandwiched between a semi-infinite glass cover and a semi-infinite silicon substrate. The transmission and reflection coefficients are derived by the transfer matrix method and simulated for values of unit cell sizes, gab widths in visible and near-infrared radiation. We also illustrated the dependence of the absorption, transmission and reflection coefficients on several angles of incidence of the transverse magnetic polarized (TM) waves. We found out that reflection decreases by the increase of incident angle to 50∘. If nanoparticles are suitably located and sized at gab width of 3.5 nm, unit cell of 250 nm and CNP layer thickness of 150 nm, the absorptivity of the structure achieves 100%.

From Chilean Patagonia to Galapagos, Ecuador: novel insights on blue whale migratory pathways along the Eastern South Pacific.

PubMed

Hucke-Gaete, Rodrigo; Bedriñana-Romano, Luis; Viddi, Francisco A; Ruiz, Jorge E; Torres-Florez, Juan Pablo; Zerbini, Alexandre N

2018-01-01

The most traditional scheme for migration among baleen whales comprises yearly migrations between productive waters at high latitude summer feeding grounds and warmer waters at lower latitudes where whales calve and mate, but rarely feed. Evidence indicates, however, that large departures from this scheme exist among populations and individuals. Furthermore, for some populations there is virtually no information on migratory pathways and destinations. Such is the case of Chilean blue whales throughout the Eastern South Pacific; hence, the goal of this study was to assess its migratory behavior. Dedicated marine surveys and satellite tagging efforts were undertaken during the austral summer and early autumn on blue whale feeding grounds off Chilean Northern Patagonia (CNP) during 2013, 2015 and 2016. Positional data derived from satellite tags regarding movement patterns and behavior were analyzed using Bayesian switching first-difference correlated random walk models. We instrumented 10 CNP blue whales with satellite transmitters and documented individual variation in departure time, northbound migratory routes and potential wintering grounds. The onset of migration occurred from mid/late austral autumn to well into the austral winter. Blue whales moved in various directions, but ultimately converged toward a general NW movement direction along a wide corridor exceeding 2,000 km. Area-Restricted Search behavior was exhibited within fjords and channels of CNP and also South of Galapagos Archipelago (GA) and northern Peru, but never during migration. Interestingly, dive profiles for one whale that reached GA showed a sharp and consistent increase in depth north of 5°S and extreme deep dives of up to 330 m. Information derived from satellite tagged blue whales in this study is the first of its kind off the Eastern Southern Pacific. Our results provide valuable information on their migratory timing, routes and behavior on their northbound migration, particularly regarding the varied migratory plasticity for this particular population. Our results also highlight the first record of two complete migratory paths between CNP and GA and strengthen the hypothesis that GA waters correspond to a potential wintering destination for CNP blue whales. We further hypothesize that this area might be selected because of its biological productivity, which could provide feeding opportunities during the breeding season. Our results suggest that special efforts should be put forward to identify blue whale critical areas and understand key behavioral aspects in order to provide the basis for their conservation on a regional context (i.e., reducing potential ship strike and promote Marine Protected Area (MPA) implementation in Chile, Ecuador and Peru). Indeed, we suggest joint blue whale conservation efforts at the regional level in order to identify and determine potential threats and impacts and, most importantly, implement prospective management actions.

Effectiveness of traditional bone setting in chronic neck pain: randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Zaproudina, Nina; Hänninen, Osmo O P; Airaksinen, Olavi

2007-01-01

This study evaluates the effectiveness of traditional bone setting (TBS) in chronic neck pain (cNP) compared with conventional physiotherapy (PT) and massage (M). This was a randomized clinical trial. Working-aged employed subjects with cNP (n = 105; 37 men and 68 women; mean age, 41.5 years) were randomized into TBS, PT, and M groups. Follow-up times were 1, 6, and 12 months after the treatments. Neck pain intensity (visual analog scale), perceived disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]), and neck spine mobility measurements were used as outcomes. Global assessment was evaluated by the subjects (scale from -1 to +10). Data were analyzed using time (pre and post) by group (TBS, PT and M), 2- way analysis of variance for repeated measures. Neck pain decreased and NDI scores improved in all groups 1 month after the treatment (P < .001). The improvement of NDI and persons' satisfaction were significantly better after TBS. Neck spine mobility in rotation movements tended to improve significantly better and the frons-knee distance improved more after TBS. One year later, both NDI and neck pain were significantly better after TBS than in reference groups. A significant improvement was reported by 40% to 45.5% of subjects in the PT and M groups and by 68.6% in the TBS group. Bone setters' ability to communicate and to interact with patients was evaluated significantly higher. In the TBS group, the number of sick days was minimal as was the use of painkillers during 1-year follow-up compared to that in the reference groups. Traditional bone setting, which is a soft manual mobilization technique focusing on the muscles, joints, and ligaments, appears to be effective in cNP. Two thirds of subjects experienced it as beneficial, and it seems to be able to improve disability and pain in patients with cNP. Subjective and partially objective benefits of TBS were found in those patients more than after other interventions, and the effects lasted at least for 1 year.

Characterization of a C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP-39)-formed cation-selective channel from platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom

PubMed Central

Kourie, Joseph I

1999-01-01

The lipid bilayer technique is used to characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of a novel, fast, cation-selective channel formed by incorporating platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) venom (OaV) into lipid membranes.A synthetic C-type natriuretic peptide OaCNP-39, which is identical to that present in platypus venom, mimics the conductance, kinetics, selectivity and pharmacological properties of the OaV-formed fast cation-selective channel. The N-terminal fragment containing residues 1-17, i.e. OaCNP-39(1-17), induces the channel activity.The current amplitude of the TEACl-insensitive fast cation-selective channel is dependent on cytoplasmic K+, [K+]cis. The increase in the current amplitude, as a function of increasing [K+]cis, is non-linear and can be described by the Michaelis-Menten equation. At +140 mV, the values of γmax and KS are 63·1 pS and 169 mM, respectively, whereas at 0 mV the values of γmax and KS are 21·1 pS and 307 mM, respectively. γmax and KS are maximal single channel conductance and concentration for half-maximal γ, respectively. The calculated permeability ratios, PK:PRb:PNa: PCs:PLi, were 1:0·76:0·21:0·09:0·03, respectively.The probability of the fast channel being open, Po, increases from 0·15 at 0 mV to 0·75 at +140 mV. In contrast, the channel frequency, Fo, decreases from 400 to 180 events per second for voltages between 0 mV and +140. The mean open time, To, increases as the bilayer is made more positive, between 0 and +140 mV. The mean values of the voltage-dependent kinetic parameters, Po, Fo, To and mean closed time (Tc), are independent of [KCl]cis between 50 and 750 mM (P > 0·05).It is proposed that some of the symptoms of envenomation by platypus venom may be caused partly by changes in cellular functions mediated via the OaCNP-39-formed fast cation-selective channel, which affects signal transduction. PMID:10381585

Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Accumulation and Partitioning, and C:N:P Stoichiometry in Late-Season Rice under Different Water and Nitrogen Managements

PubMed Central

Ye, Yushi; Liang, Xinqiang; Chen, Yingxu; Li, Liang; Ji, Yuanjing; Zhu, Chunyan

2014-01-01

Water and nitrogen availability plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of essential elements, such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), in agricultural ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the seasonal changes of C, N and P concentrations, accumulation, partitioning, and C:N:P stoichiometric ratios in different plant tissues (root, stem-leaf, and panicle) of late-season rice under two irrigation regimes (continuous flooding, CF; alternate wetting and drying, AWD) and four N managements (control, N0; conventional urea at 240 kg N ha−1, UREA; controlled-release bulk blending fertilizer at 240 kg N ha−1, BBF; polymer-coated urea at 240 kg N ha−1, PCU). We found that water and N treatments had remarkable effects on the measured parameters in different plant tissues after transplanting, but the water and N interactions had insignificant effects. Tissue C:N, N:P and C:P ratios ranged from 14.6 to 52.1, 3.1 to 7.8, and 76.9 to 254.3 over the rice growing seasons, respectively. The root and stem-leaf C:N:P and panicle C:N ratios showed overall uptrends with a peak at harvest whereas the panicle N:P and C:P ratios decreased from filling to harvest. The AWD treatment did not affect the concentrations and accumulation of tissue C and N, but greatly decreased those of P, resulting in enhanced N:P and C:P ratios. N fertilization significantly increased tissue N concentration, slightly enhanced tissue P concentration, but did not affect tissue C concentration, leading to a significant increase in tissue N:P ratio but a decrease in C:N and C:P ratios. Our results suggested that the growth of rice in the Taihu Lake region was co-limited by N and P. These findings broadened our understanding of the responses of plant C:N:P stoichiometry to simultaneous water and N managements in subtropical high-yielding rice systems. PMID:24992006

Progress of pancreatitis disease biomarker alpha amylase enzyme by new nano optical sensor.

PubMed

Attia, M S; Al-Radadi, Najlaa S

2016-12-15

A new nano optical sensor binuclear Pd-(2-aminothiazole) (urea), Pd(atz,ur) complex was prepared and characterized for the assessment of the activity of alpha amylase enzyme in urine and serum samples for early diagnosis of Pancreatitis disease. The assessment of alpha amylase activity is carried out by the quenching of the luminescence intensity of the nano optical sensor binuclear Pd(atz,ur) complex at 457nm by the 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (2-CNP) which produced from the reaction of the enzyme with 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl-α-d-maltotrioside (CNPG3) substrate. The remarkable quenching of the luminescence intensity at 457nm of nano Pd(atz,ur) doped in sol-gel matrix by various concentrations of the 2-CNP was successfully used as an optical sensor for the assessment of α-amylase activity. The calibration plot was achieved over the concentration range 8.5×10(-6) to 1.9×10(-9)molL(-1) 2-CNP with a correlation coefficient of (0.999) and a detection limit of (7.4×10(-10)molL(-1)). The method was used satisfactorily for the assessment of the α-amylase activity over activity range (3-321U/L) in different urine and serum samples of pancreatitis patients. The assessment of the alpha amylase biomarker by the proposed method increases its sensitivity (96.88%) and specificity (94.41%) for early diagnosis of pancreatitis diseases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

8-Nitro-cGMP promotes bone growth through expansion of growth plate cartilage.

PubMed

Hoshino, Marie; Kaneko, Kotaro; Miyamoto, Yoichi; Yoshimura, Kentaro; Suzuki, Dai; Akaike, Takaaki; Sawa, Tomohiro; Ida, Tomoaki; Fujii, Shigemoto; Ihara, Hideshi; Tanaka, Junichi; Tsukuura, Risa; Chikazu, Daichi; Mishima, Kenji; Baba, Kazuyoshi; Kamijo, Ryutaro

2017-09-01

In endochondral ossification, growth of bones occurs at their growth plate cartilage. While it is known that nitric oxide (NO) synthases are required for proliferation of chondrocytes in growth plate cartilage and growth of bones, the precise mechanism by which NO facilitates these process has not been clarified yet. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) also positively regulate elongation of bones through expansion of the growth plate cartilage. Both NO and CNP are known to use cGMP as the second messenger. Recently, 8-nitro-cGMP was identified as a signaling molecule produced in the presence of NO in various types of cells. Here, we found that 8-nitro-cGMP is produced in proliferating chondrocytes in the growth plates, which was enhanced by CNP, in bones cultured ex vivo. In addition, 8-nitro-cGMP promoted bone growth with expansion of the proliferating zone as well as increase in the number of proliferating cells in the growth plates. 8-Nitro-cGMP also promoted the proliferation of chondrocytes in vitro. On the other hand, 8-bromo-cGMP enhanced the growth of bones with expansion of hypertrophic zone of the growth plates without affecting either the width of proliferating zone or proliferation of chondrocytes. These results indicate that 8-nitro-cGMP formed in growth plate cartilage accelerates chondrocyte proliferation and bone growth as a downstream molecule of NO. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Morphine amplifies mechanical allodynia via TLR4 in a rat model of spinal cord injury

PubMed Central

Ellis, Amanda; Grace, Peter M.; Wieseler, Julie; Favret, Jacob; Springer, Kendra; Skarda, Bryce; Hutchinson, Mark R.; Falci, Scott; Rice, Kenner C.; Maier, Steven F.; Watkins, Linda R.

2016-01-01

Central neuropathic pain (CNP) is a pervasive, debilitating problem that impacts thousands of people living with central nervous system disorders, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Current therapies for treating this type of pain are ineffective and often have dose-limiting side effects. Although opioids are one of the most commonly used CNP treatments, recent animal literature has indicated that administering opioids shortly after a traumatic injury can actually have deleterious effects on long-term health and recovery. In order to study the deleterious effects of administering morphine shortly after trauma, we employed our low thoracic (T13) dorsal root avulsion model (Spinal Neuropathic Avulsion Pain, SNAP). Administering a weeklong course of 10 mg/kg/day morphine beginning 24 hr after SNAP resulted in amplified mechanical allodynia. Co-administering the non-opioid toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist (+)-naltrexone throughout the morphine regimen prevented morphine-induced amplification of SNAP. Exploration of changes induced by early post-trauma morphine revealed that this elevated gene expression of TLR4, TNF, IL-1β, and NLRP3, as well as IL-1β protein at the site of spinal cord injury. These data suggest that a short course of morphine administered early after spinal trauma can exacerbate CNP in the long term. TLR4 initiates this phenomenon and, as such, may be potential therapeutic targets for preventing the deleterious effects of administering opioids after traumatic injury. PMID:27519154

Global biodiversity, stoichiometry and ecosystem function responses to human-induced C-N-P imbalances.

PubMed

Carnicer, Jofre; Sardans, Jordi; Stefanescu, Constantí; Ubach, Andreu; Bartrons, Mireia; Asensio, Dolores; Peñuelas, Josep

2015-01-01

Global change analyses usually consider biodiversity as a global asset that needs to be preserved. Biodiversity is frequently analysed mainly as a response variable affected by diverse environmental drivers. However, recent studies highlight that gradients of biodiversity are associated with gradual changes in the distribution of key dominant functional groups characterized by distinctive traits and stoichiometry, which in turn often define the rates of ecosystem processes and nutrient cycling. Moreover, pervasive links have been reported between biodiversity, food web structure, ecosystem function and species stoichiometry. Here we review current global stoichiometric gradients and how future distributional shifts in key functional groups may in turn influence basic ecosystem functions (production, nutrient cycling, decomposition) and therefore could exert a feedback effect on stoichiometric gradients. The C-N-P stoichiometry of most primary producers (phytoplankton, algae, plants) has been linked to functional trait continua (i.e. to major axes of phenotypic variation observed in inter-specific analyses of multiple traits). In contrast, the C-N-P stoichiometry of higher-level consumers remains less precisely quantified in many taxonomic groups. We show that significant links are observed between trait continua across trophic levels. In spite of recent advances, the future reciprocal feedbacks between key functional groups, biodiversity and ecosystem functions remain largely uncertain. The reported evidence, however, highlights the key role of stoichiometric traits and suggests the need of a progressive shift towards an ecosystemic and stoichiometric perspective in global biodiversity analyses. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Quantum Hall Effect near the Charge Neutrality Point in a Two-Dimensional Electron-Hole System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusev, G. M.; Olshanetsky, E. B.; Kvon, Z. D.; Mikhailov, N. N.; Dvoretsky, S. A.; Portal, J. C.

2010-04-01

We study the transport properties of HgTe-based quantum wells containing simultaneously electrons and holes in a magnetic field B. At the charge neutrality point (CNP) with nearly equal electron and hole densities, the resistance is found to increase very strongly with B while the Hall resistivity turns to zero. This behavior results in a wide plateau in the Hall conductivity σxy≈0 and in a minimum of diagonal conductivity σxx at ν=νp-νn=0, where νn and νp are the electron and hole Landau level filling factors. We suggest that the transport at the CNP point is determined by electron-hole “snake states” propagating along the ν=0 lines. Our observations are qualitatively similar to the quantum Hall effect in graphene as well as to the transport in a random magnetic field with a zero mean value.

Duck-billed platypus venom peptides induce Ca2+ influx in neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Kita, Masaki; Black, David StC; Ohno, Osamu; Yamada, Kaoru; Kigoshi, Hideo; Uemura, Daisuke

2009-12-23

The duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of the few venomous Australian mammals. We previously found that its crude venom potently induces Ca(2+) influx in human neuroblastoma IMR-32 cells. Guided by this bioassay, we identified 11 novel peptides, including the heptapeptide H-His-Asp-His-Pro-Asn-Pro-Arg-OH (1). Compounds 1-4 and 5-11 coincided with the 6-9 N-terminal residues of Ornithorhynchus venom C-type natriuretic peptide (OvCNP) and the 132-150 part of OvCNP precursor peptide, respectively. Heptapeptide 1, which is one of the primary components of the venom fluid (approximately 200 ng/microL), induced a significant increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in IMR-32 cells at 75 microM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of the isolation of the N-terminal linear fragments of CNPs in any mammal.

AACSD: An atomistic analyzer for crystal structure and defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Z. R.; Zhang, R. F.

2018-01-01

We have developed an efficient command-line program named AACSD (Atomistic Analyzer for Crystal Structure and Defects) for the post-analysis of atomic configurations generated by various atomistic simulation codes. The program has implemented not only the traditional filter methods like the excess potential energy (EPE), the centrosymmetry parameter (CSP), the common neighbor analysis (CNA), the common neighborhood parameter (CNP), the bond angle analysis (BAA), and the neighbor distance analysis (NDA), but also the newly developed ones including the modified centrosymmetry parameter (m-CSP), the orientation imaging map (OIM) and the local crystallographic orientation (LCO). The newly proposed OIM and LCO methods have been extended for all three crystal structures including face centered cubic, body centered cubic and hexagonal close packed. More specially, AACSD can be easily used for the atomistic analysis of metallic nanocomposite with each phase to be analyzed independently, which provides a unique pathway to capture their dynamic evolution of various defects on the fly. In this paper, we provide not only a throughout overview on various theoretical methods and their implementation into AACSD program, but some critical evaluations, specific testing and applications, demonstrating the capability of the program on each functionality.

Prediction models of health-related quality of life in different neck pain conditions: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Beltran-Alacreu, Hector; López-de-Uralde-Villanueva, Ibai; Calvo-Lobo, César; La Touche, Roy; Cano-de-la-Cuerda, Roberto; Gil-Martínez, Alfonso; Fernández-Ayuso, David; Fernández-Carnero, Josué

2018-01-01

The main aim of the study was to predict the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) based on physical, functional, and psychological measures in patients with different types of neck pain (NP). This cross-sectional study included 202 patients from a primary health center and the physiotherapy outpatient department of a hospital. Patients were divided into four groups according to their NP characteristics: chronic (CNP), acute whiplash (WHIP), chronic NP associated with temporomandibular dysfunction (NP-TMD), or chronic NP associated with chronic primary headache (NP-PH). The following measures were performed: Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analog scale (VAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BECK), and cervical range of movement (CROM). The regression models based on the SF-12 total HRQoL for CNP and NP-TMD groups showed that only NDI was a significant predictor of the worst HRQoL (48.9% and 48.4% of the variance, respectively). In the WHIP group, the regression model showed that BECK was the only significant predictor variable for the worst HRQoL (31.7% of the variance). Finally, in the NP-PH group, the regression showed that the BECK, STAI, and VAS model predicted the worst HRQoL (75.1% of the variance). Chronic nonspecific NP and chronic NP associated with temporomandibular dysfunction were the main predictors of neck disability. In addition, depression, anxiety, and pain were the main predictors of WHIP or primary headache associated with CNP.

Opioids Increase Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Non-Cancer Pain.

PubMed

Ajo, Raquel; Segura, Ana; Inda, María M; Planelles, Beatriz; Martínez, Luz; Ferrández, Guillermina; Sánchez, Angel; César Margarit; Peiró, Ana-María

2016-09-01

Long-term opioid therapy has been found to have a strong impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that can be manifested clinically by sexual dysfunction (SD). This event is rarely reported and thus unnoticed and undertreated. To analyze the presence of SD in a large group of patients receiving long-term opioids. A descriptive, cross-sectional pilot study of sexual health was conducted for 2 years in 750 consecutive ambulatory patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNP) receiving opioids for at least 12 months. Cases that reported SD and matched controls were included. Standardized questionnaires and medical record reviews were used to assess rates of pain at diagnosis, daily morphine equivalent doses, and opioid adverse effects. Sexual function was determined by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; scores = 2-36) and the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain (IIEF-EF; scores = 1-30). Thirty-three percent of 33% of 750 patients with CNP recorded SD based on their spontaneous notification at the pain unit. Men reported SD significantly more frequently than women (33% vs 25%, respectively, P < .05), although they reported having a regular partner (84% vs 70%, P = .03) and a sexually active life (69% vs 34%, respectively, P = .00) significantly more often. FSFI scores were significantly influenced by sexual activity in lubrication and arousal. IIEF scores were significantly determined by age in satisfaction with sexual intercourse and overall satisfaction. The morphine equivalent dose was significant higher in men than in women (38%; median = 70 mg/d, interquartile range = 43.1-170, 115.5 ± 110.3 mg/d vs median = 60 mg/d, interquartile range = 30-100.6, 76.67 ± 63.79 mg/d, P = .016) at the same mean intensity of pain (P = .54), which correlated to FSFI scores (r = -0.313, P = .01). SD is prevalent in patients with CNP and higher in men who received a significantly higher mean opioid dose at the same intensity pain level than women. The morphine equivalent dose was correlated to SD intensity. Evidence-based interventions to support sexual activity and function in CNP are needed. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Jewel scarabs (Chrysina sp.) in Honduras: key species for cloud forest conservation monitoring?

PubMed

Jocque, M; Vanhove, M P M; Creedy, T J; Burdekin, O; Nuñez-Miño, J M; Casteels, J

2013-01-01

Jewel scarabs, beetles in the genus Chrysina Kirby (Coleoptera: Rutelinae: Scarabaeidae), receive their name from the bright, often gold, green elytra that reflect light like a precious stone. Jewel scarabs are commonly observed at light traps in Mesoamerican cloud forests, and their association with mountain forests makes them potentially interesting candidates for cloud forest conservation monitoring. The absence of survey protocols and identification tools, and the little ecological information available are barriers. In the present study, collection of Chrysina species assembled during biodiversity surveys by Operation Wallacea in Cusuco National Park (CNP), Honduras, were studied. The aim of this overview is to provide an easy to use identification tool for in the field, hopefully stimulating data collection on these beetles. Based on the data associated with the collection localities, elevation distribution of the species in the park was analyzed. The limited data points available were complemented with potential distribution areas generated with distribution models based on climate and elevation data. This study is aimed at initializing the development of a survey protocol for Chrysina species that can be used in cloud forest conservation monitoring throughout Central America. A list of Chrysina species recorded from Honduras so far is provided. The six identified and one unidentified species recorded from CNP are easy to identify in the field based on color and straightforward morphological characteristics. Literature research revealed ten species currently recorded from Honduras. This low species richness in comparison with surrounding Central American countries indicates the poor knowledge of this genus in Honduras. Chrysina species richness in CNP increases with elevation, thereby making the genus one of a few groups of organisms where this correlation is observed, and rendering it a suitable invertebrate representative for cloud forest habitats in Central America.

In vivo stem cell tracking with imageable nanoparticles that bind bioorthogonal chemical receptors on the stem cell surface.

PubMed

Lee, Sangmin; Yoon, Hwa In; Na, Jin Hee; Jeon, Sangmin; Lim, Seungho; Koo, Heebeom; Han, Sang-Soo; Kang, Sun-Woong; Park, Soon-Jung; Moon, Sung-Hwan; Park, Jae Hyung; Cho, Yong Woo; Kim, Byung-Soo; Kim, Sang Kyoon; Lee, Taekwan; Kim, Dongkyu; Lee, Seulki; Pomper, Martin G; Kwon, Ick Chan; Kim, Kwangmeyung

2017-09-01

It is urgently necessary to develop reliable non-invasive stem cell imaging technology for tracking the in vivo fate of transplanted stem cells in living subjects. Herein, we developed a simple and well controlled stem cell imaging method through a combination of metabolic glycoengineering and bioorthogonal copper-free click chemistry. Firstly, the exogenous chemical receptors containing azide (-N 3 ) groups were generated on the surfaces of stem cells through metabolic glycoengineering using metabolic precursor, tetra-acetylated N-azidoacetyl-d-mannosamine(Ac 4 ManNAz). Next, bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne-modified glycol chitosan nanoparticles (BCN-CNPs) were prepared as imageable nanoparticles to deliver different imaging agents. Cy5.5, iron oxide nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles were conjugated or encapsulated to BCN-CNPs for optical, MR and CT imaging, respectively. These imageable nanoparticles bound chemical receptors on the Ac 4 ManNAz-treated stem cell surface specifically via bioorthogonal copper-free click chemistry. Then they were rapidly taken up by the cell membrane turn-over mechanism resulting in higher endocytic capacity compared non-specific uptake of nanoparticles. During in vivo animal test, BCN-CNP-Cy5.5-labeled stem cells could be continuously tracked by non-invasive optical imaging over 15 days. Furthermore, BCN-CNP-IRON- and BCN-CNP-GOLD-labeled stem cells could be efficiently visualized using in vivo MR and CT imaging demonstrating utility of our stem cell labeling method using chemical receptors. These results conclude that our method based on metabolic glycoengineering and bioorthogonal copper-free click chemistry can stably label stem cells with diverse imageable nanoparticles representing great potential as new stem cell imaging technology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Variable Phytoplankton Stoichiometry on Projections of Primary Production, Food Quality, and Carbon Uptake in the Global Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwiatkowski, Lester; Aumont, Olivier; Bopp, Laurent; Ciais, Philippe

2018-04-01

Ocean biogeochemical models are integral components of Earth system models used to project the evolution of the ocean carbon sink, as well as potential changes in the physical and chemical environment of marine ecosystems. In such models the stoichiometry of phytoplankton C:N:P is typically fixed at the Redfield ratio. The observed stoichiometry of phytoplankton, however, has been shown to considerably vary from Redfield values due to plasticity in the expression of phytoplankton cell structures with different elemental compositions. The intrinsic structure of fixed C:N:P models therefore has the potential to bias projections of the marine response to climate change. We assess the importance of variable stoichiometry on 21st century projections of net primary production, food quality, and ocean carbon uptake using the recently developed Pelagic Interactions Scheme for Carbon and Ecosystem Studies Quota (PISCES-QUOTA) ocean biogeochemistry model. The model simulates variable phytoplankton C:N:P stoichiometry and was run under historical and business-as-usual scenario forcing from 1850 to 2100. PISCES-QUOTA projects similar 21st century global net primary production decline (7.7%) to current generation fixed stoichiometry models. Global phytoplankton N and P content or food quality is projected to decline by 1.2% and 6.4% over the 21st century, respectively. The largest reductions in food quality are in the oligotrophic subtropical gyres and Arctic Ocean where declines by the end of the century can exceed 20%. Using the change in the carbon export efficiency in PISCES-QUOTA, we estimate that fixed stoichiometry models may be underestimating 21st century cumulative ocean carbon uptake by 0.5-3.5% (2.0-15.1 PgC).

Regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity thresholds and changes in exploratory and learning behavior in dominant negative NPR-B mutant rats

PubMed Central

Barmashenko, Gleb; Buttgereit, Jens; Herring, Neil; Bader, Michael; Özcelik, Cemil; Manahan-Vaughan, Denise; Braunewell, Karl H.

2014-01-01

The second messenger cyclic GMP affects synaptic transmission and modulates synaptic plasticity and certain types of learning and memory processes. The impact of the natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) and its ligand C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), one of several cGMP producing signaling systems, on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and learning is, however, less well understood. We have previously shown that the NPR-B ligand CNP increases the magnitude of long-term depression (LTD) in hippocampal area CA1, while reducing the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). We have extended this line of research to show that bidirectional plasticity is affected in the opposite way in rats expressing a dominant-negative mutant of NPR-B (NSE-NPR-BΔKC) lacking the intracellular guanylyl cyclase domain under control of a promoter for neuron-specific enolase. The brain cells of these transgenic rats express functional dimers of the NPR-B receptor containing the dominant-negative NPR-BΔKC mutant, and therefore show decreased CNP-stimulated cGMP-production in brain membranes. The NPR-B transgenic rats display enhanced LTP but reduced LTD in hippocampal slices. When the frequency-dependence of synaptic modification to afferent stimulation in the range of 1–100 Hz was assessed in transgenic rats, the threshold for both, LTP and LTD induction, was shifted to lower frequencies. In parallel, NPR-BΔKC rats exhibited an enhancement in exploratory and learning behavior. These results indicate that bidirectional plasticity and learning and memory mechanism are affected in transgenic rats expressing a dominant-negative mutant of NPR-B. Our data substantiate the hypothesis that NPR-B-dependent cGMP signaling has a modulatory role for synaptic information storage and learning. PMID:25520616

High Variability in Cellular Stoichiometry of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Within Classes of Marine Eukaryotic Phytoplankton Under Sufficient Nutrient Conditions.

PubMed

Garcia, Nathan S; Sexton, Julie; Riggins, Tracey; Brown, Jeff; Lomas, Michael W; Martiny, Adam C

2018-01-01

Current hypotheses suggest that cellular elemental stoichiometry of marine eukaryotic phytoplankton such as the ratios of cellular carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) vary between phylogenetic groups. To investigate how phylogenetic structure, cell volume, growth rate, and temperature interact to affect the cellular elemental stoichiometry of marine eukaryotic phytoplankton, we examined the C:N:P composition in 30 isolates across 7 classes of marine phytoplankton that were grown with a sufficient supply of nutrients and nitrate as the nitrogen source. The isolates covered a wide range in cell volume (5 orders of magnitude), growth rate (<0.01-0.9 d -1 ), and habitat temperature (2-24°C). Our analysis indicates that C:N:P is highly variable, with statistical model residuals accounting for over half of the total variance and no relationship between phylogeny and elemental stoichiometry. Furthermore, our data indicated that variability in C:P, N:P, and C:N within Bacillariophyceae (diatoms) was as high as that among all of the isolates that we examined. In addition, a linear statistical model identified a positive relationship between diatom cell volume and C:P and N:P. Among all of the isolates that we examined, the statistical model identified temperature as a significant factor, consistent with the temperature-dependent translation efficiency model, but temperature only explained 5% of the total statistical model variance. While some of our results support data from previous field studies, the high variability of elemental ratios within Bacillariophyceae contradicts previous work that suggests that this cosmopolitan group of microalgae has consistently low C:P and N:P ratios in comparison with other groups.

Molecular Analysis of Sensory Axon Branching Unraveled a cGMP-Dependent Signaling Cascade.

PubMed

Dumoulin, Alexandre; Ter-Avetisyan, Gohar; Schmidt, Hannes; Rathjen, Fritz G

2018-04-24

Axonal branching is a key process in the establishment of circuit connectivity within the nervous system. Molecular-genetic studies have shown that a specific form of axonal branching—the bifurcation of sensory neurons at the transition zone between the peripheral and the central nervous system—is regulated by a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent signaling cascade which is composed of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), the receptor guanylyl cyclase Npr2, and cGMP-dependent protein kinase Iα (cGKIα). In the absence of any one of these components, neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and cranial sensory ganglia no longer bifurcate, and instead turn in either an ascending or a descending direction. In contrast, collateral axonal branch formation which represents a second type of axonal branch formation is not affected by inactivation of CNP, Npr2, or cGKI. Whereas axon bifurcation was lost in mouse mutants deficient for components of CNP-induced cGMP formation; the absence of the cGMP-degrading enzyme phosphodiesterase 2A had no effect on axon bifurcation. Adult mice that lack sensory axon bifurcation due to the conditional inactivation of Npr2-mediated cGMP signaling in DRG neurons demonstrated an altered shape of sensory axon terminal fields in the spinal cord, indicating that elaborate compensatory mechanisms reorganize neuronal circuits in the absence of bifurcation. On a functional level, these mice showed impaired heat sensation and nociception induced by chemical irritants, whereas responses to cold sensation, mechanical stimulation, and motor coordination are normal. These data point to a critical role of axon bifurcation for the processing of acute pain perception.

Effects of carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) on the fate of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in different agricultural soils.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stumpe, Britta; Wolski, Sabrina; Marschner, Bernd

2013-04-01

Nanotechnology is a major innovative scientific and economic growth area. To date there is a lack about possible adverse effects that may be associated with manufactured nanomaterial in terrestrial environments. Since it is known that on the one hand carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) strongly interact in wastewater and that on the other hand CNPs and EDCs are released together via wastewater irrigation to agricultural soils, knowledge of CNP effects on the EDC fate in the soil environment is needed for further risk assessments. The overall goal of this project is to gain a better understanding of interaction of CNPs with EDCs within the soil system. Three different soil samples were applied with different CNPs, EDCs and CNP-EDC complexes and incubated over a period of 6 weeks. The EDC mineralization as well as their uptake by soil microorganisms was monitored to describe impacts of the nanomaterial on the EDC fate. As quality control for the biological soil activity soil respiration, enzyme activities and the soil microbial biomass were monitored in all incubated soil samples. Clearly, EDCs bound in CNP complexes showed a decrease in mineralization. While the free EDCs showed a total mineralization of 34 to 45 %, the nano complexed EDCs were only mineralized to 12 to 15 %. Since no effects of the nanomaterial on the biological soil activity were observed, we conclude that the reduced EDC mineralization is directly linked to their interaction with the CNPs. Since additionally the EDC adsorption to CNPs reduced the EDC uptake by soil microorganism, we assume that CNPs generally form more or less recalcitrant aggregates which likely protect the associated EDCs from degradation.

The role of C:N:P stoichiometry in affecting denitrification in sediments from agricultural surface and tile-water wetlands.

PubMed

Grebliunas, Brian D; Perry, William L

2016-01-01

Nutrient stoichiometry within a wetland is affected by the surrounding land use, and may play a significant role in the removal of nitrate (NO3-N). Tile-drained, agricultural watersheds experience high seasonal inputs of NO3-N, but low phosphorus (PO4-P) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loads relative to surface water dominated systems. This difference may present stoichiometric conditions that limit denitrification within receiving waterways. We investigated how C:N:P ratios affected denitrification rates of sediments from tile-drained mitigation wetlands incubated for: 0, 5, 10, and 20 days. We then tested whether denitrification rates of sediments from surface-water and tile-drained wetlands responded differently to C:N ratios of 2:1 versus 4:1. Ratios of C:N:P (P < 0.05) and incubation length (P < 0.05) had a significant effect on denitrification in tile-drained wetland sediments. Carbon limitation of denitrification became evident at elevated NO3-N concentrations (20 mg L(-1)). Denitrification measured from tile water and surface water wetland sediments increased significantly (P < 0.05) at the 2:1 and 4:1 C:N treatments. The results from both experiments suggest wetland sediments provide a limiting pool of labile DOC to maintain prolonged NO3-N removal. Also, DOC limitation became more evident at elevated NO3-N concentrations (20 mg L(-1)). Irrespective of NO3-N concentrations, P did not limit denitrification rates. In addition to wetting period, residence time, and maintenance of anaerobic conditions, the availability of labile DOC is playing an important limiting role in sediment denitrification within mitigation wetlands.

A Review on the Respiratory System Toxicity of Carbon Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Pacurari, Maricica; Lowe, Kristine; Tchounwou, Paul B; Kafoury, Ramzi

2016-03-15

The respiratory system represents the main gateway for nanoparticles' entry into the human body. Although there is a myriad of engineered nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles/nanotubes (CNPs/CNTs) have received much attention mainly due to their light weight, very high surface area, durability, and their diverse applications. Since their discovery and manufacture over two decades ago, much has been learned about nanoparticles' interactions with diverse biological system models. In particular, the respiratory system has been of great interest because various natural and man-made fibrous particles are known to be responsible for chronic and debilitating lung diseases. In this review, we present up-to-date the literature regarding the effects of CNTs or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the human respiratory system with respect to respiratory toxicity pathways and associated pathologies. This article is intended to emphasize the potentially dangerous effects to the human respiratory system if inadequate measures are used in the manufacture, handling, and preparation and applications of CNP or CNP-based products.

Stable topological insulators achieved using high energy electron beams

PubMed Central

Zhao, Lukas; Konczykowski, Marcin; Deng, Haiming; Korzhovska, Inna; Begliarbekov, Milan; Chen, Zhiyi; Papalazarou, Evangelos; Marsi, Marino; Perfetti, Luca; Hruban, Andrzej; Wołoś, Agnieszka; Krusin-Elbaum, Lia

2016-01-01

Topological insulators are potentially transformative quantum solids with metallic surface states which have Dirac band structure and are immune to disorder. Ubiquitous charged bulk defects, however, pull the Fermi energy into the bulk bands, denying access to surface charge transport. Here we demonstrate that irradiation with swift (∼2.5 MeV energy) electron beams allows to compensate these defects, bring the Fermi level back into the bulk gap and reach the charge neutrality point (CNP). Controlling the beam fluence, we tune bulk conductivity from p- (hole-like) to n-type (electron-like), crossing the Dirac point and back, while preserving the Dirac energy dispersion. The CNP conductance has a two-dimensional character on the order of ten conductance quanta and reveals, both in Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3, the presence of only two quantum channels corresponding to two topological surfaces. The intrinsic quantum transport of the topological states is accessible disregarding the bulk size. PMID:26961901

Aerobic biodegradation of sludge with high hydrocarbon content generated by a Mexican natural gas processing facility.

PubMed

Roldán-Carrillo, T; Castorena-Cortés, G; Zapata-Peñasco, I; Reyes-Avila, J; Olguín-Lora, P

2012-03-01

The biodegradation of oil sludge from Mexican sour gas and petrochemical facilities contaminated with a high content of hydrocarbons, 334.7 ± 7.0 g kg(-1) dry matter (dm), was evaluated. Studies in microcosm systems were carried out in order to determine the capacity of the native microbiota in the sludge to reduce hydrocarbon levels under aerobic conditions. Different carbon/nitrogen/phosphorous (C/N/P) nutrient ratios were tested. The systems were incubated at 30 °C and shaken at 100 rpm. Hydrocarbon removals from 32 to 51% were achieved in the assays after 30 days of incubation. The best assay had C/N/P ratio of 100/1.74/0.5. The results of the Microtox(®) and Ames tests indicated that the original sludge was highly toxic and mutagenic, whereas the best assay gave a final product that did not show toxicity or mutagenicity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Review on the Respiratory System Toxicity of Carbon Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Pacurari, Maricica; Lowe, Kristine; Tchounwou, Paul B.; Kafoury, Ramzi

2016-01-01

The respiratory system represents the main gateway for nanoparticles’ entry into the human body. Although there is a myriad of engineered nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles/nanotubes (CNPs/CNTs) have received much attention mainly due to their light weight, very high surface area, durability, and their diverse applications. Since their discovery and manufacture over two decades ago, much has been learned about nanoparticles’ interactions with diverse biological system models. In particular, the respiratory system has been of great interest because various natural and man-made fibrous particles are known to be responsible for chronic and debilitating lung diseases. In this review, we present up-to-date the literature regarding the effects of CNTs or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the human respiratory system with respect to respiratory toxicity pathways and associated pathologies. This article is intended to emphasize the potentially dangerous effects to the human respiratory system if inadequate measures are used in the manufacture, handling, and preparation and applications of CNP or CNP-based products. PMID:26999172

Vitamin D and ferritin correlation with chronic neck pain using standard statistics and a novel artificial neural network prediction model.

PubMed

Eloqayli, Haytham; Al-Yousef, Ali; Jaradat, Raid

2018-02-15

Despite the high prevalence of chronic neck pain, there is limited consensus about the primary etiology, risk factors, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic outcome. Here, we aimed to determine if Ferritin and Vitamin D are modifiable risk factors with chronic neck pain using slandered statistics and artificial intelligence neural network (ANN). Fifty-four patients with chronic neck pain treated between February 2016 and August 2016 in King Abdullah University Hospital and 54 patients age matched controls undergoing outpatient or minor procedures were enrolled. Patients and control demographic parameters, height, weight and single measurement of serum vitamin D, Vitamin B12, ferritin, calcium, phosphorus, zinc were obtained. An ANN prediction model was developed. The statistical analysis reveals that patients with chronic neck pain have significantly lower serum Vitamin D and Ferritin (p-value <.05). 90% of patients with chronic neck pain were females. Multilayer Feed Forward Neural Network with Back Propagation(MFFNN) prediction model were developed and designed based on vitamin D and ferritin as input variables and CNP as output. The ANN model output results show that, 92 out of 108 samples were correctly classified with 85% classification accuracy. Although Iron and vitamin D deficiency cannot be isolated as the sole risk factors of chronic neck pain, they should be considered as two modifiable risk. The high prevalence of chronic neck pain, hypovitaminosis D and low ferritin amongst women is of concern. Bioinformatics predictions with artificial neural network can be of future benefit in classification and prediction models for chronic neck pain. We hope this initial work will encourage a future larger cohort study addressing vitamin D and iron correction as modifiable factors and the application of artificial intelligence models in clinical practice.

75 FR 14172 - National Cancer Institute; Notice of Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-24

... Detection and Diagnosis Research; 93.395, Cancer Treatment Research; 93.396, Cancer Biology Research; 93.397... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute... personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; NCI-CNP (U54) Review...

77 FR 6191 - Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-07

..., c/o GELRO IMPEX S.R.L.; c/o MEGA GROUP S.R.L.; Prundeni, Valcea, Romania; DOB 01 Mar 1946; POB Mardin, Turkey; nationality Turkey; CNP (Personal Numerical Code) 7460301380011 (Romania); Romanian Permanent Resident CAN 0125477 (Romania) issued 13 Jul 2007 (individual) [SDNTK]. Entities: 1. GELERI IMPORT...

Bulgarski ezik za dobrovoltsi ot Korpusa na mira (Bulgarian Language for Peace Corps Volunteers. Bulgaria).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dimitrova, Aneta; Tomova, Christina; Tasseva, Mila

This workbook and class guide for basic-to-intermediate Bulgarian provides a communicative orientation to the language. With its emphasis on social situations and everyday language, the book includes vocabulary, dialogs, discussion topics, and cultural-historical background information about Bulgaria. (CNP)

"Las Charlas" como expresion oral diaria ["Chats" as Daily Oral Practice].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Borden, Matt

2002-01-01

An oral practice system of "chats" in the classroom functions as an extemporaneous speaking exercise or chat (without notes or prompt sheets), occurring between two students for a minute or so at the beginning of class, following which the presenters respond to other students' questions. (CNP)

Wear rate optimization of Al/SiCnp/e-glass fibre hybrid metal matrix composites using Taguchi method and genetic algorithm and development of wear model using artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bongale, Arunkumar M.; Kumar, Satish; Sachit, T. S.; Jadhav, Priya

2018-03-01

Studies on wear properties of Aluminium based hybrid nano composite materials, processed through powder metallurgy technique, are reported in the present study. Silicon Carbide nano particles and E-glass fibre are reinforced in pure aluminium matrix to fabricate hybrid nano composite material samples. Pin-on-Disc wear testing equipment is used to evaluate dry sliding wear properties of the composite samples. The tests were conducted following the Taguchi’s Design of Experiments method. Signal-to-Noise ratio analysis and Analysis of Variance are carried out on the test data to find out the influence of test parameters on the wear rate. Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis and Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis are conducted on the worn surfaces to find out the wear mechanisms responsible for wear of the composites. Multiple linear regression analysis and Genetic Algorithm techniques are employed for optimization of wear test parameters to yield minimum wear of the composite samples. Finally, a wear model is built by the application of Artificial Neural Networks to predict the wear rate of the composite material, under different testing conditions. The predicted values of wear rate are found to be very close to the experimental values with a deviation in the range of 0.15% to 8.09%.

76 FR 55422 - Indiana Michigan Power Company; Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 1; Exemption

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-07

...; Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 1; Exemption 1.0 Background Indiana Michigan Power Company (the... C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 1 (CNP-1). The license provides, among other things, that the facility... material different from Optimized ZIRLO\\TM\\. The licensee's requested exemption relates solely to the...

32 CFR 724.305 - Functions of the CMC and CNO.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Functions of the CMC and CNO. 724.305 Section 724.305 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY PERSONNEL NAVAL... of the CMC and CNO. In the case of Navy, CNMPC, under the CNP, shall discharge responsibilities of...

32 CFR 724.305 - Functions of the CMC and CNO.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Functions of the CMC and CNO. 724.305 Section 724.305 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY PERSONNEL NAVAL... of the CMC and CNO. In the case of Navy, CNMPC, under the CNP, shall discharge responsibilities of...

32 CFR 724.305 - Functions of the CMC and CNO.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Functions of the CMC and CNO. 724.305 Section 724.305 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY PERSONNEL NAVAL... of the CMC and CNO. In the case of Navy, CNMPC, under the CNP, shall discharge responsibilities of...

32 CFR 724.305 - Functions of the CMC and CNO.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Functions of the CMC and CNO. 724.305 Section 724.305 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY PERSONNEL NAVAL... of the CMC and CNO. In the case of Navy, CNMPC, under the CNP, shall discharge responsibilities of...

32 CFR 724.305 - Functions of the CMC and CNO.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 32 National Defense 5 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Functions of the CMC and CNO. 724.305 Section 724.305 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY PERSONNEL NAVAL... of the CMC and CNO. In the case of Navy, CNMPC, under the CNP, shall discharge responsibilities of...

From Bearers of Problems to Bearers of Culture: Developing Community in the Community Development Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shevellar, Lynda

2015-01-01

This paper brings together the impact of two major changes in higher education: the massification of the higher education system and the accompanying increase in international student mobility. Utilising collective narrative practice (CNP) as a classroom intervention, this research demonstrates a movement from teacher-centred and student-centred…

Simultaneous Analysis of Germline Crips and Snips in High Risk Prostate Cancer Families

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

of WWOW exons has been reported in ovarian cancer12, and hepatocellular carcinoma (Yakicier 2001). Intriguingly, this particular CNP is rare in the...deletions at chromosome 16q23 in aflatoxin B1 exposed hepatocellular carcinoma . Oncogene. 20:5232-8 11 Appendices. Liu W, Chang B, Li T, Dimitrov L

Discovery a novel organic solvent tolerant esterase from Salinispora arenicola CNP193 through genome mining.

PubMed

Fang, Yaowei; Wang, Shujun; Liu, Shu; Jiao, Yuliang

2015-09-01

An esterase gene, encoding a 325-amino-acid protein (SAestA), was mined form obligate marine actinomycete strain Salinispora arenicola CNP193 genome sequence. Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence showed that the enzyme belonged to the family IV of lipolytic enzymes. The gene was cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli as a His-tagged protein, purified and characterized. The molecular weight of His-tagged SAestA is ∼38 kDa. SAestA-His6 was active in a temperature (5-40 °C) and pH range (7.0-11.0), and maximal activity was determined at pH 9.0 and 30 °C. The activity was severely inhibited by Hg(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+). In particular, this enzyme showed remarkable stability in presence of organic solvents (25%, v/v) with log P>2.0 even after incubation for 7 days. All these characteristics suggested that SAestA may be a potential candidate for application in industrial processes in aqueous/organic media. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Nitrogenase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Wetland Metaphyton: Implications for Primary Production and CNP Composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, T.; Doyle, R.

2005-05-01

Longitudinal gradients of nutrient availability often occur along the flow path of water in freshwater wetlands. Differential removal efficiencies of water column nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) may increase the severity of nutrient deficiency and possibly change the nutrient that limits primary production. A previous study demonstrated that periphyton in the Lake Waco Wetlands (LWW), near Waco, Texas, USA, are generally more P limited near the inflow and become increasingly N limited as distance from the inflow increases. Therefore, spatial heterogeneity in nutrient availability likely influences both the structure and function of periphyton assemblages within this system. In this ongoing study, we are evaluating the relationships between metaphyton primary production, nitrogenase activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, and CNP stoichiometry in areas of differing nutrient limitation within the LWW. As expected, primary production is generally greatest in areas where nitrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities are minimal. However, expected increases in C:N ratios in areas of greatest nutrient deficiency have not been frequently observed. Decreased primary production and increased enzyme mediated nutrient uptake appear to balance metaphyton nutrient content in these areas.

The Effect of Traditional Cupping on Pain and Mechanical Thresholds in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Lauche, Romy; Cramer, Holger; Hohmann, Claudia; Choi, Kyung-Eun; Rampp, Thomas; Saha, Felix Joyonto; Musial, Frauke; Langhorst, Jost; Dobos, Gustav

2012-01-01

Introduction. Cupping has been used since antiquity in the treatment of pain conditions. In this pilot study, we investigated the effect of traditional cupping therapy on chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNP) and mechanical sensory thresholds. Methods. Fifty CNP patients were randomly assigned to treatment (TG, n = 25) or waiting list control group (WL, n = 25). TG received a single cupping treatment. Pain at rest (PR), pain related to movement (PM), quality of life (SF-36), Neck Disability Index (NDI), mechanical detection (MDT), vibration detection (MDT), and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured before and three days after a single cupping treatment. Patients also kept a pain and medication diary (PaDi, MeDi) during the study. Results. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. After cupping TG reported significantly less pain (PR: −17.9 mm VAS, 95%CI −29.2 to −6.6; PM: −19.7, 95%CI −32.2 to −7.2; PaDi: −1.5 points on NRS, 95%CI −2.5 to −0.4; all P < 0.05) and higher quality of life than WL (SF-36, Physical Functioning: 7.5, 95%CI 1.4 to 13.5; Bodily Pain: 14.9, 95%CI 4.4 to 25.4; Physical Component Score: 5.0, 95%CI 1.4 to 8.5; all P < 0.05). No significant effect was found for NDI, MDT, or VDT, but TG showed significantly higher PPT at pain-areas than WL (in lg(kPa); pain-maximum: 0.088, 95%CI 0.029 to 0.148, pain-adjacent: 0.118, 95%CI 0.038 to 0.199; both P < 0.01). Conclusion. A single application of traditional cupping might be an effective treatment for improving pain, quality of life, and hyperalgesia in CNP. PMID:22203873

SU-E-T-333: Towards Customizable Radiotherapy Enhancement (CuRE) for Prostate Cancer Using Cisplatin Nanoparticles

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

Sinha, N; Cifter, G; Sajo, E

2014-06-01

Purpose: Replacing routinely used brachytherapy spacers with multifunctional ones loaded with cisplatin nanoparticles (CNP), which can be released into the tumor after implantation, could enable customizable radiation boosting to the prostate tumor in addition to chemotherapy effect. This study investigates the feasibility of customizing the intra-tumor biodistribution and corresponding dose enhancement (DEF) over time for the released CNP as a function of nanoparticle size. Methods: Dose enhancement factors (DEF) due to photon-induced emission of photo-/Auger electrons from CNPs were calculated as a function of concentration using previously published analytical calculation method. An experimentally determined diffusion coefficient (D) for 10 nmmore » nanoparticles in mouse tumor model was employed to estimate D for other sizes using the Stoke- Einstein equation. The error function diffusion model in the experimental study was applied to generate the intra-tumor concentration profile for a burst release of CNPs from the spacer over time. The corresponding DEF profiles were then determined for brachytherapy using Pd-103 and I-125 sources. Results: As expected, the generated profiles showed greater DEF over time for smaller CNP sizes at sample distances from the spacer. For example, for a centrally located spacer, clinically significant DEF (> 20%) could be achieved near the tumor periphery (ca. 0.85 cm distance from the spacer for average PCa tumor size) after 20, and 100 days, respectively for CNPs sizes of 2 nm, and 10 nm, using I-125. Meanwhile for Pd-103, clinically significant DEF could be achieved at the same position after 22 and 108 days, respectively, for same size particles. Conclusion: Our preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of customizing dose enhancement to prostate tumors as a function of spacer location, brachytherapy source type or size of CNPs released from multifunctional spacers. Such an approach could enable customizable radiation boosting to tumor sub-volumes, while minimizing dose to healthy tissues.« less

N-acetylcysteine Ameliorates Prostatitis via miR-141 Regulating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling.

PubMed

Wang, Liang-Liang; Huang, Yu-Hua; Yan, Chun-Yin; Wei, Xue-Dong; Hou, Jian-Quan; Pu, Jin-Xian; Lv, Jin-Xing

2016-04-01

Chronic prostatitis was the most common type of prostatitis and oxidative stress was reported to be highly elevated in prostatitis patients. In this study, we determined the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on prostatitis and the molecular mechanism involved in it. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control group (group A, n = 20), carrageenan-induced chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) model group (group B, n = 20), and carrageenan-induced CNP model group with NAC injection (group C, n = 20). Eye score, locomotion score, inflammatory cell count, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression, and Evans blue were compared in these three groups. The expression of miR-141 was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Moreover, protein expressions of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its target genes were examined by Western blot. Luciferase reporter assay was performed in RWPE-1 cells transfected miR-141 mimic or inhibitor and the plasmid carrying 3'-UTR of Keap1. The value of eye score, locomotion score, inflammatory cell count, and Evans blue were significantly decreased in group C, as well as the expression of COX2, when comparing to that of group B. These results indicated that NAC relieved the carrageenan-induced CNP. Further, we found that NAC increased the expression of miR-141 and activated the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-141 mimic could suppress the activity of Keap1 and stimulate the downstream target genes of Nrf2. In addition, miR-141 inhibitor could reduce the effect of NAC on prostatitis. NAC ameliorates the carrageenan-induced prostatitis and prostate inflammation pain through miR-141 regulating Keap1/Nrf2 signaling.

Variability in Phytoplankton Morphology and Macromolecular Composition With Nutrient Starvation and The Implications for Oceanic Elemental Stoichiometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liefer, J. D.; Benner, I.; Brown, C. M.; Garg, A.; Fiset, C.; Irwin, A. J.; Follows, M. J.; Finkel, Z.

2016-02-01

Trait based modeling efforts are an important tool for predicting the distribution of phytoplankton communities in the ocean and their interaction with elemental stoichiometry. The elemental stoichiometry of phytoplankton is based on their macromolecular composition. Many phytoplankton species accumulate C-rich storage products (carbohydrates and lipids) and reduce N and P-rich functional components (proteins and nucleic acids) upon N- or P-starvation. Reconciling global patterns in C:N:P stoichiometry and phytoplankton community structure and succession requires a better understanding of how phytoplankton macromolecular composition varies across taxa, size class, and growth conditions. We examined changes in cell size and composition from exponential growth to nitrogen starvation in four common phytoplankton species representing two size classes each of chlorophytes and diatoms. Variation in cell size, cell mass, and length of stationary growth phase appeared to be size dependent. The larger species of chlorophyte and diatom had a significant increase in cell mass and cell size with N-starvation and showed no significant change in cell density after starvation for 5-7 days. The smaller size species of both phyla showed no significant change in cell size or mass upon N-starvation and a consistent decline in cell density 1-2 days after peak densities were reached. All species had a similar significant increase in C quota, but changes in N quota and C:N were more variable and species-specific. We also present changes in macromolecular composition and C, N, and P-allocation due to N-starvation and their implications for elemental stoichiometry under natural conditions. These results are compared to field observations of C:N:P stoichiometry and phytoplankton community structure to examine the physiological plasticity that may underlie global oceanic C:N:P variability and demonstrate the importance of this plasticity in trait based models.

Neurochemical effects of a 20 kHz magnetic field on the central nervous system in prenatally exposed mice

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

Dimberg, Y.

1995-09-01

C57/B1 mice were exposed during pregnancy (gestation days 0--19) to a 20 kHz magnetic field (MF). The asymmetric sawtooth-waveform magnetic field in the exposed racks had a flux density of 15 {micro}T (peak to peak). After 19 days, the exposure was terminated, and the mice were housed individually under normal laboratory conditions. On postnatal day (PD) 1, PD21, and PD308, various neurochemical markers in the brains of the offspring were investigated and the brains weighed. No significant difference was found in the whole brain weight at PD1 or PD21 between exposed offspring and control animals. However, on PD308, a significantmore » decrease in weight of the whole brain was detected in exposed animals. No significant differences were found in the weight of cortex, hippocampus, septum, or cerebellum on nay of the sampling occasions, nor were any significant differences detected in protein-, DNA-level, nerve growth factor (NGF), acetylcholine esterase- (AChE), or 2{prime},3{prime}-cyclic nucleotide 3{prime}-phosphodiesterase- (CNP; marker for oligodendrocytes) activities on PD21 in cerebellum. Cortex showed a more complex pattern of response to MF: MF treatment resulted in a decrease in DNA level and increases in the activities of CNP, AChE, and NGF protein. On PD308, the amount of DNA was significantly reduced in MF-treated cerebellum and CNP activity was still enhanced in MF-treated cortex compared to controls. Most of the effect of MF treatment during the embryonic period were similar to those induced by ionizing radiation but much weaker. However, the duration of the exposure required to elucidate the response of different markers to MF seems to be greater and effects appear later during development compared to responses to ionizing radiation.« less

Comparative effectiveness of Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions for chronic mechanical neck pain: quasi-randomised parallel controlled study.

PubMed

Dunleavy, K; Kava, K; Goldberg, A; Malek, M H; Talley, S A; Tutag-Lehr, V; Hildreth, J

2016-09-01

To determine the effectiveness of Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions for individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). Quasi-randomised parallel controlled study. Community, university and private practice settings in four locations. Fifty-six individuals with CNP scoring ≥3/10 on the numeric pain rating scale for >3 months (controls n=17, Pilates n=20, yoga n=19). Exercise participants completed 12 small-group sessions with modifications and progressions supervised by a physiotherapist. The primary outcome measure was the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes were pain ratings, range of movement and postural measurements collected at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Follow-up was performed 6 weeks after completion of the exercise classes (Week 18). NDI decreased significantly in the Pilates {baseline: 11.1 [standard deviation (SD) 4.3] vs Week 12: 6.8 (SD 4.3); mean difference -4.3 (95% confidence interval -1.64 to -6.7); P<0.001} and yoga groups [baseline: 12.8 (SD 7.4) vs Week 12: 8.1 (SD 5.6); mean difference -4.7 (95% confidence interval -2.1 to -7.4); P<0.00], with no change in the control group. Pain ratings also improved significantly. Moderate-to-large effect sizes (0.7 to 1.8) and low numbers needed to treat were found. There were no differences in outcomes between the exercise groups or associated adverse effects. No improvements in range of movement or posture were found. Pilates and yoga group exercise interventions with appropriate modifications and supervision were safe and equally effective for decreasing disability and pain compared with the control group for individuals with mild-to-moderate CNP. Physiotherapists may consider including these approaches in a plan of care. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01999283. Copyright © 2015 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly transparent, low-haze, hybrid cellulose nanopaper as electrodes for flexible electronics

Treesearch

Xuezhu Xu; Jian Zhou; Long Jiang; Gilles Lubineau; Tienkhee Ng; Boon S. Ooi; Hsien-Yu Liao; Chao Shen; Long Chen; Junyong Zhu

2016-01-01

Paper is an excellent candidate to replace plastics as a substrate for flexible electronics due to its low cost, renewability and flexibility. Cellulose nanopaper (CNP), a new type of paper made of nanosized cellulose fibers, is a promising substrate material for transparent and flexible electrodes due to its potentially high transparency and high mechanical strength....

By, With, and Through: The Theory and Practice of Special Operations Capacity-Building

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

The Colombian Military..........................................................94  3.  SOCSOUTH ON THE GROUND IN COLOMBIA .......................95...civil affairs operations CCOPE Colombian Joint Special Operations Command (Comando Conjunto de Operaciones Especiales) CERTE Colombian Army...Tactical Retraining Center CF Conventional forces CMO civil-military operations CMSE civil-military support element CNP Colombian National Police CNT

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry and eutrophication in River Thames Tributaries, UK

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Primary productivity in aquatic systems relies on the availability of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), with a preferred stoichiometric ratio of 106 C/16 N/1 P, known as the Redfield ratio. The intent of this paper is to present a methodology to visualize C/N/P stoichiometry and examine ...

The Limited Use Policy: Review, Analysis and Proposals for Change. Volume 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-06-02

responsibility for any deficiencies. 4 -. -* . - - - * - - - - .*. w- -. - * .* --. *. CHAPTER I ENDNOTES I. William Shakespeare , " Hamlet ," Act 2, ,,-cnP 2...Lirses 207-108 Britannica Great Books - Shakespeare II, 1952, Vol. 27, p. 42. 5 5 ’ : - - ./;-J:p--I , ii . 4I jI -5- 5*. •a \\ m ? • CHAPTER I THE EARLY

77 FR 55509 - Indiana Michigan Power Company; Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 2; Exemption

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-10

...; Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 2; Exemption 1.0 Background Indian Michigan Power Company (the... Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant, Unit 2 (CNP-2). The license provides, among other things, that the facility is subject to all rules, regulations, and orders of the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC, or...

Spread of P. ramorum from nurseries into waterways-implications for pathogen establishment in new areas

Treesearch

Gary Chastagner; Steven Oak; Daniel Omdal; Amy Ramsey-Kroll; Katie Coats; Yana Valachovic; Chris Lee; Jaesoon Hwang; Steven Jeffers; Marianne. Elliott

2010-01-01

In the United States, water and soil baiting have been part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) Confirmed Nursery Protocol (CNP) to prevent the spread of Phytophthora ramorum from infected nursery stock since 2005. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA...

Carbon nanopipettes for cell probes and intracellular injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schrlau, Michael G.; Falls, Erica M.; Ziober, Barry L.; Bau, Haim H.

2008-01-01

We developed integrated, carbon-based pipettes with nanoscale dimensions (CNP) that can probe cells with minimal intrusion, inject fluids into the cells, and concurrently carry out electrical measurements. Our manufacturing technique does not require cumbersome nanoassembly and is amenable to mass production. Using CNPs, we demonstrate the injection of reagents into cells with minimal intrusion and without inhibiting cell growth.

Carbon nanopipettes for cell probes and intracellular injection.

PubMed

Schrlau, Michael G; Falls, Erica M; Ziober, Barry L; Bau, Haim H

2008-01-09

We developed integrated, carbon-based pipettes with nanoscale dimensions (CNP) that can probe cells with minimal intrusion, inject fluids into the cells, and concurrently carry out electrical measurements. Our manufacturing technique does not require cumbersome nanoassembly and is amenable to mass production. Using CNPs, we demonstrate the injection of reagents into cells with minimal intrusion and without inhibiting cell growth.

Current biochemistry, molecular biology, and clinical relevance of natriuretic peptides.

PubMed

Nishikimi, Toshio; Kuwahara, Koichiro; Nakao, Kazuwa

2011-03-01

The mammalian natriuretic peptide family consists of atrial (ANP), brain [B-type; BNP] and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and three receptors, natriuretic receptors-A (NPR-A), -B (NPR-B) and -C (NPR-C). Both ANP and BNP are abundantly expressed in the heart and are secreted mainly from the atria and ventricles, respectively. By contrast, CNP is mainly expressed in the central nervous system, bone and vasculature. Plasma concentrations of both ANP and BNP are elevated in patients with cardiovascular disease, though the magnitude of the increase in BNP is usually greater than the increase in ANP. This makes BNP is a clinically useful diagnostic marker for several pathophysiological conditions, including heart failure, ventricular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension, among others. Recent studies have shown that in addition to BNP-32, proBNP-108 also circulates in human plasma and that levels of both forms are increased in heart failure. Furthermore, proBNP-108 is O-glycosylated and circulates at higher levels in patients with severe heart failure. In this review we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the biochemistry, molecular biology and clinical relevance of the natriuretic peptide system. Copyright © 2011 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fracture mode, microstructure and temperature-dependent elastic moduli for thermoelectric composites of PbTe-PbS with SiC nanoparticle additions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Jennifer E.; Case, Eldon D.; Schmidt, Robert D.; Wu, Chun-I.; Hogan, Timothy P.; Trejo, Rosa M.; Lara-Curzio, Edgar; Kanatzidis, Mercouri G.

2013-12-01

Twenty-six (Pb0.95Sn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08-0.055% PbI2-SiC nanoparticle (SiCnp) composite thermoelectric specimens were either hot pressed or pulsed electric current sintered (PECS). Bloating (a thermally induced increase in porosity, P, for as-densified specimens) was observed during annealing at temperatures >603 K for hot-pressed specimens and PECS-processed specimens from wet milled powders, but in contrast seven out of seven specimens densified by PECS from dry milled powders showed no observable bloating following annealing at temperatures up to 936 K. In this study, bloating in the specimens was accessed via thermal annealing induced changes in (i) porosity measured by scanning electron microscopy on fractured specimen surfaces, (ii) specimen volume and (iii) elastic moduli. The moduli were measured by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. SiCnp additions (1-3.5 vol.%) changed the fracture mode from intergranular to transgranular, inhibited grain growth, and limited bloating in the wet milled PECS specimens. Inhibition of bloating likely occurs due to cleaning of contamination from powder particle surfaces via PECS processing which has been reported previously in the literature.

Stoichiometry, Metabolism and Nutrient Limitation Across the Periodic Table in Natural Flowing-Water Chemostats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, M. J.; Nifong, R. L.; Kurz, M. J.; Cropper, W. P.; Martin, J. B.

2014-12-01

Relative supplies of macro and micronutrients (C,N,P, various metals), along with light and water, controls ecosystem metabolism, trophic energy transfer and community structure. Here we test the hypothesis, using measurements from 41 spring-fed rivers in Florida, that tissue stoichiometry indicates autotroph nutrient limitation status. Low variation in discharge, temperature and chemical composition within springs, but large variation across springs creates an ideal setting to assess the relationship between limitation and resource supply. Molar N:P ranges from 0.4 to 90, subjecting autotrophs to dramatically different nutrient supply. Over this gradient, species-specific autotroph tissue C:N:P ratios are strictly homeostatic, and with no evidence that nutrient supply affects species composition. Expanding to include 19 metals and micronutrients revealed autotrophs are more plastic in response to micronutrient variation, particularly for iron and manganese whose supply fluxes are small compared to biotic demand. Using a Droop model modified to reflect springs conditions (benthic production, light limitation, high hydraulic turnover), we show that tissue stoichiometry transitions from homeostatic to plastic with the onset of nutrient limitation, providing a potentially powerful new tool for predicting nutrient limitation and thus eutrophication in flowing waters.

Natriuretic peptide system in the rat submaxillary gland.

PubMed

Jankowski, M; Petrone, C; Tremblay, J; Gutkowska, J

1996-04-09

Natriuretic peptides and their receptors were characterized in rat submaxillary glands (SGs). Reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of rat SGs extracts revealed the presence of the 28-amino-acid (AA) circulating peptide ANP (Ser99-Tyr126) and the 126-AA prohormone (Asn1-Tyr126). The presence of ANP prohormone indicated that SGs are a site of ANP synthesis. Indeed, ANP mRNAs were demonstrated. ANP mRNA was 10 times lower than in the lung and only about 7 times lower than in the hypothalamus. ANP content in SG was determined as 30 +/- 8 ng/mg of protein (n = 7). In addition the presence of another member of the natriuretic peptide family, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), was found in SG. The CNP level of 293 +/- 38 pg/mg protein was significantly higher than in the lungs (44 +/- 6 pg/mg protein, P < 0.001, n = 5), but about 15 times lower than in hypothalamus (4.5 +/- 0.6 ng/mg protein, P < 0.001, n = 6). Both guanylyl cyclase and clearance receptors were expressed in SG. The presence of natriuretic peptide transcripts and their receptors suggests a role in rat SG functions.

Oromucosal delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol for neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis: an uncontrolled, open-label, 2-year extension trial.

PubMed

Rog, David J; Nurmikko, Turo J; Young, Carolyn A

2007-09-01

Central neuropathic pain (CNP), pain initiated or caused by a primary lesion or dysfunction of the central nervous system, occurs in ~28% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol (THC/CBD), an endocannabinoid system modulator, has demonstrated efficacy for up to 4 weeks in randomized controlled trials in the treatment of CNP in patients with MS. The purpose of this extension was to establish long-term tolerability and effectiveness profiles for THC/CBD (Sativex (R), GW Pharmaceuticals plc, Salisbury, United Kingdom) oromucosal spray in CNP associated with MS. This uncontrolled, open-label trial was an indefinite-duration extension of a previously reported 5-week randomized study in patients with MS and CNP. In the initial trial, patients were randomized to placebo or THC/CBD. Patients were only required to maintain their existing analgesia in the randomized study. In the open-label trial they could vary their other analgesia as required. All patients (placebo and THC/CBD) who completed the randomized trial commenced the open-label follow-up on THC/CBD (27 mg/mL: 25 mg/mL). Patients titrated their dosage, maintaining their existing analgesia. The primary end point of the trial was the number, frequency, and type of adverse events (AEs) reported by patients. Secondary end points included changes from baseline in 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS-11) neuropathic pain score, hematology and clinical chemistry test results, vital signs, trial drug usage, and intoxication visual analogue scale scores. Sixty-six patients were enrolled in the randomized trial; 64 (97%) completed the randomized trial and 63 (95%) entered the open-label extension (race, white, 100%; sex, male, 14 [22%]; mean [SD] age, 49 [8.4] years [range, 27-71 years[). The mean (SD) duration of open-label treatment was 463 (378) days (median, 638 days; range, 3-917 days), with 34 (54%) patients completing >1 year of treatment with THC/CBD and 28 (44%) patients completing the open-label trial with a mean (SD) duration of treatment of 839 (42) days (median, 845 days; range, 701-917 days). Mean NRS-11 pain scores in the final week of the randomized trial were 3.8 in the treatment group and 5.0 in the placebo group. In the 28 (44%) patients who completed the 2-year follow up, the mean (SD) NRS-11 pain score in the final week of treatment was 2.9 (2.0) (range, 0-8.0). Fifty-eight (92%) patients experienced > or =1 treatment-related AE. These AEs were rated by the investigator as mild in 47 (75%) patients, moderate in 49 (78%), and severe in 32 (51%). The most commonly reported AEs were dizziness (27%), nausea (18 %), and feeling intoxicated (11%). Two treatment-related serious AEs (ventricular bigeminy and circulatory collapse) were judged to be treatment-related. Both serious AEs occurred in the same patient and resolved completely following a period of discontinuation. Eleven (17%) patients experienced oral discomfort, 4 persistently. Regular oral examinations revealed that 7 (11%) patients developed white buccal mucosal patches and 2 (3%) developed red buccal mucosal patches; all cases were deemed mild and resolved. Seventeen (25%) patients withdrew due to AEs. The mean number of sprays and patients experiencing intoxication remained stable throughout the follow-up trial. THC/CBD was effective, with no evidence of tolerance, in these select patients with CNP and MS who completed approximately 2 years of treatment (n = 28). Ninety-two percent of patients experienced an AE, the most common of which were dizziness and nausea. The majority of AEs were deemed to be of mild to moderate severity by the investigators.

Optimizing Constrained Single Period Problem under Random Fuzzy Demand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taleizadeh, Ata Allah; Shavandi, Hassan; Riazi, Afshin

2008-09-01

In this paper, we consider the multi-product multi-constraint newsboy problem with random fuzzy demands and total discount. The demand of the products is often stochastic in the real word but the estimation of the parameters of distribution function may be done by fuzzy manner. So an appropriate option to modeling the demand of products is using the random fuzzy variable. The objective function of proposed model is to maximize the expected profit of newsboy. We consider the constraints such as warehouse space and restriction on quantity order for products, and restriction on budget. We also consider the batch size for products order. Finally we introduce a random fuzzy multi-product multi-constraint newsboy problem (RFM-PM-CNP) and it is changed to a multi-objective mixed integer nonlinear programming model. Furthermore, a hybrid intelligent algorithm based on genetic algorithm, Pareto and TOPSIS is presented for the developed model. Finally an illustrative example is presented to show the performance of the developed model and algorithm.

pH sensing characteristics and biosensing application of solution-gated reduced graphene oxide field-effect transistors.

PubMed

Sohn, Il-Yung; Kim, Duck-Jin; Jung, Jin-Heak; Yoon, Ok Ja; Thanh, Tien Nguyen; Quang, Trung Tran; Lee, Nae-Eung

2013-07-15

Solution-gated reduced graphene oxide field-effect transistors (R-GO FETs) were investigated for pH sensing and biochemical sensing applications. A channel of a networked R-GO film formed by self-assembly was incorporated as a sensing layer into a solution-gated FET structure for pH sensing and the detection of acetylcholine (Ach), which is a neurotransmitter in the nerve system, through enzymatic reactions. The fabricated R-GO FET was sensitive to protons (H(+)) with a pH sensitivity of 29 mV/pH in terms of the shift of the charge neutrality point (CNP), which is attributed to changes in the surface potential caused by the interaction of protons with OH surface functional groups present on the R-GO surface. The R-GO FET immobilized with acetylcholinesterase (AchE) was used to detect Ach in the concentration range of 0.1-10mM by sensing protons generated during the enzymatic reactions. The results indicate that R-GO FETs provide the capability to detect protons, demonstrating their applicability as a biosensing device for enzymatic reactions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cardiovascular alterations at different stages of hypertension development during ethanol consumption: Time-course of vascular and autonomic changes

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

Crestani, Carlos C.; Lopes da Silva, Andréia; Scopinho, América A.

The aim of the present work was to establish a time-course correlation between vascular and autonomic changes that contribute to the development of hypertension during ethanol ingestion in rats. For this, male Wistar rats were subjected to the intake of increasing ethanol concentrations in their drinking water during four weeks. Ethanol effects were investigated at the end of each week. Mild hypertension was already observed at the first week of treatment, and a progressive blood pressure increase was observed along the evaluation period. Increased pressor response to phenylephrine was observed from first to fourth week. α{sub 1}-adrenoceptor protein in themore » mesenteric bed was enhanced at the first week, whereas β{sub 2}-adrenoceptor protein in the aorta was reduced after the second week. In the third week, ethanol intake facilitated the depressor response to sodium nitroprusside, whereas in the fourth week it reduced nitrate content in aorta and increased it plasma. The bradycardic component of the baroreflex was impaired, whereas baroreflex tachycardia was enhanced at the third and fourth weeks. AT{sub 1A} receptor and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) mRNAs in the nucleus tractus solitarius were increased at the fourth week. These findings suggest that increased vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor agents is possibly a link factor in the development and maintenance of the progressive hypertension induced by ethanol consumption. Additionally, baroreflex changes are possibly mediated by alterations in angiotensinergic mechanisms and CNP content within the brainstem, which contribute to maintaining the hypertensive state in later phases of ethanol ingestion. Facilitated vascular responsiveness to nitric oxide seems to counteract ethanol-induced hypertension. - Highlights: • Mild hypertension was observed during the entire period of ethanol ingestion. • Ethanol facilitated vascular reactivity to vasoactive agents. • Changes in baroreflex activity contribute to ethanol-evoked hypertension. • Plasma and aortic nitrate content was affected by ethanol consumption. • Ethanol changed AT{sub 1A} receptor and CNP in the nucleus tractus solitaries.« less

Aerosolization and Atmospheric Transformation of Engineered Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, Andrea J.

While research on the environmental impacts of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is growing, the potential for them to be chemically transformed in the atmosphere has been largely ignored. The overall objective of this work was to assess the atmospheric transformation of carbonaceous nanoparticles (CNPs). The research focuses on C60 fullerene because it is an important member of the carbonaceous nanoparticle (CNP) family and is used in a wide variety of applications. The first specific objective was to review the potential of atmospheric transformations to alter the environmental impacts of CNPs. We described atmospheric processes that were likely to physically or chemically alter aerosolized CNPs and demonstrated their relevance to CNP behavior and toxicity in the aqueous and terrestrial environment. In order to investigate the transformations of CNP aerosols under controlled conditions, we developed an aerosolization technique that produces nano-scale aerosols without using solvents, which can alter the surface chemistry of the aerosols. We demonstrated the technique with carbonaceous (C60) and metal oxide (TiO2, CeO2) nanoparticle powders. All resulting aerosols exhibited unimodal size distributions and mode particle diameters below 100 nm. We used the new aerosolization technique to investigate the reaction between aerosolized C60 and atmospherically realistic levels of ozone (O3) in terms of reaction products, reaction rate, and oxidative stress potential. We identified C60O, C60O2, and C60O3 as products of the C60-O3 reaction. We demonstrated that the oxidative stress potential of C 60 may be enhanced by exposure to O3. We found the pseudo-first order reaction rate to be 9 x 10-6 to 2 x 10 -5 s-1, which is several orders of magnitude lower than the rate for several PAH species under comparable conditions. This research has demonstrated that a thorough understanding of atmospheric chemistry of ENPs is critical for accurate prediction of their environmental impacts. It has also enabled future research in that vein by developing a novel technique to produce nanoscale aerosols from nanoparticle powders. Results of this research will help guide the formulation of appropriate environmental policy concerning the regulation of ENPs.

Specifications of CCITT Signalling System Number 7.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

signalling information destined for thc now accessible signalling point. (3854) - 136 - AP VII-No. 18-F 10 Signalling link management 10.1 Generai...18-E The transfer-prohibited procedure makes use of the transfer-prohibite2 message and of thc transfer-prohibited-acknowledgement message which...APBBEVIATI’)N7 US11 IN ~ A:%1~ CB.A - Changeback-acknowleligement. siift CBD - Changeback-declaratior, signalI CR14 - Changeover and changeback messai-f CNP

Naval Aviation Costs: Targeting Operations and Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

Brian Jacobs n Cmdr. Craig Owen Aubrey Dennis n Michael Berkin n Roy Lancaster n Tim Simpson n Duane Mallicoat Farmer, AIR-6.0B, is the...Department. Jacobs , AIR-6.7B, is the military director, Logistics and Maintenance Planning Department. Owen is the COMFRC Produc- tion director. Dennis...Board Extended Members Vice Adm. McCoy , NAVSEA Vice Adm. Van Buskirk, CNP Lt. Gen. Ronling, MARFORPAC Lt. Gen. Paxton, MARFORCOM

Do it yourself: optical spectrometer for physics undergraduate instruction in nanomaterial characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeti Nuryantini, Ade; Cahya Septia Mahen, Ea; Sawitri, Asti; Wahid Nuryadin, Bebeh

2017-09-01

In this paper, we report on a homemade optical spectrometer using diffraction grating and image processing techniques. This device was designed to produce spectral images that could then be processed by measuring signal strength (pixel intensity) to obtain the light source, transmittance, and absorbance spectra of the liquid sample. The homemade optical spectrometer consisted of: (i) a white LED as a light source, (ii) a cuvette or sample holder, (iii) a slit, (iv) a diffraction grating, and (v) a CMOS camera (webcam). In this study, various concentrations of a carbon nanoparticle (CNP) colloid were used in the particle size sample test. Additionally, a commercial optical spectrometer and tunneling electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the optical properties and morphology of the CNPs, respectively. The data obtained using the homemade optical spectrometer, commercial optical spectrometer, and TEM showed similar results and trends. Lastly, the calculation and measurement of CNP size were performed using the effective mass approximation (EMA) and TEM. These data showed that the average nanoparticle sizes were approximately 2.4 nm and 2.5 ± 0.3 nm, respectively. This research provides new insights into the development of a portable, simple, and low-cost optical spectrometer that can be used in nanomaterial characterization for physics undergraduate instruction.

Mixed-Substituent Cyclophosphazenes with Calamitic and Polycatenar Mesogens.

PubMed

Jiménez, J; Callizo, L; Serrano, J L; Barberá, J; Oriol, L

2017-07-17

A synthetic strategy has been developed to prepare liquid crystalline cyclotriphosphazenes that have two different types of mesogenic units linked to the same phosphorus atom. Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, N 3 P 3 Cl 6 , was reacted with 3 mol of the calamitic unit 4-cyano-4'-hydroxybiphenyl to give a mixture of compounds in which the nongem-trans-trisubstituted derivative N 3 P 3 Cl 3 (OC 6 H 4 C 6 H 4 {CN}-p) 3 was the major product. The substitution of all three chlorine atoms in this nongeminal compound gave rise to the hydroxyl-functional phosphazenes, nongem-trans-N 3 P 3 (OC 6 H 4 C 6 H 4 {CN}-p) 3 (OC 6 H 4 {OH}-p) 3 or nongem-trans-N 3 P 3 (OC 6 H 4 C 6 H 4 {CH 3 }-p) 3 (OC 6 H 4 {OH}-p) 3 , from which the second mesogenic unit, a polycatenar one, was introduced. The chemical structure of the resulting materials, deduced from spectroscopic and MALDI-TOF techniques, was in accordance with monodisperse, fully functionalized cyclotriphosphazenes. Mesomorphism is highly dependent on the terminal group of the calamitic units, and liquid crystal phases were only detected on the cyano-derivatives. The calamitic or columnar nature of the mesophase depends on the number of alkyl chains of the polycatenar moieties.

Terrestrial Dispersal and Potential Environmental Transmission of the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis)

PubMed Central

Kolby, Jonathan E.; Ramirez, Sara D.; Berger, Lee; Richards-Hrdlicka, Kathryn L.; Jocque, Merlijn; Skerratt, Lee F.

2015-01-01

Dispersal and exposure to amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) is not confined to the aquatic habitat, but little is known about pathways that facilitate exposure to wild terrestrial amphibians that do not typically enter bodies of water. We explored the possible spread of Bd from an aquatic reservoir to terrestrial substrates by the emergence of recently metamorphosed infected amphibians and potential deposition of Bd-positive residue on riparian vegetation in Cusuco National Park, Honduras (CNP). Amphibians and their respective leaf perches were both sampled for Bd presence and the pathogen was detected on 76.1% (35/46) of leaves where a Bd-positive frog had rested. Although the viability of Bd detected on these leaves cannot be discerned from our quantitative PCR results, the cool air temperature, closed canopy, and high humidity of this cloud forest environment in CNP is expected to encourage pathogen persistence. High prevalence of infection (88.5%) detected in the recently metamorphosed amphibians and frequent shedding of Bd-positive residue on foliage demonstrates a pathway of Bd dispersal between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This pathway provides the opportunity for environmental transmission of Bd among and between amphibian species without direct physical contact or exposure to an aquatic habitat. PMID:25927835

Evidence for calcifying nanoparticles in gingival crevicular fluid and dental calculus in periodontitis.

PubMed

Zhang, Song-Mei; Tian, Fei; Jiang, Xin-Quan; Li, Jing; Xu, Chun; Guo, Xiao-Kui; Zhang, Fu-Qiang

2009-09-01

Calcifying nanoparticles (CNPs), also known as nanobacteria, can produce carbonate apatite on their cell walls and initiate pathologic calcification. The objective of this study was to determine whether CNPs are present in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from subjects with periodontal disease and whether they can induce the pathologic calcification of primary cultured human gingival epithelial cells. GCF and dental calculus samples were collected from 10 subjects with gingivitis and 10 subjects with chronic periodontitis. CNPs in GCF and calculus filtrates were detected with nanocapture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The CNPs in cultures of dental calculus filtrates were also identified using immunofluorescence staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and chemical analysis. Pathologic changes in the CNP-treated gingival epithelial cells were observed with TEM, alizarin red staining, and disk-scanning confocal microscopy. CNPs were found in GCF samples from two subjects with chronic periodontitis. Based on chemical analysis, the surface-associated material from CNPs isolated and cultured from calculus has a composition similar to dental calculus. The pathologic calcification of CNP-treated gingival epithelial cells was also observed. Self-replicating calcifying nanoparticles can be cultured and identified from dental calculus. This raises the issue of whether CNPs contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Redfield Ratios in Inland Waters: Higher Biological Control of C:N:P Ratios in Tropical Semi-arid High Water Residence Time Lakes

PubMed Central

They, Ng H.; Amado, André M.; Cotner, James B.

2017-01-01

The canonical Redfield C:N:P ratio for algal biomass is often not achieved in inland waters due to higher C and N content and more variability when compared to the oceans. This has been attributed to much lower residence times and higher contributions of the watershed to the total organic matter pool of continental ecosystems. In this study we examined the effect of water residence times in low latitude lakes (in a gradient from humid to a semi-arid region) on seston elemental ratios in different size fractions. We used lake water specific conductivity as a proxy for residence time in a region of Eastern Brazil where there is a strong precipitation gradient. The C:P ratios decreased in the seston and bacterial size-fractions and increased in the dissolved fraction with increasing water retention time, suggesting uptake of N and P from the dissolved pool. Bacterial abundance, production and respiration increased in response to increased residence time and intracellular nutrient availability in agreement with the growth rate hypothesis. Our results reinforce the role of microorganisms in shaping the chemical environment in aquatic systems particularly at long water residence times and highlights the importance of this factor in influencing ecological stoichiometry in all aquatic ecosystems. PMID:28848518

The retail market for fresh cassava root tubers in the European Union (EU): the case of Copenhagen, Denmark--a chemical food safety issue?

PubMed

Kolind-Hansen, Lotte; Brimer, Leon

2010-01-30

A number of retail shops in Copenhagen sell fresh cassava roots. Cassava roots contain the toxic cyanogenic glucoside linamarin. A survey was made of the shop characteristics, origin of the roots, buyers, shop owner's knowledge of toxicity levels, and actual toxicity levels. Shops selling fresh cassava were shown mostly to be owned by persons originating in the Middle East or Afghanistan, buyers were found to predominantly be of African origin, and sellers' knowledge concerning the potential toxicity was found to be very restricted. Seventy-six per cent of the roots purchased had a total cyanogenic potentials (CNp) above the 50 mg HCN equivalents kg(-1) dry weight (d.w.) proposed as acceptable by an EU working group. Two of 25 roots purchased had CNp higher than 340 mg HCN eq. kg(-1) d.w. The EU has previously made risk assessments concerning cassava and cyanogenic compounds. In the light of the conclusions drawn, the EU needs to make decisions about how to deal with the regulation and control of fresh cassava roots imported to the European food market. Also cassava root products and cassava leaves should be considered. (c) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vivo toxicity of the culturable marine cyanobacterium Geitlerinema pseudacutissimum CNP 1019 extract on male Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus).

PubMed

Maruthanayagam, Veerabadhran; Nagarajan, Manivel; Sundararaman, Muthuraman

2014-01-01

In this study, we investigated the in vivo toxicity of Geitlerinema pseudacutissimum CNP 1019 organic extract in a murine host. A single intraperitoneal injection of 1 g extract kg⁻¹ body weight (BW) did not exhibit mortality, whereas 3 g extract kg⁻¹ BW (approximate lethal dose) resulted in mortality within 5 days. To perform subchronic exposure toxicity analyses (i.e., daily exposure for a total of 14 days), a maximum concentration of ≤1 g extract kg⁻¹ BW was used. Subchronic toxicity studies in the treated mice, showed fluctuations of feed intake, loss of body weight, increase in specific activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase and decrease in whole serum protein concentration. LDH isoenzyme expression was found, and levels of the various isoforms were decreased as a result of the treatment. Histopathology studies in liver, kidney, and spleen isolated from the treated mice showed the presence of necrotic debris, hemorrhage, and micronuclei revealing the toxicity of the extract. The dose-dependent alterations in biochemical parameters in conjunction with the histological lesions noted in the animals treated with the prepared extract illustrate the likely potential toxicity to mammals from any encounters with the studied cyanobacterium.

SiC nanoparticles-modified glassy carbon electrodes for simultaneous determination of purine and pyrimidine DNA bases.

PubMed

Ghavami, Raouf; Salimi, Abdollah; Navaee, Aso

2011-05-15

For the first time a novel and simple electrochemical method was used for simultaneous detection of DNA bases (guanine, adenine, thymine and cytosine) without any pretreatment or separation process. Glassy carbon electrode modified with silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCNP/GC), have been used for electrocatalytic oxidation of purine (guanine and adenine) and pyrimidine bases (thymine and cytosine) nucleotides. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were used to examine the structure of the SiCNP/GC modified electrode. The modified electrode shows excellent electrocatalytic activity toward guanine, adenine, thymine and cytosine. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was proposed for simultaneous determination of four DNA bases. The effects of different parameters such as the thickness of SiC layer, pulse amplitude, scan rate, supporting electrolyte composition and pH were optimized to obtain the best peak potential separation and higher sensitivity. Detection limit, sensitivity and linear concentration range of the modified electrode toward proposed analytes were calculated for, guanine, adenine, thymine and cytosine, respectively. As shown this sensor can be used for nanomolar or micromolar detection of different DNA bases simultaneously or individually. This sensor also exhibits good stability, reproducibility and long lifetime. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Protection and Sensitization of Human Cells to Proton Radiation by Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, Nathan B.

In radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer, there is demand for novel approaches that will improve tumor cell killing while protecting healthy tissue. One such approach that has shown considerable promise is the application of nanoparticles as radiation sensitizers for tumor cells and as radiation protectants for healthy tissue. In this investigation, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) obtained from the University of Central Florida's NanoScience Technology Center were studied for their protective effect to charged particle radiation in non-malignant breast cells, and for their sensitizing effect in breast and prostate cancer cell lines. These experiments were conducted at East Carolina University, where human cells were grown in the cell culture facility in the Department of Biology and then irradiated with energetic protons in the Accelerator Laboratory in the Department of Physics. Prior to irradiation, the cells were treated with distinct CNP preparations ranging in concentrations from 10 nanomolar to 10 micromolar, and cell viability was assessed using multiple assays post-irradiation. Radioprotection and radiosensitization were observed for several of the CNP treatments tested. Ultimately, the goal is to find a specific nanoparticle treatment that holds the synergistic effect of enhancing the rate of killing in tumor cells while simultaneously improving the survival of normal cells.

Temporal dynamic of reef benthic communities in two marine protected areas in the Caribbean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perera-Valderrama, Susana; Hernández-Arana, Héctor; Ruiz-Zárate, Miguel-Ángel; Alcolado, Pedro M.; Caballero-Aragón, Hansel; González-Cano, Jaime; Vega-Zepeda, Alejandro; Victoria-Salazar, Isael; Cobián-Rojas, Dorka; González-Méndez, Juliett; Hernández-González, Zaimiuri; de la Guardia-Llansó, Elena

2017-10-01

This study assessed the coral reef condition of two marine protected areas in the Caribbean: Guanahacabibes National Park, Cuba, and Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres-Punta Cancun-Punta Nizuc National Park, Mexico, in a two-year period. The analyzed indicators for corals were live coral cover, diameter and height of the colonies, ancient and recent mortalities and abundance of recruits, which were evaluated in quadrats of 1 m2. In addition, it was estimated the coverage by morphofunctional groups of macroalgae in 25 × 25 cm quadrats and the density of the Diadema antillarum urchin in 1 m2 quadrats. The results showed differences between countries at broad spatial scales (hundreds of kilometers). Reefs of both MPAs seem to be in different stages of changes, which have been associated with deterioration of Caribbean reefs, toward the dominance of more resistant, non-tridimensional coral species, causing a decrease of the reef complexity that may leads to the reefs to collapse. At scales of kilometers (within MPAs), a similar pattern was found in reefs of GNP-Cuba and different trends were observed in reefs of CNP-Mexico. The observed differences between CNP-Mexico sites appear to be associated with the current tourism use patterns.

Preprocessed Consortium for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics dataset.

PubMed

Gorgolewski, Krzysztof J; Durnez, Joke; Poldrack, Russell A

2017-01-01

Here we present preprocessed MRI data of 265 participants from the Consortium for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics (CNP) dataset. The preprocessed dataset includes minimally preprocessed data in the native, MNI and surface spaces accompanied with potential confound regressors, tissue probability masks, brain masks and transformations. In addition the preprocessed dataset includes unthresholded group level and single subject statistical maps from all tasks included in the original dataset. We hope that availability of this dataset will greatly accelerate research.

Graphene Plasmonics for Tunable Terahertz Metamaterials

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

anomalous quantumHall effect15,16 andKlein tunnelling17,18 in electrical transport to a universal absorption constant19,20 and tunable interband ...electron scattering spectroscopy25,26 and inelastic scanning tunnelling microscopy27. However, the fundamental behaviour of light–plasmon coupling in...ribbon arrays. Here TCNP is the transmission coefficient at CNP and DT¼ T2 TCNP. The 2DT/TCNP spectra of a gated 4 mm sample (Vg¼22.0 V) for terahertz

Quantitative assessment of energy and resource recovery in wastewater treatment plants based on plant-wide simulations.

PubMed

Fernández-Arévalo, T; Lizarralde, I; Fdz-Polanco, F; Pérez-Elvira, S I; Garrido, J M; Puig, S; Poch, M; Grau, P; Ayesa, E

2017-07-01

The growing development of technologies and processes for resource treatment and recovery is offering endless possibilities for creating new plant-wide configurations or modifying existing ones. However, the configurations' complexity, the interrelation between technologies and the influent characteristics turn decision-making into a complex or unobvious process. In this frame, the Plant-Wide Modelling (PWM) library presented in this paper allows a thorough, comprehensive and refined analysis of different plant configurations that are basic aspects in decision-making from an energy and resource recovery perspective. In order to demonstrate the potential of the library and the need to run simulation analyses, this paper carries out a comparative analysis of WWTPs, from a techno-economic point of view. The selected layouts were (1) a conventional WWTP based on a modified version of the Benchmark Simulation Model No. 2, (2) an upgraded or retrofitted WWTP, and (3) a new Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRF) concept denominated as C/N/P decoupling WWTP. The study was based on a preliminary analysis of the organic matter and nutrient energy use and recovery options, a comprehensive mass and energy flux distribution analysis in each configuration in order to compare and identify areas for improvement, and a cost analysis of each plant for different influent COD/TN/TP ratios. Analysing the plants from a standpoint of resources and energy utilization, a low utilization of the energy content of the components could be observed in all configurations. In the conventional plant, the COD used to produce biogas was around 29%, the upgraded plant was around 36%, and 34% in the C/N/P decoupling WWTP. With regard to the self-sufficiency of plants, achieving self-sufficiency was not possible in the conventional plant, in the upgraded plant it depended on the influent C/N ratio, and in the C/N/P decoupling WWTP layout self-sufficiency was feasible for almost all influents, especially at high COD concentrations. The plant layouts proposed in this paper are just a sample of the possibilities offered by current technologies. Even so, the library presented here is generic and can be used to construct any other plant layout, provided that a model is available. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biofunctionalization of carbon nanostructures through enzyme immobilization in colloidal silica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goulet, Evan M.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) and carbon nanopipettes (CNP) provide interesting high aspect ratio scaffolds on which to base functionally gradient materials. In this dissertation, we present a general method for the production of an enzymatically active composite material based on MWNTs. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was applied to purified MWNTs, generating a positive electrostatic potential on the MWNTs. This positive potential was used to apply negatively charged colloidal silica particle in the presence of a high concentration of enzyme. The silica coating continued to grow via localized condensation of silica particles driven by the buffered saline conditions, immobilizing the enzyme within the coating. The mesoporous nanostructure was characterized via transmission electron microscopy. Optical spectroscopy experiments on the material employed as an active suspension showed that the immobilized enzymes horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and tyrosinase (TV) retained their activity upon incorporation into the material. Using HRP as a model enzyme, it was determined that the MWNT-HRP-Silica material showed similar pH and temperature dependencies in activity to those of free HRP in solution. An examination of the Michaelis-Menten kinetics showed that the material had a slightly higher value of KM than did free HRP. The MWNT-HRP-Silica material was also employed as an active filter membrane, which allowed us to explore the reusable nature of the material. We were able to show the denaturation of the filter due to the loss of Ca2+ cations at low pH and then restore the activity by soaking the filter membrane in 1 mM CaCl2. The MWNT-HRP-Silica material was used to modify a carbon microelectrode and produce a functioning electrochemical sensor for H2O2 . Utilizing cyclic voltammetry, the sensor was shown to have a linear response in limiting current versus concentration of H2O2 of 4.26 pA/microM. We also determined a lower detection limit of 0.67 microM H2O2. CNPs were investigated as functional microelectrodes. Colloidal silica was applied to the CNP with HRP, but it was difficult to prove functionality. One irregularly coated CNP showed a clear response to H2O2, but we were not able to reproduce the response in other samples. This work indicated the CNPs have promise as functional microelectrodes.

Meta-Analysis of Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Composite Validity Data

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

before delving into this many-faceted topic. easurement of human abi lit i es has I cnp, been of interest to 2 scientists. Sir Francis Galton set up...those types of abilities gauged the level of an individual’s intellect (Anastasi, 1982). More refined measures of intelligence began principally with...Binet, who in 1905 developed an intelligence test based on what he felt were the essential components of intelligence . He believed intellect consists of

Selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone in water over Pd@N-doped carbons derived from ZIF-67: Role of dicyandiamide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Shuaishuai; Zhang, Chunhua; Liu, Yefei; Jiang, Hong; Chen, Rizhi

2017-12-01

Highly efficient Pd@CN catalysts for selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone in water were successfully fabricated by loading Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in N-doped carbons (CN) derived from ZIF-67 with dicyandiamide (DICY) as the additional nitrogen source. For comparison, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was also used as the additional nitrogen source during the ZIF-67 synthesis. The results showed that the PVP and DICY had significantly different impacts on the microstructures of as-obtained CN materials and the catalytic performance of Pd@CN catalysts in the phenol hydrogenation. The addition of DICY had the positive promotion effect on the surface area of the obtained CN materials. Moreover, the introduction of DICY could increase the nitrogen content of CN and then prevent the re-oxidation of Pd NPs during air contact, resulting in higher Pd0 ratio. In comparison with PVP, the DICY was more suitable as the additional nitrogen source for the formation of CN and Pd@CN (Pd@CND, Pd@CNP). The Pd@CND exhibited superior catalytic activity as compared to Pd@CNP (phenol conversion 96.9% vs. 67.4%). More importantly, the as-prepared Pd@CND catalyst could be reused for four times without catalytic performance reduction. The work would aid the development of Pd@CN catalysts with superior catalytic properties.

NEUDOSE: A CubeSat Mission for Dosimetry of Charged Particles and Neutrons in Low-Earth Orbit.

PubMed

Hanu, A R; Barberiz, J; Bonneville, D; Byun, S H; Chen, L; Ciambella, C; Dao, E; Deshpande, V; Garnett, R; Hunter, S D; Jhirad, A; Johnston, E M; Kordic, M; Kurnell, M; Lopera, L; McFadden, M; Melnichuk, A; Nguyen, J; Otto, A; Scott, R; Wagner, D L; Wiendels, M

2017-01-01

During space missions, astronauts are exposed to a stream of energetic and highly ionizing radiation particles that can suppress immune system function, increase cancer risks and even induce acute radiation syndrome if the exposure is large enough. As human exploration goals shift from missions in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to long-duration interplanetary missions, radiation protection remains one of the key technological issues that must be resolved. In this work, we introduce the NEUtron DOSimetry & Exploration (NEUDOSE) CubeSat mission, which will provide new measurements of dose and space radiation quality factors to improve the accuracy of cancer risk projections for current and future space missions. The primary objective of the NEUDOSE CubeSat is to map the in situ lineal energy spectra produced by charged particles and neutrons in LEO where most of the preparatory activities for future interplanetary missions are currently taking place. To perform these measurements, the NEUDOSE CubeSat is equipped with the Charged & Neutral Particle Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (CNP-TEPC), an advanced radiation monitoring instrument that uses active coincidence techniques to separate the interactions of charged particles and neutrons in real time. The NEUDOSE CubeSat, currently under development at McMaster University, provides a modern approach to test the CNP-TEPC instrument directly in the unique environment of outer space while simultaneously collecting new georeferenced lineal energy spectra of the radiation environment in LEO.

Assessment of the physicochemical and microbiological status of western Niger Delta soil for crude oil pollution bioremediation potential.

PubMed

Ejechi, Bernard O; Ozochi, Chizoba A

2015-06-01

The physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the soil across the western Niger Delta area of Nigeria were determined to assess its potential for natural remediation of crude oil pollution. The pH (oil-producing area, 6.1 ± 1.1; non-oil producing, 5.9 ± 0.9) and temperature (28-35 °C in both areas) were favourable to natural remediation, while the fluctuating moisture (7.7-45.6 %) and the dominant sandy soil textural classes (70 %) were limitations. The carbon nitrogen phosphorus (CNP) ratio markedly exceeded recommended 100:10:1, while the cation exchange capacity was below acceptable range. Counts of heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and hydrocarbon-utilising and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (mean range log10 3.8 ± 1.5-6.52 ± 0.9 cfu/g) were favourable having markedly exceeded the minimum counts required. Crude oil loss was highest in loam soil, but significantly (P = 0.00) increased in all soil textural classes including sandy soils after amendment with cow dung/poultry dropping and manual aeration in laboratory and 8-month field tests as indicated by two-way ANOVA. Thus, the overall assessment is that while CNP can be viewed as the major limiting factor to natural oil pollution remediation in the western Niger Delta soil, its influence can be minimised by the amendment indicated in the study.

C-N-P interactions control climate driven changes in regional patterns of C storage on the North Slope of Alaska

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

Jiang, Yueyang; Rocha, Adrian; Rastetter, Edward

2016-01-01

As climate warms, changes in the carbon (C) balance of arctic tundra will play an important role in the global C balance. The C balance of tundra is tightly coupled to the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycles because soil organic matter is the principal source of plant-available nutrients and determines the spatial variation of vegetation biomass across the North Slope of Alaska. Warming will accelerate these nutrient cycles, which should stimulate plant growth.

Methods to Select Chemicals for In Situ Biodegradation of Fuel Hydrocarbons

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-07-01

nutrients at a variety of C:N:P ratios have been added to bioreclamation sites, often with equivocal results ( Atlas , 1981; Bossert and Bartha , 1984...pH in the range of 5 to 9. Since desirable pH for microbial growth is near 7 ( Atlas , 1981), it is not possible to decrease significantly the pH of...34Potentiometric Study on the Formation of Perboric Acids," Acta Chemica Scandinavica, Vol. 10, pp. 756-760, 1956. Atlas , R.M. Microbial Degradation

Enzyme-free Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide from Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Immobilized on Poly(4-vinylpyridine) Self-Assembled Monolayers

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

Gaynor, James D.; Karakoti, Ajay S.; Inerbaev, Talgat

2013-05-02

A single layer of oxygen-deficient cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) are immobilized on microscopic glass slide using poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A specific colorimetric property of CNPs when reacted with hydrogen peroxide allows for the direct, single-step peroxide detection which can be used in medical diagnosis and explosives detection. Multiple PVP-CNP immobilized layers improve sensitivity of detection and the sensor can be regenerated for reuse.

C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Analog as Therapy for Achondroplasia.

PubMed

Legeai-Mallet, Laurence

2016-01-01

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is an important regulator of bone formation. Gain-of-function mutations in the FGFR3 gene result in chondrodysplasias which include achondroplasia (ACH), the most common form of dwarfism, in which skull, appendicular and axial skeletons are affected. The skeletal phenotype of patients with ACH showed defective proliferation and differentiation of the chondrocytes in the growth plate cartilage. Both endochondral and membranous ossification processes are disrupted during development. At cellular level, Fgfr3 mutations induce increased phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase receptor FGFR3, which correlate with an enhanced activation of its downstream signaling pathways. Potential therapeutic strategies have emerged for ACH. Several preclinical studies have been conducted such as the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) analog (BMN111), intermittent parathyroid hormone injections, soluble FGFR3 therapy, and meclozine and statin treatments. Among the putative targets to antagonize FGFR3 signaling, CNP (or BMN111) is one of the most promising strategies. BMN111 acts as a key regulator of longitudinal bone growth by downregulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, which is activated as a result of a FGFR3 gain-of-function mutation. Preclinical studies showed that BMN111 treatment led to a large improvement in skeletal parameters in Fgfr3Y367C/+ mice mimicking ACH. In 2014, a clinical trial (phase 2) of BMN111 in pediatric patients with ACH has started. This first clinical trial marks the first big step towards real treatment for these patients. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Neurotoxocarosis alters myelin protein gene transcription and expression.

PubMed

Heuer, Lea; Beyerbach, Martin; Lühder, Fred; Beineke, Andreas; Strube, Christina

2015-06-01

Neurotoxocarosis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by migrating larvae of the common dog and cat roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati), which are zoonotic agents. As these parasites are prevalent worldwide and neuropathological and molecular investigations on neurotoxocarosis are scare, this study aims to characterise nerve fibre demyelination associated with neurotoxocarosis on a molecular level. Transcription of eight myelin-associated genes (Cnp, Mag, Mbp, Mog, Mrf-1, Nogo-A, Plp1, Olig2) was determined in the mouse model during six time points of the chronic phase of infection using qRT-PCR. Expression of selected proteins was analysed by Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Additionally, demyelination and neuronal damage were investigated histologically. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between transcription rates of T. canis-infected and uninfected control mice were detected for all analysed genes while T. cati affected five of eight investigated genes. Interestingly, 2', 3 ´-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (Cnp) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (Mog) were upregulated in both T. canis- and T. cati-infected mice preceding demyelination. Later, CNPase expression was additionally enhanced. As expected, myelin basic protein (Mbp) was downregulated in cerebra and cerebella of T. canis-infected mice when severe demyelination was present 120 days post infectionem (dpi). The transcriptional pattern observed in the present study appears to reflect direct traumatic and hypoxic effects of larval migration as well as secondary processes including host immune reactions, demyelination and attempts to remyelinate damaged areas.

L-Cysteine conjugated poly L-lactide nanoparticles containing 5-fluorouracil: formulation, characterization, release and uptake by tissues in vivo.

PubMed

Mishra, Brijeshkunvar J; Kaul, Ankur; Trivedi, Piyush

2015-02-01

Targeted delivery of drugs is still a therapeutic challenge and numerous methods have been reported for the same. In this study, emphasis was placed on developing nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil (FU) and modifying the surface of the nanoparticles by conjugation with amino acid, to improve the distribution of 5-FU in the lungs. An emulsion solvent evaporation technique was used to formulate nanoparticles of FU using Poly L-lactide and Pluronic F-68. The nanoparticles were conjugated with L-Cysteine using EDC as the activator of COOH group and were evaluated for product yield, particle size, surface morphology, amount of conjugation by Ellman's method and in vitro drug release study. The results indicated 60-65% yield with an average particle size of 242.7 ± 37.11 nm for the cysteine conjugated nanoparticle (CNP) formulation and more than 70% conjugation of cysteine. The cumulative percentage of drug released over a period of 24 h was found to be 58%. An increase in distribution of the delivery system in lungs (11.4% ID after 1 h) in mice was found indicating the role of L-Cysteine in the transport mechanism to the lungs. In vivo kinetic studies in rats revealed higher circulation time of CNP as compared to pure FU solution. The study helps in designing a colloidal delivery system for increased distribution of drugs to the lungs and may be helpful in delivery of drugs in conditions like non-small cell lung carcinomas.

CNP stoichiometry of a lipid-synthesising zooplankton, Calanus finmarchicus, from winter to spring bloom in a sub-Arctic sound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aubert, A. B.; Svensen, C.; Hessen, D. O.; Tamelander, T.

2013-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal stoichiometry of the high-latitude lipid-synthesising copepod Calanus finmarchicus and assess how this would affect dietary demands with season, ontogeny and lipid storage. C:N:P ratios in different stages (adults, copepodite V and IV), in eggs and faecal pellets as well as in bulk food (seston) was analysed in a sub-Arctic Norwegian sound (69° 47'N, 19° 19'E) from late February to mid-May 2009. The period covered the phytoplankton bloom and was divided into four sequences of the bloom based on chl a and seston C:chl a ratio variations. The calculation of the somatic elemental C:N and C:P body ratios (without the lipid storage) indicates that nearly homeostatic control in C. finmarchicus is maintained in somatic tissues within stages, while not if the lipid storage pool is included. Nutrient limitation was assessed calculating threshold elemental ratios based on the somatic body ratios and for different sets of assimilation efficiencies, and indicated a predominant C limitation that may reflect demands for lipid storage. The results suggest that stoichiometric composition and demands in such high-latitude, lipid-storing species strongly depend on stage and season, and the large contribution of storage lipids highlights the need for a two-compartment approach for lipid-synthesising species, with different dietary requirements for somatic growth and for lipid storage.

Impact Assessment of Mikania Micrantha on Land Cover and Maxent Modeling to Predict its Potential Invasion Sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baidar, T.; Shrestha, A. B.; Ranjit, R.; Adhikari, R.; Ghimire, S.; Shrestha, N.

2017-05-01

Mikania micrantha is one of the major invasive alien plant species in tropical moist forest regions of Asia including Nepal. Recently, this weed is spreading at an alarming rate in Chitwan National Park (CNP) and threatening biodiversity. This paper aims to assess the impacts of Mikania micrantha on different land cover and to predict potential invasion sites in CNP using Maxent model. Primary data for this were presence point coordinates and perceived Mikania micrantha cover collected through systematic random sampling technique. Rapideye image, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission data and bioclimatic variables were acquired as secondary data. Mikania micrantha distribution maps were prepared by overlaying the presence points on image classified by object based image analysis. The overall accuracy of classification was 90 % with Kappa coefficient 0.848. A table depicting the number of sample points in each land cover with respective Mikania micrantha coverage was extracted from the distribution maps to show the impact. The riverine forest was found to be the most affected land cover with 85.98 % presence points and sal forest was found to be very less affected with only 17.02 % presence points. Maxent modeling predicted the areas near the river valley as the potential invasion sites with statistically significant Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve (AUC) value of 0.969. Maximum temperature of warmest month and annual precipitation were identified as the predictor variables that contribute the most to Mikania micrantha's potential distribution.

Hypothesis exploration with visualization of variance

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The Consortium for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics (CNP) at UCLA was an investigation into the biological bases of traits such as memory and response inhibition phenotypes—to explore whether they are linked to syndromes including ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and Schizophrenia. An aim of the consortium was in moving from traditional categorical approaches for psychiatric syndromes towards more quantitative approaches based on large-scale analysis of the space of human variation. It represented an application of phenomics—wide-scale, systematic study of phenotypes—to neuropsychiatry research. Results This paper reports on a system for exploration of hypotheses in data obtained from the LA2K, LA3C, and LA5C studies in CNP. ViVA is a system for exploratory data analysis using novel mathematical models and methods for visualization of variance. An example of these methods is called VISOVA, a combination of visualization and analysis of variance, with the flavor of exploration associated with ANOVA in biomedical hypothesis generation. It permits visual identification of phenotype profiles—patterns of values across phenotypes—that characterize groups. Visualization enables screening and refinement of hypotheses about variance structure of sets of phenotypes. Conclusions The ViVA system was designed for exploration of neuropsychiatric hypotheses by interdisciplinary teams. Automated visualization in ViVA supports ‘natural selection’ on a pool of hypotheses, and permits deeper understanding of the statistical architecture of the data. Large-scale perspective of this kind could lead to better neuropsychiatric diagnostics. PMID:25097666

Msc1 acts through histone H2A.Z to promote chromosome stability in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

PubMed

Ahmed, Shakil; Dul, Barbara; Qiu, Xinxing; Walworth, Nancy C

2007-11-01

As a central component of the DNA damage checkpoint pathway, the conserved protein kinase Chk1 mediates cell cycle progression when DNA damage is generated. Msc1 was identified as a multicopy suppressor capable of facilitating survival in response to DNA damage of cells mutant for chk1. We demonstrate that loss of msc1 function results in an increased rate of chromosome loss and that an msc1 null allele exhibits genetic interactions with mutants in key kinetochore components. Multicopy expression of msc1 robustly suppresses a temperature-sensitive mutant (cnp1-1) in the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A, and localization of CENP-A to the centromere is compromised in msc1 null cells. We present several lines of evidence to suggest that Msc1 carries out its function through the histone H2A variant H2A.Z, encoded by pht1 in fission yeast. Like an msc1 mutant, a pht1 mutant also exhibits chromosome instability and genetic interactions with kinetochore mutants. Suppression of cnp1-1 by multicopy msc1 requires pht1. Likewise, suppression of the DNA damage sensitivity of a chk1 mutant by multicopy msc1 also requires pht1. We present the first genetic evidence that histone H2A.Z may participate in centromere function in fission yeast and propose that Msc1 acts through H2A.Z to promote chromosome stability and cell survival following DNA damage.

Msc1 Acts Through Histone H2A.Z to Promote Chromosome Stability in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Shakil; Dul, Barbara; Qiu, Xinxing; Walworth, Nancy C.

2007-01-01

As a central component of the DNA damage checkpoint pathway, the conserved protein kinase Chk1 mediates cell cycle progression when DNA damage is generated. Msc1 was identified as a multicopy suppressor capable of facilitating survival in response to DNA damage of cells mutant for chk1. We demonstrate that loss of msc1 function results in an increased rate of chromosome loss and that an msc1 null allele exhibits genetic interactions with mutants in key kinetochore components. Multicopy expression of msc1 robustly suppresses a temperature-sensitive mutant (cnp1-1) in the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A, and localization of CENP-A to the centromere is compromised in msc1 null cells. We present several lines of evidence to suggest that Msc1 carries out its function through the histone H2A variant H2A.Z, encoded by pht1 in fission yeast. Like an msc1 mutant, a pht1 mutant also exhibits chromosome instability and genetic interactions with kinetochore mutants. Suppression of cnp1-1 by multicopy msc1 requires pht1. Likewise, suppression of the DNA damage sensitivity of a chk1 mutant by multicopy msc1 also requires pht1. We present the first genetic evidence that histone H2A.Z may participate in centromere function in fission yeast and propose that Msc1 acts through H2A.Z to promote chromosome stability and cell survival following DNA damage. PMID:17947424

Irregular head movement patterns in whiplash patients during a trajectory task.

PubMed

Woodhouse, Astrid; Stavdahl, Øyvind; Vasseljen, Ottar

2010-03-01

Patients with whiplash associated disorders (WAD) have shown less accuracy in trajectory head motion compared to asymptomatic controls, which comply with clinical observations. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a trajectory head movement task can differ between WAD patients, chronic non-traumatic neck pain (CNP) patients and asymptomatic controls. Study groups included subjects with WAD (n = 35) with persistent neck pain after a car accident, CNP (n = 45), and asymptomatic controls (n = 48). Head motion was recorded from an unsupported standing position using a 3D Fastrak device. A laser pointer was attached to the head and by moving the head the subjects were asked to trace a figure of eight displayed on the wall at three different paces (slow, moderate and fast). The motion signal was decomposed into 1 Hz frequency bands and angular velocity (deg/s) within each frequency band was calculated. Significantly higher angular RMS velocity was found in the WAD group compared to the two other groups for the slow paced test (3-4 and 4-5 Hz frequency bands) and the moderate paced test (3-4 Hz frequency band) indicating irregular and uncoordinated movements. Angular RMS velocity was associated with pain and dizziness, but only with severe symptom levels. In conclusion, irregular head movements during a complex task were found in the WAD group, indicating altered central sensorimotor processing. The irregularities were found within frequency levels observable to clinicians.

47 CFR 73.658 - Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements. 73.658 Section 73.658... Television Broadcast Stations § 73.658 Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial...

47 CFR 73.658 - Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements. 73.658 Section 73.658... Television Broadcast Stations § 73.658 Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial...

47 CFR 73.658 - Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements. 73.658 Section 73.658... Television Broadcast Stations § 73.658 Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial...

47 CFR 73.658 - Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements. 73.658 Section 73.658... Television Broadcast Stations § 73.658 Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial...

47 CFR 73.658 - Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements. 73.658 Section 73.658... Television Broadcast Stations § 73.658 Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial...

Leaf non-structural carbohydrate allocation and C:N:P stoichiometry in response to light acclimation in seedlings of two subtropical shade-tolerant tree species.

PubMed

Xie, Hongtao; Yu, Mukui; Cheng, Xiangrong

2018-03-01

Light availability greatly affects plant growth and development. In shaded environments, plants must respond to reduced light intensity to ensure a regular rate of photosynthesis to maintain the dynamic balance of nutrients, such as leaf non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). To improve our understanding of the nutrient utilization strategies of understory shade-tolerant plants, we compared the variations in leaf NSCs, C, N and P in response to heterogeneous controlled light conditions between two subtropical evergreen broadleaf shade-tolerant species, Elaeocarpus sylvestris (E. sylvestris) and Illicium henryi (I. henryi). Light intensity treatments were applied at five levels (100%, 52%, 33%, 15% and 6% full sunlight) for 30 weeks to identify the effects of reduced light intensity on leaf NSC allocation patterns and leaf C:N:P stoichiometry characteristics. We found that leaf soluble sugar, starch and NSC concentrations in E. sylvestris showed decreasing trends with reduced light intensity, whereas I. henryi presented slightly increasing trends from 100% to 15% full sunlight and then significant decreases at extremely low light intensity (6% full sunlight). The soluble sugar/starch ratio of E. sylvestris decreased with decreasing light intensity, whereas that of I. henryi remained stable. Moreover, both species exhibited increasing trends in leaf N and P concentrations but limited leaf N:P and C:P ratio fluctuations with decreasing light intensity, revealing their adaptive strategies for poor light environments and their growth strategies under ideal light environments. There were highly significant correlations between leaf NSC variables and C:N:P stoichiometric variables in both species, revealing a trade-off in photosynthesis production between leaf NSC and carbon allocation. Thus, shade-tolerant plants readjusted their allocation of leaf NSCs, C, N and P in response to light acclimation. Redundancy analysis showed that leaf morphological features of both E. sylvestris and I. henryi affected their corresponding leaf nutrient traits. These results improve our understanding of the dynamic balance between leaf NSCs and leaf C, N and P components in the nutritional metabolism of shade-tolerant plants. Two species of understory shade-tolerant plants responded differently to varying light intensities in terms of leaf non-structural carbohydrate allocation and the utilization of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus to balance nutritional metabolism and adapt to environmental stress. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate does not inhibit gonadotropin-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 in pig cumulus-oocyte complexes.

PubMed

Blaha, Milan; Nemcova, Lucie; Prochazka, Radek

2015-01-07

Recent results indicate a key role for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the regulation of oocyte meiotic arrest in preovulatory mammalian follicles. The aim of our study was to determine whether the resumption of oocyte meiosis and expansion of cumulus cells in isolated pig cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) can be blocked by a high intracellular concentration of cGMP, and whether this effect is mediated by a cGMP-dependent inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1). The COCs were isolated from ovaries of slaughtered gilts and cultured in vitro in M199 supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum. The expression levels of the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) precursor (NPPC) and its receptor (NPR2) mRNAs during the culture of COCs were determined by real-time RT-PCR. To control the intracellular concentration of cGMP in the COCs, the culture medium was further supplemented with CNP or various concentrations of synthetic cGMP analogues; the concentration of cGMP in COCs was then assessed by ELISA. The effect of the drugs on oocyte maturation was assessed after 24 and 44 h of culture by determining nuclear maturation. The expansion of cumulus cells was assessed by light microscopy and the expression of cumulus expansion-related genes by real-time RT-PCR. A possible effect of cGMP on FSH-induced activation of MAPK3/1 was assessed by immunoblotting the COC proteins with phospho-specific and total anti-Erk1/2 antibodies. The COCs expressed NPPC and NPR2, the key components of cGMP synthesis, and produced a large amount of cGMP upon stimulation with exogenous CNP, which lead to a significant (P < 0.05) delay in oocyte meiotic resumption. The COCs also responded to cGMP analogues by inhibiting the resumption of oocyte meiosis. The inhibitory effect of cGMP on meiotic resumption was reversed by stimulating the COCs with FSH. However, high concentration of intracellular cGMP was not able to suppress FSH-induced activation of MAPK3/1 in cumulus cells, cumulus expansion and expression of expansion-related genes (P > 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that high cGMP concentrations inhibit the maturation of pig oocytes in vitro but the inhibitory mechanism does not involve the suppression of MAPK3/1 activation in cumulus cells.

SNAP: A computer program for generating symbolic network functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, P. M.; Alderson, G. E.

1970-01-01

The computer program SNAP (symbolic network analysis program) generates symbolic network functions for networks containing R, L, and C type elements and all four types of controlled sources. The program is efficient with respect to program storage and execution time. A discussion of the basic algorithms is presented, together with user's and programmer's guides.

The Quorum-Sensing Regulon of Vibriofischeri: Novel Components of the Autoinducer/LuxR Regulatory Circuit

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-06-01

cpdP, from the marine symbiotic bacterium Vibrio fische ri 160 Table of abbreviations 30C6-HSL AI-1 AI-2 C8-HSL CHAPS CNP EDTA FMN GFP HPLC ...using a Zorbax C18 1.0 mm by 150 mm reverse-phase column on a Hewlett-Packard 1090 HPLC /1040 diode array detector at the Harvard Microchemistry...separated by reversed-phase HPLC , and sequenced (Table 2; 10-PK12, 10-PK39, and 10-PK51). From two of the three peptide sequences (Materials and

40 CFR 51.353 - Network type and program evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Network type and program evaluation. 51... Requirements § 51.353 Network type and program evaluation. Basic and enhanced I/M programs can be centralized.... (a) Presumptive equivalency. A decentralized network consisting of stations that only perform...

How does investment in research training affect the development of research networks and collaborations?

PubMed

Paina, Ligia; Ssengooba, Freddie; Waswa, Douglas; M'imunya, James M; Bennett, Sara

2013-05-20

Whether and how research training programs contribute to research network development is underexplored. The Fogarty International Center (FIC) has supported overseas research training programs for over two decades. FIC programs could provide an entry point in the development of research networks and collaborations. We examine whether FIC's investment in research training contributed to the development of networks and collaborations in two countries with longstanding FIC investments - Uganda and Kenya - and the factors which facilitated this process. As part of two case studies at Uganda's Makerere University and Kenya's University of Nairobi, we conducted 53 semi-structured in-depth interviews and nine focus group discussions. To expand on our case study findings, we conducted a focused bibliometric analysis on two purposively selected topic areas to examine scientific productivity and used online network illustration tools to examine the resulting network structures. FIC support made important contributions to network development. Respondents from both Uganda and Kenya confirmed that FIC programs consistently provided trainees with networking skills and exposure to research collaborations, primarily within the institutions implementing FIC programs. In both countries, networks struggled with inclusiveness, particularly in HIV/AIDS research. Ugandan respondents perceived their networks to be more cohesive than Kenyan respondents did. Network cohesiveness was positively correlated with the magnitude and longevity of FIC's programs. Support from FIC grants to local and regional research network development and networking opportunities, such as conferences, was rare. Synergies between FIC programs and research grants helped to solidify and maintain research collaborations. Networks developed where FIC's programs focused on a particular institution, there was a critical mass of trainees with similar interests, and investments for network development were available from early implementation. Networks were less likely to emerge where FIC efforts were thinly scattered across multiple institutions. The availability of complementary research grants created opportunities for researchers to collaborate in grant writing, research implementation, and publications. FIC experiences in Uganda and Kenya showcase the important role of research training programs in creating and sustaining research networks. FIC programs should consider including support to research networks more systematically in their capacity development agenda.

47 CFR Alphabetical Index - Part 76

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...: Notification 76.94 Network programming 76.5 Network programs: nonduplication protection 76.92 Network station....209 Possession of rules 76.301 Prime time 76.5 Program carriages, STV 76.64 Programming, Network 76.5... candidates for 76.205 PURPOSE—Part 76 76.1 Q Qualified TV station, Showing 76.55 R Rate regulation standards...

Endothelial function in pigs transgenic for human complement regulating factor.

PubMed

Warnecke, Gregor; Severson, Sandra R; Ugurlu, Mustafa M; Taner, Cemal B; Logan, John S; Diamond, Lisa E; Miller, Virginia M; McGregor, Christopher G A

2002-04-15

Expression of human complement regulating factor (hCRF) in porcine organs prevents hyperacute rejection of these organs after xenotransplantation to nonhuman primates. Experiments were designed to characterize endothelial and smooth muscle function of arteries from pigs transgenic for hCD46. Arterial blood from outbred pigs transgenic for hCD46 expression and nontransgenic animals of the same lineage was analyzed for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and nitric oxide. Aortic endothelial cells were prepared for measurement of mRNA or activity for nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Rings cut from femoral and pulmonary arteries were suspended in organ chambers for measurement of isometric tension. CNP was significantly greater, ACE was similar, and nitric oxide was significantly less in plasma from transgenic compared with nontransgenic pigs. Neither mRNA nor activity of NOS differed between the groups. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin and acetylcholine but not the calcium ionophore were shifted significantly to the left in femoral and pulmonary arteries from hCD46 transgenic pigs compared with nontransgenic pigs. The ACE-inhibitor captopril augmented relaxations similarly in both groups, but NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) did not inhibit relaxations in rings from transgenic pigs. Data suggest that expression of hCD46 on endothelium of pigs selectively augments endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin by increased release of endothelium-derived factors other than nitric oxide. There does not seem to be any change in activity of ACE or NOS with expression of the human protein. Increased relaxations to bradykinin may be beneficial in lowering vascular resistance when transgenic organs are used for xenotransplantation.

Modelling hurricane exposure and wind speed on a mesoclimate scale: a case study from Cusuco NP, Honduras.

PubMed

Batke, Sven P; Jocque, Merlijn; Kelly, Daniel L

2014-01-01

High energy weather events are often expected to play a substantial role in biotic community dynamics and large scale diversity patterns but their contribution is hard to prove. Currently, observations are limited to the documentation of accidental records after the passing of such events. A more comprehensive approach is synthesising weather events in a location over a long time period, ideally at a high spatial resolution and on a large geographic scale. We provide a detailed overview on how to generate hurricane exposure data at a meso-climate level for a specific region. As a case study we modelled landscape hurricane exposure in Cusuco National Park (CNP), Honduras with a resolution of 50 m×50 m patches. We calculated actual hurricane exposure vulnerability site scores (EVVS) through the combination of a wind pressure model, an exposure model that can incorporate simple wind dynamics within a 3-dimensional landscape and the integration of historical hurricanes data. The EVSS was calculated as a weighted function of sites exposure, hurricane frequency and maximum wind velocity. Eleven hurricanes were found to have affected CNP between 1995 and 2010. The highest EVSS's were predicted to be on South and South-East facing sites of the park. Ground validation demonstrated that the South-solution (i.e. the South wind inflow direction) explained most of the observed tree damage (90% of the observed tree damage in the field). Incorporating historical data to the model to calculate actual hurricane exposure values, instead of potential exposure values, increased the model fit by 50%.

A Comprehensive Texture Segmentation Framework for Segmentation of Capillary Non-Perfusion Regions in Fundus Fluorescein Angiograms

PubMed Central

Zheng, Yalin; Kwong, Man Ting; MacCormick, Ian J. C.; Beare, Nicholas A. V.; Harding, Simon P.

2014-01-01

Capillary non-perfusion (CNP) in the retina is a characteristic feature used in the management of a wide range of retinal diseases. There is no well-established computation tool for assessing the extent of CNP. We propose a novel texture segmentation framework to address this problem. This framework comprises three major steps: pre-processing, unsupervised total variation texture segmentation, and supervised segmentation. It employs a state-of-the-art multiphase total variation texture segmentation model which is enhanced by new kernel based region terms. The model can be applied to texture and intensity-based multiphase problems. A supervised segmentation step allows the framework to take expert knowledge into account, an AdaBoost classifier with weighted cost coefficient is chosen to tackle imbalanced data classification problems. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we applied this framework to 48 images from malarial retinopathy and 10 images from ischemic diabetic maculopathy. The performance of segmentation is satisfactory when compared to a reference standard of manual delineations: accuracy, sensitivity and specificity are 89.0%, 73.0%, and 90.8% respectively for the malarial retinopathy dataset and 80.8%, 70.6%, and 82.1% respectively for the diabetic maculopathy dataset. In terms of region-wise analysis, this method achieved an accuracy of 76.3% (45 out of 59 regions) for the malarial retinopathy dataset and 73.9% (17 out of 26 regions) for the diabetic maculopathy dataset. This comprehensive segmentation framework can quantify capillary non-perfusion in retinopathy from two distinct etiologies, and has the potential to be adopted for wider applications. PMID:24747681

Sialorphin (the mature peptide product of Vcsa1) relaxes corporal smooth muscle tissue and increases erectile function in the ageing rat.

PubMed

Davies, Kelvin P; Tar, Moses; Rougeot, Catherine; Melman, Arnold

2007-02-01

To determine if the mature peptide product of the Vcsa1 gene, sialorphin, could restore erectile function in ageing rats, and whether these effects are mediated through relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue, as we recently reported that Vcsa1 is one of the most down-regulated genes in the corpora of rats in three distinct models of erectile dysfunction, and gene transfer of plasmids expressing Vcsa1 into the corpora of ageing rats restored erectile function. Sialorphin was injected intracorporeally into retired breeder rats, and the effect on the physiology of corporal tissue was analysed by intracorporal/blood pressure (ICP/BP) measurement at different times after injection. In organ-bath studies, the ability of sialorphin (1 microg/mL) to enhance C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue strips was investigated after pre-contraction with 1 microm phenylephrine. Intracorporal injection of 100 microg sialorphin into retired breeder rats resulted in a time-dependent increase in the ICP/BP response to electrostimulation of the cavernosal nerve. After 55-65 min the ICP/BP ratio increased to approximately 0.6, a value associated with normal erectile function. In organ-bath studies after pre-contraction with 1 microm phenylephrine, 1 microm CNP significantly (67%) increased the relaxation rate of corporal tissue. This rate of relaxation was increased by 2.5-fold after incubation with sialorphin (1 microg/mL) compared with carrier alone. These results show that sialorphin has a role in erectile function, probably through a mechanism that involves relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue.

Factors controlling the interannual variation of 30-60-day boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation over the Asian summer monsoon region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jianying; Mao, Jiangyu

2018-04-01

The 30-60-day boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) is a dominant variability of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM), with its intensity being quantified by intraseasonal standard deviations based on OLR data. The spatial and interannual variations of the BSISO intensity are identified via empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis for the period 1981-2014. The first EOF mode (EOF1) shows a spatially coherent enhancement or suppression of BSISO activity over the entire ASM region, and the interannual variability of this mode is related to the sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) contrast between the central-eastern North Pacific (CNP) and tropical Indian Ocean. In contrast, the second mode (EOF2) exhibits a seesaw pattern between the southeastern equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) and equatorial western Pacific (EWP), with the interannual fluctuation linked with developing ENSO events. During strong years of EOF1 mode, the enhanced low-level westerlies induced by the summer-mean SSTA contrast between the warmer CNP and cooler tropical Indian Ocean tend to form a wetter moisture background over the eastern EIO, which interacts with intraseasonal low-level convergent flows, leading to stronger equatorial eastward propagation. The intensified easterly shear favors stronger northward propagation over the South Asian and Eastern Asian/Western North Pacific sectors, respectively. Opposite situation is for weak years. For interannual variations of EOF2 mode, the seesaw patterns with enhanced BSISO activity over the southeastern EIO while weakened activity over the EWP mostly occur in the La Niña developing summers, but inverse patterns appear in the El Niño developing summers.

Modelling Hurricane Exposure and Wind Speed on a Mesoclimate Scale: A Case Study from Cusuco NP, Honduras

PubMed Central

Batke, Sven P.; Jocque, Merlijn; Kelly, Daniel L.

2014-01-01

High energy weather events are often expected to play a substantial role in biotic community dynamics and large scale diversity patterns but their contribution is hard to prove. Currently, observations are limited to the documentation of accidental records after the passing of such events. A more comprehensive approach is synthesising weather events in a location over a long time period, ideally at a high spatial resolution and on a large geographic scale. We provide a detailed overview on how to generate hurricane exposure data at a meso-climate level for a specific region. As a case study we modelled landscape hurricane exposure in Cusuco National Park (CNP), Honduras with a resolution of 50 m×50 m patches. We calculated actual hurricane exposure vulnerability site scores (EVVS) through the combination of a wind pressure model, an exposure model that can incorporate simple wind dynamics within a 3-dimensional landscape and the integration of historical hurricanes data. The EVSS was calculated as a weighted function of sites exposure, hurricane frequency and maximum wind velocity. Eleven hurricanes were found to have affected CNP between 1995 and 2010. The highest EVSS’s were predicted to be on South and South-East facing sites of the park. Ground validation demonstrated that the South-solution (i.e. the South wind inflow direction) explained most of the observed tree damage (90% of the observed tree damage in the field). Incorporating historical data to the model to calculate actual hurricane exposure values, instead of potential exposure values, increased the model fit by 50%. PMID:24614168

Substrate specificity of platypus venom L-to-D-peptide isomerase.

PubMed

Bansal, Paramjit S; Torres, Allan M; Crossett, Ben; Wong, Karen K Y; Koh, Jennifer M S; Geraghty, Dominic P; Vandenberg, Jamie I; Kuchel, Philip W

2008-04-04

The L-to-D-peptide isomerase from the venom of the platypus (Ornithorhyncus anatinus) is the first such enzyme to be reported for a mammal. In delineating its catalytic mechanism and broader roles in the animal, its substrate specificity was explored. We used N-terminal segments of defensin-like peptides DLP-2 and DLP-4 and natriuretic peptide OvCNP from the venom as substrates. The DLP analogues IMFsrs and ImFsrs (srs is a solubilizing chain; lowercase letters denote D-amino acid) were effective substrates for the isomerase; it appears to recognize the N-terminal tripeptide sequence Ile-Xaa-Phe-. A suite of 26 mutants of these hexapeptides was synthesized by replacing the second residue (Met) with another amino acid, viz. Ala, alpha-aminobutyric acid, Ile, Leu, Lys, norleucine, Phe, Tyr, and Val. It was shown that mutant peptides incorporating norleucine and Phe are substrates and exhibit L- or D-amino acid isomerization, but mutant peptides that contain residues with shorter, beta-branched or long side chains with polar terminal groups, viz. Ala, alpha-aminobutyric acid, Ile, Val, Leu, Lys, and Tyr, respectively, are not substrates. It was demonstrated that at least three N-terminal amino acid residues are absolutely essential for L-to-D-isomerization; furthermore, the third amino acid must be a Phe residue. None of the hexapeptides based on LLH, the first three residues of OvCNP, were substrates. A consistent 2-base mechanism is proposed for the isomerization; abstraction of a proton by 1 base is concomitant with delivery of a proton by the conjugate acid of a second base.

The response of the natriuretic peptide system to water deprivation in the desert rodent, Notomys alexis.

PubMed

Heimeier, Rachel A; Donald, John A

2006-02-01

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are regulatory molecules that cause cGMP-mediated diuresis and natriuresis in mammals. Accordingly, it is interesting to consider their role in desert-adapted animals in which water is often limited. This study investigated the response of the natriuretic peptide (NP) system to varying periods of water deprivation (WD) in the Australian desert rodent species, Notomys alexis. It was hypothesised that the expression of the NP system will be down-regulated in water-deprived N. alexis compared to water-replete animals. The plasma levels of ANP were significantly reduced after 3 days of WD, but were unaffected by 7, 14 and 28 days of WD. Water deprivation for 3, 7, 14 days had a variable effect on the mRNA expression of ANP, CNP, NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C, and a uniform down-regulation was not observed. However, after 28 days of WD, mRNA expression was similar to water-replete animals, except for NPR-A. Surprisingly, 7 and 14 days of WD caused an up-regulation in the ability of ANP to stimulate cGMP; this also occurred at 14 days for CNP. Taken together, the mRNA expression and peptide mediated guanylyl cyclase activity data after WD were in the opposite direction to what was predicted. Interestingly, after 28 days of WD, most parameters were similar to those of water-replete animals, which indicates that a down-regulation of the NP system is not part of the physiological response to an absence of free water in N. alexis.

An interactive graphics program for manipulation and display of panel method geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, J. F.; Neuhart, D. H.; Walkley, K. B.

1983-01-01

Modern aerodynamic panel methods that handle large, complex geometries have made evident the need to interactively manipulate, modify, and view such configurations. With this purpose in mind, the GEOM program was developed. It is a menu driven, interactive program that uses the Tektronix PLOT 10 graphics software to display geometry configurations which are characterized by an abutting set of networks. These networks are composed of quadrilateral panels which are described by the coordinates of their corners. GEOM is divided into fourteen executive controlled functions. These functions are used to build configurations, scale and rotate networks, transpose networks defining M and N lines, graphically display selected networks, join and split networks, create wake networks, produce symmetric images of networks, repanel and rename networks, display configuration cross sections, and output network geometry in two formats. A data base management system is used to facilitate data transfers in this program. A sample session illustrating various capabilities of the code is included as a guide to program operation.

Silver nanoparticles induce developmental stage-specific embryonic phenotypes in zebrafish

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kerry J.; Browning, Lauren M.; Nallathamby, Prakash D.; Osgood, Christopher J.; Xu, Xiao-Hong Nancy

2013-11-01

Much is anticipated from the development and deployment of nanomaterials in biological organisms, but concerns remain regarding their biocompatibility and target specificity. Here we report our study of the transport, biocompatibility and toxicity of purified and stable silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs, 13.1 +/- 2.5 nm in diameter) upon the specific developmental stages of zebrafish embryos using single NP plasmonic spectroscopy. We find that single Ag NPs passively diffuse into five different developmental stages of embryos (cleavage, early-gastrula, early-segmentation, late-segmentation, and hatching stages), showing stage-independent diffusion modes and diffusion coefficients. Notably, the Ag NPs induce distinctive stage and dose-dependent phenotypes and nanotoxicity, upon their acute exposure to the Ag NPs (0-0.7 nM) for only 2 h. The late-segmentation embryos are most sensitive to the NPs with the lowest critical concentration (CNP,c << 0.02 nM) and highest percentages of cardiac abnormalities, followed by early-segmentation embryos (CNP,c < 0.02 nM), suggesting that disruption of cell differentiation by the NPs causes the most toxic effects on embryonic development. The cleavage-stage embryos treated with the NPs develop into a wide variety of phenotypes (abnormal finfold, tail/spinal cord flexure, cardiac malformation/edema, yolk sac edema, and acephaly). These organ structures are not yet developed in cleavage-stage embryos, suggesting that the earliest determinative events to create these structures are ongoing, and disrupted by NPs, which leads to the downstream effects. In contrast, the hatching embryos are most resistant to the Ag NPs, and majority of embryos (94%) develop normally, and none of them develop abnormally. Interestingly, early-gastrula embryos are less sensitive to the NPs than cleavage and segmentation stage embryos, and do not develop abnormally. These important findings suggest that the Ag NPs are not simple poisons, and they can target specific pathways in development, and potentially enable target specific study and therapy for early embryonic development.Much is anticipated from the development and deployment of nanomaterials in biological organisms, but concerns remain regarding their biocompatibility and target specificity. Here we report our study of the transport, biocompatibility and toxicity of purified and stable silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs, 13.1 +/- 2.5 nm in diameter) upon the specific developmental stages of zebrafish embryos using single NP plasmonic spectroscopy. We find that single Ag NPs passively diffuse into five different developmental stages of embryos (cleavage, early-gastrula, early-segmentation, late-segmentation, and hatching stages), showing stage-independent diffusion modes and diffusion coefficients. Notably, the Ag NPs induce distinctive stage and dose-dependent phenotypes and nanotoxicity, upon their acute exposure to the Ag NPs (0-0.7 nM) for only 2 h. The late-segmentation embryos are most sensitive to the NPs with the lowest critical concentration (CNP,c << 0.02 nM) and highest percentages of cardiac abnormalities, followed by early-segmentation embryos (CNP,c < 0.02 nM), suggesting that disruption of cell differentiation by the NPs causes the most toxic effects on embryonic development. The cleavage-stage embryos treated with the NPs develop into a wide variety of phenotypes (abnormal finfold, tail/spinal cord flexure, cardiac malformation/edema, yolk sac edema, and acephaly). These organ structures are not yet developed in cleavage-stage embryos, suggesting that the earliest determinative events to create these structures are ongoing, and disrupted by NPs, which leads to the downstream effects. In contrast, the hatching embryos are most resistant to the Ag NPs, and majority of embryos (94%) develop normally, and none of them develop abnormally. Interestingly, early-gastrula embryos are less sensitive to the NPs than cleavage and segmentation stage embryos, and do not develop abnormally. These important findings suggest that the Ag NPs are not simple poisons, and they can target specific pathways in development, and potentially enable target specific study and therapy for early embryonic development. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03210h

Informal Training in Staff Networks to Support Dissemination of Health Promotion Programs

PubMed Central

Ramanadhan, Shoba; Wiecha, Jean L.; Gortmaker, Steven L.; Emmons, Karen M.; Viswanath, Kasisomayajula

2011-01-01

Purpose To study informal skill transfer via staff networks as a complement to formal training among afterschool childcare providers implementing a health promotion program. Design Cross-sectional, sociometric network analysis. Setting Boston Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) afterschool programs implementing the iPLAY program. Participants All 91 staff members at 20 sites were eligible; 80 completed the survey (88% response rate). Measures At the network level, network density measured system-level connectedness. At the staff level, the independent variable was out degree, the number of individuals to whom respondents noted a program-related connection. The dependent variable was skill gains, the number of key implementation skills gained from the network. Analysis We mapped the staff program-related social network. We utilized multiple linear regression to estimate the relationship between out degree and skill gains, and we adjusted for clustering of staff in sites. Results Most staff (77%) reported gaining at least one skill from the network, but only 2% of potential network connections were established. The regression model showed that out degree (i.e., number of program-related contacts) was significantly associated with skill gains (β = .48, p < .01) independent of other variables. Conclusion Informal skill transfer in staff networks may be a useful complement to formal training for implementation of health promotion programs, but informal skill transfer was likely underutilized in this network. Future research employing longitudinal and/or multisite data should examine these findings in greater detail. PMID:20809826

78 FR 57845 - Notice of Availability (NOA) for Strategic Network Optimization (SNO) Program Environmental...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-20

... (NOA) for Strategic Network Optimization (SNO) Program Environmental Assessment AGENCY: Defense Logistics Agency, DoD. ACTION: Notice of Availability (NOA) for Strategic Network Optimization (SNO) Program... implement the SNO initiative for improvements to material distribution network for the Department of Defense...

Scheduling: A guide for program managers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

The following topics are discussed concerning scheduling: (1) milestone scheduling; (2) network scheduling; (3) program evaluation and review technique; (4) critical path method; (5) developing a network; (6) converting an ugly duckling to a swan; (7) network scheduling problem; (8) (9) network scheduling when resources are limited; (10) multi-program considerations; (11) influence on program performance; (12) line-of-balance technique; (13) time management; (14) recapitulization; and (15) analysis.

Postnatal effects of intrauterine treatment of the growth-restricted ovine fetus with intra-amniotic insulin-like growth factor-1.

PubMed

Spiroski, A M; Oliver, M H; Jaquiery, A L; Prickett, T C R; Espiner, E A; Harding, J E; Bloomfield, F H

2017-12-12

Fetal growth restriction increases the risk of fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, and contributes to increased risk of chronic disease later in life. Intra-amniotic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) treatment of the growth-restricted ovine fetus improves fetal growth, but postnatal effects are unknown. Here we report that intra-amniotic IGF1 treatment of the growth-restricted ovine fetus alters size at birth and mechanisms of early postnatal growth in a sex-specific manner. We also show that maternal plasma C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) products are related to fetal oxygenation and size at birth, and hence may be useful for non-invasive monitoring of fetal growth restriction. Intrauterine IGF1 treatment in late gestation is a potentially clinically relevant intervention that may ameliorate the postnatal complications of fetal growth restriction. Placental insufficiency-mediated fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with altered postnatal growth and metabolism, which are, in turn, associated with increased risk of adult disease. Intra-amniotic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) treatment of ovine FGR increases growth rate in late gestation, but the effects on postnatal growth and metabolism are unknown. We investigated the effects of intra-amniotic IGF1 administration to ovine fetuses with uteroplacental embolisation-induced FGR on phenotypical and physiological characteristics in the 2  weeks after birth. We measured early postnatal growth velocity, amino-terminal propeptide of C-type natriuretic peptide (NTproCNP), body composition, tissue-specific mRNA expression, and milk intake in singleton lambs treated weekly with 360 μg intra-amniotic IGF1 (FGRI; n = 13 females, 19 males) or saline (FGRS; n = 18 females, 12 males) during gestation, and in controls (CON; n = 15 females, 22 males). There was a strong positive correlation between maternal NTproCNP and fetal oxygenation, and size at birth in FGR lambs. FGR lambs were ∼20% lighter at birth and demonstrated accelerated postnatal growth velocity. IGF1 treatment did not alter perinatal mortality, partially abrogated the reduction in newborn size in females, but not males, and reduced accelerated growth in both sexes. IGF1-mediated upregulation of somatotrophic genes in males during the early postnatal period could suggest that treatment effects are associated with delayed axis maturation, whilst treatment outcomes in females may rely on the reprogramming of nutrient-dependent mechanisms of growth. These data suggest that the growth-restricted fetus is responsive to intra-amniotic intervention with IGF1, and that sex-specific somatotrophic effects persist in the early postnatal period. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2017 The Physiological Society.

Changing Social Networks Among Homeless Individuals: A Prospective Evaluation of a Job- and Life-Skills Training Program.

PubMed

Gray, Heather M; Shaffer, Paige M; Nelson, Sarah E; Shaffer, Howard J

2016-10-01

Social networks play important roles in mental and physical health among the general population. Building healthier social networks might contribute to the development of self-sufficiency among people struggling to overcome homelessness and substance use disorders. In this study of homeless adults completing a job- and life-skills program (i.e., the Moving Ahead Program at St. Francis House, Boston), we prospectively examined changes in social network quality, size, and composition. Among the sample of participants (n = 150), we observed positive changes in social network quality over time. However, social network size and composition did not change among the full sample. The subset of participants who reported abstaining from alcohol during the months before starting the program reported healthy changes in their social networks; specifically, while completing the program, they re-structured their social networks such that fewer members of their network used alcohol to intoxication. We discuss practical implications of these findings.

Computing single step operators of logic programming in radial basis function neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamadneh, Nawaf; Sathasivam, Saratha; Choon, Ong Hong

2014-07-01

Logic programming is the process that leads from an original formulation of a computing problem to executable programs. A normal logic program consists of a finite set of clauses. A valuation I of logic programming is a mapping from ground atoms to false or true. The single step operator of any logic programming is defined as a function (Tp:I→I). Logic programming is well-suited to building the artificial intelligence systems. In this study, we established a new technique to compute the single step operators of logic programming in the radial basis function neural networks. To do that, we proposed a new technique to generate the training data sets of single step operators. The training data sets are used to build the neural networks. We used the recurrent radial basis function neural networks to get to the steady state (the fixed point of the operators). To improve the performance of the neural networks, we used the particle swarm optimization algorithm to train the networks.

Mississippi Curriculum Framework for Computer Information Systems Technology. Computer Information Systems Technology (Program CIP: 52.1201--Management Information Systems & Business Data). Computer Programming (Program CIP: 52.1201). Network Support (Program CIP: 52.1290--Computer Network Support Technology). Postsecondary Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mississippi Research and Curriculum Unit for Vocational and Technical Education, State College.

This document, which is intended for use by community and junior colleges throughout Mississippi, contains curriculum frameworks for two programs in the state's postsecondary-level computer information systems technology cluster: computer programming and network support. Presented in the introduction are program descriptions and suggested course…

Networking Matters: A Social Network Analysis of the Association of Program Directors of Internal Medicine.

PubMed

Warm, Eric; Arora, Vineet M; Chaudhry, Saima; Halvorsen, Andrew; Schauer, Daniel; Thomas, Kris; McDonald, Furman S

2018-03-22

Networking has positive effects on career development; however, personal characteristics of group members such as gender or diversity may foster or hinder member connectedness. Social network analysis explores interrelationships between people in groups by measuring the strength of connection between all possible pairs in a given network. Social network analysis has rarely been used to examine network connections among members in an academic medical society. This study seeks to ascertain the strength of connection between program directors in the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (APDIM) and its Education Innovations Project subgroup and to examine possible associations between connectedness and characteristics of program directors and programs. We hypothesize that connectedness will be measurable within a large academic medical society and will vary significantly for program directors with certain measurable characteristics (e.g., age, gender, rank, location, burnout levels, desire to resign). APDIM program directors described levels of connectedness to one another on the 2012 APDIM survey. Using social network analysis, we ascertained program director connectedness by measuring out-degree centrality, in-degree centrality, and eigenvector centrality, all common measures of connectedness. Higher centrality was associated with completion of the APDIM survey, being in a university-based program, Educational Innovations Project participation, and higher academic rank. Centrality did not vary by gender; international medical graduate status; previous chief resident status; program region; or levels of reported program director burnout, callousness, or desire to resign. In this social network analysis of program directors within a large academic medical society, we found that connectedness was related to higher academic rank and certain program characteristics but not to other program director characteristics like gender or international medical graduate status. Further research is needed to optimize our understanding of connection in organizations such as these and to determine which strategies promote valuable connections.

A novel recurrent neural network with finite-time convergence for linear programming.

PubMed

Liu, Qingshan; Cao, Jinde; Chen, Guanrong

2010-11-01

In this letter, a novel recurrent neural network based on the gradient method is proposed for solving linear programming problems. Finite-time convergence of the proposed neural network is proved by using the Lyapunov method. Compared with the existing neural networks for linear programming, the proposed neural network is globally convergent to exact optimal solutions in finite time, which is remarkable and rare in the literature of neural networks for optimization. Some numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness and excellent performance of the new recurrent neural network.

Soil biogeochemical and fungal patterns across a precipitation gradient in the lowland tropical rainforests of French Guiana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soong, J.; Verbruggen, E.; Janssens, I.

2016-12-01

The Guyafor network contains over 12 pristine tropical rainforest long-term research sites throughout French Guiana, with a focus on vegetation and environmental monitoring at regular intervals. However, biogeochemical and belowground insights are needed to complete the picture of ecosystem functioning in these lowland tropical rainforests, which are critical to Earth's water and energy balance. Improving our biogeochemical understanding of these ecosystems is needed to improve Earth System Models, which poorly represent tropical systems. In July 2015 we sampled soils and litter from 12 of the Guyafor permanent plots in French Guiana spanning a mean annual precipitation gradient of over 2000 mm per year. We measured soil texture, pH, C, N and available P stocks in the top 30 cm, and fungal biodiversity using ITS DNA sequencing and characterized soil organic matter (SOM) C, N and P distribution among physically defined SOM fractions. We also measured litter layer standing stocks and CNP stoichiometry. We found significant stocks of SOM in the top 30 cm of the soil varying by a factor of 4 in the top 30 cm of soil with a negative correlation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil C and N with available P. Available P was also a strong predictor of fungal community composition. Furthermore there is evidence for precipitation and mineralogical influences on leaf litter and SOM dynamics highlighting the importance of heterogeneity in tropical soil substrates and sub-climates in better understanding the biogeochemistry of tropical ecosystems.

State criminal justice telecommunications (STACOM). Volume 4: Network design software user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. J.

1977-01-01

A user's guide to the network design program is presented. The program is written in FORTRAN V and implemented on a UNIVAC 1108 computer under the EXEC-8 operating system which enables the user to construct least-cost network topologies for criminal justice digital telecommunications networks. A complete description of program features, inputs, processing logic, and outputs is presented, and a sample run and a program listing are included.

Social network analysis of public health programs to measure partnership.

PubMed

Schoen, Martin W; Moreland-Russell, Sarah; Prewitt, Kim; Carothers, Bobbi J

2014-12-01

In order to prevent chronic diseases, community-based programs are encouraged to take an ecological approach to public health promotion and involve many diverse partners. Little is known about measuring partnership in implementing public health strategies. We collected data from 23 Missouri communities in early 2012 that received funding from three separate programs to prevent obesity and/or reduce tobacco use. While all of these funding programs encourage partnership, only the Social Innovation for Missouri (SIM) program included a focus on building community capacity and enhancing collaboration. Social network analysis techniques were used to understand contact and collaboration networks in community organizations. Measurements of average degree, density, degree centralization, and betweenness centralization were calculated for each network. Because of the various sizes of the networks, we conducted comparative analyses with and without adjustment for network size. SIM programs had increased measurements of average degree for partner collaboration and larger networks. When controlling for network size, SIM groups had higher measures of network density and lower measures of degree centralization and betweenness centralization. SIM collaboration networks were more dense and less centralized, indicating increased partnership. The methods described in this paper can be used to compare partnership in community networks of various sizes. Further research is necessary to define causal mechanisms of partnership development and their relationship to public health outcomes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of phosphorus and nitrogen additions on tropical soil microbial activity in the context of experimental warming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, M.; Nottingham, A.; Turner, B. L.

2017-12-01

Soil warming is generally predicted to increase microbial mineralization rates and accelerate soil C losses which could establish a positive feedback to climatic warming. Tropical rain forests account for a third of global soil C, yet the responseto of tropical soil C a warming climate remains poorly understood. Despite predictions of soil C losses, decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) in tropical soils may be constrained by several factors including microbial nutrient deficiencies. We performed an incubation experiment in conjunction with an in-situ soil warming experiment in a lowland tropical forest on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, to measure microbial response to two key nutrient additions in shallow (0-10cm) and deep (50-100 cm) soils. We compared the response of lowland tropical soils to montane tropical soils, predicting that lowland soils would display the strongest response to phosphorus additions. Soils were treated with either carbon alone (C), nitrogen (CN), phosphorus (CP) or nitrogen and phosphorus combined (CNP). Carbon dioxide (CO2) production was measured by NaOH capture and titrimetric analysis for 10 days. Cumulative CO2 production in montane soils increased significantly with all additions, suggesting these soils are characterized by a general microbial nutrient deficiency. The cumulative amount of C respired in deep soils from the lowland site increased significantly with CP and CNP additions, suggesting that microbial processes in deep lowland tropical soils are phosphorus-limited. These results support the current understanding that lowland tropical forests are growing on highly weathered, phosphorus-deplete soils, and provide novel insight that deep tropical SOM may be stabilized by a lack of biologically-available phosphorus. Further, this data suggests tropical soil C losses under elevated temperature may be limited by a strong microbial phosphorus deficiency.

Flexible C, N and P allocation in maize plants and soil microbial biomass under recurrent and long-term drought

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larionova, Alla; Semenov, Vyacheslav; Yevdokimov, Ilya; Blagodatskaya, Evgenia

2016-04-01

One of the negative effects of the global warming is increasing aridity worldwide. Alterations in plant and microbial C, N and P in response to drought events can differ considerably in magnitude and direction. Therefore, synchronization between C, N and P in plants, dissolved forms and microbial biomass in soil is of great interest. Our objective was to evaluate C:N:P stoichiometry relations in plants and soil as affected by moderate water shortage and severe drought with subsequent rewetting. We tested the sensitivity of stoichiometry ratios in plants, dissolved compounds and soil microbial biomass in greenhouse experiment with maize. Three treatments were used: i) control with constant soil moisture (CTL); ii) soil with constantly low wetness of 25% WHC (DRY) and iii) soil exposed to drying-rewetting events (DRW). N dynamics was the most sensitive to water stress in maize plants and soil, while P dynamics was almost unaffected by drought and rewetting. As a result, C:N and N:P ratios were also sensitive to water treatment indicating that C, N and P cycles were decoupled by the water stresses. High C:N ratios in CTL and low C:N ratios in DRY and DRW treatments indicate stoichiometric flexibility in plants and soil microbes. N allocation was found to respond to N shortage in CTL and increased salt concentrations in soil solution in DRY and DRW treatments. C:N:P stoichiometry in soil microbes was found flexible during active plant growth, while that at the end of growth season turned to almost homeostatic ratio. The research was supported by Russian Science Foundation (project 14-14-00625)

Cardiac distribution of the binding sites for natriuretic peptides in vertebrates.

PubMed

Cerra, M C

1994-12-01

Natriuretic peptides are hormones that play an important role in the cardiovascular control of mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates. They have been classified into four groups. Of these, ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), BNP (brain atriuretic peptides), CNP (C-type natriuretic peptide) are detected in cardiac and non cardiac tissues of all vertebrates; while VNP (ventricular natriuretic peptide) has been isolated only from the fish ventricle. All peptides have shown a high degree of sequence homology. The expression of the three principal types of natriuretic peptide (ANP, BNP and CNP) in cardiac tissues is developmentally and functionally regulated in a highly tissue-specific manner. Three types of natriuretic peptide receptors have been identified in numerous target tissues. Two receptors are transmembrane guanylyl cyclases (ANPR-A and ANPR-B) that mediate biological effects of natriuretic peptides; the third one (ANPR-C) has no guanylyl cyclase and is called "clearance receptor." The presence of natriuretic peptide binding sites in the heart suggests new aspects of paracrine control of cardiac function. A relevant localization of natriuretic peptide receptors was found in those cardiac regions particularly suitable for monitoring blood volume and pressure oscillations such as the inflow tract and the outflow tract. For example, in birds (quail) the highest levels of natriuretic peptide receptors were detected in the inflow tract represented by the vena cava. In both fish and birds, the outflow chamber, the bulbus cordis, had a high number of natriuretic peptide binding sites. In mammals, a remarkable concentration of natriuretic peptide receptors was also observed in the coronary vessels. This zoning of cardiac natriuretic peptide receptors indicates an intracardiac action of the hormones and adds a humoral dimension to the morphofunctional design of the vertebrate heart.

Advances in treatment of achondroplasia and osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Klag, Kendra A; Horton, William A

2016-04-15

Achondroplasia (ACH) is the prototype and most common of the human chondrodysplasias. It results from gain-of-function mutations that exaggerate the signal output of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), a receptor tyrosine kinase that negatively regulates growth plate activity and linear bone growth. Several approaches to reduce FGFR3 signaling by blocking receptor activation or inhibiting downstream signals have been proposed. Five show promise in preclinical mouse studies. Two candidate therapies target the extracellular domain of FGFR3. The first is a decoy receptor that competes for activating ligands. The second is a synthetic blocking peptide that prevents ligands from binding and activating FGFR3. Two established drugs, statins and meclozine, improve growth of ACH mice. The strongest candidate therapy employs an analog of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), which antagonizes the mitogen-activated-protein (MAP) kinase pathway downstream of the FGFR3 receptor and may also act independently in the growth plate. Only the CNP analog has reached clinical trials. Preliminary results of Phase 2 studies show a substantial increase in growth rate of ACH children after six months of therapy with no serious adverse effects. A challenge for drug therapy in ACH is targeting agents to the avascular growth plate. The application of gene therapy in osteoarthritis offers insights because it faces similar technical obstacles. Major advances in gene therapy include the emergence of recombinant adeno-associated virus as the vector of choice, capsid engineering to target vectors to specific tissues, and development of methods to direct vectors to articular chondrocytes. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Antibacterial Properties Associated with Chitosan Nanoparticle Treatment on Root Dentin and 2 Types of Endodontic Sealers.

PubMed

Del Carpio-Perochena, Aldo; Kishen, Anil; Shrestha, Annie; Bramante, Clovis Monteiro

2015-08-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNps) to inactivate bacteria and prevent biofilm formation at sealer-dentin interfaces. The study was divided into 3 stages: first stage, the experiment was conducted to analyze the antibacterial properties of CMCS in different formulations against biofilms; second stage, direct-contact and membrane-restricted methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of an epoxy resin (ThermaSeal Plus; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK) and calcium silicate (MTA Fillapex; Angelus SA, Londrina, PR, Brazil) based-sealers with or without CNps; and third stage, biofilm formation at the sealer dentin interfaces of root dentin treated with CMCS and filled with gutta-percha and CNp incorporated sealer were analyzed after 1- and 4-week aging periods. The samples were treated and filled as follows: (1) distilled water: unaltered sealer (control group), (2) CMCS: sealer+CNps (CMCS group), and (3) CMCS/rose bengal: sealer+CNps (CMCS/RB group). Enterococcus faecalis was used to infect all the samples. Microbiological and microscopic analyses were used to assess the antibacterial characteristics. CMCS-based treatments effectively killed bacteria adherent on root dentin (P < .05). The addition of CNps to ThermaSeal enhanced its antibacterial ability by direct-contact and membrane-restricted tests (P < .05). The CNp incorporation significantly increased the antibacterial efficacy of root canal sealers even after a 4-week aging time (P < .05). This study highlighted the ability of CMCS to disinfect root canal dentin and inhibit bacterial adhesion. CNps in root canal sealers are capable of maintaining their antibacterial activity even after prolonged aging. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

C:N:P Molar Ratios, Sources and 14C Dating of Surficial Sediments from the NW Slope of Cuba.

PubMed

de la Lanza Espino, Guadalupe; Soto, Luis A

2015-01-01

The surficial sediments recovered from 12 sites located near the channel axis of the Florida Straits and the lower slope off NW Cuba were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (TP), elemental C:N:P ratios, C and N isotopic values, and 14C dating. The depth profiles of TOC, TN, and TP (0-18 cm) displayed a downcore trend and a significant variation. The TOC values were low (0.15 to 0.62%; 66 to 516 µmol g(-1)). Sites near the island's lower slope had lower TOC average concentrations (158-333 µmol g(-1)) than those closer to the channel axis (averaging 341-516 µmol g(-1); p <0.05). The TN concentrations near the lower slope attained 0.11% (80 µmol g(-1)), whereas, towards the channel axis, they decreased to 0.07% (55 µmol g(-1); p<0.05). The C:N ratios ranged from 1.9 to 10.2. The mean molar C:N ratio (5.4) indicated a marine hemipelagic deposition. The TP was lower at sites near the lower slope (38.4 to 50.0 µmol gv; 0.12% to 0.16%) than those near the channel axis (50.0 to 66 µmol g(-1); 0.15 to 0.21%). C:P fluctuated from 7.7 to 14.1 in the surficial sediment layer. The bulk organic δ13Corg and δ15N values confirmed pelagic organic sources, and the 14C dating revealed that the sediments were deposited during the Holocene (1000-5000 yr BP). We suggest that the hydrodynamic conditions in the Straits influence vertical and advective fluxes of particulate organic material trapped in the mixed-layer, which reduces the particulate matter flux to the seabed.

Influences of micro-geomorphology on the stoichiometry of C, N and P in Chenier Island soils and plants in the Yellow River Delta, China

PubMed Central

Yu, Junbao; Liu, Jingtao; Sun, Jingkuan; Yang, Hongjun; Dong, Linshui

2017-01-01

Studies have indicated that consistent or well-constrained (relatively low variability) carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios exist in large-scale ecosystems, including both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Little is known about the C, N and P stoichiometric ratios that exist in the soils and plants of Chenier Island in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). We examined the distribution patterns and relationships of C, N and P stoichiometry in the soils and plants of Chenier Island, as well as the potential influences of the island’s micro-geomorphology. Based on a study of four soil profile categories and Phragmites australis and Suaeda heteroptera plant tissues, our results showed that micro-geomorphology could leave a distinct imprint on the soil and plant elemental stoichiometry of Chenier Island; significant variation in the atomic C:N:P ratios (RCNP) existed in soils and plants, indicating that the RCNP values in both the soil and plants are not well constrained at the Chenier Island scale. RCN and RCP in Chenier Island soils were high, whereas the RNP values were comparatively low, indicating that the ecosystems of Chenier Island are nutrient-limited by N and P. However, the RNP values in P. australis and S. heteroptera plant tissues were high, suggesting that the plants of Chenier Island are nutrient-limited by P. Finally, we suggest that soil and plant N:P ratios may be good indicators of the soil and plant nutrient status during soil development and plant growth, which could be a useful reference for restoring the degraded soils of Chenier Island. PMID:29236766

Effect of exogenous progesterone on embryo size and ewe uterine gene expression in an ovine 'dam size' model of maternal constraint.

PubMed

Fermin, Lisanne M; Pain, Sarah J; Morel, Patrick C H; Gedye, Kristene R; Kenyon, Paul R; Blair, Hugh T

2017-11-21

Progesterone (P4), acting via its receptor, regulates uterine function and histotroph production, which are crucial to embryo growth. This study aimed to examine exogenous P4 effects on embryo size and differential endometrial gene expression at Day 19 of gestation using a 'dam size' sheep model of maternal constraint. Purebred Suffolk (S, genotypically large) embryos were transferred into recipient groups of Cheviot (C, genotypically small) or Suffolk ewes that had, or had not, been pre-treated with P4 from Days 0 to 6 of pregnancy. At Day 19S embryos were collected from four experimental groups: P4 pretreated S ewes (SP4; n=5), untreated S ewes (SnP4; n=15), P4 pretreated C ewes (CP4; n=7) and untreated C ewes (CnP4; n=21). Day-19 embryos from CP4 ewes were larger (P<0.05) than those from CnP4 ewes and similar in size (P>0.05) to embryos from SnP4 and SP4 ewes. Expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was upregulated in uterine horns ipsilateral to the corpus luteum from CP4 ewes. Prostaglandin receptor (PGR), MUC1 and PTGS2 expression was upregulated, whilst cathepsin L (CTSL) and radical S-adenosyl methionine domain-containing 2 (RSAD2) expression was downregulated in the ipsilateral horn of SP4 ewes. This suggests that pretreating ewes with exogenous P4 may alleviate early pregnancy maternal constraint via mechanisms that alter uterine function. However, further research is required to investigate the timing of P4 administration and its impact on conception rates.

Sialorphin (the mature peptide product of Vcsa1) relaxes corporal smooth muscle tissue and increases erectile function in the ageing rat

PubMed Central

Davies, Kelvin P.; Tar, Moses; Rougeot, Catherine; Melman, Arnold

2007-01-01

OBJECTIVE To determine if the mature peptide product of the Vcsa1 gene, sialorphin, could restore erectile function in ageing rats, and whether these effects are mediated through relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue, as we recently reported that Vcsa1 is one of the most down-regulated genes in the corpora of rats in three distinct models of erectile dysfunction, and gene transfer of plasmids expressing Vcsa1 into the corpora of ageing rats restored erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sialorphin was injected intracorporeally into retired breeder rats, and the effect on the physiology of corporal tissue was analysed by intracorporal/blood pressure (ICP/BP) measurement at different times after injection. In organ-bath studies, the ability of sialorphin (1 μg/mL) to enhance C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue strips was investigated after pre-contraction with 1 μM phenylephrine. RESULTS Intracorporal injection of 100 μg sialorphin into retired breeder rats resulted in a time-dependent increase in the ICP/BP response to electrostimulation of the cavernosal nerve. After 55–65 min the ICP/BP ratio increased to ≈ 0.6, a value associated with normal erectile function. In organ-bath studies after pre-contraction with 1 μM phenylephrine, 1 μM CNP significantly (67%) increased the relaxation rate of corporal tissue. This rate of relaxation was increased by 2.5-fold after incubation with sialorphin (1 μg/mL) compared with carrier alone. CONCLUSION These results show that sialorphin has a role in erectile function, probably through a mechanism that involves relaxation of corporal smooth muscle tissue. PMID:17026587

Land-use and soil depth affect resource and microbial stoichiometry in a tropical mountain rainforest region of southern Ecuador.

PubMed

Tischer, Alexander; Potthast, Karin; Hamer, Ute

2014-05-01

Global change phenomena, such as forest disturbance and land-use change, significantly affect elemental balances as well as the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the importance of shifts in soil nutrient stoichiometry for the regulation of belowground biota and soil food webs have not been intensively studied for tropical ecosystems. In the present account, we examine the effects of land-use change and soil depth on soil and microbial stoichiometry along a land-use sequence (natural forest, pastures of different ages, secondary succession) in the tropical mountain rainforest region of southern Ecuador. Furthermore, we analyzed (PLFA-method) whether shifts in the microbial community structure were related to alterations in soil and microbial stoichiometry. Soil and microbial stoichiometry were affected by both land-use change and soil depth. After forest disturbance, significant decreases of soil C:N:P ratios at the pastures were followed by increases during secondary succession. Microbial C:N ratios varied slightly in response to land-use change, whereas no fixed microbial C:P and N:P ratios were observed. Shifts in microbial community composition were associated with soil and microbial stoichiometry. Strong positive relationships between PLFA-markers 18:2n6,9c (saprotrophic fungi) and 20:4 (animals) and negative associations between 20:4 and microbial N:P point to land-use change affecting the structure of soil food webs. Significant deviations from global soil and microbial C:N:P ratios indicated a major force of land-use change to alter stoichiometric relationships and to structure biological systems. Our results support the idea that soil biotic communities are stoichiometrically flexible in order to adapt to alterations in resource stoichiometry.

Internal and external regulation of plant organ stoichiometry.

PubMed

Minden, V; Kleyer, M

2014-09-01

Internal differences between plant organs are caused by the functional differentiation of plant tissue, whereas external supply rates of elements constrain nutrient uptake. Previous studies have concentrated on foliar or whole-plant stoichiometric response to the environment, whereas investigation of organ-specific comparisons is still pending. We explore C:N:P ratios of stems, leaves, diaspores and belowground organs in marsh plants, and evaluate the influence of environmental constraints using standardised major axis regression (SMA). For a pooled dataset, SMA resulted in distinct patterns of isometric and anisometric slopes between plant organs. Bivariate line-fitting for a split dataset of four ecological groups revealed that species of the frequently inundated marsh had higher N:C ratios than those of the infrequently inundated marsh. The influence of nutrient availability was detectable in decreased P:C and increased N:P ratios in P-poor sites. Across ecological groups, leaves and diaspores showed higher elemental homeostasis than stems and belowground organs. Any change in N:C ratios of belowground organs and diaspores in response to the environment was accompanied by an even stronger internal change in stem N:C ratios, indicating a pivotal role of stems of herbaceous plants in ecosystem processes. We found distinct patterns of C:N:P ratios in plant organs related to their internal function and external environmental constraints. Leaves and diaspores showed a higher degree of homeostasis than stems and belowground organs. We detected a clear external signal in element:element ratios of plant organs, with low soil P translating into lower tissue P:C ratio and stronger N retention in leaves as a response to salt stress. © 2014 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Variation in elemental stoichiometry of the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyceae) in response to combined nutrient stress and changes in carbonate chemistry.

PubMed

Clark, Darren R; Flynn, Kevin J; Fabian, Heiner

2014-08-01

The combined consequences of the multi-stressors of pH and nutrient availability upon the growth of a marine diatom were investigated. Thalassiosira weissflogii was grown in N- or P-limited batch culture in sealed systems, with pH commencing at 8.2 ("extant" conditions) or 7.6 ("ocean acidification" [OA] conditions), and then pH was allowed to either drift with growth, or was held fixed. Results indicated that within the pH range tested, the stability of environmental pH rather than its value (i.e., OA vs. extant) fundamentally influenced biomass accumul-ation and C:N:P stoichiometry. Despite large changes in total alkalinity in the fixed pH systems, final biomass production was consistently greater in these systems than that in drifting pH systems. In drift systems, pH increased to exceed pH 9.5, a level of alkalinity that was inhibitory to growth. No statis-tically significant differences between pH treatments were measured for N:C, P:C or N:P ratios during nutrient-replete growth, although the diatom expre-ssed greater plasticity in P:C and N:P ratios than in N:C during this growth phase. During nutrient-deplete conditions, the capacity for uncoupled carbon fixa-tion at fixed pH was considerably greater than that measured in drift pH systems, leading to strong contrasts in C:N:P stoichiometry between these treatments. Whether environmental pH was stable or drifted directly influenced the extent of physiological stress. In contrast, few distinctions could be drawn between "extant" versus "OA" conditions for cell physiology. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Phycology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Phycological Society of America.

Identification of snake bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs)-simile sequences in rat brain--Potential BPP-like precursor protein?

PubMed

Campeiro, Joana D'Arc; Neshich, Izabella P; Sant'Anna, Osvaldo A; Lopes, Robson; Ianzer, Danielle; Assakura, Marina T; Neshich, Goran; Hayashi, Mirian A F

2015-08-01

Bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) from the South American pit viper snake venom were the first natural inhibitors of the human angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) described. The pioneer characterization of the BPPs precursor from the snake venom glands by our group showed for the first time the presence of the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in this same viper precursor protein. The confirmation of the BPP/CNP expression in snake brain regions correlated with neuroendocrine functions stimulated us to pursue the physiological correlates of these vasoactive peptides in mammals. Notably, several snake toxins were shown to have endogenous physiological correlates in mammals. In the present work, we expressed in bacteria the BPPs domain of the snake venom gland precursor protein, and this purified recombinant protein was used to raise specific polyclonal anti-BPPs antibodies. The correspondent single protein band immune-recognized in adult rat brain cytosol was isolated by 2D-SDS/PAGE and/or HPLC, before characterization by MS fingerprint analysis, which identified this protein as superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), a classically known enzyme with antioxidant activity and important roles in the blood pressure modulation. In silico analysis showed the exposition of the BPP-like peptide sequences on the surface of the 3D structure of rat SOD. These peptides were chemically synthesized to show the BPP-like biological activities in ex vivo and in vivo pharmacological bioassays. Taken together, our data suggest that SOD protein have the potential to be a source for putative BPP-like bioactive peptides, which once released may contribute to the blood pressure control in mammals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Density and carrying capacity in the forgotten tigerland: Tigers in the understudied Nepalese Churia.

PubMed

Thapa, Kanchan; Kelly, Marcella J

2017-05-01

While there are numerous wildlife ecology studies in lowland areas of Nepal, there are no in-depth studies of the hilly Churia habitat even though it comprises 7642 km 2 of potential wildlife habitat across the Terai Arc. We investigated tiger, leopard and prey densities across this understudied habitat. Our camera trapping survey covered 536 km 2 of Churia and surrounding areas within Chitwan National Park (CNP). We used 161 trapping locations and accumulated 2097 trap-nights in a 60-day survey period during the winter season of 2010-2011. In addition, we walked 136 km over 81 different line transects using distance sampling to estimate prey density. We photographed 31 individual tigers, 28 individual leopards and 25 other mammalian species. Spatial capture-recapture methods resulted in lower density estimates for tigers, ranging from 2.3 to 2.9 tigers per 100 km 2 , than for leopards, which ranged from 3.3 to 5.1 leopards per 100 km 2 . In addition, leopard densities were higher in the core of the Churia compared to surrounding areas. We estimated 62.7 prey animals per 100 km 2 with forest ungulate prey (sambar, chital, barking deer and wild pig), accounting for 47% of the total. Based on prey availability, Churia habitat within CNP could potentially support 5.86 tigers per 100 km 2 but our density estimates were lower, perhaps indicating that the tiger population is below carrying capacity. Our results demonstrate that Churia habitat should not be ignored in conservation initiatives, but rather management efforts should focus on reducing human disturbance to support higher predator numbers. © 2016 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Segmental Duplications and Copy-Number Variation in the Human Genome

PubMed Central

Sharp, Andrew J. ; Locke, Devin P. ; McGrath, Sean D. ; Cheng, Ze ; Bailey, Jeffrey A. ; Vallente, Rhea U. ; Pertz, Lisa M. ; Clark, Royden A. ; Schwartz, Stuart ; Segraves, Rick ; Oseroff, Vanessa V. ; Albertson, Donna G. ; Pinkel, Daniel ; Eichler, Evan E. 

2005-01-01

The human genome contains numerous blocks of highly homologous duplicated sequence. This higher-order architecture provides a substrate for recombination and recurrent chromosomal rearrangement associated with genomic disease. However, an assessment of the role of segmental duplications in normal variation has not yet been made. On the basis of the duplication architecture of the human genome, we defined a set of 130 potential rearrangement hotspots and constructed a targeted bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) microarray (with 2,194 BACs) to assess copy-number variation in these regions by array comparative genomic hybridization. Using our segmental duplication BAC microarray, we screened a panel of 47 normal individuals, who represented populations from four continents, and we identified 119 regions of copy-number polymorphism (CNP), 73 of which were previously unreported. We observed an equal frequency of duplications and deletions, as well as a 4-fold enrichment of CNPs within hotspot regions, compared with control BACs (P < .000001), which suggests that segmental duplications are a major catalyst of large-scale variation in the human genome. Importantly, segmental duplications themselves were also significantly enriched >4-fold within regions of CNP. Almost without exception, CNPs were not confined to a single population, suggesting that these either are recurrent events, having occurred independently in multiple founders, or were present in early human populations. Our study demonstrates that segmental duplications define hotspots of chromosomal rearrangement, likely acting as mediators of normal variation as well as genomic disease, and it suggests that the consideration of genomic architecture can significantly improve the ascertainment of large-scale rearrangements. Our specialized segmental duplication BAC microarray and associated database of structural polymorphisms will provide an important resource for the future characterization of human genomic disorders. PMID:15918152

Influences of micro-geomorphology on the stoichiometry of C, N and P in Chenier Island soils and plants in the Yellow River Delta, China.

PubMed

Qu, Fanzhu; Meng, Ling; Yu, Junbao; Liu, Jingtao; Sun, Jingkuan; Yang, Hongjun; Dong, Linshui

2017-01-01

Studies have indicated that consistent or well-constrained (relatively low variability) carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios exist in large-scale ecosystems, including both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Little is known about the C, N and P stoichiometric ratios that exist in the soils and plants of Chenier Island in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). We examined the distribution patterns and relationships of C, N and P stoichiometry in the soils and plants of Chenier Island, as well as the potential influences of the island's micro-geomorphology. Based on a study of four soil profile categories and Phragmites australis and Suaeda heteroptera plant tissues, our results showed that micro-geomorphology could leave a distinct imprint on the soil and plant elemental stoichiometry of Chenier Island; significant variation in the atomic C:N:P ratios (RCNP) existed in soils and plants, indicating that the RCNP values in both the soil and plants are not well constrained at the Chenier Island scale. RCN and RCP in Chenier Island soils were high, whereas the RNP values were comparatively low, indicating that the ecosystems of Chenier Island are nutrient-limited by N and P. However, the RNP values in P. australis and S. heteroptera plant tissues were high, suggesting that the plants of Chenier Island are nutrient-limited by P. Finally, we suggest that soil and plant N:P ratios may be good indicators of the soil and plant nutrient status during soil development and plant growth, which could be a useful reference for restoring the degraded soils of Chenier Island.

Does the natriuretic peptide system exist throughout the animal and plant kingdom?

PubMed

Takei, Y

2001-06-01

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) and their receptors have been identified in vertebrate species ranging from elasmobranchs to mammals. Atrial, brain and ventricular NP (ANP, BNP and VNP) are endocrine hormones secreted from the heart, while C-type NP (CNP) is principally a paracrine factor in the brain and periphery. In elasmobranchs, only CNP is present in the heart and brain and it functions as a circulating hormone as well as a paracrine factor. Four types of NP receptors are cloned in vertebrates. NPR-A and NPR-B are guanylyl cyclase-coupled receptors, whereas NPR-C and NPR-D have only a short cytoplasmic domain. NPs are hormones important for volume regulation in mammals, while they act more specifically for Na(+) regulation in fishes. The presence of NP and its receptor has also been suggested in the most primitive vertebrate group, cyclostomes, and its molecular identification is in progress. The presence of ANP or its mRNA has been reported in the hearts and ganglia of various invertebrate species such as mollusks and arthropods using either antisera raised against mammalian ANP or rat ANP cDNA as probes. Immunoreactive ANP has also been detected in the unicellular Paramecium and in various species of plants including Metasequoia. Furthermore, the N-terminal prosegments of ANP, whose sequences are scarcely conserved even in vertebrates, have also been detected by the radioimmunoassay for human ANP prosegments in all invertebrate and plant species examined including Paramecium. Although these data are highly attractive, the current evidence is too circumstantial to be convincing that the immunoreactivity truly originates from ANP and its prosegments in such diverse organisms. The caution that has to be exercised in identification of vertebrate hormones from phylogenetically distant organisms is discussed.

Regulation of natriuretic peptide receptor A and B expression by transforming growth factor-beta 1 in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Fujio, N; Gossard, F; Bayard, F; Tremblay, J

1994-06-01

Two types of natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A and NPR-B) are membrane guanylate cyclases whose relative expression varies in different tissues. Because natriuretic peptides have been shown to inhibit aortic smooth muscle proliferation, we investigated the regulation of NPR-A and NPR-B in these cells under different proliferative conditions. NPR subtype mRNA levels were measured by our newly developed quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay using mutated NPR-A and NPR-B cRNA as internal standards. The functional impact of their expression was determined by atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)- and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)-induced stimulation of cyclic GMP production. In the intact aorta, NPR-B mRNA levels were found to be 10-fold higher than those of NPR-A. This dominance was further amplified (1000-fold) in long-term cultures (10 to 15 passages) of aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC). Higher cyclic GMP production with CNP than with ANP was observed in cultured ASMC from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Similar stimulation by the two agonists was noted in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) cells, paralleled by a 10-fold increase in NPR-A mRNA levels and ANP stimulation of cyclic GMP in hypertensive cells. The present study also evaluated NPR-A and NPR-B mRNA control by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), an important regulator of cell proliferation that is overexpressed in SHR ASMC. TGF-beta 1 decreased both NPR-A and NPR-B mRNA levels with a predominant effect in SHR cells at high cell density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Network Analysis of a Demonstration Program for the Developmentally Disabled

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fredericks, Kimberly A.

2005-01-01

This chapter presents the findings from a network analysis of a demonstration program for the developmentally disabled to show the application of graphical network analysis in program evaluation. The developmentally disabled demonstration (DDD) program was a five-year pilot project to provide person-centered service environments to people with …

Integration of a splicing regulatory network within the meiotic gene expression program of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Munding, Elizabeth M.; Igel, A. Haller; Shiue, Lily; Dorighi, Kristel M.; Treviño, Lisa R.; Ares, Manuel

2010-01-01

Splicing regulatory networks are essential components of eukaryotic gene expression programs, yet little is known about how they are integrated with transcriptional regulatory networks into coherent gene expression programs. Here we define the MER1 splicing regulatory network and examine its role in the gene expression program during meiosis in budding yeast. Mer1p splicing factor promotes splicing of just four pre-mRNAs. All four Mer1p-responsive genes also require Nam8p for splicing activation by Mer1p; however, other genes require Nam8p but not Mer1p, exposing an overlapping meiotic splicing network controlled by Nam8p. MER1 mRNA and three of the four Mer1p substrate pre-mRNAs are induced by the transcriptional regulator Ume6p. This unusual arrangement delays expression of Mer1p-responsive genes relative to other genes under Ume6p control. Products of Mer1p-responsive genes are required for initiating and completing recombination and for activation of Ndt80p, the activator of the transcriptional network required for subsequent steps in the program. Thus, the MER1 splicing regulatory network mediates the dependent relationship between the UME6 and NDT80 transcriptional regulatory networks in the meiotic gene expression program. This study reveals how splicing regulatory networks can be interlaced with transcriptional regulatory networks in eukaryotic gene expression programs. PMID:21123654

Criteria for Evaluating Alternative Network and Link Layer Protocols for the NASA Constellation Program Communication Architecture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benbenek, Daniel; Soloff, Jason; Lieb, Erica

2010-01-01

Selecting a communications and network architecture for future manned space flight requires an evaluation of the varying goals and objectives of the program, development of communications and network architecture evaluation criteria, and assessment of critical architecture trades. This paper uses Cx Program proposed exploration activities as a guideline; lunar sortie, outpost, Mars, and flexible path options are described. A set of proposed communications network architecture criteria are proposed and described. They include: interoperability, security, reliability, and ease of automating topology changes. Finally a key set of architecture options are traded including (1) multiplexing data at a common network layer vs. at the data link layer, (2) implementing multiple network layers vs. a single network layer, and (3) the use of a particular network layer protocol, primarily IPv6 vs. Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN). In summary, the protocol options are evaluated against the proposed exploration activities and their relative performance with respect to the criteria are assessed. An architectural approach which includes (a) the capability of multiplexing at both the network layer and the data link layer and (b) a single network layer for operations at each program phase, as these solutions are best suited to respond to the widest array of program needs and meet each of the evaluation criteria.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency: Key Factors Drive Transition of Technologies, but Better Training and Data Dissemination Can Increase Success

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

more detail. Table 1: Overview of DARPA Programs Selected for GAO Case Study Analyses Program name Program description Advanced Wireless Networks ...Selected DARPA Programs Program name According to DARPA portfolio-level database According to GAO analysis Advanced Wireless Networks for the Soldier...with potential transition partners Achievement of clearly defined technical goals Successful transition Advanced Wireless Networks for Soldier

Faculty Hiring at Top-Ranked Higher Education Administration Programs: An Examination Using Social Network Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiRamio, David; Theroux, Ryan; Guarino, Anthony J.

2009-01-01

Using network analysis we investigated faculty hiring at 21 U. S. News top-ranked programs in higher education administration. Our research questions were as follows. Do top programs hire from each other? Are faculty from the "outside" finding positions at top programs? Mixed results hint at implications for the "health" of the hiring network.…

The Design and Implementation of a Translator for Arithmetic and Boolean Expressions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

fault toleranc- P-or imTarop-r token.- or incorrect tok- n or(I-r. F C icD - MUS" hc-IV CnP 2J n,-)2ri 9 Iot t rq 3C003 G~T. 3OD 0L 3COC~ 5G F. 30005 ... 30005 .GE. ph 50015 60. C 30006 .LE. DP 50016 61. C RELPNT-INTEGER, POINTER TO ENTRIES IN RELOPS ARRAYY 62. C TEMP -INTEGER, USED FOR DETERMINING IF...30002, 50012, 30003, 50013, 30004, 50014, 30005 , 50015, 71. 1 30006, 50016/, SUB/50006/, THEN/142408/ 72. C 73. C ******** EXECUTABLE CODE******** 74

Naval Research Laboratory Ecological -- Photochemical -- Bio-optical--Numerical Experiment (Neptune) Version 1: A Portable, Flexible Modeling Environment Designed to Resolve Time-dependent Feedbacks Between Upper Ocean Ecology, Photochemistry, and Optics

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-21

dependent upon the carbon gross growth efficiency ( GGE ) and the C:N:P ratio of the organic substrate. This calculation and its structural...product of the temperature adjusted maximum gross carbon assimilation rate, the carbon gross growth efficiency ( GGE ), and the uptake kinetics for DOC...substrate: max T 4 [ ]( ) [ ]Cb b DOCg g GGE n DOC ⎛ ⎞ = ⎜ ⎟+⎝ ⎠ (21) and ( )( 30)max T m30 m30min[ , ]Kt Tb b bg g g e −= (22) To

Using Organizational Network Analysis to Plan Cancer Screening Programs for Vulnerable Populations

PubMed Central

Carothers, Bobbi J.; Lofters, Aisha K.

2014-01-01

Objectives. We examined relationships among organizations in a cancer screening network to inform the development of interventions to improve cancer screening for South Asians living in the Peel region of Ontario. Methods. From April to July 2012, we surveyed decision-makers, program managers, and program staff in 22 organizations in the South Asian cancer screening network in the Peel region. We used a network analytic approach to evaluate density (range = 0%–100%, number of ties among organizations in the network expressed as a percentage of all possible ties), centralization (range = 0–1, the extent of variability in centrality), and node characteristics for the communication, collaboration, and referral networks. Results. Density was similar across communication (15%), collaboration (17%), and referral (19%) networks. Centralization was greater in the collaboration network (0.30) than the communication network (0.24), and degree centralization was greater in the inbound (0.42) than the outbound (0.37) referral network. Diverse organizations were central to the networks. Conclusions. Certain organizations were unexpectedly important to the South Asian cancer screening network. Program planning was informed by identifying opportunities to strengthen linkages between key organizations and to leverage existing ties. PMID:24328613

Using organizational network analysis to plan cancer screening programs for vulnerable populations.

PubMed

Lobb, Rebecca; Carothers, Bobbi J; Lofters, Aisha K

2014-02-01

We examined relationships among organizations in a cancer screening network to inform the development of interventions to improve cancer screening for South Asians living in the Peel region of Ontario. From April to July 2012, we surveyed decision-makers, program managers, and program staff in 22 organizations in the South Asian cancer screening network in the Peel region. We used a network analytic approach to evaluate density (range = 0%-100%, number of ties among organizations in the network expressed as a percentage of all possible ties), centralization (range = 0-1, the extent of variability in centrality), and node characteristics for the communication, collaboration, and referral networks. Density was similar across communication (15%), collaboration (17%), and referral (19%) networks. Centralization was greater in the collaboration network (0.30) than the communication network (0.24), and degree centralization was greater in the inbound (0.42) than the outbound (0.37) referral network. Diverse organizations were central to the networks. Certain organizations were unexpectedly important to the South Asian cancer screening network. Program planning was informed by identifying opportunities to strengthen linkages between key organizations and to leverage existing ties.

A Compiler and Run-time System for Network Programming Languages

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

A Compiler and Run-time System for Network Programming Languages Christopher Monsanto Princeton University Nate Foster Cornell University Rob...Foster, R. Harrison, M. Freedman, C. Monsanto , J. Rexford, A. Story, and D. Walker. Frenetic: A network programming language. In ICFP, Sep 2011. [10] A

A program to compute the soft Robinson-Foulds distance between phylogenetic networks.

PubMed

Lu, Bingxin; Zhang, Louxin; Leong, Hon Wai

2017-03-14

Over the past two decades, phylogenetic networks have been studied to model reticulate evolutionary events. The relationships among phylogenetic networks, phylogenetic trees and clusters serve as the basis for reconstruction and comparison of phylogenetic networks. To understand these relationships, two problems are raised: the tree containment problem, which asks whether a phylogenetic tree is displayed in a phylogenetic network, and the cluster containment problem, which asks whether a cluster is represented at a node in a phylogenetic network. Both the problems are NP-complete. A fast exponential-time algorithm for the cluster containment problem on arbitrary networks is developed and implemented in C. The resulting program is further extended into a computer program for fast computation of the Soft Robinson-Foulds distance between phylogenetic networks. Two computer programs are developed for facilitating reconstruction and validation of phylogenetic network models in evolutionary and comparative genomics. Our simulation tests indicated that they are fast enough for use in practice. Additionally, the distribution of the Soft Robinson-Foulds distance between phylogenetic networks is demonstrated to be unlikely normal by our simulation data.

78 FR 29775 - Information Collection Request Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-21

... Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice... Miller, National Manager, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, National Park Service...: OMB Control Number: 1024-0232. Title: National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program...

77 FR 65581 - Verizon Business Networks Services, Inc., Senior Analyst, Service Program Delivery (SA-SPD...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-29

... DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-81,827] Verizon Business Networks... Verizon Business Network Services, Inc., Senior Analyst-Service Program Delivery, Hilliard, Ohio (subject.... Specifically, the worker group supplies service program delivery services. At the request of the State of Ohio...

76 FR 12983 - Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Comment Request; Tenant Resource Network Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-09

... DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5484-N-06] Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Comment Request; Tenant Resource Network Program AGENCY: Office of the Assistant...: Tenant Resource Network Program. OMB Control Number, if applicable: 2502-new-65pTRNP. Description of the...

Interorganizational relationships within state tobacco control networks: a social network analysis.

PubMed

Krauss, Melissa; Mueller, Nancy; Luke, Douglas

2004-10-01

State tobacco control programs are implemented by networks of public and private agencies with a common goal to reduce tobacco use. The degree of a program's comprehensiveness depends on the scope of its activities and the variety of agencies involved in the network. Structural aspects of these networks could help describe the process of implementing a state's tobacco control program, but have not yet been examined. Social network analysis was used to examine the structure of five state tobacco control networks. Semi-structured interviews with key agencies collected quantitative and qualitative data on frequency of contact among network partners, money flow, relationship productivity, level of network effectiveness, and methods for improvement. Most states had hierarchical communication structures in which partner agencies had frequent contact with one or two central agencies. Lead agencies had the highest control over network communication. Networks with denser communication structures had denser productivity structures. Lead agencies had the highest financial influence within the networks, while statewide coalitions were financially influenced by others. Lead agencies had highly productive relationships with others, while agencies with narrow roles had fewer productive relationships. Statewide coalitions that received Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funding had more highly productive relationships than coalitions that did not receive the funding. Results suggest that frequent communication among network partners is related to more highly productive relationships. Results also highlight the importance of lead agencies and statewide coalitions in implementing a comprehensive state tobacco control program. Network analysis could be useful in developing process indicators for state tobacco control programs.

A class of finite-time dual neural networks for solving quadratic programming problems and its k-winners-take-all application.

PubMed

Li, Shuai; Li, Yangming; Wang, Zheng

2013-03-01

This paper presents a class of recurrent neural networks to solve quadratic programming problems. Different from most existing recurrent neural networks for solving quadratic programming problems, the proposed neural network model converges in finite time and the activation function is not required to be a hard-limiting function for finite convergence time. The stability, finite-time convergence property and the optimality of the proposed neural network for solving the original quadratic programming problem are proven in theory. Extensive simulations are performed to evaluate the performance of the neural network with different parameters. In addition, the proposed neural network is applied to solving the k-winner-take-all (k-WTA) problem. Both theoretical analysis and numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of our method for solving the k-WTA problem. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Toward a Common Vision in Library Networking. Proceedings of the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee Meeting (Washington, D.C., December 9-11, 1985). Network Planning Paper No. 13.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harriman, Sigrid G., Ed.

The December 1985 program session of the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee (NAC) focused on determining the effectiveness of networking, identifying a common vision or goal, and developing a strategy to accomplish that goal. The program session included remarks on the role of the regional networks in national networking by Louella V.…

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

Hamadneh, Nawaf; Sathasivam, Saratha; Choon, Ong Hong

Logic programming is the process that leads from an original formulation of a computing problem to executable programs. A normal logic program consists of a finite set of clauses. A valuation I of logic programming is a mapping from ground atoms to false or true. The single step operator of any logic programming is defined as a function (T{sub p}:I→I). Logic programming is well-suited to building the artificial intelligence systems. In this study, we established a new technique to compute the single step operators of logic programming in the radial basis function neural networks. To do that, we proposed amore » new technique to generate the training data sets of single step operators. The training data sets are used to build the neural networks. We used the recurrent radial basis function neural networks to get to the steady state (the fixed point of the operators). To improve the performance of the neural networks, we used the particle swarm optimization algorithm to train the networks.« less

A computer program for the generation of logic networks from task chart data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herbert, H. E.

1980-01-01

The Network Generation Program (NETGEN), which creates logic networks from task chart data is presented. NETGEN is written in CDC FORTRAN IV (Extended) and runs in a batch mode on the CDC 6000 and CYBER 170 series computers. Data is input via a two-card format and contains information regarding the specific tasks in a project. From this data, NETGEN constructs a logic network of related activities with each activity having unique predecessor and successor nodes, activity duration, descriptions, etc. NETGEN then prepares this data on two files that can be used in the Project Planning Analysis and Reporting System Batch Network Scheduling program and the EZPERT graphics program.

[Evaluation of a program to promote network building between disciplinary agencies and informal community organizations: trial in a community comprehensive support center].

PubMed

Murayama, Hiroshi; Kojima, Tomoko; Tomaru, Meiko; Narabu, Harumi; Tachibana, Reiko; Yamaguchi, Takuhiro; Murashima, Sachiyo

2010-10-01

To examine the effectiveness of a program promoting network building between disciplinary agencies and informal community organizations (IGOs) comprising community residents, by implemention with staff of a community comprehensive support center (CJCSG). The program was implemented for nine staff of a GGSG in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo for a year. For process evaluation, items were assessed concerning the contents of the program such as satisfaction and understandability, participants' goal attainment level at each period of the program, and program satisfaction as a whole. Outcome evaluation included measurement of participants' self-efficacy regarding network building with ICOs before and after the program, using interviews of the members who completed the program. Eight out of the nine participants completed the program. All positively evaluated the contents of the program and their own goal attainment at each period of the program. After its completion, they felt highly satisfied. Moreover, there was an improvement in the cognition of the participants, including self-efficacy on network building with IGOs and the atmosphere in the GGSG with regard to network building. The efficacy of this program could be confirmed as demonstrated by the staff of the CCSC, although a more detailed assessment of validity and effectiveness will be necessary in the future.

Telecommunications Network Plan

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

NONE

1989-05-01

The Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) must, among other things, be equipped to readily produce, file, store, access, retrieve, and transfer a wide variety of technical and institutional data and information. The data and information regularly produced by members of the OCRWM Program supports, and will continue to support, a wide range of program activities. Some of the more important of these information communication-related activities include: supporting the preparation, submittal, and review of a license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to authorize the construction of a geologic repository; responding to requests for information from parties affectedmore » by and/or interested in the program; and providing evidence of compliance with all relevant Federal, State, local, and Indian Tribe regulations, statutes, and/or treaties. The OCRWM Telecommunications Network Plan (TNP) is intended to identify, as well as to present the current strategy for satisfying, the telecommunications requirements of the civilian radioactive waste management program. The TNP will set forth the plan for integrating OCRWM`s information resources among major program sites. Specifically, this plan will introduce a telecommunications network designed to establish communication linkages across the program`s Washington, DC; Chicago, Illinois; and Las Vegas, Nevada, sites. The linkages across these and associated sites will comprise Phase I of the proposed OCRWM telecommunications network. The second phase will focus on the modification and expansion of the Phase I network to fully accommodate access to the OCRWM Licensing Support System (LSS). The primary components of the proposed OCRWM telecommunications network include local area networks; extended local area networks; and remote extended (wide) area networks. 10 refs., 6 figs.« less

Youth Education Programs for Neighborhood Networks Centers. Neighborhood Networks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC. Office of Multifamily Housing.

This handbook is designed to help the sponsors, staff, and partners of Neighborhood Networks Centers, which serve apartment properties assisted or insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to develop effective programs for young people under the age of 18. Part 1 identifies key issues in creating programs and highlights effective…

76 FR 39417 - Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB Tenant Resource Network Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-06

... DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5480-N-64] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB Tenant Resource Network Program AGENCY: Office of the Chief...: Tenant Resource Network Program. OMB Approval Number: 2502-Pending. Form Numbers: HUD-50080-TRNP...

Factors Impacting Adult Learner Achievement in a Technology Certificate Program on Computer Networks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delialioglu, Omer; Cakir, Hasan; Bichelmeyer, Barbara A.; Dennis, Alan R.; Duffy, Thomas M.

2010-01-01

This study investigates the factors impacting the achievement of adult learners in a technology certificate program on computer networks. We studied 2442 participants in 256 institutions. The participants were older than age 18 and were enrolled in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) technology training program as "non-degree" or…

Optimization of neural network architecture using genetic programming improves detection and modeling of gene-gene interactions in studies of human diseases

PubMed Central

Ritchie, Marylyn D; White, Bill C; Parker, Joel S; Hahn, Lance W; Moore, Jason H

2003-01-01

Background Appropriate definition of neural network architecture prior to data analysis is crucial for successful data mining. This can be challenging when the underlying model of the data is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine whether optimizing neural network architecture using genetic programming as a machine learning strategy would improve the ability of neural networks to model and detect nonlinear interactions among genes in studies of common human diseases. Results Using simulated data, we show that a genetic programming optimized neural network approach is able to model gene-gene interactions as well as a traditional back propagation neural network. Furthermore, the genetic programming optimized neural network is better than the traditional back propagation neural network approach in terms of predictive ability and power to detect gene-gene interactions when non-functional polymorphisms are present. Conclusion This study suggests that a machine learning strategy for optimizing neural network architecture may be preferable to traditional trial-and-error approaches for the identification and characterization of gene-gene interactions in common, complex human diseases. PMID:12846935

Program Spotlight: National Outreach Network's Community Health Educators

Cancer.gov

National Outreach Network of Community Health Educators located at Community Network Program Centers, Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity, and NCI-designated cancer centers help patients and their families receive survivorship support.

Designing a CTSA‐Based Social Network Intervention to Foster Cross‐Disciplinary Team Science

PubMed Central

McCarty, Christopher; Conlon, Michael; Nelson, David R.

2015-01-01

Abstract This paper explores the application of network intervention strategies to the problem of assembling cross‐disciplinary scientific teams in academic institutions. In a project supported by the University of Florida (UF) Clinical and Translational Science Institute, we used VIVO, a semantic‐web research networking system, to extract the social network of scientific collaborations on publications and awarded grants across all UF colleges and departments. Drawing on the notion of network interventions, we designed an alteration program to add specific edges to the collaboration network, that is, to create specific collaborations between previously unconnected investigators. The missing collaborative links were identified by a number of network criteria to enhance desirable structural properties of individual positions or the network as a whole. We subsequently implemented an online survey (N = 103) that introduced the potential collaborators to each other through their VIVO profiles, and investigated their attitudes toward starting a project together. We discuss the design of the intervention program, the network criteria adopted, and preliminary survey results. The results provide insight into the feasibility of intervention programs on scientific collaboration networks, as well as suggestions on the implementation of such programs to assemble cross‐disciplinary scientific teams in CTSA institutions. PMID:25788258

Deep space network energy program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friesema, S. E.

1980-01-01

If the Deep Space Network is to exist in a cost effective and reliable manner in the next decade, the problems presented by international energy cost increases and energy availability must be addressed. The Deep Space Network Energy Program was established to implement solutions compatible with the ongoing development of the total network.

External quality assurance project report for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program’s National Trends Network and Mercury Deposition Network, 2013–14

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wetherbee, Gregory A.; Martin, RoseAnn

2016-07-05

The Mercury Deposition Network programs include the system blank program and an interlaboratory comparison program. System blank results indicated that maximum total mercury contamination concentrations in samples were less than the third percentile of all Mercury Deposition Network sample concentrations. The Mercury Analytical Laboratory produced chemical concentration results with low bias and variability compared with other domestic and international laboratories that support atmospheric-deposition monitoring.

Network model and short circuit program for the Kennedy Space Center electric power distribution system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Assumptions made and techniques used in modeling the power network to the 480 volt level are discussed. Basic computational techniques used in the short circuit program are described along with a flow diagram of the program and operational procedures. Procedures for incorporating network changes are included in this user's manual.

Smart-Grid Backbone Network Real-Time Delay Reduction via Integer Programming.

PubMed

Pagadrai, Sasikanth; Yilmaz, Muhittin; Valluri, Pratyush

2016-08-01

This research investigates an optimal delay-based virtual topology design using integer linear programming (ILP), which is applied to the current backbone networks such as smart-grid real-time communication systems. A network traffic matrix is applied and the corresponding virtual topology problem is solved using the ILP formulations that include a network delay-dependent objective function and lightpath routing, wavelength assignment, wavelength continuity, flow routing, and traffic loss constraints. The proposed optimization approach provides an efficient deterministic integration of intelligent sensing and decision making, and network learning features for superior smart grid operations by adaptively responding the time-varying network traffic data as well as operational constraints to maintain optimal virtual topologies. A representative optical backbone network has been utilized to demonstrate the proposed optimization framework whose simulation results indicate that superior smart-grid network performance can be achieved using commercial networks and integer programming.

Program/Commercial Separators in Children's Television Programming.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDowell, Cynthia N.; Palmer, Edward L.

1979-01-01

Reports on three types of separation techniques used by networks to assist children in distinguishing between programs and commercials. Results indicate that children were unable to make effective program/commercial distinctions on the basis of any of the network separators. (PD)

The interaction of social networks and child obesity prevention program effects: the pathways trial.

PubMed

Shin, Hee-Sung; Valente, Thomas W; Riggs, Nathaniel R; Huh, Jimi; Spruijt-Metz, Donna; Chou, Chih-Ping; Ann Pentz, Mary

2014-06-01

Social network analysis was used to examine whether peer influence from one's social networks moderates obesity prevention program effects on obesity-related behaviors: healthful and unhealthful. Participants included 557 children residing in Southern California. The survey assessed health-promoting behaviors (i.e., physical activity at school, physical activity outside of school, and fruit and vegetable intake), as well as unhealthful behaviors (high-calorie, low-nutrient intake and sedentary activity), and peer exposure calculated from social network nominations as indicators of peer influence. Multilevel models were conducted separately on outcomes predicted by program participation, peer exposure, and program participation by peer exposure. Results indicated that peer exposure was positively associated with one's own healthful and unhealthful behaviors. Program participation effects were moderated by peer influence, but only when unhealthful peer influence was present. Results suggest that peer influence can diminish or amplify prevention programs Future interventions should consider peer-led components to promote healthful influence of peers on healthful and unhealthful behaviors, and programs should be mindful that their effects are moderated by social networks. Copyright © 2014 The Obesity Society.

Neural-Network Object-Recognition Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spirkovska, L.; Reid, M. B.

1993-01-01

HONTIOR computer program implements third-order neural network exhibiting invariance under translation, change of scale, and in-plane rotation. Invariance incorporated directly into architecture of network. Only one view of each object needed to train network for two-dimensional-translation-invariant recognition of object. Also used for three-dimensional-transformation-invariant recognition by training network on only set of out-of-plane rotated views. Written in C language.

Advanced Scientific Computing Research Network Requirements: ASCR Network Requirements Review Final Report

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

Bacon, Charles; Bell, Greg; Canon, Shane

The Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) is the primary provider of network connectivity for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC), the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. In support of SC programs, ESnet regularly updates and refreshes its understanding of the networking requirements of the instruments, facilities, scientists, and science programs that it serves. This focus has helped ESnet to be a highly successful enabler of scientific discovery for over 25 years. In October 2012, ESnet and the Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) of the DOE SCmore » organized a review to characterize the networking requirements of the programs funded by the ASCR program office. The requirements identified at the review are summarized in the Findings section, and are described in more detail in the body of the report.« less

Social network analysis for program implementation.

PubMed

Valente, Thomas W; Palinkas, Lawrence A; Czaja, Sara; Chu, Kar-Hai; Brown, C Hendricks

2015-01-01

This paper introduces the use of social network analysis theory and tools for implementation research. The social network perspective is useful for understanding, monitoring, influencing, or evaluating the implementation process when programs, policies, practices, or principles are designed and scaled up or adapted to different settings. We briefly describe common barriers to implementation success and relate them to the social networks of implementation stakeholders. We introduce a few simple measures commonly used in social network analysis and discuss how these measures can be used in program implementation. Using the four stage model of program implementation (exploration, adoption, implementation, and sustainment) proposed by Aarons and colleagues [1] and our experience in developing multi-sector partnerships involving community leaders, organizations, practitioners, and researchers, we show how network measures can be used at each stage to monitor, intervene, and improve the implementation process. Examples are provided to illustrate these concepts. We conclude with expected benefits and challenges associated with this approach.

Social Network Analysis for Program Implementation

PubMed Central

Valente, Thomas W.; Palinkas, Lawrence A.; Czaja, Sara; Chu, Kar-Hai; Brown, C. Hendricks

2015-01-01

This paper introduces the use of social network analysis theory and tools for implementation research. The social network perspective is useful for understanding, monitoring, influencing, or evaluating the implementation process when programs, policies, practices, or principles are designed and scaled up or adapted to different settings. We briefly describe common barriers to implementation success and relate them to the social networks of implementation stakeholders. We introduce a few simple measures commonly used in social network analysis and discuss how these measures can be used in program implementation. Using the four stage model of program implementation (exploration, adoption, implementation, and sustainment) proposed by Aarons and colleagues [1] and our experience in developing multi-sector partnerships involving community leaders, organizations, practitioners, and researchers, we show how network measures can be used at each stage to monitor, intervene, and improve the implementation process. Examples are provided to illustrate these concepts. We conclude with expected benefits and challenges associated with this approach. PMID:26110842

How To Design and Deliver an Effective Job Development and Placement Program. Neighborhood Networks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC. Office of Multifamily Housing.

This second of four publications in the Neighborhood Networks Employment Series focuses on how Neighborhood Networks centers can deliver effective job development and placement programs for residents who are on public assistance, are unemployed, or are underemployed. This guide explains how Neighborhood Networks centers can develop relationships…

Reducing readmissions to detoxification: an interorganizational network perspective.

PubMed

Spear, Suzanne E

2014-04-01

The high cost of detoxification (detox) services and health risks associated with continued substance abuse make readmission to detox an important indicator of poor performance for substance use disorder treatment systems. This study examined the extent to which the structure of local networks available to detox programs affects patients' odds of readmission to detox within 1 year. Administrative data from 32 counties in California in 2008-2009 were used to map network ties between programs based on patient transfers. Social network analysis was employed to measure structural features of detox program networks. Contextual predictors included efficiency (proportion of ties within a network that are non-redundant) and out-degree (number of outgoing ties to other programs). A binary mixed model was used to predict the odds of readmission among detox patients in residential (non-hospital) facilities (N=18,278). After adjusting for patient-level covariates and continuity of service from detox to outpatient or residential treatment, network efficiency was associated with lower odds of readmission. The impact of network structure on detox readmissions suggests that the interorganizational context in which detox programs operate may be important for improving continuity of service within substance use disorder treatment systems. Implications for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reducing Readmissions to Detoxification: An Interorganizational Network Perspective

PubMed Central

Spear, Suzanne E.

2014-01-01

Background The high cost of detoxification (detox) services and health risks associated with continued substance abuse make readmission to detox an important indicator of poor performance for substance use disorder treatment systems. This study examined the extent to which the structure of local networks available to detox programs affects patients’ odds of readmission to detox within 1 year. Methods Administrative data from 32 counties in California in 2008–2009 were used to map network ties between programs based on patient transfers. Social network analysis was employed to measure structural features of detox program networks. Contextual predictors included efficiency (proportion of ties within a network that are non-redundant) and out-degree (number of outgoing ties to other programs). A binary mixed model was used to predict the odds of readmission among detox patients in residential (non-hospital) facilities (N =18,278). Results After adjusting for patient-level covariates and continuity of service from detox to outpatient or residential treatment, network efficiency was associated with lower odds of readmission. Conclusion The impact of network structure on detox readmissions suggests that the interorganizational context in which detox programs operate may be important for improving continuity of service within substance use disorder treatment systems. Implications for future research are discussed. PMID:24529966

OPTIMAL NETWORK TOPOLOGY DESIGN

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuen, J. H.

1994-01-01

This program was developed as part of a research study on the topology design and performance analysis for the Space Station Information System (SSIS) network. It uses an efficient algorithm to generate candidate network designs (consisting of subsets of the set of all network components) in increasing order of their total costs, and checks each design to see if it forms an acceptable network. This technique gives the true cost-optimal network, and is particularly useful when the network has many constraints and not too many components. It is intended that this new design technique consider all important performance measures explicitly and take into account the constraints due to various technical feasibilities. In the current program, technical constraints are taken care of by the user properly forming the starting set of candidate components (e.g. nonfeasible links are not included). As subsets are generated, they are tested to see if they form an acceptable network by checking that all requirements are satisfied. Thus the first acceptable subset encountered gives the cost-optimal topology satisfying all given constraints. The user must sort the set of "feasible" link elements in increasing order of their costs. The program prompts the user for the following information for each link: 1) cost, 2) connectivity (number of stations connected by the link), and 3) the stations connected by that link. Unless instructed to stop, the program generates all possible acceptable networks in increasing order of their total costs. The program is written only to generate topologies that are simply connected. Tests on reliability, delay, and other performance measures are discussed in the documentation, but have not been incorporated into the program. This program is written in PASCAL for interactive execution and has been implemented on an IBM PC series computer operating under PC DOS. The disk contains source code only. This program was developed in 1985.

Community coalitions as a system: effects of network change on adoption of evidence-based substance abuse prevention.

PubMed

Valente, Thomas W; Chou, Chich Ping; Pentz, Mary Ann

2007-05-01

We examined the effect of community coalition network structure on the effectiveness of an intervention designed to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based substance abuse prevention programs. At baseline, 24 cities were matched and randomly assigned to 3 conditions (control, satellite TV training, and training plus technical assistance). We surveyed 415 community leaders at baseline and 406 at 18-month follow-up about their attitudes and practices toward substance abuse prevention programs. Network structure was measured by asking leaders whom in their coalition they turned to for advice about prevention programs. The outcome was a scale with 4 subscales: coalition function, planning, achievement of benchmarks, and progress in prevention activities. We used multiple linear regression and path analysis to test hypotheses. Intervention had a significant effect on decreasing the density of coalition networks. The change in density subsequently increased adoption of evidence-based practices. Optimal community network structures for the adoption of public health programs are unknown, but it should not be assumed that increasing network density or centralization are appropriate goals. Lower-density networks may be more efficient for organizing evidence-based prevention programs in communities.

The role of social networking web sites in influencing residency decisions.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Justin; Hannan, Alexander; Coren, Joshua

2012-10-01

Social networking Web sites such as Facebook have grown rapidly in popularity. It is unknown how such sites affect the ways in which medical trainees investigate and interact with graduate medical education (GME) programs. To evaluate the use of social networking Web sites as a means for osteopathic medical students, interns, residents, and fellows to interact with GME programs and report the degree to which that interaction impacts a medical trainee's choice of GME program. An anonymous, 10-item electronic survey on social networking Web sites was e-mailed to osteopathic medical student, intern, resident, and fellow members of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. The weighted least squares test and the Fisher exact test were used for data analysis. A total of 9606 surveys were distributed, and 992 (10%) were completed. Nine hundred twenty-eight (93%) of the respondents used social networking Web sites, with the most popular services being Facebook (891 [90%]; P=.03), the Student Doctor Network (278 [28%]), and LinkedIn (89 [9%]; P=.03). Three hundred fifty-three respondents (36%; P=.52) were connected with a professional organization and 673 (68%; P=.73) used social networking Web sites for job searching related to GME programs or postresidency employment. Within the population of 497 third-, fourth-, and fifth-year osteopathic medical students, 136 (27%) reported gleaning information about programs through social networking Web sites (P=.01). Within the total population, 100 of 992 (10%) reported that this information influenced their decisions (P=.07). Of note, 144 (14%) of the total 992 respondents reported that the programs they applied to did not have any presence on social networking Web sites (P=.05). Our results indicate that social networking Web sites have a present and growing influence on how osteopathic medical students, interns, residents, and fellows learn about and select a GME program.

CHALLENGES IN PHENOTYPE DEFINITION IN THE WHOLE-GENOME ERA: MULTIVARIATE MODELS OF MEMORY AND INTELLIGENCE

PubMed Central

SABB, F. W.; BURGGREN, A. C.; HIGIER, R. G.; FOX, J.; HE, J.; PARKER, D. S.; POLDRACK, R. A.; CHU, W.; CANNON, T. D.; FREIMER, N. B.; BILDER, R. M.

2009-01-01

Refining phenotypes for the study of neuropsychiatric disorders is of paramount importance in neuroscience. Poor phenotype definition provides the greatest obstacle for making progress in disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism. Using freely available informatics tools developed by the Consortium for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics (CNP), we provide a framework for defining and refining latent constructs used in neuroscience research and then apply this strategy to review known genetic contributions to memory and intelligence in healthy individuals. This approach can help us begin to build multi-level phenotype models that express the interactions between constructs necessary to understand complex neuropsychiatric diseases. PMID:19450667

Designing a CTSA-Based Social Network Intervention to Foster Cross-Disciplinary Team Science.

PubMed

Vacca, Raffaele; McCarty, Christopher; Conlon, Michael; Nelson, David R

2015-08-01

This paper explores the application of network intervention strategies to the problem of assembling cross-disciplinary scientific teams in academic institutions. In a project supported by the University of Florida (UF) Clinical and Translational Science Institute, we used VIVO, a semantic-web research networking system, to extract the social network of scientific collaborations on publications and awarded grants across all UF colleges and departments. Drawing on the notion of network interventions, we designed an alteration program to add specific edges to the collaboration network, that is, to create specific collaborations between previously unconnected investigators. The missing collaborative links were identified by a number of network criteria to enhance desirable structural properties of individual positions or the network as a whole. We subsequently implemented an online survey (N = 103) that introduced the potential collaborators to each other through their VIVO profiles, and investigated their attitudes toward starting a project together. We discuss the design of the intervention program, the network criteria adopted, and preliminary survey results. The results provide insight into the feasibility of intervention programs on scientific collaboration networks, as well as suggestions on the implementation of such programs to assemble cross-disciplinary scientific teams in CTSA institutions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Replication stress affects the fidelity of nucleosome-mediated epigenetic inheritance

PubMed Central

Li, Wenzhu; Yi, Jia; Agbu, Pamela; Zhou, Zheng; Kelley, Richard L.; Jia, Songtao

2017-01-01

The fidelity of epigenetic inheritance or, the precision by which epigenetic information is passed along, is an essential parameter for measuring the effectiveness of the process. How the precision of the process is achieved or modulated, however, remains largely elusive. We have performed quantitative measurement of epigenetic fidelity, using position effect variegation (PEV) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe as readout, to explore whether replication perturbation affects nucleosome-mediated epigenetic inheritance. We show that replication stresses, due to either hydroxyurea treatment or various forms of genetic lesions of the replication machinery, reduce the inheritance accuracy of CENP-A/Cnp1 nucleosome positioning within centromere. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that excessive formation of single-stranded DNA, a common molecular abnormality under these conditions, might have correlation with the reduction in fidelity of centromeric chromatin duplication. Furthermore, we show that replication stress broadly changes chromatin structure at various loci in the genome, such as telomere heterochromatin expanding and mating type locus heterochromatin spreading out of the boundaries. Interestingly, the levels of inheritable expanding at sub-telomeric heterochromatin regions are highly variable among independent cell populations. Finally, we show that HU treatment of the multi-cellular organisms C. elegans and D. melanogaster affects epigenetically programmed development and PEV, illustrating the evolutionary conservation of the phenomenon. Replication stress, in addition to its demonstrated role in genetic instability, promotes variable epigenetic instability throughout the epigenome. PMID:28749973

Program Helps Simulate Neural Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villarreal, James; Mcintire, Gary

1993-01-01

Neural Network Environment on Transputer System (NNETS) computer program provides users high degree of flexibility in creating and manipulating wide variety of neural-network topologies at processing speeds not found in conventional computing environments. Supports back-propagation and back-propagation-related algorithms. Back-propagation algorithm used is implementation of Rumelhart's generalized delta rule. NNETS developed on INMOS Transputer(R). Predefines back-propagation network, Jordan network, and reinforcement network to assist users in learning and defining own networks. Also enables users to configure other neural-network paradigms from NNETS basic architecture. Small portion of software written in OCCAM(R) language.

Evaluating Form and Function of Regional Partnerships: Applying Social Network Analysis to the "Network for a Healthy California", 2001-2007

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gregson, Jennifer; Sowa, Marcy; Flynn, Heather Kohler

2011-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the partnership structure of the "Network for a Healthy California" ("Network"), a social marketing program, from 2001-2007, to determine if California's program was able to establish and maintain partnerships that (1) provided access to a local audience, (2) facilitated regional collaboration, (3)…

Atmospheric Mercury Deposition Monitoring – National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP)

EPA Science Inventory

The National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) developed and operates a collaborative network of atmospheric mercury monitoring sites based in North America – the Atmospheric Mercury Network (AMNet). The justification for the network was growing interest and demand from many ...

Center for development technology and program in technology and human affairs. [emphasizing technology-based networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, M. D.

1974-01-01

The role of technology in nontraditional higher education with particular emphasis on technology-based networks is analyzed nontraditional programs, institutions, and consortia are briefly reviewed. Nontraditional programs which utilize technology are studied. Technology-based networks are surveyed and analyzed with regard to kinds of students, learning locations, technology utilization, interinstitutional relationships, cost aspects, problems, and future outlook.

A national cross-sectional survey of social networking practices of U.S. anesthesiology residency program directors.

PubMed

Barker, Andrew L; Wehbe-Janek, Hania; Bhandari, Naumit S; Bittenbinder, Timothy M; Jo, ChanHee; McAllister, Russell K

2012-12-01

To determine the social networking practices of directors of anesthesiology residency programs. Cross-sectional survey. Online and paper survey tool. 132 anesthesiology residency program directors in the United States. A 13-item survey including dichotomous and multiple choice responses was administered using an online survey tool and a paper survey. Data analysis was conducted by descriptive and analytical statistics (chi-square test). A P-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. 50% of anesthesiology program directors responded to the survey (66/132). Policies governing social networking practices were in place for 30.3% (n=20) of the programs' hospitals. The majority of program directors (81.8%, 54) reported never having had an incident involving reprimand of a resident or fellow for inappropriate social networking practices. The majority (66.7%, n=44) of responding programs reported that departments did not provide lectures or educational activities related to appropriate social networking practices. Monitoring of social networking habits of residents/fellows by program directors mainly occurs if they are alerted to a problem (54.5%, n=36). Frequent use of the Internet for conducting searches on a resident applicant was reported by 12.1% (n=8) of program directors, 30.3% (n=20) reported use a few times, and 57.6% (n=38) reported never using the Internet in this capacity. Residency programs should have a written policy related to social media use. Residency program directors should be encouraged to become familiar with the professionalism issues related to social media use in order to serve as adequate resident mentors within this new and problematic aspect of medical ethics and professionalism. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Amateur Astronomers: Secret Agents of EPO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berendsen, M.; White, V.; Devore, E.; Reynolds, M.

2008-06-01

Amateur astronomers prime the public to be more interested, receptive, and excited about space science, missions, and programs. Through recent research and targeted programs, amateur astronomy outreach is being increasingly recognized by professional astronomers, educators, and other amateurs as a valued and important service. The Night Sky Network program, administered by the ASP, is the first nationwide research-based program specifically targeted to support outreach by amateur astronomers. This Network of trained and informed amateur astronomers can provide a stimulating introduction to your EPO programs as Network members share the night sky with families, students, and youth groups.

Inner-City Networking: Models and Opportunities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sparrow, Judith; Vedantham, Anu

1995-01-01

Explores possibilities of inner-city networking, and provides a description of the federal government's Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP). The authors also enumerate the challenges faced by inner-city communities establishing such networks and describes TIIAP-funded programs meeting those challenges that…

Science Education Programs That work. A Collection of Proven Exemplary Educational Programs and Practices in the National Diffusion Network.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Mary G., Comp.

This catalog contains descriptions of the science education programs in the National Diffusion Network (NDN). These programs are available to school systems or other educational institutions for implementation in their classrooms. Some programs may be able to offer consultant services and limited assistance with the training and materials…

Science Education Programs That Work. A Collection of Proven Exemplary Educational Programs and Practices in the National Diffusion Network.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. National Diffusion Network.

The National Diffusion Network (NDN) is a federally funded system that makes exemplary educational programs available for use by schools, colleges, and other institutions. This publication contains information describing the science education programs currently in the NDN, along with procedural information on how to access these programs. The…

Programs for road network planning.

Treesearch

Ward W. Carson; Dennis P. Dykstra

1978-01-01

This paper describes four computer programs developed to assist logging engineers to plan transportation in a forest. The objective of these programs, to be used together, is to find the shortest path through a transportation network from a point of departure to a destination. Three of the programs use the digitizing and plotting capabilities of a programable desk-top...

Social Network Analysis of the Farabi Exchange Program: Student Mobility

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ugurlu, Zeynep

2016-01-01

Problem Statement: Exchange programs offer communication channels created through student and instructor exchanges; a flow of information takes place through these channels. The Farabi Exchange Program (FEP) is a student and instructor exchange program between institutions of higher education. Through the use of social network analysis and…

The Important Bird Areas Program in the United States: building a network of sites for conservation, state by state

Treesearch

Jeffrey V. Wells; Daniel K. Niven; John Cecil

2005-01-01

The Important Bird Area (IBA) program is an international effort to identify, conserve, and monitor a network of sites that provide essential habitat for bird populations. BirdLife International began the IBA program in Europe in 1985. Since that time, BirdLife partners in more than 100 countries have joined together to build the global IBA network. Audubon (BirdLife...

Mixed Integer Programming and Heuristic Scheduling for Space Communication Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheung, Kar-Ming; Lee, Charles H.

2012-01-01

We developed framework and the mathematical formulation for optimizing communication network using mixed integer programming. The design yields a system that is much smaller, in search space size, when compared to the earlier approach. Our constrained network optimization takes into account the dynamics of link performance within the network along with mission and operation requirements. A unique penalty function is introduced to transform the mixed integer programming into the more manageable problem of searching in a continuous space. The constrained optimization problem was proposed to solve in two stages: first using the heuristic Particle Swarming Optimization algorithm to get a good initial starting point, and then feeding the result into the Sequential Quadratic Programming algorithm to achieve the final optimal schedule. We demonstrate the above planning and scheduling methodology with a scenario of 20 spacecraft and 3 ground stations of a Deep Space Network site. Our approach and framework have been simple and flexible so that problems with larger number of constraints and network can be easily adapted and solved.

Network Speech Systems Technology Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinstein, C. J.

1980-09-01

This report documents work performed during FY 1980 on the DCA-sponsored Network Speech Systems Technology Program. The areas of work reported are: (1) communication systems studies in Demand-Assignment Multiple Access (DAMA), voice/data integration, and adaptive routing, in support of the evolving Defense Communications System (DCS) and Defense Switched Network (DSN); (2) a satellite/terrestrial integration design study including the functional design of voice and data interfaces to interconnect terrestrial and satellite network subsystems; and (3) voice-conferencing efforts dealing with support of the Secure Voice and Graphics Conferencing (SVGC) Test and Evaluation Program. Progress in definition and planning of experiments for the Experimental Integrated Switched Network (EISN) is detailed separately in an FY 80 Experiment Plan Supplement.

Defense switched network technology and experiments program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinstein, C. J.

1983-09-01

This report documents work performed during FY 1983 on the DCA-sponsored Defense Switched Network Technology and Experiments Program. The areas of work reported are: (1) development of routing algorithms for application in the Defense Switched Network (DSN); (2) instrumentation and integration of the Experimental Integrated Switched Network (EISN) test facility; (3) development and test of data communication techniques using DoD-standard data protocols in an integrated voice/data network; and (4) EISN system coordination and experiment planning.

Interactive effects of temperature and drought on cassava growth and toxicity: implications for food security?

PubMed

Brown, Alicia L; Cavagnaro, Timothy R; Gleadow, Ros; Miller, Rebecca E

2016-10-01

Cassava is an important dietary component for over 1 billion people, and its ability to yield under drought has led to it being promoted as an important crop for food security under climate change. Despite its known photosynthetic plasticity in response to temperature, little is known about how temperature affects plant toxicity or about interactions between temperature and drought, which is important because cassava tissues contain high levels of toxic cyanogenic glucosides, a major health and food safety concern. In a controlled glasshouse experiment, plants were grown at 2 daytime temperatures (23 °C and 34 °C), and either well-watered or subject to a 1 month drought prior to harvest at 6 months. The objective was to determine the separate and interactive effects of temperature and drought on growth and toxicity. Both temperature and drought affected cassava physiology and chemistry. While temperature alone drove differences in plant height and above-ground biomass, drought and temperature × drought interactions most affected tuber yield, as well as foliar and tuber chemistry, including C : N, nitrogen and cyanide potential (CNp; total cyanide released from cyanogenic glucosides). Conditions that most stimulated growth and yield (well-watered × high temperature) effected a reduction in tuber toxicity, whereas drought inhibited growth and yield, and was associated with increased foliar and tuber toxicity. The magnitude of drought effects on tuber yield and toxicity were greater at high temperature; thus, increases in tuber CNp were not merely a consequence of reduced tuber biomass. Findings confirm that cassava is adaptable to forecast temperature increases, particularly in areas of adequate or increasing rainfall; however, in regions forecast for increased incidence of drought, the effects of drought on both food quality (tuber toxicity) and yield are a greater threat to future food security and indicate an increasing necessity for processing of cassava to reduce toxicity. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Meclozine Facilitates Proliferation and Differentiation of Chondrocytes by Attenuating Abnormally Activated FGFR3 Signaling in Achondroplasia

PubMed Central

Matsushita, Masaki; Kitoh, Hiroshi; Ohkawara, Bisei; Mishima, Kenichi; Kaneko, Hiroshi; Ito, Mikako; Masuda, Akio; Ishiguro, Naoki; Ohno, Kinji

2013-01-01

Achondroplasia (ACH) is one of the most common skeletal dysplasias with short stature caused by gain-of-function mutations in FGFR3 encoding the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3. We used the drug repositioning strategy to identify an FDA-approved drug that suppresses abnormally activated FGFR3 signaling in ACH. We found that meclozine, an anti-histamine drug that has long been used for motion sickness, facilitates chondrocyte proliferation and mitigates loss of extracellular matrix in FGF2-treated rat chondrosarcoma (RCS) cells. Meclozine also ameliorated abnormally suppressed proliferation of human chondrosarcoma (HCS-2/8) cells that were infected with lentivirus expressing constitutively active mutants of FGFR3-K650E causing thanatophoric dysplasia, FGFR3-K650M causing SADDAN, and FGFR3-G380R causing ACH. Similarly, meclozine alleviated abnormally suppressed differentiation of ATDC5 chondrogenic cells expressing FGFR3-K650E and -G380R in micromass culture. We also confirmed that meclozine alleviates FGF2-mediated longitudinal growth inhibition of embryonic tibia in bone explant culture. Interestingly, meclozine enhanced growth of embryonic tibia in explant culture even in the absence of FGF2 treatment. Analyses of intracellular FGFR3 signaling disclosed that meclozine downregulates phosphorylation of ERK but not of MEK in FGF2-treated RCS cells. Similarly, meclozine enhanced proliferation of RCS cells expressing constitutively active mutants of MEK and RAF but not of ERK, which suggests that meclozine downregulates the FGFR3 signaling by possibly attenuating ERK phosphorylation. We used the C-natriuretic peptide (CNP) as a potent inhibitor of the FGFR3 signaling throughout our experiments, and found that meclozine was as efficient as CNP in attenuating the abnormal FGFR3 signaling. We propose that meclozine is a potential therapeutic agent for treating ACH and other FGFR3-related skeletal dysplasias. PMID:24324705

C:N:P Molar Ratios, Sources and 14C Dating of Surficial Sediments from the NW Slope of Cuba

PubMed Central

de la Lanza Espino, Guadalupe; Soto, Luis A.

2015-01-01

The surficial sediments recovered from 12 sites located near the channel axis of the Florida Straits and the lower slope off NW Cuba were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (TP), elemental C:N:P ratios, C and N isotopic values, and 14C dating. The depth profiles of TOC, TN, and TP (0-18 cm) displayed a downcore trend and a significant variation. The TOC values were low (0.15 to 0.62%; 66 to 516 µmol g-1). Sites near the island’s lower slope had lower TOC average concentrations (158-333 µmol g-1) than those closer to the channel axis (averaging 341-516 µmol g-1; p <0.05). The TN concentrations near the lower slope attained 0.11% (80 µmol g-1), whereas, towards the channel axis, they decreased to 0.07% (55 µmol g-1; p<0.05). The C:N ratios ranged from 1.9 to 10.2. The mean molar C:N ratio (5.4) indicated a marine hemipelagic deposition. The TP was lower at sites near the lower slope (38.4 to 50.0 µmol g-1; 0.12% to 0.16%) than those near the channel axis (50.0 to 66 µmol g-1; 0.15 to 0.21%). C:P fluctuated from 7.7 to 14.1 in the surficial sediment layer. The bulk organic δ13Corg and δ15N values confirmed pelagic organic sources, and the 14C dating revealed that the sediments were deposited during the Holocene (1000-5000 yr BP). We suggest that the hydrodynamic conditions in the Straits influence vertical and advective fluxes of particulate organic material trapped in the mixed-layer, which reduces the particulate matter flux to the seabed. PMID:26110791

Effect of Fertilizer-P application on the relative abundance of nitrogen cycle genes in a phosphorus limited paddy soil from subtropical region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Tida; Wei, Xiaomeng; Wu, Jinshui

2017-04-01

The addition of phosphorus to P-limited soils has been shown to cause a marked increase in the loss of gaseous N. The reasons for this remain unclear but linked nutrient cycling in the rhizosphere (C:N:P) leading to enhanced nitrification and denitrification have been proposed. We investigated the impact of adding P to P-limited soils on the dynamics of soil N-cycle functional genes. Rice seedlings were planted in P poor soils and incubated under different water conditions with or without P application. The abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea in the rhizosphere and bulk soil were quantified by Real Time PCR (qPCR) using amoA gene abundance. Results showed that P addition resulted in a decrease in soil NH4+ content and a reduction in the the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). There was little measurable effect on ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). As expected from the marked increase in gaseous N loss, the relative abundances of the four functional genes (narG nirK, nirS, nosZ) increased following P application. This is thought to be a consequence of reducing the impact of P limitation on denitrifying bacteria in the bulk soil. The experimental design used allowed us to deteremine whether the gene responses to P addition in the rhizosphere (where the molar ratios of C:N:P were expected to differ) were different from those of the bulk soil. This 'rhizosphere effect' was weakened for ammonia oxidizing functional genes and enhanced for denitrifying funcational genes by P application, resulted in a greater abundance of AOB (amoA gene) and lower amounts of nirK, nirS and nosZ in rhizosphere soil. The work reported here shows the impact of available P in regulating gaseous N loss from soil and demonstrates the importance of stoichiometry and balanced nutrient availability on the fertilization and management of agricultural soils.

Transcriptional Changes Underlying Elemental Stoichiometry Shifts in a Marine Heterotrophic Bacterium

PubMed Central

Chan, Leong-Keat; Newton, Ryan J.; Sharma, Shalabh; Smith, Christa B.; Rayapati, Pratibha; Limardo, Alexander J.; Meile, Christof; Moran, Mary Ann

2012-01-01

Marine bacteria drive the biogeochemical processing of oceanic dissolved organic carbon (DOC), a 750-Tg C reservoir that is a critical component of the global C cycle. Catabolism of DOC is thought to be regulated by the biomass composition of heterotrophic bacteria, as cells maintain a C:N:P ratio of ∼50:10:1 during DOC processing. Yet a complicating factor in stoichiometry-based analyses is that bacteria can change the C:N:P ratio of their biomass in response to resource composition. We investigated the physiological mechanisms of resource-driven shifts in biomass stoichiometry in continuous cultures of the marine heterotrophic bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi (a member of the Roseobacter clade) under four element limitation regimes (C, N, P, and S). Microarray analysis indicated that the bacterium scavenged for alternate sources of the scarce element when cells were C-, N-, or P-limited; reworked the ratios of biomolecules when C- and P- limited; and exerted tighter control over import/export and cytoplasmic pools when N-limited. Under S limitation, a scenario not existing naturally for surface ocean microbes, stress responses dominated transcriptional changes. Resource-driven changes in C:N ratios of up to 2.5-fold and in C:P ratios of up to sixfold were measured in R. pomeroyi biomass. These changes were best explained if the C and P content of the cells was flexible in the face of shifting resources but N content was not, achieved through the net balance of different transcriptional strategies. The cellular-level metabolic trade-offs that govern biomass stoichiometry in R. pomeroyi may have implications for global carbon cycling if extendable to other heterotrophic bacteria. Strong homeostatic responses to N limitation by marine bacteria would intensify competition with autotrophs. Modification of cellular inventories in C- and P-limited heterotrophs would vary the elemental ratio of particulate organic matter sequestered in the deep ocean. PMID:22783226

Silver nanoparticles induce developmental stage-specific embryonic phenotypes in zebrafish.

PubMed

Lee, Kerry J; Browning, Lauren M; Nallathamby, Prakash D; Osgood, Christopher J; Xu, Xiao-Hong Nancy

2013-12-07

Much is anticipated from the development and deployment of nanomaterials in biological organisms, but concerns remain regarding their biocompatibility and target specificity. Here we report our study of the transport, biocompatibility and toxicity of purified and stable silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs, 13.1 ± 2.5 nm in diameter) upon the specific developmental stages of zebrafish embryos using single NP plasmonic spectroscopy. We find that single Ag NPs passively diffuse into five different developmental stages of embryos (cleavage, early-gastrula, early-segmentation, late-segmentation, and hatching stages), showing stage-independent diffusion modes and diffusion coefficients. Notably, the Ag NPs induce distinctive stage and dose-dependent phenotypes and nanotoxicity, upon their acute exposure to the Ag NPs (0-0.7 nM) for only 2 h. The late-segmentation embryos are most sensitive to the NPs with the lowest critical concentration (CNP,c < 0.02 nM) and highest percentages of cardiac abnormalities, followed by early-segmentation embryos (CNP,c < 0.02 nM), suggesting that disruption of cell differentiation by the NPs causes the most toxic effects on embryonic development. The cleavage-stage embryos treated with the NPs develop into a wide variety of phenotypes (abnormal finfold, tail/spinal cord flexure, cardiac malformation/edema, yolk sac edema, and acephaly). These organ structures are not yet developed in cleavage-stage embryos, suggesting that the earliest determinative events to create these structures are ongoing, and disrupted by NPs, which leads to the downstream effects. In contrast, the hatching embryos are most resistant to the Ag NPs, and majority of embryos (94%) develop normally, and none of them develop abnormally. Interestingly, early-gastrula embryos are less sensitive to the NPs than cleavage and segmentation stage embryos, and do not develop abnormally. These important findings suggest that the Ag NPs are not simple poisons, and they can target specific pathways in development, and potentially enable target specific study and therapy for early embryonic development.

Coupled nutrient cycling determines tropical forest trajectory under elevated CO2.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouskill, N.; Zhu, Q.; Riley, W. J.

2017-12-01

Tropical forests have a disproportionate capacity to affect Earth's climate relative to their areal extent. Despite covering just 12 % of land surface, tropical forests account for 35 % of global net primary productivity and are among the most significant of terrestrial carbon stores. As atmospheric CO2 concentrations increase over the next century, the capacity of tropical forests to assimilate and sequester anthropogenic CO2 depends on limitation by multiple factors, including the availability of soil nutrients. Phosphorus availability has been considered to be the primary factor limiting metabolic processes within tropical forests. However, recent evidence points towards strong spatial and temporal co-limitation of tropical forests by both nitrogen and phosphorus. Here, we use the Accelerated Climate Modeling for Energy (ACME) Land Model (ALMv1-ECA-CNP) to examine how nutrient cycles interact and affect the trajectory of the tropical forest carbon sink under, (i) external nutrient input, (ii) climate (iii) elevated CO2, and (iv) a combination of 1-3. ALMv1 includes recent theoretical advances in representing belowground competition between roots, microbes and minerals for N and P uptake, explicit interactions between the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles (e.g., phosphatase production and nitrogen fixation), the dynamic internal allocation of plant N and P resources, and the integration of global datasets of plant physiological traits. We report nutrient fertilization (N, P, N+P) predictions for four sites in the tropics (El Verde, Puerto Rico, Barro Colorado Island, Panama, Manaus, Brazil and the Osa Peninsula, Coast Rica) to short-term nutrient fertilization (N, P, N+P), and benchmarking of the model against a meta-analysis of forest fertilization experiments. Subsequent simulations focus on the interaction of the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles across the tropics with a focus on the implications of coupled nutrient cycling and the fate of the tropical forest carbon sink. Our results highlight the importance of transient CNP allocation, leaf-level stoichiometric controls on photosynthesis, and trade-offs between above and belowground plant investments.

Deep Soil C, N, and P Stocks and Stoichiometry in Response to Land Use Patterns in the Loess Hilly Region of China.

PubMed

Li, Changzhen; Zhao, Luhong; Sun, Pingsheng; Zhao, Fazhu; Kang, Di; Yang, Gaihe; Han, Xinhui; Feng, Yongzhong; Ren, Guangxin

2016-01-01

In the Loess Hilly Region of China, the widespread conversion of cropland to forestland and grassland has resulted in great increased in organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stocks in the shallow soil layers. However, knowledge regarding changes in C, N, and P in deep soil is still limited. To elucidate the responses of deep soil C, N, and P stocks and stoichiometry in response to changes in land use, the soil from a 0-200 cm soil profile was collected from the following three typical land use patterns in the heartland of the region: forestland, grassland, and cropland. Compared with cropland, forestland and grassland had improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents and stocks at most soil depths but decreased total phosphorus (TP) contents and stocks. At soil depths of 0-200 cm in the forestland and grassland, the cumulative SOC stocks were improved by 34.97% and 7.61%, respectively, and the TN stocks were improved by 54.54% and 12.47%, respectively. The forestland had higher SOC, TN and TP contents and stocks compared to the grassland in almost all soil layers. The soil depths of 100-200 cm contained the highest percentages of SOC, TN and TP stocks (47.80%-49.93%, 46.08%-50.05% and 49.09%-52.98%, respectively). Additionally, the forestland and grassland showed enhanced soil C:P, N:P and C:N:P ratios, and the forestland had higher C:P, N:P and C:N:P ratios compared to the grassland. Furthermore, the SOC and TN stocks had significant impacts on the soil C:N, C:P and N:P ratios. It was concluded that afforestation was the best choice for soil nutrient restoration of degraded land, and deep soil provided an extremely important resource for evaluating soil C, N and P pools and cycling.

Evidence for BTV-4 circulation in free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Cabañeros National Park, Spain.

PubMed

Falconi, Caterina; López-Olvera, Jorge Ramón; Boadella, Mariana; Camarena, Javier; Rosell, Rosa; Alcaide, Vicente; Vicente, Joaquín; Sánchez-Vizcaíno, José Manuel; Pujols, Joan; Gortázar, Christian

2012-09-14

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious disease of wild and domestic ruminants caused by bluetongue virus (BTV). BTV-4 spread through southern Spain from 2004 to 2006, whereas a BTV-1 outbreak that started in southern Spain in 2007 is still ongoing. Vaccination and movement restriction regulations are applied to domestic ruminants to control BT, but the potential reservoir role of wild European ungulates has not been clarified so far. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of BTV in the wild free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) population of Cabañeros National Park (CNP) in central Spain during the BTV-4 and BTV-1 epizootics, assessing the potential role of this deer population as a BTV reservoir. Blood samples from 2885 (2542 adults, 208 calves and 135 undetermined) wild red deer were collected from 2005 to 2010 in CNP and surrounding hunting estates. All sera were tested for antibodies against the BTV VP7 protein by ELISA. Ninety-four of the ELISA-positive samples were analysed by serum neutralization to detect BTV-4 and BTV-1 specific antibodies, and 142 blood samples were analysed by RT-PCR for BTV RNA. A total of 371 (12.9%) out of the 2,885 deer (35/208 calves, 307/2,542 adults, and 29/135 undetermined) were positive for antibodies against BTV. Prevalence increased in adult deer from 2005-2006 to 2008-2009, declining thereafter. No positive samples for BTV-1 were found by serum neutralization, whereas 43 deer (38 adults, four calves and one undetermined) were positive for BTV-4 specific antibodies. No BTV RNA positive deer were found by RT-PCR. Antibody detection throughout the study period suggests a maintained circulation of BTV in red deer. However, the lack of BTV RNA detection suggests a minor transmission risk to livestock. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Alteration of lung atrial natriuretic peptide receptors in genetic cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Mukaddam-Daher, S; Tremblay, J; Fujio, N; Koch, C; Jankowski, M; Quillen, E W; Gutkowska, J

1996-07-01

These studies were designed to characterize the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANF) receptor subtypes [guanylyl cyclase natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A, NPR-B) and NPR-C] in lungs of normal hamsters and to evaluate alterations in receptor kinetics in genetic cardiomyopathy (CMO), a model of human congestive heart failure. Lung membranes were obtained from normal and CMO 200-to 230-day-old hamsters. Cross-linking and competitive binding receptor assays using 125I-labeled human ANF showed that lung membranes exhibit NPR, mainly guanylyl cyclase NPR-A and clearance NPR-C receptors. Stimulation of guanylyl cyclase by ANF and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) confirmed the presence of NPR-A and NPR-B. The maximum binding capacity of total ANF binding sites (442 +/- 68 vs. 271 +/- 57 fmol/mg protein, P < 0.05) was reduced, but dissociation constant (0.26 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.41 +/- 0.08 nM) was not altered in CMO animals. Similar reductions were observed in the binding sites for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP; 438 +/- 83 vs. 236 +/- 53 fmol/mg protein) and CNP (321 +/- 80 vs. 165 +/- 56 fmol/mg protein, P < 0.05) which may reflect a decline in NPR-A and NPR-B and/or NPR-C. Acid wash improved binding of 125I-labeled rat ANF to lung membranes of both normal and CMO hamsters, but the tendency towards reduced binding in CMO hamsters did not reach statistical significance, implying that downregulation may not have been due only to prior occupancy of the receptors. Transcripts of NPR-A, NPR-B, and NPR-C receptors in hamster lungs were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared with normal controls, the CMO hamster lung NPR-A mRNA was reduced by 50%, but NPR-B mRNA and NPR-C mRNA were not altered. Moreover, CMO hamster lungs showed less activation of guanylyl cyclase by ANF. These studies demonstrate that lung NPR are downregulated in hamster CMO.

Carbon and silver nanoparticles in the fight against the filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus: genotoxicity and impact on behavioral traits of non-target aquatic organisms.

PubMed

Murugan, Kadarkarai; Nataraj, Devaraj; Madhiyazhagan, Pari; Sujitha, Vasu; Chandramohan, Balamurugan; Panneerselvam, Chellasamy; Dinesh, Devakumar; Chandirasekar, Ramachandran; Kovendan, Kalimuthu; Suresh, Udaiyan; Subramaniam, Jayapal; Paulpandi, Manickam; Vadivalagan, Chithravel; Rajaganesh, Rajapandian; Wei, Hui; Syuhei, Ban; Aziz, Al Thabiani; Alsalhi, Mohamad Saleh; Devanesan, Sandhanasamy; Nicoletti, Marcello; Canale, Angelo; Benelli, Giovanni

2016-03-01

Mosquito-borne diseases represent a deadly threat for millions of people worldwide. The Culex genus, with special reference to Culex quinquefasciatus, comprises the most common vectors of filariasis across urban and semi-urban areas of Asia. In recent years, important efforts have been conducted to propose green-synthesized nanoparticles as a valuable alternative to synthetic insecticides. However, the mosquitocidal potential of carbon nanoparticles has been scarcely investigated. In this study, the larvicidal and pupicidal activity of carbon nanoparticle (CNP) and silver nanoparticle (AgNP) was tested against Cx. quinquefasciatus. UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Raman analysis confirmed the rapid and cheap synthesis of carbon and silver nanoparticles. In laboratory assays, LC50 (lethal concentration that kills 50 % of the exposed organisms) values ranged from 8.752 ppm (first-instar larvae) to 18.676 ppm (pupae) for silver nanoparticles and from 6.373 ppm (first-instar larvae) to 14.849 ppm (pupae) for carbon nanoparticles. The predation efficiency of the water bug Lethocerus indicus after a single treatment with low doses of silver and carbon nanoparticles was not reduced. Moderate evidence of genotoxic effects induced by exposure to carbon nanoparticles was found on non-target goldfish, Carassius auratus. Lastly, the plant extract used for silver nanosynthesis was tested for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Overall, our results pointed out that AgNP and CNP can be a candidate for effective tools to reduce larval and pupal populations of filariasis vectors, with reduced genotoxicity and impact on behavioral traits of other aquatic organisms sharing the same ecological niche of Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Science Education Programs That Work. A Collection of Proven Exemplary Educational Programs and Practices in the National Diffusion Network.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sivertsen, Mary Lewis, Comp.

These programs are available to school systems or other educational institutions for implementation in the classroom. Some programs may be able to offer consultant services and limited assistance with the training and materials associated with installing one of these programs in schools. Information about the National Diffusion Network (NDN) is…

Science Education Programs That Work. A Collection of Proven Exemplary Educational Programs and Practices in the National Diffusion Network.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, Mary G., Comp.

This catalog contains descriptions of the science education programs and materials in the National Diffusion Network (NDN). These programs and materials are available to school systems or other educational institutions for implementation in their classrooms. Some programs may be able to offer consultant services and limited assistance with the…

Television in the After School Hours. A Study of Programming and Advertising for Children on Independent Stations Across the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barcus, F. Earle

A study analyzed the programing and advertising matter in the after-school hours on independent commercial television stations unaffiliated with the major networks. These stations, primarily UHF, relied almost entirely on syndicated programing that is often reruns of former network programs. These programs draw large after-school audiences. By…

NCCN Mountain Lakes Monitoring Strategy: Guidelines to Resolution

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoffman, Robert L.; Huff, Mark H.

2008-01-01

The North Coast and Cascades Network (NCCN) Inventory and Monitoring Program provides funds to its Network Parks to plan and implement the goals and objectives of the National Park Services? (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Program. The primary purpose of the I&M program is to develop and implement a long-term monitoring program in each network. The purpose of this document is to describe the outcome of a meeting held to find solutions to obstacles inhibiting development of a unified core design and methodology for mountain lake monitoring.

Global Rural Autism Asperger Information Network: A Distance Learning Inservice Training Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bock, Marjorie A.; Swinney, Lori; Smart, Kathy

The University of North Dakota's Global Rural Autism Asperger Information Network (GRAAIN) provides a special graduate certificate program in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consisting of six online courses. The program started over 4 years ago as a pilot program to provide specialized ASD training to educators and personnel serving children with…

Social influence and bullying behavior: intervention-based network dynamics of the fairplayer.manual bullying prevention program.

PubMed

Wölfer, Ralf; Scheithauer, Herbert

2014-01-01

Bullying is a social phenomenon and although preventive interventions consequently address social mechanisms, evaluations hardly consider the complexity of peer processes. Therefore, the present study analyzes the efficacy of the fairplayer.manual bullying prevention program from a social network perspective. Within a pretest-posttest control group design, longitudinal data were available from 328 middle-school students (MAge  = 13.7 years; 51% girls), who provided information on bullying behavior and interaction patterns. The revealed network parameters were utilized to examine the network change (MANCOVA) and the network dynamics (SIENA). Across both forms of analyses, findings revealed the hypothesized intervention-based decrease of bullies' social influence. Hence the present bullying prevention program, as one example of programs that successfully addresses both individual skills and social mechanisms, demonstrates the desired effect of reducing contextual opportunities for the exhibition of bullying behavior. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application-oriented programming model for sensor networks embedded in the human body.

PubMed

Barbosa, Talles M G de A; Sene, Iwens G; da Rocha, Adson F; Nascimento, Fransisco A de O; Carvalho, Hervaldo S; Camapum, Juliana F

2006-01-01

This work presents a new programming model for sensor networks embedded in the human body which is based on the concept of multi-programming application-oriented software. This model was conceived with a top-down approach of four layers and its main goal is to allow the healthcare professionals to program and to reconfigure the network locally or by the Internet. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, a benchmarking was executed in order to allow the assessment of the mean time spent in the programming of a multi-functional sensor node used for the measurement and transmission of the electrocardiogram.

Microcomputer Network for Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): Program Listing. Supplement.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

UMICROCOMPUTER NETWORK FOR COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ): PROGRAM LISTING in APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE;IDISTRIBUTION UNLIMITEDPs DTIC ’ Akf 3 0 1-d84...NETWORK FOR COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ).- PROGRAM LISTING , ,j Baldwin Quan Thomas A. Park Gary Sandahl John H. Wolfe Reviewed by James R. McBride A...Center San Diego, California 92152 V.% :-, CONTENTrS Page CATPROJECT.TEXT CAT system driver textfile I 1 ADMINDIR- Subdirectory - Test administration

Teaching Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis Using Interactive Microcomputer Graphics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dixon, Anthony G.

1987-01-01

Describes the Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis (HENS) program used at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) as an aid to teaching the energy integration step in process design. Focuses on the benefits of the computer graphics used in the program to increase the speed of generating and changing networks. (TW)

Community intervention to increase neighborhood social network among Japanese older adults.

PubMed

Harada, Kazuhiro; Masumoto, Kouhei; Katagiri, Keiko; Fukuzawa, Ai; Chogahara, Makoto; Kondo, Narihiko; Okada, Shuichi

2018-03-01

Strengthening neighborhood social networks is important for promoting health among older adults. However, effective intervention strategies aimed at increasing older adults' social networks have not yet been established. The present study examined whether a university-led community intervention that provided communication opportunities could increase older Japanese adults' neighborhood social networks. The present study used a quasi-experimental design. Before the intervention, using postal mail, we carried out a baseline questionnaire survey that was sent to all people living in the Tsurukabuto community aged ≥60 years (n = 1769), of whom 1068 responded. For the community intervention, 18 event-based programs were provided over the course of 1 year at Kobe University. Academic staff at Kobe University organized all the programs. During the program, social interactions among participants were promoted. A follow-up survey was distributed to those who responded to the baseline survey, and 710 individuals answered the question about their participation in the intervention programs (138 respondents were participants, 572 were non-participants). The neighborhood social network was measured in both the baseline and follow-up surveys. Analysis of covariance showed that the changes in neighborhood social network among participants in the program was significantly higher than the changes among non-participants (P = 0.046) after adjusting for the baseline score of social network. The present study found that participants of the intervention expanded their neighborhood social network, but non-participants did not. This finding shows that community interventions using university resources could increase older adults' neighborhood social networks. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 462-469. © 2017 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Implementation of Motivational Interviewing in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Research Network Participation and Organizational Compatibility.

PubMed

Rieckmann, Traci R; Abraham, Amanda J; Bride, Brian E

Despite considerable empirical evidence that psychosocial interventions improve addiction treatment outcomes across populations, implementation remains problematic. A small body of research points to the importance of research network participation as a facilitator of implementation; however, studies examined limited numbers of evidence-based practices. To address this gap, the present study examined factors impacting implementation of motivational interviewing (MI). This study used data from a national sample of privately funded treatment programs (n = 345) and programs participating in the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) (n = 156). Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with program administrators and clinical directors (2007-2009). Analysis included bivariate t tests and chi-square tests to compare private and CTN programs, and multivariable logistic regression of MI implementation. A majority (68.0%) of treatment programs reported use of MI. Treatment programs participating in the CTN (88.9%) were significantly more likely to report use of MI compared with non-CTN programs (58.5%; P < 0.01). CTN programs (82.1%) also were more likely to use trainers from the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers as compared with private programs (56.1%; P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression models reveal that CTN-affiliated programs and programs with a psychiatrist on staff were more likely to use MI. Programs that used the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale assessment tool were more likely to use MI, whereas programs placing greater emphasis on confrontational group therapy were less likely to use MI. Findings suggest the critical role of research network participation, access to psychiatrists, and organizational compatibility in adoption and sustained use of MI.

Prevalence of transportation safety measures portrayed in primetime US television programs and commercials.

PubMed

McGwin, G; Modjarrad, K; Reiland, A; Tanner, S; Rue, L W

2006-12-01

To determine the prevalence of transportation related safety behaviors, such as seatbelt and helmet use, in primetime US television programs and commercials. Cross sectional study. Top rated television programs and associated commercials from four major US television networks were reviewed for the prevalence of transportation safety related behaviors during a one month period in 2005. Programs were categorized according to the time and network of airing, program type, program rating, and--for commercials--type of product being advertised Occupants of automobiles, motorcycles, or bicycles in 507 instances in which a transportation scene was aired. Seatbelt use was depicted in 62% and 86% of individuals in television program and commercial automobile scenes, respectively. The prevalence of motorcycle helmet use was 47% in television programs and 100% in commercials. Bicycle helmets were used in 9% of television programs and 84% of commercials. The frequency of seatbelt use in programs and commercials varied by television rating and genre but did not differ by network, time of airing, or age of character portrayed. The prevalence of safety related behaviors aired on major US networks during primetime slots is higher than previous reports but still much lower than national averages. Commercials, in contrast, portray transportation safety measures with a frequency that exceeds that of US television programs or most national surveys.

Weaving the native web: using social network analysis to demonstrate the value of a minority career development program.

PubMed

Buchwald, Dedra; Dick, Rhonda Wiegman

2011-06-01

American Indian and Alaska Native scientists are consistently among the most underrepresented minority groups in health research. The authors used social network analysis (SNA) to evaluate the Native Investigator Development Program (NIDP), a career development program for junior Native researchers established as a collaboration between the University of Washington and the University of Colorado Denver. The study focused on 29 trainees and mentors who participated in the NIDP. Data were collected on manuscripts and grant proposals produced by participants from 1998 to 2007. Information on authorship of manuscripts and collaborations on grant applications was used to conduct social network analyses with three measures of centrality and one measure of network reach. Both visual and quantitative analyses were performed. Participants in the NIDP collaborated on 106 manuscripts and 83 grant applications. Although three highly connected individuals, with critical and central roles in the program, accounted for much of the richness of the network, both current core faculty and "graduates" of the program were heavily involved in collaborations on manuscripts and grants. This study's innovative application of SNA demonstrates that collaborative relationships can be an important outcome of career development programs for minority investigators and that an analysis of these relationships can provide a more complete assessment of the value of such programs.

Learning polynomial feedforward neural networks by genetic programming and backpropagation.

PubMed

Nikolaev, N Y; Iba, H

2003-01-01

This paper presents an approach to learning polynomial feedforward neural networks (PFNNs). The approach suggests, first, finding the polynomial network structure by means of a population-based search technique relying on the genetic programming paradigm, and second, further adjustment of the best discovered network weights by an especially derived backpropagation algorithm for higher order networks with polynomial activation functions. These two stages of the PFNN learning process enable us to identify networks with good training as well as generalization performance. Empirical results show that this approach finds PFNN which outperform considerably some previous constructive polynomial network algorithms on processing benchmark time series.

Research on e-commerce transaction networks using multi-agent modelling and open application programming interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piao, Chunhui; Han, Xufang; Wu, Harris

2010-08-01

We provide a formal definition of an e-commerce transaction network. Agent-based modelling is used to simulate e-commerce transaction networks. For real-world analysis, we studied the open application programming interfaces (APIs) from eBay and Taobao e-commerce websites and captured real transaction data. Pajek is used to visualise the agent relationships in the transaction network. We derived one-mode networks from the transaction network and analysed them using degree and betweenness centrality. Integrating multi-agent modelling, open APIs and social network analysis, we propose a new way to study large-scale e-commerce systems.

Riding the Electronic Wave--Document Delivery: Proceedings of the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee Meeting (Washington, D.C., November 29-December 1, 1989). Network Planning Paper Number 20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Library of Congress, Washington, DC. Network Development and MARC Standards Office.

Papers delivered at the 1989 program session of the Library of Congress Network Advisory Committee (NAC) focused on ways in which newer technologies and document delivery networks are changing current practices in document delivery and information services. Charles P. Bourne, chair of the program committee, presented an overview of document…

The Global Expansion of Children's Television: A Case Study of the Adaptation of "Sesame Street" in Spain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moran, Kristin C.

2006-01-01

The landscape of children's programming is changing because of the increased exportation of children's television programs created in the USA. Networks have been aggressively marketing programs to an international audience through individual program sales and satellite network expansion. Some see problems as a result of the potential shift in…

Reentry Orientation and Alumni Networking in U.S. Colleges and Universities with Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs. Survey Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huntsberger, Paul E.

This report presents results of a survey of U.S. postsecondary institutions with agriculture and natural resources programs, concerning institutional support for reentry orientation and alumni networking programs. Reentry orientation" involves programs that help international students become aware of the adjustment aspects of returning home,…

Globalizing Social Justice Education: The Case of The Global Solidarity Network Study e-Broad Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Yvonne D.; Kostic, Kevin; Toton, Suzanne C.; Zurek, Jerome

2010-01-01

This paper documents the development, implementation, and evaluation of "The Global Solidarity Network Study e-Broad Program (GSNSeBP)", an online social justice educational program that is blended into an onsite academic course. This global electronic program, which was developed through a partnership between Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and…

Network speech systems technology program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinstein, C. J.

1981-09-01

This report documents work performed during FY 1981 on the DCA-sponsored Network Speech Systems Technology Program. The two areas of work reported are: (1) communication system studies in support of the evolving Defense Switched Network (DSN) and (2) design and implementation of satellite/terrestrial interfaces for the Experimental Integrated Switched Network (EISN). The system studies focus on the development and evaluation of economical and endurable network routing procedures. Satellite/terrestrial interface development includes circuit-switched and packet-switched connections to the experimental wideband satellite network. Efforts in planning and coordination of EISN experiments are reported in detail in a separate EISN Experiment Plan.

Neural-Network Simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, Paul H.

1991-01-01

F77NNS (FORTRAN 77 Neural Network Simulator) computer program simulates popular back-error-propagation neural network. Designed to take advantage of vectorization when used on computers having this capability, also used on any computer equipped with ANSI-77 FORTRAN Compiler. Problems involving matching of patterns or mathematical modeling of systems fit class of problems F77NNS designed to solve. Program has restart capability so neural network solved in stages suitable to user's resources and desires. Enables user to customize patterns of connections between layers of network. Size of neural network F77NNS applied to limited only by amount of random-access memory available to user.

Natriuretic peptides: Diagnostic and therapeutic use

PubMed Central

Pandit, Kaushik; Mukhopadhyay, Pradip; Ghosh, Sujoy; Chowdhury, Subhankar

2011-01-01

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are hormones which are mainly secreted from heart and have important natriuretic and kaliuretic properties. There are four different groups NPs identified till date [atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and dendroaspis natriuretic peptide, a D-type natriuretic peptide (DNP)], each with its own characteristic functions. The N-terminal part of the prohormone of BNP, NT-proBNP, is secreted alongside BNP and has been documented to have important diagnostic value in heart failure. NPs or their fragments have been subjected to scientific observation for their diagnostic value and this has yielded important epidemiological data for interpretation. However, little progress has been made in harnessing the therapeutic potential of these cardiac hormones. PMID:22145138

Adaptive Control Law Development for Failure Compensation Using Neural Networks on a NASA F-15 Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burken, John J.

2005-01-01

This viewgraph presentation covers the following topics: 1) Brief explanation of Generation II Flight Program; 2) Motivation for Neural Network Adaptive Systems; 3) Past/ Current/ Future IFCS programs; 4) Dynamic Inverse Controller with Explicit Model; 5) Types of Neural Networks Investigated; and 6) Brief example

A Critical Agency Network Model for Building an Integrated Outreach Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiyama, Judy Marquez; Lee, Jenny J.; Rhoades, Gary

2012-01-01

This study considers a distinct case of a college outreach program that integrates student affairs staff, academic administrators, and faculty across campus. The authors find that social networks and critical agency help to understand the integration of these various professionals and offer a critical agency network model of enacting change.…

Navigating Social Networking and Social Media in School Psychology: Ethical and Professional Considerations in Training Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pham, Andy V.

2014-01-01

Social networking and social media have undoubtedly proliferated within the past decade, allowing widespread communication and dissemination of user-generated content and information. Some psychology graduate programs, including school psychology, have started to embrace social networking and media for instructional and training purposes; however,…

NETS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baffes, Paul T.

1993-01-01

NETS development tool provides environment for simulation and development of neural networks - computer programs that "learn" from experience. Written in ANSI standard C, program allows user to generate C code for implementation of neural network.

Social network diagnostics: a tool for monitoring group interventions

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Many behavioral interventions designed to improve health outcomes are delivered in group settings. To date, however, group interventions have not been evaluated to determine if the groups generate interaction among members and how changes in group interaction may affect program outcomes at the individual or group level. Methods This article presents a model and practical tool for monitoring how social ties and social structure are changing within the group during program implementation. The approach is based on social network analysis and has two phases: collecting network measurements at strategic intervention points to determine if group dynamics are evolving in ways anticipated by the intervention, and providing the results back to the group leader to guide implementation next steps. This process aims to initially increase network connectivity and ultimately accelerate the diffusion of desirable behaviors through the new network. This article presents the Social Network Diagnostic Tool and, as proof of concept, pilot data collected during the formative phase of a childhood obesity intervention. Results The number of reported advice partners and discussion partners increased during program implementation. Density, the number of ties among people in the network expressed as a percentage of all possible ties, increased from 0.082 to 0.182 (p < 0.05) in the advice network, and from 0.027 to 0.055 (p > 0.05) in the discussion network. Conclusions The observed two-fold increase in network density represents a significant shift in advice partners over the intervention period. Using the Social Network Tool to empirically guide program activities of an obesity intervention was feasible. PMID:24083343

Creation of lumped parameter thermal model by the use of finite elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

In the finite difference technique, the thermal network is represented by an analogous electrical network. The development of this network model, which is used to describe a physical system, often requires tedious and mental data preparation and checkout by the analyst which can be greatly reduced through the use of the computer programs to develop automatically the mathematical model and associated input data and graphically display the analytical model to facilitate model verification. Three separate programs are involved which are linked through common mass storage files and data card formats. These programs are SPAR, CINGEN and GEOMPLT, and are used to (1) develop thermal models for the MITAS II thermal analyzer program; (2) produce geometry plots of the thermal network; and (3) produce temperature distribution and time history plots.

77 FR 26509 - Request for Information on Proposed New Program: National Network for Manufacturing Innovation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-04

...): Refining standards, materials, and equipment for additive manufacturing to enable low- cost, low-volume...-01] Request for Information on Proposed New Program: National Network for Manufacturing Innovation...: Request for information. SUMMARY: The NIST-hosted Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office (AMNPO...

The Best of the Network 1993.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Middle Grades Reading Network, Evansville, IN.

This booklet presents descriptions of 19 reading programs that encourage Indiana middle-grade students to read. The programs described in the booklet were part of the Middle Grades Reading Network and were funded with competitive $5000 "minigrants." Essays (descriptions of the reading programs) in the booklet are: "Building a…

A new neural network model for solving random interval linear programming problems.

PubMed

Arjmandzadeh, Ziba; Safi, Mohammadreza; Nazemi, Alireza

2017-05-01

This paper presents a neural network model for solving random interval linear programming problems. The original problem involving random interval variable coefficients is first transformed into an equivalent convex second order cone programming problem. A neural network model is then constructed for solving the obtained convex second order cone problem. Employing Lyapunov function approach, it is also shown that the proposed neural network model is stable in the sense of Lyapunov and it is globally convergent to an exact satisfactory solution of the original problem. Several illustrative examples are solved in support of this technique. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Curriculum Framework (CF) Implementation Conference. Report of the Regional Educational Laboratory Network Program and the National Network of Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Regional Consortia (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, January 26-27, 1995).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Jackie; Powell, Mary Jo

The Laboratory Network Program and the National Network of Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Regional Consortia, operating as the Curriculum Frameworks Task Force, jointly convened a group of educators involved in implementing state-level mathematics or science curriculum frameworks (CF). The Hilton Head (South Carolina) conference had a dual…

In Search of Practitioner-Based Social Capital: A Social Network Analysis Tool for Understanding and Facilitating Teacher Collaboration in a US-Based STEM Professional Development Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker-Doyle, Kira J.; Yoon, Susan A.

2011-01-01

This paper presents the first in a series of studies on the informal advice networks of a community of teachers in an in-service professional development program. The aim of the research was to use Social Network Analysis as a methodological tool to reveal the social networks developed by the teachers, and to examine whether these networks…

The prevention research centers' managing epilepsy well network.

PubMed

DiIorio, Colleen K; Bamps, Yvan A; Edwards, Ariele L; Escoffery, Cam; Thompson, Nancy J; Begley, Charles E; Shegog, Ross; Clark, Noreen M; Selwa, Linda; Stoll, Shelley C; Fraser, Robert T; Ciechanowski, Paul; Johnson, Erica K; Kobau, Rosemarie; Price, Patricia H

2010-11-01

The Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network was created in 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Prevention Research Centers and Epilepsy Program to promote epilepsy self-management research and to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy. MEW Network membership comprises four collaborating centers (Emory University, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, University of Michigan, and University of Washington), representatives from CDC, affiliate members, and community stakeholders. This article describes the MEW Network's background, mission statement, research agenda, and structure. Exploratory and intervention studies conducted by individual collaborating centers are described, as are Network collaborative projects, including a multisite depression prevention intervention and the development of a standard measure of epilepsy self-management. Communication strategies and examples of research translation programs are discussed. The conclusion outlines the Network's role in the future development and dissemination of evidence-based epilepsy self-management programs. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combatting Global Infectious Diseases: A Network Effect of Specimen Referral Systems.

PubMed

Fonjungo, Peter N; Alemnji, George A; Kebede, Yenew; Opio, Alex; Mwangi, Christina; Spira, Thomas J; Beard, R Suzanne; Nkengasong, John N

2017-02-13

The recent Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa clearly demonstrated the critical role of laboratory systems and networks in responding to epidemics. Because of the huge challenges in establishing functional laboratories at all tiers of health systems in developing countries, strengthening specimen referral networks is critical. In this review article, we propose a platform strategy for developing specimen referral networks based on 2 models: centralized and decentralized laboratory specimen referral networks. These models have been shown to be effective in patient management in programs in resource-limited settings. Both models lead to reduced turnaround time and retain flexibility for integrating different specimen types. In Haiti, decentralized specimen referral systems resulted in a 182% increase in patients enrolling in human immunodeficiency virus treatment programs within 6 months. In Uganda, cost savings of up to 62% were observed with a centralized model. A platform strategy will create a network effect that will benefit multiple disease programs.

A One-Layer Recurrent Neural Network for Real-Time Portfolio Optimization With Probability Criterion.

PubMed

Liu, Qingshan; Dang, Chuangyin; Huang, Tingwen

2013-02-01

This paper presents a decision-making model described by a recurrent neural network for dynamic portfolio optimization. The portfolio-optimization problem is first converted into a constrained fractional programming problem. Since the objective function in the programming problem is not convex, the traditional optimization techniques are no longer applicable for solving this problem. Fortunately, the objective function in the fractional programming is pseudoconvex on the feasible region. It leads to a one-layer recurrent neural network modeled by means of a discontinuous dynamic system. To ensure the optimal solutions for portfolio optimization, the convergence of the proposed neural network is analyzed and proved. In fact, the neural network guarantees to get the optimal solutions for portfolio-investment advice if some mild conditions are satisfied. A numerical example with simulation results substantiates the effectiveness and illustrates the characteristics of the proposed neural network.

Computer interpretation of thallium SPECT studies based on neural network analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, David C.; Karvelis, K. C.

1991-06-01

A class of artificial intelligence (Al) programs known as neural networks are well suited to pattern recognition. A neural network is trained rather than programmed to recognize patterns. This differs from "expert system" Al programs in that it is not following an extensive set of rules determined by the programmer, but rather bases its decision on a gestalt interpretation of the image. The "bullseye" images from cardiac stress thallium tests performed on 50 male patients, as well as several simulated images were used to train the network. The network was able to accurately classify all patients in the training set. The network was then tested against 50 unknown patients and was able to correctly categorize 77% of the areas of ischemia and 92% of the areas of infarction. While not yet matching the ability of a trained physician, the neural network shows great promise in this area and has potential application in other areas of medical imaging.

X-Windows Socket Widget Class

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barry, Matthew R.

2006-01-01

The X-Windows Socket Widget Class ("Class" is used here in the object-oriented-programming sense of the word) was devised to simplify the task of implementing network connections for graphical-user-interface (GUI) computer programs. UNIX Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) socket programming libraries require many method calls to configure, operate, and destroy sockets. Most X Windows GUI programs use widget sets or toolkits to facilitate management of complex objects. The widget standards facilitate construction of toolkits and application programs. The X-Windows Socket Widget Class encapsulates UNIX TCP/IP socket-management tasks within the framework of an X Windows widget. Using the widget framework, X Windows GUI programs can treat one or more network socket instances in the same manner as that of other graphical widgets, making it easier to program sockets. Wrapping ISP socket programming libraries inside a widget framework enables a programmer to treat a network interface as though it were a GUI.

Community networks in chronic disease management.

PubMed

Pyne, Diane

2009-01-01

Community networks are being established as part of the Chronic Disease Management program in Edmonton, Alberta. These networks are programs and services from profit and not-for-profit organizations that support people with chronic conditions to address lifestyle choices and issues. Evidence-informed standards and criteria have been developed that have to be met to belong to such a network. The community network approach is developing a "community" of resources that are available and committed to assist healthcare professionals and the public with health promotion for people with chronic conditions.

Neural network error correction for solving coupled ordinary differential equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shelton, R. O.; Darsey, J. A.; Sumpter, B. G.; Noid, D. W.

1992-01-01

A neural network is presented to learn errors generated by a numerical algorithm for solving coupled nonlinear differential equations. The method is based on using a neural network to correctly learn the error generated by, for example, Runge-Kutta on a model molecular dynamics (MD) problem. The neural network programs used in this study were developed by NASA. Comparisons are made for training the neural network using backpropagation and a new method which was found to converge with fewer iterations. The neural net programs, the MD model and the calculations are discussed.

External quality-assurance project report for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network and Mercury Deposition Network, 2009-2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wetherbee, Gregory A.; Martin, RoseAnn; Rhodes, Mark F.; Chesney, Tanya A.

2014-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey operated six distinct programs to provide external quality-assurance monitoring for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NTN) and Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) during 2009–2010. The field-audit program assessed the effects of onsite exposure, sample handling, and shipping on the chemistry of NTN samples; a system-blank program assessed the same effects for MDN. Two interlaboratory-comparison programs assessed the bias and variability of the chemical analysis data from the Central Analytical Laboratory (CAL) and Mercury (Hg) Analytical Laboratory (HAL). The blind-audit program was also implemented for the MDN to evaluate analytical bias in total Hg concentration data produced by the HAL. The co-located-sampler program was used to identify and quantify potential shifts in NADP data resulting from replacement of original network instrumentation with new electronic recording rain gages (E-gages) and precipitation collectors that use optical sensors. The results indicate that NADP data continue to be of sufficient quality for the analysis of spatial distributions and time trends of chemical constituents in wet deposition across the United States. Results also suggest that retrofit of the NADP networks with the new precipitation collectors could cause –8 to +14 percent shifts in NADP annual precipitation-weighted mean concentrations and total deposition values for ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, and hydrogen ion, and larger shifts (+13 to +74 percent) for calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride. The prototype N-CON Systems bucket collector is more efficient in the catch of precipitation in winter than Aerochem Metrics Model 301 collector, especially for light snowfall.

U.S. Geological Survey external quality-assurance project report for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program / National Trends Network and Mercury Deposition Network, 2011-2012

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wetherbee, Gregory A.; Martin, RoseAnn

2014-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey operated six distinct programs to provide external quality-assurance monitoring for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) / National Trends Network (NTN) and Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) during 2011–2012. The field-audit program assessed the effects of onsite exposure, sample handling, and shipping on the chemistry of NTN samples; a system-blank program assessed the same effects for MDN. Two interlaboratory-comparison programs assessed the bias and variability of the chemical analysis data from the Central Analytical Laboratory and Mercury Analytical Laboratory (HAL). A blind-audit program was implemented for the MDN during 2011 to evaluate analytical bias in HAL total mercury concentration data. The co-located–sampler program was used to identify and quantify potential shifts in NADP data resulting from the replacement of original network instrumentation with new electronic recording rain gages and precipitation collectors that use optical precipitation sensors. The results indicate that NADP data continue to be of sufficient quality for the analysis of spatial distributions and time trends of chemical constituents in wet deposition across the United States. Co-located rain gage results indicate -3.7 to +6.5 percent bias in NADP precipitation-depth measurements. Co-located collector results suggest that the retrofit of the NADP networks with the new precipitation collectors could cause +10 to +36 percent shifts in NADP annual deposition values for ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate; -7.5 to +41 percent shifts for hydrogen-ion deposition; and larger shifts (-51 to +52 percent) for calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride. The prototype N-CON Systems bucket collector typically catches more precipitation than the NADP-approved Aerochem Metrics Model 301 collector.

Deployment strategy for battery energy storage system in distribution network based on voltage violation regulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, H.; Zhou, L.; Xu, T.; Fang, W. L.; He, W. G.; Liu, H. M.

2017-11-01

In order to improve the situation of voltage violation caused by the grid-connection of photovoltaic (PV) system in a distribution network, a bi-level programming model is proposed for battery energy storage system (BESS) deployment. The objective function of inner level programming is to minimize voltage violation, with the power of PV and BESS as the variables. The objective function of outer level programming is to minimize the comprehensive function originated from inner layer programming and all the BESS operating parameters, with the capacity and rated power of BESS as the variables. The differential evolution (DE) algorithm is applied to solve the model. Based on distribution network operation scenarios with photovoltaic generation under multiple alternative output modes, the simulation results of IEEE 33-bus system prove that the deployment strategy of BESS proposed in this paper is well adapted to voltage violation regulation invariable distribution network operation scenarios. It contributes to regulating voltage violation in distribution network, as well as to improve the utilization of PV systems.

78 FR 79649 - Energy Conservation Program: Proposed Determination of Set-Top Boxes and Network Equipment as a...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-31

... Conservation Program: Proposed Determination of Set-Top Boxes and Network Equipment as a Covered Consumer... published June 15, 2011 that set-top boxes (STBs) and network equipment qualify as a covered product under... action in light of a consensus agreement entered by a broadly representative group that DOE believes has...

Weaving the Native Web: Using Social Network Analysis to Demonstrate the Value of a Minority Career Development Program

PubMed Central

Buchwald, Dedra; Dick, Rhonda Wiegman

2011-01-01

Purpose American Indian and Alaska Native scientists are consistently among the most underrepresented minority groups in health research. The authors used social network analysis (SNA) to evaluate the Native Investigator Development Program (NIDP), a career development program for junior Native researchers established as a collaboration between the University of Washington and the University of Colorado Denver. Method The study focused on 29 trainees and mentors who participated in the NIDP. Data were collected on manuscripts and grant proposals produced by participants from 1998 to 2007. Information on authorship of manuscripts and collaborations on grant applications was used to conduct social network analyses with 3 measures of centrality and 1 measure of network reach. Both visual and quantitative analyses were performed. Results Participants in the NIDP collaborated on 106 manuscripts and 83 grant applications. Although 3 highly connected individuals, with critical and central roles in the program, accounted for much of the richness of the network, both current core faculty and “graduates” of the program were heavily involved in collaborations on manuscripts and grants. Conclusions This study’s innovative application of SNA demonstrates that collaborative relationships can be an important outcome of career development programs for minority investigators, and that an analysis of these relationships can provide a more complete assessment of the value of such programs. PMID:21512364

Mobilizing homeless youth for HIV prevention: a social network analysis of the acceptability of a face-to-face and online social networking intervention.

PubMed

Rice, Eric; Tulbert, Eve; Cederbaum, Julie; Barman Adhikari, Anamika; Milburn, Norweeta G

2012-04-01

The objective of the study is to use social network analysis to examine the acceptability of a youth-led, hybrid face-to-face and online social networking HIV prevention program for homeless youth.Seven peer leaders (PLs) engaged face-to-face homeless youth (F2F) in the creation of digital media projects (e.g. You Tube videos). PL and F2F recruited online youth (OY) to participate in MySpace and Facebook communities where digital media was disseminated and discussed. The resulting social networks were assessed with respect to size, growth, density, relative centrality of positions and homophily of ties. Seven PL, 53 F2F and 103 OY created two large networks. After the first 50 F2F youth participated, online networks entered a rapid growth phase. OY were among the most central youth in these networks. Younger aged persons and females were disproportionately connected to like youth. The program appears highly acceptable to homeless youth. Social network analysis revealed which PL were the most critical to the program and which types of participants (younger youth and females) may require additional outreach efforts in the future.

Mobilizing homeless youth for HIV prevention: a social network analysis of the acceptability of a face-to-face and online social networking intervention

PubMed Central

Rice, Eric; Tulbert, Eve; Cederbaum, Julie; Barman Adhikari, Anamika; Milburn, Norweeta G.

2012-01-01

The objective of the study is to use social network analysis to examine the acceptability of a youth-led, hybrid face-to-face and online social networking HIV prevention program for homeless youth.Seven peer leaders (PLs) engaged face-to-face homeless youth (F2F) in the creation of digital media projects (e.g. You Tube videos). PL and F2F recruited online youth (OY) to participate in MySpace and Facebook communities where digital media was disseminated and discussed. The resulting social networks were assessed with respect to size, growth, density, relative centrality of positions and homophily of ties. Seven PL, 53 F2F and 103 OY created two large networks. After the first 50 F2F youth participated, online networks entered a rapid growth phase. OY were among the most central youth in these networks. Younger aged persons and females were disproportionately connected to like youth. The program appears highly acceptable to homeless youth. Social network analysis revealed which PL were the most critical to the program and which types of participants (younger youth and females) may require additional outreach efforts in the future. PMID:22247453

Biological and Environmental Research Network Requirements

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

Balaji, V.; Boden, Tom; Cowley, Dave

2013-09-01

The Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) is the primary provider of network connectivity for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC), the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. In support of SC programs, ESnet regularly updates and refreshes its understanding of the networking requirements of the instruments, facilities, scientists, and science programs that it serves. This focus has helped ESnet be a highly successful enabler of scientific discovery for over 25 years. In November 2012, ESnet and the Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER) of the DOE SC organizedmore » a review to characterize the networking requirements of the programs funded by the BER program office. Several key findings resulted from the review. Among them: 1) The scale of data sets available to science collaborations continues to increase exponentially. This has broad impact, both on the network and on the computational and storage systems connected to the network. 2) Many science collaborations require assistance to cope with the systems and network engineering challenges inherent in managing the rapid growth in data scale. 3) Several science domains operate distributed facilities that rely on high-performance networking for success. Key examples illustrated in this report include the Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) and the Systems Biology Knowledgebase (KBase). This report expands on these points, and addresses others as well. The report contains a findings section as well as the text of the case studies discussed at the review.« less

Inferring Network Controls from Topology Using the Chomp Database

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-03

AFRL-AFOSR-VA-TR-2016-0033 INFERRING NETWORK CONTROLS FROM TOPOLOGY USING THE CHOMP DATABASE John Harer DUKE UNIVERSITY Final Report 12/03/2015...INFERRING NETWORK CONTROLS FROM TOPOLOGY USING THE CHOMP DATABASE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA9550-10-1-0436 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6...area of Topological Data Analysis (TDA) and it’s application to dynamical systems. The role of this work in the Complex Networks program is based on

Integrated Module and Gene-Specific Regulatory Inference Implicates Upstream Signaling Networks

PubMed Central

Roy, Sushmita; Lagree, Stephen; Hou, Zhonggang; Thomson, James A.; Stewart, Ron; Gasch, Audrey P.

2013-01-01

Regulatory networks that control gene expression are important in diverse biological contexts including stress response and development. Each gene's regulatory program is determined by module-level regulation (e.g. co-regulation via the same signaling system), as well as gene-specific determinants that can fine-tune expression. We present a novel approach, Modular regulatory network learning with per gene information (MERLIN), that infers regulatory programs for individual genes while probabilistically constraining these programs to reveal module-level organization of regulatory networks. Using edge-, regulator- and module-based comparisons of simulated networks of known ground truth, we find MERLIN reconstructs regulatory programs of individual genes as well or better than existing approaches of network reconstruction, while additionally identifying modular organization of the regulatory networks. We use MERLIN to dissect global transcriptional behavior in two biological contexts: yeast stress response and human embryonic stem cell differentiation. Regulatory modules inferred by MERLIN capture co-regulatory relationships between signaling proteins and downstream transcription factors thereby revealing the upstream signaling systems controlling transcriptional responses. The inferred networks are enriched for regulators with genetic or physical interactions, supporting the inference, and identify modules of functionally related genes bound by the same transcriptional regulators. Our method combines the strengths of per-gene and per-module methods to reveal new insights into transcriptional regulation in stress and development. PMID:24146602

Truth in Reporting: How Data Capture Methods Obfuscate Actual Surgical Site Infection Rates within a Health Care Network System.

PubMed

Bordeianou, Liliana; Cauley, Christy E; Antonelli, Donna; Bird, Sarah; Rattner, David; Hutter, Matthew; Mahmood, Sadiqa; Schnipper, Deborah; Rubin, Marc; Bleday, Ronald; Kenney, Pardon; Berger, David

2017-01-01

Two systems measure surgical site infection rates following colorectal surgeries: the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services pay-for-performance initiatives use National Healthcare Safety Network data for hospital comparisons. This study aimed to compare database concordance. This is a multi-institution cohort study of systemwide Colorectal Surgery Collaborative. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program requires rigorous, standardized data capture techniques; National Healthcare Safety Network allows 5 data capture techniques. Standardized surgical site infection rates were compared between databases. The Cohen κ-coefficient was calculated. This study was conducted at Boston-area hospitals. National Healthcare Safety Network or National Surgical Quality Improvement Program patients undergoing colorectal surgery were included. Standardized surgical site infection rates were the primary outcomes of interest. Thirty-day surgical site infection rates of 3547 (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) vs 5179 (National Healthcare Safety Network) colorectal procedures (2012-2014). Discrepancies appeared: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database of hospital 1 (N = 1480 patients) routinely found surgical site infection rates of approximately 10%, routinely deemed rate "exemplary" or "as expected" (100%). National Healthcare Safety Network data from the same hospital and time period (N = 1881) revealed a similar overall surgical site infection rate (10%), but standardized rates were deemed "worse than national average" 80% of the time. Overall, hospitals using less rigorous capture methods had improved surgical site infection rates for National Healthcare Safety Network compared with standardized National Surgical Quality Improvement Program reports. The correlation coefficient between standardized infection rates was 0.03 (p = 0.88). During 25 site-time period observations, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and National Healthcare Safety Network data matched for 52% of observations (13/25). κ = 0.10 (95% CI, -0.1366 to 0.3402; p = 0.403), indicating poor agreement. This study investigated hospitals located in the Northeastern United States only. Variation in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-mandated National Healthcare Safety Network infection surveillance methodology leads to unreliable results, which is apparent when these results are compared with standardized data. High-quality data would improve care quality and compare outcomes among institutions.

Coping with Aging and Amputation

MedlinePlus

... Find Support Certified Peer Visitor (CPV) Program Support Group Network Support Group Meeting Calendar Hospital/Rehab Facility Partners ... Find Support Certified Peer Visitor (CPV) Program Support Group Network Support Group Meeting Calendar Hospital/Rehab Facility Partners ...

Mercury Deposition Network Site Operator Training for the System Blank and Blind Audit Programs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wetherbee, Gregory A.; Lehmann, Christopher M.B.

2008-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey operates the external quality assurance project for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network. The project includes the system blank and blind audit programs for assessment of total mercury concentration data quality for wet-deposition samples. This presentation was prepared to train new site operators and to refresh experienced site operators to successfully process and submit system blank and blind audit samples for chemical analysis. Analytical results are used to estimate chemical stability and contamination levels of National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network samples and to evaluate laboratory variability and bias.

Evaluation of thermal network correction program using test temperature data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ishimoto, T.; Fink, L. C.

1972-01-01

An evaluation process to determine the accuracy of a computer program for thermal network correction is discussed. The evaluation is required since factors such as inaccuracies of temperatures, insufficient number of temperature points over a specified time period, lack of one-to-one correlation between temperature sensor and nodal locations, and incomplete temperature measurements are not present in the computer-generated information. The mathematical models used in the evaluation are those that describe a physical system composed of both a conventional and a heat pipe platform. A description of the models used, the results of the evaluation of the thermal network correction, and input instructions for the thermal network correction program are presented.

Bringing a Network-Oriented Approach to Domestic Violence Services: A Focus Group Exploration of Promising Practices.

PubMed

Goodman, Lisa A; Banyard, Victoria; Woulfe, Julie; Ash, Sarah; Mattern, Grace

2016-01-01

Despite powerful evidence that informal social support contributes to survivors' safety and well-being, mainstream domestic violence (DV) programs have not developed comprehensive models for helping isolated survivors re-engage with these networks. Although many advocates use network-oriented strategies informally, they often do so without resources, funding, or training. This qualitative focus group study explored advocates' use and perceptions of network-oriented strategies. Advocates working in a range of DV programs across one state described the importance of network-oriented work and articulated its five dimensions, including helping survivors build their capacity to form healthy relationships, identify helpful and harmful network members, re-engage with existing networks, develop new relationships, and respond more effectively to network members. © The Author(s) 2015.

Crossing boundaries: the design of an interdisciplinary training program to improve care for the frail elderly.

PubMed

Kolomitro, Klodiana; Stockley, Denise; Egan, Rylan; MacDonald, Michelle L

2015-01-01

The Technology Evaluation in the Elderly Network (TVN) was funded in July 2012 under the Canadian Networks of Centres of Excellence program. This article highlights the development and preliminary evaluation of the TVN Interdisciplinary Training Program. This program is based on an experiential learning approach that crosses a multitude of disciplines including health sciences, law, social sciences, and ethical aspects of working with the frail elderly. Opportunities within the program include mentorship, interdisciplinary online collaborative projects, external placements, academic products, pre-grant submission, trainee-driven requirements, Network meetings, online modules/webinars, and most importantly active involvement with patients, families, and their support systems. The authors have 120 trainees from approximately 23 different disciplines including law, ethics, public policy, social work, and engineering engaged in the program. Based on our evaluation this program has been perceived as highly valuable by the participants and the community.

Lifelong Learning in German Learning Cities/Regions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reghenzani-Kearns, Denise; Kearns, Peter

2012-01-01

This paper traces the policies and lessons learned from two consecutive German national programs aimed at developing learning cities/regions. Known as Learning Regions Promotion of Networks, this first program transitioned into the current program, Learning on Place. A case study chosen is from the Tolzer region where a network has self-sustained…

Transient Analysis Generator /TAG/ simulates behavior of large class of electrical networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, W. J.

1967-01-01

Transient Analysis Generator program simulates both transient and dc steady-state behavior of a large class of electrical networks. It generates a special analysis program for each circuit described in an easily understood and manipulated programming language. A generator or preprocessor and a simulation system make up the TAG system.

Satellite-tracking and earth-dynamics research programs. [geodetic and geophysical investigations and atmospheric research using satellite drag data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

Satellite tracking and earth dynamics research programs are discussed. Geodetic and geophysical investigations are reported along with atmospheric research using satellite drag data. Satellite tracking network functions and support groups which are discussed include: network operations, communications, data-services division, moonwatch, and programming group.

Global 4-H Network: Laying the Groundwork for Global Extension Opportunities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Major, Jennifer; Miller, Rhonda

2012-01-01

A descriptive study examining 4-H programs in Africa, Asia, and Europe was conducted to provide understanding and direction in the establishment of a Global 4-H Network. Information regarding structure, organizational support, funding, and programming areas was gathered. Programs varied greatly by country, and many partnered with other 4-H…

Building the team for team science

USGS Publications Warehouse

Read, Emily K.; O'Rourke, M.; Hong, G. S.; Hanson, P. C.; Winslow, Luke A.; Crowley, S.; Brewer, C. A.; Weathers, K. C.

2016-01-01

The ability to effectively exchange information and develop trusting, collaborative relationships across disciplinary boundaries is essential for 21st century scientists charged with solving complex and large-scale societal and environmental challenges, yet these communication skills are rarely taught. Here, we describe an adaptable training program designed to increase the capacity of scientists to engage in information exchange and relationship development in team science settings. A pilot of the program, developed by a leader in ecological network science, the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), indicates that the training program resulted in improvement in early career scientists’ confidence in team-based network science collaborations within and outside of the program. Fellows in the program navigated human-network challenges, expanded communication skills, and improved their ability to build professional relationships, all in the context of producing collaborative scientific outcomes. Here, we describe the rationale for key communication training elements and provide evidence that such training is effective in building essential team science skills.

The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Network program, 2012.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-03-01

The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and : Networks (CVISN) program supports that safety : mission by providing grant funds to States for: : Improving safety and productivity of motor : carriers, commercial motor vehicles : (CMVs), and thei...

The commercial vehicle information systems and networks program, 2013.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-04-01

The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) grant program supports the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations (FMCSAs) safety mission by providing grant funds to States to: : Improve safety and productivity of moto...

Joint Services Electronics Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-05

Packaging Considerations M. T. Raghunath (Professor Abhiram Ranade) A central issue in massively parallel computation is the design of the interconnection...programs on promising network architectures. Publications: [1] M. T. Raghunath and A. G. Ranade, A Simulation-Based Compari- son of Interconnection Networks...more difficult analog function approximation task. Network Design Issues for Fast Global Communication Professor A. Ranade with M.T. Raghunath A

Building an Online Community: Student Teachers' Perceptions on the Advantages of Using Social Networking Services in a Teacher Education Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Habibi, Akhmad; Mukinin, Amirul; Riyanto, Yatim; Prasohjo, Lantip Diat; Sulistiyo, Urip; Sofwan, Muhammad; Saudagar, Ferdiaz

2018-01-01

This inquiry examined student teachers' perceptions on the advantages of using Social Networking Services (SNS) in an English teacher education program at a public university in Jambi, Indonesia to ease the communication, supervision, discussion, and report submissions between supervisors and student teachers. The networking types included in the…

Social Networking in School Psychology Training Programs: A Survey of Faculty and Graduate Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pham, Andy V.; Goforth, Anisa N.; Segool, Natasha; Burt, Isaac

2014-01-01

The increasing use of social networking sites has become an emerging focus in school psychology training, policy, and research. The purpose of the current study is to present data from a survey on social networking among faculty and graduate students in school psychology training programs. A total of 110 faculty and 112 graduate students in school…

C-SPAN in the High School Classroom: A Guide for Educators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

C-SPAN, Washington, DC.

Intended for middle and high school educators, the publication provides information about the C-SPAN networks and facilitates the use of the network's programming as a teaching resource. The section on the C-SPAN cable networks contains information on C-SPAN, C-SPAN 2, C-SPAN Audio 1, and C-SPAN Audio 2, regularly scheduled programs, ways to…

Enhancing the Delivery of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through Geographic Information Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stone, Matthew

2011-01-01

The Network for a Healthy California (Network) employs a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify the target audience and plan program activities because GIS is a powerful tool for assisting in data integration and planning. This paper describes common uses of GIS by Network contractors as well as demonstrating the possibilities of GIS as a…

Exploring Knowledge Processes Based on Teacher Research in a School-University Research Network of a Master's Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cornelissen, Frank; van Swet, Jacqueline; Beijaard, Douwe; Bergen, Theo

2013-01-01

School-university research networks aim at closer integration of research and practice by means of teacher research. Such practice-oriented research can benefit both schools and universities. This paper reports on a multiple-case study of five participants in a school-university research network in a Dutch master's program. The research question…

Mastering the game of Go with deep neural networks and tree search.

PubMed

Silver, David; Huang, Aja; Maddison, Chris J; Guez, Arthur; Sifre, Laurent; van den Driessche, George; Schrittwieser, Julian; Antonoglou, Ioannis; Panneershelvam, Veda; Lanctot, Marc; Dieleman, Sander; Grewe, Dominik; Nham, John; Kalchbrenner, Nal; Sutskever, Ilya; Lillicrap, Timothy; Leach, Madeleine; Kavukcuoglu, Koray; Graepel, Thore; Hassabis, Demis

2016-01-28

The game of Go has long been viewed as the most challenging of classic games for artificial intelligence owing to its enormous search space and the difficulty of evaluating board positions and moves. Here we introduce a new approach to computer Go that uses 'value networks' to evaluate board positions and 'policy networks' to select moves. These deep neural networks are trained by a novel combination of supervised learning from human expert games, and reinforcement learning from games of self-play. Without any lookahead search, the neural networks play Go at the level of state-of-the-art Monte Carlo tree search programs that simulate thousands of random games of self-play. We also introduce a new search algorithm that combines Monte Carlo simulation with value and policy networks. Using this search algorithm, our program AlphaGo achieved a 99.8% winning rate against other Go programs, and defeated the human European Go champion by 5 games to 0. This is the first time that a computer program has defeated a human professional player in the full-sized game of Go, a feat previously thought to be at least a decade away.

Development of an Information Security Awareness Training Program for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF)

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

security faculty. This program offers great teaching along with the ability to master the material needed for the two most popular certifications in...then move on to an overview of some popular networks. The Open Systems Interconnect model (OSI) will be introduced to trainees to make them understand...several different network types, this part explains the two most popular types of networks: LANs and WANs. 2.1.4. Time: 30 Minutes 32 2.2. Network

Cognitive Networking With Regards to NASA's Space Communication and Navigation Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivancic, William D.; Paulsen, Phillip E.; Vaden, Karl R.; Ponchak, Denise S.

2013-01-01

This report describes cognitive networking (CN) and its application to NASA's Space Communication and Networking (SCaN) Program. This report clarifies the terminology and framework of CN and provides some examples of cognitive systems. It then provides a methodology for developing and deploying CN techniques and technologies. Finally, the report attempts to answer specific questions regarding how CN could benefit SCaN. It also describes SCaN's current and target networks and proposes places where cognition could be deployed.

Communication devices for network-hopping communications and methods of network-hopping communications

DOEpatents

Buttles, John W [Idaho Falls, ID

2011-12-20

Wireless communication devices include a software-defined radio coupled to processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to execute computer programming code. Storage media is coupled to the processing circuitry and includes computer programming code configured to cause the processing circuitry to configure and reconfigure the software-defined radio to operate on each of a plurality of communication networks according to a selected sequence. Methods for communicating with a wireless device and methods of wireless network-hopping are also disclosed.

Communication devices for network-hopping communications and methods of network-hopping communications

DOEpatents

Buttles, John W

2013-04-23

Wireless communication devices include a software-defined radio coupled to processing circuitry. The system controller is configured to execute computer programming code. Storage media is coupled to the system controller and includes computer programming code configured to cause the system controller to configure and reconfigure the software-defined radio to operate on each of a plurality of communication networks according to a selected sequence. Methods for communicating with a wireless device and methods of wireless network-hopping are also disclosed.

Medical education practice-based research networks: Facilitating collaborative research.

PubMed

Schwartz, Alan; Young, Robin; Hicks, Patricia J

2016-01-01

Research networks formalize and institutionalize multi-site collaborations by establishing an infrastructure that enables network members to participate in research, propose new studies, and exploit study data to move the field forward. Although practice-based clinical research networks are now widespread, medical education research networks are rapidly emerging. In this article, we offer a definition of the medical education practice-based research network, a brief description of networks in existence in July 2014 and their features, and a more detailed case study of the emergence and early growth of one such network, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network (APPD LEARN). We searched for extant networks through peer-reviewed literature and the world-wide web. We identified 15 research networks in medical education founded since 2002 with membership ranging from 8 to 120 programs. Most focus on graduate medical education in primary care or emergency medicine specialties. We offer four recommendations for the further development and spread of medical education research networks: increasing faculty development, obtaining central resources, studying networks themselves, and developing networks of networks.

Medical education practice-based research networks: Facilitating collaborative research

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Alan; Young, Robin; Hicks, Patricia J.; APPD LEARN, For

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Research networks formalize and institutionalize multi-site collaborations by establishing an infrastructure that enables network members to participate in research, propose new studies, and exploit study data to move the field forward. Although practice-based clinical research networks are now widespread, medical education research networks are rapidly emerging. Aims: In this article, we offer a definition of the medical education practice-based research network, a brief description of networks in existence in July 2014 and their features, and a more detailed case study of the emergence and early growth of one such network, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network (APPD LEARN). Methods: We searched for extant networks through peer-reviewed literature and the world-wide web. Results: We identified 15 research networks in medical education founded since 2002 with membership ranging from 8 to 120 programs. Most focus on graduate medical education in primary care or emergency medicine specialties. Conclusions: We offer four recommendations for the further development and spread of medical education research networks: increasing faculty development, obtaining central resources, studying networks themselves, and developing networks of networks. PMID:25319404

Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

PAC-3 MSE) 81 Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2 83 Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) 85 Long Range Precision Fires...Unmanned Air System 05/2018 —- O  Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System Recapitalization 10/2017 —- O  Improved Turbine Engine Program TBD...Network-Tactical (WIN-T) Increment 2 83 1-page assessments Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) 85 Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) 86

Computer-aided linear-circuit design.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penfield, P.

1971-01-01

Usually computer-aided design (CAD) refers to programs that analyze circuits conceived by the circuit designer. Among the services such programs should perform are direct network synthesis, analysis, optimization of network parameters, formatting, storage of miscellaneous data, and related calculations. The program should be embedded in a general-purpose conversational language such as BASIC, JOSS, or APL. Such a program is MARTHA, a general-purpose linear-circuit analyzer embedded in APL.

φ-evo: A program to evolve phenotypic models of biological networks.

PubMed

Henry, Adrien; Hemery, Mathieu; François, Paul

2018-06-01

Molecular networks are at the core of most cellular decisions, but are often difficult to comprehend. Reverse engineering of network architecture from their functions has proved fruitful to classify and predict the structure and function of molecular networks, suggesting new experimental tests and biological predictions. We present φ-evo, an open-source program to evolve in silico phenotypic networks performing a given biological function. We include implementations for evolution of biochemical adaptation, adaptive sorting for immune recognition, metazoan development (somitogenesis, hox patterning), as well as Pareto evolution. We detail the program architecture based on C, Python 3, and a Jupyter interface for project configuration and network analysis. We illustrate the predictive power of φ-evo by first recovering the asymmetrical structure of the lac operon regulation from an objective function with symmetrical constraints. Second, we use the problem of hox-like embryonic patterning to show how a single effective fitness can emerge from multi-objective (Pareto) evolution. φ-evo provides an efficient approach and user-friendly interface for the phenotypic prediction of networks and the numerical study of evolution itself.

Photonic Network R&D Activities in Japan-Current Activities and Future Perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitayama, Ken-Ichi; Miki, Tetsuya; Morioka, Toshio; Tsushima, Hideaki; Koga, Masafumi; Mori, Kazuyuki; Araki, Soichiro; Sato, Ken-Ichi; Onaka, Hiroshi; Namiki, Shu; Aoyama, Tomonori

2005-10-01

R&D activities on photonic networks in Japan are presented. First, milestones in current ongoing R&D programs supported by Japanese government agencies are introduced, including long-distance and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) fiber transmission, wavelength routing, optical burst switching (OBS), and control-plane technology for IP backbone networks. Their goal was set to evolve a legacy telecommunications network to IP-over-WDM networks by introducing technologies for WDM and wavelength routing. We then discuss the perspectives of so-called PHASE II R&D programs for photonic networks over the next 5 years until 2010, by focusing on the report that has been recently issued by the Photonic Internet Forum (PIF), a consortium that has major carriers, telecom vendors, and Japanese academics as members. The PHASE II R&D programs should serve to establish a photonic platform to provide abundant bandwidth on demand, at any time on a real-time basis, through the customer's initiative to promote bandwidth-rich applications, such as grid computing, real-time digital-cinema streaming, medical and educational applications, and network storage in e-commerce.

Photonic network R and D activities in Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitayama, Ken-ichi; Miki, Tetsuya; Morioka, Toshio; Tsushima, Hideaki; Koga, Masafumi; Mori, Kazuyuki; Araki, Soichiro; Sato, Ken-ichi; Onaka, Hiroshi; Namiki, Shu; Aovama, Tomonori

2005-11-01

R and D activities on photonic networks in Japan are presented. First, milestones in current, ongoing R and D programs supported by Japanese government agencies are introduced, including long-distance and WDM fiber transmission, wavelength routing, optical burst switching, and control plane technology for IP backbone networks. Their goal was set to evolve a legacy telecommunications network to IP over WDM networks by introducing technologies for WDM and wavelength routing. We then discuss the perspectives of so-called PHASE II R and D programs for photonic networks over the next five years until 2010, by focusing on the report which has been recently issued by the Photonic Internet Forum (PIF), a consortium that has major carriers, telecom vendors, and Japanese academics as members. The PHASE II R and D programs should serve to establish a photonic platform to provide abundant bandwidth on demand, at any time on a real-time basis through the customer's initiative, to promote bandwidth-rich applications, such as grid computing, real-time digital-cinema streaming, medical and educational applications, and network storage in e-commerce.

An evolutionary algorithm that constructs recurrent neural networks.

PubMed

Angeline, P J; Saunders, G M; Pollack, J B

1994-01-01

Standard methods for simultaneously inducing the structure and weights of recurrent neural networks limit every task to an assumed class of architectures. Such a simplification is necessary since the interactions between network structure and function are not well understood. Evolutionary computations, which include genetic algorithms and evolutionary programming, are population-based search methods that have shown promise in many similarly complex tasks. This paper argues that genetic algorithms are inappropriate for network acquisition and describes an evolutionary program, called GNARL, that simultaneously acquires both the structure and weights for recurrent networks. GNARL's empirical acquisition method allows for the emergence of complex behaviors and topologies that are potentially excluded by the artificial architectural constraints imposed in standard network induction methods.