On the ortho-positronium quenching reactions promoted by Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(III), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) cyanocomplexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fantola Lazzarini, Anna L.; Lazzarini, Ennio

The o-Ps quenching reactions promoted in aqueous solutions by the following six cyanocomplexes: [Fe(CN) 6] 4-; [Co(CN) 6] 3-; [Zn(CN) 4] 2-; [Cd(CN) 6] 2-; [Fe(CN) 6] 3-; [Ni(CN) 4] 2- were investigated. The first four reactions probably consist in o-Ps addition across the CN bond, their rate constants at room temperature, Tr, being ⩽(0.04±0.02) × 10 9 M -1 s -1, i.e. almost at the limit of experimental errors. The rate constant of the fifth reaction, in o-Ps oxydation, at Tr is (20.3±0.4) × 10 9 M -1 s -1. The [Ni(CN) 4] 2-k value at Tr, is (0.27±0.01) × 10 9 M -1 s -1, i.e. 100 times less than the rate constants of o-Ps oxydation, but 10 times larger than those of the o-Ps addition across the CN bond. The [Ni(CN) 4] 2- reaction probably results in formation of the following positronido complex: [Ni(CN) 4Ps] 2-. However, it is worth noting that the existence of such a complex is only indirectly deduced. In fact it arises from comparison of the [Ni(CN) 4] 2- rate constant with those of the Fe(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Co(III) cyanocomplexes, which, like the Ni(II) cyanocomplex, do not promote o-Ps oxydation or spin exchange reactions.

Crystallization, Crystal Orientation and Morphology of Poly(ethylene oxide) under 1D Defect-Free Nanoscale Confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsiao, Ming-Siao; Zheng, Joseph X.; van Horn, Ryan M.; Quirk, Roderic P.; Thomas, Edwin L.; Lotz, Bernard; Cheng, Stephen Z. D.

2009-03-01

One-dimensional (1-D) defect-free nanoscale confinement is created by growing single crystals of PS-b-PEO block copolymers in dilute solution. Those defect-free, 1-D confined lamellae having different PEO layer thicknesses in PS-b-PEO lamellar single crystals (or crystal mats) were used to study the polymer recrystallization and crystal orientation evolution as a function of recrystallization temperature (Trx) because the Tg^PS is larger than Tm^PEO in the PS-b-PEO single crystal. The results are summarized as follows. First, by the combination of electron diffraction and known PEO crystallography, the crystallization of PEO only takes place at Trx<-5^oC. Meanwhile a unique tilted PEO orientation is formed at Trx >-5^oC after self-seeding. The origin of the formation of tilted chains in the PEO crystal will be addressed. Second, from the analysis of 2D WAXD patterns of crystal mats, it is shown that the change in PEO c-axis orientation from homogeneous at low Trx to homeotropic at higher Trx transitions sharply, within 1^oC. The mechanism inducing this dramatic change in crystal orientation will be investigated in detail.

Molecular Characterization of Two Fatty Acyl-CoA Reductase Genes From Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

PubMed

Li, Xiaolong; Zheng, Tianxiang; Zheng, Xiaowen; Han, Na; Chen, Xuexin; Zhang, Dayu

2016-01-01

Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) are key enzymes involved in fatty alcohol synthesis. Here, we cloned and characterized full-length cDNAs of two FAR genes from the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis. The results showed PsFAR I and PsFAR II cDNAs were 1,584 bp and 1,515 bp in length respectively. Both PsFAR I and PsFAR II were predicted to be located in the endoplasmic reticulum by Euk-mPLoc 2.0 approach. Both of them had a Rossmann folding region and a FAR_C region. Two conservative motifs were discovered in Rossmann folding region by sequence alignment including a NADPH combining motif, TGXXGG, and an active site motif, YXXXK. A phylogenetic tree made using MEGA 6.06 indicated that PsFAR I and PsFAR II were placed in two different branches. Gene expression analysis performed at different developmental stages showed that the expression of PsFar I is significantly higher than that of PsFar II in first and second instar nymphs and in male adults. Spirotetramat treatment at 125 mg/liter significantly increased the expression of PsFar I in third instar nymphs, but there was no effect in the expression of PsFar II Our results indicated these two FAR genes showed different expression patterns during insect development and after pesticide treatment, suggesting they play different roles in insect development and detoxification against pesticides. © The Authors 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America.

The preparatory set: a novel approach to understanding stress, trauma, and the bodymind therapies

PubMed Central

Payne, Peter; Crane-Godreau, Mardi A.

2015-01-01

Basic to all motile life is a differential approach/avoid response to perceived features of environment. The stages of response are initial reflexive noticing and orienting to the stimulus, preparation, and execution of response. Preparation involves a coordination of many aspects of the organism: muscle tone, posture, breathing, autonomic functions, motivational/emotional state, attentional orientation, and expectations. The organism organizes itself in relation to the challenge. We propose to call this the “preparatory set” (PS). We suggest that the concept of the PS can offer a more nuanced and flexible perspective on the stress response than do current theories. We also hypothesize that the mechanisms of body-mind therapeutic and educational systems (BTES) can be understood through the PS framework. We suggest that the BTES, including meditative movement, meditation, somatic education, and the body-oriented psychotherapies, are approaches that use interventions on the PS to remedy stress and trauma. We discuss how the PS can be adaptive or maladaptive, how BTES interventions may restore adaptive PS, and how these concepts offer a broader and more flexible view of the phenomena of stress and trauma. We offer supportive evidence for our hypotheses, and suggest directions for future research. We believe that the PS framework will point to ways of improving the management of stress and trauma, and that it will suggest directions of research into the mechanisms of action of BTES. PMID:25883565

Pattern-free thermal modulator via thermal radiation between Van der Waals materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xianglei; Shen, Jiadong; Xuan, Yimin

2017-10-01

Modulating heat flux provides a platform for a plethora of emerging devices such as thermal diodes, thermal transistors, and thermal memories. Here, a pattern-free noncontact thermal modulator is proposed based on the mechanical rotation between two Van der Waals films with optical axes parallel to the surfaces. A modulation contrast can reach a value higher than 5 for hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) films separated by a nanoscale gap distance. The dominant radiative heat exchange comes from the excitation of both Type I and Type II hyperbolic surface phonon polaritons (HSPhPs) at the vacuum-hBN interface for different orientations, while the large modulation contrast is mainly attributed to the mismatching Type I HSPhPs induced by rotation. This work opens the possibility to design cheap thermal modulators without relying on nanofabrication techniques, and paves the way to apply natural Van der Waals materials in manipulating heat currents in an active way.

Evaluation of diatomea algae Thalassiosira weissflogii sensitivity to chloride mercury and methylmercury by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graevskaya, E. E.; Antal, T. K.; Matorin, D. N.; Voronova, E. N.; Pogosyan, S. I.; Rubin, A. B.

2003-05-01

Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence has been shown to be a rapid, non-invasive, and reliable method to assess photosynthetic performance in a changing environment. In our study, the pulseamplitude-modulation (PAM) - fluorometric method was used to evaluate the sensitivity to chloride mercury and methylmercury chloride of diatomea microalgae Thalassiosira weissflogii. We found that 10^{-6} and 10^{-7} M MeHg led to a slow decrease in the PS II activity following for prolonged lag phase, whereas the algae was not sensitive to the same concentrations of HgCl2. However observed PS II inactivation by methylmercury was not complete and about 10 percents ofthe cells kept the high level of PS II activity as it was shown by microfluorometric analysis. These cells could determine adaptation of algae to methylmercury effect. Both toxicants decreased the rate of PS II reparation, as well as increased a heat pathway of excitation dissipation in PS II antennae complex.

Engine of life and big bang of evolution: a personal perspective.

PubMed

Barber, James

2004-01-01

Photosystem II (PS II) is the engine for essentially all life on our planet and its beginning 2.5 billion years ago was the 'big bang of evolution.' It produces reducing equivalents for making organic compounds on an enormous scale and at the same time provides us with an oxygenic atmosphere and protection against UV radiation (in the form of the ozone layer). In 1967, when I began my career in photosynthesis research, little was known about PS II. The Z-scheme had been formulated [Hill and Bendall (1960) Nature 186: 136-137] and Boardman and Anderson [(1964) Nature 203: 166-167] had isolated PS II as a discrete biochemical entity. PS II was known not only to be the source of oxygen but of variable chlorophyll fluorescence [Duysens and Sweers (1963) In: Studies on Microalgae and Photosynthetic Bacteria, pp. 353-372. University of Tokyo Press, Tokyo] and delayed chlorophyll fluorescence [Arnold and Davidson (1954) J Gen Physiol 37: 677-684]. P680 had just been discovered [Döring et al. (1967) Z Naturforsch 22b: 639-644]. No wonder the 'black box of PS II' was described at that time by Bessel Kok and George Cheniae [Current Topics in Bioenergetics 1: 1-47 (1966)] as the 'inner sanctum of photosynthesis.' What a change in our level of understanding of PS II since then! The contributions of many talented scientists have unraveled the mechanisms and structural basis of PS II function and we are now very close to revealing the molecular details of the remarkable and thermodynamically demanding reaction which it catalyzes, namely the splitting of water into its elemental constituents. It has been a privilege to be involved in this journey.

Formation of tyrosine radicals in photosystem II under far-red illumination.

PubMed

Ahmadova, Nigar; Mamedov, Fikret

2018-04-01

Photosystem II (PS II) contains two redox-active tyrosine residues on the donor side at symmetrical positions to the primary donor, P 680 . Tyr Z , part of the water-oxidizing complex, is a preferential fast electron donor while Tyr D is a slow auxiliary donor to P 680 + . We used PS II membranes from spinach which were depleted of the water oxidation complex (Mn-depleted PS II) to study electron donation from both tyrosines by time-resolved EPR spectroscopy under visible and far-red continuous light and laser flash illumination. Our results show that under both illumination regimes, oxidation of Tyr D occurs via equilibrium with Tyr Z • at pH 4.7 and 6.3. At pH 8.5 direct Tyr D oxidation by P 680 + occurs in the majority of the PS II centers. Under continuous far-red light illumination these reactions were less effective but still possible. Different photochemical steps were considered to explain the far-red light-induced electron donation from tyrosines and localization of the primary electron hole (P 680 + ) on the Chl D1 in Mn-depleted PS II after the far-red light-induced charge separation at room temperature is suggested.

[PS II photochemical efficiency in flag leaf of wheat varieties and its adaptation to strong sun- light intensity on farmland of Xiangride in Qinghai Province, Northwest China].

PubMed

Shi, Sheng-Bo; Chen, Wen-Jie; Shi, Rui; Li, Miao; Zhang, Huai-Gang; Sun, Ya-Nan

2014-09-01

Taking four wheat varieties developed by Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, as test materials, with the measurement of content of photosynthetic pigments, leaf area, fresh and dry mass of flag leaf, the PS II photochemistry efficiency of abaxial and adaxial surface of flag leaf and its adaptation to strong solar radiation during the period of heading stage in Xiangride region were investigated with the pulse-modulated in-vivo chlorophyll fluorescence technique. The results indicated that flag leaf angle mainly grew in horizontal state in Gaoyuan 314, Gaoyuan 363 and Gaoyuan 584, and mainly in vertical state in Gaoyuan 913 because of its smaller leaf area and larger width. Photosynthetic pigments were different among the 4 varieties, and positively correlated with intrinsic PS II photochemistry efficiencies (Fv/Fm). In clear days, especially at noon, the photosynthetic photoinhibition was more serious in abaxial surface of flag leaf due to directly facing the solar radiation, but it could recover after reduction of sunlight intensity in the afternoon, which meant that no inactive damage happened in PS II reaction centers. There were significant differences of PS II actual and maximum photochemical efficiencies at the actinic light intensity (ΦPS II and Fv'/Fm') between abaxial and adaxial surface, and their relative variation trends were on the contrary. The photochemical and non-photochemical quenching coefficients (qP and NPQ) had a similar tendency in both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Although ΦPS II and qP were lower in adaxial surface of flag leaf, the Fv'/Fm' was significantly higher, which indicated that the potential PS II capture efficiency of excited energy was higher. The results demonstrated that process of photochemical and non-photochemical quenching could effectively dissipate excited energy caused by strong solar radiation, and there were higher adaptation capacities in wheat varieties natively cultivated in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area.

[Perioperative mortality and morbidity in the year 2000 in 502 Japanese certified anesthesia-training hospitals: with a special reference to ASA-physical status--report of the Japan Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Operating Room Safety].

PubMed

Irita, Kazuo; Kawashima, Yasuo; Tsuzaki, Koichi; Iwao, Yasuhide; Kobayashi, Tsutomu; Seo, Norimasa; Goto, Yasuyuki; Morita, Kiyoshi; Shiraishi, Yoshito; Nakao, Yasuo; Tanaka, Yoshifumi; Tosaki, Youko; Dohi, Shuji; Obara, Hidefumi

2002-01-01

Perioperative mortality and morbidity in Japan from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2000 were studied retrospectively. Committee on Operating Room Safety in Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists (JSA) sent confidential questionnaires to 794 certified training hospitals of JSA and received answers from 67.6% of the hospitals. We analyzed their answers with a special reference to ASA physical status (ASA-PS). The total number of anesthesia available for this analysis was 897,733. The percentages of patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E are 38.0, 40.3, 8.5, 0.4, 4.3, 5.3, 2.5, and 0.7%, respectively. Mortality and morbidity from all kinds of causes including anesthetic management, intraoperative events, co-existing diseases, and surgical problems were as follows. The incidences of cardiac arrest (per 10,000 cases of anesthesia) were 1.11, 3.26, 12.25, 54.60, 0.77, 4.46, 21.08 and 217.75 in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. The incidences of critical events including cardiac arrest, severe hypotension, and severe hypoxemia were 6.89, 20.22, 62.18, 148.21, 6.71, 20.38, 106.72 and 592.21 in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. The mortality rates (death during anesthesia and within 7 postoperative days) after cardiac arrest were 0.26, 0.77, 3.69, 41.60, 0.00, 1.06, 9.42 and 163.31 per 10,000 cases of anesthesia in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. The overall mortality rates were 0.32, 1.38, 9.75, 70.20, 0.26, 2.12, 29.15 and 353.02 in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. Overall mortality and morbidity were higher in emergency anesthesia than in elective anesthesia. ASA-PS correlated well with overall mortality and morbidity, regardless of etiology. The incidences of cardiac arrest totally attributable to anesthesia were 0.23, 0.50, 1.32, 0.00, 0.00, 0.85, 2.69 and 4.95 in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. The incidences of all critical events totally attributable to anesthesia were 3.13, 5.56, 11.46, 5.20, 3.87, 5.94, 13.90 and 14.85 in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. The mortality rates after cardiac arrest totally attributable to anesthesia were 0.03, 0.03, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.21, 0.45 and 3.30 in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. The overall mortality rates totally attributable to anesthesia were 0.03, 0.06, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.21, 0.45 and 6.60 in patients with ASA-PS of I, II, III, IV, I E, II E, III E, and IV E, respectively. The overall mortality rate totally attributable to anesthesia among patients with good physical status (ASA-PS of I, II, I E, II E) was 0.05. Anesthetic management was mainly responsible for critical events in patients with good physical status, while coexisting diseases were in those with poor physical status. Surgical problems including procedures and massive hemorrhage were the leading causes of mortality in patients with good physical status. We reconfirmed that ASA-PS is useful to predict perioperative mortality and morbidity. It also seems likely that we should make much more efforts to reduce anesthetic morbidity in patients with good physical status, and to improve preanesthetic assessment and preparation in those with poor physical status. Reducing mortality and morbidity from surgical problems is also required for improving perioperative mortality.

Effect of angiotensin II on proliferation and differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells into mesodermal progenitor cells

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

Ishizuka, Toshiaki, E-mail: tishizu@ndmc.ac.jp; Goshima, Hazuki; Ozawa, Ayako

2012-03-30

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Treatment with angiotensin II enhanced LIF-induced DNA synthesis of mouse iPS cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Angiotensin II may enhance the DNA synthesis via induction of superoxide. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Treatment with angiotensin II significantly increased JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Angiotensin II enhanced differentiation into mesodermal progenitor cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Angiotensin II may enhance the differentiation via activation of p38 MAPK. -- Abstract: Previous studies suggest that angiotensin receptor stimulation may enhance not only proliferation but also differentiation of undifferentiated stem/progenitor cells. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the involvement of the angiotensin receptor in the proliferation and differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stemmore » (iPS) cells. Stimulation with angiotensin II (Ang II) significantly increased DNA synthesis in mouse iPS cells cultured in a medium with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Pretreatment of the cells with either candesartan (a selective Ang II type 1 receptor [AT{sub 1}R] antagonist) or Tempol (a cell-permeable superoxide scavenger) significantly inhibited Ang II-induced DNA synthesis. Treatment with Ang II significantly increased JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation. Pretreatment with candesartan significantly inhibited Ang II- induced JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation. In contrast, induction of mouse iPS cell differentiation into Flk-1-positive mesodermal progenitor cells was performed in type IV collagen (Col IV)- coated dishes in a differentiation medium without LIF. When Col IV-exposed iPS cells were treated with Ang II for 5 days, the expression of Flk-1 was significantly increased compared with that in the cells treated with the vehicle alone. Pretreatment of the cells with both candesartan and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) significantly inhibited the Ang II- induced increase in Flk-1 expression. Treatment with Ang II enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in Col IV- exposed iPS cells. These results suggest that the stimulation of mouse iPS cells with AT{sub 1}R may enhance LIF-induced DNA synthesis, by augmenting the generation of superoxide and activating JAK/STAT3, and that AT{sub 1}R stimulation may enhance Col IV-induced differentiation into mesodermal progenitor cells via p38 MAPK activation.« less

Impact of nitrophenols on the photosynthetic electron transport chain and ATP content in Nostoc muscorum and Chlorella vulgaris.

PubMed

Umamaheswari, A; Venkateswarlu, K

2004-06-01

Concentration-dependent inhibition of the photosynthetic electron transport chain (photosystem I (PS I), photosystem II (PS II) and whole chain reaction) and ATP content was observed in Nostoc muscorum and Chlorella vulgaris grown with o-nitrophenol, m-nitrophenol, or 2,4-dinitrophenol. Although the extents of inhibition of the photosynthetic electron transport chain in both organisms were similar, PS II was more sensitive than PS I and whole chain reaction to the nitrophenols. Depletion of the ATP pool was noted in nitrophenol-grown cultures, probably as a consequence of nearly complete inhibition of the photosynthetic electron transport chain.

Efficient biodegradation of acephate by Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes PS-5 in the presence and absence of heavy metal ions [Cu(II) and Fe(III)], and humic acid.

PubMed

Singh, Simranjeet; Kumar, Vijay; Upadhyay, Niraj; Singh, Joginder; Singla, Sourav; Datta, Shivika

2017-08-01

The present study was intended to investigate the biodegradation of acephate in aqueous media in the presence and in the absence of metal ions [Fe(III) and Cu(II)], and humic acid (HA). Biodegradations were performed using Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes PS-5 (PS-5) isolated from the heavy metal polluted site. Biodegradations were monitored by UV-Visible, FTIR, and electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analyses. ESI-MS analysis revealed that PS-5 degraded acephate to two metabolites showing intense ions at mass-to-charge ratios ( m / z ) 62 and 97. The observed kinetic was the pseudo-first order, and half-life periods ( t 1/2 ) were 2.79 d -1 (of PS-5 + acephate), 3.45 d -1 [of PS-5 + acephate + Fe(III)], 3.16 d -1 [of PS-5 + acephate + Cu(II)], and 5.54 d -1 (of PS-5 + acephate + HA). A significant decrease in degradation rate of acephate was noticed in the presence of HA, and the same was confirmed by UV-Visible and TGA analyses. Strong aggregation behavior of acephate with humic acid in aqueous media was the major cause behind the slow degradation rate of acephate . New results on acephate metabolism by strain PS-5 in the presence and in the absence of metal ions [Fe(III) and Cu(II)] and humic acid were obtained. Results confirmed that Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes strain PS-5 was capable of mineralization of the acephate without formation of toxic metabolite methamidophos. More significantly, the Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes strain PS-5 could be useful as potential biological agents in effective bioremediation campaign for multi-polluted environments.

Femtosecond spectroscopic study of the solvation of amphiphilic molecules by water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezus, Y. L. A.; Bakker, H. J.

2008-06-01

We use polarization-resolved mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy to study the aqueous solvation of proline and N-methylacetamide. These molecules serve as models to study the solvation of proteins. We monitor the orientational dynamics of partly deuterated water molecules (HDO) that are present at a low concentration in the water. We find that the OD vibration of HDO relaxes via an intermediate level, that is characterized by a hydrogen-bond that is stronger than in the ground state. With increasing concentration the lifetime of the excited state increases from 1.8 ps to 2.4 ps and the lifetime of the intermediate level from 0.6 ps to 1.0 ps. Regarding the orientational dynamics we observe biexponential behavior, which finds its origin in the presence of two classes of water molecules. There is a fraction of water molecules that has bulk-like orientational dynamics ( τrot = 2.5 ps) and a fraction of immobilized water molecules ( τrot > 10 ps). The relative abundance of the two fractions is determined by the nature and concentration of the solute. We find that the hydrophobic solute groups are responsible for the immobilization of water molecules. Every methyl group causes the immobilization of approximately 4 water OH groups. The hydrophilic solute groups, on the other hand, do not hinder the reorientation and the water molecules solvating them reorient with the same rate as in the bulk liquid.

Orientation and Order in Shear-Aligned Thin Films of Cylinder-Forming Block Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Register, Richard

The regularity and tunability of the nanoscale structure in block copolymers makes their thin films attractive as nanolithographic templates; however, in the absence of a guiding field, self-assembly produces a polygrain structure with no particular orientation and a high density of defects. As demonstrated in the elegant studies of Ed Kramer and coworkers, graphoepitaxy can provide local control over domain orientation, with a dramatic reduction in defect density. Alternatively, cylindrical microdomains lying in the plane of the film can be aligned over macroscopic areas by applying shear stress at the film surface. In non-sheared films of polystyrene-poly(n-hexylmethacrylate) diblocks, PS-PHMA, the PS cylinder axis orientation relative to the surface switches from parallel to perpendicular as a function of film thickness; this oscillation is damped out as the fraction of the PS block increases, away from the sphere-cylinder phase boundary. In aligned films, thicknesses which possess the highest coverage of parallel cylinders prior to shear show the highest quality of alignment post-shear, as measured by the in-plane orientational order parameter. In well-aligned samples of optimal thickness, the quality of alignment is limited by isolated dislocations, whose density is highest at high PS contents, and by undulations in the cylinders' trajectories, whose impact is most severe at low PS contents; consequently, polymers whose compositions lie in the middle of the cylinder-forming region exhibit the highest quality of alignment. The dynamics of the alignment process are also investigated, and fit to a melting-recrystallization model which allows for the determination of two key alignment parameters: the critical stress needed for alignment, and an orientation rate constant. For films containing a monolayer of cylindrical domains, as PS weight fraction or overall molecular weight increases, the critical stress increases moderately, while the rate of alignment drastically decreases. As the number of layers of cylinders in the film increases, the critical stress decreases modestly, while the rate remains unchanged; substrate wetting condition has no measurable influence on alignment response. [Work of Raleigh Davis, in collaboration with Paul Chaikin.

Uphill energy transfer from long-wavelength absorbing chlorophylls to PS II in Ostreobium sp. is functional in carbon assimilation.

PubMed

Wilhelm, Christian; Jakob, Torsten

2006-03-01

From the algal genus Ostrobium two species are known which express a chlorophyll antenna absorbing between 710 and 725 nm to a different extent. In a comparative study with these two species it is shown that quanta absorbed by this long wavelength antenna can be transferred to PS II leading to significant PS II-related electron transfer. It is documented that under monochromatic far red light illumination growth continues with rather high efficiency. The data show that the uphill-energy transfer to PS II reduces the quantum yield under white light significantly. It is discussed that this strategy of energy conversion might play a role in special environments where far red light is the predominant energy source.

Differences in the binding of the primary quinone receptor in Photosystem I and reaction centres of Rhodobacter sphaeroides-R26 studied with transient EPR spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Est, A.; Sieckmann, I.; Lubitz, W.; Stehlik, D.

1995-05-01

The binding of the primary quinone acceptor, Q, in Photosystem I (PS I) and reaction centres (RC's) of Rhodobacter Sphaeroide-R26 in which, the non-heme iron has been replaced by zinc (Zn-bRC's) is studied using transient EPR spectroscopy. In PS I, Q is phylloquinone (vitamin K 1, VK 1) and is referred to as A 1. In Zn-bRC's, it is ubiquinone-10 (UQ 10) and called Q A. Native samples of the two RC's as well as those in which A 1 and Q A have been replaced by perdeuterated napthoquinone (NQ- d6) and duroquinone (DQ- d12) are compared. The spin polarized K-band (24 GHz) spectra of the charge separated state P +.Q -. (P = primary chlorophyll donor) in Zn-bRC's show that substitution of Q A, with NQ- d6 and DQ- d12 does not have a measurable effect on the quinone orientation in the Q A site. In contrast, large differences in the orientation of VK 1, NQ- d6 and DQ- d12 in the A 1 site in PS I are found. In addition, all three quinones in PS I are oriented differently than Q A in Zn-bRC's. Further, the x and y principal values of the g-tensors of VK 1-., NQ -. and DQ -. in PS I are shown to be significantly larger than in frozen alcohol and Zn-bRC's. It is suggested that the differences in the orientation and a g-values of the quinones in the two RC's arise from a weaker binding to the protein in PS I.

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

Vermaas, Willem

The proposed research seeks to address two interconnected, important questions that impact photosynthetic processes and that reflect key differences between the photosynthetic systems of cyanobacteria and plants or algae. The first question is what are the reasons and consequences of the high photosystem I / photosystem II (PS I/PS II) ratio in many cyanobacteria, vs. a ratio that is close to unity in many plants and algae. The corresponding hypothesis is that most of PS I functions in cyclic electron transport, and that reduction in PS I will result primarily in a shortage of ATP rather than reducing power. Thismore » hypothesis will be tested by reducing the amount of PS I by changing the promoter region of the psaAB operon in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and generating a range of mutants with different PS I content and thereby different PS I/PS II ratios, with some of the mutants having a PS II/PS I ratio closer to that in plants. The resulting mutants will be probed in terms of their growth rates, electron transfer rates, and P700 redox kinetics. A second question relates to a Mehler-type reaction catalyzed by two flavoproteins, Flv1 and Flv3, that accept electrons from PS I and that potentially function as an electron safety valve leading to no useful purpose of the photosynthesis-generated electrons. The hypothesis to be tested is that Flv1 and Flv3 use the electrons for useful purposes such as cyclic electron flow around PS I. This hypothesis will be tested by analysis of a mutant strain lacking flv3, the gene for one of the flavoproteins. This research is important for a more detailed understanding of the consequences of photosystem stoichiometry and amounts in a living system. Such an understanding is critical for not only insights in the regulatory systems of the organism but also to guide the development of biological or bio-hybrid systems for solar energy conversion into fuels.« less

Optimal control of the orientation and alignment of an asymmetric-top molecule with terahertz and laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coudert, L. H.

2018-03-01

Quantum optimal control theory is applied to determine numerically the terahertz and nonresonant laser pulses leading, respectively, to the highest degree of orientation and alignment of the asymmetric-top H2S molecule. The optimized terahertz pulses retrieved for temperatures of zero and 50 K lead after 50 ps to an orientation with ⟨ΦZx⟩ = 0.959 73 and ⟨⟨ΦZx⟩⟩ = 0.742 30, respectively. For the zero temperature, the orientation is close to its maximum theoretical value; for the higher temperature, it is below the maximum theoretical value. The mechanism by which the terahertz pulse populates high lying rotational levels is elucidated. The 5 ps long optimized laser pulse calculated for a zero temperature leads to an alignment with ⟨ΦZy 2 ⟩ =0.944 16 and consists of several kick pulses with a duration of ≈0.1 ps. It is found that the timing of these kick pulses is such that it leads to an increase of the rotational energy of the molecule. The optimized laser pulse retrieved for a temperature of 20 K is 6 ps long and yields a lower alignment with ⟨⟨ΦZy 2 ⟩ ⟩ =0.717 20 .

Ultrafast Primary Reactions in the Photosystems of Oxygen-Evolving Organisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holzwarth, A. R.

In oxygen-evolving photosynthetic organisms (plants, green algae, cyanobacteria), the primary steps of photosynthesis occur in two membrane-bound protein supercomplexes, Photosystem I (PS I) and Photosystem II (PS II), located in the thylakoid membrane (c.f. Fig. 7.1) along with two other important protein complexes, the cytochrome b6/f complex and the ATP-synthase [1]. Each of the photosystems consists of a reaction center (RC) where the photoinduced early electron transfer processes occur, of a so-called core antenna consisting of chlorophyll (Chl) protein complexes responsible for light absorption and ultrafast energy transfer to the RC pigments, and additional peripheral antenna complexes of various kinds that increase the absorption cross-section. The peripheral complexes are Chl a/b-protein complexes in higher plants and green algae (LHC I or LHC II for PS I or PS II, respectively) and so-called phycobilisomes in cyanobacteria and red algae [2-4]. The structures and light-harvesting functions of these antenna systems have been extensively reviewed [2, 5-9]. Recently, X-ray structures of both PS I and PS II antenna/RC complexes have been determined, some to atomic resolution. Although many details of the pigment content and organization of the RCs and antenna systems of PS I and PS II have been known before, the high resolution structures of the integral complexes allow us for the first time to try to understand structure/function relationships in detail. This article covers our present understanding of the ultrafast energy transfer and early electron transfer processes occurring in the photosystems of oxygen-evolving organisms. The main emphasis will be on the electron transfer processes. However, in both photosystems the kinetics of the energy transfer processes in the core antennae is intimately interwoven with the kinetics of the electron transfer steps. Since both types of processes occur on a similar time scale, their kinetics cannot be considered separately in any experiment and consequently they have to be discussed together.

PS: A nonprocedural language with data types and modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gokhale, M. B.

1986-01-01

The Problem Specification (PS) nonprocedural language is a very high level language for algorithm specification. PS is suitable for nonprogrammers, who can specify a problem using mathematically-oriented equations; for expert programmers, who can prototype different versions of a software system for evaluation; and for those who wish to use specifications for portions (if not all) of a program. PS has data types and modules similar to Modula-2. The compiler generates C code. PS is first shown by example, and then efficiency issues in scheduling and code generation are discussed.

Spraying Brassinolide improves Sigma Broad tolerance in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) through modulation of antioxidant activity and photosynthetic capacity.

PubMed

Yuan, Xiang-Yang; Zhang, Li-Guang; Huang, Lei; Yang, Hui-Jie; Zhong, Yan-Ting; Ning, Na; Wen, Yin-Yuan; Dong, Shu-Qi; Song, Xi-E; Wang, Hong-Fu; Guo, Ping-Yi

2017-09-11

To explore the role of Brassinolide (BR) in improving the tolerance of Sigma Broad in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), effects of 0.1 mg/L of BR foliar application 24 h before 3.37 g/ha of Sigma Broad treatment at five-leaf stage of foxtail millet on growth parameters, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate (P N ), chlorophyll fluorescence and P 700 parameters were studied 7 and 15 d after herbicide treatment, respectively. Results showed that Sigma Broad significantly decreased plant height, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), chlorophyll content, P N , PS II effective quantum yield (Y (II)), PS II electron transport rate (ETR (II)), photochemical quantum yield of PSI(Y (I)) and PS I electron transport rate ETR (I), but significantly increased MDA. Compared to herbicide treatment, BR dramatically increased plant height, activities of SOD, Y (II), ETR (II), Y (I) and ETR (I). This study showed BR pretreatment could improve the tolerance of Sigma Broad in foxtail millet through improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes, keeping electron transport smooth, and enhancing actual photochemical efficiency of PS II and PSI.

Adsorption of transition metal ions from aqueous solutions onto a novel silica gel matrix inorganic-organic composite material.

PubMed

Yin, Ping; Xu, Qiang; Qu, Rongjun; Zhao, Guifang; Sun, Yanzhi

2010-01-15

A novel inorganic-organic composite material silica gel microspheres encapsulated by imidazole functionalized polystyrene (SG-PS-azo-IM) has been synthesized and characterized. This composite material was used to investigate the adsorption of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Ag(I), and Au(III) from aqueous solutions, and the research results displayed that SG-PS-azo-IM has the highest adsorption capacity for Au(III). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to analyze the experimental data, the best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Langmuir isotherm equation, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Au(III) is 1.700 mmol/g. The adsorption selectivity, the dynamic adsorption and desorption properties of SG-PS-azo-IM for Au(III) have also been studied. The results showed that SG-PS-azo-IM had excellent adsorption for Au(III) in four binary ions system, especially in the systems of Au(III)-Zn(II) and Au(III)-Cu(II), and almost Au(III) could be desorbed with the eluent solution of 0.5% thiourea in 1 mol/L HCl. Moreover, this novel composite material was used to preconcentrate Au(III) before its determination by flame atomic adsorption spectrometry. In the initial concentration range of 0.10-0.20 microg/mL, multiple of enrichment could reach 5.28. Thus, silica gel encapsulated by polystyrene coupling with imidazole (SG-PS-azo-IM) is favorable and useful for the removal of transition metal ions, and the high adsorption capacity makes it a good promising candidate material for Au(III) removal.

Water dynamics at neutral and ionic interfaces

PubMed Central

Fenn, Emily E.; Wong, Daryl B.; Fayer, M. D.

2009-01-01

The orientational dynamics of water at a neutral surfactant reverse micelle interface are measured with ultrafast infrared spectroscopy of the hydroxyl stretch, and the results are compared to orientational relaxation of water interacting with an ionic interface. The comparison provides insights into the influence of a neutral vs. ionic interface on hydrogen bond dynamics. Measurements are made and analyzed for large nonionic surfactant Igepal CO-520reverse micelles (water nanopool with a 9-nm diameter). The results are compared with those from a previous study of reverse micelles of the same size formed with the ionic surfactant Aerosol-OT (AOT). The results demonstrate that the orientational relaxation times for interfacial water molecules in the two types of reverse micelles are very similar (13 ps for Igepal and 18 ps for AOT) and are significantly slower than that of bulk water (2.6 ps). The comparison of water orientational relaxation at neutral and ionic interfaces shows that the presence of an interface plays the dominant role in determining the hydrogen bond dynamics, whereas the chemical nature of the interface plays a secondary role. PMID:19706895

Systems approach to excitation-energy and electron transfer reaction networks in photosystem II complex: model studies for chlorophyll a fluorescence induction kinetics.

PubMed

Matsuoka, Takeshi; Tanaka, Shigenori; Ebina, Kuniyoshi

2015-09-07

Photosystem II (PS II) is a protein complex which evolves oxygen and drives charge separation for photosynthesis employing electron and excitation-energy transfer processes over a wide timescale range from picoseconds to milliseconds. While the fluorescence emitted by the antenna pigments of this complex is known as an important indicator of the activity of photosynthesis, its interpretation was difficult because of the complexity of PS II. In this study, an extensive kinetic model which describes the complex and multi-timescale characteristics of PS II is analyzed through the use of the hierarchical coarse-graining method proposed in the authors׳ earlier work. In this coarse-grained analysis, the reaction center (RC) is described by two states, open and closed RCs, both of which consist of oxidized and neutral special pairs being in quasi-equilibrium states. Besides, the PS II model at millisecond scale with three-state RC, which was studied previously, could be derived by suitably adjusting the kinetic parameters of electron transfer between tyrosine and RC. Our novel coarse-grained model of PS II can appropriately explain the light-intensity dependent change of the characteristic patterns of fluorescence induction kinetics from O-J-I-P, which shows two inflection points, J and I, between initial point O and peak point P, to O-J-D-I-P, which shows a dip D between J and I inflection points. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Orientations of Iron-Sulfur Clusters FA and FB in the Homodimeric Type-I Photosynthetic Reaction Center of Heliobacterium modesticaldum.

PubMed

Kondo, Toru; Matsuoka, Masahiro; Azai, Chihiro; Itoh, Shigeru; Oh-Oka, Hirozo

2016-05-12

Orientations of the FA and FB iron-sulfur (FeS) clusters in a structure-unknown type-I homodimeric heriobacterial reaction center (hRC) were studied in oriented membranes of the thermophilic anaerobic photosynthetic bacterium Heliobacterium modesticaldum by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and compared with those in heterodimeric photosystem I (PS I). The Rieske-type FeS center in the cytochrome b/c complex showed a well-oriented EPR signal. Illumination at 14 K induced an FB(-) signal with g-axes of gz = 2.066, gy = 1.937, and gx = 1.890, tilted at angles of 60°, 60°, and 45°, respectively, with respect to the membrane normal. Chemical reduction with dithionite produced an additional signal of FA(-), which magnetically interacted with FB(-), with gz = 2.046, gy = 1.942, and gx = 1.911 at 30°, 60°, and 90°, respectively. The angles and redox properties of FA(-) and FB(-) in hRC resemble those of FB(-) and FA(-), respectively, in PS I. Therefore, FA and FB in hRC, named after their g-value similarities, seem to be located like FB and FA, not like FA and FB, respectively, in PS I. The reducing side of hRC could resemble those in PS I, if the names of FA and FB are interchanged with each other.

Oriented Adhesion of Escherichia coli to Polystyrene Particles

PubMed Central

Jones, Joseph F.; Feick, Jason D.; Imoudu, Daniel; Chukwumah, Nkiru; Vigeant, Margot; Velegol, Darrell

2003-01-01

The adhesion of nonflagellated Escherichia coli strain K-12 to polystyrene (PS) latex spheres or glass capillaries has been observed by using several techniques. Attention was focused on the orientation of the rod-shaped bacteria as they adhered to the surfaces in 100 mM phosphate-buffered saline. Data show that PS particles adhered to the ends of the bacteria more than 90% of the time. Moreover, the PS particles adhered to one end only, never to both. Similarly, for experiments with bacteria adhering to glass, the bacteria adhered on their ends. In order to determine whether the end of a bacterium had a different charge density from that of the middle, rotational electrophoresis experiments were used. These experiments indicated no measurable charge nonuniformity. In order to examine how strongly adhered the bacteria were to the PS particles, differential electrophoresis was used. Almost always, bacteria were found to be irreversibly adhered to the PS spheres. The cause of the oriented adhesion is not likely due to surface lipopolysaccharides (LPS), since the three strains of K-12 that were used, each having a different length of LPS, showed similar behavior. The results are discussed in terms of bacterial cell polarity. The data indicate that nanodomains on the bacterial ends are important for adhesion and that the time scale for irreversible adhesion is short. PMID:14602608

Comparison of the Manganese Cluster in Oxygen-Evolving Photosystem II with Distorted Cubane Manganese Compounds through X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Cinco, Roehl M.; Rompel, Annette; Visser, Hendrik; Aromí, Guillem; Christou, George; Sauer, Kenneth; Klein, Melvin P.; Yachandra, Vittal K.

2014-01-01

X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been employed to assess the degree of similarity between the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II (PS II) and a family of synthetic manganese complexes containing the distorted cubane [Mn4O3X] core (X = benzoate, acetate, methoxide, hydroxide, azide, fluoride, chloride, or bromide). These [Mn4(μ3-O)3(μ3-X)] cubanes possess C3v symmetry except for the X = benzoate species, which is slightly more distorted with only Cs symmetry. In addition, Mn4O3Cl complexes containing three or six terminal Cl ligands at three of the Mn were included in this study. The Mn K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) from the oxygen-ligated complexes begin to resemble general features of the PS II (S1 state) spectrum, although the second derivatives are distinct from those in PS II. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) of these Mn compounds also displays superficial resemblance to that of PS II, but major differences emerge on closer examination of the phases and amplitudes. The most obvious distinction is the smaller magnitude of the Fourier transform (FT) of the PS II EXAFS compared to the FTs from the distorted cubanes. Curve fitting of the Mn EXAFS spectra verifies the known core structures of the Mn cubanes, and shows that the number of the crucial 2.7 and 3.3 Å Mn–Mn distances differs from that observed in the OEC. The EXAFS method detects small changes in the core structures as X is varied in this series, and serves to exclude the distorted cubane of C3v symmetry as a topological model for the Mn catalytic cluster of the OEC. Instead, the method shows that even more distortion of the cubane framework, altering the ratio of the Mn–Mn distances, is required to resemble the Mn cluster in PS II. PMID:11671305

Photoinhibition of Photosystems I and II Using Chlorophyll Fluorescence Measurements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quiles, Maria Jose

2005-01-01

In this study the photoinhibition of photosystems (PS) I and II caused by exposure to high intensity light in oat ("Avena sativa," var Prevision) is measured by the emission of chlorophyll fluorescence in intact leaves adapted to darkness. The maximal quantum yield of PS II was lower in plants grown under high light intensity than in plants grown…

Volume changes and electrostriction in the primary photoreactions of various photosynthetic systems: estimation of dielectric coefficient in bacterial reaction centers and of the observed volume changes with the Drude-Nernst equation.

PubMed

Mauzerall, David; Hou, Jian-Min; Boichenko, Vladimir A

2002-01-01

Photoacoustics (PA) allows the determination of enthalpy and volume changes of photoreactions in photosynthetic reaction centers on the 0.1-10 mus time scale. These include the bacterial centers from Rb. sphaeroides, PS I and PS II centers from Synechocystis and in whole cells. In vitro and in vivo PA data on PS I and PS II revealed that both the volume change (-26 A(3)) and reaction enthalpy (-0.4 eV) in PS I are the same as those in the bacterial centers. However the volume change in PS II is small and the enthalpy far larger, -1 eV. Assigning the volume changes to electrostriction allows a coherent explanation of these observations. One can explain the large volume decrease in the bacterial centers with an effective dielectric coefficient of approximately 4. This is a unique approach to this parameter so important in estimation of protein energetics. The value of the volume contraction for PS I can only be explained if the acceptor is the super- cluster (Fe(4)S(4))(Cys(4)) with charge change from -1 to -2. The small volume change in PS II is explained by sub-mus electron transfer from Y(Z) anion to P(680) cation, in which charge is only moved from the Y(Z) anion to the Q(A) with no charge separation or with rapid proton transfer from oxidized Y(Z) to a polar region and thus very little change in electrostriction. At more acid pH equally rapid proton transfer from a neighboring histidine to a polar region may be caused by the electric field of the P(680) cation.

Resolution and identification of the protein components of the photosystem II antenna system of higher plants by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with electrospray-mass spectrometric detection.

PubMed

Corradini, D; Huber, C G; Timperio, A M; Zolla, L

2000-07-21

Reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) was interfaced to mass spectrometry (MS) with an electrospray ion (ESI) source for the separation and accurate molecular mass determination of the individual intrinsic membrane proteins that comprise the photosystem II (PS II) major light-harvesting complex (LHC II) and minor (CP24, CP26 and CP29) antenna system, whose molecular masses range between 22,000 and 29,000. PS II is a supramolecular complex intrinsic of the thylacoid membrane, which plays the important role in photosynthesis of capturing solar energy, and transferring it to photochemical reaction centers where energy conversion occurs. The protein components of the PS II major and minor antenna systems were extracted from spinach thylacoid membranes and separated using a butyl-silica column eluted by an acetonitrile gradient in 0.05% (v/v) aqueous trifluoroacetic acid. On-line electrospray MS allowed accurate molecular mass determination and identification of the protein components of PS II major and minor antenna system. The proposed RPLC-ESI-MS method holds several advantages over sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the conventional technique for studying membrane proteins, including a better protein separation, mass accuracy, speed and efficiency.

Manganese-dependent carboanhydrase activity of photosystem II proteins.

PubMed

Shitov, A V; Pobeguts, O V; Smolova, T N; Allakhverdiev, S I; Klimov, V V

2009-05-01

Four sources of carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in submembrane preparations of photosystem II (PS II) isolated from pea leaves were examined. Three of them belong to the hydrophilic proteins of the oxygen-evolving complex of PS II with molecular mass 33 kDa (protein PsbO), 24 kDa (protein PsbP), and 18 kDa (protein PsbQ). The fourth source of CA activity is associated with a pigment-protein complex of PS II after removing three hydrophilic proteins by salt treatment. Except for protein PsbQ, the CA activity of all these proteins depends on the presence of Mn2+: the purified protein PsbO did not show CA activity before adding Mn2+ into the medium (concentration of Mn2+ required for 50% effect, EC(50), was 670 microM); CA activity of protein mixture composed of PsbP and PsbQ increased more than 5-fold upon adding Mn2+ (EC(50) was 45 microM). CA activity of purified protein PsbP increased 2-fold in the presence of 200 microM Mn2+. As indicated for the mixture of two proteins (PsbP and PsbQ), Mg2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+, in contrast to Mn2+, suppressed CA activity (both initial and Mn2+-induced activity). Since the found sources of CA activity demonstrated properties different from ones of typical CA (need for Mn2+, insensitivity or low sensitivity to acetazolamide or ethoxyzolamide) and such CA activity was found only among PS II proteins, we cannot exclude that they belong to the type of Mn-dependent CA associated with PS II.

Angiotensin II stimulates basolateral 50-pS K channels in the thick ascending limb.

PubMed

Wang, Mingxiao; Luan, Haiyan; Wu, Peng; Fan, Lili; Wang, Lijun; Duan, Xinpeng; Zhang, Dandan; Wang, Wen-Hui; Gu, Ruimin

2014-03-01

We used the patch-clamp technique to examine the effect of angiotensin II (ANG II) on the basolateral K channels in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the rat kidney. Application of ANG II increased the channel activity and the current amplitude of the basolateral 50-pS K channel. The stimulatory effect of ANG II on the K channels was completely abolished by losartan, an inhibitor of type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R), but not by PD123319, an AT2R antagonist. Moreover, inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) also abrogated the stimulatory effect of ANG II on the basolateral K channels in the TAL. This suggests that the stimulatory effect of ANG II on the K channels was induced by activating PLC and PKC pathways. Western blotting demonstrated that ANG II increased the phosphorylation of c-Src at tyrosine residue 416, an indication of c-Src activation. This effect was mimicked by PKC stimulator but abolished by calphostin C. Moreover, inhibition of NADPH oxidase (NOX) also blocked the effect of ANG II on c-Src tyrosine phosphorylation. The role of Src-family protein tyrosine kinase (SFK) in mediating the effect of ANG II on the basolateral K channel was further suggested by the experiments in which inhibition of SFK abrogated the stimulatory effect of ANG II on the basolateral 50-pS K channel. We conclude that ANG II increases basolateral 50-pS K channel activity via AT1R and that activation of AT1R stimulates SFK by a PLC-PKC-NOX-dependent mechanism.

Optimizing COD removal from greywater by photoelectro-persulfate process using Box-Behnken design: assessment of effluent quality and electrical energy consumption.

PubMed

Ahmadi, Mehdi; Ghanbari, Farshid

2016-10-01

Greywater (GW) is a potential source for water reuse in various applications. However, GW treatment is still a vital issue in water reuse in cases of environmental standards and risk to public health. This study investigates optimization and modeling of a hybrid process for COD removal from GW. Persulfate (PS) was simultaneously activated by electrogenerated ferrous ion (EC) and UV to generate sulfate radical. Photoelectro-persulfate (PEPS) was optimized by Box-Behnken design and the effects of four variables (pH, PS dosage, current density, and electrolysis time) were evaluated on COD removal. The results and several coefficients showed that the obtained model was acceptable for predicting the COD removal. Moreover, under optimum conditions (pH = 6.9, PS = 8.8 mM, current density = 2.0 mA/cm(2), and 49.3 min electrolysis time), BOD5, turbidity, TSS, phosphate, and UV254 were effectively removed and COD and BOD5 values reached to discharge standards. Different configurations of the processes were assessed for COD removal. The order of COD removal efficiency followed: PS < Fe(II) < UV/PS ≤ Fe(II)/PS < Fe(II)/PS/UV < electrocoagulation ≤ electrocoagulation/UV < electro-PS < PEPS. The monitoring PS concentration during 60 min reaction time in the aforesaid processes indicated that PEPS could remarkably activate PS. The solution pH was also monitored and related results revealed that the presence of PS during the 10 min first time decreased pH value while production of hydroxide ion at cathode increased pH significantly. Finally, the contribution of electrochemical process in the electrical energy consumption was far less than that of photolysis process in hybrid PEPS process.

Design and Fabrication of High-Performance LWIR Photodetectors Based on Type-II Superlattices

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-11

SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 NUMBER(S) AFRL -RV-PS-TR-2017-0090 12. DISTRIBUTION / AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public...unlimited. 13 DISTRIBUTION LIST DTIC/OCP 8725 John J. Kingman Rd, Suite 0944 Ft Belvoir, VA 22060-6218 1 cy AFRL /RVIL Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 2... AFRL -RV-PS- AFRL -RV-PS- TR-2017-0090 TR-2017-0090 DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF HIGH- PERFORMANCE LWIR PHOTODETECTORS BASED ON TYPE-II SUPERLATTICES

Passive aeration composting of chicken litter: effects of aeration pipe orientation and perforation size on losses of compost elements.

PubMed

Ogunwande, Gbolabo A; Osunade, James A

2011-01-01

A passive aeration composting study was undertaken to investigate the effects of aeration pipe orientation (PO) and perforation size (PS) on some physico-chemical properties of chicken litter (chicken manure + sawdust) during composting. The experimental set up was a two-factor completely randomised block design with two pipe orientations: horizontal (Ho) and vertical (Ve), and three perforation sizes: 15, 25 and 35 mm diameter. The properties monitored during composting were pile temperature, moisture content (MC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total carbon (C(T)), total nitrogen (N(T)) and total phosphorus (P(T)). Moisture level in the piles was periodically replenished to 60% for efficient microbial activities. The results of the study showed that optimum composting conditions (thermophilic temperatures and sanitation requirements) were attained in all the piles. During composting, both PO and PS significantly affected pile temperature, moisture level, pH, C(T) loss and P(T) gain. EC was only affected by PO while N(T) was affected by PS. Neither PO nor PS had a significant effect on the C:N ratio. A vertical pipe was effective for uniform air distribution, hence, uniform composting rate within the composting pile. The final values showed that PO of Ve and PS of 35 mm diameter resulted in the least loss in N(T). The PO of Ho was as effective as Ve in the conservation of C(T) and P(T). Similarly, the three PSs were equally effective in the conservation of C(T) and P(T). In conclusion, the combined effects of PO and PS showed that treatments Ve35 and Ve15 were the most effective in minimizing N(T) loss. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Probability, not linear summation, mediates the detection of concentric orientation-defined textures.

PubMed

Schmidtmann, Gunnar; Jennings, Ben J; Bell, Jason; Kingdom, Frederick A A

2015-01-01

Previous studies investigating signal integration in circular Glass patterns have concluded that the information in these patterns is linearly summed across the entire display for detection. Here we test whether an alternative form of summation, probability summation (PS), modeled under the assumptions of Signal Detection Theory (SDT), can be rejected as a model of Glass pattern detection. PS under SDT alone predicts that the exponent β of the Quick- (or Weibull-) fitted psychometric function should decrease with increasing signal area. We measured spatial integration in circular, radial, spiral, and parallel Glass patterns, as well as comparable patterns composed of Gabors instead of dot pairs. We measured the signal-to-noise ratio required for detection as a function of the size of the area containing signal, with the remaining area containing dot-pair or Gabor-orientation noise. Contrary to some previous studies, we found that the strength of summation never reached values close to linear summation for any stimuli. More importantly, the exponent β systematically decreased with signal area, as predicted by PS under SDT. We applied a model for PS under SDT and found that it gave a good account of the data. We conclude that probability summation is the most likely basis for the detection of circular, radial, spiral, and parallel orientation-defined textures.

The efficiency of non-photochemical fluorescence quenching by cation radicals in photosystem II reaction centers.

PubMed

Paschenko, V Z; Churin, A A; Gorokhov, V V; Grishanova, N P; Korvatovskii, B N; Maksimov, E G; Mamedov, M D

2016-12-01

In a direct experiment, the rate constants of photochemical k p and non-photochemical k p + quenching of the chlorophyll fluorescence have been determined in spinach photosystem II (PS II) membrane fragments, oxygen-evolving PS II core, as well as manganese-depleted PS II particles using pulse fluorimetry. In the dark-adapted reaction center(s) (RC), the fluorescence decay kinetics of the antenna were measured at low-intensity picosecond pulsed excitation. To create a "closed" P680 + Q A - state, RCs were illuminated by high-intensity actinic flash 8 ns prior to the measuring flash. The obtained data were approximated by the sum of two decaying exponents. It was found that the antennae fluorescence quenching efficiency by the oxidized photoactive pigment of RC P680 + was about 1.5 times higher than that of the neutral P680 state. These results were confirmed by a single-photon counting technique, which allowed to resolve the additional slow component of the fluorescence decay. Slow component was assigned to the charge recombination of P680 + Pheo - in PS II RC. Thus, for the first time, the ratio k p + /k p  ≅ 1.5 was found directly. The mechanism of the higher efficiency of non-photochemical quenching comparing to photochemical quenching is discussed.

Miniaturized Retrodirective Arrays for a Nanosatellite Platform

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

TABLE I ABBREVIATED CONTROL MODULE LOOKUP TABLE PS2 PS3 PS4 e B4 B3 82 81 84 83 82 81 84 83 82 81 30.00 1 1 0 0 I 0 0 0 0 I 0 0 22.02 l l 0 1 l 0 I...is controlled by bit values in columns PS2, PS3 , and PS4 of Table I. 4.3.2 Experimental Results Full-Duplex Operation To show the full-duplex

Sum frequency generation and solid-state NMR study of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of polystyrene-adsorbed peptides

PubMed Central

Weidner, Tobias; Breen, Nicholas F.; Li, Kun; Drobny, Gary P.; Castner, David G.

2010-01-01

The power of combining sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy to quantify, with site specificity and atomic resolution, the orientation and dynamics of side chains in synthetic model peptides adsorbed onto polystyrene (PS) surfaces is demonstrated in this study. Although isotopic labeling has long been used in ssNMR studies to site-specifically probe the structure and dynamics of biomolecules, the potential of SFG to probe side chain orientation in isotopically labeled surface-adsorbed peptides and proteins remains largely unexplored. The 14 amino acid leucine-lysine peptide studied in this work is known to form an α-helical secondary structure at liquid-solid interfaces. Selective, individual deuteration of the isopropyl group in each leucine residue was used to probe the orientation and dynamics of each individual leucine side chain of LKα14 adsorbed onto PS. The selective isotopic labeling methods allowed SFG analysis to determine the orientations of individual side chains in adsorbed peptides. Side chain dynamics were obtained by fitting the deuterium ssNMR line shape to specific motional models. Through the combined use of SFG and ssNMR, the dynamic trends observed for individual side chains by ssNMR have been correlated with side chain orientation relative to the PS surface as determined by SFG. This combination provides a more complete and quantitative picture of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of these surface-adsorbed peptides than could be obtained if either technique were used separately. PMID:20628016

Redox potential of pheophytin a in photosystem II of two cyanobacteria having the different special pair chlorophylls.

PubMed

Allakhverdiev, Suleyman I; Tomo, Tatsuya; Shimada, Yuichiro; Kindo, Hayato; Nagao, Ryo; Klimov, Vyacheslav V; Mimuro, Mamoru

2010-02-23

Water oxidation by photosystem (PS) II in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms is a major source of energy on the earth, leading to the production of a stable reductant. Mechanisms generating a high oxidation potential for water oxidation have been a major focus of photosynthesis research. This potential has not been estimated directly but has been measured by the redox potential of the primary electron acceptor, pheophytin (Phe) a. However, the reported values for Phe a are still controversial. Here, we measured the redox potential of Phe a under physiological conditions (pH 7.0; 25 degrees C) in two cyanobacteria with different special pair chlorophylls (Chls): Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, whose special pair for PS II consists of Chl a, and Acaryochloris marina MBIC 11017, whose special pair for PS II consists of Chl d. We obtained redox potentials of -536 +/- 8 mV for Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and -478 +/- 24 mV for A. marina on PS II complexes in the presence of 1.0 M betaine. The difference in the redox potential of Phe a between the two species closely corresponded with the difference in the light energy absorbed by Chl a versus Chl d. We estimated the potentials of the special pair of PS II to be 1.20 V and 1.18 V for Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (P680) and A. marina (P713), respectively. This clearly indicates conservation in the properties of water-oxidation systems in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, irrespective of the special-pair chlorophylls.

Intrinsic polarization switching in BaTi O3 crystal under uniaxial electromechanical loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yingwei; Wang, Jie; Li, Faxin

2016-11-01

Both 180∘ and 90∘ intrinsic polarization switching (IPS) in BaTi O3 crystal were investigated by Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire (LGD) theory under combined electric field and stress loading. Results show that for 180∘PS , the coercive electric field (EIC 180∘) increases under tension but decreases under compression with increasing stresses. The 90∘PS was classified into two types. For type I 90∘PS , EIC I (90∘) increases under tension but decreases under compression with increasing stresses, similar to 180∘PS ; while for type II 90∘PS , an opposite variation trend is observed. (The definition of the type I and the type II 90∘PS is given in the text.) Additionally, the calculation demonstrates that under tensile stresses or under compressive stresses between -140 and 0 MPa, the electric field needed to drive both types of 90∘PS is smaller than that needed for driving 180∘PS , implying that 180∘PS is favorable to accomplish by two-step 90∘PS . As EI C refers to 180∘PS in the past investigations, these demonstrate that the EI C calculated by others may be overestimated. Moreover, the coercive stresses needed to drive 90∘ ferroelastic IPS was also calculated as a function of preloading bias electric fields.

GPS PPP-derived precipitable water vapor retrieval based on Tm/Ps from multiple sources of meteorological data sets in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongxing; Yuan, Yunbin; Li, Wei; Ou, Jikun; Li, Ying; Zhang, Baocheng

2017-04-01

Weighted mean temperature (Tm) and pressure (Ps) are two parameters of great relevance to precipitable water vapor (PWV) retrieval from global positioning system (GPS) data. However, information about the Tm and Ps cannot be available for those GPS stations that are not colocated with meteorological sensors. To investigate the optimal GPS-PWV retrieval method for China, two enhanced Tm models, GM-Tm (temperature dependent) and GH-Tm (temperature independent), are developed. Additionally, the potentials of the Ps data from the two reanalysis data sets, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)-Department of Energy (DOE) Reanalysis II (NCEP II) and ERA-Interim, and from the empirical model GPT2w for GPS-PWV retrieval are investigated over China. To evaluate the performances of multisources Tm and Ps data for GPS-PWV retrieval, GPS data (2011-2013) collected from 22 stations of the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) were processed by using the precise point positioning (PPP) technique, estimating the zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) so as to be subsequently converted to GPS-PWV. The retrieved GPS-PWVs are compared with their counterparts derived from NCEP II and radiosonde data over China. The results show that (1) the GM-Tm model consistently shows the highest accuracy (with root mean square error of 2.3 K), and the GH-Tm model should be selected when temperature observations are not available, and that (2) the performances of Ps from NCEP II and ERA-Interim differ marginally for GPS-PWV retrieval, and significant seasonal variations are found in the agreement between the GPS-PWVs and the PWVs derived from NCEP II and radiosonde data over China.

Ordered adsorption of coagulation factor XII on negatively charged polymer surfaces probed by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaoyun; Wang, Jie; Paszti, Zoltan; Wang, Fulin; Schrauben, Joel N; Tarabara, Volodymyr V; Schmaier, Alvin H; Chen, Zhan

2007-05-01

Electrostatic interactions between negatively charged polymer surfaces and factor XII (FXII), a blood coagulation factor, were investigated by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, supplemented by several analytical techniques including attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), zeta-potential measurement, and chromogenic assay. A series of sulfonated polystyrenes (sPS) with different sulfonation levels were synthesized as model surfaces with different surface charge densities. SFG spectra collected from FXII adsorbed onto PS and sPS surfaces with different surface charge densities showed remarkable differences in spectral features and especially in spectral intensity. Chromogenic assay experiments showed that highly charged sPS surfaces induced FXII autoactivation. ATR-FTIR and QCM results indicated that adsorption amounts on the PS and sPS surfaces were similar even though the surface charge densities were different. No significant conformational change was observed from FXII adsorbed onto surfaces studied. Using theoretical calculations, the possible contribution from the third-order nonlinear optical effect induced by the surface electric field was evaluated, and it was found to be unable to yield the SFG signal enhancement observed. Therefore it was concluded that the adsorbed FXII orientation and ordering were the main reasons for the remarkable SFG amide I signal increase on sPS surfaces. These investigations indicate that negatively charged surfaces facilitate or induce FXII autoactivation on the molecular level by imposing specific orientation and ordering on the adsorbed protein molecules.

The One-Pot Directed Assembly of Cylinder-Forming Block Copolymer on Adjacent Chemical Patterns for Bimodal Patterning.

PubMed

Chang, Tzu-Hsuan; Xiong, Shisheng; Liu, Chi-Chun; Liu, Dong; Nealey, Paul F; Ma, Zhenqiang

2017-09-01

The direct self-assembly of cylinder-forming poly(styrene-block-methyl-methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) block copolymer is successfully assembled into two orientations, according to the underlying guiding pattern in different areas. Lying-down and perpendicular cylinders are formed, respectively, depending on the design of chemical pattern: sparse line/space pattern or hexagonal dot array. The first chemical pattern composed of prepatterned cross-linked polystyrene (XPS) line/space structure has a period (L S ) equal to twice the intercylinder period of the block copolymer (L 0 ). The PS-b-PMMA thin film on the prepared chemical template after thermal annealing forms a lying-down cylinder morphology when the width of the PS strips is less than the width of PS block in the PS-b-PMMA block copolymer. The morphology is only applicable at the discrete thickness of the PS-b-PMMA film. In addition to forming the lying-down cylinders directly on the XPS guiding pattern, the cylinder-forming block copolymer can also be assembled in a perpendicular way on the second guiding pattern (the hexagonal dot array). The block copolymer films are registered into two orientations in a single directed self-assembly process. The features of the assembled patterns are successfully transferred down to the silicon oxide substrate. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Photodamage of a Mn(III/IV)-oxo mixed-valence compound and photosystem II: evidence that a high-valent manganese species is responsible for UV-induced photodamage of the oxygen-evolving complex in photosystem II.

PubMed

Wei, Zi; Cady, Clyde W; Brudvig, Gary W; Hou, Harvey J M

2011-01-01

The Mn cluster in photosystem II (PS II) is believed to play an important role in the UV photoinhibition of green plants, but the mechanism is still not clear at a molecular level. In this work, the photochemical stability of [Mn(III)(O)(2)Mn(IV)(H(2)O)(2)(Terpy)(2)](NO(3))(3) (Terpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine), designated as Mn-oxo mixed-valence dimer, a well characterized functional model of the oxygen-evolving complex in PS II, was examined in aqueous solution by exposing the complex to excess light irradiation at six different wavelengths in the range of 250 to 700 nm. The photodamage of the Mn-oxo mixed-valence dimer was confirmed by the decrease of its oxygen-evolution activity measured in the presence of the chemical oxidant oxone. Ultraviolet light irradiation induced a new absorption peak at around 400-440 nm of the Mn-oxo mixed-valence dimer. Visible light did not have the same effect on the Mn-oxo mixed-valence dimer. We speculate that the spectral change may be caused by conversion of the Mn(III)O(2)Mn(IV) dimer into a new structure--Mn(IV)O(2)Mn(IV). In the processes, the appearance of a 514 nm fluorescence peak was observed in the solution and may be linked to the hydration or protonation of Terpy ligand in the Mn-oxo dimer. In comparing the response of the PS II functional model compound and the PS II complex to excess light radiation, our results support the idea that UV photoinhibition is triggered at the Mn(4)Ca center of the oxygen-evolution complex in PS II by forming a modified structure, possibly a Mn(IV) species, and that the reaction of Mn ions is likely the initial step. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Estimation of Local Orientations in Fibrous Structures With Applications to the Purkinje System

PubMed Central

Plank, Gernot; Trayanova, Natalia A.; Vidal, René

2011-01-01

The extraction of the cardiac Purkinje system (PS) from intensity images is a critical step toward the development of realistic structural models of the heart. Such models are important for uncovering the mechanisms of cardiac disease and improving its treatment and prevention. Unfortunately, the manual extraction of the PS is a challenging and error-prone task due to the presence of image noise and numerous fiber junctions. To deal with these challenges, we propose a framework that estimates local fiber orientations with high accuracy and reconstructs the fibers via tracking. Our key contribution is the development of a descriptor for estimating the orientation distribution function (ODF), a spherical function encoding the local geometry of the fibers at a point of interest. The fiber/branch orientations are identified as the modes of the ODFs via spherical clustering and guide the extraction of the fiber centerlines. Experiments on synthetic data evaluate the sensitivity of our approach to image noise, width of the fiber, and choice of the mode detection strategy, and show its superior performance compared to those of the existing descriptors. Experiments on the free-running PS in an MR image also demonstrate the accuracy of our method in reconstructing such sparse fibrous structures. PMID:21335301

Association between presenilin-1 polymorphism and maternal meiosis II errors in Down syndrome.

PubMed

Petersen, M B; Karadima, G; Samaritaki, M; Avramopoulos, D; Vassilopoulos, D; Mikkelsen, M

2000-08-28

Several lines of evidence suggest a shared genetic susceptibility to Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer disease (AD). Rare forms of autosomal-dominant AD are caused by mutations in the APP and presenilin genes (PS-1 and PS-2). The presenilin proteins have been localized to the nuclear membrane, kinetochores, and centrosomes, suggesting a function in chromosome segregation. A genetic association between a polymorphism in intron 8 of the PS-1 gene and AD has been described in some series, and an increased risk of AD has been reported in mothers of DS probands. We therefore studied 168 probands with free trisomy 21 of known parental and meiotic origin and their parents from a population-based material, by analyzing the intron 8 polymorphism in the PS-1 gene. An increased frequency of allele 1 in mothers with a meiosis II error (70.8%) was found compared with mothers with a meiosis I error (52.7%, P < 0.01), with an excess of the 11 genotype in the meiosis II mothers. The frequency of allele 1 in mothers carrying apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele (68.0%) was higher than in mothers without epsilon4 (52.2%, P < 0.01). We hypothesize that the PS-1 intronic polymorphism might be involved in chromosomal nondisjunction through an influence on the expression level of PS-1 or due to linkage disequilibrium with biologically relevant polymorphisms in or outside the PS-1 gene. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Correlation between polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography and SHG microscopy in articular cartilage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xin; Ju, Myeong Jin; Huang, Lin; Tang, Shuo

2017-02-01

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy are two imaging modalities with different resolutions, field-of-views (FOV), and contrasts, while they both have the capability of imaging collagen fibers in biological tissues. PS-OCT can measure the tissue birefringence which is induced by highly organized fibers while SHG can image the collagen fiber organization with high resolution. Articular cartilage, with abundant structural collagen fibers, is a suitable sample to study the correlation between PS-OCT and SHG microscopy. Qualitative conjecture has been made that the phase retardation measured by PS-OCT is affected by the relationship between the collagen fiber orientation and the illumination direction. Anatomical studies show that the multilayered architecture of articular cartilage can be divided into four zones from its natural surface to the subchondral bone: the superficial zone, the middle zone, the deep zone, and the calcified zone. The different zones have different collagen fiber orientations, which can be studied by the different slopes in the cumulative phase retardation in PS-OCT. An algorithm is developed based on the quantitative analysis of PS-OCT phase retardation images to analyze the microstructural features in swine articular cartilage tissues. This algorithm utilizes the depth-dependent slope changing of phase retardation A-lines to segment structural layers. The results show good consistency with the knowledge of cartilage morphology and correlation with the SHG images measured at selected depth locations. The correlation between PS-OCT and SHG microscopy shows that PS-OCT has the potential to analyze both the macro and micro characteristics of biological tissues with abundant collagen fibers and other materials that may cause birefringence.

Evaluation of magnifying colonoscopy in the diagnosis of serrated polyps.

PubMed

Ishigooka, Shinya; Nomoto, Masahito; Obinata, Nobuyuki; Oishi, Yoshichika; Sato, Yoshinori; Nakatsu, Satoko; Suzuki, Midori; Ikeda, Yoshiko; Maehata, Tadateru; Kimura, Tomoaki; Watanabe, Yoshiyuki; Nakajima, Takashi; Yamano, Hiro-o; Yasuda, Hiroshi; Itoh, Fumio

2012-08-28

To elucidate the colonoscopic features of serrated lesions of the colorectum using magnifying colonoscopy. Broad division of serrated lesions of the colorectum into hyperplastic polyps (HPs), traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs), and sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) has been proposed on the basis of recent molecular biological studies. However, few reports have examined the colonoscopic features of these divisions, including magnified colonoscopic findings. This study examined 118 lesions excised in our hospital as suspected serrated lesions after magnified observation between January 2008 and September 2011. Patient characteristics (sex, age), conventional colonoscopic findings (location, size, morphology, color, mucin) and magnified colonoscopic findings (pit pattern diagnosis) were interpreted by five colonoscopists with experience in over 1000 colonoscopies, and were compared with histopathological diagnoses. The pit patterns were categorized according to Kudo's classification, but a more detailed investigation was also performed using the subclassification [type II-Open (type II-O), type II-Long (type II-L), or type IV-Serrated (type IV-S)] proposed by Kimura T and Yamano H. Lesions comprised 23 HPs (23/118: 19.5%), 39 TSAs (39/118: 33.1%: with cancer in one case), 50 SSA/Ps (50/118: 42.4%: complicated with cancer in three cases), and six others (6/118: 5.1%). We excluded six others, including three regular adenomas, one hamartoma, one inflammatory polyp, and one juvenile polyp for further analysis. Conventional colonoscopy showed that SSA/Ps were characterized as larger in diameter than TSAs and HPs (SSA/P vs HP, 13.62 ± 8.62 mm vs 7.74 ± 3.24 mm, P < 0.001; SSA/Ps vs TSA, 13.62 ± 8.62 mm vs 9.89 ± 5.73 mm, P < 0.01); common in the right side of the colon [HPs, 30.4% (7/23): TSAs, 20.5% (8/39): SSA/P, 84.0% (42/50), P < 0.001]; flat-elevated lesion [HPs, 30.4% (7/23): TSAs, 5.1% (2/39): SSA/Ps, 90.0% (45/50), P < 0.001]; normal-colored or pale imucosa [HPs, 34.8% (8/23): TSAs, 10.3% (4/39): SSA/Ps, 80% (40/50), P < 0.001]; and with large amounts of mucin [HPs, 21.7% (5/23): TSAs, 17.9% (7/39): SSA/Ps, 72.0% (36/50), P < 0.001]. In magnified colonoscopic findings, 17 lesions showed either type II pit pattern alone or partial type II pit pattern as the basic architecture, with 14 HPs (14/17, 70.0%) and 3 SSA/Ps. Magnified colonoscopy showed the type II-O pit pattern as characteristic of SSA/Ps [sensitivity 83.7% (41/49), specificity 85.7% (54/63)]. Cancer was also present in three lesions, in all of which a type VI pit pattern was also present within the same lesion. There were four HPs and four TSAs each. The type IV-S pit pattern was characteristic of TSAs [sensitivity 96.7% (30/31), specificity 89.9% (72/81)]. Cancer was present in one lesion, in which a type VI pit pattern was also present within the same lesion. In our study, serrated lesions of the colorectum also possessed the features described in previous reports of conventional colonoscopic findings. The pit pattern diagnosis using magnifying colonoscopy, particularly magnified colonoscopic findings using subclassifications of surface architecture, reflected the pathological characteristics of SSA/Ps and TSAs, and will be useful for colonoscopic diagnosis. We suggest that this system could be a good diagnostic tool for SSA/Ps using magnifying colonoscopy.

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

Mahadevapuram, Nikhila; Mitra, Indranil; Sridhar, Shyam

Thin films of lamellar poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) block copolymers are widely investigated for surface patterning. These materials can generate dense arrays of nanoscale lines when the lamellar domains are oriented perpendicular to the substrate. To stabilize this preferred domain orientation, we tuned the substrate surface energy using oxidation of hydrophobic silane coatings. This simple approach is effective for a broad range of PS-PMMA film thicknesses when the oxidation time is optimized, which demonstrates that the substrate coating is energetically neutral with respect to PS and PMMA segments. The lamellar films are characterized by high densities of defects that exhibit amore » strong dependence on film thickness: in-plane topological defects disrupt the lateral order in ultrathin films, while lamellar domains in thick films can bend and tilt to large misorientation angles. As a result, the types and densities of these defects are similar to those observed with other classes of neutral substrate coatings, such as random copolymer brushes, which demonstrates that oxidized silanes can be used to control PS-PMMA self assembly in thin films.« less

Ordering of lamellar block copolymers on oxidized silane coatings

DOE PAGES

Mahadevapuram, Nikhila; Mitra, Indranil; Sridhar, Shyam; ...

2016-01-02

Thin films of lamellar poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) block copolymers are widely investigated for surface patterning. These materials can generate dense arrays of nanoscale lines when the lamellar domains are oriented perpendicular to the substrate. To stabilize this preferred domain orientation, we tuned the substrate surface energy using oxidation of hydrophobic silane coatings. This simple approach is effective for a broad range of PS-PMMA film thicknesses when the oxidation time is optimized, which demonstrates that the substrate coating is energetically neutral with respect to PS and PMMA segments. The lamellar films are characterized by high densities of defects that exhibit amore » strong dependence on film thickness: in-plane topological defects disrupt the lateral order in ultrathin films, while lamellar domains in thick films can bend and tilt to large misorientation angles. As a result, the types and densities of these defects are similar to those observed with other classes of neutral substrate coatings, such as random copolymer brushes, which demonstrates that oxidized silanes can be used to control PS-PMMA self assembly in thin films.« less

Lower neurocognitive function in U-2 pilots

PubMed Central

Tate, David F.; Wood, Joe; Sladky, John H.; McDonald, Kent; Sherman, Paul M.; Kawano, Elaine S.; Rowland, Laura M.; Patel, Beenish; Wright, Susan N.; Hong, Elliot; Rasmussen, Jennifer; Willis, Adam M.; Kochunov, Peter V.

2014-01-01

Objective: Determine whether United States Air Force (USAF) U-2 pilots (U2Ps) with occupational exposure to repeated hypobaria had lower neurocognitive performance compared to pilots without repeated hypobaric exposure and whether U2P neurocognitive performance correlated with white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden. Methods: We collected Multidimensional Aptitude Battery–II (MAB-II) and MicroCog: Assessment of Cognitive Functioning (MicroCog) neurocognitive data on USAF U2Ps with a history of repeated occupational exposure to hypobaria and compared these with control data collected from USAF pilots (AFPs) without repeated hypobaric exposure (U2Ps/AFPs MAB-II 87/83; MicroCog 93/80). Additional comparisons were performed between U2Ps with high vs low WMH burden. Results: U2Ps with repeated hypobaric exposure had significantly lower scores than control pilots on reasoning/calculation (U2Ps/AFPs 99.4/106.5), memory (105.5/110.9), information processing accuracy (102.1/105.8), and general cognitive functioning (103.5/108.5). In addition, U2Ps with high whole-brain WMH count showed significantly lower scores on reasoning/calculation (high/low 96.8/104.1), memory (102.9/110.2), general cognitive functioning (101.5/107.2), and general cognitive proficiency (103.6/108.8) than U2Ps with low WMH burden (high/low WMH mean volume 0.213/0.003 cm3 and mean count 14.2/0.4). Conclusion: In these otherwise healthy, highly functioning individuals, pilots with occupational exposure to repeated hypobaria demonstrated lower neurocognitive performance, albeit demonstrable on only some tests, than pilots without repeated exposure. Furthermore, within the U2P population, higher WMH burden was associated with lower neurocognitive test performance. Hypobaric exposure may be a risk factor for subtle changes in neurocognition. PMID:25008397

Benefits Analysis Of Alternative Secondary National Ambient ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

... These elasticities are comparable 4-154 ... Q *^ M< *ï* *J 2 1- ZU II II II 11 II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II j| II II II Ps || ïo ON < t>- -o rj rs wo -o iiT rjO'Gr'j ...

Directed Self-Assembly on Photo-Crosslinked Polystyrene Sub-Layers: Nanopattern Uniformity and Orientation

PubMed Central

Koh, Haeng-Deog; Kim, Mi-Jeong

2016-01-01

A photo-crosslinked polystyrene (PS) thin film is investigated as a potential guiding sub-layer for polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate) block copolymer (BCP) cylindrical nanopattern formation via topographic directed self-assembly (DSA). When compared to a non-crosslinked PS brush sub-layer, the photo-crosslinked PS sub-layer provided longer correlation lengths of the BCP nanostructure, resulting in a highly uniform DSA nanopattern with a low number of BCP dislocation defects. Depending on the thickness of the sub-layer used, parallel or orthogonal orientations of DSA nanopattern arrays were obtained that covered the entire surface of patterned Si substrates, including both trench and mesa regions. The design of DSA sub-layers and guide patterns, such as hardening the sub-layer by photo-crosslinking, nano-structuring on mesas, the relation between trench/mesa width, and BCP equilibrium period, were explored with a view to developing defect-reduced DSA lithography technology. PMID:28773768

The attracting power of the gaze of politicians is modulated by the personality and ideological attitude of their voters: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

PubMed

Cazzato, Valentina; Liuzza, Marco Tullio; Caprara, Gian Vittorio; Macaluso, Emiliano; Aglioti, Salvatore Maria

2015-10-01

Observing someone rapidly moving their eyes induces reflexive shifts of overt and covert attention in the onlooker. Previous studies have shown that this process can be modulated by the onlooker's personality, as well as by the social features of the person depicted in the cued face. Here, we investigated whether an individual's preference for social dominance orientation, in-group perceived similarity (PS), and political affiliation of the cued-face modulated neural activity within specific nodes of the social attention network. During functional magnetic resonance imaging, participants were requested to perform a gaze-following task to investigate whether the directional gaze of various Italian political personages might influence the oculomotor behaviour of in-group or out-group voters. After scanning, we acquired measures of PS in personality traits with each political personage and preference for social dominance orientation. Behavioural data showed that higher gaze interference for in-group than out-group political personages was predicted by a higher preference for social hierarchy. Higher blood oxygenation level-dependent activity in incongruent vs. congruent conditions was found in areas associated with orienting to socially salient events and monitoring response conflict, namely the left frontal eye field, right supramarginal gyrus, mid-cingulate cortex and left anterior insula. Interestingly, higher ratings of PS with the in-group and less preference for social hierarchy predicted increased activity in the left frontal eye field during distracting gaze movements of in-group as compared with out-group political personages. Our results suggest that neural activity in the social orienting circuit is modulated by higher-order social dimensions, such as in-group PS and individual differences in ideological attitudes. © 2015 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Effects of plastic film mulching and rain harvesting modes on chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, yield and water use efficiency of dryland maize].

PubMed

Li, Shang-Zhong; Fan, Ting-Lu; Wang, Yong; Zhao, Gang; Wang, Lei; Tang, Xiao-Ming; Dang, Yi; Zhao, Hui

2014-02-01

The differences on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, yield and water use efficiency of dryland maize were compared among full plastic film mulching on double ridges and planting in catchment furrows (FFDRF), half plastic film mulching on double ridges and planting in catchment furrows (HFDRF), plastic film mulching on ridge and planting in film-side (FS), and flat planting with no plastic film mulching (NM) under field conditions in dry highland of Loess Plateau in 2007-2012. The results showed that fluorescence yield (Fo), the maximum fluorescence yield (Fm), light-adapted fluorescence yield when PS II reaction centers were totally open (F), light-adapted fluorescence yield when PS II reaction centers closed (Fm'), the maximal photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv/Fm), the actual photochemical efficiency of PS II in the light (Phi PS II), the relative electron transport rate (ETR), photochemical quenching (qP) and non-photochemical quenching (qN) in maize leaves of FFDRF were higher than that of control (NM), and the value of 1-qP was lower than that of control, at 13:00, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters values of FFDRF was significantly higher than control, which were increased by 5.3%, 56.8%, 10.7%, 36.3%, 23.6%, 56.7%, 64.4%, 45.5%, 23.6% and -55.6%, respectively, compared with the control. Yield and water use efficiency of FFDRF were the highest in every year no matter dry year, normal year, humid year and hail disaster year. Average yield and water use efficiency of FFDRF were 12,650 kg x hm(-2) and 40.4 kg x mm(-1) x hm(-2) during 2007-2012, increased by 57.8% and 61.6% compared with the control, respectively, and also significantly higher compared with HFDRF and PS. Therefore, it was concluded that FFDRF had significantly increased the efficiency of light energy conversion and improved the production capacity of dryland maize.

Generation of a Mn(IV)-Peroxo or Mn(III)-Oxo-Mn(III) Species upon Oxygenation of Mono- and Binuclear Thiolate-Ligated Mn(II) Complexes.

PubMed

Lee, Chien-Ming; Wu, Wun-Yan; Chiang, Ming-Hsi; Bohle, D Scott; Lee, Gene-Hsiang

2017-09-05

A thiolate-bridged binuclear complex [PPN] 2 [(Mn II ( TMS PS3)) 2 ] (1, PPN = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium and TMS PS3H 3 = (2,2',2″-trimercapto-3,3',3″-tris(trimethylsilyl)triphenylphosphine)), prepared from the reaction of MnCl 2 /[PPN]Cl and Li 3 [ TMS PS3], converts into a mononuclear complex [PPN][Mn II ( TMS PS3)(DABCO)] (2) in the presence of excess amounts of DABCO (DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane). Variable temperature studies of solution containing 1 and DABCO by UV-vis spectroscopy indicate that 1 and 2 exist in significant amounts in equilibrium and mononuclear 2 is favored at low temperature. Treatment of 1 or 2 with the monomeric O 2 -side-on-bound [PPN][Mn IV (O 2 )( TMS PS3)] (3) produces the mono-oxo-bridged dimer [PPN] 2 [(Mn III ( TMS PS3)) 2 (μ-O)] (4). The electrochemistry of 1 and 2 reveals anodic peak(s) for a Mn III/ Mn II redox couple at shifted potentials against Fc/Fc + , indicating that both complexes can be oxidized by dioxygen. The O 2 activation mediated by 1 and 2 is investigated in both solution and the solid state. Microcrystals of 2 rapidly react with air or dry O 2 to generate the Mn(IV)-peroxo 3 in high yield, revealing a solid-to-solid transformation and two-electron reduction of O 2 . Oxygenation of 1 or 2 in solution, however, is affected by diffusion and transient concentration of dioxygen in the two different substrates, leading to generation of 3 and 4 in variable ratios.

Testing directed evolution strategies for space exploration: genetic modification of photosystem II to increase stress tolerance under space conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertalan, I.; Giardi, M. T.; Johanningmeier, U.

Plants and many microorganisms are able to convert and store solar energy in chemical bonds by a process called photosynthesis They remove CO 2 from the atmosphere fix it as carbohydrate and simultaneously evolve oxygen Oxygen evolution is of supreme relevance for all higher life forms and results from the splitting of water molecules This process is catalyzed by the so called photosystem II PSII complex and represents the very beginning of biomass production PS II is also a central point of regulation being responsive to various physical and physiological parameters Complex space radiation is damaging PS II and reduces photosynthetic efficiency Thus bioregenerative life-support systems are severely disturbed at this point Genetic manipulation of photosynthesis checkpoints offer the possibility to adjust biomass and oxygen production to changing environmental conditions As the photosynthetic apparatus has adapted to terrestrial and not to space conditions we are trying to adapt a central and particularly stress-susceptible element of the photosynthesis apparatus - the D1 subunit of PS II - to space radiation by a strategy of directed evolution The D1 subunit together with its sister subunit D2 form the reaction centre of PS II D1 presents a central weak point for radiation energy that hits the chloroplast We have constructed a mutant of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with a defect D1 protein This mutant is easily transformable with D1-encoding PCR fragments without purification and cloning steps 1 When

Effect of surfactants or a water soluble polymer on the crystal transition of clarithromycin during a wet granulation process.

PubMed

Nozawa, Kenji; Iwao, Yasunori; Noguchi, Shuji; Itai, Shigeru

2015-11-10

To generate products containing a stable form of clarithromycin (CAM) (form II) regardless of the initial crystal form of CAM or type of granulation solvent, the effects of five surfactants, or a water-soluble polymer (macrogol 400) were determined on the crystal transition of CAM. The metastable form (form I) was kneaded with water, after adding surfactants, or a water-soluble polymer. Form II was also kneaded with ethanol, after adding the same additives. The resulting samples were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction. Form I was completely converted to form II by a wet granulation using water with additives bearing polyoxyethylene chains such as polysorbate 80 (PS80), polyoxyl 40 stearate or macrogol 400. The granulation of the form II using ethanol with these additives did not result in a crystal transition to form I. Furthermore, CAM tablets were manufactured using granules with PS80, and these crystal forms and dissolution behaviors were investigated. As a result, the wet granulation of CAM with PS80 gave CAM tablets containing only form II and PS80 did not have any adverse effects on tablet characteristics. Therefore, these data suggests that the crystal form of CAM can be controlled to be form II using a wet granulation process with additives bearing polyoxyethylene chains regardless of the initial crystal form of CAM or type of granulation solvent. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fertilization Induces a Transient Exposure of Phosphatidylserine in Mouse Eggs

PubMed Central

Curia, Claudio A.; Ernesto, Juan I.; Stein, Paula; Busso, Dolores; Schultz, Richard M.; Cuasnicu, Patricia S.; Cohen, Débora J.

2013-01-01

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is normally localized to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and the requirement of PS translocation to the outer leaflet in cellular processes other than apoptosis has been demonstrated recently. In this work we investigated the occurrence of PS mobilization in mouse eggs, which express flippase Atp8a1 and scramblases Plscr1 and 3, as determined by RT-PCR; these enzyme are responsible for PS distribution in cell membranes. We find a dramatic increase in binding of flouresceinated-Annexin-V, which specifically binds to PS, following fertilization or parthenogenetic activation induced by SrCl2 treatment. This increase was not observed when eggs were first treated with BAPTA-AM, indicating that an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration was required for PS exposure. Fluorescence was observed over the entire egg surface with the exception of the regions overlying the meiotic spindle and sperm entry site. PS exposure was also observed in activated eggs obtained from CaMKIIγ null females, which are unable to exit metaphase II arrest despite displaying Ca2+ spikes. In contrast, PS exposure was not observed in TPEN-activated eggs, which exit metaphase II arrest in the absence of Ca2+ release. PS exposure was also observed when eggs were activated with ethanol but not with a Ca2+ ionophore, suggesting that the Ca2+ source and concentration are relevant for PS exposure. Last, treatment with cytochalasin D, which disrupts microfilaments, or jasplakinolide, which stabilizes microfilaments, prior to egg activation showed that PS externalization is an actin-dependent process. Thus, the Ca2+ rise during egg activation results in a transient exposure of PS in fertilized eggs that is not associated with apoptosis. PMID:23951277

Depth-resolved birefringence and differential optical axis orientation measurements with fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Guo, Shuguang; Zhang, Jun; Wang, Lei; Nelson, J Stuart; Chen, Zhongping

2004-09-01

Conventional polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) can provide depth-resolved Stokes parameter measurements of light reflected from turbid media. A new algorithm that takes into account changes in the optical axis is introduced to provide depth-resolved birefringence and differential optical axis orientation images by use of fiber-based PS-OCT. Quaternion, a convenient mathematical tool, is used to represent an optical element and simplify the algorithm. Experimental results with beef tendon and rabbit tendon and muscle show that this technique has promising potential for imaging the birefringent structure of multiple-layer samples with varying optical axes.

Effects of electrolysis by low-amperage electric current on the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of Microcystis aeruginosa.

PubMed

Lin, Li; Feng, Cong; Li, Qingyun; Wu, Min; Zhao, Liangyuan

2015-10-01

Effects of electrolysis by low-amperage electric current on the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated in order to reveal the mechanisms of electrolytic inhibition of algae. Threshold of current density was found under a certain initial no. of algae cell. When current density was equal to or higher than the threshold (fixed electrolysis time), growth of algae was inhibited completely and the algae lost the ability to survive. Effect of algal solution volume on algal inhibition was insignificant. Thresholds of current density were 8, 10, 14, 20, and 22 mA cm(-2) at 2.5 × 10(7), 5 × 10(7), 1 × 10(8), 2.5 × 10(8), and 5 × 10(8) cells mL(-1) initial no. of algae cell, respectively. Correlativity between threshold of current and initial no. of algae cells was established for scale-up and determining operating conditions. Changes of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters demonstrated that photosystem (PS) II of algae was damaged by electrolysis but still maintained relatively high activity when algal solution was treated by current densities lower than the threshold. The activity of algae recovered completely after 6 days of cultivation. On the contrary, when current density was higher than the threshold, connection of phycobilisome (PBS) and PS II core complexes was destroyed, PS II system of algae was damaged irreversibly, and algae could not survive thoroughly. The inactivation of M. aeruginosa by electrolysis can be attributed to irreversible separation of PBS from PS II core complexes and the damage of PS II of M. aeruginosa.

Assessment of wavelength-dependent parameters of photosynthetic electron transport with a new type of multi-color PAM chlorophyll fluorometer.

PubMed

Schreiber, Ulrich; Klughammer, Christof; Kolbowski, Jörg

2012-09-01

Technical features of a novel multi-color pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometer as well as the applied methodology and some typical examples of its practical application with suspensions of Chlorella vulgaris and Synechocystis PCC 6803 are presented. The multi-color PAM provides six colors of pulse-modulated measuring light (peak-wavelengths at 400, 440, 480, 540, 590, and 625 nm) and six colors of actinic light (AL), peaking at 440, 480, 540, 590, 625 and 420-640 nm (white). The AL can be used for continuous illumination, maximal intensity single-turnover pulses, high intensity multiple-turnover pulses, and saturation pulses. In addition, far-red light (peaking at 725 nm) is provided for preferential excitation of PS I. Analysis of the fast fluorescence rise kinetics in saturating light allows determination of the wavelength- and sample-specific functional absorption cross section of PS II, Sigma(II)(λ), with which the PS II turnover rate at a given incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) can be calculated. Sigma(II)(λ) is defined for a quasi-dark reference state, thus differing from σ(PSII) used in limnology and oceanography. Vastly different light response curves for Chlorella are obtained with light of different colors, when the usual PAR-scale is used. Based on Sigma(II)(λ) the PAR, in units of μmol quanta/(m(2) s), can be converted into PAR(II) (in units of PS II effective quanta/s) and a fluorescence-based electron transport rate ETR(II) = PAR(II) · Y(II)/Y(II)(max) can be defined. ETR(II) in contrast to rel.ETR qualifies for quantifying the absolute rate of electron transport in optically thin suspensions of unicellular algae and cyanobacteria. Plots of ETR(II) versus PAR(II) for Chlorella are almost identical using either 440 or 625 nm light. Photoinhibition data are presented suggesting that a lower value of ETR(II)(max) with 440 nm possibly reflects photodamage via absorption by the Mn-cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex.

The effect of PS porosity on the structure, optical and electrical properties of ZnS/PS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Cai-Feng; Hu, Bo; Yi, Hou-Hui; Li, Wei-Bing

2014-03-01

ZnS films were deposited on porous silicon (PS) substrates with different porosities by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The crystalline structure, surface morphology of ZnS films on PS substrates and optical, electrical properties of ZnS/PS composites were studied. The results show that, ZnS films deposited on PS substrates were grown in preferred orientation along β-ZnS (111) direction corresponding to crystalline structure of cubic phase. With the increase of PS porosity, the XRD diffraction peak intensity of ZnS films decreases. Some voids and cracks appear in the films. Compared with as-prepared PS, the PL peak of PS for ZnS/PS has a blueshift. The larger the porosity of PS, the greater the blueshift is. A new green light emission located around 550 nm is observed with increasing PS porosity, which is ascribed to defect-center luminescence of ZnS. The blue, green emission of ZnS combined with the red emission of PS, a broad photoluminescence band (450-750 nm) is formed. ZnS/PS composites exhibited intense white light emission. The I-V characteristics of ZnS/PS heterojunctions showed rectifying behavior. Under forward bias conditions, the current density is large. Under reverse bias conditions, the current density nearly to be zero. The forward current increases with increasing PS porosity. This work lay a foundation for the realization of electroluminescence of ZnS/PS and solid white light emission devices.

Surface engineering with functional random copolymers for nanolithographic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sparnacci, Katia; Antonioli, Diego; Gianotti, Valentina; Lupi, Federico Ferrarese; Giammaria, Tommaso Jacopo; Seguini, Gabriele; Perego, Michele; Laus, Michele

2016-05-01

Hydroxyl-terminated P(S-r-MMA) random copolymers with molecular weight ranging from 1.7 to 69 kg/mol and a styrene unit fraction of 61% were grafted onto a silicon oxide surface and subsequently used to study the orientation of domains with respect to the substrate, in cylinder-forming PS-b-PMMA block copolymer thin films. When the thickness (H) of the grafted layer is greater than 5-6 nm, a perpendicular orientation is always observed because of the efficient decoupling of the BCP film from the polar SiO2 surface. Conversely, if H is less than 5 nm, the critical thickness of the grafted layer, which allows the neutralization of the substrate and promotion of the perpendicular orientation of the nanodomains in the BCP film, is found to depend on the Mn of the RCP. In particular, when Mn = 1700, a 2.0 nm thick grafted layer is sufficient to promote the perpendicular orientation of the PMMA cylinders in the PS-b-PMMA BCP film.

Effects of post-annealing treatment on the structure and photoluminescence properties of CdS/PS nanocomposites prepared by sol-gel method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hong-yan

2016-03-01

CdS nanocrystals have been successfully grown on porous silicon (PS) by sol-gel method. The plan-view field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) shows that the pore size of PS is smaller than 5 μm in diameter and the agglomerates of CdS are broadly distributed on the surface of PS substrate. With the increase of annealing time, the CdS nanoparticles grow in both length and diameter along the preferred orientation. The cross-sectional FESEM images of ZnO/PS show that CdS nanocrystals are uniformly penetrated into all PS layers and adhere to them very well. photoluminescence (PL) spectra demonstrate that the intensity of PL peak located at about 425 nm has almost no change after the annealing time increases. The range of emission wavelength of CdS/PS is from 425 nm to 455 nm and the PL intensity is decreasing with the annealing temperature increasing from 100 °C to 200 °C.

A phase I and pharmacologic trial of two schedules of the proteasome inhibitor, PS-341 (bortezomib, velcade), in patients with advanced cancer.

PubMed

Dy, Grace K; Thomas, James P; Wilding, George; Bruzek, Laura; Mandrekar, Sumithra; Erlichman, Charles; Alberti, Dona; Binger, Kim; Pitot, Henry C; Alberts, Steven R; Hanson, Lorelei J; Marnocha, Rebecca; Tutsch, Kendra; Kaufmann, Scott H; Adjei, Alex A

2005-05-01

To define the toxicities, pharmacodynamics, and clinical activity of the proteasome inhibitor, PS-341 (bortezomib), in patients with advanced malignancies. Twenty-eight patients (14 male and 14 female) received PS-341 twice weekly for 4 of 6 weeks (schedule I). Because toxicity necessitated dose omissions on this schedule, 16 additional patients (12 male and 4 female) received PS-341 twice weekly for 2 of every 3 weeks (schedule II). A total of 73 courses of treatment was given (median, 2; range, 1-4). Inhibition of 20S proteasome activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and accumulation of proteasome-targeted polypeptides in tumor tissue were evaluated as pharmacodynamic markers of PS-341 activity. The most common toxicity was thrombocytopenia, which was dose limiting at 1.7 mg/m2 (schedule I) and 1.6 mg/m2 (schedule II), respectively. Sensory neuropathy was dose-limiting in a patient in schedule I. Grade > or =3 toxicities for schedule I were constipation, fatigue, myalgia, and sensory neuropathy. Grade > or =3 toxicities for schedule II were dehydration resulting from diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hypoglycemia, and hypotension. The maximum tolerated dose was 1.5 mg/m2 for both schedules. Reversible dose-dependent decreases in 20S proteasome activity in PBMCs were observed, with 36% inhibition at 0.5 mg/m2, 52% at 0.9 mg/m2, and 75% at 1.25 mg/m2. Accumulation of proteasome-targeted polypeptides was detected in tumor samples after treatment with PS-341. A patient with multiple myeloma had a partial response. PS-341 given 1.5 mg/m2 twice weekly for 2 of every 3 weeks is well tolerated and should be further studied.

Direct Comparison of Surface and Bulk Relaxation of PS - A Temperature Dependent Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wen-Li; Sambasivan, Sharadha; Wang, Chia-Ying; Genzer, Jan; Fischer, Daniel A.

2005-03-01

Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy was used to measure simultaneously the relaxation rates of polystyrene (PS) molecules at the free surface and in the bulk. The samples were uniaxially oriented at room temperature via a modified cold rolling process. The density of the oriented samples as determined by liquid immersion technique is identical to that of bulk PS. At temperatures below its bulk glass transition temperature the rate of surface and bulk chain relaxation was monitored by measuring the partial-electron yield (PEY) and the fluorescence NEXAFS yields (FS), respectively, both parallel and perpendicular to the stretching direction. The decay rate of the dichroic ratios from both PEY and FY at various temperatures was taken as a measure of the relaxation rate of surface and bulk molecules respectively. In addition, the decay rate of the optical birefringence was also measured to provide an independent measure of the bulk relaxation. Relaxation of PS chains was found to occur faster on the surface relative to the bulk. The magnitude of the surface glass transition temperature suppression over the bulk was estimated to be 18 C based on the measured temperature dependence of the relaxation rates.

Solvothermal Vapor Annealing of Lamellar Poly(styrene)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) Block Copolymer Thin Films for Directed Self-Assembly Application.

PubMed

Cummins, Cian; Mokarian-Tabari, Parvaneh; Andreazza, Pascal; Sinturel, Christophe; Morris, Michael A

2016-03-01

Solvothermal vapor annealing (STVA) was employed to induce microphase separation in a lamellar forming block copolymer (BCP) thin film containing a readily degradable block. Directed self-assembly of poly(styrene)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) (PS-b-PLA) BCP films using topographically patterned silicon nitride was demonstrated with alignment over macroscopic areas. Interestingly, we observed lamellar patterns aligned parallel as well as perpendicular (perpendicular microdomains to substrate in both cases) to the topography of the graphoepitaxial guiding patterns. PS-b-PLA BCP microphase separated with a high degree of order in an atmosphere of tetrahydrofuran (THF) at an elevated vapor pressure (at approximately 40-60 °C). Grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) measurements of PS-b-PLA films reveal the through-film uniformity of perpendicular microdomains after STVA. Perpendicular lamellar orientation was observed on both hydrophilic and relatively hydrophobic surfaces with a domain spacing (L0) of ∼32.5 nm. The rapid removal of the PLA microdomains is demonstrated using a mild basic solution for the development of a well-defined PS mask template. GISAXS data reveal the through-film uniformity is retained following wet etching. The experimental results in this article demonstrate highly oriented PS-b-PLA microdomains after a short annealing period and facile PLA removal to form porous on-chip etch masks for nanolithography application.

Sex Roles and Yielded/Expressed Self-Control.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ganong, Lawrence H.; Coleman, Marilyn

1987-01-01

Results of a study of the impact of sex and sex role orientation on reported self-control behaviors showed that sex did not affect self-control or satisfaction with self-control, but sex role orientation did. Androgynous persons reported using more expressed self-control than others. (PS)

Biotic stress induced demolition of thylakoid structure and loss in photoelectron transport of chloroplasts in papaya leaves.

PubMed

Nanda, Rashmi Madhumita; Biswal, Basanti

2008-04-01

Papaya mosaic virus (PMV) causes severe mosaic symptoms in the papaya (Carica papaya L.) leaves. The PMV-induced alterations in photosystem II (PS II) structure and photochemical functions were probed. An increase in chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence polarization suggests pathogen-induced transformation of thylakoid membrane to a gel phase. This transformation in physical state of thylakoid membrane may result in alteration in topology of pigments on pigment-binding proteins as reflected in pathogen-induced loss in the efficiency of energy transfer from carotenoids to chlorophylls. The fast Chl a fluorescence induction kinetics of healthy and PMV-infected plants by F(O)-F(J)-F(I)-F(P) transients revealed pathogen-induced perturbation on PS II acceptor side electron transfer equilibrium between Q(A) and Q(B) and in the pool size of electron transport acceptors. Pathogen-induced loss in photosynthetic pigments, changes in thylakoid structure and decrease in the ratio of F(V)/F(M) (photochemical potential of PS II) further correlate with the loss in photoelectron transport of PS II as probed by 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP)-Hill reaction. Restoration of the loss by 1,5-diphenyl carbazide (DPC), an exogenous electron donor, that donates electron directly to reaction centre II bypassing the oxygen evolving system (OES), leads towards the conclusion that OES is one of the major targets of biotic stress. Further, the data suggest that chlorophyll fluorescence could be used as a non-invasive handy tool to assess the loss in photosynthetic efficiency and symptom severity in infected green tissues vis-a-vis the healthy ones.

[Effects of acid rain stress on Eleocarpus glabripetalus seedlings leaf chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and growth].

PubMed

Yin, Xiu-Min; Yu, Shu-Quan; Jiang, Hong; Liu, Mei-Hu

2010-06-01

A pot experiment was conducted to study the Eleocarpus glabripetalus seedlings leaf chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and growth in different seasons under simulated acid rain stress (heavy, pH = 2. 5; moderate, pH = 4.0; and control, pH = 5.6). In the same treatments, the leaf relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), maximum PS II photochemical efficiency (F(v)/F(m)), actual PSII photochemical quantum yield (phi(PS II)), plant height, and stem diameter in different seasons were all in the order of October > July > April > January. In the same seasons, all the parameters were in the order of heavy acid rain > moderate acid rain > control. The interactions between different acid rain stress and seasons showed significant effects on the SPAD, F(v)/F(m), plant height, and stem diameter, but lesser effects on phi(PS II), qp and qN.

Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of ZnS/Porous Silicon Heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Cai-Feng; Li, Qing-Shan; Lv, Lei; Zhang, Li-Chun; Qi, Hong-Xia; Chen, Hou

2007-03-01

ZnS films are deposited by pulsed laser deposition on porous silicon (PS) substrates formed by electrochemical anodization of p-type (100) silicon wafer. Scanning electron microscope images reveal that the surface of ZnS films is unsmoothed, and there are some cracks in the ZnS films due to the roughness of the PS surface. The x-ray diffraction patterns show that the ZnS films on PS surface are grown in preferring orientation along cubic phase β-ZnS (111) direction. White light emission is obtained by combining the blue-green emission from ZnS films with the orange-red emission from PS layers. Based on the I-V characteristic, the ZnS/PS heterojunction exhibits the rectifying junction behaviour, and an ideality factor n is calculated to be 77 from the I-V plot.

Functional characterization of mutant strains of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 lacking short domains within the large, lumen-exposed loop of the chlorophyll protein CP47 in photosystem II.

PubMed

Gleiter, H M; Haag, E; Shen, J R; Eaton-Rye, J J; Inoue, Y; Vermaas, W F; Renger, G

1994-10-11

Several autotrophic mutant strains of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 carrying short deletions or a single-site mutation within the large, lumen-exposed loop (loop E) of the chlorophyll a-binding photosystem II core protein, CP47, are analyzed for their functional properties by measuring the flash-induced pattern of thermoluminescence, oxygen yield, and fluorescence quantum yield. A physiological and biochemical characterization of these mutant strains has been given in two previous reports [Eaton-Rye, J.J., & Vermaas, W.F.J. (1991) Plant Mol. Biol. 17, 1165-1177; Haag, E., Eaton-Rye, J.J., Renger, G., & Vermaas, S. F.J. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 4444-4454]. The results of the present study show that deletion of charged and conserved amino acids in a region roughly located between residues 370 and 390 decreases the binding affinity of the extrinsic PS II-O protein to photosystem II. Marked differences with PSII-O deletion mutants are observed with respect to Ca2+ requirement and the flash-induced pattern of oxygen evolution. Under conditions where a sufficient light activation is provided, the psbB mutants assayed in this study reveal normal S-state parameters and lifetimes. The results bear two basic implications: (i) the manganese involved in water oxidation can still be bound in a functionally normal or only slightly distorted manner, and (ii) the binding of the extrinsic PS II-O protein to photosystem II is impaired in mutants carrying a deletion in the domain between residues 370 and 390, but the presence of the PS II-O protein is still of functional relevance for the PS II complex, e.g., for maintenance of a high-affinity binding site for Ca2+ and/or involvement during the process of photoactivation.

Direct determination of resonance energy transfer in photolyase: structural alignment for the functional state.

PubMed

Tan, Chuang; Guo, Lijun; Ai, Yuejie; Li, Jiang; Wang, Lijuan; Sancar, Aziz; Luo, Yi; Zhong, Dongping

2014-11-13

Photoantenna is essential to energy transduction in photoinduced biological machinery. A photoenzyme, photolyase, has a light-harvesting pigment of methenyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) that transfers its excitation energy to the catalytic flavin cofactor FADH¯ to enhance DNA-repair efficiency. Here we report our systematic characterization and direct determination of the ultrafast dynamics of resonance energy transfer from excited MTHF to three flavin redox states in E. coli photolyase by capturing the intermediates formed through the energy transfer and thus excluding the electron-transfer quenching pathway. We observed 170 ps for excitation energy transferring to the fully reduced hydroquinone FADH¯, 20 ps to the fully oxidized FAD, and 18 ps to the neutral semiquinone FADH(•), and the corresponding orientation factors (κ(2)) were determined to be 2.84, 1.53 and 1.26, respectively, perfectly matching with our calculated theoretical values. Thus, under physiological conditions and over the course of evolution, photolyase has adopted the optimized orientation of its photopigment to efficiently convert solar energy for repair of damaged DNA.

Direct Observation on Spin-Coating Process of PS- b -P2VP Thin Films

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

Ogawa, Hiroki; Takenaka, Mikihito; Miyazaki, Tsukasa

We studied the structural development of symmetric poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymers during spin-coating using in situ grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) measurements. During the spin-coating process, after the formation of the micelles in dilute solution, the selective solvent induced two kinds of the morphological transition. Firstly, the disordered spherical micelles were transformed into a BCC lattice of spheres of which the (110) plane was oriented perpendicularly to the substrate surface. Secondly, further evaporation induced a transition from spheres on the BCC lattice into cylindrical structures. The orientation of the cylinders perpendicular to the substrate surface was induced bymore » solvent convection perpendicular to the substrate, which occurs during rapid solvent evaporation. After this transition, vitrification of PS and P2VP prevented any further transition from cylinders to the more thermodynamically stable lamellar structures, as are generally observed as the bulk equilibrium state.« less

Biological water-oxidizing complex: a nano-sized manganese-calcium oxide in a protein environment.

PubMed

Najafpour, Mohammad Mahdi; Moghaddam, Atefeh Nemati; Yang, Young Nam; Aro, Eva-Mari; Carpentier, Robert; Eaton-Rye, Julian J; Lee, Choon-Hwan; Allakhverdiev, Suleyman I

2012-10-01

The resolution of Photosystem II (PS II) crystals has been improved using isolated PS II from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus vulcanus. The new 1.9 Å resolution data have provided detailed information on the structure of the water-oxidizing complex (Umena et al. Nature 473: 55-61, 2011). The atomic level structure of the manganese-calcium cluster is important for understanding the mechanism of water oxidation and to design an efficient catalyst for water oxidation in artificial photosynthetic systems. Here, we have briefly reviewed our knowledge of the structure and function of the cluster.

Optic axis determination by fibre-based polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragod, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2011-02-01

We describe a fibre-based variable-incidence angle (VIA) polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography (PS-SS-OCT) system to determine the 3D optical axis of birefringent biological tissues. Single-plane VIA-PS-OCT is also explored which requires measurement of the absolute fast-axis orientation. A state-of-the-art PS-SS-OCT system with some improvements both in hardware and software was used to determine the apparent optical birefringence of equine tendon for a number of different illumination directions. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon were produced by the VIA method and compared with the nominal values. A quarter waveplate (QWP) and equine tendon were used as test targets to validate the fast-axis measurements using the system. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon broadly agreed with the expected values within about 8% of the nominal values. A theoretical and experimental analysis of the effect of the sample arm fibre on determination of optical axis orientation using a proposed definition based on the orientation of the eigenpolarization ellipse experimentally confirms that this algorithm only works correctly for special settings of the sample arm fibre. A proposed algorithm based on the angle between Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere is confirmed to work for all settings of the sample arm fibre. A calibration procedure is proposed to remove the sign ambiguity of the measured orientation and was confirmed experimentally by using the QWP.

Enteral leucine supplementation increases protein synthesis in skeletal and cardiac muscles and visceral tissues of neonatal pigs through mTORC1-dependent pathways

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Leucine activates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to upregulate protein synthesis (PS). To examine enteral Leu effects on PS and signaling activation, 5-d-old piglets were fed for 24 h diets containing: (i) LP, (ii) LP+L, or (iii) HP. PS in skeletal muscles, heart, liver, pancreas, and jejunum...

Study of the Mn-binding sites in photosystem II using antibodies raised against lumenal regions of the D1 and D2 reaction center proteins

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

Dalmasso, Enrique Agustin

The experiments discussed in this thesis focus on identifying the protein segments or specific amino acids which provide ligands to the Mn cluster of photosystem II (PS II). This Mn cluster plays a central role in the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of PS II. The Mn cluster is thought to be bound by lumenal regions of the PS II reaction center proteins known as D1 and D2. First, several peptides were synthesized which correspond to specific lumenal segments of the D1 and D2 proteins. Next, polyclonal antibodies were successfully elicited using three of these peptides. The peptides recognized by these antibodiesmore » correspond to protein segments of the spinach reaction center proteins: Ile-321 to Ala-344 of D1 (D1-a), Asp-319 to Arg-334 of D1 (D1-b), and Val-300 to Asn-319 of D2 (D2-a). These antibodies were then used in assays which were developed to structurally or functionally probe the potential Mn-binding regions of the D1 and D2 proteins.« less

Immobilization of 5-aminopyridine-2-tetrazole on cross-linked polystyrene for the preparation of a new adsorbent to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

PubMed

Zhang, Yu; Chen, Youning; Wang, Chaozhan; Wei, Yinmao

2014-07-15

Novel 5-aminopyridine-2-tetrazole-functionalized polystyrene resin (APTZ-PS) was prepared by anchoring 5-aminopyridine-2-carbonitrile onto chloromethylated polystyrene beads (CMPS) and subsequently using the cyano-tetrazole conversion reaction. The APTZ-PS resin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and specific surface area and pore size analyses. The adsorption experiments of the prepared resin for heavy metal ions were conducted by batch methods. The effects of the experimental conditions, such as pH, contact time and initial metal ion concentration on the adsorption properties of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II) were investigated. The results showed that the resin possessed perfect adsorption capacities for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II), and the selectivity was different from the commonly used iminodiacetic acid-chelating resin. The sorption kinetics of the three metal ions followed the pseudo-second-order equation. The adsorption isotherms for Cu(II) and Pb(II) could be better fitted by the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model, whereas the Freundlich model was the best for the Hg(II) ion. Even after five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, no obvious change in the adsorption capacity of the resin was found, which implied that the APTZ-PS resin was suitable for the efficient removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

P-S & S-P Elastic Wave Conversions from Linear Arrays of Oriented Microcracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, L.; Modiriasari, A.; Bobet, A.; Pyrak-Nolte, L. J.

2017-12-01

Natural and induced processes can produce oriented mechanical discontinuities such as en echelon cracks, fractures and faults. Previous research has shown that compressional to shear (P-S) wave conversions occur at normal incidence to a fracture because of cross-coupling fracture compliances (Nakagawa et al., 2000). Here, experiments and computer simulation are presented to demonstrate the link among cross-coupling stiffness, microcrack orientation and energy partitioning among P, S, and P-S/S-P waves. A FormLabs 2 3D printer was used to fabricate 7 samples (50 mm x 50 mm x 100 mm) with linear arrays of microcracks oriented at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 900 with a print resolution of 0.025 mm. The microcracks were elliptical in cross-sections (2 mm long by 1 mm wide), through the 50 mm thickness of sample, and spaced 3 mm (center-to-center for adjacent cracks). A 25 mm length of each sample contained no microcracks to act as a reference material. Broadband transducers (0.2-1.5 MHz) were used to transmit and receive P and polarized S wave signals that were propagated at normal incidence to the linear array of microcracks. P-wave amplitude increased, while S-wave amplitude remained relatively constant, as the microcrack orientation increased from 0o to 90o. At normal incidence, P-S and S-P wave conversions emerged and increased in amplitude as the crack inclination increased from 00 to 450. From 450 to 900, the amplitude of these converted modes decreased. Between negative and positive crack angles, the P-to-S and S-to-P waves were 1800 phase reversed. The observed energy partitioning matched the computed compliances obtained from numerical simulations with ABAQUS. The cross-coupling compliance for cracks inclined at 450 was found to be the smallest magnitude. 3D printing enabled the study of microstructural effects on macro-scale wave measurements. Information on the orientation of microcracks or even en echelon fractures and faults is contained in P-S conversions even at normal incidence. Acknowledgment: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Geosciences Research Program under Award Number (DE-FG02-09ER16022) and by the National Science Foundation, Geomechanics and Geotechnical Systems Program (award No. CMMI-1162082).

Polymorphism influences singlet fission rates in tetracene thin films

DOE PAGES

Arias, Dylan H.; Ryerson, Joseph L.; Cook, Jasper D.; ...

2015-11-06

Here, we report the effect of crystal structure and crystallite grain size on singlet fission (SF) in polycrystalline tetracene, one of the most widely studied SF and organic semiconductor materials. SF has been comprehensively studied in one polymoprh (Tc I), but not in the other, less stable polymorph (Tc II). Using carefully controlled thermal evaporation deposition conditions and high sensitivity ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, we found that for large crystallite size samples, SF in nearly pure Tc II films is significantly faster than SF in Tc I films. We also discovered that crystallite size has a minimal impact on themore » SF rate in Tc II films, but a significant influence in Tc I films. Large crystallites exhibit SF times of 125 ps and 22 ps in Tc I and Tc II, respectively, whereas small crystallites have SF times of 31 ps and 33 ps. Our results demonstrate first, that attention must be paid to polymorphism in obtaining a self-consistent rate picture for SF in tetracene and second, that control of polymorphism can play a significant role towards achieving a mechanistic understanding of SF in polycrystalline systems. In this latter context we show that conventional theory based on non-covalent tetracene couplings is insufficient, thus highlighting the need for models that capture the delocalized and highly mobile nature of excited states in elucidating the full photophysical picture.« less

On the positronium spin conversion reactions caused by some macrocyclic Co II complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fantola-Lazzarini, Anna L.; Lazzarini, Ennio

2002-08-01

The rate constants, kCR, of ortho- into para-positronium ( o-Ps→ p-Ps) spin conversion reactions, CR, caused by the high-spin [Co IIsep] 2+, [Co IIdinosar] 2+ and [Co IIdiamsar] 2+ macrocyclic complexes and also by high-spin [Co II sen] 2+ tripod complex were measured at several temperatures. The delocalizations, β, of Co II unpaired electrons, promoted by the mentioned ligands, were determined by using the previously established correlations between kCR and the electron delocalization β of unpaired metal electrons. β is given by the ratio between the Racah inter-electronic repulsion parameters of complexes, B, and that of the free ions, B0. The β values are compared with those of the Co II complexes with en (1,2-ethanediamine), pn (1,2 propanediamine) and dien (2,2' diamino diethylamine) ligands. The kCR rate constants are also compared with those of the Ps oxidation reactions, OR, promoted by the corresponding Co III complexes. It is concluded that, unlike OR's, the CR's do not occur by formation of hepta-coordinate adducts with Ps atoms.

[Response of photosynthetic characteristics of peanut seedlings leaves to low light].

PubMed

Zhang, Kun; Wan, Yong-shan; Liu, Feng-zhen; Zhang, Er-qun; Wang, Su

2009-12-01

To investigate the effects of shading and light recovery on the photosynthetic characteristics of peanut seedlings leaves, different shading treatments including no shading, 27% shading, 43% shading, and 77% shading were performed with black sunshade net at the seedling stage of two peanut cultivars Fenghua 1 and Fenghua 2, with related parameters determined. It was shown that with the increase of shading degree, the leaf chlorophyll content, actual PSII photochemical efficiency under irradiance (phi(PS II)), and maximum PS II photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of test cultivars increased, while the Chl a/b ratio and photosynthetic rate (Pn) decreased. On the first day after light recovery, the Pn and stomatal conductance (Gs) decreased while the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) increased with increasing shading degree when measured under high light, but the Pn increased and the Gs and Ci decreased with increasing shading degree when measured under low light. The ratio of Pn measured under low light to that measured under high light increased significantly. With increasing shading degree, the light compensation point, light saturation point, CO2 compensation point, CO2 saturation point, and carboxylation efficiency decreased, while the apparent quantum yield increased. After the removal of shading, the Pn, phi(PS II), and Fv/Fm under natural light decreased immediately, but increased gradually 3-5 days after. 15 days after light recovery, the Pn, phi(PS II) and Fv/Fm in treatment 27% shading recovered to the level of no shading. As for the other treatments, the restored extent differed with shading degree and test variety. In the same treatments, the leaf chlorophyll content, Pn and phi(PS II) of Fenghua 1 were higher than those of Fenghua 2. The results demonstrated that shading at seedling stage improved the capabilities of test varieties in using low light, but reduced the capabilities in using high light.

Study on thermal, mechanical and adsorption properties of amine-functionalized MCM-41/PMMA and MCM-41/PS nanocomposites prepared by ultrasonic irradiation.

PubMed

Mohammadnezhad, Gholamhossein; Abad, Saeed; Soltani, Roozbeh; Dinari, Mohammad

2017-11-01

In this study, two common industrial polymers, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS), were incorporated into amine-functionalized MCM-41 mesoporous silica as reinforcement agents via an ultrasonic assisted method as a facile, fast, eco-friendly, and versatile synthetic tool. Amino functionalization of MCM-41 were performed by 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane as a coupling agent and it is denoted as APTS-MCM-41. The obtained nanocomposites (NCs), APTS-MCM-41/PMMA and APTS-MCM-41/PS, were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their mechanical properties were also probed via stress-strain curves and improved tensile properties were observed in the NCs relative to the neat polymers. Additionally, APTS-MCM-41/PMMA exhibited better mechanical properties than APTS-MCM-41/PS. Sorption studies were carried out on the two NCs and the effect of different process parameters, namely, pH, contact time, and initial Cd(II) concentration investigated in batch mode. Pseudo-second order and intraparticle diffusion models explain the Cd(II) kinetics more effectively for APTS-MCM-41/PMMA and APTS-MCM-41/PS, respectively. The adsorption isotherm data fitted well to Langmuir isotherm for both NCs and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacities were found to be 24.75mg/g and 10.42mg/g for APTS-MCM-41/PMMA and APTS-MCM-41/PS, respectively. The results demonstrate that the NCs show potential for use in adsorption of heavy metal ion such as Cd(II) from aqueous media. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Angiotensin II, hypertension and angiotensin II receptor antagonism: Roles in the behavioural and brain pathology of a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Wiesmann, Maximilian; Roelofs, Monica; van der Lugt, Robert; Heerschap, Arend; Kiliaan, Amanda J; Claassen, Jurgen Ahr

2017-07-01

Elevated angiotensin II causes hypertension and contributes to Alzheimer's disease by affecting cerebral blood flow. Angiotensin II receptor blockers may provide candidates to reduce (vascular) risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. We studied effects of two months of angiotensin II-induced hypertension on systolic blood pressure, and treatment with the angiotensin II receptor blockers, eprosartan mesylate, after one month of induced hypertension in wild-type C57bl/6j and AβPPswe/PS1ΔE9 (AβPP/PS1/Alzheimer's disease) mice. AβPP/PS1 showed higher systolic blood pressure than wild-type. Subsequent eprosartan mesylate treatment restored this elevated systolic blood pressure in all mice. Functional connectivity was decreased in angiotensin II-infused Alzheimer's disease and wild-type mice, and only 12 months of Alzheimer's disease mice showed impaired cerebral blood flow. Only angiotensin II-infused Alzheimer's disease mice exhibited decreased spatial learning in the Morris water maze. Altogether, angiotensin II-induced hypertension not only exacerbated Alzheimer's disease-like pathological changes such as impairment of cerebral blood flow, functional connectivity, and cognition only in Alzheimer's disease model mice, but it also induced decreased functional connectivity in wild-type mice. However, we could not detect hypertension-induced overexpression of Aβ nor increased neuroinflammation. Our findings suggest a link between midlife hypertension, decreased cerebral hemodynamics and connectivity in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Eprosartan mesylate treatment restored and beneficially affected cerebral blood flow and connectivity. This model could be used to investigate prevention/treatment strategies in early Alzheimer's disease.

Cartilage collagen type II seromarker patterns in axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: associations with disease activity, smoking and HLA-B27.

PubMed

Munk, Heidi Lausten; Gudmann, Natasja Staehr; Christensen, Anne Friesgaard; Ejstrup, Leif; Sorensen, Grith Lykke; Loft, Anne Gitte; Bay-Jensen, Anne C; Siebuhr, Anne Sofie; Junker, Peter

2016-04-01

The aim of the study was to assess the possible association between type II collagen turnover seromarkers and disease profile in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Outpatients with axial SpA (n = 110) or PsA (n = 101) underwent clinical examination including disease activity measures and HLA-B27 typing. The procollagen IIA N-terminal peptide (PIIANP) and a matrix metalloproteinase-generated type II collagen fragment (C2M) were quantified in serum by ELISA. C2M was higher in SpA than in controls, 0.41 versus 0.36 ng/ml (p = 0.004), while PIIANP did not differ between patients and healthy subjects, 2252 versus 2142 ng/ml (p = 0.13). However, DMARD-naïve SpA patients had higher PIIANP, 2461 ng/ml (p = 0.01) and C2M, 0.44 ng/ml (p = 0.0007) levels than controls, and PIIANP correlated with CRP (ρ = 0.34). C2M was lower in SpA smokers, 0.36 ng/ml versus non-smokers, 0.43 ng/ml (p = 0.02), while PIIANP was higher in HLA-B27 positive, 2312 ng/ml versus negative patients, 2021 ng/ml (p = 0.03). In PsA, PIIANP and C2M did not differ between patients and controls, but PIIANP was elevated in patients not receiving DMARDs, 2726 ng/ml. In PsA, PIIANP and C2M did not differ according to smoking and HLA-B27. Cartilage degradation assessed by C2M is increased in SpA irrespective of treatment but not in PsA. Cartilage synthesis reflected by PIIANP is increased in untreated SpA and PsA. PIIANP correlates with CRP in SpA while not in PsA. In DMARD-naïve SpA but not in PsA, HLA-B27 positivity and smoking are associated with a chondro-proliferative metabolic pattern.

Electroporation of the photosynthetic membrane: structural changes in protein and lipid-protein domains.

PubMed Central

Rosemberg, Y; Rotenberg, M; Korenstein, R

1994-01-01

A biological membrane undergoes a reversible permeability increase through structural changes in the lipid domain when exposed to high external electric fields. The present study shows the occurrence of electric field-induced changes in the conductance of the proton channel of the H(+)-ATPase as well as electric field-induced structural changes in the lipid-protein domain of photosystem (PS) II in the photosynthetic membrane. The study was carried out by analyzing the electric field-stimulated delayed luminescence (EPL), which originates from charge recombination in the protein complexes of PS I and II of photosynthetic vesicles. We established that a small fraction of the total electric field-induced conductance change was abolished by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD), an inhibitor of the H(+)-ATPase. This reversible electric field-induced conductance change has characteristics of a small channel and possesses a lifetime < or = 1 ms. To detect electric field-induced changes in the lipid-protein domains of PS II, we examined the effects of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) on EPL. Higher values of EPL were observed from vesicles that were exposed in the presence of PLA2 to an electroporating electric field than to a nonelectroporating electric field. The effect of the electroporating field was a long-lived one, lasting for a period > or = 2 min. This effect was attributed to long-lived electric field-induced structural changes in the lipid-protein domains of PS II. PMID:7811916

Recovery of photosynthesis in 1-year-old needles of unfertilized and fertilized Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) during spring.

PubMed

Strand, M; Lundmark, T

1995-03-01

Photosynthetic O(2) evolution and chlorophyll a fluorescence were measured in 1-year-old needles of unfertilized and fertilized trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) during recovery of photosynthesis from winter inhibition in northern Sweden. Measurements were made under laboratory conditions at 20 degrees C. In general, the CO(2)-saturated rate of O(2) evolution was higher in needles of fertilized trees than in needles of unfertilized trees over a wide range of incident photon flux densities. Furthermore, the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem (PS) II, as indicated by the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (F(V)/F(M)) was higher in needles of fertilized trees than in needles of unfertilized trees. The largest differences in F(V)/F(M) between the two treatments occurred before the main recovery of photosynthesis from winter inhibition in late May. The rate of O(2) evolution was higher in needles of north-facing branches than in needles of south-facing branches in the middle of May. Simultaneous measurements of O(2) exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence indicated that differences in the rate of O(2) evolution between the two treatments were paralleled by differences in the rate of PS II electron transport determined by chlorophyll fluorescence. We suggest that, during recovery of photosynthesis from winter inhibition, the balance between carbon assimilation and PS II electron transport was maintained largely by adjustments in the nonphotochemical dissipation of excitation energy within PS II.

Fine tuning the energetics of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT): white light generation in a single ESIPT system.

PubMed

Tang, Kuo-Chun; Chang, Ming-Jen; Lin, Tsung-Yi; Pan, Hsiao-An; Fang, Tzu-Chien; Chen, Kew-Yu; Hung, Wen-Yi; Hsu, Yu-Hsiang; Chou, Pi-Tai

2011-11-09

Using 7-hydroxy-1-indanone as a prototype (I), which exhibits excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), chemical modification has been performed at C(2)-C(3) positions by fusing benzene (molecule II) and naphthalene rings, (molecule III). I undergoes an ultrafast rate of ESIPT, resulting in a unique tautomer emission (λ(max) ∼530 nm), whereas excited-state equilibrium is established for both II and III, as supported by the dual emission and the associated relaxation dynamics. The forward ESIPT (normal to proton-transfer tautomer species) rates for II and III are deduced to be (30 ps)(-1) and (22 ps)(-1), respectively, while the backward ESIPT rates are (11 ps)(-1) and (48 ps)(-1). The ESIPT equilibrium constants are thus calculated to be 0.37 and 2.2 for II and III, respectively, giving a corresponding free energy change of 0.59 and -0.47 kcal/mol between normal and tautomer species. For III, normal and tautomer emissions in solid are maximized at 435 and 580 nm, respectively, achieving a white light generation with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) (0.30, 0.27). An organic light-emitting diode based on III is also successfully fabricated with maximum brightness of 665 cd m(-2) at 20 V (885 mA cm(-2)) and the CIE coordinates of (0.26, 0.35). The results provide the proof of concept that the white light generation can be achieved in a single ESIPT system.

The water-water cycle as alternative photon and electron sinks.

PubMed

Asada, K

2000-10-29

The water-water cycle in chloroplasts is the photoreduction of dioxygen to water in photosystem I (PS I) by the electrons generated in photosystem II (PS II) from water. In the water-water cycle, the rate of photoreduction of dioxygen in PS I is several orders of magnitude lower than those of the disproportionation of superoxide catalysed by superoxide dismutase, the reduction of hydrogen peroxide to water catalysed by ascorbate peroxidase, and the reduction of the resulting oxidized forms of ascorbate by reduced ferredoxin or catalysed by either dehydroascorbate reductase or monodehydroascorbate reductase. The water-water cycle therefore effectively shortens the lifetimes of photoproduced superoxide and hydrogen peroxide to suppress the production of hydroxyl radicals, their interactions with the target molecules in chloroplasts, and resulting photoinhibition. When leaves are exposed to photon intensities of sunlight in excess of that required to support the fixation of CO2, the intersystem electron carriers are over-reduced, resulting in photoinhibition. Under such conditions, the water-water cycle not only scavenges active oxygens, but also safely dissipates excess photon energy and electrons, in addition to downregulation of PS II and photorespiration. The dual functions of the water-water cycle for protection from photoinhibition under photon excess stress are discussed, along with its functional evolution.

Confinement and Ordering of Au Nanorods in Polymer Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hore, Michael J. A.; Mills, Eric; Liu, Yu; Composto, Russell J.

2009-03-01

Ordered arrays of gold nanorods (Au NRs) possess interesting optical properties that might be utilized in future devices. Au NRs functionalized with a poly(ethylene glycol)-thiol brush are incorporated into homopolymer or block copolymer (BCP) films. NR distribution and orientational correlations are studied as a function of nanorod concentration and spacial confinement via Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. In particular, differences in the degree of nanorod ordering are presented for PMMA homopolymer films (d ˜ 45 nm) versus PS-b-PMMA BCP films (L/2 ˜ 40 nm), where higher ordering is seen in the case of BCP films. At moderate volume fractions of NRs, φ = 1% to 10%, the degree of ordering is moderate, and increases with increasing φ . However, coexistence between regions of higher ordering and isotropic orientations is observed. In addition to the planar confinement considered above, orientation of Au NRs confined to cylindrical P2VP domains is studied in PS-b-P2VP BCP films.

An EPR study of the pH dependence of formate effects on Photosystem II.

PubMed

Jajoo, Anjana; Katsuta, Nobuhiro; Kawamori, Asako

2006-04-01

Effects of formate on rates of O(2) evolution and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals were observed in the oxygen evolving PS II membranes as a function of pH. In formate treated PS II membranes, decrease in pH value resulted in the inhibition of the O(2) evolving activity, a decrease in the intensity of S(2) state multiline signal but an increase in the intensity of the Q(A)(-)Fe(2+) EPR signal. Time-resolved EPR study of the Y(Z)(*) decay kinetics showed that the light-induced intensity of Y(Z)(*) EPR signal was proportional to the formate concentration. The change in the pH affected both the light-induced intensities and the decay rates of Y(Z)(*), which was found to be faster at lower pH. At 253 K, t(1/e) value of Y(Z)(*) decay kinetics was found to be 8-10 s at pH 6.0 and 18-21 s at pH 5.0. The results presented here indicate that the extent of inhibition at the donor and the acceptor side of PS II due to formate is pH dependent, being more effective at lower pH.

Effects of marine actinomycete on the removal of a toxicity alga Phaeocystis globose in eutrophication waters.

PubMed

Zhang, Huajun; Zhang, Su; Peng, Yun; Li, Yi; Chen, Zhangran; Xu, Hong; Yu, Zhiming; Zheng, Wei; Zheng, Tianling

2015-01-01

Phaeocystis globosa blooms in eutrophication waters can cause severely damage in marine ecosystem and consequently influence human activities. This study investigated the effect and role of an algicidal actinomycete (Streptomyces sp. JS01) on the elimination process of P. globosa. JS01 supernatant could alter algal cell membrane permeability in 4 h when analyzed with flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were 7.2 times higher than that at 0 h following exposure to JS01 supernatant for 8 h, which indicated that algal cells suffered from oxidative damage. The Fv/Fm value which could reflect photosystem II (PS II) electron flow status also decreased. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of the photosynthesis related genes psbA and rbcS were suppressed by JS01 supernatant, which might induce damage to PS II. Our results demonstrated that JS01 supernatant can change algal membrane permeability in a short time and then affect photosynthesis process, which might block the PS II electron transport chain to produce excessive ROS. This experiment demonstrated that Streptomyces sp. JS01 could eliminate harmful algae in marine waters efficiently and may be function as a harmful algal bloom controller material.

Effects of marine actinomycete on the removal of a toxicity alga Phaeocystis globose in eutrophication waters

PubMed Central

Zhang, Huajun; Zhang, Su; Peng, Yun; Li, Yi; Chen, Zhangran; Xu, Hong; Yu, Zhiming; Zheng, Wei; Zheng, Tianling

2015-01-01

Phaeocystis globosa blooms in eutrophication waters can cause severely damage in marine ecosystem and consequently influence human activities. This study investigated the effect and role of an algicidal actinomycete (Streptomyces sp. JS01) on the elimination process of P. globosa. JS01 supernatant could alter algal cell membrane permeability in 4 h when analyzed with flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were 7.2 times higher than that at 0 h following exposure to JS01 supernatant for 8 h, which indicated that algal cells suffered from oxidative damage. The Fv/Fm value which could reflect photosystem II (PS II) electron flow status also decreased. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of the photosynthesis related genes psbA and rbcS were suppressed by JS01 supernatant, which might induce damage to PS II. Our results demonstrated that JS01 supernatant can change algal membrane permeability in a short time and then affect photosynthesis process, which might block the PS II electron transport chain to produce excessive ROS. This experiment demonstrated that Streptomyces sp. JS01 could eliminate harmful algae in marine waters efficiently and may be function as a harmful algal bloom controller material. PMID:26042109

Mechanism of action of anions on the electron transport chain in thylakoid membranes of higher plants.

PubMed

Singh-Rawal, Pooja; Zsiros, Ottó; Bharti, Sudhakar; Garab, Gyozo; Jajoo, Anjana

2011-04-01

With an aim to improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind specific anion effects in biological membranes, we have studied the effects of sodium salts of anions of varying valency in thylakoid membranes. Rates of electron transport of PS II and PS I, 77K fluorescence emission and excitation spectra, cyclic electron flow around PS I and circular dichroism (CD) spectra were measured in thylakoid membranes in order to elucidate a general mechanism of action of inorganic anions on photosynthetic electron transport chain. Re-distribution of absorbed excitation energy has been observed as a signature effect of inorganic anions. In the presence of anions, such as nitrite, sulphate and phosphate, distribution of absorbed excitation energy was found to be more in favor of Photosystem I (PS I). The amount of energy distributed towards PS I depended on the valency of the anion. In this paper, we propose for the first time that energy re-distribution and its valence dependence may not be the effect of anions per se. The entry of negative charge (anion) is accompanied by influx of positive charge (protons) to maintain a balance of charge across the thylakoid membranes. As reflected by the CD spectra, the observed energy re-distribution could be a result of structural rearrangements of the protein complexes of PS II caused by changes in the ionic environment of the thylakoid lumen.

Effect of Areal Density of Polymer Chains on Gold Nanoparticles on Nanoparticle Location in a Block Copolymer Template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, B. J.; Bang, J.; Hawker, C. J.; Kramer, E. J.

2006-03-01

It is well established that one block of a copolymer can interact preferentially with an inorganic substrate to produce wetting and domain orientation. We take advantage of this preferential interaction to control the location of 2.5 nm diameter Au nanoparticles coated with short thiol-terminated polystyrene (Mn=3.4 kg/mol) chains (PS-SH) in a symmetric poly(styrene-b-2 vinyl-pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer (Mn=196 kg/mol) by changing the areal density σ of the PS-SH on the Au. If σ >= 1.6 chains/nm^2, the preferential interaction between the P2VP of the PS-b-P2VP and the Au surface is screened and the Au localizes in the center of the PS domains. If σ <= 1.4 chains/nm^2 , the Au particles are localized at the PS-P2VP interface. Au nanoparticles coated with thiol terminated P2VP (Mn=3 kg/mol) localize in the center of the P2VP domain of the PS-P2VP over the entire range of σ, demonstrating the localization of the PS coated Au nanoparticles at the interface at low values of σ is due to the unscreened Au-P2VP interaction.

Molecular features of colorectal polyps presenting Kudo’s type II mucosal crypt pattern: are they based on the same mechanism of tumorigenesis?

PubMed Central

Shinmura, Kensuke; Konishi, Kazuo; Yamochi, Toshiko; Kubota, Yutaro; Yano, Yuichiro; Katagiri, Atsushi; Muramoto, Takashi; Kihara, Toshihiro; Tojo, Masayuki; Konda, Kenichi; Tagawa, Teppei; Yanagisawa, Fumito; Kogo, Mari; Makino, Reiko; Takimoto, Masafumi; Yoshida, Hitoshi

2014-01-01

Background and study aims: The molecular features of serrated polyps (SPs) with hyperplastic crypt pattern, also called Kudo’s type II observed by chromoendoscopy, were evaluated. Methods: The clinicopathological and molecular features of 114 SPs with a hyperplastic pit pattern detected under chromoendoscopy (five dysplastic SPs, 63 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps), 36 microvesicular hyperplastic polyps (MVHPs), and 10 goblet cell-rich hyperplastic polyps (GCHPs)) were examined. The frequency of KRAS and BRAF mutations and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) were investigated. Results: Dysplastic SPs and SSA/Ps were frequently located in the proximal colon compared to others (SSA/Ps vs. MVHPs or GCHPs, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found in the frequency of BRAF mutation among SPs apart from GCHP (60 % for dysplastic SPs, 44 % for SSA/Ps, 47 % for MVHPs, and 0 % for GCHPs). The frequency of CIMP was higher in dysplastic SPs or SSA/Ps than in MVHPs or GCHPs (60 % for dysplastic SPs, 56 % for SSA/Ps, 32 % for MVHPs, and 10 % for GCHPs) (SSA/Ps vs. GCHP, P = 0.0068). When serrated neoplasias (SNs) and MVHPs were classified into proximal and distal lesions, the frequency of CIMP was significantly higher in the proximal compared to the distal SNs (64 % vs. 11 %, P = 0.0032). Finally, multivariate analysis showed that proximal location and BRAF mutation were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIMP. Conclusions: Distinct molecular features were observed between proximal and distal SPs with hyperplastic crypt pattern. Proximal MVHPs may develop more frequently through SSA/Ps to CIMP cancers than distal MVHPs. PMID:26134964

Molecular features of colorectal polyps presenting Kudo's type II mucosal crypt pattern: are they based on the same mechanism of tumorigenesis?

PubMed

Shinmura, Kensuke; Konishi, Kazuo; Yamochi, Toshiko; Kubota, Yutaro; Yano, Yuichiro; Katagiri, Atsushi; Muramoto, Takashi; Kihara, Toshihiro; Tojo, Masayuki; Konda, Kenichi; Tagawa, Teppei; Yanagisawa, Fumito; Kogo, Mari; Makino, Reiko; Takimoto, Masafumi; Yoshida, Hitoshi

2014-09-01

The molecular features of serrated polyps (SPs) with hyperplastic crypt pattern, also called Kudo's type II observed by chromoendoscopy, were evaluated. The clinicopathological and molecular features of 114 SPs with a hyperplastic pit pattern detected under chromoendoscopy (five dysplastic SPs, 63 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps), 36 microvesicular hyperplastic polyps (MVHPs), and 10 goblet cell-rich hyperplastic polyps (GCHPs)) were examined. The frequency of KRAS and BRAF mutations and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) were investigated. Dysplastic SPs and SSA/Ps were frequently located in the proximal colon compared to others (SSA/Ps vs. MVHPs or GCHPs, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found in the frequency of BRAF mutation among SPs apart from GCHP (60 % for dysplastic SPs, 44 % for SSA/Ps, 47 % for MVHPs, and 0 % for GCHPs). The frequency of CIMP was higher in dysplastic SPs or SSA/Ps than in MVHPs or GCHPs (60 % for dysplastic SPs, 56 % for SSA/Ps, 32 % for MVHPs, and 10 % for GCHPs) (SSA/Ps vs. GCHP, P = 0.0068). When serrated neoplasias (SNs) and MVHPs were classified into proximal and distal lesions, the frequency of CIMP was significantly higher in the proximal compared to the distal SNs (64 % vs. 11 %, P = 0.0032). Finally, multivariate analysis showed that proximal location and BRAF mutation were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIMP. Distinct molecular features were observed between proximal and distal SPs with hyperplastic crypt pattern. Proximal MVHPs may develop more frequently through SSA/Ps to CIMP cancers than distal MVHPs.

Effect of molecular characteristics on cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and phototoxicity of Zn(II) N-alkylpyridylporphyrins.

PubMed

Ezzeddine, Rima; Al-Banaw, Anwar; Tovmasyan, Artak; Craik, James D; Batinic-Haberle, Ines; Benov, Ludmil T

2013-12-20

Tetra-cationic Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-alkylpyridinium-2 (or -3 or -4)-yl)porphyrins (ZnPs) with progressively increased lipophilicity were synthesized to investigate how the tri-dimensional shape and lipophilicity of the photosensitizer (PS) affect cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and photodynamic efficacy. The effect of the tri-dimensional shape of the molecule was studied by shifting the N-alkyl substituent attached to the pyridyl nitrogen from ortho to meta and para positions. Progressive increase of lipophilicity from shorter hydrophilic (methyl) to longer amphiphilic (hexyl) alkyl chains increased the phototoxicity of the ZnP PSs. PS efficacy was also increased for all derivatives when the alkyl substituents were shifted from ortho to meta, and from meta to para positions. Both cellular uptake and subcellular distribution of the PSs were affected by the lipophilicity and the position of the alkyl chains on the periphery of the porphyrin ring. Whereas the hydrophilic ZnPs demonstrated mostly lysosomal distribution, the amphiphilic hexyl derivatives were associated with mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane. A comparison of hexyl isomers revealed that cellular uptake and partition into membranes followed the order para > meta > ortho. Varying the position and length of the alkyl substituents affects (i) the exposure of cationic charges for electrostatic interactions with anionic biomolecules and (ii) the lipophilicity of the molecule. The charge, lipophilicity, and the tri-dimensional shape of the PS are the major factors that determine cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and as a consequence, the phototoxicity of the PSs.

Effect of Molecular Characteristics on Cellular Uptake, Subcellular Localization, and Phototoxicity of Zn(II) N-Alkylpyridylporphyrins*

PubMed Central

Ezzeddine, Rima; Al-Banaw, Anwar; Tovmasyan, Artak; Craik, James D.; Batinic-Haberle, Ines; Benov, Ludmil T.

2013-01-01

Tetra-cationic Zn(II) meso-tetrakis(N-alkylpyridinium-2 (or -3 or -4)-yl)porphyrins (ZnPs) with progressively increased lipophilicity were synthesized to investigate how the tri-dimensional shape and lipophilicity of the photosensitizer (PS) affect cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and photodynamic efficacy. The effect of the tri-dimensional shape of the molecule was studied by shifting the N-alkyl substituent attached to the pyridyl nitrogen from ortho to meta and para positions. Progressive increase of lipophilicity from shorter hydrophilic (methyl) to longer amphiphilic (hexyl) alkyl chains increased the phototoxicity of the ZnP PSs. PS efficacy was also increased for all derivatives when the alkyl substituents were shifted from ortho to meta, and from meta to para positions. Both cellular uptake and subcellular distribution of the PSs were affected by the lipophilicity and the position of the alkyl chains on the periphery of the porphyrin ring. Whereas the hydrophilic ZnPs demonstrated mostly lysosomal distribution, the amphiphilic hexyl derivatives were associated with mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane. A comparison of hexyl isomers revealed that cellular uptake and partition into membranes followed the order para > meta > ortho. Varying the position and length of the alkyl substituents affects (i) the exposure of cationic charges for electrostatic interactions with anionic biomolecules and (ii) the lipophilicity of the molecule. The charge, lipophilicity, and the tri-dimensional shape of the PS are the major factors that determine cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and as a consequence, the phototoxicity of the PSs. PMID:24214973

Freezing cytorrhysis and critical temperature thresholds for photosystem II in the peat moss Sphagnum capillifolium.

PubMed

Buchner, Othmar; Neuner, Gilbert

2010-07-01

Leaflets of Sphagnum capillifolium were exposed to temperatures from -5 degrees C to +60 degrees C under controlled conditions while mounted on a microscope stage. The resultant cytological response to these temperature treatments was successfully monitored using a light and fluorescence microscope. In addition to the observable cytological changes during freezing cytorrhysis and heat exposure on the leaflets, the concomitant critical temperature thresholds for inactivation of photosystem II (PS II) were studied using a micro fibre optic and a chlorophyll fluorometer mounted to the microscope stage. Chlorophyllous cells of S. capillifolium showed extended freezing cytorrhysis immediately after ice nucleation at -1.1 degrees C in the water in which the leaflets were submersed during the measurement. The occurrence of freezing cytorrhysis, which was visually manifested by cell shrinkage, was highly dynamic and was completed within 2 s. A total reduction of the mean projected diameter of the chloroplast containing area during freezing cytorrhysis from 8.9 to 3.8 microm indicates a cell volume reduction of approximately -82%. Simultaneous measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence of PS II was possible even through the frozen water in which the leaf samples were submersed. Freezing cytorrhysis was accompanied by a sudden rise of basic chlorophyll fluorescence. The critical freezing temperature threshold of PS II was identical to the ice nucleation temperature (-1.1 degrees C). This is significantly above the temperature threshold at which frost damage to S. capillifolium leaflets occurs (-16.1 degrees C; LT(50)) which is higher than observed in most higher plants from the European Alps during summer. High temperature thresholds of PS II were 44.5 degrees C which is significantly below the heat tolerance of chlorophyllous cells (49.9 degrees C; LT(50)). It is demonstrated that light and fluorescence microscopic techniques combined with simultaneous chlorophyll fluorescence measurements may act as a useful tool to study heat, low temperature, and ice-encasement effects on the cellular structure and primary photosynthetic processes of intact leaf tissues.

Structure of photosystem II and substrate binding at room temperature.

PubMed

Young, Iris D; Ibrahim, Mohamed; Chatterjee, Ruchira; Gul, Sheraz; Fuller, Franklin; Koroidov, Sergey; Brewster, Aaron S; Tran, Rosalie; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Kroll, Thomas; Michels-Clark, Tara; Laksmono, Hartawan; Sierra, Raymond G; Stan, Claudiu A; Hussein, Rana; Zhang, Miao; Douthit, Lacey; Kubin, Markus; de Lichtenberg, Casper; Long Vo, Pham; Nilsson, Håkan; Cheah, Mun Hon; Shevela, Dmitriy; Saracini, Claudio; Bean, Mackenzie A; Seuffert, Ina; Sokaras, Dimosthenis; Weng, Tsu-Chien; Pastor, Ernest; Weninger, Clemens; Fransson, Thomas; Lassalle, Louise; Bräuer, Philipp; Aller, Pierre; Docker, Peter T; Andi, Babak; Orville, Allen M; Glownia, James M; Nelson, Silke; Sikorski, Marcin; Zhu, Diling; Hunter, Mark S; Lane, Thomas J; Aquila, Andy; Koglin, Jason E; Robinson, Joseph; Liang, Mengning; Boutet, Sébastien; Lyubimov, Artem Y; Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; Moriarty, Nigel W; Liebschner, Dorothee; Afonine, Pavel V; Waterman, David G; Evans, Gwyndaf; Wernet, Philippe; Dobbek, Holger; Weis, William I; Brunger, Axel T; Zwart, Petrus H; Adams, Paul D; Zouni, Athina; Messinger, Johannes; Bergmann, Uwe; Sauter, Nicholas K; Kern, Jan; Yachandra, Vittal K; Yano, Junko

2016-12-15

Light-induced oxidation of water by photosystem II (PS II) in plants, algae and cyanobacteria has generated most of the dioxygen in the atmosphere. PS II, a membrane-bound multi-subunit pigment protein complex, couples the one-electron photochemistry at the reaction centre with the four-electron redox chemistry of water oxidation at the Mn 4 CaO 5 cluster in the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). Under illumination, the OEC cycles through five intermediate S-states (S 0 to S 4 ), in which S 1 is the dark-stable state and S 3 is the last semi-stable state before O-O bond formation and O 2 evolution. A detailed understanding of the O-O bond formation mechanism remains a challenge, and will require elucidation of both the structures of the OEC in the different S-states and the binding of the two substrate waters to the catalytic site. Here we report the use of femtosecond pulses from an X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) to obtain damage-free, room temperature structures of dark-adapted (S 1 ), two-flash illuminated (2F; S 3 -enriched), and ammonia-bound two-flash illuminated (2F-NH 3 ; S 3 -enriched) PS II. Although the recent 1.95 Å resolution structure of PS II at cryogenic temperature using an XFEL provided a damage-free view of the S 1 state, measurements at room temperature are required to study the structural landscape of proteins under functional conditions, and also for in situ advancement of the S-states. To investigate the water-binding site(s), ammonia, a water analogue, has been used as a marker, as it binds to the Mn 4 CaO 5 cluster in the S 2 and S 3 states. Since the ammonia-bound OEC is active, the ammonia-binding Mn site is not a substrate water site. This approach, together with a comparison of the native dark and 2F states, is used to discriminate between proposed O-O bond formation mechanisms.

Loss of Functional Photosystem II Reaction Centres in Zooxanthellae of Corals Exposed to Bleaching Conditions: Using Fluorescence Rise Kinetics.

PubMed

Hill, R; Larkum, A W D; Frankart, C; Kühl, M; Ralph, P J

2004-01-01

Mass coral bleaching is linked to elevated sea surface temperatures, 1-2 degrees C above average, during periods of intense light. These conditions induce the expulsion of zooxanthellae from the coral host in response to photosynthetic damage in the algal symbionts. The mechanism that triggers this release has not been clearly established and to further our knowledge of this process, fluorescence rise kinetics have been studied for the first time. Corals that were exposed to elevated temperature (33 degrees C) and light (280 mumol photons m(-2) s(-1)), showed distinct changes in the fast polyphasic induction of chlorophyll-a fluorescence, indicating biophysical changes in the photochemical processes. The fluorescence rise over the first 2000ms was monitored in three species of corals for up to 8 h, with a PEA fluorometer and an imaging-PAM. Pocillopora damicornis showed the least impact on photosynthetic apparatus, while Acropora nobilis was the most sensitive, with Cyphastrea serailia intermediate between the other two species. A. nobilis showed a remarkable capacity for recovery from bleaching conditions. For all three species, a steady decline in the slope of the initial rise and the height of the J-transient was observed, indicating the loss of functional Photosystem II (PS II) centres under elevated-temperature conditions. A significant loss of PS II centres was confirmed by a decline in photochemical quenching when exposed to bleaching stress. Non-photochemical quenching was identified as a significant mechanism for dissipating excess energy as heat under the bleaching conditions. Photophosphorylation could explain this decline in PS II activity. State transitions, a component of non-photochemical quenching, was a probable cause of the high non-photochemical quenching during bleaching and this mechanism is associated with the phosphorylation-induced dissociation of the light harvesting complexes from the PS II reaction centres. This reversible process may account for the coral recovery, particularly in A. nobilis.

Ultrafast compression of graphite observed with sub-ps time resolution diffraction on LCLS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armstrong, Michael; Goncharov, A.; Crowhurst, J.; Zaug, J.; Radousky, H.; Grivickas, P.; Bastea, S.; Goldman, N.; Stavrou, E.; Belof, J.; Gleason, A.; Lee, H. J.; Nagler, R.; Holtgrewe, N.; Walter, P.; Pakaprenka, V.; Nam, I.; Granados, E.; Presher, C.; Koroglu, B.

2017-06-01

We will present ps time resolution pulsed x-ray diffraction measurements of rapidly compressed highly oriented pyrolytic graphite along its basal plane at the Materials under Extreme Conditions (MEC) sector of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS). These experiments explore the possibility of rapid (<100 ps time scale) material transformations occurring under very highly anisotropic compression conditions. Under such conditions, non-equilibrium mechanisms may play a role in the transformation process. We will present experimental results and simulations which explore this possibility. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Effect Of Inorganic, Synthetic And Naturally Occurring Chelating Agents On Fe(II) Mediated Advanced Oxidation Of Chlorophenols

EPA Science Inventory

This study examines the feasibility and application of Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOTs) for the treatment of chlorophenols that are included in US EPA priority pollutant list. A novel class of sulfate/hydroxyl radical-based homogeneous AOTs (Fe(II)/PS, Fe(II)/PMS, Fe(II)/H...

The accuracy of the lateral vertebral notch-referred pedicle screw insertion technique in subaxial cervical spine: a human cadaver study.

PubMed

Luo, Jiaquan; Wu, Chunyang; Huang, Zhongren; Pan, Zhimin; Li, Zhiyun; Zhong, Junlong; Chen, Yiwei; Han, Zhimin; Cao, Kai

2017-04-01

This is a cadaver specimen study to confirm new pedicle screw (PS) entry point and trajectory for subaxial cervical PS insertion. To assess the accuracy of the lateral vertebral notch-referred PS insertion technique in subaxial cervical spine in cadaver cervical spine. Reported morphometric landmarks used to guide the surgeon in PS insertion show significant variability. In the previous study, we proposed a new technique (as called "notch-referred" technique) primarily based on coronal multiplane reconstruction images (CMRI) and cortical integrity after PS insertion in cadavers. However, the PS position in cadaveric cervical segment was not confirmed radiologically. Therefore, the difference between the pedicle trajectory and the PS trajectory using the notch-referred technique needs to be illuminated. Twelve cadaveric cervical spines were conducted with PS insertion using the lateral vertebral notch-referred technique. The guideline for entry point and trajectory for each vertebra was established based on the morphometric data from our previous study. After 3.5-mm diameter screw insertion, each vertebra was dissected and inspected for pedicle trajectory by CT scan. The pedicle trajectory and PS trajectory were measured and compared in axial plane. The perforation rate was assessed radiologically and was graded from ideal to unacceptable: Grade 0 = screw in pedicle; Grade I = perforation of pedicle wall less than one-fourth of the screw diameter; Grade II = perforation more than one-fourth of the screw diameter but less than one-second; Grade III = perforation more than one-second outside of the screw diameter. In addition, pedicle width between the acceptable and unacceptable screws was compared. A total of 120 pedicle screws were inserted. The perforation rate of pedicle screws was 78.3% in grade 0 (excellent PS position), 10.0% in grade I (good PS position), 8.3% in grade II (fair PS position), and 3.3% in grade III (poor PS position). The overall accepted accuracy of pedicle screws was 96.7% (Grade 0 + Grade I + Grade II), and only 3.3% had critical breach. There was no statistical difference between the pedicle trajectory and PS trajectory (p > 0.05). Compared to the pedicle width (4.4 ± 0.7 mm) in acceptably inserted screw, the unacceptably screw is 3.2 ± 0.3 mm which was statistically different (p < 0.05). The accuracy of the notch-referred PS insertion in cadaveric subaxial cervical spine is satisfactory.

Responses of the photosynthetic electron transport system to excess light energy caused by water deficit in wild watermelon.

PubMed

Sanda, Satoko; Yoshida, Kazuo; Kuwano, Masayoshi; Kawamura, Tadayuki; Munekage, Yuri Nakajima; Akashi, Kinya; Yokota, Akiho

2011-07-01

In plants, drought stress coupled with high levels of illumination causes not only dehydration of tissues, but also oxidative damage resulting from excess absorbed light energy. In this study, we analyzed the regulation of electron transport under drought/high-light stress conditions in wild watermelon, a xerophyte that shows strong resistance to this type of stress. Under drought/high-light conditions that completely suppressed CO(2) fixation, the linear electron flow was diminished between photosystem (PS) II and PS I, there was no photoinhibitory damage to PS II and PS I and no decrease in the abundance of the two PSs. Proteome analyses revealed changes in the abundance of protein spots representing the Rieske-type iron-sulfur protein (ISP) and I and K subunits of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase in response to drought stress. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses revealed new ISP protein spots with more acidic isoelectric points in plants under drought stress. Our findings suggest that the modified ISPs depress the linear electron transport activity under stress conditions to protect PS I from photoinhibition. The qualitative changes in photosynthetic proteins may switch the photosynthetic electron transport from normal photosynthesis mode to stress-tolerance mode. Copyright © Physiologia Plantarum 2011.

Iron Tolerant Cyanobacteria as an Effective Tool to Study Early Evolution of Life and the Development of Biosignatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Igor; Mummey, Daniel; Sarkisova, Svetlana; Allen, Carlton; McKay, David S.

2006-01-01

We are currently conducting preliminary studies on the diversity of iron-tolerant cyanobacteria (CB) isolated from iron-depositing hot springs in and around Yellowstone National Park (WY, USA). In conclusion, there is no consensus on the divergence of cyanobacteria from a common ancestor for either anoxygenic or oxygenic phototrophs. Anoxygenic photosynthesis may have provided energy for the common ancestor, but it is unclear what environmental pressure induced the evolving of oxygenic phototrophs. It is supposed, however, that predecessors of contemporary CB were capable of oxidizing various substrates other than water , and it is likely that Fe2+ could be one of those substrates . If that were the case, the work of entire photosystems in Precambrian cyanobacteria and/or in their predecessors could follow three scenarios (at least): 1) ferrous iron may have been oxidized in PS II but without significant effects on oxygen evolution, and environmental iron could have been oxidized either enzymatically or chemically; 2) ferrous iron may have been oxidized only enzymatically by PS II, accompanied by the repression of O2 evolution; or 3) ferrous iron may have been oxidized by PS I upon the prevalence of anoxygenic photosynthesis or without any effect on PS II. All of these scenarios will be the subject of our future studies with the aim to understand which line-ages of CB could be typical for Precambrian time.

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

Kapusta, P.; Kisielewski, B.

In this paper the overvoltage protection modules (OVP) for the power supply (PS) system of the Belle II pixel detector (PXD) are described. The aim of the OVP is to protect the detector and associated electronics against overvoltage conditions. Most critical in the system are voltages supplying the front-end ASICs. The PXD detector consists of the DEPFET sensor modules with integrated chips like the Drain Current Digitizer, the Switcher and the Data Handling Processor. These chips, implemented in modern sub-micron technologies, are quite vulnerable to variations in the supply voltages. The PXD will be placed in the Belle II experimentmore » as close as possible to the interaction point, where access during experiment is very limited or even impossible, thus the PS and OVP systems exploit the remote-sensing method. Overvoltage conditions are due to failures of the PS itself, wrong setting of the output voltages or transient voltages coming out of hard noisy environment of the experiment. The OVP modules are parts of the PS modules. For powering the PXD 40 PS modules are placed 15 m outside the Belle II spectrometer. Each one is equipped with the OVP board. All voltages (22) are grouped in 4 domains: Analog, Digital, Steering and Gate which have independent grounds. The OVP boards are designed from integrated circuits from Linear Technology. All configurations were simulated with the Spice program. The control electronics is designed in a Xilinx CPLD. Two types of integrated circuits were used. LT4356 surge stopper protects loads from high voltage transients. The output voltages are limited to a safe value and also protect loads against over current faults. For less critical voltages, the LTC2912 voltage monitors are used that detect under-voltage and overvoltage events. It has to be noted that the OVP system is working independently of any other protection of the PS system, which increases its overall reliability. (authors)« less

A search for ultraviolet circumstellar gas absorption features in alpha Piscis Austrinus (Fomalhaut), a possible Beta Pictoris-like system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, K.-P.; Bruhweiler, Fred C.; Kondo, Yoji

1994-01-01

Archival high-dispersion International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectra have been used to search for circumstellar gas absorption features in alpha PsA (A3 V), a nearby (6.7 pc) proto-planetary system candidate. Recent sub-millimeter mapping observations around the region of alpha PsA indicate a spatially resolved dust disk like the one seen around Beta Pic. To determine how closely this putative disk resembles that of Beta Pic, we have searched for signatures of circumstellar gaseous absorption in all the available IUE high-dispersion data of alpha PsA. Examination of co-added IUE spectra shows weak circumstellar absorptions from excited levels in the resonance multiplet of Fe II near 2600 A. We also conclude that the sharp C I feature near 1657 A, previously identified as interstellar absorption toward alpha PsA, likely has a circumstellar origin. However, because the weakness of these absorption features, we will consider the presence of circumstellar gas as tentative and should be verified by using the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. No corresponding circumstellar absorption is detected in higher ionization Fe III and Al III. Since the collisionally ionized nonphotospheric Al III resonance absorption seen in Beta Pic is likely formed close to the stellar surface, its absence in the UV spectra of alpha PsA could imply that, in contrast with Beta Pic, there is no active gaseous disk infall onto the central star. In the alpha PsA gaseous disk, if we assume a solar abundance for iron and all the iron is in the form of Fe II, plus a disk temperature of 5000 K, the Fe II UV1 absorption at 2611.8743 A infers a total hydrogen column density along the line of sight through the circumstellar disk of N(H) approximately equals 3.8 x 10(exp 17)/cm.

Investigation on the structural characterization of pulsed p-type porous silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahab, N. H. Abd; Rahim, A. F. Abd; Mahmood, A.; Yusof, Y.

2017-08-01

P-type Porous silicon (PS) was sucessfully formed by using an electrochemical pulse etching (PC) and conventional direct current (DC) etching techniques. The PS was etched in the Hydrofluoric (HF) based solution at a current density of J = 10 mA/cm2 for 30 minutes from a crystalline silicon wafer with (100) orientation. For the PC process, the current was supplied through a pulse generator with 14 ms cycle time (T) with 10 ms on time (Ton) and pause time (Toff) of 4 ms respectively. FESEM, EDX, AFM, and XRD have been used to characterize the morphological properties of the PS. FESEM images showed that pulse PS (PPC) sample produces more uniform circular structures with estimated average pore sizes of 42.14 nm compared to DC porous (PDC) sample with estimated average size of 16.37nm respectively. The EDX spectrum for both samples showed higher Si content with minimal presence of oxide.

Isolation and identification of ferric reducing bacteria and evaluation of their roles in iron availability in two calcareous soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbanzadeh, N.; Lakzian, A.; Haghnia, G. H.; Karimi, A. R.

2014-12-01

Iron is an essential element for all organisms which plays a crucial role in important biochemical processes such as respiration and photosynthesis. Iron deficiency seems to be an important problem in many calcareous soils. Biological dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction increases iron availability through reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II). The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate some bacterial isolates for their abilities to reduce Fe(III) in two calcareous soils. Three bacterial isolates were selected and identified from paddy soils by using 16S rRNA amplification and then inoculated to sterilized and non-sterilized calcareous soils in the presence and absence of glucose. The results showed that all isolates belonged to Bacillus genus and were capable of reducing Fe(III) to Fe(II) in vitro condition. The amount of Fe(III) reduction in sterilized calcareous soils was significantly higher when inoculated with PS23 isolate and Shewanella putrefaciens ( S. putrefaciens) (as positive control) compared to PS16 and PS11 isolates. No significant difference was observed between PS11 and PS16 isolates in the presence of indigenous microbial community. The results also revealed that glucose had a significant effect on Fe(III) reduction in the examined calcareous soil samples. The amount of Fe(III) reduction increased two-fold when soil samples were treated with glucose and inoculated by S. putrefaciens and PS23 in non-sterilized soils.

The effect of annealing on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnS/porous silicon composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Cai-Feng; Li, Qing-Shan; Hu, Bo; Li, Wei-Bing

2009-06-01

ZnS films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on porous silicon (PS) substrates. This paper investigates the effect of annealing temperature on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of ZnS/PS composites by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and I-V characteristics. It is found that the ZnS films deposited on PS substrates were grown in preferred orientation along β-ZnS (111) direction, and the intensity of diffraction peak increases with increasing annealing temperature, which is attributed to the grain growth and the enhancement of crystallinity of ZnS films. The smooth and uniform surface of the as-prepared ZnS/PS composite becomes rougher through annealing treatment, which is related to grain growth at the higher annealing temperature. With the increase of annealing temperature, the intensity of self-activated luminescence of ZnS increases, while the luminescence intensity of PS decreases, and a new green emission located around 550 nm appeared in the PL spectra of ZnS/PS composites which is ascribed to the defect-center luminescence of ZnS. The I-V characteristics of ZnS/PS heterojunctions exhibited rectifying behavior, and the forward current increases with increasing annealing temperature.

Study of cell-differentiation and assembly of photosynthetic proteins during greening of etiolated Zea mays leaves using confocal fluorescence microspectroscopy at liquid-nitrogen temperature.

PubMed

Shibata, Yutaka; Katoh, Wataru; Tahara, Yukari

2013-04-01

Fluorescence microspectroscopy observations were used to study the processes of cell differentiation and assemblies of photosynthesis proteins in Zea mays leaves under the greening process. The observations were done at 78K by setting the sample in a cryostat to avoid any undesired progress of the greening process during the measurements. The lateral and axial spatial resolutions of the system were 0.64μm and 4.4μm, respectively. The study revealed the spatial distributions of protochlorophyllide (PChld) in both the 632-nm-emitting and 655-nm-emitting forms within etiolated Zea mays leaves. The sizes of the fluorescence spots attributed to the former were larger than those of the latter, validating the assignment of the former and latter to the prothylakoid and prolamellar bodies, respectively. In vivo microspectroscopy observations of mature Zea mays leaves confirmed the different photosystem II (PS I)/photosystem I (PS II) ratio between the bundle sheath (BS) and mesophyll (MS) cells, which is specific for C4-plants. The BS cells in Zea mays leaves 1h after the initiation of the greening process tended to show fluorescence spectra at shorter wavelength side (at around 679nm) than the MS cells (at around 682nm). The 679-nm-emitting chlorophyll-a form observed mainly in the BS cells was attributed to putative precursor complexes to PS I. The BS cells under 3-h greening showed higher relative intensities of the PS I fluorescence band at around 735nm, suggesting the reduced PS II amount in the BS cells in this greening stage. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Separation and determination of minor photosynthetic pigments by reversed-phase HPLC with minimal alteration of chlorophylls.

PubMed

Nakamura, A; Watanabe, T

2001-04-01

Reversed-phase HPLC conditions for separation of chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl a' (the C132-epimer of Chl a), pheophytin (Pheo) a (the primary electron acceptor of photosystem (PS) II), and phylloquinone (PhQ) (the secondary electron acceptor of PS 1), have been developed. Pigment extraction conditions were optimized in terms of pigment alteration and extraction efficiency. Pigment composition analysis of light-harvesting complex II, which would not contain Chl a' nor Pheo a, showed the Chl a'/Chl a ratio of 3-4 x 10(-4) and the Pheo a/Chl a ratio of 4-5 x 10(-4), showing that the conditions developed here were sufficiently inert for Chl analysis. Preliminary analysis of thylakoid membranes with this analytical system gave the PhQ/Chl a' ratio of 0.58 +/- 0.03 (n = 4), in line with the stoichiometry of one molecule of Chl a' per PS I.

Preferred crystallographic orientation in the ice I ← II transformation and the flow of ice II

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bennett, K.; Wenk, H.-R.; Durham, W.B.; Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.

1997-01-01

The preferred crystallographic orientation developed during the ice I ← II transformation and during the plastic flow of ice II was measured in polycrystalline deuterium oxide (D2O) specimens using low-temperature neutron diffraction. Samples partially transformed from ice I to II under a non-hydrostatic stress developed a preferred crystallographic orientation in the ice II. Samples of pure ice II transformed from ice I under a hydrostatic stress and then when compressed axially, developed a strong preferred orientation of compression axes parallel to (1010). A match to the observed preferred orientation using the viscoplastic self-consistent theory was obtained only when (1010) [0001] was taken as the predominant slip system in ice II.

Tunable PhoXonic Band Gap Materials from Self-Assembly of Block Copoliymers and Colloidal Nanocrystals (NBIT Phase II)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-06

electric fields. For that, we are going to use PS - b - P2VP block copolymers as a model system, utilizing the quite versatile chemistry of the P2VP ...displays. Our efforts at Hanyang have focused on tunable PBG materials self-assembled from polystyrene- b -poly(2-vinyl pyridine) ( PS - b - P2VP ) block...small angle x-ray scattering measurements during swelling of low molecular weight PS - P2VP polymers at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source

Ping-Pong Energy Transfer in a Boron Dipyrromethane Containing Pt(II)-Schiff Base Complex: Synthesis, Photophysical Studies, and Anti-Stokes Shift Increase in Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Upconversion.

PubMed

Razi, Syed S; Koo, Yun Hee; Kim, Woojae; Yang, Wenbo; Wang, Zhijia; Gobeze, Habtom; D'Souza, Francis; Zhao, Jianzhang; Kim, Dongho

2018-05-07

A boron dipyrromethane (BDP)-containing Pt(II)-Schiff base complex (Pt-BDP), showing ping-pong singlet-triplet energy transfer, was synthesized, and the detailed photophysical properties were investigated using various steady-state and time-resolved transient spectroscopies. Femtosecond/nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopies demonstrated that, upon selective excitation of the BDP unit in Pt-BDP at 490 nm, Förster resonance energy transfer from the BDP unit to the Pt(II) coordination center occurred (6.7 ps), accompanied by an ultrafast intersystem crossing at the Pt(II) coordination center (<1 ps) and triplet-triplet energy transfer back to the BDP moiety (148 ps). These processes generated a triplet state localized at BDP, and the lifetime was 103.2 μs, much longer than the triplet-state lifetime of Pt-Ph (3.5 μs), a complex without the BDP moiety. Finally, Pt-BDP was used as a triplet photosensitizer for triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion through selective excitation of the BDP unit or the Pt(II) coordination center at lower excitation energy. An upconversion quantum yield of up to 10% was observed with selective excitation of the BDP moiety, and a large anti-Stokes shift of 0.65 eV was observed upon excitation of the lower-energy band of the Pt(II) coordination center. We propose that using triplet photosensitizers with the ping-pong energy-transfer process may become a useful method for increasing the anti-Stokes shift of TTA upconversion.

Hybrid Surface Patterns Mimicking the Design of the Adhesive Toe Pad of Tree Frog.

PubMed

Xue, Longjian; Sanz, Belén; Luo, Aoyi; Turner, Kevin T; Wang, Xin; Tan, Di; Zhang, Rui; Du, Hang; Steinhart, Martin; Mijangos, Carmen; Guttmann, Markus; Kappl, Michael; Del Campo, Aránzazu

2017-10-24

Biological materials achieve directional reinforcement with oriented assemblies of anisotropic building blocks. One such example is the nanocomposite structure of keratinized epithelium on the toe pad of tree frogs, in which hexagonal arrays of (soft) epithelial cells are crossed by densely packed and oriented (hard) keratin nanofibrils. Here, a method is established to fabricate arrays of tree-frog-inspired composite micropatterns composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars embedded with polystyrene (PS) nanopillars. Adhesive and frictional studies of these synthetic materials reveal a benefit of the hierarchical and anisotropic design for both adhesion and friction, in particular, at high matrix-fiber interfacial strengths. The presence of PS nanopillars alters the stress distribution at the contact interface of micropillars and therefore enhances the adhesion and friction of the composite micropattern. The results suggest a design principle for bioinspired structural adhesives, especially for wet environments.

Hybrid Surface Patterns Mimicking the Design of the Adhesive Toe Pad of Tree Frog

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Biological materials achieve directional reinforcement with oriented assemblies of anisotropic building blocks. One such example is the nanocomposite structure of keratinized epithelium on the toe pad of tree frogs, in which hexagonal arrays of (soft) epithelial cells are crossed by densely packed and oriented (hard) keratin nanofibrils. Here, a method is established to fabricate arrays of tree-frog-inspired composite micropatterns composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars embedded with polystyrene (PS) nanopillars. Adhesive and frictional studies of these synthetic materials reveal a benefit of the hierarchical and anisotropic design for both adhesion and friction, in particular, at high matrix–fiber interfacial strengths. The presence of PS nanopillars alters the stress distribution at the contact interface of micropillars and therefore enhances the adhesion and friction of the composite micropattern. The results suggest a design principle for bioinspired structural adhesives, especially for wet environments. PMID:28885831

Mutation of Photosystem II D1 protein that empower efficient phenotypes of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii under extreme environment in space

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Oxygenic photosynthesis involves capture and conversion of light energy into chemical energy, a process fundamental to life including plant productivity on Earth. Photosynthetic electron transport is catalyzed by two photochemical reaction centres in series, photosystem II (PS II) and photosytem I (...

The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Hirayama, S; Terasawa, K; Rabeler, R; Hirayama, T; Inoue, T; Tatsumi, Y; Purpura, M; Jäger, R

2014-04-01

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood, affecting 3-5% of school-age children. The present study investigated whether the supplementation of soy-derived phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring phospholipid, improves ADHD symptoms in children. Thirty six children, aged 4-14 years, who had not previously received any drug treatment related to ADHD, received placebo (n = 17) or 200 mg day(-1) PS (n = 19) for 2 months in a randomised, double-blind manner. Main outcome measures included: (i) ADHD symptoms based on DSM-IV-TR; (ii) short-term auditory memory and working memory using the Digit Span Test of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; and (iii) mental performance to visual stimuli (GO/NO GO task). PS supplementation resulted in significant improvements in: (i) ADHD (P < 0.01), AD (P < 0.01) and HD (P < 0.01); (ii) short-term auditory memory (P < 0.05); and (iii) inattention (differentiation and reverse differentiation, P < 0.05) and inattention and impulsivity (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in other measurements and in the placebo group. PS was well-tolerated and showed no adverse effects. PS significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short-term auditory memory in children. PS supplementation might be a safe and natural nutritional strategy for improving mental performance in young children suffering from ADHD. © 2013 The Authors Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics © 2013 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.

Characterization of Dye-decolorizing Peroxidase (DyP) from Thermomonospora curvata Reveals Unique Catalytic Properties of A-type DyPs*

PubMed Central

Chen, Chao; Shrestha, Ruben; Jia, Kaimin; Gao, Philip F.; Geisbrecht, Brian V.; Bossmann, Stefan H.; Shi, Jishu; Li, Ping

2015-01-01

Dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) comprise a new family of heme peroxidases, which has received much attention due to their potential applications in lignin degradation. A new DyP from Thermomonospora curvata (TcDyP) was identified and characterized. Unlike other A-type enzymes, TcDyP is highly active toward a wide range of substrates including model lignin compounds, in which the catalytic efficiency with ABTS (kcatapp/Kmapp = (1.7 × 107) m−1 s−1) is close to that of fungal DyPs. Stopped-flow spectroscopy was employed to elucidate the transient intermediates as well as the catalytic cycle involving wild-type (wt) and mutant TcDyPs. Although residues Asp220 and Arg327 are found necessary for compound I formation, His312 is proposed to play roles in compound II reduction. Transient kinetics of hydroquinone (HQ) oxidation by wt-TcDyP showed that conversion of the compound II to resting state is a rate-limiting step, which will explain the contradictory observation made with the aspartate mutants of A-type DyPs. Moreover, replacement of His312 and Arg327 has significant effects on the oligomerization and redox potential (E°′) of the enzyme. Both mutants were found to promote the formation of dimeric state and to shift E°′ to a more negative potential. Not only do these results reveal the unique catalytic property of the A-type DyPs, but they will also facilitate the development of these enzymes as lignin degraders. PMID:26205819

Variation in host specificity and gene content in strains from genetically isolated lineages of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus s. lat.

PubMed

Hedh, Jenny; Johansson, Tomas; Tunlid, Anders

2009-10-01

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are known to vary in host range. Some fungi can enter into symbiosis with multiple plant species, while others have restricted host ranges. The aim of this study was to examine variation in host specificity among strains from the basidiomycete Paxillus involutus s. lat. Recent studies have shown that this fungus consists of at least four genetically isolated lineages, phylogenetic species (PS) I (which corresponds to the morphological species Paxillus obscurosporus), PS II (P. involutus s. str.), PS III (Paxillus validus), and PS IV (not yet supported by any reference material). Thirty-five Paxillus strains of PS I to IV were examined in microcosms for their capacity to infect birch (Betula pendula) and spruce (Picea abies). Seventeen strains were compatible and formed mycorrhizae with both tree species. Seven strains were incompatible with both birch and spruce. The gene content in three pairs of incompatible and compatible strains PS I, II, and III were compared using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridizations. Of 4,113 P. involutus gene representatives analyzed, 390 varied in copy numbers in at least one of the three pairwise comparisons. Only three reporters showed significant changes in all three pairwise comparisons, and none of these were changed in a similar way in three comparisons. Our data indicate that changes in host range have occurred frequently and independently among strains in P. obscurosporus, P. involutus s. str., and P. validus. No evidence was obtained demonstrating that these changes have been associated with the gain or loss of similar genes in these three species.

Voltammetric studies of hemoglobin-coated polystyrene latex bead films on pyrolytic graphite electrodes.

PubMed

Sun, Hong; Hu, Naifei

2004-08-01

A novel hemoglobin (Hb)-coated polystyrene (PS) latex bead film was deposited on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrode surface. In the first step, positively charged Hb molecules in pH 5.0 buffers were adsorbed on the surface of negatively charged, 500 nm diameter PS latex beads bearing sulfate groups by electrostatic interaction. The aqueous dispersion of Hb-coated PS particles was then deposited on the surface of PG electrodes and, after evaporation of the solvent, Hb-PS films were formed. The Hb-PS film electrodes exhibited a pair of well-defined, quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric (CV) peaks at about -0.36 V vs. SCE in pH 7.0 buffers, characteristic of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. Positions of Soret absorption band of Hb-PS films suggest that Hb retains its near-native structure in the films in its dry form and in solution at medium pH. The Hb in PS films was also acted as a catalyst to catalyze electrochemical reduction of various substrates such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), nitrite, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

Reduction of Line Edge Roughness of Polystyrene-block-Poly(methyl methacrylate) Copolymer Nanopatterns By Introducing Hydrogen Bonding at the Junction Point of Two Block Chains.

PubMed

Lee, Kyu Seong; Lee, Jaeyong; Kwak, Jongheon; Moon, Hong Chul; Kim, Jin Kon

2017-09-20

To apply well-defined block copolymer nanopatterns to next-generation lithography or high-density storage devices, small line edge roughness (LER) of nanopatterns should be realized. Although polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer (PS-b-PMMA) has been widely used to fabricate nanopatterns because of easy perpendicular orientation of the block copolymer nanodomains and effective removal of PMMA block by dry etching, the fabricated nanopatterns show poorer line edge roughness (LER) due to relatively small Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χ) between PS and PMMA chains. Here, we synthesized PS-b-PMMA with urea (U) and N-(4-aminomethyl-benzyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide (BA) moieties at junction of PS and PMMA chains (PS-U-BA-PMMA) to improve the LER. The U-BA moieties serves as favorable interaction (hydrogen bonding) sites. The LER of PS line patterns obtained from PS-U-BA-PMMA was reduced ∼25% compared with that obtained from neat PS-b-PMMA without BA and U moieties. This is attributed to narrower interfacial width induced by hydrogen bonding between two blocks, which is confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. This result implies that the introduction of hydrogen bonding into block copolymer interfaces offers an opportunity to fabricate well-defined nanopatterns with improved LER by block copolymer self-assembly, which could be a promising alternative to next-generation extreme ultraviolet lithography.

Tuning role and mechanism of paint sludge for characteristics of sewage sludge carbon: Paint sludge as a new macro-pores forming agent.

PubMed

Li, Siyang; Feng, Jinxi; Tian, Shuanghong; Lan, Shenyu; Fan, Chao; Liu, Xiaosheng; Xiong, Ya

2018-02-15

For the first time, paint sludge waste (PS) was used as a pore forming agent in the preparation of sewage sludge derived carbon (SC). The tuning role and mechanism of PS for characteristics of SC were explored. It was found that a sludge carbon (SC PS-Zn ) with rich macro-, meso- and micro- porous could be produced by one-step pyrolytic process of sludge in the presence of PS and ZnCl 2. Its surface area could reach as high as 680.5m 2 g -1 as 88.4 times and 4.8 times of sludge carbon without addition of PS and ZnCl 2 (SC) and only addition of ZnCl 2 (SC Zn ) , respectively. The macro- pores fabricated by PS provided much inner-space for ZnCl 2 to generate meso- and micro- porous, leading to a hierarchical porous structure. SC PS-Zn showed a high adsorption capacity of 685.4mgg -1 for Chrysophenine, which is 1.3 and 1.7 times that of SC PS and SC Zn respectively. The adsorption difference could be simply attributed to the fact that the great molecules were difficult to enter micro- pores of SC Zn . It was also found that the difference was also dependent on orientation of Chrysophenine, which was related to pH value of solution. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A new type of subchloroplast fragments isolated from pea chloroplasts in the presence of digitonin.

PubMed

Kochubey, S M; Bondarenko, O Yu; Shevchenko, V V

2007-09-01

Heavy fragments were isolated from pea chloroplasts using digitonin treatment and differential centrifugation. The particles were characterized by a significantly lowered chlorophyll a/b ratio, contents of photosystem I (PS I) proteins and ATPase, as well as of amount of P700. The content of photosystem II (PS II) proteins decreased insignificantly, whereas that of proteins of the light-harvesting complex II did not change. The absorption and low-temperature fluorescence spectra were indicative of a decreased content of PS I. Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of heavy fragment preparations identified them as grana with reduced content of thylakoids. The diameter of these particles was practically the same as within chloroplasts. Comparison of various characteristics of the fragments and chloroplasts from which the fragments were isolated allowed us to define a high degree of preservation of marginal regions in thylakoids present in the heavy fragment particles. Analysis of the results shows that the procedure of fragmentation produces grana with high extent of thylakoid integrity. The phenomenon of reduction of the thylakoid content in grana, occurring as our heavy fragments, is considered in the frame of our previous hypothesis concerning the peculiarities of grana organization in the transversal direction.

The detection of interstellar C I in the immediate vicinity of the sun

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bruhweiler, F. C.; Kondo, Y.

1982-01-01

Multiple stacked IUE spectra reveal the presence of interstellar C I 1657 in the trough of a corresponding photospheric feature in the nearby star, Alpha PsA (d = 7 pc). This represents the first detection of this neutral atom in the interstellar medium within the immediate vicinity of the sun. It is suggested that C I may be a much better diagnostic tool in studying the local interstellar medium than the neutral species K I and Na I, which are observable at visual wavelengths. Variations in C I column density, coupled with b-values deduced from the Mg II doublet ratio, may prove to be an important means to unravel density and temperature fluctuations in the very local interstellar medium. Comparison of the line of sight toward Alpha PsA with previous Copernicus interstellar Mg II results for that of Alpha Leo tentatively indicates that the distribution of Mg II in the local cloud is not homogeneous about the sun. Rough constraints on the ionization fraction of hydrogen toward Alpha PsA do not conflict with previous data, implying that the very local interstellar medium is significantly ionized.

PS II model based analysis of transient fluorescence yield measured on whole leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana after excitation with light flashes of different energies.

PubMed

Belyaeva, N E; Schmitt, F-J; Paschenko, V Z; Riznichenko, G Yu; Rubin, A B; Renger, G

2011-02-01

Our recently presented PS II model (Belyaeva et al., 2008) was improved in order to permit a consistent simulation of Single Flash Induced Transient Fluorescence Yield (SFITFY) traces that were earlier measured by Steffen et al. (2005) on whole leaves of Arabidopsis (A.) thaliana at four different energies of the actinic flash. As the essential modification, the shape of the actinic flash was explicitly taken into account assuming that an exponentially decaying rate simulates the time dependent excitation of PS II by the 10 ns actinic flash. The maximum amplitude of this excitation exceeds that of the measuring light by 9 orders of magnitude. A very good fit of the SFITFY data was achieved in the time domain from 100 ns to 10s for all actinic flash energies (the maximum energy of 7.5 × 10¹⁶ photons/(cm²flash) is set to 100%, the relative energies of weaker actinic flashes were of ∼8%, 4%, ∼1%). Our model allows the calculation and visualization of the transient PS II redox state populations ranging from the dark adapted state, via excitation energy and electron transfer steps induced by pulse excitation, followed by final relaxation into the stationary state eventually attained under the measuring light. It turned out that the rate constants of electron transfer steps are invariant to intensity of the actinic laser flash. In marked contrast, an increase of the actinic flash energy by more than two orders of magnitude from 5.4×10¹⁴ photons/(cm²flash) to 7.5×10¹⁶ photons/(cm²flash), leads to an increase of the extent of fluorescence quenching due to carotenoid triplet (³Car) formation by a factor of 14 and of the recombination reaction between reduced primary pheophytin (Phe(-)) and P680(+) by a factor of 3 while the heat dissipation in the antenna complex remains virtually constant. The modified PS II model offers new opportunities to compare electron transfer and dissipative parameters for different species (e.g. for the green algae and the higher plant) under varying illumination conditions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of clinician's experience and implant design on implant stability. An ex vivo study in artificial soft bones.

PubMed

Romanos, Georgios E; Basha-Hijazi, Abdulaziz; Gupta, Bhumija; Ren, Yan-Fang; Malmstrom, Hans

2014-04-01

Clinical experience in implant placement is important in order to prevent implant failures. However, the implant design affects the primary implant stability (PS) especially in poor quality bones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of clinician surgical experience on PS, when placing different type of implant designs. A total of 180 implants (90 parallel walled-P and 90 tapered-T) were placed in freshly slaughtered cow ribs. Bone quality was evaluated by two examiners during surgery and considered as 'type IV' bone. Implants (ø 5 mm, length: 15 mm, Osseotite, BIOMET 3i, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA) were placed by three different clinicians (master/I, good/II, non-experienced/III, under direct supervision of a manufacturer representative; 30 implants/group). An independent observer assessed the accuracy of placement by resonance frequency analysis (RFA) with implant stability quotient (ISQ) values. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test were used to detect the surgical experience of the clinicians and their interaction and effects of implant design on the PS. All implants were mechanically stable. The mean ISQ values were: 49.57(± 18.49) for the P-implants and 67.07(± 8.79) for the T-implants. The two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of implant design (p < .0001), clinician (p < .0001), and their interaction (p < .0001). The Tukey's multiple comparison test showed significant differences in RFA for the clinician group I/II (p = .015) and highly significant (p < .0001) between I/III and II/III. The P-implants presented (for I, II, and III) mean ISQ values 31.25/49.18/68.17 and the T-implants showed higher ISQ values, 70.15/62.08/68.98, respectively. Clinicians I and II did not show extreme differences for T-implants (p = .016). In contrast, clinician III achieved high ISQ values using P- and T-implants following the exact surgical protocol based on the manufacturer guidelines. T-implants provided high stability for experienced clinicians compared with P-implants. T-implants achieved greater PS than the P-implants. All clinicians consistently achieved PS; however, experienced clinicians achieved higher ISQ values with T-implants in poor quality bone. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Structure of photosystem II and substrate binding at room temperature

PubMed Central

Gul, Sheraz; Fuller, Franklin; Koroidov, Sergey; Brewster, Aaron S.; Tran, Rosalie; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Kroll, Thomas; Michels-Clark, Tara; Laksmono, Hartawan; Sierra, Raymond G.; Stan, Claudiu A.; Hussein, Rana; Zhang, Miao; Douthit, Lacey; Kubin, Markus; de Lichtenberg, Casper; Long Vo, Pham; Nilsson, Håkan; Cheah, Mun Hon; Shevela, Dmitriy; Saracini, Claudio; Bean, Mackenzie A.; Seuffert, Ina; Sokaras, Dimosthenis; Weng, Tsu-Chien; Pastor, Ernest; Weninger, Clemens; Fransson, Thomas; Lassalle, Louise; Bräuer, Philipp; Aller, Pierre; Docker, Peter T.; Andi, Babak; Orville, Allen M.; Glownia, James M.; Nelson, Silke; Sikorski, Marcin; Zhu, Diling; Hunter, Mark S.; Lane, Thomas J.; Aquila, Andy; Koglin, Jason E.; Robinson, Joseph; Liang, Mengning; Boutet, Sébastien; Lyubimov, Artem Y.; Uervirojnangkoorn, Monarin; Moriarty, Nigel W.; Liebschner, Dorothee; Afonine, Pavel V.; Waterman, David G.; Evans, Gwyndaf; Wernet, Philippe; Dobbek, Holger; Weis, William I.; Brunger, Axel T.; Zwart, Petrus H.; Adams, Paul D.; Zouni, Athina; Messinger, Johannes; Bergmann, Uwe; Sauter, Nicholas K.; Kern, Jan; Yachandra, Vittal K.; Yano, Junko

2016-01-01

Light-induced oxidation of water by photosystem II (PS II) in plants, algae and cyanobacteria has generated most of the dioxygen in the atmosphere. PS II, a membrane-bound multi-subunit pigment-protein complex, couples the one-electron photochemistry at the reaction center with the four-electron redox chemistry of water oxidation at the Mn4CaO5 cluster in the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) (Fig. 1a, Extended Data Fig. 1). Under illumination, the OEC cycles through five intermediate S-states (S0 to S4)1, where S1 is the dark stable state and S3 is the last semi-stable state before O-O bond formation and O2 evolution2,3. A detailed understanding of the O-O bond formation mechanism remains a challenge, and elucidating the structures of the OEC in the different S-states, as well as the binding of the two substrate waters to the catalytic site4-6, is a prerequisite for this purpose. Here we report the use of femtosecond pulses from an X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) to obtain damage free, room temperature (RT) structures of dark-adapted (S1), two-flash illuminated (2F; S3-enriched), and ammonia-bound two-flash illuminated (2F-NH3; S3-enriched) PS II. Although the recent 1.95 Å structure of PS II7 at cryogenic temperature using an XFEL provided a damage-free view of the S1 state, RT measurements are required to study the structural landscape of proteins under functional conditions8,9, and also for in situ advancement of the S-states. To investigate the water-binding site(s), ammonia, a water analog, has been used as a marker, as it binds to the Mn4CaO5 cluster in the S2 and S3 states10. Since the ammonia-bound OEC is active, the ammonia-binding Mn site is not a substrate water site10-13. Thus, this approach, together with a comparison of the native dark and 2F states, is used to discriminate between proposed O-O bond formation mechanisms. PMID:27871088

N-terminal lipid modification is required for the stable accumulation of CyanoQ in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

DOE PAGES

Juneau, Andrea D.; Frankel, Laurie K.; Bricker, Terry M.; ...

2016-09-22

Here, the CyanoQ protein has been demonstrated to be a component of cyanobacterial Photosystem II (PS II), but there exist a number of outstanding questions concerning its physical association with the complex. CyanoQ is a lipoprotein; upon cleavage of its transit peptide by Signal Peptidase II, which targets delivery of the mature protein to the thylakoid lumenal space, the N-terminal cysteinyl residue is lipid-modified. This modification appears to tether this otherwise soluble component to the thylakoid membrane. To probe the functional significance of the lipid anchor, mutants of the CyanoQ protein have been generated in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 tomore » eliminate the N-terminal cysteinyl residue, preventing lipid modification. Substitution of the N-terminal cysteinyl residue with serine (Q-C22S) resulted in a decrease in the amount of detectable CyanoQ protein to 17% that of the wild-type protein. Moreover, the physical properties of the accumulated Q-C22S protein were consistent with altered processing of the CyanoQ precursor. The Q-C22S protein was shifted to a higher apparent molecular mass and partitioned in the hydrophobic phase in TX-114 phase-partitioning experiments. These results suggest that the hydrophobic N-terminal 22 amino acids were not properly cleaved by a signal peptidase. Substitution of the entire CyanoQ transit peptide with the transit peptide of the soluble lumenal protein PsbO yielded the Q-SS mutant and resulted in no detectable accumulation of the modified CyanoQ protein. Finally, the CyanoQ protein was present at normal amounts in the PS II mutant strains ΔpsbB and ΔpsbO, indicating that an association with PS II was not a prerequisite for stable CyanoQ accumulation. Together these results indicate that CyanoQ accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 depends on the presence of the N-terminal lipid anchor, but not on the association of CyanoQ with the PS II complex.« less

N-terminal lipid modification is required for the stable accumulation of CyanoQ in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

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

Juneau, Andrea D.; Frankel, Laurie K.; Bricker, Terry M.

Here, the CyanoQ protein has been demonstrated to be a component of cyanobacterial Photosystem II (PS II), but there exist a number of outstanding questions concerning its physical association with the complex. CyanoQ is a lipoprotein; upon cleavage of its transit peptide by Signal Peptidase II, which targets delivery of the mature protein to the thylakoid lumenal space, the N-terminal cysteinyl residue is lipid-modified. This modification appears to tether this otherwise soluble component to the thylakoid membrane. To probe the functional significance of the lipid anchor, mutants of the CyanoQ protein have been generated in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 tomore » eliminate the N-terminal cysteinyl residue, preventing lipid modification. Substitution of the N-terminal cysteinyl residue with serine (Q-C22S) resulted in a decrease in the amount of detectable CyanoQ protein to 17% that of the wild-type protein. Moreover, the physical properties of the accumulated Q-C22S protein were consistent with altered processing of the CyanoQ precursor. The Q-C22S protein was shifted to a higher apparent molecular mass and partitioned in the hydrophobic phase in TX-114 phase-partitioning experiments. These results suggest that the hydrophobic N-terminal 22 amino acids were not properly cleaved by a signal peptidase. Substitution of the entire CyanoQ transit peptide with the transit peptide of the soluble lumenal protein PsbO yielded the Q-SS mutant and resulted in no detectable accumulation of the modified CyanoQ protein. Finally, the CyanoQ protein was present at normal amounts in the PS II mutant strains ΔpsbB and ΔpsbO, indicating that an association with PS II was not a prerequisite for stable CyanoQ accumulation. Together these results indicate that CyanoQ accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 depends on the presence of the N-terminal lipid anchor, but not on the association of CyanoQ with the PS II complex.« less

What spectroscopy reveals concerning the Mn oxidation levels in the oxygen evolving complex of photosystem II: X-ray to near infra-red.

PubMed

Pace, Ron J; Jin, Lu; Stranger, Rob

2012-08-28

Photosystem II (PS II), found in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, catalyses the most energetically demanding reaction in nature, the oxidation of water to molecular oxygen and protons. The water oxidase in PS II contains a Mn(4)Ca cluster (oxygen evolving complex, OEC), whose catalytic mechanism has been extensively investigated but is still unresolved. In particular the precise Mn oxidation levels through which the cluster cycles during functional turnover are still contentious. In this, the first of several planned parts, we examine a broad range of published data relating to this question, while considering the recent atomic resolution PS II crystal structure of Umena et al. (Nature, 2011, 473, 55). Results from X-ray, UV-Vis and NIR spectroscopies are considered, using an approach that is mainly empirical, by comparison with published data from known model systems, but with some reliance on computational or other theoretical considerations. The intention is to survey the extent to which these data yield a consistent picture of the Mn oxidation states in functional PS II - in particular, to test their consistency with two current proposals for the mean redox levels of the OEC during turnover; the so called 'high' and 'low' oxidation state paradigms. These systematically differ by two oxidation equivalents throughout the redox accumulating catalytic S state cycle (states S(0)···S(3)). In summary, we find that the data, in total, substantially favor the low oxidation proposal, particularly as a result of the new analyses we present. The low oxidation state scheme is able to resolve a number of previously 'anomalous' results in the observed UV-Visible S state turnover spectral differences and in the resonant inelastic X-ray spectroscopy (RIXS) of the Mn pre-edge region of the S(1) and S(2) states. Further, the low oxidation paradigm is able to provide a 'natural' explanation for the known sensitivity of the OEC Mn cluster to cryogenic near infra-red (NIR) induced turnover to alternative spin/redox states in S(2) and S(3).

Diffusion of liquid polystyrene into glassy poly(phenylene oxide) characterized by DSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Linling; Wang, Xiaoliang; Zhou, Dongshan; Xue, Gi

2013-03-01

We report a diffusion study on the polystyrene/poly(phenylene oxide) (PS/PPO) mixture consisted by the PS and PPO nanoparticles. Diffusion of liquid PS into glassy PPO (l-PS/g-PPO) is promoted by annealing the PS/PPO mixture at several temperatures below Tg of the PPO. By tracing the Tgs of the PS-rich domain behind the diffusion front using DSC, we get the relationships of PS weight fractions and diffusion front advances with the elapsed diffusion times at different diffusion temperatures using the Gordon-Taylor equation and core-shell model. We find that the plots of weight fraction of PS vs. elapsed diffusion times at different temperatures can be converted to a master curve by Time-Temperature superposition, and the shift factors obey the Arrhenius equation. Besides, the diffusion front advances of l-PS into g-PPO show an excellent agreement with the t1/2 scaling law at the beginning of the diffusion process, and the diffusion coefficients of different diffusion temperatures also obey the Arrhenius equation. We believe the diffusion mechanism for l-PS/g-PPO should be the Fickean law rather than the Case II, though there are departures of original linearity at longer diffusion times due to the limited liquid supply system. Diffusion of liquid polystyrene into glassy poly(phenylene oxide) characterized by DSC

Nanostructure size determination in p-type porous silicon by the use of transmission electron diffraction image processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramirez-Porras, A.

2005-06-01

The structure of p-type porous silicon (PS) has been investigated by the use of transmission electron diffraction (TED) microscopy and image processing. The results suggest the presence of well oriented crystalline phases and polycrystalline phases characterized by random orientation. These phases are believed to be formed by spheres with a mean diameter of 4.3 nm and a standard deviation of 1.3 nm.

Effect of Preferential Orientation of Lamellae in the Interfacial Region between a Block Copolymer-based Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive and a Solid Substrate on the Peel Strength.

PubMed

Shimokita, Keisuke; Saito, Itsuki; Yamamoto, Katsuhiro; Takenaka, Mikihito; Yamada, Norifumi L; Miyazaki, Tsukasa

2018-02-27

We have investigated the relationship between the peel strength of a block copolymer-based pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) components from the substrate and the microdomain orientations in the interfacial region between the adhesive and the substrate. For the PMMA substrate, the PMMA component in the adhesive with a strong affinity for the substrate is attached to the surface of the substrate during an aging process of the sample at 140 °C. Next, the PMMA layer adjacent to the substrate surface is overlaid with a PnBA layer, which gets covalently connected, resulting in the horizontal alignment of the lamellae in the interfacial region. The peel strength of the adhesive substantially increases during aging at 140 °C, which takes the same time as the completion of the horizontally oriented lamellar structure. However, in the case of the polystyrene (PS) substrate, both the components in the adhesive repel the substrate, leading to the formation of the vertically oriented lamellar structure. As a result, the peel strength of the adhesive with respect to its PS substrate does not entirely increase on aging. It is suggested that the peel strength of the adhesive is highly correlated with the interfacial energy between the adhesive and substrate, which can be estimated from the microdomain orientation in the interfacial region.

Porous silicon-copper phthalocyanine heterostructure based photoelectrochemical cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

A. Betty, C.; N, Padma; Arora, Shalav; Survaiya, Parth; Bhattacharya, Debarati; Choudhury, Sipra; Roy, Mainak

2018-01-01

A hybrid solar cell consisting of nanostructured p-type porous silicon (PS) deposited with visible light absorbing dye, Copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc) has been prepared in the photoelectrochemical cell configuration. P-type PS with (100) and (111) orientations which have different porous structures were used for studying the effects of the substrate morphology on the cell efficiency. Heterostructures were prepared by depositing three different thicknesses of CuPc for optimizing the cell efficiency. Structural and surface characterizations were studied using XRD, Raman, SEM and AFM on the PS-CuPc heterostructure. XRD spectrum on both plane silicon and porous silicon indicates the π-π stacking of CuPc with increased disorder for CuPc film on porous silicon. Electrochemical characterizations under sun light type radiation have been carried out to evaluate the photosensitivity of the heterostructure. Between the two different substrates, (100) PS gives better photocurrent, possibly due to the higher surface area and lower series resistance of the structure. Among the (100) PS substrates, (100) PS with 15 nm CuPc film gives Voc more than 1 V resulting in higher efficiency for the cell. The study suggests the scope for optimization of solar cell efficiency using various combinations of the substrate structure and thickness of the sensitizing layer.

Formation mechanisms and characteristics of transition patterns in oblique detonations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Shikun; Zhou, Jin; Liu, Shijie; Cai, Xiaodong

2018-01-01

The transition structures of wedge-induced oblique detonation waves (ODWs) in high-enthalpy supersonic combustible mixtures are studied with two-dimensional reactive Euler simulations based on the open-source program AMROC (Adaptive Mesh Refinement in Object-oriented C++). The formation mechanisms of different transition patterns are investigated through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. Results show that transition patterns of ODWs depend on the pressure ratio Pd/Ps, (Pd, Ps are the pressure behind the ODW and the pressure behind the induced shock, respectively). When Pd/Ps > 1.3, an abrupt transition occurs, while when Pd/Ps < 1.3, a smooth transition appears. A parameter ε is introduced to describe the transition patterns quantitatively. Besides, a criterion based on the velocity ratio Φ=U0/UCJ is proposed to predict the transition patterns based on the inflow conditions. It is concluded that an abrupt transition appears when Φ < 0.98Φ*, while a smooth transition occurs when Φ > 1.02Φ∗ (Φ∗ is the critical velocity ratio calculated with an empirical formula).

A generalized method for alignment of block copolymer films: solvent vapor annealing with soft shear.

PubMed

Qiang, Zhe; Zhang, Yuanzhong; Groff, Jesse A; Cavicchi, Kevin A; Vogt, Bryan D

2014-08-28

One of the key issues associated with the utilization of block copolymer (BCP) thin films in nanoscience and nanotechnology is control of their alignment and orientation over macroscopic dimensions. We have recently reported a method, solvent vapor annealing with soft shear (SVA-SS), for fabricating unidirectional alignment of cylindrical nanostructures. This method is a simple extension of the common SVA process by adhering a flat, crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) pad to the BCP thin film. The impact of processing parameters, including annealing time, solvent removal rate and the physical properties of the PDMS pad, on the quality of alignment quantified by the Herman's orientational factor (S) is systematically examined for a model system of polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (SIS). As annealing time increases, the SIS morphology transitions from isotropic rods to highly aligned cylinders. Decreasing the rate of solvent removal, which impacts the shear rate imposed by the contraction of the PDMS, improves the orientation factor of the cylindrical domains; this suggests the nanostructure alignment is primarily induced by contraction of PDMS during solvent removal. Moreover, the physical properties of the PDMS controlled by the crosslink density impact the orientation factor by tuning its swelling extent during SVA-SS and elastic modulus. Decreasing the PDMS crosslink density increases S; this effect appears to be primarily driven by the changes in the solubility of the SVA-SS solvent in the PDMS. With this understanding of the critical processing parameters, SVA-SS has been successfully applied to align a wide variety of BCPs including polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene (SBS), polystyrene-block-poly(N,N-dimethyl-n-octadecylammonium p-styrenesulfonate) (PS-b-PSS-DMODA), polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) and polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinlypyridine) (PS-b-P2VP). These results suggest that SVA-SS is a generalizable method for the alignment of BCP thin films.

Polymer-grafted gold nanorods in polymer thin films: Dispersion and plasmonic coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hore, Michael-Jon Ainsley

This dissertation describes complementary experimental and theoretical studies to deter- mine the thermodynamic factors that affect the dispersion of polymer-grafted Au nanorods within polymer thin films. Au nanorods exhibit a uniform dispersion with a regular spacing for favorable brush / matrix interactions, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-Au / poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS)-Au / poly(2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylene oxide) (PPO). For PEG-Au / PMMA, the nanorods are locally oriented and their dispersion is independent of the ratio of the degree of polymerization of the matrix (P) to that of the brush (N), α = P/N, whereas for chemically similar brush / matrix combinations, such as PS-Au / PS and PEG-Au / poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), nanorods are randomly dispersed for α 2. For aggregated systems (α > 2), nanorods are found primarily within aggregates containing side-by-side aligned nanorods with a spacing that scales with N. UV-visible spectroscopy and discrete dipole approximation (DDA) calculations demonstrate that coupling between surface plasmons within the aggregates leads to a blue shift in the optical absorption as α increases, indicating the sensitivity of spectroscopy for determining nanorod dispersion in polymer nanocomposite films. Self-consistent field theory (SCFT) calculations and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations show that the aggregation of nanorods for α > 2 can be attributed to depletion-attraction forces caused by autophobic dewetting of the brush and matrix. Finally, miscible blends of PS and PPO are investigated as a route to control depletion-attraction interactions between PS-Au nanorods. Initially, nanorods aggregate in matrices having 50 vol. % PPO and then gradually disperse as PPO becomes the majority component. The brush and matrix density profiles, determined by SCFT, show that PPO segregates into the PS brush, and acts as a compatibilizer, which improves dispersion. As dispersion improves, coupling between surface plasmons is reduced, leading to a red shift in the optical absorption. The outcome of these systematic structure-property-modeling studies is the ability to control nanorod dispersion, orientation, and optical absorption by manipulating brush/matrix interactions and entropic depletion-attraction forces.

Changes in the energy distribution between chlorophyll-protein complexes of thylakoid membranes from pea mutants with modified pigment content. I. Changes due to the modified pigment content.

PubMed

Andreeva, Atanaska; Stoitchkova, Katerina; Busheva, Mira; Apostolova, Emilia

2003-07-01

The low-temperature (77 K) emission and excitation chlorophyll fluorescence spectra in thylakoid membranes isolated from pea mutants were investigated. The mutants have modified pigment content, structural organization, different surface electric properties and functions [Dobrikova et al., Photosynth. Res. 65 (2000) 165]. The emission spectra of thylakoid membranes were decomposed into bands belonging to the main pigment protein complexes. By an integration of the areas under them, the changes in the energy distribution between the two photosystems as well as within each one of them were estimated. It was shown that the excitation energy flow to the light harvesting, core antenna and RC complexes of photosystem II increases with the total amount of pigments in the mutants, relative to the that to photosystem I complexes. A reduction of the fluorescence ratio between aggregated trimers of LHC II and its trimeric and monomeric forms with the increase of the pigment content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and lutein) was observed. This implies that the closer packing in the complexes with a higher extent of aggregation regulates the energy distribution to the PS II core antenna and reaction centers complexes. Based on the reduced energy flow to PS II, i.e., the relative increased energy flow to PS I, we hypothesize that aggregation of LHC II switches the energy flow toward LHC I. These results suggest an additive regulatory mechanism, which redistributes the excitation energy between the two photosystems and operates at non-excess light intensities but at reduced pigment content.

Photoswitching of ferroelectric liquid crystals using chiral thioindigo dopants: The development of a photochemical switch hitter.

PubMed

Lemieux, Robert P

2004-01-01

By virtue of its spontaneous polarization (PS), a ferroelectric SmC* liquid crystal can be switched between two states corresponding to opposite molecular tilt orientations using an electric field, thus producing an ON-OFF light shutter between crossed polarizers. Considerable efforts have been made over the past decade to develop photonic FLC light shutters because of their potential uses in dynamic holography and optical data storage. The ON-OFF switching of a FLC light shutter can be triggered by light via a photoinversion of PS using a photochromic dopant. The spontaneous polarization is a chiral bulk property that can be left-handed (negative) or right-handed (positive), depending on the absolute configuration of the chiral component of the SmC* phase. In the approach described herein, the magnitude of PS is modulated via the photoisomerization of a chiral thioindigo dopant that undergoes a large increase in transverse dipole moment upon trans-cis photoisomerization. The sign of PS is photoinverted using an "ambidextrous" thioindigo dopant containing a chiral 2-octyloxy side chain that is coupled to the thioindigo core and induces a positive PS, and a chiral 2,3-difluorooctyloxy side chain that is decoupled from the core and induces a negative PS. In the trans form, the 2,3-difluorooctyloxy side chain predominates and the net PS induced by the dopant is negative. However, upon trans-cis-photoisomerization, the increase in transverse dipole moment of the 2-octyloxy/thioindigo unit raises its induced PS over that of the decoupled 2,3-difluorooctyloxy side chain, and thus inverts the net sign of PS induced by the dopant from negative to positive. Copyright 2004 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

High Frequency of Chronic Bacterial and Non-Inflammatory Prostatitis in Infertile Patients with Prostatitis Syndrome Plus Irritable Bowel Syndrome

PubMed Central

Vicari, Enzo; La Vignera, Sandro; Arcoria, Domenico; Condorelli, Rosita; Vicari, Lucia O.; Castiglione, Roberto; Mangiameli, Andrea; Calogero, Aldo E.

2011-01-01

Background Although prostatitis syndrome (PS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common disorders, information on the prevalence of IBS in infertile patients with PS is relatively scanty. Therefore, this study was undertaken to estimate the frequency of PS and IBS and to evaluate the prevalence of the various diagnostic categories of prostatitis. Methodology/Principal Findings This study enrolled 152 patients with PS, diagnosed by the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) in an andrological setting, and 204 patients with IBS, diagnosed according to the Rome III diagnostic criteria in a gastroenterological setting. The patients with PS were asked to fulfill the Rome III questionnaire for IBS, whereas patients with IBS were asked to complete the NIH-CPSI. The simultaneous presence of PS and IBS was observed in 30.2% and 31.8% of the patients screened by andrologists and gastroenterologists, respectively. Altogether, 111 patients had PS plus IBS (31.2%). They had a total NIH-CPSI and pain subscale scores significantly higher than patients with PS alone. Gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with PS plus IBS were similar to those reported by patients with IBS alone and significantly greater in patients with PS alone. Patients with PS plus IBS had a significantly higher frequency of chronic bacterial prostatitis (category II) and lower of non-inflammatory prostatitis (category IIIB), compared to patients with PS alone. The frequency of inflammatory prostatitis (category IIIA) resulted similar. Conclusions/Significance Prostatitis syndromes and IBS are frequently associated in patients with PS- or IBS-related symptoms. These patients have an increased prevalence of chronic bacterial and non-inflammatory prostatitis. PMID:21494624

Crystallization and Microphase Separation in Chiral Block Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Rong-Ming

2012-02-01

Block copolymers composed of chiral entities, denoted as chiral block copolymers (BCP*s), were designed to fabricate helical architectures from self-assembly. A helical phase (denoted H*) was discovered in the self-assembly of poly(styrene)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PS-PLLA) BCPs*. To examine the phase behavior of the PS-PLLA, self-assembled superstructures resulting from the competition between crystallization and microphase separation of the PS-PLLA in solution were examined. A kinetically controlled process by changing non-solvent addition rate was utilized to control the BCP* self-assembly. Single-crystal lozenge lamellae were obtained by the slow self-assembly (i.e., slow non-solvent addition rate) of PS-PLLA whereas amorphous helical ribbon superstructures were obtained from the fast self-assembly (i.e., fast non-solvent addition rate). As a result, the formation of helical architectures from the self-assembly of the PS-PLLA reflects the impact of chirality on microphase separation, but the chiral effect might be overwhelmed by crystallization. Consequently, various crystalline PS-PLLA nanostructures in bulk were obtained by controlling the crystallization temperature of PLLA (Tc,PLLA) at which crystalline helices and crystalline cylinders occur while Tc,PLLA=x Tg,PS, respectively. Anisotropic arrangement of the PLLA crystallites grown within the microdomains was identified. The formation of this exclusive crystalline growth is attributed to the spatial confinement effect for crystallization. While Tc,PLLA=x Tg,PS, the preferential growth may modulate the curvature of microdomains by shifting the molecular chains to access the fast path for crystalline growth due to the increase in chain mobility. As a result, a spring-like behavior of the helical nanostructure can be driven by crystallization so as to dictate the transformation of helices and to result in crystalline cylinders.

Analysis of the Origin of Atypical Scanning Laser Polarimetry Patterns by Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Götzinger, Erich; Pircher, Michael; Baumann, Bernhard; Hirn, Cornelia; Vass, Clemens; Hitzenberger, Christoph K.

2010-01-01

Purpose To analyze the physical origin of atypical scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) patterns. To compare polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) scans to SLP images. To present a method to obtain pseudo-SLP images by PS-OCT that are free of atypical artifacts. Methods Forty-one eyes of healthy subjects, subjects with suspected glaucoma, and patients with glaucoma were imaged by SLP (GDx VCC) and a prototype spectral domain PS-OCT system. The PS-OCT system acquires three-dimensional (3D) datasets of intensity, retardation, and optic axis orientation simultaneously within 3 seconds. B-scans of intensity and retardation and en face maps of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) retardation were derived from the 3D PS-OCT datasets. Results were compared with those obtained by SLP. Results Twenty-two eyes showed atypical retardation patterns, and 19 eyes showed normal patterns. From the 22 atypical eyes, 15 showed atypical patterns in both imaging modalities, five were atypical only in SLP images, and two were atypical only in PS-OCT images. In most (15 of 22) atypical cases, an increased penetration of the probing beam into the birefringent sclera was identified as the source of atypical patterns. In such cases, the artifacts could be eliminated in PS-OCT images by depth segmentation and exclusion of scleral signals. Conclusions PS-OCT provides deeper insight into the contribution of different fundus layers to SLP images. Increased light penetration into the sclera can distort SLP retardation patterns of the RNFL. PMID:19036999

Zero-valent aluminum-mediated degradation of Bisphenol A in the presence of common oxidants.

PubMed

Arslan-Alaton, I; Olmez-Hanci, T; Dogan, M; Ozturk, T

2017-11-01

The use of a commercial, nano-scale zero-valent aluminum (ZVA) powder was explored for the treatment of aqueous Bisphenol A (BPA). The study focused on the (i) activation of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and persulfate (PS) oxidants with ZVA to accelerate BPA degradation, (ii) comparison of the treatment performance in pure and real surface water (SW) samples, (iii) effects on toxicity and (iv) reuse potential of ZVA nanoparticles after ZVA/HP and ZVA/PS treatments. In pure water, ZVA coupled with HP or PS provided an effective means of BPA treatment particularly when PS was employed as the oxidant. On the other hand, in BPA-spiked SW, the ZVA/HP treatment combination outperformed ZVA/PS oxidation in terms of BPA removal, whereas ZVA/PS oxidation was superior in terms of organic carbon removal. According to the bioassays conducted in pure and real SW samples with the marine photobacteria Vibrio fischeri and the freshwater microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the toxicity response of BPA and its oxidation products was sensitive to the test organism and water matrix. The inhibitory effect of the reaction solution increased at the early stages of ZVA/PS treatment. The reuse potential of the ZVA/HP treatment system was higher than that of the ZVA/PS treatment system.

Orientational Dynamics of a Functionalized Alkyl Planar Monolayer Probed by Polarization-Selective Angle-Resolved Infrared Pump-Probe Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Nishida, Jun; Yan, Chang; Fayer, Michael D

2016-10-12

Polarization-selective angle-resolved infrared pump-probe spectroscopy was developed and used to study the orientational dynamics of a planar alkylsiloxane monolayer functionalized with a rhenium metal carbonyl headgroup on an SiO 2 surface. The technique, together with a time-averaged infrared linear dichroism measurement, characterized picosecond orientational relaxation of the headgroup occurring at the monolayer-air interface by employing several sets of incident angles of the infrared pulses relative to the sample surface. By application of this method and using a recently developed theory, it was possible to extract both the out-of-plane and "mainly"-in-plane orientational correlation functions in a model-independent manner. The observed correlation functions were compared with theoretically derived correlation functions based on several dynamical models. The out-of-plane correlation function reveals the highly restricted out-of-plane motions of the head groups and also suggests that the angular distribution of the transition dipole moments is bimodal. The mainly-in-plane correlation function, for the sample studied here with the strongly restricted out-of-plane motions, essentially arises from the purely in-plane dynamics. In contrast to the out-of-plane dynamics, significant in-plane motions occurring over various time scales were observed including an inertial motion, a restricted wobbling motion of ∼3 ps, and complete randomization occurring in ∼25 ps.

Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding topoisomerase II in pea and analysis of its expression in relation to cell proliferation.

PubMed

Reddy, M K; Nair, S; Tewari, K K; Mudgil, Y; Yadav, B S; Sopory, S K

1999-09-01

We have isolated and sequenced four overlapping cDNA clones to identify the full-length cDNA for topoisomerase II (PsTopII) from pea. Using degenerate primers, based on the conserved amino acid sequences of other eukaryotic type II topoisomerases, a 680 bp fragment was PCR-amplified with pea cDNA as template. This fragment was used as a probe to screen an oligo-dT-primed pea cDNA library. A partial cDNA clone was isolated that was truncated at the 3' end. RACE-PCR was employed to isolate the remaining portion of the gene. The total size of PsTopII is 4639 bp with an open reading frame of 4392 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence shows a strong homology to other eukaryotic topoisomerase II (topo II) at the N-terminus end. The topo II transcript was abundant in proliferative tissues. We also show that the level of topo II transcripts could be stimulated by exogenous application of growth factors that induced proliferation in vitro cultures. Light irradiation to etiolated tissue strongly stimulated the expression of topo II. These results suggest that topo II gene expression is up-regulated in response to light and hormones and correlates with cell proliferation. Besides, we have also isolated and analysed the 5'-flanking region of the pea TopII gene. This is first report on the isolation of a putative promoter for topoisomerase II from plants.

Medical risk assessment in dentistry: use of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification.

PubMed

Clough, S; Shehabi, Z; Morgan, C

2016-02-12

Medical risk assessment is essential to safe patient management and the delivery of appropriate dental care. The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) Classification is widely used within medicine and dentistry, but has received significant criticism. This is the first UK survey to assess the consistency of medical risk assessment in dentistry. (i) To determine the use and consistency of the ASA PS among dentists and anaesthetists. (ii) To consider the appropriateness of the ASA PS in relation to dental treatment planning and delivery of care. A cross-sectional online questionnaire was distributed to anaesthetists and dental practitioners in general practice, community and hospital dental services. Questions focused on professional backgrounds, use of the ASA PS, alternative approaches to risk assessment in everyday practice and scoring of eight hypothetical patients using ASA PS. There were 101 responses, 82 were complete. Anaesthetists recorded ASA PS score more frequently than dental practitioners and found it more useful. Inconsistencies were evident in the assignment of ASA PS scores both between and within professional groups. Many dental practitioners did not use or find ASA PS helpful, with significant inconsistencies in its use. An awareness of alternative assessment scales may be useful across settings. Accepting its limitations, it would be helpful for all dentists to be educated in ASA PS and its use in medical risk assessment, particularly in relation to conscious sedation.

Process-oriented Approach to Designing Immersion Assessments

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-01

Command (USSOCOM) Command Language Program Manager (CLPM) Advanced Competencies Course in a presentation titled, The Language Needs Assessment Process and...Techniques can be very similar • Physical v. psychological fidelity • Johns (2006) Discrete Context—task, social and physical • 4Ps : Purpose

Bioactive Mushroom Polysaccharides: A Review on Monosaccharide Composition, Biosynthesis and Regulation.

PubMed

Wang, Qiong; Wang, Feng; Xu, Zhenghong; Ding, Zhongyang

2017-06-13

Mushrooms are widely distributed around the world and are heavily consumed because of their nutritional value and medicinal properties. Polysaccharides (PSs) are an important component of mushrooms, a major factor in their bioactive properties, and have been intensively studied during the past two decades. Monosaccharide composition/combinations are important determinants of PS bioactivities. This review summarizes: (i) monosaccharide composition/combinations in various mushroom PSs, and their relationships with PS bioactivities; (ii) possible biosynthetic pathways of mushroom PSs and effects of key enzymes on monosaccharide composition; (iii) regulation strategies in PS biosynthesis, and prospects for controllable biosynthesis of PSs with enhanced bioactivities.

Equatorial and Apical Solvent Shells of the UO₂²⁺ Ion.

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

Nichols, Pat; Bylaska, Eric J.; Schenter, Gregory K.

2008-03-08

First principles molecular dynamics simulations of the hydration shells surrounding UO₂²⁺ ions are reported for temperatures near 300 K. Most of the simulations were done with 64 solvating water molecules (22 ps). Simulations with 122 water molecules (9 ps) were also carried out. The hydration structure predicted from the simulations was found to agree very well known results from X-ray data. The average U=O bond length was found to be 1.77Å . The first hydration shell contained five trigonally coordinated water molecules that were equatorially oriented about the O-U-O axis with the hydrogen atoms oriented away from the uranium atom.more » The five waters in the first shell were located at an average distance of 2.44Å (2.46Å - 122 water simulation). The second hydration shell was composed of distinct equatorial and apical regions resulting in a peak in the U-O radial distribution function at 4.59Å. The equatorial second shell contained 10 water molecules hydrogen-bonded to the five first shell molecules. Above and below the UO₂²⁺ ion, the water molecules were found to be significantly less structured. In these apical regions, water molecules were found to sporadically hydrogen bond to the oxygen atoms of the UO₂²⁺; oriented in such way as to have their protons pointed towards the cation. While the number of apical waters varied greatly, an average of 5-6 waters was found in this region. Many water transfers into and out of the equatorial and apical second solvation shells were observed to occur on a picosecond (ps) time scale via dissociative mechanisms. Beyond these shells, the bonding pattern substantially returned to the tetrahedral structure of bulk water.« less

Multidisciplinary approach for fault detection: Integration of PS-InSAR, geomorphological, stratigraphic and structural data in the Venafro intermontane basin (Central-Southern Apennines, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amato, Vincenzo; Aucelli, Pietro P. C.; Bellucci Sessa, Eliana; Cesarano, Massimo; Incontri, Pietro; Pappone, Gerardo; Valente, Ettore; Vilardo, Giuseppe

2017-04-01

A multidisciplinary methodology, integrating stratigraphic, geomorphological and structural data, combined with GIS-aided analysis and PS-InSAR interferometric data, was applied to characterize the relationships between ground deformations and the stratigraphic and the morphostructural setting of the Venafro intermontane basin. This basin is a morphostructural depression related to NW-SE and NE-SW oriented high angle normal faults bordering and crossing it. In particular, a well-known active fault crossing the plain is the Aquae Juliae Fault, whose recent activity is evidenced by archeoseismological data. The approach applied here reveals new evidence of possible faulting, acting during the Lower to Upper Pleistocene, which has driven the morphotectonic and the environmental evolution of the basin. In particular, the tectonic setting emerging from this study highlights the influence of the NW-SE oriented extensional phase during the late Lower Pleistocene - early Middle Pleistocene, in the generation of NE-SW trending, SE dipping, high-angle faults and NW-SE trending, high-angle transtensive faults. This phase has been followed by a NE-SW extensional one, responsible for the formation of NW-SE trending, both NW and SE dipping, high-angle normal faults, and the reactivation of the oldest NE-SW oriented structures. These NW-SE trending normal faults include the Aquae Juliae Fault and a new one, unknown until now, crossing the plain between the Venafro village and the Colle Cupone Mt. (hereinafter named the Venafro-Colle Cupone Fault, VCCF). This fault has controlled deposition of the youngest sedimentary units (late Middle Pleistocene to late Upper Pleistocene) suggesting its recent activity and it is well constrained by PS-InSAR data, as testified by the increase of the subsidence rate in the hanging wall block.

Remote monitoring of chlorophyll fluorescence in two reef corals during the 2005 bleaching event at Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzello, D.; Warner, M.; Stabenau, E.; Hendee, J.; Lesser, M.; Jankulak, M.

2009-03-01

Zooxanthellae fluorescence was measured in situ, remotely, and in near real-time with a pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometer for a colony of Siderastrea siderea and Agaricia tenuifolia at Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas during the Caribbean-wide 2005 bleaching event. These colonies displayed evidence of photosystem II (PS II) inactivation coincident with thermal stress and seasonally high doses of solar radiation. Hurricane-associated declines in temperature and light appear to have facilitated the recovery of maximum quantum yield of PS II within these two colonies, although both corals responded differently to individual storms. PAM fluorometry, coupled with long-term measurement of in situ light and temperature, provides much more detail of coral photobiology on a seasonal time scale and during possible bleaching conditions than sporadic, subjective, and qualitative observations. S. siderea displayed evidence of PS II inactivation over a month prior to the issuing of a satellite-based, sea surface temperature (SST) bleaching alert by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In fact, recovery had already begun in S. siderea when the bleaching alert was issued. Fluorescence data for A. tenuifolia were difficult to interpret because the shaded parts of a colony were monitored and thus did not perfectly coincide with thermal stress and seasonally high doses of solar radiation as in S. siderea. These results further emphasize the limitations of solely monitoring SST (satellite or in situ) as a bleaching indicator without considering the physiological status of coral-zooxanthellae symbioses.

Ferryl Protonation in Oxoiron(IV) Porphyrins and Its Role in Oxygen Transfer

DOE PAGES

Boaz, Nicholas C.; Bell, Seth R.; Groves, John T.

2015-02-04

Ferryl porphyrins, P–Fe IVmore » $=$O, are central reactive intermediates in the catalytic cycles of numerous heme proteins and a variety of model systems. There has been considerable interest in elucidating factors, such as terminal oxo basicity, that may control ferryl reactivity. Here in this study, the sulfonated, water-soluble ferryl porphyrin complexes tetramesitylporphyrin, oxoFe IVTMPS (FeTMPS-II), its 2,6-dichlorophenyl analogue, oxoFe IVTDClPS (FeTDClPS-II), and two other analogues are shown to be protonated under turnover conditions to produce the corresponding bis-aqua-iron(III) porphyrin cation radicals. The results reveal a novel internal electromeric equilibrium, P–Fe IV$=$O $$\\leftrightarrows$$ P +–Fe III(OH 2) 2. Reversible pKa values in the range of 4–6.3 have been measured for this process by pH-jump, UV–vis spectroscopy. Ferryl protonation has important ramifications for C–H bond cleavage reactions mediated by oxoiron(IV) porphyrin cation radicals in protic media. Both solvent O–H and substrate C–H deuterium kinetic isotope effects are observed for these reactions, indicating that hydrocarbon oxidation by these oxoiron(IV) porphyrin cation radicals occurs via a solvent proton-coupled hydrogen atom transfer from the substrate that has not been previously described. The effective FeO–H bond dissociation energies for FeTMPS-II and FeTDClPS-II were estimated from similar kinetic reactivities of the corresponding oxoFe IVTMPS + and oxoFe IVTDClPS + species to be ~92–94 kcal/mol. Similar values were calculated from the two-proton P +–Fe III(OH 2) 2 pK a obs and the porphyrin oxidation potentials, despite a 230 mV range for the iron porphyrins examined. Thus, the iron porphyrin with the lower ring oxidation potential has a compensating higher basicity of the ferryl oxygen. The solvent-derived proton adds significantly to the driving force for C–H bond scission.« less

Use of sequential infiltration synthesis to improve the pattern transfer of PS-b-PLA DSA (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evangelio Araujo, Laura; Fernández-Regúlez, Marta; Chevalier, Xavier; Nicolet, Célia; Cayrefourcq, Ian; Navarro, Christophe; Fleury, Guillaume; Pérez-Murano, Francesc

2017-03-01

Directed self-assembly of block copolymers is considered one of the candidates to fulfill the requirements of the next technological nodes [1,2]. Polymer domains are aligned by using a chemical and/or a topographical pre-pattern in which preferential surfaces to one of the two blocks or neutral wetting areas are created. In particular, polystyrene-block-polymetylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA) has been extensively studied during the last years showing strong capabilities to define periodic nanostructures. However, the relatively low Flory-Huggins parameter and, the resulting low segregation strength of PS-b-PMMA systems, limit their achievable resolution to around 11 nm [3]. The application of block copolymer on sub-10 nm technologies requires the development of the new block copolymer generation known as high- block copolymers. Additionally, an important requirement for their integration on the lithography roadmap is the capability of selectively remove one of the two blocks. The etch contrast between the two domains is typically low due to their organic chemistry. In this sense, selective sequential infiltration synthesis by ALD into one of the blocks can be used in order to incorporate an inorganic material. The formed organic/inorganic blend sustains better the plasma etching to remove the non-infiltrated organic block. In this contribution, we show the use of high- polystyrene-b-polylactide acid (PS-b-PLA) lamellar block copolymer for line/space applications. PS-b-PLA has a larger Flory-Huggins parameter (=0.218 at room temperature[4]) compared with PS-b-PMMA, allowing the size reduction of the self-assembled domains. The method to control the orientation of the polymer domains is similar to the one typically used for PS-b-PMMA. Chemical contrast and the subsequent alignment of the polymer domains are achieved by the definition of a chemical pre-pattern on a random copolymer PS-r-PMMA (48% of PS) (figure 1). The polymer brush is grafted on the substrate and then locally modified by the combination of e-beam lithography and soft oxygen plasma. Afterwards, the PS-b-PLA block copolymer is spin-coated and thermally annealed on the chemically pre-patterned substrate. A chemical contrast is observed between the modified and unmodified stripes. While, the lamellar domains are oriented perpendicular to the substrate on unmodified areas, PLA domains are strongly attracted to the O2 modified surfaces inducing a parallel orientation to the substrate. Additionally, the wetting behavior of the polymer domains is also studied through the difference of surface free energy between the substrate and each polymer block. The energy estimated by the Younǵs equation [Δγ =γSA -γSB= γAB·cos(ØAB)], where γSA and γSB are the interface tensions between homo-polymers A and B with the substrate, and ØAB is the contact angle between A and B homo-polymers which is obtained in de-wetting experiments. Finally, sequential infiltration synthesis is used to selectively infiltrate alumina (Al3O2) on PLA domains (figure 2). A selective infiltration is achieved because the precursor molecules react with the carbonyl (C=O) groups that are only present in the PLA block. After five cycles of SIS, the SIS modified PLA domains become more resistant to O2 plasma etching than PS enabling the PS etching without using other kind of hard-masks. The research leading to these results received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Program FP7/2007-2013, under the project CoLiSA and the European Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council under the project PLACYD (ENIAC-2013-2). L. Evangelio acknowledges MECD for the PhD contract FPU13/03746 [1] R. Ruiz, H. Kang, F. A. Detcheverry, E. Dobisz, D. S. Kercher, T. R. Albrecht, J. J. de Pablo, P. F. Nealey, Science 321 (2008) 936-939. [2] M. Fernández-Regúlez, L, Evangelio, M. Lorenzoni, J. Fraxedas, F. Perez-Murano, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 6 (2014) 21596-21602. [3] L. Wan, R. Ruiz, H. Gao, K. C. Patel, T. R. Albrecht, J. Yin, J. Kim, Y. Cao, G. Lin, ACS Nano 9 (2015) 7506-7514 [4] A. S. Zalusky, R. Olayo-Valles , J. H. Wolf , M. A. Hillmyer, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124 (2002) 12761-12773

Characterization of nanostructured CuO-porous silicon matrix formed on copper-coated silicon substrate via electrochemical etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naddaf, M.; Mrad, O.; Al-zier, A.

2014-06-01

A pulsed anodic etching method has been utilized for nanostructuring of a copper-coated p-type (100) silicon substrate, using HF-based solution as electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the formation of a nanostructured matrix that consists of island-like textures with nanosize grains grown onto fiber-like columnar structures separated with etch pits of grooved porous structures. Spatial micro-Raman scattering analysis indicates that the island-like texture is composed of single-phase cupric oxide (CuO) nanocrystals, while the grooved porous structure is barely related to formation of porous silicon (PS). X-ray diffraction shows that both the grown CuO nanostructures and the etched silicon layer have the same preferred (220) orientation. Chemical composition obtained by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis confirms the presence of the single-phase CuO on the surface of the patterned CuO-PS matrix. As compared to PS formed on the bare silicon substrate, the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) from the CuO-PS matrix exhibits an additional weak `blue' PL band as well as a blue shift in the PL band of PS (S-band). This has been revealed from XPS analysis to be associated with the enhancement in the SiO2 content as well as formation of the carbonyl group on the surface in the case of the CuO-PS matrix.

Time Demand and Radiation Dose in 3D-Fluoroscopy-based Navigation-assisted 3D-Fluoroscopy-controlled Pedicle Screw Instrumentations.

PubMed

Balling, Horst

2018-05-01

Prospective single-center cohort study to record additional time requirements and radiation dose in navigation-assisted O-arm-controlled pedicle screw (PS) instrumentations. The aim of this study was to evaluate amount of extra-time and radiation dose for navigation-assisted PS instrumentations of the thoracolumbosacral spine using O-arm 3D-real-time-navigation (O3DN) compared to non-navigated spinal procedures (NNSPs) with a single C-arm and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan for controlling PS positions. 3D-navigation is reported to enhance PS insertion accuracy. But time-consuming navigational steps and considerable additional radiation doses seem to limit this modern technique's attraction. A detailed analysis of additional time demand and extra-radiation dose in 3D-navigated spine surgery is not provided in literature, yet. From February 2011 through July 2015, 306 consecutive posterior instrumentations were performed in vertebral levels T10-S1 using O3DN for PS insertion. The duration of procedure-specific navigational steps of the overall collective (I) and the last cohort of 50 consecutive O3DN-surgeries (II) was compared to the average duration of analogous surgical steps in 100 consecutive NNSP using a single C-arm. 3D-radiation dose (dose-length-product, DLP) of navigational and postinstrumentation O-arm scans in group I and II was compared to the average DLP of 100 diagnostic lumbar CT scans. The average presurgical time from patient positioning on the operating table to skin incision was 46.2 ± 10.1 minutes (O3DN, I) and 40.6 ± 9.8 minutes (O3DN, II) versus 30.6 ± 8.3 minutes (NNSP) (P < 0.001, each). Intraoperative interruptions for scanning and data processing took 3.0 ± 0.6 minutes. DLPs averaged 865.1 ± 360.8 mGycm (O3DN, I) and 562.1 ± 352.6 mGycm (O3DN, II) compared to 575.5 ± 316.5 mGycm in diagnostic lumbar CT scans (P < 0.001 (I), P ≈ 0.81 [II]). After procedural experience, navigated surgeries can be performed with an additional time demand of 13.0 minutes compared to NNSP, and with a total DLP below that of a diagnostic lumbar CT scan (P ≈ 0.81). 4.

Software Reviews: Programs Worth a Second Look.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Classroom Computer Learning, 1989

1989-01-01

Reviewed are three computer software programs: (1) "World GeoGraph"--geography, discovery tool, grades 6-12, Apple IIGS; (2) "Grammatik III"--language arts, grade 7-adult, IBM, PS/2, Tandy 1000; (3) "Words & Concepts I, II, III"--language and concept training for special education, age 3-9, Apple II with speech…

Robust Synchronization Models for Presentation System Using SMIL-Driven Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asnawi, Rustam; Ahmad, Wan Fatimah Wan; Rambli, Dayang Rohaya Awang

2013-01-01

Current common Presentation System (PS) models are slide based oriented and lack synchronization analysis either with temporal or spatial constraints. Such models, in fact, tend to lead to synchronization problems, particularly on parallel synchronization with spatial constraints between multimedia element presentations. However, parallel…

Pelvic inflammatory disease and puerperal sepsis in Ethiopia. II. Treatment.

PubMed

Duncan, M E; Perine, P L; Krause, D W; Awoke, S; Zaidi, A A

1980-12-01

Where bacteriologic support is lacking, a combination of penicillin and streptomycin (P/S) is used empirically to treat serious gynecologic infections in Ethiopia. We compared the efficacy of P/S to a combination of penicillin and chloramphenicol (P/C) in hospitalized women who had bacteriologically confirmed pelvic inflammatory disease or puerperal sepsis (PPS). Treatment of PPS with P/C was significantly more effective in limiting the duration of fever than was treatment with P/S. Twenty-eight of 40 PPS patients had endometritis with retained products of conception that required evacuation of the uterus. The duration of fever in patients with PID who were treated with the P/C regimen was no different than that in those treated with P/S. Twenty of the 24 PID patients required surgery for drainage of abscesses, in addition to antibiotics.

Polymer Nanocomposite Films: Dispersion of Polymer Grafted Nanorods and Optical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Composto, Russell

2013-03-01

The thermodynamic factors that affect the dispersion of polymer-brush grafted gold nanorods (NR) in polymer matrix films have been studied by experiment and theory. When brush and matrix have a favorable interaction, such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-NR/ poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS)-NR / poly(2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylene oxide) (PPO), nanorods are uniformly dispersed. For PEO-NRs in PMMA, the NRs are regularly spaced and well dispersed, independent of the ratio of the degree of polymerization of the matrix (P) to that of the brush (N), namely P/N. As the NR volume fraction increases, the local orientation of the nanorods increases, whereas the macroscopic orientation remains isotropic. When the brush and matrix are similar (i.e., PS-NR / PS and PEO-NR / PEO), the nanorods randomly disperse for P/N < 2 (i.e., wet brush), but align side-by-side in aggregates for P/N > 2. UV-visible spectroscopy and discrete dipole approximation (DDA) calculations demonstrate that surface plasmon coupling leads to a blue shift in the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) as P/N increases. For P/N > 2, self-consistent field theory (SCFT) calculations and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations indicate that nanorod aggregation is caused by depletion-attraction forces. Starting with a dry brush system, namely, a PS matrix where P/N = 30, these attractive forces can be mediated by adding a compatibilizing agent (e.g., PPO) that drives the NRs to disperse. Finally, dry and wet brush behavior is observed for NR aspect ratios varying from 2.5 to 7. However, compared at the same volume fraction, long rods for the dry case exhibit much better local order than lower aspect ratio nanorods, suggesting that long rods may exhibit nematic-like ordering at higher loadings. NSF Polymer and CEMRI Programs.

Stratification of pseudoprogression and true progression of glioblastoma multiform based on longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging without segmentation

PubMed Central

Qian, Xiaohua; Tan, Hua; Zhang, Jian; Zhao, Weilin; Chan, Michael D.; Zhou, Xiaobo

2016-01-01

Purpose: Pseudoprogression (PsP) can mimic true tumor progression (TTP) on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with glioblastoma multiform (GBM). The phenotypical similarity between PsP and TTP makes it a challenging task for physicians to distinguish these entities. So far, no approved biomarkers or computer-aided diagnosis systems have been used clinically for this purpose. Methods: To address this challenge, the authors developed an objective classification system for PsP and TTP based on longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging. A novel spatio-temporal discriminative dictionary learning scheme was proposed to differentiate PsP and TTP, thereby avoiding segmentation of the region of interest. The authors constructed a novel discriminative sparse matrix with the classification-oriented dictionary learning approach by excluding the shared features of two categories, so that the pooled features captured the subtle difference between PsP and TTP. The most discriminating features were then identified from the pooled features by their feature scoring system. Finally, the authors stratified patients with GBM into PsP and TTP by a support vector machine approach. Tenfold cross-validation (CV) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) were used to assess the robustness of the developed system. Results: The average accuracy and AUC values after ten rounds of tenfold CV were 0.867 and 0.92, respectively. The authors also assessed the effects of different methods and factors (such as data types, pooling techniques, and dimensionality reduction approaches) on the performance of their classification system which obtained the best performance. Conclusions: The proposed objective classification system without segmentation achieved a desirable and reliable performance in differentiating PsP from TTP. Thus, the developed approach is expected to advance the clinical research and diagnosis of PsP and TTP. PMID:27806598

Insights into the binding behavior of native and non-native cytochromes to photosystem I from Thermosynechococcus elongatus.

PubMed

Kölsch, Adrian; Hejazi, Mahdi; Stieger, Kai R; Feifel, Sven C; Kern, Jan F; Müh, Frank; Lisdat, Fred; Lokstein, Heiko; Zouni, Athina

2018-06-08

The binding of photosystem I (PS I) from Thermosynechococcus elongatus to the native cytochrome (cyt) c 6 and cyt c from horse heart (cyt c HH ) was analyzed by oxygen consumption measurements, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and rigid body docking combined with electrostatic computations of binding energies. Although PS I has a higher affinity for cyt c HH than for cyt c 6 , the influence of ionic strength and pH on binding is different in the two cases. ITC and theoretical computations revealed the existence of unspecific binding sites for cyt c HH besides one specific binding site close to P 700 Binding to PS I was found to be the same for reduced and oxidized cyt c HH Based on this information, suitable conditions for cocrystallization of cyt c HH with PS I were found, resulting in crystals with a PS I:cyt c HH ratio of 1:1. A crystal structure at 3.4-Å resolution was obtained, but cyt c HH cannot be identified in the electron density map because of unspecific binding sites and/or high flexibility at the specific binding site. Modeling the binding of cyt c 6 to PS I revealed a specific binding site where the distance and orientation of cyt c 6 relative to P 700 are comparable with cyt c 2 from purple bacteria relative to P 870 This work provides new insights into the binding modes of different cytochromes to PS I, thus facilitating steps toward solving the PS I-cyt c costructure and a more detailed understanding of natural electron transport processes.

The directed differentiation of human iPS cells into kidney podocytes.

PubMed

Song, Bi; Smink, Alexandra M; Jones, Christina V; Callaghan, Judy M; Firth, Stephen D; Bernard, Claude A; Laslett, Andrew L; Kerr, Peter G; Ricardo, Sharon D

2012-01-01

The loss of glomerular podocytes is a key event in the progression of chronic kidney disease resulting in proteinuria and declining function. Podocytes are slow cycling cells that are considered terminally differentiated. Here we provide the first report of the directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to generate kidney cells with podocyte features. The iPS-derived podocytes share a morphological phenotype analogous with cultured human podocytes. Following 10 days of directed differentiation, iPS podocytes had an up-regulated expression of mRNA and protein localization for podocyte markers including synaptopodin, nephrin and Wilm's tumour protein (WT1), combined with a down-regulation of the stem cell marker OCT3/4. In contrast to human podocytes that become quiescent in culture, iPS-derived cells maintain a proliferative capacity suggestive of a more immature phenotype. The transduction of iPS podocytes with fluorescent labeled-talin that were immunostained with podocin showed a cytoplasmic contractile response to angiotensin II (AII). A permeability assay provided functional evidence of albumin uptake in the cytoplasm of iPS podocytes comparable to human podocytes. Moreover, labeled iPS-derived podocytes were found to integrate into reaggregated metanephric kidney explants where they incorporated into developing glomeruli and co-expressed WT1. This study establishes the differentiation of iPS cells to kidney podocytes that will be useful for screening new treatments, understanding podocyte pathogenesis, and offering possibilities for regenerative medicine.

Dynamic Changes of IsiA-Containing Complexes during Long-Term Iron Deficiency in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

PubMed

Ma, Fei; Zhang, Xin; Zhu, Xi; Li, Tianpei; Zhan, Jiao; Chen, Hui; He, Chenliu; Wang, Qiang

2017-01-09

Iron stress-induced protein A (IsiA), a major chlorophyll-binding protein in the thylakoid membrane, is significantly induced under iron deficiency conditions. Using immunoblot analysis and 77 K fluorescence spectroscopy combined with sucrose gradient fractionation, we monitored dynamic changes of IsiA-containing complexes in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 during exposure to long-term iron deficiency. Within 3 days of exposure to iron deficiency conditions, the initially induced free IsiA proteins preferentially conjugated to PS I trimer to form IsiA 18 -PS I trimers, which serve as light energy collectors for efficiently transmitting energy to PS I. With prolonged iron deficiency, IsiA proteins assembled either into IsiA aggregates or into two other types of IsiA-PS I supercomplexes, namely IsiA-PS I high fluorescence supercomplex (IHFS) and IsiA-PS I low fluorescence supercomplex (ILFS). Further analysis revealed a role for IsiA as an energy dissipater in the IHFS and as an energy collector in the ILFS. The trimeric structure of PS I mediated by PsaL was found to be indispensable for the formation of IHFS/ILFS. Dynamic changes in IsiA-containing complexes in cyanobacteria during long-term iron deficiency may represent an adaptation to iron limitation stress for flexible light energy distribution, which balances electron transfer between PS I and PS II, thus minimizing photooxidative damage. Copyright © 2017 The Author. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assembly of acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes at oil/water interfaces.

PubMed

Feng, Tao; Hoagland, David A; Russell, Thomas P

2014-02-04

The efficient segregation of water-soluble, acid-functionalized, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at the oil/water interface was induced by dissolving low-molecular-weight amine-terminated polystyrene (PS-NH2) in the oil phase. Salt-bridge interactions between carboxylic acid groups of SWCNTs and amine groups of PS drove the assembly of SWCNTs at the interface, monitored by pendant drop tensiometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy. The impact of PS end-group functionality, PS and SWCNT concentrations, and the degree of SWCNT acid modification on the interfacial activity was assessed, and a sharp drop in interfacial tension was observed above a critical SWCNT concentration. Interfacial tensions were low enough to support stable oil/water emulsions. Further experiments, including potentiometric titrations and the replacement of SWCNTs by other carboxyl-containing species, demonstrated that the interfacial tension drop reflects the loss of SWCNT charge as the pH falls near/below the intrinsic carboxyl dissociation constant; species lacking multivalent carboxylic acid groups are inactive. The trapped SWCNTs appear to be neither ordered nor oriented.

Direct Measurement of the Photoelectric Response Time of Bacteriorhodopsin via Electro-Optic Sampling

PubMed Central

Xu, J.; Stickrath, A. B.; Bhattacharya, P.; Nees, J.; Váró, G.; Hillebrecht, J. R.; Ren, L.; Birge, R. R.

2003-01-01

The photovoltaic signal associated with the primary photochemical event in an oriented bacteriorhodopsin film is measured by directly probing the electric field in the bacteriorhodopsin film using an ultrafast electro-optic sampling technique. The inherent response time is limited only by the laser pulse width of 500 fs, and permits a measurement of the photovoltage with a bandwidth of better than 350 GHz. All previous published studies have been carried out with bandwidths of 50 GHz or lower. We observe a charge buildup with an exponential formation time of 1.68 ± 0.05 ps and an initial decay time of 31.7 ps. Deconvolution with a 500-fs Gaussian excitation pulse reduces the exponential formation time to 1.61 ± 0.04 ps. The photovoltaic signal continues to rise for 4.5 ps after excitation, and the voltage profile corresponds well with the population dynamics of the K state. The origin of the fast photovoltage is assigned to the partial isomerization of the chromophore and the coupled motion of the Arg-82 residue during the primary event. PMID:12885657

Maternal obesity and perinatal oxidative stress: the strength of the association.

PubMed

Negro, S; Boutsikou, T; Briana, D D; Tataranno, M L; Longini, M; Proietti, F; Bazzini, F; Dani, C; Malamitsi-Puchner, A; Buonocore, G; Perrone, S

2017-01-01

Maternal obesity is a chronic inflammatory state, which has been shown to induce increased levels of free fatty acids, reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cells. Recent evidence reveals increased levels of lipid peroxidation products in the plasma of obese women during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that maternal overweight or obesity is associated with increased oxidative stress (OS) in offspring. Two hundred and forty-five pregnant women and their newborns were prospectively enrolled. Mothers were divided in two groups: lean control - LC (n=175, Group I); overweight or obese (n=70, Group II) according to BMI ≥ 25 before pregnancy. Cord blood F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), as reliable markers of OS, were measured in all newborns. Lower 1 minute APGAR score and higher weight at discharge were found in Group II neonates, compared to those of Group I (p less than 0.05). Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns of both groups showed increased levels of F2-IsoPs than appropriate (AGA) or large (LGA) for gestational age (GA) (p less than 0.01). SGA newborns of Group II had higher F2-IsoPs levels compared to SGA of Group I (p less than 0.01), which were significantly correlated to maternal BMI at the end of pregnancy (r=0.451, p less than 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis corrected for confounding factors, showed that maternal overweight or obesity was significantly associated with high F2-IsoPs levels in SGA offspring (p less than 0.01). Maternal overweight or obesity is associated with increased OS in their SGA newborns. Data suggest the need of antioxidant protection for both mothers during pregnancy and infants soon after birth.

Photosystem II functionality and antioxidant system changes during leaf rolling in post-stress emerging Ctenanthe setosa exposed to drought.

PubMed

Terzi, Rabiye; Saruhan, Neslihan; Sağlam, A; Nar, Hatice; Kadioğlu, A

2009-12-01

We studied the changes in antioxidant system and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in post-stress emerging Ctenanthe setosa (Rosc.) Eichler (Marantaceae) plants (PSE plants) having reduced leaf area under drought stress causing leaf rolling and re-watering. PSE plants were compared to primary stressed plants (PS) in previous studies. The parameters were measured at different visual leaf rolling scores from 1 to 4 (1 is unrolled, 4 is tightly rolled and the others is intermediate form). Water potentials and stomatal conductance of leaves were gradually decreased during leaf rolling. Similarly, maximum quantum efficiency of open PS II center and quantum yield of PS II decreased during the rolling period. Non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence decreased at score 2 then increased while photochemical quenching did not change during leaf rolling. Electron transport rate decreased only at score 4 but approximately reached to score 1 level after re-watering. Superoxide dismutase activity was not constant at all leaf rolling scores. Ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities generally tended to increase during leaf rolling. Lipid peroxidation and H 2 O 2 content increased at score 2 but decreased at the later scores. On the other hand, O 2 .- production increased during the rolling period. After re-watering of the plants having score 4 of leaf rolling, antioxidant enzyme activities were lower than those of score 1. Other physiological parameters also tended to reach the value of score 1. The results indicated that PSE plants gained drought tolerance by reducing leaf area effectively induced their antioxidant systems and protected the photosynthesis under drought stress similar to PS plants.

Far-red light photoacclimation (FaRLiP) in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7335. II.Characterization of phycobiliproteins produced during acclimation to far-red light.

PubMed

Ho, Ming-Yang; Gan, Fei; Shen, Gaozhong; Bryant, Donald A

2017-02-01

Phycobilisomes (PBS) are antenna complexes that harvest light for photosystem (PS) I and PS II in cyanobacteria and some algae. A process known as far-red light photoacclimation (FaRLiP) occurs when some cyanobacteria are grown in far-red light (FRL). They synthesize chlorophylls d and f and remodel PS I, PS II, and PBS using subunits paralogous to those produced in white light. The FaRLiP strain, Leptolyngbya sp. JSC-1, replaces hemidiscoidal PBS with pentacylindrical cores, which are produced when cells are grown in red or white light, with PBS with bicylindrical cores when cells are grown in FRL. This study shows that the PBS of another FaRLiP strain, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7335, are not remodeled in cells grown in FRL. Instead, cells grown in FRL produce bicylindrical cores that uniquely contain the paralogous allophycocyanin subunits encoded in the FaRLiP cluster, and these bicylindrical cores coexist with red-light-type PBS with tricylindrical cores. The bicylindrical cores have absorption maxima at 650 and 711 nm and a low-temperature fluorescence emission maximum at 730 nm. They contain ApcE2:ApcF:ApcD3:ApcD2:ApcD5:ApcB2 in the approximate ratio 2:2:4:6:12:22, and a structural model is proposed. Time course experiments showed that bicylindrical cores were detectable about 48 h after cells were transferred from RL to FRL and that synthesis of red-light-type PBS continued throughout a 21-day growth period. When considered in comparison with results for other FaRLiP cyanobacteria, the results here show that acclimation responses to FRL can differ considerably among FaRLiP cyanobacteria.

Subtypes of the Type II Pit Pattern Reflect Distinct Molecular Subclasses in the Serrated Neoplastic Pathway.

PubMed

Aoki, Hironori; Yamamoto, Eiichiro; Yamano, Hiro-O; Sugai, Tamotsu; Kimura, Tomoaki; Tanaka, Yoshihito; Matsushita, Hiro-O; Yoshikawa, Kenjiro; Takagi, Ryo; Harada, Eiji; Nakaoka, Michiko; Yoshida, Yuko; Harada, Taku; Sudo, Gota; Eizuka, Makoto; Yorozu, Akira; Kitajima, Hiroshi; Niinuma, Takeshi; Kai, Masahiro; Nojima, Masanori; Suzuki, Hiromu; Nakase, Hiroshi

2018-03-15

Colorectal serrated lesions (SLs) are important premalignant lesions whose clinical and biological features are not fully understood. We aimed to establish accurate colonoscopic diagnosis and treatment of SLs through evaluation of associations among the morphological, pathological, and molecular characteristics of SLs. A total of 388 premalignant and 18 malignant colorectal lesions were studied. Using magnifying colonoscopy, microsurface structures were assessed based on Kudo's pit pattern classification system, and the Type II pit pattern was subcategorized into classical Type II, Type II-Open (Type II-O) and Type II-Long (Type II-L). BRAF/KRAS mutations and DNA methylation of CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) markers (MINT1, - 2, - 12, - 31, p16, and MLH1) were analyzed through pyrosequencing. Type II-O was tightly associated with sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps) with BRAF mutation and CIMP-high. Most lesions with simple Type II or Type II-L were hyperplastic polyps, while mixtures of Type II or Type II-L plus more advanced pit patterns (III/IV) were characteristic of traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs). Type II-positive TSAs frequently exhibited BRAF mutation and CIMP-low, while Type II-L-positive TSAs were tightly associated with KRAS mutation and CIMP-low. Analysis of lesions containing both premalignant and cancerous components suggested Type II-L-positive TSAs may develop into KRAS-mutated/CIMP-low/microsatellite stable cancers, while Type II-O-positive SSA/Ps develop into BRAF-mutated/CIMP-high/microsatellite unstable cancers. These results suggest that Type II subtypes reflect distinct molecular subclasses in the serrated neoplasia pathway and that they could be useful hallmarks for identifying SLs at high risk of developing into CRC.

A Psychological Taxonomy of Organizational Innovation: Resolving the Paradoxes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cropley, David; Cropley, Arthur

2012-01-01

The process of innovation involves numerous contradictions not adequately addressed by business-oriented approaches, in particular the problem that what seem to be mutually antagonistic factors are involved. Psychological research on creativity, especially the 4 "Ps" (process, person, product, and press) and the paradoxes of creativity…

Photosensitizer adhered to cell culture microplates induces phototoxicity in carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Ziegler, Verena; Kiesslich, Tobias; Krammer, Barbara; Plaetzer, Kristjan

2013-01-01

In vitro experiments in plastic receptacles are the basis of characterization of new photosensitizers (PSs) for the photodynamic therapy. We recently reported that lipophilic PSs adhere to cell culture microplates in a kinetic-like manner (Engelhardt et al., 2011). In the current study, we examined the interaction and phototoxic effects of the microplate-adhered PS in cancer cells. Therefore, we preloaded microplates with hypericin, Foscan, PVP-hypericin, or aluminum (III) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride (AlPCS4) for 24 hours and measured the PS distribution after addition of A431 human carcinoma cells: following another 24 hours up to 68% of hypericin were detected in the cell fraction. The hydrophilic PVP-hypericin and AlPCS4 also diffused into the cells, but the quantities of PS adherence were considerably lower. Microplate-adhered Foscan appeared not to be redistributed. In contrast to the hydrophilic PSs, the cellular phototoxicity of microplate-adhered lipophilic PS was high, independent of whether the PS (i) was pre-loaded onto microplates or (ii) added simultaneously with the cells or (iii) one day after cell seeding. Based on these results, we suggest testing lipophilic PS dyes for their adherence to microplates. Furthermore, the ability of plastic materials to (reversibly) store PSs might represent a new approach for the PS delivery or the development of antimicrobial coatings.

Photosensitizer Adhered to Cell Culture Microplates Induces Phototoxicity in Carcinoma Cells

PubMed Central

Ziegler, Verena; Kiesslich, Tobias; Krammer, Barbara; Plaetzer, Kristjan

2013-01-01

In vitro experiments in plastic receptacles are the basis of characterization of new photosensitizers (PSs) for the photodynamic therapy. We recently reported that lipophilic PSs adhere to cell culture microplates in a kinetic-like manner (Engelhardt et al., 2011). In the current study, we examined the interaction and phototoxic effects of the microplate-adhered PS in cancer cells. Therefore, we preloaded microplates with hypericin, Foscan, PVP-hypericin, or aluminum (III) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate chloride (AlPCS4) for 24 hours and measured the PS distribution after addition of A431 human carcinoma cells: following another 24 hours up to 68% of hypericin were detected in the cell fraction. The hydrophilic PVP-hypericin and AlPCS4 also diffused into the cells, but the quantities of PS adherence were considerably lower. Microplate-adhered Foscan appeared not to be redistributed. In contrast to the hydrophilic PSs, the cellular phototoxicity of microplate-adhered lipophilic PS was high, independent of whether the PS (i) was pre-loaded onto microplates or (ii) added simultaneously with the cells or (iii) one day after cell seeding. Based on these results, we suggest testing lipophilic PS dyes for their adherence to microplates. Furthermore, the ability of plastic materials to (reversibly) store PSs might represent a new approach for the PS delivery or the development of antimicrobial coatings. PMID:23509741

Self-assembled liposomal nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy

PubMed Central

Sadasivam, Magesh; Avci, Pinar; Gupta, Gaurav K.; Lakshmanan, Shanmugamurthy; Chandran, Rakkiyappan; Huang, Ying-Ying; Kumar, Raj; Hamblin, Michael R.

2013-01-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs the combination of non-toxic photosensitizers (PS) together with harmless visible light of the appropriate wavelength to produce reactive oxygen species that kill unwanted cells. Because many PS are hydrophobic molecules prone to aggregation, numerous drug delivery vehicles have been tested to solubilize these molecules, render them biocompatible and enhance the ease of administration after intravenous injection. The recent rise in nanotechnology has markedly expanded the range of these nanoparticulate delivery vehicles beyond the well-established liposomes and micelles. Self-assembled nanoparticles are formed by judicious choice of monomer building blocks that spontaneously form a well-oriented 3-dimensional structure that incorporates the PS when subjected to the appropriate conditions. This self-assembly process is governed by a subtle interplay of forces on the molecular level. This review will cover the state of the art in the preparation and use of self-assembled liposomal nanoparticles within the context of PDT. PMID:24348377

High-speed spectral domain polarization- sensitive optical coherence tomography using a single camera and an optical switch at 1.3 microm.

PubMed

Lee, Sang-Won; Jeong, Hyun-Woo; Kim, Beop-Min

2010-01-01

We propose high-speed spectral domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (SD-PS-OCT) using a single camera and a 1x2 optical switch at the 1.3-microm region. The PS-low coherence interferometer used in the system is constructed using free-space optics. The reflected horizontal and vertical polarization light rays are delivered via an optical switch to a single spectrometer by turns. Therefore, our system costs less to build than those that use dual spectrometers, and the processes of timing and triggering are simpler from the viewpoints of both hardware and software. Our SD-PS-OCT has a sensitivity of 101.5 dB, an axial resolution of 8.2 microm, and an acquisition speed of 23,496 A-scans per second. We obtain the intensity, phase retardation, and fast axis orientation images of a rat tail tendon ex vivo.

Broad-spectrum Antibiotic Plus Metronidazole May Not Prevent the Deterioration of Necrotizing Enterocolitis From Stage II to III in Full-term and Near-term Infants

PubMed Central

Luo, Li-Juan; Li, Xin; Yang, Kai-Di; Lu, Jiang-Yi; Li, Lu-Quan

2015-01-01

Abstract Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common and frequently dangerous neonatal gastrointestinal disease. Studies have shown broad-spectrum antibiotics plus anaerobic antimicrobial therapy did not prevent the deterioration of NEC among very low birth preterm infants. However, few studies about this therapy which focused on full-term and near-term infant with NEC has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of broad-spectrum antibiotic plus metronidazole in preventing the deterioration of NEC from stage II to III in full-term and near-term infants. A retrospective cohort study based on the propensity score (PS) 1:1 matching was performed among the full-term and near-term infants with NEC (Bell stage ≥II). All infants who received broad-spectrum antibiotics were divided into 2 groups: group with metronidazole treatment (metronidazole was used ≥4 days continuously, 15 mg/kg/day) and group without metronidazole treatment. The depraved rates of stage II NEC between the 2 groups were compared. Meanwhile, the risk factors associated with the deterioration of stage II NEC were analyzed by case-control study in the PS-matched cases. A total of 229 infants met the inclusion criteria. Before PS-matching, we found the deterioration of NEC rate in the group with metronidazole treatment was higher than that in the group without metronidazole treatment (18.1% [28/155] vs 8.1% [6/74]; P = 0.048). After PS-matching, 73 pairs were matched, and the depraved rate of NEC in the group with metronidazole treatment was not lower than that in the group without metronidazole treatment (15.1% vs 8.2%; P = 0.2). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that sepsis after NEC (odds ratio [OR] 3.748, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.171–11.998, P = 0.03), the need to use transfusion of blood products after diagnosis of NEC (OR 8.003, 95% CI 2.365–27.087, P = 0.00), and the need of longer time for nasogastric suction were risk factors for stage II NEC progressing to stage III (OR 1.102, 95% CI 1.004–1.21, P = 0.04). Broad-spectrum antibiotic plus metronidazole may not prevent the deterioration of NEC in full-term and near-term infants. Those infants who had sepsis required transfusion of blood products, and needed longer time for nasogastric suction after stage II NEC was more likely to progress to stage III. PMID:26496340

MUW Approach of PS OCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hitzenberger, Christoph K.; Pircher, Michael

Polarization sensitive (PS) OCT is a functional extension of OCT that exploits the light's polarization state to generate intrinsic, tissue specific contrast and enables quantitative measurements of tissue parameters. This chapter explains the technique, discusses polarization-changing light-tissue interactions and demonstrates the application of PS-OCT to retinal imaging. Two polarization-changing light-tissue interactions are discussed and their use for retinal diagnostics are demonstrated: (i) birefringence, which is found in fibrous tissues like the retinal nerve fiber layer and can be used for glaucoma diagnostics; and (ii) depolarization, which is observed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and can be used to segment the RPE and associated lesions like drusen or geographic atrophies in age related macular degeneration.

Twelve-month prospective cohort study of patients with severe traumatic brain injury and their relatives: Coping, satisfaction with life and neurological functioning.

PubMed

Haller, Chiara S

2017-01-01

To examine the associations between the functioning of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and their relatives' coping style and quality of life across 12 months post-injury. Prospective, population-based cohort study assessing 188 patients with severe TBI (Abbreviated Injury Scale of the head region [HAIS] score >3), and their relatives, 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury. Data were drawn from a larger national study run in Switzerland (2007-2011). Patient assessment: Glasgow Coma Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), Patient Competency Rating Scale for Neurorehabilitation (PCRS-NR). Relative assessment: Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL; 12-item short form health survey [SF-12]), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Mixed linear models were run separately for ages >50 and ≤50 (i.e. bimodal distribution). Patients' GOSE score was associated with relatives' reported mental SF-12 scores across age (ps < 0.01). Relatives' CISS was associated with patients' PCRS score (age > 50 years): Total and cognitive functioning decreased as emotion-oriented coping increased (ps = 0.01), while interpersonal functioning increased as task-oriented coping increased (p = 0.01) and decreased as avoidance-oriented coping increased (p = 0.02). Patients' functioning and relatives' mental HRQoL and coping strategies are associated with each other.

Fiber-based polarization-sensitive OCT of the human retina with correction of system polarization distortions

PubMed Central

Braaf, Boy; Vermeer, Koenraad A.; de Groot, Mattijs; Vienola, Kari V.; de Boer, Johannes F.

2014-01-01

In polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) the use of single-mode fibers causes unpredictable polarization distortions which can result in increased noise levels and erroneous changes in calculated polarization parameters. In the current paper this problem is addressed by a new Jones matrix analysis method that measures and corrects system polarization distortions as a function of wavenumber by spectral analysis of the sample surface polarization state and deeper located birefringent tissue structures. This method was implemented on a passive-component depth-multiplexed swept-source PS-OCT system at 1040 nm which was theoretically modeled using Jones matrix calculus. High-resolution B-scan images are presented of the double-pass phase retardation, diattenuation, and relative optic axis orientation to show the benefits of the new analysis method for in vivo imaging of the human retina. The correction of system polarization distortions yielded reduced phase retardation noise, and better estimates of the diattenuation and the relative optic axis orientation in weakly birefringent tissues. The clinical potential of the system is shown by en face visualization of the phase retardation and optic axis orientation of the retinal nerve fiber layer in a healthy volunteer and a glaucoma patient with nerve fiber loss. PMID:25136498

Optic axis determination by fiber-based polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragod, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2011-03-01

We describe a fiber-based variable-incidence-angle (VIA) polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography (PS-SS-OCT) system to determine the 3-D optical axis of birefringent biological tissues. Single-plane VIAPS- OCT is also explored which requires measurement of the absolute fast-axis orientation. A state-of-the-art PS-SS-OCT system with some improvements both in hardware and software was used to determine the apparent optical birefringence of equine tendon for a number of different illumination directions. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon were produced by VIA method and compared with the nominal values. A quarter waveplate (QWP) and equine tendon were used as test targets to validate the fast-axis measurements using the system. Polar and azimuthal angles of cut equine tendon broadly agreed with the expected values within about 8% of the nominal values. A theoretical and experimental analysis of the effect of the sample arm fiber on determination of optical axis orientation using a proposed definition based on the orientation of the eigenpolarization ellipse experimentally confirms that this algorithm only works correctly for special settings of the sample arm fiber. A proposed algorithm based on the angle between Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere is confirmed to work for all settings of the sample arm fiber. A calibration procedure is proposed to remove the sign ambiguity of the measured orientation and was confirmed experimentally by using the QWP.

Electronic structural changes of Mn in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II during the catalytic cycle.

PubMed

Glatzel, Pieter; Schroeder, Henning; Pushkar, Yulia; Boron, Thaddeus; Mukherjee, Shreya; Christou, George; Pecoraro, Vincent L; Messinger, Johannes; Yachandra, Vittal K; Bergmann, Uwe; Yano, Junko

2013-05-20

The oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II (PS II) was studied in the S0 through S3 states using 1s2p resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectroscopy. The spectral changes of the OEC during the S-state transitions are subtle, indicating that the electrons are strongly delocalized throughout the cluster. The result suggests that, in addition to the Mn ions, ligands are also playing an important role in the redox reactions. A series of Mn(IV) coordination complexes were compared, particularly with the PS II S3 state spectrum to understand its oxidation state. We find strong variations of the electronic structure within the series of Mn(IV) model systems. The spectrum of the S3 state best resembles those of the Mn(IV) complexes Mn3(IV)Ca2 and saplnMn2(IV)(OH)2. The current result emphasizes that the assignment of formal oxidation states alone is not sufficient for understanding the detailed electronic structural changes that govern the catalytic reaction in the OEC.

Improved optical axis determination accuracy for fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Matcher, Stephen J.

2013-03-01

We report on a new calibration technique that permits the accurate extraction of sample Jones matrix and hence fast-axis orientation by using fiber-based polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) that is completely based on non polarization maintaining fiber such as SMF-28. In this technique, two quarter waveplates are used to completely specify the parameters of the system fibers in the sample arm so that the Jones matrix of the sample can be determined directly. The device was validated on measurements of a quarter waveplate and an equine tendon sample by a single-mode fiber-based swept-source PS-OCT system.

Sulfate radical degradation of acetaminophen by novel iron-copper bimetallic oxidation catalyzed by persulfate: Mechanism and degradation pathways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuanchun; Zhang, Qian; Hong, Junming

2017-11-01

A novel iron coupled copper oxidate (Fe2O3@Cu2O) catalyst was synthesized to activate persulfate (PS) for acetaminophen (APAP) degradation. The catalysts were characterized via field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The effects of the catalyst, PS concentration, catalyst dosage, initial pH, dissolved oxygen were analyzed for treatment optimization. Results indicated that Fe2O3@Cu2O achieved higher efficiency in APAP degradation than Fe2O3/PS and Cu2O/PS systems. The optimal removal efficiency of APAP (90%) was achieved within 40 min with 0.6 g/L PS and 0.3 g/L catalyst. To clarify the mechanism for APAP degradation, intermediates were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Three possible degradation pathways were identified. During reaction, Cu(I) was found to react with Fe(III) to generate Fe(II), which is the most active phase for PS activation. Through the use of methanol and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) as radical trappers, SO4rad - was identified as the main radical species that is generated during oxidation.

Costing Complex Products, Operations & Support

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-19

last version of the Harrier II family introduced in the UK. As such it is similar to the U.S. Marine Corps’ AV-8B in basic structure , systems , and...ABSTRACT Complex products and systems (CoPS) are major capital goods in which customers play a central role from design through to disposal, such as...Complex products and systems (CoPS) are major capital goods in which customers play a central role from design through to disposal, such as large defense

Targeting Tumor Associated Phosphatidylserine with New Zinc Dipicolylamine-Based Drug Conjugates.

PubMed

Liu, Yu-Wei; Shia, Kak-Shan; Wu, Chien-Huang; Liu, Kuan-Liang; Yeh, Yu-Cheng; Lo, Chen-Fu; Chen, Chiung-Tong; Chen, Yun-Yu; Yeh, Teng-Kuang; Chen, Wei-Han; Jan, Jiing-Jyh; Huang, Yu-Chen; Huang, Chen-Lung; Fang, Ming-Yu; Gray, Brian D; Pak, Koon Y; Hsu, Tsu-An; Huang, Kuan-Hsun; Tsou, Lun K

2017-07-19

A series of zinc(II) dipicolylamine (ZnDPA)-based drug conjugates have been synthesized to probe the potential of phosphatidylserine (PS) as a new antigen for small molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) development. Using in vitro cytotoxicity and plasma stability studies, PS-binding assay, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, and maximum tolerated dose profiles, we provided a roadmap and the key parameters required for the development of the ZnDPA based drug conjugate. In particular, conjugate 24 induced tumor regression in the COLO 205 xenograft model and exhibited a more potent antitumor effect with a 70% reduction of cytotoxic payload compared to that of the marketed irinotecan when dosed at the same regimen. In addition to the validation of PS as an effective pharmacodelivery target for SMDC, our work also provided the foundation that, if applicable, a variety of therapeutic agents could be conjugated in the same manner to treat other PS-associated diseases.

Formate-induced inhibition of the water-oxidizing complex of photosystem II studied by EPR.

PubMed

Feyziev, Y M; Yoneda, D; Yoshii, T; Katsuta, N; Kawamori, A; Watanabe, Y

2000-04-04

The effects of various formate concentrations on both the donor and the acceptor sides in oxygen-evolving PS II membranes (BBY particles) were examined. EPR, oxygen evolution and variable chlorophyll fluorescence have been observed. It was found that formate inhibits the formation of the S(2) state multiline signal concomitant with stimulation of the Q(A)(-)Fe(2+) signal at g = 1.82. The decrease and the increase in intensities of the multiline and Q(A)(-)Fe(2+) signals, respectively, had a linear relation for formate concentrations between 5 and 500 mM. The g = 4.1 signal formation measured in the absence of methanol was not inhibited by formate up to 250 mM in the buffer. In the presence of 3% methanol the g = 4.1 signal evolved as formate concentration increased. The evolved signal could be ascribed to the inhibited centers. Oxygen evolution measured in the presence of an electron acceptor, phenyl-p-benzoquinone, was also inhibited by formate proportionally to the decrease in the multiline signal intensity. The inhibition seemed to be due to a retarded electron transfer from the water-oxidizing complex to Y(Z)(+), which was observed in the decay kinetics of the Y(Z)(+) signal induced by illumination above 250 K. These results show that formate induces inhibition of water oxidation reactions as well as electron transfer on the PS II acceptor side. The inhibition effects of formate in PS II were found to be reversible, indicating no destructive effect on the reaction center induced by formate.

Isolation Of PS II Nanoparticles And Oxygen Evolution Studies In Synechococcus Spp. PCC 7942 Under Heavy Metal Stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Iffat Zareen; Sundaram, Shanthy; Tripathi, Ashutosh; Soumya, K. K.

2009-06-01

The effect of heavy metals was seen on the oxygen evolution pattern of a unicellular, non-heterocystous cyanobacterial strain of Synechococcus spp. PCC 7942. It was grown in a BG-11 medium supplemented with heavy metals, namely, nickel, copper, cadmium and mercury. Final concentrations of the heavy metal solution used in the culture were 0.1, 0.4 and 1 μM. All the experiments were performed in the exponential phase of the culture. Oxygen-evolving photosystem II (PS II) particles were purified from Synechococcus spp. PCC 7942 by a single-step Ni2+-affinity column chromatography after solubilization of thylakoid membranes with sucrose monolaurate. Oxygen evolution was measured with Clark type oxygen electrode fitted with a circulating water jacket. The light on the surface of the vessel was 10 w/m2. The cultures were incubated in light for 15 minutes prior to the measurement of oxygen evolution. Oxygen evolution was measured in assay mixture containing phosphate buffer (pH-7.5, 0.1 M) in the presence of potassium ferricyanide as the electron acceptor. The preparation from the control showed a high oxygen-evolving activity of 2, 300-2, 500 pmol O2 (mg Chl)-1 h-1 while the activity was decreased in the cultures grown with heavy metals. The inhibition of oxygen evolution shown by the organism in the presence of different metals was in the order Hg>Ni>Cd>Cu. Such heavy metal resistant strains will find application in the construction of PS II- based biosensors for the monitoring of pollutants.

Photosensitized H2 Production Using a Zinc Porphyrin-Substituted Protein, Platinum Nanoparticles, and Ascorbate with No Electron Relay: Participation of Good's Buffers.

PubMed

Clark, Emily R; Kurtz, Donald M

2017-04-17

Development of efficient light-driven splitting of water, 2H 2 O → 2H 2 + O 2 , often attempts to optimize photosensitization of the reductive and oxidative half-reactions individually. Numerous homogeneous and heterogeneous systems have been developed for photochemical stimulation of the reductive half reaction, 2H + + 2e - → H 2 . These systems generally consist of various combinations of a H + reduction catalyst, a photosensitizer (PS), and a "sacrificial" electron donor. Zinc(II)-porphyrins (ZnPs) have frequently been used as PSs for H 2 generation, but they are subject to various self-quenching processes in aqueous solutions. Colloidal platinum in nanoparticle form (Pt NP) is a classical H + reduction catalyst using ZnP photosensitizers, but efficient photosensitized H 2 generation requires an electron relay molecule between ZnP and Pt NP. The present report describes an aqueous system for visible (white) light-sensitized generation of H 2 using a protein-embedded Zn(II)-protoporphyrin IX as PS and Pt NP as H + reduction catalyst without an added electron relay. This system operated efficiently in piperazino- and morpholino-alkylsulfonic acid (Good's buffers), which served as sacrificial electron donors. The system also required ascorbate at relatively modest concentrations, which stabilized the Zn(II)-protoporphyrin IX against photodegradation. In the absence of an electron relay molecule, the photosensitized H 2 generation must involve formation of at least a transient complex between a protein-embedded Zn(II)-protoporphyrin IX species and Pt NP.

Keratins Are Altered in Intestinal Disease-Related Stress Responses.

PubMed

Helenius, Terhi O; Antman, Cecilia A; Asghar, Muhammad Nadeem; Nyström, Joel H; Toivola, Diana M

2016-09-10

Keratin (K) intermediate filaments can be divided into type I/type II proteins, which form obligate heteropolymers. Epithelial cells express type I-type II keratin pairs, and K7, K8 (type II) and K18, K19 and K20 (type I) are the primary keratins found in the single-layered intestinal epithelium. Keratins are upregulated during stress in liver, pancreas, lung, kidney and skin, however, little is known about their dynamics in the intestinal stress response. Here, keratin mRNA, protein and phosphorylation levels were studied in response to murine colonic stresses modeling human conditions, and in colorectal cancer HT29 cells. Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-colitis was used as a model for intestinal inflammatory stress, which elicited a strong upregulation and widened crypt distribution of K7 and K20. K8 levels were slightly downregulated in acute DSS, while stress-responsive K8 serine-74 phosphorylation (K8 pS74) was increased. By eliminating colonic microflora using antibiotics, K8 pS74 in proliferating cells was significantly increased, together with an upregulation of K8 and K19. In the aging mouse colon, most colonic keratins were upregulated. In vitro, K8, K19 and K8 pS74 levels were increased in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in HT29 cells. In conclusion, intestinal keratins are differentially and dynamically upregulated and post-translationally modified during stress and recovery.

Sampled Data Adaptive Digital Computer Control of Surface Ship Maneuvers

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

0.53 feet. Systems fcr which fuel considerations are not a motivating 157 factor lay te designed without this part of the control law ta allow finer...COXXXQXxaQXQ«^2Q£>’^ o>- —,>->>>ozor X < a. Ps4 <i i— « aC _J o < a o-*»-» ujOO • •>- o • •oo«mo z o «j II II ** » < ii ii -^ -* -,-^a:- i—— * O.-IUJ

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived macrophages and their immunological function in response to tuberculosis infection.

PubMed

Hong, Danping; Ding, Jiongyan; Li, Ouyang; He, Quan; Ke, Minxia; Zhu, Mengyi; Liu, Lili; Ou, Wen-Bin; He, Yulong; Wu, Yuehong

2018-02-26

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) represent an innovative source for the standardized in vitro generation of macrophages (Mφ). Mφ show great promise in disease pathogenesis, particularly tuberculosis. However, there is no information about human iPS-derived (hiPS) macrophages (hiPS-Mφ) in response to tuberculosis infection. In the present study, macrophages derived from hiPS were established via embryoid body (EB) formation by using feeder-free culture conditions, and the human monocyte cell line THP-1 (THP-1-Mφ) was used as control. iPS-Mφ were characterized by using morphology, Giemsa staining, nonspecific esterase staining (α-NAE), phagocytosis, and surface phenotype. Additionally, after treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for 24 h, cell apoptosis was detected by using an Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection assay. The production of nitric oxide (NO), expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), activity of apoptosis-related protein cysteine-3 (Caspase-3) and expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were analyzed. With respect to morphology, surface phenotype, and function, the iPS-Mφ closely resembled their counterparts generated in vitro from a human monocyte cell line. iPS-Mφ exhibited the typically morphological characteristics of macrophages, such as round, oval, fusiform and irregular characteristics. The cells were Giemsa-stained-positive, α-NAE-positive, and possessed phagocytic ability. iPS-Mφ express high levels of CD14, CD11b, CD40, CD68, and major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II). Moreover, with regard to the apoptotic rate, the production of NO, expression of TNF-α, and activity of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2, iPS-Mφ closely resemble that of their counterparts generated in vitro from human monocyte cell line in response to BCG infection. The rate of apoptosis of BCG-treated iPS-Mφ was 37.77 ± 7.94% compared to that of the untreated group at 4.97 ± 1.60% (P < 0.01) by using Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection. Additionally, the rate of apoptosis of BCG-treated THP-1-Mφ was 37.1 ± 2.84% compared to that of the untreated group at 6.19 ± 1.68% (P < 0.001). The expression of TNF-α and the production of NO were significantly increased (P < 0.001), and the activity of Caspase-3 was increased. However, the expression of Bcl-2 was inhibited (P < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that Mφ derived from hiPS perform the immunological function in response to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin infection by undergoing apoptosis, increasing the production of NO and expression of TNF-α. Thus, our study may help to overcome the limitations of research into certain rare diseases due to the lack of adequate supply of disease-specific primary cells.

Alectinib for Patients with ALK Rearrangement-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and a Poor Performance Status (Lung Oncology Group in Kyushu 1401).

PubMed

Iwama, Eiji; Goto, Yasushi; Murakami, Haruyasu; Harada, Taishi; Tsumura, Shinsuke; Sakashita, Hiroyuki; Mori, Yoshiaki; Nakagaki, Noriaki; Fujita, Yuka; Seike, Masahiro; Bessho, Akihiro; Ono, Manabu; Okazaki, Akihito; Akamatsu, Hiroaki; Morinaga, Ryotaro; Ushijima, Shinichiro; Shimose, Takayuki; Tokunaga, Shoji; Hamada, Akinobu; Yamamoto, Nobuyuki; Nakanishi, Yoichi; Sugio, Kenji; Okamoto, Isamu

2017-07-01

Alectinib has shown marked efficacy and safety in patients with anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase gene (ALK) rearrangement-positive NSCLC and a good performance status (PS). It has remained unclear whether alectinib might also be beneficial for such patients with a poor PS. Eligible patients with advanced ALK rearrangement-positive NSCLC and a PS of 2 to 4 received alectinib orally at 300 mg twice daily. The primary end point of the study was objective response rate (ORR), and the most informative secondary end point was rate of PS improvement. Between September 2014 and December 2015, 18 patients were enrolled in this phase II study. Of those patients, 12, five, and one had a PS of 2, 3, or 4, respectively, whereas four patients had received prior crizotinib treatment. The ORR was 72.2% (90% confidence interval: 52.9-85.8%). The ORR did not differ significantly between patients with a PS of 2 and those with a PS of 3 or higher (58.3% and 100%, respectively [p = 0.114]). The PS improvement rate was 83.3% (90% confidence interval: 64.8-93.1%, p < 0.0001), with the frequency of improvement to a PS of 0 or 1 being 72.2%. The median progression-free survival was 10.1 months. Toxicity was mild, with the frequency of adverse events of grade 3 or higher being low. Neither dose reduction nor withdrawal of alectinib because of toxicity was necessary. Alectinib is a treatment option for patients with ALK rearrangement-positive NSCLC and a poor PS. Copyright © 2017 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nanoscale elastic modulus variation in loaded polymeric micelle reactors.

PubMed

Solmaz, Alim; Aytun, Taner; Deuschle, Julia K; Ow-Yang, Cleva W

2012-07-17

Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM) enables mapping of chemical composition at the nanoscale by taking advantage of the variation in phase angle shift arising from an embedded second phase. We demonstrate that phase contrast can be attributed to the variation in elastic modulus during the imaging of zinc acetate (ZnAc)-loaded reverse polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock co-polymer micelles less than 100 nm in diameter. Three sample configurations were characterized: (i) a 31.6 μm thick polystyrene (PS) support film for eliminating the substrate contribution, (ii) an unfilled PS-b-P2VP micelle supported by the same PS film, and (iii) a ZnAc-loaded PS-b-P2VP micelle supported by the same PS film. Force-indentation (F-I) curves were measured over unloaded micelles on the PS film and over loaded micelles on the PS film, using standard tapping mode probes of three different spring constants, the same cantilevers used for imaging of the samples before and after loading. For calibration of the tip geometry, nanoindentation was performed on the bare PS film. The resulting elastic modulus values extracted by applying the Hertz model were 8.26 ± 3.43 GPa over the loaded micelles and 4.17 ± 1.65 GPa over the unloaded micelles, confirming that phase contrast images of a monolayer of loaded micelles represent maps of the nanoscale chemical and mechanical variation. By calibrating the tip geometry indirectly using a known soft material, we are able to use the same standard tapping mode cantilevers for both imaging and indentation.

Development of tolerance of egg plant (Solanum melangena L.) to field application of dimethoate.

PubMed

Khillar, R; Acharya, S; Mohapatra, P K

2010-07-01

Dimethoate, at field concentration (1.419 mg g(-1) fr wt), caused inhibition of photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance of Solanum melangena L. on first treatment but subsequent treatments caused adaptation and recovery of these parameters. The variable fluorescence (F(v)), dissipation (DI(0)/RC), 2 ms relative variable fluorescence (V(j)), net rate of PS II closure (M(0)), and maximum trapping rate of active PS II (TR(0)/RC) increased initially but reduced to the control value with repetition of treatment. However, fluorescence yield (TR(0)/Abs), electron transport probability (ET(0)/TR(0)) and activity of RC (ET(0)/RC) increased with each treatment. With each subsequent treatment there was enhancement of activities of esterases and decrease of insecticide content of leaves.

Polysaccharides from Ganoderma formosanum function as a Th1 adjuvant and stimulate cytotoxic T cell response in vivo.

PubMed

Pi, Chia-Chen; Chu, Ching-Liang; Lu, Chu-Ying; Zhuang, Yu-Jing; Wang, Cheng-Li; Yu, Yao-Hsuan; Wang, Hui-Yi; Lin, Chih-Chung; Chen, Chun-Jen

2014-01-09

The fungus of Ganoderma is a basidiomycete that possesses a variety of pharmacological effects and has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. Ganoderma formosanum is a native Ganoderma species isolated in Taiwan, and we have previously demonstrated that PS-F2, a polysaccharide fraction purified from the submerged culture broth of G. formosanum, exhibits immunostimulatory properties in macrophages. In this study, we further characterized the adjuvant functions of PS-F2. In vitro, PS-F2 stimulated dendritic cells (DCs) to produce proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12/IL-23 p40. PS-F2 also stimulated DCs to express the maturation markers CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II. In a murine splenocyte culture, PS-F2 treatment resulted in elevated expression of T-bet and interferon (IFN)-γ in T lymphocytes. When used as an adjuvant in vivo with the ovalbumin (OVA) antigen, PS-F2 stimulated OVA-specific antibody production and primed IFN-γ production in OVA-specific T lymphocytes. PS-F2-adjuvated immunization also induced OVA-specific CTLs, which protected mice from a challenge with tumor cells expressing OVA. Collectively, our data show that PS-F2 functions as an adjuvant capable of inducing a Th1-polarized adaptive immune response, which would be useful in vaccines against viruses and tumors. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immunogenicity and safety of a new meningococcal A conjugate vaccine in Indian children aged 2-10 years: a phase II/III double-blind randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Hirve, Siddhivinayak; Bavdekar, Ashish; Pandit, Anand; Juvekar, Sanjay; Patil, Malini; Preziosi, Marie-Pierre; Tang, Yuxiao; Marchetti, Elisa; Martellet, Lionel; Findlow, Helen; Elie, Cheryl; Parulekar, Varsha; Plikaytis, Brian; Borrow, Ray; Carlone, George; Kulkarni, Prasad S; Goel, Akshay; Suresh, Karupothula; Beri, Suresh; Kapre, Subhash; Jadhav, Suresh; Preaud, Jean-Marie; Viviani, Simonetta; LaForce, F Marc

2012-10-05

This study compares the immunogenicity and safety of a single dose of a new meningococcal A conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT, MenAfriVac™, Serum Institute of India Ltd., Pune) against the meningococcal group A component of a licensed quadrivalent meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PsACWY, Mencevax ACWY(®), GSK, Belgium) 28 days after vaccination in Indian children. This double-blind, randomized, controlled study included 340 Indian children aged 2-10 years enrolled from August to October 2007; 169 children received a dose of PsA-TT while 171 children received a dose of PsACWY. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that 95.2% of children in PsA-TT group had a ≥4-fold response in serum bactericidal titers (rSBA) 28 days post vaccination as compared to 78.2% in the PsACWY group. A significantly higher rSBA GMT (11,209, 95%CI 9708-12,942) was noted in the PsA-TT group when compared to PsACWY group (2838, 95%CI 2368-3401). Almost all children in both vaccine groups had a ≥4-fold response in group A-specific IgG concentration but the IgG GMC was significantly greater in the PsA-TT group (89.1 μg/ml, 95%CI 75.5-105.0) when compared to the PsACWY group (15.3 μg/ml, 95%CI 12.3-19.2). Local and systemic reactions during the 4 days after immunization were similar for both vaccine groups except for tenderness (30.2% in PsA-TT group vs 12.3% in PsACWY group). None of the adverse events or serious adverse events was related to the study vaccines. We conclude that MenAfriVac™ is well tolerated and significantly more immunogenic when compared to a licensed polysaccharide vaccine, in 2-to-10-year-old Indian children. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: RR Lyrae stars from the PS1 3π survey (Sesar+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sesar, B.; Hernitschek, N.; Mitrovic, S.; Ivezic, Z.; Rix, H.-W.; Cohen, J. G.; Bernard, E. J.; Grebel, E. K.; Martin, N. F.; Schlafly, E. F.; Burgett, W. S.; Draper, P. W.; Flewelling, H.; Kaiser, N.; Kudritzki, R. P.; Magnier, E. A.; Metcalfe, N.; Tonry, J. L.; Waters, C.

2018-04-01

Building on the work by Hernitschek+ (2016, J/ApJ/817/73), in this paper, we use the final PS1 data release (PV3) to significantly increase the completeness and purity of the PS1 sample of RR Lyrae stars. Pan-STARRS1 (PS1; Kaiser+ 2010, see II/349) is a wide-field optical/near-IR survey telescope system located at the Haleakala Observatory on the island of Maui in Hawai'i. The largest survey undertaken by the telescope, the PS1 3π survey (Chambers K.C. 2011, BAAS, 43, 113.01), has observed the entire sky north of decl. -30° in five filter bands, reaching 5σ single-epoch depths of about 22.0, 22.0, 21.9, 21.0, and 19.8mag in gP1, rP1, iP1, zP1, and yP1 bands, respectively. The uncertainty in photometric calibration of the survey is <~0.01mag, and the astrometric precision of single-epoch detections is 10mas. (4 data files).

Endoscopic stenting for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: efficacy of unilateral and bilateral placement of plastic and metal stents in a retrospective review of 480 patients

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Endoscopic biliary drainage of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is controversial with respect to the optimal types of stents and the extent of drainage. This study evaluated endoscopic palliation in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma using self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and plastic stents (PS).We also compared unilateral and bilateral stent placement according to the Bismuth classification. Methods Data on 480 patients receiving endoscopic biliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma between September 1995 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the following outcome parameters: technical success (TS), functional success (FS), early and late complications, stent patency and survival. Patients were followed from stent insertion until death or stent occlusion. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the Bismuth classification (Group 1, type I; Group 2, type II; Group 3, type > III). Results The initial stent insertion was successful in 450 (93.8%) patients. TS was achieved in 204 (88.3%) patients treated with PS and in 246 (98.8%) patients palliated with SEMS (p < 0.001). In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the FS in patients treated with SEMS (97.9%) was significantly higher than in patients treated with PS (84.8%) (p < 0.001). Late complications occurred in 115 (56.4%) patients treated with PS and 60 (24.4%) patients treated with SEMS (p < 0.001). The median duration of stent patency in weeks (w) were as follows: 20 w in patients palliated with PS and 27 w in patients treated with SEMS (p < 0.0001). In Group 2, the median duration of PS patency was 17 w and 18 w for unilateral and bilateral placement, respectively (p = 0.0004); the median duration of SEMS patency was 24 w and 29 w for unilateral and bilateral placement, respectively (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis using the Poisson regression showed that SEMS placement (B = 0.48; P < 0.01) and bilateral deployment (B = 0.24; P < 0.01) were the only independent prognostic factors associated with stent patency. Conclusions SEMS insertion for the palliation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma offers higher technical and clinical success rates in the ITT analysis as well as lower complication rates and a superior cumulative stent patency when compared with PS placement in all Bismuth classifications. The cumulative patency of bilateral SEMS or PS stents was significantly higher than that of unilateral SEMS or PS stents, with lower occlusion rates in Bismuth II patients. PMID:22873816

Structural and transcription analysis of two homologous genes for the P700 chlorophyll a-apoproteins in Chlamydomonas reinhardii: evidence for in vivo trans-splicing

PubMed Central

Kück, Ulrich; Choquet, Yves; Schneider, Michel; Dron, Michel; Bennoun, Pierre

1987-01-01

The two homologous genes for the P700 chlorophyll a-apoproteins (ps1A1 and ps1A2) are encoded by the plastom in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardii. The structure and organization of the two genes were determined by comparison with the homologous genes from maize using data from heterologous hybridizations as well as from DNA and RNA sequencing. While the ps1A2 (736 codons) gene shows a continuous gene organization, the ps1A1 (754 codons) gene possesses some unusual features. The discontinuous gene is split into three separate exons which are scattered around the circular chloroplast genome. Exon 1 (86 bp) is separated by ∼50 kb from exon 2 (198 bp), which is located ∼ 90 kb apart from exon 3 (1984 bp). All exons are flanked by intronic sequences of group II. Transcription analysis reveals that the ps1A2 gene hybridizes with a 2.8-kb transcript, while all exon regions of the ps1A1 gene are homologous to a mature mRNA of 2.7 kb. From our data we conclude that the three distantly separated exonic sequences of the ps1A1 gene constitute a functional gene which probably operates by a trans-splicing mechanism. ImagesFig. 3.Fig. 5.Fig. 6. PMID:16453785

Effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature of polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negash, Solomon; Tatek, Yergou B.; Tsige, Mesfin

2018-04-01

We have carried out atomistic (all-atom) molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature (Tg) of polystyrene (PS) thin films adsorbed on two distinct types of solid substrates. The systems consist of thin films made of atactic, isotactic, and syndiotactic PS chains supported by graphite or hydroxylated α-quartz substrates, which are known to be atomically flat but chemically and structurally different. We have observed a marked dependence of the film structure on substrate type as well as on tacticity. For instance, rings' orientation near substrate surfaces depends on substrate type for atactic PS and isotactic PS films, while no such dependence is observed for syndiotactic PS films whose interfacial structure seems to result from their propensity to adopt the trans conformation rather than their specific interaction with the substrates. Moreover, our results indicate that glass transition temperatures of substrate supported polystyrene films are higher compared to those of the corresponding free-standing films. More specifically, PS films on graphite exhibit larger Tg values than those on α-quartz, and we have noticed that syndiotactic PS has the largest Tg irrespective of the substrate type. Furthermore, the local Tg in the region of the film in contact with the substrates shows a strong tacticity and substrate dependence, whereas no dependencies were found for the local Tg in the middle of the film. Substrate-film interaction energy and chains' dynamics near substrate-film interfaces were subsequently investigated in order to substantiate the obtained Tgs, and it was found that films with higher Tgs are strongly adsorbed on the substrates and/or exhibit smaller interfacial chains' dynamics essentially due to steric hindrance.

Collisional Processes Probed by using Resonant Four-Wave Mixing Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCormack, E. F.; Stampanoni, A.; Hemmerling, B.

2000-06-01

Collisionally-induced decay processes in excited-state nitric oxide (NO) have been measured by using time-resolved two-color, resonant four-wave mixing (TC-RFWM) spectroscopy and polarization spectroscopy (PS). Markedly different time dependencies were observed in the data obtained by using TC-RFWM when compared to PS. Oscillations in the PS signal as a function of delay between the pump and probe laser pulses were observed and it was determined that their characteristics depend very sensitively on laser polarization. Analysis reveals that the oscillations in the decay curves are due to coherent excitation of unresolved hyperfine structure in the A state of NO. A comparison of beat frequencies obtained by taking Fourier transforms of the time data to the predicted hyperfine structure of the A state support this explanation. Further, based on a time-dependent model of PS as a FWM process, the signal’s dependence as a function of time on polarization configuration and excitation scheme can be predicted. By using the beat frequency values, fits of the model results to experimental decay curves for different pressures allows a study of the quenching rate in the A state due to collisional processes. A comparison of the PS data to laser-induced fluorescence decay measurements reveals different decay rates which suggests that the PS signal decay depends on the orientation and alignment of the excited molecules. The different behavior of the decay curves obtained by using TC-RFWM and PS can be understood in terms of the various contributions to the decay as described by the model and this has a direct bearing on which technique is preferable for a given set of experimental parameters.

Evaluating the combined effects of pretilachlor and UV-B on two Azolla species.

PubMed

Prasad, Sheo Mohan; Kumar, Sushil; Parihar, Parul; Singh, Anita; Singh, Rachana

2016-03-01

The present study assessed the comparative responses of two agronomic species of Azolla (A.microphylla and A. pinnata) exposed to man-made and natural stressors by evaluating biomass accumulation, pigments (chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid contents), photosynthetic activity and nitrogen metabolism. The study was carried out in field where two species of Azolla were cultured and treated with various concentrations (5, 10 and 20 μg ml(-1)) of herbicide; pretilachlor [2-chloro-2,6-diethyl-N-(2-propoxyethyl) acetanilide] and enhanced levels (UV-B1: ambient +2.2 kJ m(-2) day(-1) and UV-B2: ambient +4.4 kJ m(-2) day(-1)) of UV-B, alone as well as in combination. Biomass accumulation, photosynthetic pigments; chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, photosynthetic oxygen yield and photosynthetic electron transport activities i.e. photosystem II (PS II) and photosystem I (PS I) in both the species declined with the increasing doses of pretilachlor and UV-B radiation, which further declined when applied in combination. The lower doses (5 and 10 μg ml(-1)) of pretilachlor and UV-B (UV-B1 and UV-B2) alone, damaged mainly the oxidation side of PS II, whereas higher dose (20 μg ml(-1)) of pretilachlor alone and in combination with UV-B1 and UV-B2 caused damage to PS II reaction centre and beyond this towards the reduction side. A significant enhancement in respiration was also noticed in fronds of both the Azolla species following pretilachlor and UV-B treatment, hence indicating strong damaging effect. The nitrate assimilating enzymes - nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase and ammonium assimilating enzymes - glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase were also severely affected when treated either with pretilachlor and/or UV-B while glutamate dehydrogenase exhibited a stimulatory response. The study suggests that both the species of Azolla showed considerable damage under pretilachlor and UV-B treatments alone, however, in combination the effect was more intense. Further, in comparison to A. pinnata, A. microphylla exhibited greater resistance against tested doses of both the stresses, either alone or in combination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thin-film morphology of inkjet-printed single-droplet organic transistors using polarized Raman spectroscopy: effect of blending TIPS-pentacene with insulating polymer.

PubMed

James, David T; Kjellander, B K Charlotte; Smaal, Wiljan T T; Gelinck, Gerwin H; Combe, Craig; McCulloch, Iain; Wilson, Richard; Burroughes, Jeremy H; Bradley, Donal D C; Kim, Ji-Seon

2011-12-27

We report thin-film morphology studies of inkjet-printed single-droplet organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) using angle-dependent polarized Raman spectroscopy. We show this to be an effective technique to determine the degree of molecular order as well as to spatially resolve the orientation of the conjugated backbones of the 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS-Pentacene) molecules. The addition of an insulating polymer, polystyrene (PS), does not disrupt the π-π stacking of the TIPS-Pentacene molecules. Blending in fact improves the uniformity of the molecular morphology and the active layer coverage within the device and reduces the variation in molecular orientation between polycrystalline domains. For OTFT performance, blending enhances the saturation mobility from 0.22 ± 0.05 cm(2)/(V·s) (TIPS-Pentacene) to 0.72 ± 0.17 cm(2)/(V·s) (TIPS-Pentacene:PS) in addition to improving the quality of the interface between TIPS-Pentacene and the gate dielectric in the channel, resulting in threshold voltages of ∼0 V and steep subthreshold slopes.

Effects of orientation on Rey complex figure performance.

PubMed

Ferraro, F Richard; Grossman, Jennifer; Bren, Amy; Hoverson, Allysa

2002-10-01

An experiment was performed that examined the impact of stimulus orientation on performance on the Rey complex figure. A total of 48 undergraduates (24 men, 24 women) were randomly assigned to one of four Rey figure orientation groups (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees ). Participants followed standard procedures for the Rey figure, initially copying it in whatever orientation group they were assigned to. Next, all participants performed a 15-20 min lexical decision experiment, used as a filler task. Finally, and unbeknownest to them, participants were asked to recall as much of the figure as they could. As expected, results revealed a main effect of Task (F = 83.92, p < .01), in which copy performance was superior to recall performance. However, the main effect for orientation was not significant, nor did orientation interact with task (Fs < .68, ps > .57). The results are important from an applied setting, especially if testing conditions are less than optimal and a fixed stimulus position is not possible (e.g., testing at the bedside).

Anisotropy in Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Susceptibility of a Squarylium Dye in a Nematic Liquid Crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Zhao-Hui; Li, Zhong-Yu; Kasatani, Kazuo; Okamoto, Hiroaki

2006-03-01

A squarylium dye is dissolved in 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) and oriented by sandwiching mixtures between two pieces of rubbed glass plates. The optical absorption spectra of the oriented squarylium dye-5CB layers exhibit high anisotropy. The third-order nonlinear optical responses and susceptibilities χ(3)e of squarylium dye in 5CB are measured with light polarizations parallel and perpendicular to the orientational direction by the resonant femtosecond degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) technique. Temporal profiles of the DFWM signal of the oriented squarylium dye-5CB layers with light polarizations parallel and perpendicular to the orientational direction are measured with a time resolution of 0.3 ps (FWHM), and are found to consist of two components, i.e., the coherent instantaneous nonlinear response and slow response due to the formation of excited molecules. A high anisotropic ratio of χ(3)e, 10.8±1.2, is observed for the oriented layers.

DNA with Parallel Strand Orientation: A Nanometer Distance Study with Spin Labels in the Watson-Crick and the Reverse Watson-Crick Double Helix.

PubMed

Wunnicke, Dorith; Ding, Ping; Yang, Haozhe; Seela, Frank; Steinhoff, Heinz-Jürgen

2015-10-29

Parallel-stranded (ps) DNA characterized by its sugar-phosphate backbones pointing in the same direction represents an alternative pairing system to antiparallel-stranded (aps) DNA with the potential to inhibit transcription and translation. 25-mer oligonucleotides were selected containing only dA·dT base pairs to compare spin-labeled nucleobase distances over a range of 10 or 15 base pairs in ps DNA with those in aps DNA. By means of the copper(I)-catalyzed Huisgen-Meldal-Sharpless alkyne-azide cycloaddition, the spin label 4-azido-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl was clicked to 7-ethynyl-7-deaza-2'-deoxyadenosine or 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine to yield 25-mer oligonucleotides incorporating two spin labels. The interspin distances between spin labeled residues were determined by pulse EPR spectroscopy. The results reveal that in ps DNA these distances are between 5 and 10% longer than in aps DNA when the labeled DNA segment is located near the center of the double helix. The interspin distance in ps DNA becomes shorter compared with aps DNA when one of the spin labels occupies a position near the end of the double helix.

Core-Shell Double Gyroid Structure Formed by Linear ABC Terpolymer Thin Films.

PubMed

Antoine, Ségolène; Aissou, Karim; Mumtaz, Muhammad; Telitel, Siham; Pécastaings, Gilles; Wirotius, Anne-Laure; Brochon, Cyril; Cloutet, Eric; Fleury, Guillaume; Hadziioannou, Georges

2018-05-01

The synthesis and self-assembly in thin-film configuration of linear ABC triblock terpolymer chains consisting of polystyrene (PS), poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), and polyisoprene (PI) are described. For that purpose, a hydroxyl-terminated PS-b-P2VP (45 kg mol -1 ) building block and a carboxyl-terminated PI (9 kg mol -1 ) are first separately prepared by anionic polymerization, and then are coupled via a Steglich esterification reaction. This quantitative and metal-free catalyst synthesis route reveals to be very interesting since functionalization and purification steps are straightforward, and well-defined terpolymers are produced. A solvent vapor annealing (SVA) process is used to promote the self-assembly of frustrated PS-b-P2VP-b-PI chains into a thin-film core-shell double gyroid (Q 230 , space group: Ia3¯d) structure. As terraces are formed within PS-b-P2VP-b-PI thin films during the SVA process under a CHCl 3 vapor, different plane orientations of the Q 230 structure ((211), (110), (111), and (100)) are observed at the polymer-air interface depending on the film thickness. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fluorescence lifetime, dipole orientation and bilayer polymer films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, Xuan Long; Chen, Po-Jui; Woon, Wei-Yen; White, Jonathon David

2017-10-01

Bilayer films consisting of the optically transparent polymers, polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were spin-cast on glass substrates. The upper 13.5 nm layer (PS) was lightly doped with Rhodamine-6 G (RH6G) or MEH-PPV. While the fluorescence of MEH-PPV was independent of PMMA thickness, the lifetime of RH6G increased 3-fold as the underlying PMMA thickness increased from 0 to 500 nm while the collected flux decreased suggesting a reorientation of the smaller molecule's dipole with respect to the air-polymer interface with PMMA thickness. This suggests lifetime may find application for nondestructive thickness measurements of transparent films with sub-micron lateral resolution and large range.

Protein C and protein S deficiencies: similarities and differences between two brothers playing in the same game.

PubMed

Bereczky, Zsuzsanna; Kovács, Kitti B; Muszbek, László

2010-12-01

Protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) are vitamin K-dependent glycoproteins that play an important role in the regulation of blood coagulation as natural anticoagulants. PC is activated by thrombin and the resulting activated PC (APC) inactivates membrane-bound activated factor VIII and factor V. The free form of PS is an important cofactor of APC. Deficiencies in these proteins lead to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism; a few reports have also associated these deficiencies with arterial diseases. The degree of risk and the prevalence of PC and PS deficiency among patients with thrombosis and in those in the general population have been examined by several population studies with conflicting results, primarily due to methodological variability. The molecular genetic background of PC and PS deficiencies is heterogeneous. Most of the mutations cause type I deficiency (quantitative disorder). Type II deficiency (dysfunctional molecule) is diagnosed in approximately 5%-15% of cases. The diagnosis of PC and PS deficiencies is challenging; functional tests are influenced by several pre-analytical and analytical factors, and the diagnosis using molecular genetics also has special difficulties. Large gene segment deletions often remain undetected by DNA sequencing methods. The presence of the PS pseudogene makes genetic diagnosis even more complicated.

Use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and acetaminophen (paracetamol), and risk of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a cohort study.

PubMed

Wu, Shaowei; Han, Jiali; Qureshi, Abrar A

2015-02-01

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been reported to induce or exacerbate psoriasis. We aimed to evaluate the association between several widely used analgesics, including aspirin, non-aspirin NSAIDs, and acetaminophen (paracetamol), and risk of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in a large cohort of US women, the Nurses' Health Study II (1991-2005). Information on regular use of aspirin, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen was collected for 95,540 participants during the follow-up. During 1,321,280 person-years of follow-up, we documented 646 incident psoriasis cases and 165 concomitant PsA cases. Compared to women who reported no use, regular acetaminophen and NSAIDs users with more than 10 years of use had multivariate hazard ratios of 3.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.02-6.41] and 2.10 (95% CI: 1.11-3.96) for PsA, respectively. There was no clear association between aspirin and risk of psoriasis or PsA. In conclusion, long-term acetaminophen and NSAIDs use may be associated with an increased risk of PsA. Special attention on psoriasis and PsA screening may be needed for those who are prescribed for acetaminophen and NSAIDs for long-term periods.

Intensification of UV-C tertiary treatment: Disinfection and removal of micropollutants by sulfate radical based Advanced Oxidation Processes.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Chueca, J; García-Cañibano, C; Lepistö, R-J; Encinas, Á; Pellinen, J; Marugán, J

2018-04-21

This study explores the enhancement of UV-C tertiary treatment by sulfate radical based Advanced Oxidation Processes (SR-AOPs), including photolytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and persulfate (PS) and their photocatalytic activation using Fe(II). Their efficiency was assessed both for the inactivation of microorganisms and the removal or micropollutants (MPs) in real wastewater treatment plant effluents. Under the studied experimental range (UV-C dose 5.7-57 J/L; UV-C contact time 3 to 28 s), the photolysis of PMS and PS (0.01 mM) increased up to 25% the bacterial removal regarding to UV-C system. The photolytic activation of PMS led to the total inactivation of bacteria (≈ 5.70 log) with the highest UV-C dose (57 J/L). However, these conditions were insufficient to remove the MPs, being required oxidant's dosages of 5 mM to remove above 90% of carbamazepine, diclofenac, atenolol and triclosan. The best efficiencies were achieved by the combination of PMS or PS with Fe(II), leading to the total removal of the MPs using a low UV-C dosage (19 J/L), UV-C contact time (9 s) and reagent's dosages (0.5 mM). Finally, high mineralization was reached (>50%) with photocatalytic activation of PMS and PS even with low reagent's dosages. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Initiation and Modification of Reaction by Energy Addition: Kinetic and Transport Phenomena

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-01

ignition- delay time ranges from about 2 to 100 ps. The results of a computer- modeling calcu- lation of the chemical kinetics suggest that the...Page PROGRAM INFORMATION iii 1.0 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 2.0 ANALYSIS 2 3.0 EXPERIMENT 7 REFERENCES 8 APPENDIX I. Evaluating a Simple Model for Laminar...Flame-Propagation I-1 Rates. I. Planar Geometry. APPENDIX II. Evaluating a Simple Model for Laminar-Flame-Propagation II-1 Rates. II. Spherical

Contextual Interactions in Grating Plaid Configurations Are Explained by Natural Image Statistics and Neural Modeling

PubMed Central

Ernst, Udo A.; Schiffer, Alina; Persike, Malte; Meinhardt, Günter

2016-01-01

Processing natural scenes requires the visual system to integrate local features into global object descriptions. To achieve coherent representations, the human brain uses statistical dependencies to guide weighting of local feature conjunctions. Pairwise interactions among feature detectors in early visual areas may form the early substrate of these local feature bindings. To investigate local interaction structures in visual cortex, we combined psychophysical experiments with computational modeling and natural scene analysis. We first measured contrast thresholds for 2 × 2 grating patch arrangements (plaids), which differed in spatial frequency composition (low, high, or mixed), number of grating patch co-alignments (0, 1, or 2), and inter-patch distances (1° and 2° of visual angle). Contrast thresholds for the different configurations were compared to the prediction of probability summation (PS) among detector families tuned to the four retinal positions. For 1° distance the thresholds for all configurations were larger than predicted by PS, indicating inhibitory interactions. For 2° distance, thresholds were significantly lower compared to PS when the plaids were homogeneous in spatial frequency and orientation, but not when spatial frequencies were mixed or there was at least one misalignment. Next, we constructed a neural population model with horizontal laminar structure, which reproduced the detection thresholds after adaptation of connection weights. Consistent with prior work, contextual interactions were medium-range inhibition and long-range, orientation-specific excitation. However, inclusion of orientation-specific, inhibitory interactions between populations with different spatial frequency preferences were crucial for explaining detection thresholds. Finally, for all plaid configurations we computed their likelihood of occurrence in natural images. The likelihoods turned out to be inversely related to the detection thresholds obtained at larger inter-patch distances. However, likelihoods were almost independent of inter-patch distance, implying that natural image statistics could not explain the crowding-like results at short distances. This failure of natural image statistics to resolve the patch distance modulation of plaid visibility remains a challenge to the approach. PMID:27757076

Complementary Cholesterol-Lowering Response of a Phytosterol/α-Lipoic Acid Combination in Obese Zucker Rats

PubMed Central

Rideout, Todd C.; Carrier, Bradley; Wen, Shin; Raslawsky, Amy; Browne, Richard W.; Harding, Scott V.

2015-01-01

To investigate the cholesterol-lowering effectiveness of a phytosterol/α-lipoic acid (PS/αLA) therapy, thirty-two male Zucker rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets for 30 days: (i) high fat diet (HF, 40% energy from fat); (ii) HF diet supplemented with 3% phytosterols; (iii) HF diet supplemented with 0.25% αLA; or (iv) HF diet supplemented with PS (3%) and αLA (0.25%, PS/αLA). Compared with the HF diet, combination PS/αLA proved more effective in reducing non-HDL cholesterol (−55%) than either the PS (−24%) or the αLA (−25%) therapies alone. PS supplementation did not affect LDL particle number, however, αLA supplementation reduced LDL particle number when supplemented alone (−47%) or in combination with PS (−54%). Compared with the HF-fed animals, evidence of increased HDL-particle number was evident in all treatment groups to a similar extent (21–22%). PS-mediated interruption of intestinal cholesterol absorption was evident by increased fecal cholesterol loss (52%) and compensatory increase in HMG-CoA reductase mRNA (1.6 fold of HF), however, αLA supplementation did not affect fecal cholesterol loss. Hepatic mRNA and protein expression patterns suggested that αLA modulated multiple aspects of cholesterol homeostasis including reduced synthesis (HMG-CoA reductase mRNA, 0.7 fold of HF), reduced bile acid synthesis (CYP7a1 expression, 0.17 of HF), and increased cholesterol clearance (reduced PCSK9 mRNA, 0.5 fold of HF; increased LDLr protein, 2 fold of HF). Taken together, this data suggests that PS and αLA work through unique and complementary mechanisms to provide a superior and more comprehensive cholesterol lowering response than either therapy alone. PMID:25664679

Increases in plasma plant sterols stabilize within four weeks of plant sterol intake and are independent of cholesterol metabolism.

PubMed

Ras, R T; Koppenol, W P; Garczarek, U; Otten-Hofman, A; Fuchs, D; Wagner, F; Trautwein, E A

2016-04-01

Plant sterols (PS) lower plasma LDL-cholesterol through partial inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption. Although PS themselves are poorly absorbed, increased intakes of PS result in elevated plasma concentrations. In this paper, we report time curves of changes in plasma PS during 12 weeks of PS intake. Furthermore, the impact of cholesterol synthesis and absorption on changes in plasma PS is explored. The study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study with the main aim to investigate the effects of PS on vascular function (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01803178). Hypercholesterolemic but otherwise healthy men and women (n = 240) consumed low-fat spreads without or with added PS (3 g/d) for 12 weeks after a 4-week run-in period. Blood sampling was performed at week 0, 4, 8 and 12. Basal cholesterol-standardized concentrations of lathosterol and sitosterol + campesterol were used as markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, respectively. In the PS group, plasma sitosterol and campesterol concentrations increased within the first 4 weeks of intervention by 69% (95%CI: 58; 82) starting at 7.2 μmol/L and by 28% (95%CI: 19; 39) starting at 11.4 μmol/L, respectively, and remained stable during the following 8 weeks. Placebo-corrected increases in plasma PS were not significantly different between high and low cholesterol synthesizers (P-values >0.05). Between high and low cholesterol absorbers, no significant differences were observed, except for the cholesterol-standardized sum of four major plasma PS (sitosterol, campesterol, brassicasterol and stigmasterol) showing larger increases in low absorbers (78.3% (95%CI: 51.7; 109.5)) compared to high absorbers (40.8% (95%CI: 19.9; 65.5)). Increases in plasma PS stabilize within 4 weeks of PS intake and do not seem impacted by basal cholesterol synthesis or absorption efficiency. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01803178). Copyright © 2015 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Origin of the F685 and F695 fluorescence in photosystem II.

PubMed

Andrizhiyevskaya, Elena G; Chojnicka, Agnieszka; Bautista, James A; Diner, Bruce A; van Grondelle, Rienk; Dekker, Jan P

2005-06-01

The emission spectra of CP47-RC and core complexes of Photosystem II (PS II) were measured at different temperatures and excitation wavelengths in order to establish the origin of the emission and the role of the core antenna in the energy transfer and charge separation processes in PS II. Both types of particles reveal strong dependences of spectral shape and yield on temperature. The results indicate that the well-known F-695 emission at 77 K arises from excitations that are trapped on a red-absorbing CP47 chlorophyll, whereas the F-685 nm emission at 77 K arises from excitations that are transferred slowly from 683 nm states in CP47 and CP43 to the RC, where they are trapped by charge separation. We conclude that F-695 at 77 K originates from the low-energy part of the inhomogeneous distribution of the 690 nm absorbing chlorophyll of CP47, while at 4 K the fluorescence originates from the complete distribution of the 690 nm chlorophyll of CP47 and from the low-energy part of the inhomogeneous distribution of one or more CP43 chlorophylls.

Mid-infrared picosecond pump-dump-probe and pump-repump-probe experiments to resolve a ground-state intermediate in cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1.

PubMed

van Wilderen, Luuk J G W; Clark, Ian P; Towrie, Michael; van Thor, Jasper J

2009-12-24

Multipulse picosecond mid-infrared spectroscopy has been used to study photochemical reactions of the cyanobacterial phytochrome photoreceptor Cph1. Different photophysical schemes have been discussed in the literature to describe the pathways after photoexcitation, particularly, to identify reaction phases that are linked to photoisomerisation and electronic decay in the 1566-1772 cm(-1) region that probes C=C and C=O stretching modes of the tetrapyrrole chromophore. Here, multipulse spectroscopy is employed, where, compared to conventional visible pump-mid-infrared probe spectroscopy, an additional visible pulse is incorporated that interacts with populations that are evolving on the excited- and ground-state potential energy surfaces. The time delays between the pump and the dump pulse are chosen such that the dump pulse interacts with different phases in the reaction process. The pump and dump pulses are at the same wavelength, 640 nm, and are resonant with the Pr ground state as well as with the excited state and intermediates. Because the dump pulse additionally pumps the remaining, partially recovered, and partially oriented ground-state population, theory is developed for estimating the fraction of excited-state molecules. The calculations take into account the model-dependent ground-state recovery fraction, the angular dependence of the population transfer resulting from the finite bleach that occurs with linearly polarized intense femtosecond optical excitation, and the partially oriented population for the dump field. Distinct differences between the results from the experiments that use a 1 or a 14 ps dump time favor a branching evolution from S1 to an excited state or reconfigured chromophore and to a newly identified ground-state intermediate (GSI). Optical dumping at 1 ps shows the instantaneous induced absorption of a delocalized C=C stretching mode at 1608 cm(-1), where the increased cross section is associated with the electronic ground-state structure of the ZZZ configuration of the linear tetrapyrrole chromophore. The dump-induced absorption decays with time constants of 5 and 19 ps to the Pr ground state. Employing a dump pulse at 14 ps results in an instantaneous decrease of the absorption of the 1608 cm(-1) band, indicating repumping of the GSI. The dump-induced absorption recovers back to the GSI with a 6 ps lifetime. A spectral similarity is observed between the 6 ps phase in the dump experiment and the 3 ps component found in the two-pulse pump-probe measurement. Combined with the dominance of ground-state absorption bands in the dump-induced spectrum, this indicates the presence of a GSI, which is additionally characterized by previously unidentified induced absorption at 1710 and 1570-80 cm(-1). The metastable photoproduct Lumi-R, which is in the electronic ground state and populated at 500 ps after excitation of Pr, is highly efficiently repumped into the Pr ground state with the power density used. After repumping, Lumi-R is not recovered on the 500 ps time scale of the experiment and is distinct from the GSI of Pr since it is not associated with its characteristic induced absorption at 1710 and 1570-80 cm(-1).

Ultrafast Energy Transfer Dynamics Between a Polypyridyl Ru(II) Chromophore and a Covalently Attached Acceptor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Styers-Barnett, David; Gannon, Erika; Papanikolas, John; Meyer, Thomas

2003-03-01

The energy transfer dynamics between the ^3MLCT excited state of a polypyridyl Ru(II) chromophore and a ligand-bound anthracene has been studied using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Photoexcitation of the metal complex at 450 nm promotes an electron from a d-orbital on the metal to a π* orbital on the bipyridine, forming a metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state. Energy transfer to the covalently appended anthracene is followed by the growth of the anthracene excited state absorption at 425 nm, and the simultaneous decay of the ^3MLCT absorption at 380 nm. The observed growth is biexponential, with the fast component attributed to energy transfer (19 ps), and the slow component arising from a combination of interligand electron transfer between the polypyridyl ligands and energy transfer (75 ps).

Keratins Are Altered in Intestinal Disease-Related Stress Responses

PubMed Central

Helenius, Terhi O.; Antman, Cecilia A.; Asghar, Muhammad Nadeem; Nyström, Joel H.; Toivola, Diana M.

2016-01-01

Keratin (K) intermediate filaments can be divided into type I/type II proteins, which form obligate heteropolymers. Epithelial cells express type I-type II keratin pairs, and K7, K8 (type II) and K18, K19 and K20 (type I) are the primary keratins found in the single-layered intestinal epithelium. Keratins are upregulated during stress in liver, pancreas, lung, kidney and skin, however, little is known about their dynamics in the intestinal stress response. Here, keratin mRNA, protein and phosphorylation levels were studied in response to murine colonic stresses modeling human conditions, and in colorectal cancer HT29 cells. Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-colitis was used as a model for intestinal inflammatory stress, which elicited a strong upregulation and widened crypt distribution of K7 and K20. K8 levels were slightly downregulated in acute DSS, while stress-responsive K8 serine-74 phosphorylation (K8 pS74) was increased. By eliminating colonic microflora using antibiotics, K8 pS74 in proliferating cells was significantly increased, together with an upregulation of K8 and K19. In the aging mouse colon, most colonic keratins were upregulated. In vitro, K8, K19 and K8 pS74 levels were increased in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in HT29 cells. In conclusion, intestinal keratins are differentially and dynamically upregulated and post-translationally modified during stress and recovery. PMID:27626448

[Effects of Morus alba and Setaria italica intercropping on their plant growth and diurnal variation of photosynthesis].

PubMed

Zhu, Wen-Xu; Zhang, Hui-Hui; Xu, Nan; Wang, Peng; Wang, Shi-Dan; Mu, Shi-Nan; Liang, Ming; Sun, Guang-Yu

2012-07-01

A field investigation was conducted to study the effects of intercropping Morus aIba and Setaria italica on their dry matter production, land use efficiency, and diurnal variation of leaf photosynthesis. Under intercropping, the plant height, basal diameter, root length, and branch number of M. alba increased by 6.0%, 13.7%, 6.8%, and 14.8%, respectively, and the leaf yield of M. alba was increased by 31.3%, as compared with monoculture M. alba. In contrast, the plant height and root length of intercropped S. italica had no significant difference with those of monoculture S. italica. Intercropping enhanced the equivalent ratio and use efficiency of arable land. For both M. alba and S. italica in monoculture or intercropping, their leaf photosynthetic depression all occurred at midday (12 :00), but the leaf photosynthetic depression of monoculture M. alba was heavier than that of intercropped M. alba. Intercropping promoted the leaf stomatal conductance (g(s)) and water use efficiency (WUE) of M. alba at midday, increased the photosynthetic carbon assimilation of M. alba, and inhibited the decline of M. alba leaf actual photochemical efficiency of PS II (phi(PS II)), photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR), and the maximal photochemical of PS II (F(v)/F(m)) , which might contribute to alleviate the leaf photosynthetic depression of M. alba at midday. It was concluded that M. alba and S. italica intercropping could obviously improve the leaf photosynthetic capacity of M. alba.

Growing evidence that SNe Iax are not a one-parameter family. The case of PS1-12bwh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magee, M. R.; Kotak, R.; Sim, S. A.; Wright, D.; Smartt, S. J.; Berger, E.; Chornock, R.; Foley, R. J.; Howell, D. A.; Kaiser, N.; Magnier, E. A.; Wainscoat, R.; Waters, C.

2017-05-01

In this study, we present observations of a type Iax supernova, PS1-12bwh, discovered during the Pan-STARRS1 3π-survey. Our analysis was driven by previously unseen pre-maximum, spectroscopic heterogeneity. While the light curve and post-maximum spectra of PS1-12bwh are virtually identical to those of the well-studied type Iax supernova, SN 2005hk, the -2 day spectrum of PS1-12bwh does not resemble SN 2005hk at a comparable epoch; instead, we found it to match a spectrum of SN 2005hk taken over a week earlier (-12 day). We are able to rule out the cause as being incorrect phasing, and argue that it is not consistent with orientation effects predicted by existing explosion simulations. To investigate the potential source of this difference, we performed radiative transfer modelling of both supernovae. We found that the pre-maximum spectrum of PS1-12bwh is well matched by a synthetic spectrum generated from a model with a lower density in the high velocity (≳6000 km s-1) ejecta than SN 2005hk. The observed differences between SN 2005hk and PS1-12bwh may therefore be attributed primarily to differences in the high velocity ejecta alone, while comparable densities for the lower velocity ejecta would explain the nearly identical post-maximum spectra. These two supernovae further highlight the diversity within the SNe Iax class, as well as the challenges in spectroscopically identifying and phasing these objects, especially at early epochs.

Directing self-assembly of gold nanoparticles in diblock copolymer scaffold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qifang; He, Jinbo; Glogowski, Elizabeth; Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas

2007-03-01

A versatile hierarchical approach for directing self -assembly of gold nanostructures with size 2-3nm in diblock copolymer scaffolds is found. Diblock copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) is used to form a regular scaffold of highly anisotropic, stripe-like domains, and controlled differential wetting by dichloromethane and thermal annealing guides gold nanoparticles with half hydrophilic ligand to aggregate selectively along the scaffold, producing highly organized metal nanostructures. In as-cast block-copolymer and gold nanoparticles thin films, micelle structure and gold nanoparticles random distribution on scaffold are typically observed. However, samples annealed in dichloromethane exhibit well-defined short-range ordered nanostructure with gold nanoparticles located at the interface of PS and P2VP nanoscale domain. After annealing at 170 C, the gold nanoparticles at interface migrated into the middle of P2VP phase and exhibited long-range ordered hierarchical structures. Synergistic interactions between the gold nanoparticles and the PS-b-P2VP caused an orientation of the microdomains normal to the film surface.

Perl-speaks-NONMEM (PsN)--a Perl module for NONMEM related programming.

PubMed

Lindbom, Lars; Ribbing, Jakob; Jonsson, E Niclas

2004-08-01

The NONMEM program is the most widely used nonlinear regression software in population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analyses. In this article we describe a programming library, Perl-speaks-NONMEM (PsN), intended for programmers that aim at using the computational capability of NONMEM in external applications. The library is object oriented and written in the programming language Perl. The classes of the library are built around NONMEM's data, model and output files. The specification of the NONMEM model is easily set or changed through the model and data file classes while the output from a model fit is accessed through the output file class. The classes have methods that help the programmer perform common repetitive tasks, e.g. summarising the output from a NONMEM run, setting the initial estimates of a model based on a previous run or truncating values over a certain threshold in the data file. PsN creates a basis for the development of high-level software using NONMEM as the regression tool.

In situ GISAXS study of a Si-containing block copolymer under solvent vapor annealing: Effects of molecular weight and solvent vapor composition

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

Bai, W.; Yager, K. G.; Ross, C. A.

The room-temperature solvent vapor annealing of polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) block copolymer films was studied in situ by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. Films of cylinder-forming PS-b-PDMS with molecular weight 16 kg/mol and 12.2 kg/mol, annealed under vapors of toluene:heptane with varying composition, exhibited swelling-ratio-dependent evolution of microdomain spacing and orientation. In a vapor made from a toluene:heptane 5:1 volumetric ratio liquid mixture, or from pure toluene, cylindrical microdomains reoriented from majority out-of-plane to in-plane during annealing, while drying led to shrinkage along the film normal and a large distortion of the hexagonal lattice of in-plane cylinders. As a result, annealing undermore » vapor from a toluene:heptane 1:5 volumetric ratio liquid produced a non-bulk lamellar structure in the 16 kg/mol PS-b-PDMS.« less

In situ GISAXS study of a Si-containing block copolymer under solvent vapor annealing: Effects of molecular weight and solvent vapor composition

DOE PAGES

Bai, W.; Yager, K. G.; Ross, C. A.

2016-08-19

The room-temperature solvent vapor annealing of polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) block copolymer films was studied in situ by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. Films of cylinder-forming PS-b-PDMS with molecular weight 16 kg/mol and 12.2 kg/mol, annealed under vapors of toluene:heptane with varying composition, exhibited swelling-ratio-dependent evolution of microdomain spacing and orientation. In a vapor made from a toluene:heptane 5:1 volumetric ratio liquid mixture, or from pure toluene, cylindrical microdomains reoriented from majority out-of-plane to in-plane during annealing, while drying led to shrinkage along the film normal and a large distortion of the hexagonal lattice of in-plane cylinders. As a result, annealing undermore » vapor from a toluene:heptane 1:5 volumetric ratio liquid produced a non-bulk lamellar structure in the 16 kg/mol PS-b-PDMS.« less

An evaluation of the fatigue crack growth and fracture toughness properties of beryllium-copper alloy CDA172

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forman, Royce G.; Henkener, Julie A.

1990-01-01

A series of fracture mechanics tests, using the Be-Cu alloy CDA172 in the round rod product form, was conducted in a lab air environment at room temperature. Tensile data is presented in both the L and C directions and K sub Ic data in both the C-R and C-L orientations. Fracture toughness values were derived from M(T) (center cracked), PS(T) (surface cracked) and CC01 (corner cracked) specimens of varying thickness. Fatigue crack growth data were obtained for the C-R orientation at stress ratio of 0.1, 0.4, and 0.7 and for the C-L orientation at stress ratios of 0.1, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.7.

Photosensitizer (PS)-cyanine dye (CD) conjugates: Impact of the linkers joining the PS and CD moieties and their orientation in tumor-uptake and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

PubMed

James, Nadine S; Joshi, Penny; Ohulchanskyy, Tymish Y; Chen, Yihui; Tabaczynski, Walter; Durrani, Farukh; Shibata, Masayuki; Pandey, Ravindra K

2016-10-21

To investigate the impact of linker(s) joining the photosensitizer HPPH [3-(1'-hexyloxy) ethyl-3-devinylpyropheophorbide-a] and the cyanine dye (CD) in tumor-imaging and photodynamic therapy (dual-function agents), a series of HPPH-CD conjugates were synthesized. The modifications were done in an attempt to minimize Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between the two chromophores and maximize singlet oxygen production. Among the conjugates containing variable length of linkers, the HPPH-CD conjugate, in which the photosensitizer (PS) and the CD was joined by four Carbon [(CH2)4] units showed higher tumor uptake, improved tumor contrast and limited skin uptake in mice bearing Colon-26 (BALB/c) or U87 tumors in Nude mice. The bi-functional agents in which the HPPH was linked at the meta-position of phenyl-substituted CD 5, 6 and 7 showed longer tumor response (cure) than the corresponding para-substituted analogs 2, 3, and 4, which suggests that the orientation of the PS and CD moieties within the conjugate also makes a substantial difference in tumor-specificity. Compared to HPPH, the singlet oxygen yields of all the HPPH-CD conjugates were significantly low, and required a higher therapeutic dose to achieve the same in vivo response obtained by HPPH-PDT alone. However, conjugate 6 produced a higher singlet oxygen yield with reduced FRET and exhibited enhanced long-term PDT efficacy in mice bearing Colon-26 (BALB/c) and U87 tumors (nude) than its counterparts, including our lead compound (HPPH-CD), making it the most efficacious of the series. Thus, these conjugates bearing cyanine dye moiety (CD) provide an opportunity of imaging deeply seated tumors for fluorescence-guided surgery with an option of PDT. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a problem-solving (PS) techniques-based intervention for informal carers of patients with dementia receiving in-home care.

PubMed

Chiu, Mary; Pauley, Tim; Wesson, Virginia; Pushpakumar, Dunstan; Sadavoy, Joel

2015-06-01

The value of care provided by informal carers in Canada is estimated at $26 billion annually (Hollander et al., 2009). However, carers' needs are often overlooked, limiting their capacity to provide care. Problem-solving therapy (PST), a structured approach to problem solving (PS) and a core principle of the Reitman Centre CARERS Program, has been shown to alleviate emotional distress and improve carers' competence (Chiu et al., 2013). This study evaluated the effectiveness of problem-solving techniques-based intervention based on adapted PST methods, in enhancing carers' physical and emotional capacity to care for relatives with dementia living in the community. 56 carers were equally allocated to a problem-solving techniques-based intervention group or a control arm. Carers in the intervention group received three 1 hr visits by a care coordinator (CC) who had been given advanced training in PS techniques-based intervention. Coping, mastery, competence, burden, and perceived stress of the carers were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention using standardized assessment tools. An intention-to-treat analysis utilizing repeated measures ANOVA was performed on the data. Post-intervention measures completion rate was 82% and 92% for the intervention and control groups, respectively. Carers in the intervention group showed significantly improved task-oriented coping, mastery, and competence and significantly reduced emotion-oriented coping, burden and stress (p < 0.01-0.001). Control carers showed no change. PS techniques, when learned and delivered by CCs as a tool to coach carers in their day-to-day caregiving, improves carers' caregiving competence, coping, burden, and perceived stress. This may reduce dependence on primary, psychiatric, and institutional care. Results provide evidence that establishing effective partnerships between inter-professional clinicians in academic clinical health science centers, and community agencies can extend the reach of the expertise of specialized health care institutions.

Reconstruction of the extent and variability of late Quaternary ice sheets and Arctic sea ice: Insights from new mineralogical and geochemical proxy records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stein, R. H.; Niessen, F.; Fahl, K.; Forwick, M.; Kudriavtseva, A.; Ponomarenko, E.; Prim, A. K.; Quatmann-Hense, A.; Spielhagen, R. F.; Zou, H.

2016-12-01

The Arctic Ocean and surrounding continents are key areas within the Earth system and very sensitive to present and past climate change. In this context, the timing and extent of circum-Arctic ice sheets and its interaction with oceanic and sea-ice dynamics are major interest and focus of international research. New sediment cores recovered during the Polarstern Expeditions PS87 (Lomonosov Ridge/2014) and PS93.1 (Fram Strait/2015) together with several sediment cores available from previous Polarstern expeditions allow to carry out a detailed sedimentological and geochemical study that may help to unravel the changes in Arctic sea ice and circum-Arctic ice sheets during late Quaternary times. Our new data include biomarkers indicative for past sea-ice extent, phytoplankton productivity and terrigenous input as well as grain size, physical property, XRD and XRF data indicative for sources and pathways of terrigenous sediments (ice-rafted debris/IRD) related to glaciations in Eurasia, East Siberia, Canada and Greenland. Here, we present examples from selected sediment cores that give new insights into the timing and extent of sea ice and glaciations during MIS 6 to MIS 2. To highlight one example: SE-NW oriented, streamlined landforms have been mapped on top of the southern Lomonosov Ridge (LR) at water depths between 800 and 1000 m over long distances during Polarstern Expedition PS87, interpreted to be glacial lineations that formed beneath grounded ice sheets and ice streams. The orientations of the lineations identified are similar to those on the East Siberian continental margin, suggesting an East Siberian Chukchi Ice Sheet extended far to the north on LR during times of extreme Quaternary glaciations. Based on our new biomarker records from Core PS2757 (located on LR near 81°N) indicating a MIS 6 ice-edge situation with some open-water phytoplankton productivity, the glacial erosional event should have been older than MIS 6 (e.g., MIS 12?).

Graviresponse and its regulation from the aspect of molecular levels in higher plants: growth and development, and auxin polar transport in etiolated pea seedlings under microgravity.

PubMed

Miyamoto, Kensuke; Hoshino, Tomoki; Hitotsubashi, Reiko; Tanimoto, Eiichi; Ueda, Junichi

2003-10-01

In STS-95 space experiments we have demonstrated that microgravity conditions resulted in automorphosis in etiolated pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) seedlings (Ueda et al. 1999). Automorphosis-like growth and development in etiolated pea seedlings were also induced under simulated microgravity conditions on a 3-dimensional (3-D) clinostat, epicotyls being the most oriented toward the direction far from the cotyledons. Detail analysis of epicotyl bending revealed that within 36 h after watering, no significant difference in growth direction of epicotyls was observed in between seedlings grown on the 3-D clinostat and under 1 g conditions, differential growth near the cotyledonary node resulting in epicotyl bending of ca. 45 degrees toward the direction far from the cotyledons. Thereafter epicotyls continued to grow almost straightly keeping this orientation on the 3-D clinostat. On the other hand, the growth direction in etiolated seedlings changed to antigravity direction by negative gravitropic response under 1 g conditions. Automorphological epicotyl bending was also phenocopied by the application of auxin polar transport inhibitors such as 9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylic acid, N-(1-naphtyl)phthalamic acid and 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid. These results together with the fact that auxin polar transport activity in etiolated pea epicotyls was substantially reduced in space suggested that reduced auxin polar transport is closely related to automorphosis. Strenuous efforts to learn how gravity contributes to the auxin polar transport in etiolated pea epicotyls in molecular bases resulted in successful identification of PsPIN2 and PsAUX1 encoding putative auxin-efflux and influx carrier proteins, respectively. Based on the results of these gene expression under simulated microgravity conditions, a possible role of PsPIN2 and PsAUX1 genes for auxin polar transport in etiolated pea seedlings will be discussed.

Erlotinib as a single agent in select subsets of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Carrión, Ramón Pérez; Gracián, Antonio Cubillo; Hernandez, Pedro Salinas

2007-07-01

Erlotinib is an orally active inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor that is effective for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with a poor performance status (PS) of 2 constitute up to 40% of advanced NSCLC. This group of patients have a lower life expectancy and are thought to have a greater degree of treatment-related toxicity. The clinical benefit on 238 patients with poor PS included in an open-label, nonrandomized, phase II trial of erlotinib in advanced/metastatic NSCLC was 57.58% defined as complete response plus partial response plus stable disease. Median time to progression was 2.9 months. This review will summarize available data about erlotinib on patients with a PS of 2.

Free-volume characterization of nanostructurized substances by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shpotyuk, O.; Ingram, A.; Shpotyuk, Ya.

2018-02-01

Methodological possibilities of positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy are examined to parameterize free-volume structural evolution processes in some nanostructurized substances obeying conversion from positronium (Ps) decaying to positron trapping. Unlike conventional x3-term fitting analysis based on admixed positron trapping and Ps decaying, the effect of nanostructurization is considered as occurring due to conversion from preferential Ps decaying in initial host matrix to positron trapping in modified (nanostructurized) host-guest matrix. The developed approach referred to as x3-x2-CDA (coupling decomposition algorithm) allows estimation defect-free bulk and defect-specific positron lifetimes of free-volume elements responsible for nanostructurization. The applicability of this approach is proved for some nanostructurized materials allowing free-volume changes through Ps-to-positron trapping conversion, such as (i) metallic Ag nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrix, (ii) structure-modification processes caused by swift heavy ions irradiation in polystyrene, and (iii) host-guest chemistry problems like water immersion in alumomagnesium spinel ceramics. This approach is considered to be used as test-indicator, separating processes of host-matrix nanostructurization due to embedded nanoparticles from uncorrelated changes in positron-trapping and Ps-decaying channels.

Une validation de la forme abrégée de l’Échelle de provisions sociales : l’ÉPS-10 items

PubMed Central

Caron, Jean

2016-01-01

L’Échelle de provisions sociales-10 items (ÉPS-10) est une version abrégée de l’Échelle de provisions sociales (Social Provisions Scale) (Cutrona et Russell, 1987) validée en langue française sur une population québécoise (Caron, 1996) et qui permet de mesurer la disponibilité du soutien social. L’ÉPS-10 conserve cinq des six sous-échelles de l’ÉPS (l’attachement ; l’intégration sociale ; la confirmation de sa valeur ; l’aide matérielle et l’orientation), le besoin de se sentir utile et nécessaire ayant été exclu, et ne garde que les items formulés positivement, soit deux items par dimension du soutien. L’article présente la validation de l’EPS-10 sur un échantillon représentatif de 2433 personnes provenant de la population générale du sud-ouest de Montréal. Elle a une forte validité concomitante avec l’Échelle originelle de 24 items (ÉPS). Tous ces items sont fortement corrélés au score total et sa consistance interne est excellente. Des analyses de corrélation entre les sous-échelles et le score global et une analyse factorielle indiquent que l’ÉPS-10 conserve sa validité de construit. L’ÉPS-10 explique 14,1 % de la variance de la détresse psychologique et 25,4 % de la variance de la qualité de vie et conserve un pouvoir prédictif équivalent à l’ÉPS à 24 items. L’ensemble des analyses suggère que l’ÉPS-10 est un instrument fiable et valide pour mesurer la disponibilité du soutien social avec un temps d’administration réduit de moitié. Il s’avère un excellent choix pour les enquêtes épidémiologiques. PMID:24337002

Emotional intelligence and perceived stress.

PubMed

Naidoo, Sudeshni; Pau, Allan

2008-04-01

Many studies have reported that high levels of stress and psychological morbidity occur in students in the health care profession. Stress has been defined as the strain that accompanies a demand perceived to be either challenging (positive) or threatening (negative) and, depending on the appraisal, may be either adaptive or debilitating. The aim of the present survey was to gain some understanding of the explanatory factors for stress and an evaluation of the role that emotional intelligence (EI) plays in the experience of perceived stress (PS). It also aimed to compare EI and PS and explore the association between academic background, satisfaction with career choice and EI, and PS in first year dental students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape. First year dental undergraduates who had completed at least six months of their dental degree course during 2005/06 were invited to complete a set of questionnaires on emotional intelligence and perceived stress. Demographic questions included gender and age. Students were also asked if they had a previous qualification from a higher education institution and if they were satisfied with their decision to study dentistry. Ninety eight completed the questionnaires representing a response rate of 96%. 43 were male (44%) and 55 female (56%), Results of t-tests indicated that low scorers on the EI scale were more likely to be (i) younger compared to older students (p<0.001), (ii) those without compared to those with a previous higher education qualification (p<0.001), and (iii) those who were not satisfied compared to those who were satisfied with their decision to study dentistry (p<0.001). Statistically significant differences were noted in mean PS scores between (i) male and female students (p<0.05), (ii) younger compared to older students (p<0.001), (iii) those without compared to those with previous higher education qualification (p<0.001), and (iv) those who were not satisfied compared to those who were satisfied with their decisions to study dentistry (p<0.001). Correlation analysis between EI and PS indicated a statistically significant inverse relationship between EI and PS (coefficient =-0.50, p=0.001). Stepwise regression analysis identified significant predictors of PS as gender, previous higher education qualification, satisfaction with decision to study dentistry and EI. The t statistic indicates that EI is relatively the most important predictor of PS. The finding that low EI is associated the stress suggests two possible strategies: firstly, selection of prospective students could be based on EI, and there should be interventions to enhance students' emotional intelligence.

An educational overview of the chemistry, biochemistry and therapeutic aspects of Mn porphyrins--From superoxide dismutation to H2O2-driven pathways.

PubMed

Batinic-Haberle, Ines; Tovmasyan, Artak; Spasojevic, Ivan

2015-08-01

Most of the SOD mimics thus far developed belong to the classes of Mn-(MnPs) and Fe porphyrins(FePs), Mn(III) salens, Mn(II) cyclic polyamines and metal salts. Due to their remarkable stability we have predominantly explored Mn porphyrins, aiming initially at mimicking kinetics and thermodynamics of the catalysis of O2(-) dismutation by SOD enzymes. Several MnPs are of potency similar to SOD enzymes. The in vivo bioavailability and toxicity of MnPs have been addressed also. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies indicate their impressive therapeutic efficacy. Increasing insight into complex cellular redox biology has been accompanied by increasing awareness of complex redox chemistry of MnPs. During O2(-) dismutation process, the most powerful Mn porphyrin-based SOD mimics reduce and oxidize O2(-) with close to identical rate constants. MnPs reduce and oxidize other reactive species also (none of them specific to MnPs), acting as reductants (antioxidant) and pro-oxidants. Distinction must be made between the type of reactions of MnPs and the favorable therapeutic effects we observe; the latter may be of either anti- or pro-oxidative nature. H2O2/MnP mediated oxidation of protein thiols and its impact on cellular transcription seems to dominate redox biology of MnPs. It has been thus far demonstrated that the ability of MnPs to catalyze O2(-) dismutation parallels all other reactivities (such as ONOO(-) reduction) and in turn their therapeutic efficacies. Assuming that all diseases have in common the perturbation of cellular redox environment, developing SOD mimics still seems to be the appropriate strategy for the design of potent redox-active therapeutics. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Innovative combination of electrolysis and Fe(II)-activated persulfate oxidation for improving the dewaterability of waste activated sludge.

PubMed

Zhen, Guang-Yin; Lu, Xue-Qin; Li, Yu-You; Zhao, You-Cai

2013-05-01

The feasibility of electrolysis integrated with Fe(II)-activated persulfate (S2O8(2-)) oxidation to improve waste activated sludge (WAS) dewaterability was evaluated. The physicochemical properties (sludge volume (SV), total suspended solids (TSS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS)) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), including slime EPS, loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) were characterized to identify their exact roles in sludge dewatering. While dewaterability negatively corresponded to LB-EPS, TB-EPS, protein (PN) and polysaccharide (PS) in LB-EPS and TB-EPS, it was independent of SV, TSS, VSS, slime EPS and PN/PS. Further study through scanning electron microscope (SEM) verified the entrapment of bacterial cells by TB-EPS, protecting them against electrolysis disruption. Comparatively, electrolysis integrated with S2O8(2-)/Fe(II) oxidation was able to effectively disrupt the protective barrier and crack the entrapped cells, releasing the water inside EPS and cells. Therefore, the destruction of both TB-EPS and cells is the fundamental reason for the enhanced dewaterability. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transcriptional and physiological analyses of Fe deficiency response in maize reveal the presence of Strategy I components and Fe/P interactions.

PubMed

Zanin, Laura; Venuti, Silvia; Zamboni, Anita; Varanini, Zeno; Tomasi, Nicola; Pinton, Roberto

2017-02-13

Under limited iron (Fe) availability maize, a Strategy II plant, improves Fe acquisition through the release of phytosiderophores (PS) into the rhizosphere and the subsequent uptake of Fe-PS complexes into root cells. Occurrence of Strategy-I-like components and interactions with phosphorous (P) nutrition has been hypothesized based on molecular and physiological studies in grasses. In this report transcriptomic analysis (NimbleGen microarray) of Fe deficiency response revealed that maize roots modulated the expression levels of 724 genes (508 up- and 216 down-regulated, respectively). As expected, roots of Fe-deficient maize plants overexpressed genes involved in the synthesis and release of 2'-deoxymugineic acid (the main PS released by maize roots). A strong modulation of genes involved in regulatory aspects, Fe translocation, root morphological modification, primary metabolic pathways and hormonal metabolism was induced by the nutritional stress. Genes encoding transporters for Fe 2+ (ZmNRAMP1) and P (ZmPHT1;7 and ZmPHO1) were also up-regulated under Fe deficiency. Fe-deficient maize plants accumulated higher amounts of P than the Fe-sufficient ones, both in roots and shoots. The supply of 1 μM 59 Fe, as soluble (Fe-Citrate and Fe-PS) or sparingly soluble (Ferrihydrite) sources to deficient plants, caused a rapid down-regulation of genes coding for PS and Fe(III)-PS transport, as well as of ZmNRAMP1 and ZmPHT1;7. Levels of 32 P absorption essentially followed the rates of 59 Fe uptake in Fe-deficient plants during Fe resupply, suggesting that P accumulation might be regulated by Fe uptake in maize plants. The transcriptional response to Fe-deficiency in maize roots confirmed the modulation of known genes involved in the Strategy II and revealed the presence of Strategy I components usually described in dicots. Moreover, data here presented provide evidence of a close relationship between two essential nutrients for plants, Fe and P, and highlight a key role played by Fe and P transporters to preserve the homeostasis of these two nutrients in maize plants.

Dynamic evolution of light-induced orientation of dye-doped liquid crystals in liquid phase studied by time-resolved optically heterodyned optical Kerr effect technique.

PubMed

Yang, Pei; Liu, Liying; Xu, Lei

2008-02-28

Transient evolution of light-induced molecular reorientation both in 1-amino-anthraquinone (1AAQ) dye and azobenzene doped isotropic liquid crystals (LCs) were studied by time-resolved optically heterodyned optical Kerr effect method. The results give clear direct experimental proof that under short pulse (30 ps) excitation, LC molecules orientate toward the excitation light polarization direction in the 1AAQ/LC system. However, LC molecular orientation becomes orthogonal to the light polarization in azobenzene/LC system. Time-resolved excited-state absorption of 1AAQ and wavelength dependent excited-state absorption of azobenzene were also observed and their contributions to the early dynamics of the third order optical responses of the two systems were confirmed. A simplified two-level mean-field theory was derived to reveal the intensity dependence of orientation enhancement factor in azobenzene/LC system considering the photoisomerization process.

Probing the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in gliomas: A phase 2 study of everolimus for recurrent adult low-grade gliomas.

PubMed

Wahl, Michael; Chang, Susan M; Phillips, Joanna J; Molinaro, Annette M; Costello, Joseph F; Mazor, Tali; Alexandrescu, Sanda; Lupo, Janine M; Nelson, Sarah J; Berger, Mitchel; Prados, Michael; Taylor, Jennie W; Butowski, Nicholas; Clarke, Jennifer L; Haas-Kogan, Daphne

2017-12-01

Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is common in patients with low-grade gliomas (LGGs), but agents that inhibit this pathway, including mTOR inhibitors, have not been studied in this population. Fifty-eight patients with pathologic evidence of recurrence after they had initially been diagnosed with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II gliomas were enrolled into a prospective phase 2 clinical trial and received daily everolimus (RAD001) for 1 year or until progression. Tissue at the time of enrollment was analyzed for markers of PI3K/mTOR pathway activation. Thirty-eight patients underwent serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, with the tumor volume and the perfusion metrics (the fractional blood volume [fBV] for capillary density and the transfer coefficient [K ps ] for vascular permeability) measured during treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS-6) in patients with WHO II disease at enrollment. For patients with WHO II gliomas at enrollment, the PFS-6 rate was 84%, and this met the primary endpoint (P < .001 for an improvement from the historical rate of 17%). Evidence of PI3K/mTOR activation by immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated ribosomal S6 Ser240/244 (p-S6 Ser240/244 ) was associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio [HR], 3.03; P = .004) and overall survival (HR, 12.7; P = .01). Tumor perfusion decreased after 6 months (median decrease in fBV, 15%; P = .03; median decrease in K ps , 12%; P = .09), with greater decreases associated with improved PFS (HR for each 10% fBV decrease, 0.71; P = .01; HR for each 10% K ps decrease, 0.82; P = .04). Patients with recurrent LGGs demonstrated a high degree of disease stability during treatment with everolimus. PI3K/mTOR activation, as measured by immunohistochemistry for p-S6, was associated with a worse prognosis. Tumor vascular changes were observed that were consistent with the antiangiogenic effects of mTOR inhibitors. These results support further study of everolimus for LGGs. Cancer 2017;123:4631-4639. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Carbon nanotubes within polymer matrix can synergistically enhance mechanical energy dissipation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashraf, Taimoor; Ranaiefar, Meelad; Khatri, Sumit; Kavosi, Jamshid; Gardea, Frank; Glaz, Bryan; Naraghi, Mohammad

2018-03-01

Safe operation and health of structures relies on their ability to effectively dissipate undesired vibrations, which could otherwise significantly reduce the life-time of a structure due to fatigue loads or large deformations. To address this issue, nanoscale fillers, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have been utilized to dissipate mechanical energy in polymer-based nanocomposites through filler-matrix interfacial friction by benefitting from their large interface area with the matrix. In this manuscript, for the first time, we experimentally investigate the effect of CNT alignment with respect to reach other and their orientation with respect to the loading direction on vibrational damping in nanocomposites. The matrix was polystyrene (PS). A new technique was developed to fabricate PS-CNT nanocomposites which allows for controlling the angle of CNTs with respect to the far-field loading direction (misalignment angle). Samples were subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis, and the damping of the samples were measured as the ratio of the loss to storage moduli versus CNT misalignment angle. Our results defied a notion that randomly oriented CNT nanocomposites can be approximated as a combination of matrix-CNT representative volume elements with randomly aligned CNTs. Instead, our results points to major contributions of stress concentration induced by each CNT in the matrix in proximity of other CNTs on vibrational damping. The stress fields around CNTs in PS-CNT nanocomposites were studied via finite element analysis. Our findings provide significant new insights not only on vibrational damping nanocomposites, but also on their failure modes and toughness, in relation to interface phenomena.

7 CFR 1753.47 - Plans and specifications (P&S).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... the Loan Design (LD) shall be revised to reflect any needed changes (See § 1753.3). (ii) Deviations... units and guide drawings, if any. (4) Key, detail, and cable layout maps. (5) RUS Contract Form 787...

7 CFR 1753.47 - Plans and specifications (P&S).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... the Loan Design (LD) shall be revised to reflect any needed changes (See § 1753.3). (ii) Deviations... units and guide drawings, if any. (4) Key, detail, and cable layout maps. (5) RUS Contract Form 787...

7 CFR 1753.47 - Plans and specifications (P&S).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... the Loan Design (LD) shall be revised to reflect any needed changes (See § 1753.3). (ii) Deviations... units and guide drawings, if any. (4) Key, detail, and cable layout maps. (5) RUS Contract Form 787...

7 CFR 1753.47 - Plans and specifications (P&S).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... the Loan Design (LD) shall be revised to reflect any needed changes (See § 1753.3). (ii) Deviations... units and guide drawings, if any. (4) Key, detail, and cable layout maps. (5) RUS Contract Form 787...

7 CFR 1753.47 - Plans and specifications (P&S).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... the Loan Design (LD) shall be revised to reflect any needed changes (See § 1753.3). (ii) Deviations... units and guide drawings, if any. (4) Key, detail, and cable layout maps. (5) RUS Contract Form 787...

Association between cell-derived microparticles and adverse events in patients with nonpulsatile left ventricular assist devices

PubMed Central

Nascimbene, Angelo; Hernandez, Ruben; George, Joggy K.; Parker, Anita; Bergeron, Angela L.; Pradhan, Subhashree; Vijayan, K. Vinod; Civitello, Andrew; Simpson, Leo; Nawrot, Maria; Lee, Vei-Vei; Mallidi, Hari R.; Delgado, Reynolds M.; Dong, Jing Fei; Frazier, O.H.

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) expose blood cells to high shear stress, potentially resulting in the production of microparticles that express phosphatidylserine (PS+) and promote coagulation and inflammation. In this prospective study, we attempted to determine whether PS+ microparticle levels correlate with clinical outcomes in LVAD-supported patients. METHODS We enrolled 20 patients undergoing implantation of the HeartMate II LVAD and 10 healthy controls who provided reference values for the microparticle assays. Plasma was collected before LVAD implantation, at discharge, at 3-month follow-up, and when an adverse clinical event occurred. We quantified PS+ microparticles in the plasma using flow cytometry. RESULTS During the study period, 8 patients developed adverse clinical events: ventricular tachycardia storm (n=1), non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n=2), arterial thrombosis (n=2), gastrointestinal bleeding (n=2), and stroke (n=3). Levels of PS+ microparticles were higher in patients at baseline than in healthy controls (2.11%±1.26 vs 0.69±0.46, P=0.007). After LVAD implantation, patient PS+ microparticle levels increased to 2.39%±1.22 at discharge and then leveled to 1.97%±1.25 at 3-month follow-up. Importantly, patients who developed an adverse event had significantly higher levels of PS+ microparticles than did patients with no events (3.82%±1.17 vs 1.57%±0.59, P<0.001), even though the 2 patient groups did not markedly differ in other clinical and hematologic parameters. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that an elevation of PS+ microparticle levels may be associated with adverse clinical events. Thus, measuring PS+ microparticle levels in LVAD-supported patients may help identify patients at increased risk for adverse events. PMID:24656391

Synthesis, Structural, and Adsorption Properties and Thermal Stability of Nanohydroxyapatite/Polysaccharide Composites.

PubMed

Skwarek, Ewa; Goncharuk, Olena; Sternik, Dariusz; Janusz, Wladyslaw; Gdula, Karolina; Gun'ko, Vladimir M

2017-12-01

A series of composites based on nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) and natural polysaccharides (PS) (nHAp/agar, nHAp/chitosan, nHAp/pectin FB300, nHAp/pectin APA103, nHAp/sodium alginate) was synthesized by liquid-phase two-step method and characterized using nitrogen adsorption-desorption, DSC, TG, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM. The analysis of nitrogen adsorption-desorption data shows that composites with a nHAp: PS ratio of 4:1 exhibit a sufficiently high specific surface area from 49 to 82 m 2 /g. The incremental pore size distributions indicate mainly mesoporosity. The composites with the component ratio 1:1 preferably form a film-like structure, and the value of S BET varies from 0.3 to 43 m 2 /g depending on the nature of a polysaccharide. Adsorption of Sr(II) on the composites from the aqueous solutions has been studied. The thermal properties of polysaccharides alone and in nHAp/PS show the influence of nHAp, since there is a shift of characteristic DSC and DTG peaks. FTIR spectroscopy data confirm the presence of functional groups typical for nHAp as well as polysaccharides in composites. Structure and morphological characteristics of the composites are strongly dependent on the ratio of components, since nHAp/PS at 4:1 have relatively large S BET values and a good ability to adsorb metal ions. The comparison of the adsorption capacity with respect to Sr(II) of nHAp, polysaccharides, and composites shows that it of the latter is higher than that of nHAp (per 1 m 2 of surface).

Mid-infrared Flare of TDE Candidate PS16dtm: Dust Echo and Implications for the Spectral Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Ning; Wang, Tinggui; Yan, Lin; Xiao, Ting; Yang, Chenwei; Dou, Liming; Wang, Huiyuan; Cutri, Roc; Mainzer, Amy

2017-11-01

PS16dtm was classified as a candidate tidal disruption event in a dwarf Seyfert 1 galaxy with a low-mass black hole (˜ {10}6 {M}⊙ ) and has presented various intriguing photometric and spectra characteristics. Using the archival Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer and the newly released NEOWISE data, we found that PS16dtm is experiencing a mid-infrared (MIR) flare that started ˜11 days before the first optical detection. Interpreting the MIR flare as a dust echo requires close pre-existing dust with a high covering factor and suggests that the optical flare may have brightened slowly for some time before it became bright detectable from the ground. More evidence is given at the later epochs. At the peak of the optical light curve, the new inner radius of the dust torus has grown to a much larger size (I.e., a factor of seven of the initial radius) due to the strong radiation field. At ˜150 days after the first optical detection, the dust temperature has dropped well below the sublimation temperature. Other peculiar spectral features shown by PS16dtm are the transient, prominent Fe II emission lines and outflows indicated by broad absorption lines detected during the optical flare. Our model explains the enhanced Fe II emission from iron that is newly released from the evaporated dust. The observed broad absorption line outflow could be explained by accelerated gas in the dust torus due to the radiation pressure.

ACTIVATION OF EXTRACELLULAR REGULATED KINASE AND MECHANISTIC TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN PATHWAY IN FOCAL CORTICAL DYSPLASIA

PubMed Central

Patil, Vinit V.; Guzman, Miguel; Carter, Angela N.; Rathore, Geetanjali; Yoshor, Daniel; Curry, Daniel; Wilfong, Angus; Agadi, Satish; Swann, John W.; Adesina, Adekunle M.; Bhattacharjee, Meenakshi B.; Anderson, Anne E.

2016-01-01

Neuropathology of resected brain tissue has revealed an association of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). Recent studies have shown that the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is hyperactivated in FCD as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 (S6) at serine 240/244 (S240/244), a downstream target of mTOR. Moreover, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) has been shown to phosphorylate S6 at serine 235/236 (S235/236) and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) at serine 664 (S664) leading to hyperactive mTOR signaling. We evaluated ERK phosphorylation of S6 and TSC2 in two types of FCD (FCD I and FCDII) as a candidate mechanism contributing to mTOR pathway dysregulation in this disorder. Tissue samples from patients with tuberous sclerosis (TS) served as a positive control. Immunostaining for phospho-S6 (pS6240/244 and pS6235/236), phospho-ERK (pERK), and phospho-TSC2 (pTSC2) was performed on resected brain tissue with FCD and TS. We found increased pS6240/244 and pS6235/236 staining in FCD I, FCD II, and TS compared to normal appearing tissue, while pERK and pTSC2 staining was increased only in FCD IIb and TS tissue. Our results suggest that both the ERK and mTOR pathways are dysregulated in FCD and TS; however, the signaling alterations are different for FCD I as compared to FCD II and TS. PMID:26381727

Nanodiamond infiltration into porous silicon through etching of solid carbon produced at different graphitization temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miranda, C. R. B.; Baldan, M. R.; Beloto, A. F.; Ferreira, N. G.

2011-09-01

Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) was grown on the porous silicon (PS) substrate using Reticulated Vitreous Carbon (RVC) as an additional solid carbon source. RVC was produced at different heat treatment temperatures of 1300, 1500, and 2000 °C, resulting in samples with different turbostratic carbon organizations. The PS substrate was produced by an electrochemical method. NCD film was obtained by the chemical vapor infiltration/deposition process where a RVC piece was positioned just below the PS substrate. The PS and NCD samples were characterized by Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM). NCD films presented faceted nanograins with uniform surface texture covering all the pores resulting in an apparent micro honeycomb structure. Raman's spectra showed the D and G bands, as well as, the typical two shoulders at 1,150 and 1,490 cm-1 attributed to NCD. X-ray diffraction analyses showed the predominant (111) diamond orientation as well as the (220) and (311) peaks. The structural organization and the heteroatom presence on the RVC surface, analyzed from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, showed their significant influence on the NCD growth process. The hydrogen etching released, from RVC surface, associated to carbon and/or oxygen/nitrogen amounts led to different contributions for NCD growth.

Directed Self-Assembly of Polystyrene- b -poly(propylene carbonate) on Chemical Patterns via Thermal Annealing for Next Generation Lithography

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

Yang, Guan-Wen; Wu, Guang-Peng; Chen, Xuanxuan

2017-01-23

Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) combines advantages of conventional photolithography and polymeric materials and shows competence in semiconductors and data storage applications. Driven by the more integrated, much smaller and higher performance of the electronics, however, the industry standard polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMM.A) in DSA strategy cannot meet the rapid development of lithography technology because its intrinsic limited Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (chi). Despite hundreds of block copolymers have been developed, these BCPs systems are usually subject to a trade-off between high chi and thermal treatment, resulting in incompatibility with the current nanomanufacturing fab processes. Here we discover that polystyrene-b-poly(propylenemore » carbonate) (PS-b-PPC) is well qualified to fill key positions on DSA strategy for the next-generation lithography. The estimated chi-value for PS-b-PPC is 0.079, that is, two times greater than PS-b-PMMA (chi = 0.029 at 150 degrees C), while processing the ability to form perpendicular sub-10 nm morphologies (cylinder and lamellae) via the industry preferred thermal-treatment. DSA of lamellae forming PS-b-PPC on chemoepitaxial density multiplication demonstrates successful sub-10 nm long-range order features on large-area patterning for nanofabrication. Pattern transfer to the silicon substrate through industrial sequential infiltration synthesis is also implemented successfully. Compared with the previously reported methods to orientation control BCPs with high chi-value (including solvent annealing, neutral top-coats, and chemical modification), the easy preparation, high chi value, and etch selectivity while enduring thermal treatment demonstrates PS-b-PPC as a rare and valuable candidate for advancing the field of nanolithography.« less

[Graviresponse in higher plants and its regulation in molecular bases: relevance to growth and development, and auxin polar transport in etiolated pea seedlings].

PubMed

Ueda, Junichi; Miyamoto, Kensuke

2003-08-01

We review the graviresponse under true and simulated microgravity conditions on a clinostat in higher plants, and its regulation in molecular bases, especially on the aspect of auxin polar transport in etiolated pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) seedlings which were the plant materials subjected to STS-95 space experiments. True and simulated microgravity conditions substantially affected growth and development in etiolated pea seedlings, especially the direction of growth of stems and roots, resulting in automorphosis. In etiolated pea seedlings grown in space, epicotyls were the most oriented toward the direction far from the cotyledons, and roots grew toward the aerial space of Plant Growth Chamber. Automorphosis observed in space were well simulated by a clinorotation on a 3-dimensional clinostat and also phenocopied by the application of auxin polar transport inhibitors of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, N-(1-naphtyl)phthalamic acid and 9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylic acid. Judging from the results described above together with the fact that activities of auxin polar transport in epicotyls of etiolated pea seedlings grown in space substantially were reduced, auxin polar transport seems to be closely related to automorphosis. Strenuous efforts to learn in molecular levels how gravity contributes to the auxin polar transport in etiolated pea epicotyls resulted in successful identification of PsPIN2 and PsAUX1 genes located in plasma membrane which products are considered to be putative efflux and influx carriers of auxin, respectively. Based on the results of expression of PsPIN2 and PsAUX1 genes under various gravistimulations, a possible role of PsPIN2 and PsAUX1 genes for auxin polar transport in etiolated pea seedlings will be discussed.

Solid-Phase Fe Speciation along the Vertical Redox Gradients in Floodplains using XAS and Mössbauer Spectroscopies.

PubMed

Chen, Chunmei; Kukkadapu, Ravi K; Lazareva, Olesya; Sparks, Donald L

2017-07-18

Properties of Fe minerals are poorly understood in natural soils and sediments with variable redox conditions. In this study, we combined 57 Fe Mössbauer and Fe K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) techniques to assess solid-phase Fe speciation along the vertical redox gradients of floodplains, which exhibited a succession of oxic, anoxic, and suboxic-oxic zones with increasing depth along the vertical profiles. The incised stream channel is bounded on the east by a narrow floodplain and a steep hillslope, and on the west by a broad floodplain. In the eastern floodplain, the anoxic conditions at the intermediate horizon (55-80 cm) coincided with lower Fe(III)-oxides (particularly ferrihydrite), in concurrence with a greater reduction of phyllosilicates(PS)-Fe(III) to PS-Fe(II), relative to the oxic near-surface and sandy gravel layers. In addition, the anoxic conditions in the eastern floodplain coincided with increased crystallinity of goethite, relative to the oxic layers. In the most reduced intermediate sediments at 80-120 cm of the western floodplain, no Fe(III)-oxides were detected, concurrent with the greatest PS-Fe(III) reduction (PS-Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio ≈ 1.2 (Mössbauer) or 0.8 (XAS)). In both oxic near-surface horizon and oxic-suboxic gravel aquifers beneath the soil horizons, Fe(III)-oxides were mainly present as ferrihydrite with a much less amount of goethite, which preferentially occurred as nanogoethite or Al/Si-substituted goethite. Ferrihydrite with varying crystallinity or impurities such as organic matter, Al or Si, persisted under suboxic-oxic conditions in the floodplain. This study indicates that vertical redox gradients exert a major control on the quantity and speciation of Fe(III) oxides as well as the oxidation state of structural Fe in PS, which could significantly affect nutrient cycling and carbon (de)stabilization.

Perfectionism and perceptions of parenting styles in male youth soccer.

PubMed

Sapieja, Klaudia M; Dunn J, G H; Holt, Nicholas L

2011-02-01

Although perfectionist orientations have been linked to a variety of cognitive, affective, and behavioral correlates in youth sport, little is known about antecedent factors that may influence adolescent athletes' perfectionist orientations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether perceptions of parenting styles differ as a function of adolescent athletes' perfectionist orientations. A total of 194 male youth soccer players (M age = 13.64 years; SD = 1.51; range, 10.67-16.25 years) completed measures of their perfectionist orientations in sport and of their perceptions of maternal and paternal parenting styles. Scores from the parenting style measure were calculated such that higher scores were reflective of higher parental authoritativeness (as perceived by the athletes). Cluster analyses conducted on perfectionism responses produced independent clusters of unhealthy perfectionists, healthy perfectionists, and nonperfectionists. MANOVA results revealed that both healthy- and nonperfectionists had significantly higher perceptions of maternal and paternal authoritativeness than unhealthy perfectionists (ps < .005). Results indicate that exposure to heightened authoritative parenting may play a role in developing healthy perfectionist orientations (or decrease the likelihood of developing unhealthy perfectionist orientations) in youth sport.

The gray area between synapse structure and function-Gray's synapse types I and II revisited.

PubMed

Klemann, Cornelius J H M; Roubos, Eric W

2011-11-01

On the basis of ultrastructural parameters, the concept was formulated that asymmetric Type I and symmetric Type II synapses are excitatory and inhibitory, respectively. This "functional Gray synapses concept" received strong support from the demonstration of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in Type I synapses and of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid in Type II synapses, and is still frequently used in modern literature. However, morphological and functional evidence has accumulated that the concept is less tenable. Typical features of synapses like shape and size of presynaptic vesicles and synaptic cleft and presence of a postsynaptic density (PsD) do not always fit the postulated (excitatory/inhibitory) function of Gray's synapses. Furthermore, synapse function depends on postsynaptic receptors and associated signal transduction mechanisms rather than on presynaptic morphology and neurotransmitter type. Moreover, the notion that many synapses are difficult to classify as either asymmetric or symmetric has cast doubt on the assumption that the presence of a PsD is a sign of excitatory synaptic transmission. In view of the morphological similarities of the PsD in asymmetric synapses with membrane junctional structures such as the zonula adherens and the desmosome, asymmetric synapses may play a role as links between the postsynaptic and presynaptic membrane, thus ensuring long-term maintenance of interneuronal communication. Symmetric synapses, on the other hand, might be sites of transient communication as takes place during development, learning, memory formation, and pathogenesis of brain disorders. Confirmation of this idea might help to return the functional Gray synapse concept its central place in neuroscience. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A Test of the Empirical Profile and Coherence of the DSM-5 Psychopathy Specifier.

PubMed

Miller, Joshua D; Lamkin, Joanna; Maples-Keller, Jessica L; Sleep, Chelsea E; Lynam, Donald R

2017-11-13

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) introduced a psychopathy specifier (DSM-5 PS) as part of the Section III diagnostic model of antisocial personality disorder. Designed to capture the construct of fearless dominance/boldness, the DSM-5 PS is assessed on the basis of the presence of low scores on traits of withdrawal and anxiousness, and high scores on attention seeking. These constructs have garnered attention in the past decade but are the subject of substantial debate as to their role in the conceptualization and assessment of psychopathy, given their limited relations to the maladaptive outcomes typically associated with this personality disorder. In the current study (N = 340 undergraduates; 170 informants), we examined the DSM-5 PS, both in composite form and its trait subscales, to investigate the degree to which the DSM-5 PS manifested empirical profiles associated with psychopathy and its maladaptive correlates. Consistent with prior fearless dominance/boldness research, the DSM-5 PS manifested limited relations with other components of psychopathy, symptoms of DSM-5 Section II and III antisocial personality disorder, and self- and informant-related impairment scores. When examined at the individual subscale level, the 3 DSM-5 PS subscales manifested only partially overlapping profiles and only 1 of the 3-Attention Seeking-demonstrated an association with maladaptivity (e.g., externalizing behaviors). These findings raise important concerns about the coherence and utility of the DSM-5 PS as a diagnostic specifier included in a psychiatric nosology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Hexameric oligomerization of mitochondrial peroxiredoxin PrxIIF and formation of an ultrahigh affinity complex with its electron donor thioredoxin Trx-o.

PubMed

Barranco-Medina, Sergio; Krell, Tino; Bernier-Villamor, Laura; Sevilla, Francisca; Lázaro, Juan-José; Dietz, Karl-Josef

2008-01-01

Mitochondria from plants, yeast, and animals each contain at least one peroxiredoxin (Prx) that is involved in peroxide detoxification and redox signalling. The supramolecular dynamics of atypical type II Prx targeted to the mitochondrion was addressed in pea. Microcalorimetric (ITC) titrations identified an extremely high-affinity binding between the mitochondrial PsPrxIIF and Trx-o with a K(D) of 126+/-14 pM. Binding was driven by a favourable enthalpy change (DeltaH= -60.6 kcal mol(-1)) which was counterbalanced by unfavourable entropy changes (TDeltaS= -47.1 kcal mol(-1)). This is consistent with the occurrence of large conformational changes during binding which was abolished upon site-directed mutaganesis of the catalytic C59S and C84S. The redox-dependent interaction was confirmed by gel filtration of mitochondrial extracts and co-immunoprecipitation from extracts. The heterocomplex of PsPrxIIF and Trx-o reduced peroxide substrates more efficiently than free PsPrxIIF suggesting that Trx-o serves as an efficient and specific electron donor to PsPrxIIF in vivo. Other Trx-s tested by ITC analysis failed to interact with PsPrxIIF indicating a specific recognition of PsPrxIIF by Trx-o. PsPrxIIF exists primarily as a dimer or a hexamer depending on the redox state. In addition to the well-characterized oligomerization of classical 2-Cys Prx the results also show that atypical Prx undergo large structural reorganization with implications for protein-protein interaction and function.

High-Affinity Interactions of Beryllium(2+) with Phosphatidylserine Result in a Cross-Linking Effect Reducing Surface Recognition of the Lipid.

PubMed

Ermakov, Yuri A; Kamaraju, Kishore; Dunina-Barkovskaya, Antonina; Vishnyakova, Khava S; Yegorov, Yegor E; Anishkin, Andriy; Sukharev, Sergei

2017-10-10

Beryllium has multiple industrial applications, but its manufacture is associated with a serious occupational risk of developing chronic inflammation in the lungs known as berylliosis, or chronic beryllium disease. Although the Be 2+ -induced abnormal immune responses have recently been linked to a specific MHC-II allele, the nature of long-lasting granulomas is not fully understood. Here we show that Be 2+ binds with a micromolar affinity to phosphatidylserine (PS), the major surface marker of apoptotic cells. Isothermal titration calorimetry indicates that, like that of Ca 2+ , binding of Be 2+ to PS liposomes is largely entropically driven, likely by massive desolvation. Be 2+ exerts a compacting effect on PS monolayers, suggesting cross-linking through coordination by both phosphates and carboxyls in multiple configurations, which were visualized in molecular dynamics simulations. Electrostatic modification of PS membranes by Be 2+ includes complete neutralization of surface charges at ∼30 μM, accompanied by an increase in the boundary dipole potential. The data suggest that Be 2+ can displace Ca 2+ from the surface of PS, and being coordinated in a tight shell of four oxygens, it can mask headgroups from Ca 2+ -mediated recognition by PS receptors. Indeed, 48 μM Be 2+ added to IC-21 cultured macrophages specifically suppresses binding and engulfment of PS-coated silica beads or aged erythrocytes. We propose that Be 2+ adsorption at the surface of apoptotic cells may potentially prevent normal phagocytosis, thus causing accumulation of secondary necrotic foci and the resulting chronic inflammation.

Photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol over a photosystem II-enhanced Cu foam/Si-nanowire system.

PubMed

Lian, Zichao; Pan, Donglai; Wang, Wenchao; Zhang, Dieqing; Li, Guisheng; Li, Hexing

2017-10-01

A solar-light double illumination photoelectrocatalytic cell (SLDIPEC) was fabricated for autonomous CO 2 reduction and O 2 evolution with the aid of photosystem II (PS-II, an efficient light-driven water-oxidized enzyme from nature) and utilized in a photoanode solution. The proposed SLPEC system was composed of Cu foam as the photoanode and p-Si nanowires (Si-NW) as the photocathode. Under solar irradiation, it exhibited a super-photoelectrocatalytic performance for CO 2 conversion to methanol, with a high evolution rate (41.94mmol/hr), owing to fast electron transfer from PS-II to Cu foam. Electrons were subsequently trapped by Si-NW through an external circuit via bias voltage (0.5V), and a suitable conduction band potential of Si (-0.6eV) allowed CO 2 to be easily reduced to CH 3 OH at the photocathode. The constructed Z-scheme between Cu foam and Si-NW can allow the SLDIPEC system to reduce CO 2 (8.03mmol/hr) in the absence of bias voltage. This approach makes full use of the energy band mismatch of the photoanode and photocathode to design a highly efficient device for solving environmental issues and producing clean energy. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Overlapping Residual Herbicides for Control of Photosystem (PS) II- and 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase (HPPD)-Inhibitor-Resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) in Glyphosate-Resistant Maize

PubMed Central

Chahal, Parminder S.; Ganie, Zahoor A.; Jhala, Amit J.

2018-01-01

A Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) biotype has evolved resistance to photosystem (PS) II- (atrazine) and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting herbicides (mesotrione, tembotrione, and topramezone) in maize seed production field in Nebraska, USA. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of soil residual pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides followed by (fb) tank-mixture of residual and foliar active post-emergence (POST) herbicides on PS-II- and HPPD-inhibitor-resistant Palmer amaranth control, maize yield, and net economic returns. Field experiments were conducted in a grower's field infested with PS II- and HPPD-inhibitor-resistant Palmer amaranth near Shickley in Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA in 2015 and 2016. The contrast analysis suggested that saflufenacil plus dimethenamid-P or pyroxasulfone plus saflufenacil applied PRE provided 80–82% Palmer amaranth control compared to 65 and 39% control with saflufenacil and pyroxasulfone applied alone at 3 weeks after PRE (WAPRE), respectively. Among the PRE fb POST herbicide programs, 95–98% Palmer amaranth control was achieved with pyroxasulfone plus safluefenacil, or saflufenacil plus dimethenamid-P applied PRE, fb glyphosate plus topramezone plus dimethenamid-P plus atrazine, glyphosate plus diflufenzopyr plus dicamba plus pyroxasulfone, glyphosate plus diflufenzopyr plus pendimethalin, or glyphosate plus diflufenzopyr plus dicamba plus atrazine applied POST at 3 weeks after POST (WAPOST) through maize harvest. Based on contrast analysis, PRE fb POST programs provided 77–83% Palmer amaranth control at 3 WAPOST through maize harvest compared to 12–15% control with PRE-only and 66–84% control with POST-only programs. Similarly, PRE fb POST programs provided 99% biomass reduction at 6 WAPOST compared to PRE-only (28%) and POST-only (87%) programs. PRE fb POST programs provided higher maize yield (13,617 kg ha−1) and net return (US $1,724 ha−1) compared to the PRE-only (2,656 kg ha−1; US $285 ha−1) and POST-only (11,429 kg ha−1; US $1,539 ha−1) programs. The results indicated that effective control of multiple herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth can be achieved with PRE fb POST programs that include herbicides with overlapping residual activity to maintain season-long control. PMID:29375605

Bacterial Bolsheviks: PS II and the Evolution of the Oxygenic Revolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopp, R. E.; Kirschvink, J. L.; Newman, D. K.; Nash, C. Z.; Hilburn, I. A.

2003-12-01

After the rise of life itself, the most radical transformation of Earth's biogeochemical cycles was the transition from an anoxic to an oxic world. Though various studies have suggested O2 made its first bulk appearance in the atmosphere some time between 3.8 and 2.1 Ga, virtually all analyses agree the production of large quantities of free O2 was triggered by the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. We suggest the oldest strong geological evidence for O2 is the 2.22 Ga Kalahari Mn member of the Hotazel BIF (1), as in the oceans only free O2 can oxidize soluble Mn(II) into insoluble Mn(IV). Some have argued, however, that oxygenic cyanobacteria had originated by 2.7 Ga. The ˜500 Myr "gap" has often been interpreted as the timescale for gradual evolutionary improvement of the O2-generating system. Biochemical and genomic analyses of photosynthetic bacteria indicate that photosystems I and II, which operate together in cyanobacteria, had a long history of parallel development. Green sulfur bacteria and heliobacteria use PS-II, while green non-sulfur and purple bacteria use PS-I; none can use H2O as an electron donor. Recent genetic analyses show lateral gene transfer was rampant among photosynthetic lineages (2). Moreover, extant cyanobacteria shut down PS-II in the presence of an alternative electron donor like H2S. This suggests PS-I and PS-II came together with their functions intact. Hence, most `debugging' of the two systems predates their merger in the ancestor of modern cyanobacteria. The time interval between the lateral transfer events and the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis could thus have been geologically short. We suggest the ˜500 Myr "gap" may result from misinterpretations. The presence of oxygenic photosynthesis is uncertain before the deposition of the Hotazel formation, in the aftermath of the Makganyene glaciation (1). A simple model of nutrient and reductant fluxes argues that, once triggered, the oxygenation of a reducing surface environment warmed by a CH4 greenhouse (3) should occur fairly rapidly, within ˜ 10 My. The trigger requires both the evolution of cyanobacteria and sufficiently high nutrient (mainly P) fluxes to allow O2 production to overwhelm reductant fluxes. P flux into the oceans in glaciated worlds correlates with increased continental weathering during glacial intervals (4). Thus, were cyanobacteria present during the Huronian glaciations, which predate 2.22 Ga (5), these glaciations should have triggered the oxygenation event. Instead, the oxygenation event seems to correlate with the Makganyene glaciation, at 2.22 Ga (6). The appearance of red beds in the Upper Timeball Hill formation directly underlying the Makganyene diamictite supports this interpretation. As would be expected from a glaciation associated with the destruction of a CH4 greenhouse, paleomagnetic data indicate the Makganyene glaciation was a global Snowball event (7). Cyanobacteria appear to have evolved in the short interval between the Huronian glaciations and the Makganyene glaciation. The lengthy delay between the earliest life on Earth and the appearance of cyanobacteria suggests that the oxygenic revolution was a fairly low probability event; planets with oxygenic biospheres may be quite rare. 1. J. L. Kirschvink et al., PNAS 97, 1400-1405 (2000). 2. J. Raymond et al., Science 298, 1616-1620 (2002). 3. A. A. Pavlov et al., JGR 105, 11981-11990 (2000). 4. K. B. F”llmi, Geology 23, 503-506 (1995). 5. S. R. Noble, P. C. Lightfoot, Can. J. Earth Sci. 29, 1424-1429 (1992). 6. D. H. Cornell et al., Precamb. Res. 79, 101-123 (1996). 7. D. A. Evans et al., Nature 386, 262-266 (1997).

Interfacial charge separation and recombination in InP and quasi-type II InP/CdS core/shell quantum dot-molecular acceptor complexes.

PubMed

Wu, Kaifeng; Song, Nianhui; Liu, Zheng; Zhu, Haiming; Rodríguez-Córdoba, William; Lian, Tianquan

2013-08-15

Recent studies of group II-VI colloidal semiconductor heterostuctures, such as CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) or dot-in-rod nanorods, show that type II and quasi-type II band alignment can facilitate electron transfer and slow down charge recombination in QD-molecular electron acceptor complexes. To explore the general applicability of this wave function engineering approach for controlling charge transfer properties, we investigate exciton relaxation and dissociation dynamics in InP (a group III-V semiconductor) and InP/CdS core/shell (a heterostructure beween group III-V and II-VI semiconductors) QDs by transient absorption spectroscopy. We show that InP/CdS QDs exhibit a quasi-type II band alignment with the 1S electron delocalized throughout the core and shell and the 1S hole confined in the InP core. In InP-methylviologen (MV(2+)) complexes, excitons in the QD can be dissociated by ultrafast electron transfer to MV(2+) from the 1S electron level (with an average time constant of 11.4 ps) as well as 1P and higher electron levels (with a time constant of 0.39 ps), which is followed by charge recombination to regenerate the complex in its ground state (with an average time constant of 47.1 ns). In comparison, InP/CdS-MV(2+) complexes show similar ultrafast charge separation and 5-fold slower charge recombination rates, consistent with the quasi-type II band alignment in these heterostructures. This result demonstrates that wave function engineering in nanoheterostructures of group III-V and II-VI semiconductors provides a promising approach for optimizing their light harvesting and charge separation for solar energy conversion applications.

Nonlinear mirror modelocking of a bounce geometry laser.

PubMed

Thomas, G M; Bäuerle, A; Farrell, D J; Damzen, M J

2010-06-07

We present the investigation of nonlinear mirror modelocking (NLM) of a bounce amplifier laser. This technique, a potential rival to SESAM modelocking, uses a nonlinear crystal and a dichroic mirror to passively modelock a Nd:GdVO(4) slab bounce amplifier operating at 1063nm. At 11.3W, we present the highest power achieved using the NLM technique, using type-II phase-matched KTP, with a pulse duration of 57ps. Using type-I phase-matched BiBO, modelocking was achieved with a shorter pulse duration of 5.7ps at an average power of 7.1W.

Command Flight Path Display. Phase I and II.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

transmissions over the standard 56K baud interface. The PS-300 was a commercial unit and required some modifications to ensure its reliability in an...1 H7750-AA Battery Backup NADC 5 Oct E2 9 1 LA-12D Decwriter SAI/RtS 4 11ov 82 10 1 BC03M-25 Null Modem Cable SAI/RM0S 4 Nov 82 35 2 ~%*~’ .5°’ 11 1...of about 1200 baud. (The interface hardware is capable of 56K baud transmission, but the standard PS-300 firmware is only able to process input

The Macrophage Mannose Receptor Regulate Mannan-Induced Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Like Disease Models

PubMed Central

Hagert, Cecilia; Sareila, Outi; Kelkka, Tiina; Jalkanen, Sirpa; Holmdahl, Rikard

2018-01-01

The injection of mannan into mice can result in the development of psoriasis (Ps) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), whereas co-injection with antibodies toward collagen type II leads to a chronic rheumatoid-like arthritis. The critical event in all these diseases is mannan-mediated activation of macrophages, causing more severe disease if the macrophages are deficient in neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (Ncf1), i.e., lack the capacity to make a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. In this study, we investigated the role of one of the receptors binding mannan; the macrophage mannose receptor (MR, CD206). MR is a C-type lectin present on myeloid cells and lymphatics. We found that mice deficient in MR expression had more severe mannan-induced Ps, PsA as well as rheumatoid-like arthritis. Interestingly, the MR-mediated protection was partly lost in Ncf1 mutated mice and was associated with an type 2 macrophage expansion. In conclusion, these results show that MR protects against a pathogenic inflammatory macrophage response induced by mannan and is associated with induction of ROS. PMID:29467756

Non-cholesterol sterols and cholesterol metabolism in sitosterolemia.

PubMed

Othman, Rgia A; Myrie, Semone B; Jones, Peter J H

2013-12-01

Sitosterolemia (STSL) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, manifested by extremely elevated plant sterols (PS) in plasma and tissue, leading to xanthoma and premature atherosclerotic disease. Therapeutic approaches include limiting PS intake, interrupting enterohepatic circulation of bile acid using bile acid binding resins such as cholestyramine, and/or ileal bypass, and inhibiting intestinal sterol absorption by ezetimibe (EZE). The objective of this review is to evaluate sterol metabolism in STSL and the impact of the currently available treatments on sterol trafficking in this disease. The role of PS in initiation of xanthomas and premature atherosclerosis is also discussed. Blocking sterols absorption with EZE has revolutionized STSL patient treatment as it reduces circulating levels of non-cholesterol sterols in STSL. However, none of the available treatments including EZE have normalized plasma PS concentrations. Future studies are needed to: (i) explore where cholesterol and non-cholesterol sterols accumulate, (ii) assess to what extent these sterols in tissues can be mobilized after blocking their absorption, and (iii) define the factors governing sterol flux. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Increased chymase-like activity in a dog with congenital pulmonic stenosis.

PubMed

Fujii, Yoko; Yamane, Tsuyoshi; Orito, Kensuke; Osamura, Kaori; Wakao, Yoshito

2007-05-01

This study was intended to compare the tissue chymase-like activity and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in the right and left ventricles of a dog with congenital pulmonic stenosis (PS), with normal dogs, and to discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings. Study subjects included a one-year-old Beagle dog with spontaneous PS and six clinically normal Beagles. Chymase-like and ACE activities were determined in all hearts by high pressure liquid chromatography. In the PS dog right ventricular (RV) chymase-like activity (49.79 nmol/min/g tissue) and left ventricular (LV) chymase-like activity (36.85 nmol/min/g tissue) were elevated vs normal Beagle dogs (mean+/-standard deviation, RV: 20.17+/-5.24 nmol/min/g, LV: 19.03+/-3.27 nmol/min/g). Activation of the tissue RAA system was detected in a dog with congenital PS. This interesting finding should be pursued with further studies to validate this result, and to explore whether pharmacological blockade of chymase, or the angiotensin II receptor, represents a useful strategy to prevent myocardial remodeling in this condition.

Monitoring Photosynthesis in Individual Cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 on a Picosecond Timescale

PubMed Central

Krumova, S.B.; Laptenok, S.P.; Borst, J.W.; Ughy, B.; Gombos, Z.; Ajlani, G.; van Amerongen, H.

2010-01-01

Picosecond fluorescence kinetics of wild-type (WT) and mutant cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, were studied at the ensemble level with a streak-camera and at the cell level using fluorescence-lifetime-imaging microscopy (FLIM). The FLIM measurements are in good agreement with the ensemble measurements, but they (can) unveil variations between and within cells. The BE mutant cells, devoid of photosystem II (PSII) and of the light-harvesting phycobilisomes, allowed the study of photosystem I (PSI) in vivo for the first time, and the observed 6-ps equilibration process and 25-ps trapping process are the same as found previously for isolated PSI. No major differences are detected between different cells. The PAL mutant cells, devoid of phycobilisomes, show four lifetimes: ∼20 ps (PSI and PSII), ∼80 ps, ∼440 ps, and 2.8 ns (all due to PSII), but not all cells are identical and variations in the kinetics are traced back to differences in the PSI/PSII ratio. Finally, FLIM measurements on WT cells reveal that in some cells or parts of cells, phycobilisomes are disconnected from PSI/PSII. It is argued that the FLIM setup used can become instrumental in unraveling photosynthetic regulation mechanisms in the future. PMID:20858447

FIRE_CI2_ETL_RADAR

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2015-11-25

FIRE_CI2_ETL_RADAR Project Title:  FIRE II CIRRUS Discipline:  ... Platform:  Ground Station Instrument:  Radar Spatial Coverage:  (37.06, -95.34) Spatial ... Order Data Guide Documents:  ETL_RADAR Guide Readme Files:  Readme ETL_RADAR (PS) ...

Conformation and structural changes of diblock copolymers with octopus-like micelle formation in the presence of external stimuli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dammertz, K.; Saier, A. M.; Marti, O.; Amirkhani, M.

2014-04-01

External stimuli such as vapours and electric fields can be used to manipulate the formation of AB-diblock copolymers on surfaces. We study the conformational variation of PS-b-PMMA (polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)), PS and PMMA adsorbed on mica and their response to saturated water or chloroform atmospheres. Using specimens with only partial polymer coverage, new unanticipated effects were observed. Water vapour, a non-solvent for all three polymers, was found to cause high surface mobility. In contrast, chloroform vapour (a solvent for all three polymers) proved to be less efficient. Furthermore, the influence of an additional applied electric field was investigated. A dc field oriented parallel to the sample surface induces the formation of polymer islands which assemble into wormlike chains. Moreover, PS-b-PMMA forms octopus-like micelles (OLMs) on mica. Under the external stimuli mentioned above, the wormlike formations of OLMs are able to align in the direction of the external electric field. In the absence of an electric field, the OLMs disaggregate and exhibit phase separated structures under chloroform vapour.

Optokinetic and vestibular stimulation determines the spatial orientation of negative optokinetic afternystagmus in the rabbit.

PubMed

Pettorossi, V E; Errico, P; Ferraresi, A; Barmack, N H

1999-02-15

Prolonged binocular optokinetic stimulation (OKS) in the rabbit induces a high-velocity negative optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN II) that persists for several hours. We have taken advantage of this uniform nystagmus to study how changes in static head orientation in the pitch plane might influence the orientation of the nystagmus. After horizontal OKS, the rotation axis of the OKAN II remained almost constant in space as it was kept aligned with the gravity vector when the head was pitched by as much as 80 degrees up and 35 degrees down. Moreover, during reorientation, slow-phase eye velocity decreased according to the head pitch angle. Thereafter, we analyzed the space orientation of OKAN II after optokinetic stimulation during which the head and/or the OKS were pitched upward and downward. The rotation axis of OKAN II did not remain aligned with an earth vertical axis nor a head vertical axis, but it tended to be aligned with that of the OKS respace. The slow-phase eye velocity of OKAN II was also affected by the head pitch angle during OKS, because maximal OKAN II velocity occurred at the same head pitch angle as that during optokinetic stimulation. We suggest that OKAN II is coded in gravity-centered rather than in head-centered coordinates, but that this coordinate system may be influenced by optokinetic and vestibular stimulation. Moreover, the velocity attenuation of OKAN II seems to depend on the mismatch between the space-centered nystagmus rotation axis orientation and that of the "remembered" head-centered optokinetic pathway activated by OKS.

Polarized pump-probe spectroscopy of exciton transport in bacteriochlorophyll a- protein from Prosthecochloris aestuarii

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

Causgrove, T.P.; Yang, S.; Struve, W.S.

1988-11-17

The polarization of the Q/sub x/ electronic transition in the BChl a-protein complex from the green sulfur bacterium Prosthecochloris aestuarii was monitored by pump-probe spectroscopy with approx. 1.5-ps resolution at 598, 603, and 609 nm. At 603 nm, the polarization decays with a mean lifetime of 4.78 ps. Substantial residual polarization appears at long times (the ratio A/sub parallel//A/sub perpendicular/ of optical densities for probe pulses polarized parallel and perpendicular to the excitation pulse is approx. 1.7) in consequence of the nonrandom chromophore orientations. The polarized pump-probe transients have been analyzed in terms of an exciton hopping model that incorporatesmore » the known geometry of the BChl a-protein.« less

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography using continuous polarization modulation with arbitrary phase modulation amplitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragod, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2012-03-01

We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the phase retardance and relative optic-axis orientation of a sample can be calculated without prior knowledge of the actual value of the phase modulation amplitude when using a polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system based on continuous polarization modulation (CPM-PS-OCT). We also demonstrate that the sample Jones matrix can be calculated at any values of the phase modulation amplitude in a reasonable range depending on the system effective signal-to-noise ratio. This has fundamental importance for the development of clinical systems by simplifying the polarization modulator drive instrumentation and eliminating its calibration procedure. This was validated on measurements of a three-quarter waveplate and an equine tendon sample by a fiber-based swept-source CPM-PS-OCT system.

Electron spin relaxation in carbon nanotubes: Dyakonov-Perel mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semenov, Yuriy; Zavada, John; Kim, Ki Wook

2010-03-01

The long standing problem of unaccountable short spin relaxation in carbon nanotubes (CNT) meets a disclosure in terms of curvature-mediated spin-orbital interaction that leads to spin fluctuating precession analogous to Dyakonov-Perel mechanism. Strong anisotropy imposed by arbitrary directed magnetic field has been taken into account in terms of extended Bloch equations. Especially, stationary spin current through CNT can be controlled by spin-flip processes with relaxation time as less as 150 ps, the rate of transversal polarization (i.e. decoherence) runs up to 1/(70 ps) at room temperature while spin interference of the electrons related to different valleys can be responsible for shorter spin dephasing. Dependencies of spin-relaxation parameters on magnetic field strength and orientation, CNT curvature and chirality have been analyzed.

Templated Sub-100-nm-Thick Double-Gyroid Structure from Si-Containing Block Copolymer Thin Films.

PubMed

Aissou, Karim; Mumtaz, Muhammad; Portale, Giuseppe; Brochon, Cyril; Cloutet, Eric; Fleury, Guillaume; Hadziioannou, Georges

2017-05-01

The directed self-assembly of diblock copolymer chains (poly(1,1-dimethyl silacyclobutane)-block-polystyrene, PDMSB-b-PS) into a thin film double gyroid structure is described. A decrease of the kinetics of a typical double-wave pattern formation is reported within the 3D-nanostructure when the film thickness on mesas is lower than the gyroid unit cell. However, optimization of the solvent-vapor annealing process results in very large grains (over 10 µm²) with specific orientation (i.e., parallel to the air substrate) and direction (i.e., along the groove direction) of the characteristic (211) plane, demonstrated by templating sub-100-nm-thick PDMSB-b-PS films. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anti-fibrotic effect of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide: Inhibiting HSC activation, TGF-β1/Smad signalling, MMPs and TIMPs.

PubMed

Peng, Jinghua; Li, Xuemei; Feng, Qin; Chen, Liang; Xu, Lili; Hu, Yiyang

2013-06-01

Cordyceps sinensis has been used to treat liver disease in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Polysaccharide extracted from cultured Cordyceps sinensis mycelia (CS-PS) is the major active components of cordyceps sinensis with anti-liver injury effects. In the present study, the effects of CS-PS on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1, TIMP2, were investigated in liver fibrosis in rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Colchicine was used as a positive control. The effect of CS-PS inhibition liver injury and fibrosis was confirmed by decreasing serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, hepatic hydroxyproline and increasing serum albumin, as well as alleviation of histological changes, which was comparable to that of colchicine. With CS-PS treatment, hepatic α-smooth muscle actin, TGF-β1, TGF-β1 receptor (TβR)-I, TβR-II, p-Smad2, p-Smad3 and TIMP2 proteins expression were down-regulated comparing to that in CCl4 group. The activities of MMP2 and MMP9 in liver tissue were also inhibited in CS-PS-treated group. It is indicated that the effects of CS-PS anti-liver fibrosis are probably associated with the inhibition on HSC activation, TGF-β1/Smads signalling pathway, as well as MMP2, MMP9 activity and TIMP2 expression.

Redox potentials of primary electron acceptor quinone molecule (QA)- and conserved energetics of photosystem II in cyanobacteria with chlorophyll a and chlorophyll d.

PubMed

Allakhverdiev, Suleyman I; Tsuchiya, Tohru; Watabe, Kazuyuki; Kojima, Akane; Los, Dmitry A; Tomo, Tatsuya; Klimov, Vyacheslav V; Mimuro, Mamoru

2011-05-10

In a previous study, we measured the redox potential of the primary electron acceptor pheophytin (Phe) a of photosystem (PS) II in the chlorophyll d-dominated cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina and a chlorophyll a-containing cyanobacterium, Synechocystis. We obtained the midpoint redox potential (E(m)) values of -478 mV for A. marina and -536 mV for Synechocystis. In this study, we measured the redox potentials of the primary electron acceptor quinone molecule (Q(A)), i.e., E(m)(Q(A)/Q(A)(-)), of PS II and the energy difference between [P680·Phe a(-)·Q(A)] and [P680·Phe a·Q(A)(-)], i.e., ΔG(PhQ). The E(m)(Q(A)/Q(A)(-)) of A. marina was determined to be +64 mV without the Mn cluster and was estimated to be -66 to -86 mV with a Mn-depletion shift (130-150 mV), as observed with other organisms. The E(m)(Phe a/Phe a(-)) in Synechocystis was measured to be -525 mV with the Mn cluster, which is consistent with our previous report. The Mn-depleted downshift of the potential was measured to be approximately -77 mV in Synechocystis, and this value was applied to A. marina (-478 mV); the E(m)(Phe a/Phe a(-)) was estimated to be approximately -401 mV. These values gave rise to a ΔG(PhQ) of -325 mV for A. marina and -383 mV for Synechocystis. In the two cyanobacteria, the energetics in PS II were conserved, even though the potentials of Q(A)(-) and Phe a(-) were relatively shifted depending on the special pair, indicating a common strategy for electron transfer in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms.

Impact of use of angiotensin II receptor blocker on all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients: prospective cohort study using a propensity-score analysis.

PubMed

Tanaka, Marenao; Yamashita, Tomohisa; Koyama, Masayuki; Moniwa, Norihito; Ohno, Kohei; Mitsumata, Kaneto; Itoh, Takahito; Furuhashi, Masato; Ohnishi, Hirofumi; Yoshida, Hideaki; Tsuchihashi, Kazufumi; Miura, Tetsuji

2016-06-01

It is controversial whether treatment with an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or a calcium channel blocker (CCB) improves prognosis of hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study was designed as a multicenter prospective cohort study. HD patients (n = 1071) were enrolled from 22 institutes in January 2009 and followed up for 3 years. Patients with missing data, kidney transplantation or retraction of consent during the follow-up period (n = 204) were excluded, and 867 patients contributed to analysis of mortality. Propensity score (PS) for use of ARB and that for CCB was calculated using a multiple logistic regression model. ARB and CCB were prescribed in 45.6 and 54.7 % of patients at enrollment. During the 3-year follow-up period, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality rates were 18.8 and 5.1 %, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates were lower in the ARB group than in the non-ARB group, though the mortality rates were similar in the CCB group and non-CCB group. In PS-stratified Cox regression analysis, ARB treatment was associated with 34 and 45 % reduction of all-cause death and cardiovascular death, respectively. In PS matching analysis, ARB treatment was associated with a significant reduction (46 % reduction) in the risk of all-cause death. A significant impact of CCB treatment on all-cause or cardiovascular mortality was not detected in PS analysis. The use of an ARB, but not a CCB, is associated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities in patients on HD.

Excess copper induces anoxygenic photosynthesis in Anabaena doliolum: a homology based proteomic assessment of its survival strategy.

PubMed

Bhargava, Poonam; Mishra, Yogesh; Srivastava, Ashish Kumar; Narayan, Om Prakash; Rai, Lal Chand

2008-04-01

This study is the first to demonstrate operation of anoxygenic photosynthesis in copper acclimated Anabaena doliolum and to offer proteomic comparison with the control cells. The Cu-treated control strain showed a negative correlation in growth and intracellular Cu, partial inhibition of O(2)-evolution, PS II, PS I, whole chain, chlorophyll absorption, and nitrogenase activity. However, the acclimated strain growing in 250-fold excess Cu exhibited near normal growth, ATP content, PS I activity, carbon fixation, and almost complete inhibition of O(2)-evolution, PS II and chlorophyll absorption, but increased nitrogenase activity as compared to control. Proteomic decoding of the survival strategy of Cu-treated control and the acclimated strain using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF MS analysis of proteins displaying significant and reproducible changes demonstrated involvement of transketolase, phycoerythrocyanin alpha-chain, iron superoxide dismutase (Fe-SOD), hypothetical protein alr 0803, manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), phosphoribulokinase, and plastocyanin (PLC). Expression pattern of these proteins was attested at the transcriptional level using RT-PCR. Time course analysis of proteins of Cu-treated control strain revealed almost no change in PLC level, and a minor accumulation of transketolase, phycoerythrocyanin alpha-chain and both isoforms of SOD after 7 and recovery after 10 days. Acclimated strain under excess Cu, however, exhibited significant accumulation of both isoforms of SOD, plastocyanin, phosphoribulokinase and transketolase, which seem to counteract oxidative damage, serve as an alternate electron carrier from cytochrome b6/f complex to photosystem I and meet the NADPH and ATP requirements, respectively, under anoxygenic photosynthesis. In view of the kinetics of the hypothetical protein alr0803 (no change in expression level for 7, maximum after 10 and decline after 15 days) its involvement in metal homeostasis is suggested.

Early Identification of Herbicide Stress in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Using Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging Technology

PubMed Central

Li, Hui; Wang, Pei; Weber, Jonas Felix; Gerhards, Roland

2017-01-01

Herbicides may damage soybean in conventional production systems. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technology has been applied to identify herbicide stress in weed species a few days after application. In this study, greenhouse experiments followed by field experiments at five sites were conducted to investigate if the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging is capable of identifying herbicide stress in soybean shortly after application. Measurements were carried out from emergence until the three-to-four-leaf stage of the soybean plants. Results showed that maximal photosystem II (PS II) quantum yield and shoot dry biomass was significantly reduced in soybean by herbicides compared to the untreated control plants. The stress of PS II inhibiting herbicides occurred on the cotyledons of soybean and plants recovered after one week. The stress induced by DOXP synthase-, microtubule assembly-, or cell division-inhibitors was measured from the two-leaf stage until four-leaf stage of soybean. We could demonstrate that the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technology is capable for detecting herbicide stress in soybean. The system can be applied under both greenhouse and field conditions. This helps farmers to select weed control strategies with less phytotoxicity in soybean and avoid yield losses due to herbicide stress. PMID:29271905

Early Identification of Herbicide Stress in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Using Chlorophyll Fluorescence Imaging Technology.

PubMed

Li, Hui; Wang, Pei; Weber, Jonas Felix; Gerhards, Roland

2017-12-22

Herbicides may damage soybean in conventional production systems. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technology has been applied to identify herbicide stress in weed species a few days after application. In this study, greenhouse experiments followed by field experiments at five sites were conducted to investigate if the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging is capable of identifying herbicide stress in soybean shortly after application. Measurements were carried out from emergence until the three-to-four-leaf stage of the soybean plants. Results showed that maximal photosystem II (PS II) quantum yield and shoot dry biomass was significantly reduced in soybean by herbicides compared to the untreated control plants. The stress of PS II inhibiting herbicides occurred on the cotyledons of soybean and plants recovered after one week. The stress induced by DOXP synthase-, microtubule assembly-, or cell division-inhibitors was measured from the two-leaf stage until four-leaf stage of soybean. We could demonstrate that the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technology is capable for detecting herbicide stress in soybean. The system can be applied under both greenhouse and field conditions. This helps farmers to select weed control strategies with less phytotoxicity in soybean and avoid yield losses due to herbicide stress.

Structure of tropinone reductase-II complexed with NADP+ and pseudotropine at 1.9 A resolution: implication for stereospecific substrate binding and catalysis.

PubMed

Yamashita, A; Kato, H; Wakatsuki, S; Tomizaki, T; Nakatsu, T; Nakajima, K; Hashimoto, T; Yamada, Y; Oda, J

1999-06-15

Tropinone reductase-II (TR-II) catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of the carbonyl group of tropinone to a beta-hydroxyl group. The crystal structure of TR-II complexed with NADP+ and pseudotropine (psi-tropine) has been determined at 1.9 A resolution. A seven-residue peptide near the active site, disordered in the unliganded structure, is fixed in the ternary complex by participation of the cofactor and substrate binding. The psi-tropine molecule is bound in an orientation which satisfies the product configuration and the stereochemical arrangement toward the cofactor. The substrate binding site displays a complementarity to the bound substrate (psi-tropine) in its correct orientation. In addition, electrostatic interactions between the substrate and Glu156 seem to specify the binding position and orientation of the substrate. A comparison between the active sites in TR-II and TR-I shows that they provide different van der Waals surfaces and electrostatic features. These differences likely contribute to the correct binding mode of the substrates, which are in opposite orientations in TR-II and TR-I, and to different reaction stereospecificities. The active site structure in the TR-II ternary complex also suggests that the arrangement of the substrate, cofactor, and catalytic residues is stereoelectronically favorable for the reaction.

Impact of Blood Flow Restriction Exercise on Muscle Fatigue Development and Recovery.

PubMed

Husmann, Florian; Mittlmeier, Thomas; Bruhn, Sven; Zschorlich, Volker; Behrens, Martin

2018-03-01

The present study was designed to provide mechanistic insight into the time course and etiology of muscle fatigue development and recovery during and after low-intensity exercise when it is combined with blood flow restriction (BFR). Seventeen resistance-trained males completed four sets of low-intensity isotonic resistance exercise under two experimental conditions: knee extension exercise (i) with BFR and (ii) without BFR (CON). Neuromuscular tests were performed before, during (immediately after each set of knee extension exercise), and 1, 2, 4, and 8 min after each experimental condition. Maximal voluntary torque, quadriceps twitch torque in response to paired electrical stimuli at 10 Hz (PS10) and 100 Hz (PS100), PS10·PS100 ratio as an index of low-frequency fatigue, and voluntary activation were measured under isometric conditions. Perceptual and EMG data were recorded during each exercise condition. After the first set of exercise, BFR induced significantly greater reductions in maximal voluntary torque, PS100, and PS10·PS100 ratio compared with CON. These parameters progressively declined throughout the BFR protocol but recovered substantially within 2 min postexercise when blood flow was restored. Neither a progressive decline in the course of the exercise protocol nor a substantial recovery of these parameters occurred during and after CON. Only at exercise termination, voluntary activation differed significantly between BFR and CON with greater reductions during BFR. At the early stage of exercise, BFR exacerbated the development of muscle fatigue mainly due to a pronounced impairment in contractile function. Despite the high level of muscle fatigue during BFR exercise, the effect of BFR on muscle fatigue was diminished after 2 min of reperfusion, suggesting that BFR has a strong but short-lasting effect on neuromuscular function.

Incorporation of preservatives in polylactic acid films for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 and extending microbiological shelf life of strawberry puree.

PubMed

Jin, Tony; Zhang, Howard; Boyd, Glenn

2010-05-01

Antimicrobial films of polylactic acid polymer incorporated with nisin, EDTA, sodium benzoate (SB), potassium sorbate (PS), and their combinations were developed, and their antimicrobial effects on the inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and natural background microflora (total aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts) in strawberry puree at 10 and 22 degrees C were determined. Direct addition of SB+PS to strawberry puree was also used as a comparison with SB+PS film treatment. The combination treatment reduced the cell populations of E. coli O157:H7 from 3.5 log CFU/ml to undetectable levels (<1 CFU/ml) after 14 days and 1 day at 10 and 22 degrees C, respectively, while the cells of E. coli O157:H7 in control samples survived up to 48 days at 10 degrees C and more than 14 days at 22 degrees C. The SB+PS film treatment produced a greater reduction of population of E. coli O157:H7 cells than did the SB+PS direct addition treatment. Similar results were observed for inactivation of natural microflora. In general, the antimicrobial effect was in the following order: film combination > SB+PS film > SB+PS direct addition > EDTA film > nisin film. The data obtained in this study suggest two approaches toward the development of control interventions against E. coli O157:H7 and extension of the microbiological shelf life of strawberry puree: (i) using antimicrobial packaging and (ii) using combinations of preservatives. The film formulas developed here can be used to make bottles or as coatings on the surface of bottles for use in liquid food packaging.

Acne vulgaris in early adolescent boys. Correlations with pubertal maturation and age.

PubMed

Lucky, A W; Biro, F M; Huster, G A; Morrison, J A; Elder, N

1991-02-01

To assess the prevalence and severity of acne vulgaris in young adolescent boys, we studied 219 black and 249 white boys in fifth through ninth grades in Cincinnati, Ohio. The mean age was 12.2 +/- 1.4 years, with a range of 9 to 15 years. Pubertal maturation was scored as Tanner pubic hair stages (PH I to V) and pubertal stages (PS I to IV) that included testicular volume assessment. Acne was scored by number of comedonal (open plus closed comedones) and inflammatory (papules plus pustules) lesions. Comedonal and inflammatory lesions were analyzed separately and evaluated both as numerical scores and as grades (1, less than or equal to 10 lesions; 2, 11 to 25 lesions; and 3, greater than or equal to 26 lesions). Grades 2 and 3 were considered clinically significant acne. Acne became progressively more severe with advancing maturity. Mean acne scores correlated better with PS and pubic hair than with age. Black subjects were more mature than white subjects. Black boys in PSI and II had significantly more comedones than white boys; white boys had significantly more inflammatory lesions at PS I and III. Clinically significant comedonal acne was already present in PS I and occurred in 100% of boys in PS IV. In contrast, no boys at PS I and only 50% at PS IV had significant inflammatory acne. Midfacial acne dominated. We concluded that acne prevalence and severity correlate well with advancing pubertal maturation in young adolescent boys. Comedonal acne was more frequent and severe than inflammatory disease. Awareness of the extent and severity of acne in preadolescents and young adolescents may ultimately provide rationale for early intervention and thus prevention of severe acne vulgaris.

Characterizing of tissue microstructure with single-detector polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bin; Harman, Michelle; Giattina, Susanne; Stamper, Debra L.; Demakis, Charles; Chilek, Mark; Raby, Stephanie; Brezinski, Mark E.

2006-06-01

Assessing tissue birefringence with imaging modality polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) could improve the characterization of in vivo tissue pathology. Among the birefringent components, collagen may provide invaluable clinical information because of its alteration in disorders ranging from myocardial infarction to arthritis. But the features required of clinical imaging modality in these areas usually include the ability to assess the parameter of interest rapidly and without extensive data analysis, the characteristics that single-detector PS-OCT demonstrates. But beyond detecting organized collagen, which has been previously demonstrated and confirmed with the appropriate histological techniques, additional information can potentially be gained with PS-OCT, including collagen type, form versus intrinsic birefringence, the collagen angle, and the presence of multiple birefringence materials. In part I, we apply the simple but powerful fast-Fourier transform (FFT) to both PS-OCT mathematical modeling and in vitro bovine meniscus for improved PS-OCT data analysis. The FFT analysis yields, in a rapid, straightforward, and easily interpreted manner, information on the presence of multiple birefringent materials, distinguishing the true anatomical structure from patterns in image resulting from alterations in the polarization state and identifying the tissue/phantom optical axes. Therefore the use of the FFT analysis of PS-OCT data provides information on tissue composition beyond identifying the presence of organized collagen in real time and directly from the image without extensive mathematical manipulation or data analysis. In part II, Helistat phantoms (collagen type I) are analyzed with the ultimate goal of improved tissue characterization. This study, along with the data in part I, advance the insights gained from PS-OCT images beyond simply determining the presence or absence of birefringence.

Longitudinal DSC-MRI for Distinguishing Tumor Recurrence From Pseudoprogression in Patients With a High-grade Glioma.

PubMed

Boxerman, Jerrold L; Ellingson, Benjamin M; Jeyapalan, Suriya; Elinzano, Heinrich; Harris, Robert J; Rogg, Jeffrey M; Pope, Whitney B; Safran, Howard

2017-06-01

For patients with high-grade glioma on clinical trials it is important to accurately assess time of disease progression. However, differentiation between pseudoprogression (PsP) and progressive disease (PD) is unreliable with standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MRI (DSC-MRI) can measure relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and may help distinguish PsP from PD. A subset of patients with high-grade glioma on a phase II clinical trial with temozolomide, paclitaxel poliglumex, and concurrent radiation were assessed. Nine patients (3 grade III, 6 grade IV), with a total of 19 enhancing lesions demonstrating progressive enhancement (≥25% increase from nadir) on postchemoradiation conventional contrast-enhanced MRI, had serial DSC-MRI. Mean leakage-corrected rCBV within enhancing lesions was computed for all postchemoradiation time points. Of the 19 progressively enhancing lesions, 10 were classified as PsP and 9 as PD by biopsy/surgery or serial enhancement patterns during interval follow-up MRI. Mean rCBV at initial progressive enhancement did not differ significantly between PsP and PD (2.35 vs. 2.17; P=0.67). However, change in rCBV at first subsequent follow-up (-0.84 vs. 0.84; P=0.001) and the overall linear trend in rCBV after initial progressive enhancement (negative vs. positive slope; P=0.04) differed significantly between PsP and PD. Longitudinal trends in rCBV may be more useful than absolute rCBV in distinguishing PsP from PD in chemoradiation-treated high-grade gliomas with DSC-MRI. Further studies of DSC-MRI in high-grade glioma as a potential technique for distinguishing PsP from PD are indicated.

[Effects of soil acidity on Pinus resinosa seedlings photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence].

PubMed

Liu, Shuang; Wang, Qing-cheng; Liu, Ya-li; Tian, Yu-ming; Sun, Jing; Xu, Jing

2009-12-01

Red pine (Pinus resinosa) is one of the most important tree species for timber plantation in North America, and preliminary success has been achieved in its introduction to the mountainous area of Northeast China since 2004. In order to expand its growth area in other parts of Northeast China, a pot experiment was conducted to study the adaptability of this tree species to varying soil acidity. P. resinosa seedlings were grown in soils with different acidity (pH = 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.0) to test the responses of their photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to soil pH levels, and the appropriate soil acidity was evaluated. Dramatic responses in chlorophyll a and b contents, Pn and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fo, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, and phi(PS II)) were detected under different soil acidity (P < 0.05), with the highest chlorophyll content and Pn under soil pH 5.5, and significantly lower chlorophyll content and Pn under soil pH 7.5 and 8.0. The chlorophyll content and Pn were 41% and 50%, and 61% and 88% higher under soil pH 5.5 than under soil pH 7.5 and 8.0. The seedlings had a significant photosynthetic inhibition under soil pH 7.5 and 8.0, but the highest Fv/Fm and phi (PS II) under soil pH 5.5. Comparing with those under soil pH 7.5 and 8.0, the Fv/Fm and phi (PS II) under soil pH 5.5 were 8% and 12%, and 22% and 35% higher, respectively. It was suggested that soil pH 5.5 was most appropriate for P. resinosa growth.

Molecular modeling and computational simulation of the photosystem-II reaction center to address isoproturon resistance in Phalaris minor.

PubMed

Singh, Durg Vijay; Agarwal, Shikha; Kesharwani, Rajesh Kumar; Misra, Krishna

2012-08-01

Isoproturon is the only herbicide that can control Phalaris minor, a competitive weed of wheat that developed resistance in 1992. Resistance against isoproturon was reported to be due to a mutation in the psbA gene that encodes the isoproturon-binding D1 protein. Previously in our laboratory, a triazole derivative of isoproturon (TDI) was synthesized and found to be active against both susceptible and resistant biotypes at 0.5 kg/ha but has shown poor specificity. In the present study, both susceptible D1((S)), resistant D1((R)) and D2 proteins of the PS-II reaction center of P. minor have been modeled and simulated, selecting the crystal structure of PS-II from Thermosynechococcus elongatus (2AXT.pdb) as template. Loop regions were refined, and the complete reaction center D1/D2 was simulated with GROMACS in lipid (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylglycero-3-phosphoglycerol, POPG) environment along with ligands and cofactor. Both S and R models were energy minimized using steepest decent equilibrated with isotropic pressure coupling and temperature coupling using a Berendsen protocol, and subjected to 1,000 ps of MD simulation. As a result of MD simulation, the best model obtained in lipid environment had five chlorophylls, two plastoquinones, two phenophytins and a bicarbonate ion along with cofactor Fe and oxygen evolving center (OEC). The triazole derivative of isoproturon was used as lead molecule for docking. The best worked out conformation of TDI was chosen for receptor-based de novo ligand design. In silico designed molecules were screened and, as a result, only those molecules that show higher docking and binding energies in comparison to isoproturon and its triazole derivative were proposed for synthesis in order to get more potent, non-resistant and more selective TDI analogs.

[Effects of temperature regime on low-light tolerance of Cucumis sativus seedling leaves in their photosynthesis].

PubMed

Li, Wei; Sui, Xiao-lei; Zhang, Zhen-xian

2008-12-01

In a phytotron, the effects of three temperature regimes (day/night 25 degrees C/18 degrees C, optimal temperature; 15 degrees C/9 degrees C, suboptimal temperature; and 9 degrees C/7 degrees C, low temperature) on the low-light (75-85 micromol x m(-2) x s(-1)) tolerance of two Cucumis sativus cultivars (shade-susceptible Jinyan 2 and shade-tolerant Deltastar) seedling leaves in their photosynthesis were studied. The results showed that under low light, the SPAD, net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), water use efficiency (WUE), actual photochemical efficiency of PS II in the light (phi(PS II)), and photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (q(p)) of cucumber leaves decreased, with the decrement getting more with decreasing temperature, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities were in adverse. During the recovery process after low-light stress relieved, the parameters of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence of the leaves recovered gradually, and the recovery of some gas exchange parameters lagged to that of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Under low light, the lower the temperature, the more damage the photosynthesis apparatus suffered, and the lesser tolerance to low light the cucumber leaves had in their photosynthesis. During the low temperature and low light treatment period, the decrease of Pn, phi(PS II), and q(p) was more obvious for Jinyan 2 than for Deltastar; and during the relief period, the recovery of these parameters was slower for Jinyan 2 than for Deltastar. It was indicated that Jinyan 2 had weaker tolerance to low temperature and/or low light in its photosynthesis than Deltastar.

Magnetic field alignment of coil-coil diblock copolymers and blends via intrinsic chain anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rokhlenko, Yekaterina; Majewski, Pawel; Larson, Steven; Yager, Kevin; Gopalan, Padma; Avgeropoulos, Apostolos; Chan, Edwin; Osuji, Chinedum

Magnetic fields can control alignment of self-assembled soft materials such as block copolymers provided there is a suitably large magnetic susceptibility anisotropy present in the system. Recent results have highlighted the existence of a non-trivial intrinsic anisotropy in coil-coil diblock copolymers, specifically in lamellar-forming PS-b-P4VP, which enables alignment at field strengths of a few tesla in systems lacking mesogenic components. Alignment is predicated on correlation in the orientation of end-end vectors implied by the localization of block junctions at the microdomain interface and is observed on cooling across the order-disorder transition in the presence of the field. For appropriate combinations of field strength and grain size, we can leverage intrinsic chain anisotropy to magnetically direct self-assembly of many non-mesogenic systems, including other coil-coil BCPs like PS-b-PDMS and PS-b-PMMA, blends of BCPs of disparate morphologies and MWs, and blends of BCPs with homopolymers. This is noteworthy as blends of PS-b-P4VP with PEO provide a route to form functional materials such as nanoporous films by dissolution of PEO, or aligned ion conduction materials. We survey these various systems using TEM and in-situ X-ray scattering to study the phase behavior and temperature-, time- and field- dependent dynamics of alignment.

Development of multifunctional optical coherence tomography and application to mouse myocardial infarction model in vivo (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Sun-Joo; Park, Taejin; Shin, Inho; Park, Hyun Sang; Shin, Paul; Oh, Wang-Yuhl

2016-02-01

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a useful imaging method for in vivo tissue imaging with deep penetration and high spatial resolution. However, imaging of the beating mouse heart is still challenging due to limited temporal resolution or penetration depth. Here, we demonstrate a multifunctional OCT system for a beating mouse heart, providing various types of visual information about heart pathophysiology with high spatiotemporal resolution and deep tissue imaging. Angiographic imaging and polarization-sensitive (PS) imaging were implemented with the electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered beam scanning scheme on the high-speed OCT platform (A-line rate: 240 kHz). Depth-resolved local birefringence and the local orientation of the mouse myocardial fiber were visualized from the PS-OCT. ECG-triggered angiographic OCT (AOCT) with the custom-built motion stabilization imaging window provided myocardial vasculature of a beating mouse heart. Mice underwent coronary artery ligation to derive myocardial infarction (MI) and were imaged with the multifunctional OCT system at multiple time points. AOCT and PS-OCT visualize change of functionality of coronary vessels and myocardium respectively at different phases (acute and chronic) of MI in an ischemic mouse heart. Taken together, the integrated imaging of PS-OCT and AOCT would play an important role in study of MI providing multi-dimensional information of the ischemic mouse heart in vivo.

Biomimetic light-harvesting funnels for re-directioning of diffuse light.

PubMed

Pieper, Alexander; Hohgardt, Manuel; Willich, Maximilian; Gacek, Daniel Alexander; Hafi, Nour; Pfennig, Dominik; Albrecht, Andreas; Walla, Peter Jomo

2018-02-14

Efficient sunlight harvesting and re-directioning onto small areas has great potential for more widespread use of precious high-performance photovoltaics but so far intrinsic solar concentrator loss mechanisms outweighed the benefits. Here we present an antenna concept allowing high light absorption without high reabsorption or escape-cone losses. An excess of randomly oriented pigments collects light from any direction and funnels the energy to individual acceptors all having identical orientations and emitting ~90% of photons into angles suitable for total internal reflection waveguiding to desired energy converters (funneling diffuse-light re-directioning, FunDiLight). This is achieved using distinct molecules that align efficiently within stretched polymers together with others staying randomly orientated. Emission quantum efficiencies can be >80% and single-foil reabsorption <0.5%. Efficient donor-pool energy funneling, dipole re-orientation, and ~1.5-2 nm nearest donor-acceptor transfer occurs within hundreds to ~20 ps. Single-molecule 3D-polarization experiments confirm nearly parallel emitters. Stacked pigment selection may allow coverage of the entire solar spectrum.

Conjunctions of colour, luminance and orientation: the role of colour and luminance contrast on saliency and proximity grouping in texture segregation.

PubMed

Leonards, U; Singer, W

2000-01-01

To examine whether perceptual grouping on the basis of orientation can be performed simultaneously with or only subsequently to grouping according to colour or luminance, we tested whether subjects are able to segregate arrays of texture elements that differ from surrounding elements by conjunctions of either (i) colour and orientation, or (ii) luminance contrast and orientation, or (iii) luminance contrast polarity and orientation. Subjects were able to use conjunctions between luminance and orientation for segregation but not conjunctions between colour or contrast polarity and orientation. Our results suggest that (i) in agreement with earlier findings, there seem to exist no specific conjunction detectors for colour and orientation or contrast polarity and orientation, and (ii) when orientation defined textures are to be distinguished by virtue of differences in luminance, colour, or contrast polarity, luminance provides a much stronger cue than colour or contrast polarity for saliency-based orientation grouping.

Comparison of Sonar Discrimination by an Echolocating Dolphin and a Counterpropagation Neural Network

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

having a Roitblat et al. (1989) used a counterpropaga- half-power width of 264 ps. A width of 264 ps was tion network to emulate a d6lphin performing a...46- iis sfo M ) t ( ,, -oore. P.U S., Roitblat , HL., Penner, RN., and 0 44 0+ 0; 0 00 -06 -04 4)2 Nachtl lli, P,, (11191). Neural Networks 4, 11t1 J...wAtt tHIC5NtG:5tttlt~tN WmmI Roitblat , H L , Monte, P.W.I-, Nachtlgall. P It.i ~ Penner, •,H_, and Au. V.W.L (1949), Intern D i~tiby +---- Wig 1

The role of ultraviolet-adaptation of a marine diatom in photoenhanced toxicity of acridine.

PubMed

Wiegman, Saskia; Barranguet, Christiane; Spijkerman, Elly; Kraak, Michiel Harm Steven; Admiraal, Wim

2003-03-01

Cultures of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum were grown under laboratory light with a different fraction of ultraviolet radiation (UV) to study the potential role of photoadaptation in determining the sensitivity to photoenhanced toxicity of acridine. In short-term experiments, a higher acridine concentration was needed to inhibit the photosynthetic electron flux, monitored with chlorophyll a fluorescence, in algae exposed to fluorescent light (low UV) than to mercury light (high UV), consistent with the expected role of UV. The two types of light in long-term exposures led to changes in the pigment composition and photosystem I (PS I) to photosystem II (PS II) stoichiometry to optimize the utilization of fluorescent and mercury light. Despite the adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus to a small fraction of UV, long-term exposure to mercury light did show a constant sensitivity of the photosynthetic efficiency of P. tricornutum to the phototoxic acridine. It is concluded that the prime receptor of photoenhanced toxicity may be unrelated to the photosynthetic machinery.

Utilization of xylose as a carbon source for mixotrophic growth of Scenedesmus obliquus.

PubMed

Yang, Suling; Liu, Guijun; Meng, Youting; Wang, Ping; Zhou, Sijing; Shang, Hongzhong

2014-11-01

Mixotrophic cultivation is one potential mode for microalgae production, and an economically acceptable and environmentally sustainable organic carbon source is essential. The potential use of xylose for culturing Scenedesmus obliquus in a mixotrophic mode and physiological features of xylose-grown S. obliquus were studied. S. obliquus had a certain xylose tolerance, and was capable of utilizing xylose for growth. At a xylose concentration of 4gL(-1), the maximal cell density was 2.2gL(-1), being 2.9-fold of that under photoautotrophic condition and arriving to the level of mixotrophic growth using 4gL(-1) glucose. No changes in cellular morphology of the cells grown with or without xylose were detected. Fluorescence emission from photosystem II (PS II) relative to photosystem I (PS I) was decreased in mixotrophic cells, implying that the PSII activity was decreased. The biomass lipid content was enhanced and carbohydrate concentration was decreased, in relation to photoautotrophic controls. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Small particle size lipid emulsions, satiety and energy intake in lean men.

PubMed

Chan, Y K; Budgett, S C; MacGibbon, A K; Quek, S Y; Kindleysides, S; Poppitt, S D

2017-02-01

Lipid emulsions have been proposed to suppress hunger and food intake. Whilst there is no consensus on optimal structural properties or mechanism of action, small particle size (small-PS) stable emulsions may have greatest efficacy. Fabuless®, a commercial lipid emulsion reported in some studies to decrease energy intake (EI), is a small-PS, 'hard' fat emulsion comprising highly saturated palm oil base (PS, 82nm). To determine whether small-PS dairy lipid emulsions can enhance satiety, firstly, we investigated 2 'soft' fat dairy emulsions generated using dairy and soy emulsifying agents (PS, 114nm and 121nm) and a non-emulsified dairy control. Secondly, we investigated a small-PS palmolein based 'hard' fat emulsion (fractionated palm oil, PS, 104nm) and non-emulsified control. This was a 6 arm, randomized, cross-over study in 18 lean men, with test lipids delivered in a breakfast meal: (i) Fabuless® emulsion (F EM ); (ii) dairy emulsion with dairy emulsifier (DE DE ); (iii) dairy emulsion with soy lecithin emulsifier (DE SE ); (iv) dairy control (DC ON ); (v) palmolein emulsion with dairy emulsifier (PE DE ); (vi) palmolein control (PC ON ). Participants rated postprandial appetite sensations using visual analogue scales (VAS), and ad libitum energy intake (EI) was measured at a lunch meal 3.5h later. Dairy lipid emulsions did not significantly alter satiety ratings or change EI relative to dairy control (DE DE , 4035kJ; DE SE , 3904kJ; DC ON , 3985kJ; P>0.05) nor did palm oil based emulsion relative to non-emulsified control (PE DE, 3902 kJ; PC ON, 3973kJ; P>0.05). There was no evidence that small-PS dairy lipid emulsions or commercial Fabuless altered short-term appetite or food intake in lean adults. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Removing user fees for health services: A multi-epistemological perspective on access inequities in Senegal.

PubMed

Mladovsky, Philipa; Ba, Maymouna

2017-09-01

Plan Sésame (PS) is a user fee exemption policy launched in 2006 to provide free access to health services to Senegalese citizens aged 60 and over. Analysis of a large household survey evaluating PS echoes findings of other studies showing that user fee removal can be highly inequitable. 34 semi-structured interviews and 19 focus group discussions with people aged 60 and over were conducted in four regions in Senegal (Dakar, Diourbel, Matam and Tambacounda) over a period of six months during 2012. They were analysed to identify underlying causes of exclusion from/inclusion in PS and triangulated with the household survey. The results point to three steps at which exclusion occurs: (i) not being informed about PS; (ii) not perceiving a need to use health services under PS; and (iii) inability to access health services under PS, despite having the information and perceived need. We identify lay explanations for exclusion at these different steps. Some lay explanations point to social exclusion, defined as unequal power relations. For example, poor access to PS was seen to be caused by corruption, patronage, poverty, lack of social support, internalised discrimination and adverse incorporation. Other lay explanations do not point to social exclusion, for example: poor implementation; inadequate funding; high population demand; incompetent bureaucracy; and PS as a favour or moral obligation to friends or family. Within a critical realist paradigm, we interpret these lay explanations as empirical evidence for the presence of the following hidden underlying causal mechanisms: lacking capabilities; mobilisation of institutional bias; and social closure. However, social constructionist perspectives lead us to critique this paradigm by drawing attention to contested health, wellbeing and corruption discourses. These differences in interpretation lead to subsequent differential policy recommendations. This demonstrates the need for the adoption of a "multi-epistemological" perspective in studies of health inequity and social exclusion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association between cell-derived microparticles and adverse events in patients with nonpulsatile left ventricular assist devices.

PubMed

Nascimbene, Angelo; Hernandez, Ruben; George, Joggy K; Parker, Anita; Bergeron, Angela L; Pradhan, Subhashree; Vijayan, K Vinod; Civitello, Andrew; Simpson, Leo; Nawrot, Maria; Lee, Vei-Vei; Mallidi, Hari R; Delgado, Reynolds M; Dong, Jing Fei; Frazier, O H

2014-05-01

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) expose blood cells to high shear stress, potentially resulting in the production of microparticles that express phosphatidylserine (PS+) and promote coagulation and inflammation. In this prospective study, we attempted to determine whether PS+ microparticle levels correlate with clinical outcomes in LVAD-supported patients. We enrolled 20 patients undergoing implantation of the HeartMate II LVAD (Thoratec Corp, Pleasanton, CA) and 10 healthy controls who provided reference values for the microparticle assays. Plasma was collected before LVAD implantation, at discharge, at the 3-month follow-up, and when an adverse clinical event occurred. We quantified PS+ microparticles in the plasma using flow cytometry. During the study period, 8 patients developed adverse clinical events: ventricular tachycardia storm in 1, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 2, arterial thrombosis in 2, gastrointestinal bleeding in 2, and stroke in 3. Levels of PS+ microparticles were higher in patients at baseline than in healthy controls (2.11% ± 1.26% vs 0.69% ± 0.46%, p = 0.007). After LVAD implantation, patient PS+ microparticle levels increased to 2.39% ± 1.22% at discharge and then leveled to 1.97% ± 1.25% at the 3-month follow-up. Importantly, levels of PS+ microparticles were significantly higher in patients who developed an adverse event than in patients with no events (3.82% ± 1.17% vs 1.57% ± 0.59%, p < 0.001), even though the 2 patient groups did not markedly differ in other clinical and hematologic parameters. Our results suggest that an elevation of PS+ microparticle levels may be associated with adverse clinical events. Thus, measuring PS+ microparticle levels in LVAD-supported patients may help identify patients at increased risk for adverse events. Copyright © 2014 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

psRNATarget: a plant small RNA target analysis server (2017 release).

PubMed

Dai, Xinbin; Zhuang, Zhaohong; Zhao, Patrick Xuechun

2018-04-30

Plant regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs), which include most microRNAs (miRNAs) and a subset of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), such as the phased siRNAs (phasiRNAs), play important roles in regulating gene expression. Although generated from genetically distinct biogenesis pathways, these regulatory sRNAs share the same mechanisms for post-translational gene silencing and translational inhibition. psRNATarget was developed to identify plant sRNA targets by (i) analyzing complementary matching between the sRNA sequence and target mRNA sequence using a predefined scoring schema and (ii) by evaluating target site accessibility. This update enhances its analytical performance by developing a new scoring schema that is capable of discovering miRNA-mRNA interactions at higher 'recall rates' without significantly increasing total prediction output. The scoring procedure is customizable for the users to search both canonical and non-canonical targets. This update also enables transmitting and analyzing 'big' data empowered by (a) the implementation of multi-threading chunked file uploading, which can be paused and resumed, using HTML5 APIs and (b) the allocation of significantly more computing nodes to its back-end Linux cluster. The updated psRNATarget server has clear, compelling and user-friendly interfaces that enhance user experiences and present data clearly and concisely. The psRNATarget is freely available at http://plantgrn.noble.org/psRNATarget/.

Depletion of abundant plant RuBisCO protein using the protamine sulfate precipitation method.

PubMed

Kim, Yu Ji; Lee, Hye Min; Wang, Yiming; Wu, Jingni; Kim, Sang Gon; Kang, Kyu Young; Park, Ki Hun; Kim, Yong Chul; Choi, In Soo; Agrawal, Ganesh Kumar; Rakwal, Randeep; Kim, Sun Tae

2013-07-01

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the most abundant plant leaf protein, hampering deep analysis of the leaf proteome. Here, we describe a novel protamine sulfate precipitation (PSP) method for the depletion of RuBisCO. For this purpose, soybean leaf total proteins were extracted using Tris-Mg/NP-40 extraction buffer. Obtained clear supernatant was subjected to the PSP method, followed by 13% SDS-PAGE analysis of total, PS-supernatant and -precipitation derived protein samples. In a dose-dependent experiment, 0.1% w/v PS was found to be sufficient for precipitating RuBisCO large and small subunits (LSU and SSU). Western blot analysis confirmed no detection of RuBisCO LSU in the PS-supernatant proteins. Application of this method to Arabidopsis, rice, and maize leaf proteins revealed results similar to soybean. Furthermore, 2DE analyses of PS-treated soybean leaf displayed enriched protein profile for the protein sample derived from the PS-supernatant than total proteins. Some enriched 2D spots were subjected to MALDI-TOF-TOF analysis and were successfully assigned for their protein identity. Hence, the PSP method is: (i) simple, fast, economical, and reproducible for RuBisCO precipitation from the plant leaf sample; (ii) applicable to both dicot and monocot plants; and (iii) suitable for downstream proteomics analysis. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Studies of Second Order Optical Nonlinearities of 4-Aminobenzophenone (ABP) Single Crystal Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowmik, Achintya; Thakur, Mrinal

1998-03-01

Specific organic materials exhibit very high second order optical susceptibilities. Growth of single crystal films of these materials and characterization of nonlinear optical properties are necessary for implementation of device applications. We have grown large-area films ( 1 cm^2 area, 4 μm thick) of ABP by a modification of the shear method. Single crystal nature of the films was confirmed by polarized optical microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a [100] surface orientation. The absorption spectra revealed transparency from 390 nm to 1940 nm. Significant elements of the second order optical susceptibility tensor were measured by detailed SHG experiments using a Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 100 ps, 82 MHz). Second-harmonic power was measured using lock-in detection with carefully selected polarization conditions while the film was rotated about the propagation direction. Using LiNbØas the reference, d-coefficients of ABP were found to be d_23=7.2 pm/V and d_22=0.7 pm/V. Type-I and type-II phase-matching directions were identified on the film by analyzing the optical indicatrix surfaces at fundamental and second-harmonic frequencies.

Single crystal X- and Q-band EPR spectroscopy of a binuclear Mn(2)(III,IV) complex relevant to the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II.

PubMed

Yano, Junko; Sauer, Kenneth; Girerd, Jean-Jacques; Yachandra, Vittal K

2004-06-23

The anisotropic g and hyperfine tensors of the Mn di-micro-oxo complex, [Mn(2)(III,IV)O(2)(phen)(4)](PF(6))(3).CH(3)CN, were derived by single-crystal EPR measurements at X- and Q-band frequencies. This is the first simulation of EPR parameters from single-crystal EPR spectra for multinuclear Mn complexes, which are of importance in several metalloenzymes; one of them is the oxygen-evolving complex in photosystem II (PS II). Single-crystal [Mn(2)(III,IV)O(2)(phen)(4)](PF(6))(3).CH(3)CN EPR spectra showed distinct resolved (55)Mn hyperfine lines in all crystal orientations, unlike single-crystal EPR spectra of other Mn(2)(III,IV) di-micro-oxo bridged complexes. We measured the EPR spectra in the crystal ab- and bc-planes, and from these spectra we obtained the EPR spectra of the complex along the unique a-, b-, and c-axes of the crystal. The crystal orientation was determined by X-ray diffraction and single-crystal EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) measurements. In this complex, the three crystallographic axes, a, b, and c, are parallel or nearly parallel to the principal molecular axes of Mn(2)(III,IV)O(2)(phen)(4) as shown in the crystallographic data by Stebler et al. (Inorg. Chem. 1986, 25, 4743). This direct relation together with the resolved hyperfine lines significantly simplified the simulation of single-crystal spectra in the three principal directions due to the reduction of free parameters and, thus, allowed us to define the magnetic g and A tensors of the molecule with a high degree of reliability. These parameters were subsequently used to generate the solution EPR spectra at both X- and Q-bands with excellent agreement. The anisotropic g and hyperfine tensors determined by the simulation of the X- and Q-band single-crystal and solution EPR spectra are as follows: g(x) = 1.9887, g(y) = 1.9957, g(z) = 1.9775, and hyperfine coupling constants are A(III)(x) = |171| G, A(III)(y) = |176| G, A(III)(z) = |129| G, A(IV)(x) = |77| G, A(IV)(y) = |74| G, A(IV)(z) = |80| G.

Use of Flood Seasonality in Pooling-Group Formation and Quantile Estimation: An Application in Great Britain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Formetta, Giuseppe; Bell, Victoria; Stewart, Elizabeth

2018-02-01

Regional flood frequency analysis is one of the most commonly applied methods for estimating extreme flood events at ungauged sites or locations with short measurement records. It is based on: (i) the definition of a homogeneous group (pooling-group) of catchments, and on (ii) the use of the pooling-group data to estimate flood quantiles. Although many methods to define a pooling-group (pooling schemes, PS) are based on catchment physiographic similarity measures, in the last decade methods based on flood seasonality similarity have been contemplated. In this paper, two seasonality-based PS are proposed and tested both in terms of the homogeneity of the pooling-groups they generate and in terms of the accuracy in estimating extreme flood events. The method has been applied in 420 catchments in Great Britain (considered as both gauged and ungauged) and compared against the current Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) PS. Results for gauged sites show that, compared to the current PS, the seasonality-based PS performs better both in terms of homogeneity of the pooling-group and in terms of the accuracy of flood quantile estimates. For ungauged locations, a national-scale hydrological model has been used for the first time to quantify flood seasonality. Results show that in 75% of the tested locations the seasonality-based PS provides an improvement in the accuracy of the flood quantile estimates. The remaining 25% were located in highly urbanized, groundwater-dependent catchments. The promising results support the aspiration that large-scale hydrological models complement traditional methods for estimating design floods.

Pectoralis-serratus interfascial plane block vs thoracic paravertebral block for unilateral radical mastectomy with axillary evacuation.

PubMed

Hetta, Diab Fuad; Rezk, Khalid Mohammed

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of pectoralis-serratus interfascial plane block in comparison with thoracic paravertebral block for postmastectomy pain. A prospective randomized controlled study. Tertiary center, university hospital. Sixty-four adult women, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes I, II, and III, scheduled for unilateral modified radical mastectomy with axillary evacuation. Patients were randomized to receive either pectoralis-serratus interfascial plane block, PS group (n=32), or thoracic paravertebral block, PV group (n=32). Twenty-four-hour morphine consumption and the time to rescue analgesic were recorded. The pain intensity evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) score at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24hours postoperatively was also recorded. The median (interquartile range) postoperative 24-hour morphine consumption was significantly increased in PS group in comparison to PV group (PS vs PV), 20 mg (16-23 mg) vs 12 mg (10-14 mg) (P<.001). The median postoperative time to first analgesic request was significantly shorter in PS group compared to PV group (PS, 6 hours [5-7 hours], vs PV, 11 hours [9-13 hours]) (P<.001). The intensity of pain was low in both groups in VAS 0, 2, and 4hours postoperatively. However, there was significant reduction in VAS in PV group compared to PS group at 8, 16, and 24hours postoperatively. Pectoralis-serratus interfascial plane block was safe and easy to perform and decreased intensity of postmastectomy pain, but it was inferior to thoracic paravertebral block. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography measurements with different phase modulation amplitude when using continuous polarization modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zenghai; Kasaragod, Deepa K.; Matcher, Stephen J.

2012-01-01

We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the phase retardance and relative optic-axis orientation of a sample can be calculated without prior knowledge of the actual value of the phase modulation amplitude when using a polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system based on continuous polarization modulation (CPM-PS-OCT). We also demonstrate that the sample Jones matrix can be calculated at any values of the phase modulation amplitude in a reasonable range depending on the system effective signal-to-noise ratio. This has fundamental importance for the development of clinical systems by simplifying the polarization modulator drive instrumentation and eliminating its calibration procedure. This was validated on measurements of a three-quarter waveplate and an equine tendon sample by a fiber-based swept-source CPM-PS-OCT system.

Tailoring uniform gold nanoparticle arrays and nanoporous films for next-generation optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farid, Sidra; Kuljic, Rade; Poduri, Shripriya; Dutta, Mitra; Darling, Seth B.

2018-06-01

High-density arrays of gold nanodots and nanoholes on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass surfaces are fabricated using a nanoporous template fabricated by the self-assembly of diblock copolymers of poly (styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) structures. By balancing the interfacial interactions between the polymer blocks and the substrate using random copolymer, cylindrical block copolymer microdomains oriented perpendicular to the plane of the substrate have been obtained. Nanoporous PS films are created by selectively etching PMMA cylinders, a straightforward route to form highly ordered nanoscale porous films. Deposition of gold on the template followed by lift off and sonication leaves a highly dense array of gold nanodots. These materials can serve as templates for the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of semiconductor nanorod arrays for next generation hybrid optoelectronic applications.

Treatment of Grade II and III Actinic Keratosis Lesions with a Film-Forming Medical Device Containing Sunscreen/Piroxicam 0.8% and a Retinoic Acid/Glycolic Gel: A Pilot Trial.

PubMed

Puviani, Mario; Milani, Massimo

2018-05-31

Lesion and field-targeted treatments of actinic keratosis (AK) are commonly indicated for grade I and II type lesions. Grade III lesions are in general more difficult to treat. A film-forming medical device containing piroxicam 0.8% and sunscreen (SPF 50+) (PS) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of grade I and II AK lesions. Topical and oral retinoids have been utilized in AK and non-melanoma skin cancers. Topical glycolic acid promotes keratolysis and stimulates collagen synthesis for repair and skin rejuvenation and could be useful in AK treatment strategies. A gel containing retinoid acid (0.02%) and glycolic acid (4%) (RC) is commercially available. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and local tolerability of a combined treatment approach with PS and RC in subjects with multiple grade II and III AK lesions. Twenty-two subjects (16 males and 6 females; mean age 68 years) with more than five AK lesions were enrolled after obtaining their informed consent in a 3-month trial. PS cream was applied twice daily every day and RC gel was applied twice daily for 2 consecutive days every week. The primary endpoint was the evolution of the AK mean number from baseline to the end of the trial. Secondary endpoints were the thickness of the target lesion (expressed in mm 3 ) and the erythema score (hemoglobin content), evaluated using a standardized computer-based image acquisition analysis system (Anthera 3D). At baseline, the mean (SD) lesion number was 7.7 (3) for grade II and 1.4 (1) for grade III AK. At the end of the study, a significant (P = 0.001) reduction was observed for both grade II (- 81%; from 7.7 to 1.5) and grade III (- 22%) lesions. Six grade III lesions out of 31 (20%), presented at baseline, completely disappeared at month 3. For grade III lesions, a significant mean thickness reduction of 51% was observed at month 3. The erythema score (all lesions) was reduced by 70%. Four patients out of 22 (18%) were completely free of AK lesions at month 3. No severe side effects were reported. In this exploratory trial, a combined treatment with a cream containing piroxicam and sunscreen and a retinoic/glycolic gel was associated with a substantial reduction of both grade II and III AK lesions with good local tolerability. Cantabria Labs Difa Cooper.

Ketones prevent synaptic dysfunction induced by mitochondrial respiratory complex inhibitors

PubMed Central

Kim, Do Young; Vallejo, Johana; Rho, Jong M

2010-01-01

Abstract Ketones have previously shown beneficial effects in models of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly against associated mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive impairment. However, evidence of a synaptic protective effect of ketones remains lacking. We tested the effects of ketones on synaptic impairment induced by mitochondrial respiratory complex (MRC) inhibitors using electrophysiological, reactive oxygen species (ROS) imaging and biochemical techniques. MRC inhibitors dose-dependently suppressed both population spike (PS) and field potential amplitudes in the CA1 hippocampus. Pre-treatment with ketones strongly prevented changes in the PS, whereas partial protection was seen in the field potential. Rotenone (Rot; 100 nmol/L), a MRC I inhibitor, suppressed synaptic function without altering ROS levels and PS depression by Rot was unaffected by antioxidants. In contrast, antioxidant-induced PS recovery against the MRC II inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP; 1 mmol/L) was similar to the synaptic protective effects of ketones. Ketones also suppressed ROS generation induced by 3-NP. Finally, ketones reversed the decreases in ATP levels caused by Rot and 3-NP. In summary, our data demonstrate that ketones can preserve synaptic function in CA1 hippocampus induced by MRC dysfunction, likely through an antioxidant action and enhanced ATP generation. PMID:20374433

In vitro kinematic measurements of the patellar tendon in two different types of posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasties.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhonglin; Ding, Hui; Dang, Xiao; Tang, Jing; Zhou, Yixin; Wang, Guangzhi

2010-01-01

Fixed-bearing posterior-stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been used in Asian countries for several years, but few studies have investigated differences in the kinematic properties of the patellar tendon after standard PS TKA as compared to high-flex PS TKA. To quantify the in vitro three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of the patellar tendon during passive high flexion and full extension before and after two different types of PS TKAs. Six fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested under the following conditions: the unaltered state, status-post traditional PS prostheses (Simth-nephew GENESIS II) replacement, and status-post high-flexion PS prostheses replacement. The soft tissue around the knee and the quadriceps muscle were preserved, then tested under the load of a specific weight in an Oxford knee rig. We designed a specialized rigid body with four active markers fixed to each bone to track the 3D passive motion of the cadaveric knees. Flexion and extension was controlled by the knee rig and captured by an Optotrak Certus high precision optical tracking system. The attachment sites of the patellar tendon were registered as virtual markers to calculate the 3D kinematics. The patellar tendon of the unaltered knee and both TKA knees showed similar deformation. We found the length of the patellar tendon changed significantly during a motion from full extension to 30°, but there was no significant change in length while undergoing a motion from 30° to full flexion. Both the sagittal plane and coronal plane angles of the patellar tendon decreased after PS TKAs. There was no significant difference in patellar tendon kinematics between the two types of PS TKAs. We believe the changes observed in the sagittal plane and coronal plane angles of the patellar tendon after PS TKAs may influence the extensor mechanism and be an important cause of patella-femoral complications. These data may be used to assess patella-femoral complications after surgery so as to improve the design of high-flexion TKAs for Asians and achieve long-term stability.

Size-dependent accumulation of particles in lysosomes modulates dendritic cell function through impaired antigen degradation

PubMed Central

Seydoux, Emilie; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara; Nita, Izabela M; Balog, Sandor; Gazdhar, Amiq; Stumbles, Philip A; Petri-Fink, Alke; Blank, Fabian; von Garnier, Christophe

2014-01-01

Introduction Nanosized particles may enable therapeutic modulation of immune responses by targeting dendritic cell (DC) networks in accessible organs such as the lung. To date, however, the effects of nanoparticles on DC function and downstream immune responses remain poorly understood. Methods Bone marrow–derived DCs (BMDCs) were exposed in vitro to 20 or 1,000 nm polystyrene (PS) particles. Particle uptake kinetics, cell surface marker expression, soluble protein antigen uptake and degradation, as well as in vitro CD4+ T-cell proliferation and cytokine production were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, co-localization of particles within the lysosomal compartment, lysosomal permeability, and endoplasmic reticulum stress were analyzed. Results The frequency of PS particle–positive CD11c+/CD11b+ BMDCs reached an early plateau after 20 minutes and was significantly higher for 20 nm than for 1,000 nm PS particles at all time-points analyzed. PS particles did not alter cell viability or modify expression of the surface markers CD11b, CD11c, MHC class II, CD40, and CD86. Although particle exposure did not modulate antigen uptake, 20 nm PS particles decreased the capacity of BMDCs to degrade soluble antigen, without affecting their ability to induce antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell proliferation. Co-localization studies between PS particles and lysosomes using laser scanning confocal microscopy detected a significantly higher frequency of co-localized 20 nm particles as compared with their 1,000 nm counterparts. Neither size of PS particle caused lysosomal leakage, expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress gene markers, or changes in cytokines profiles. Conclusion These data indicate that although supposedly inert PS nanoparticles did not induce DC activation or alteration in CD4+ T-cell stimulating capacity, 20 nm (but not 1,000 nm) PS particles may reduce antigen degradation through interference in the lysosomal compartment. These findings emphasize the importance of performing in-depth analysis of DC function when developing novel approaches for immune modulation with nanoparticles. PMID:25152619

Self-motion magnitude estimation during linear oscillation - Changes with head orientation and following fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, D. E.; Wood, D. L.; Gulledge, W. L.; Goodrich, R. L.

1979-01-01

Two types of experiments concerning the estimated magnitude of self-motion during exposure to linear oscillation on a parallel swing are described in this paper. Experiment I examined changes in magnitude estimation as a function of variation of the subject's head orientation, and Experiments II a, II b, and II c assessed changes in magnitude estimation performance following exposure to sustained, 'intense' linear oscillation (fatigue-inducting stimulation). The subjects' performance was summarized employing Stevens' power law R = k x S to the nth, where R is perceived self-motion magnitude, k is a constant, S is amplitude of linear oscillation, and n is an exponent). The results of Experiment I indicated that the exponents, n, for the magnitude estimation functions varied with head orientation and were greatest when the head was oriented 135 deg off the vertical. In Experiments II a-c, the magnitude estimation function exponents were increased following fatigue. Both types of experiments suggest ways in which the vestibular system's contribution to a spatial orientation perceptual system may vary. This variability may be a contributing factor to the development of pilot/astronaut disorientation and may also be implicated in the occurrence of motion sickness.

Mindfulness, perceived stress, and subjective well-being: a correlational study in primary care health professionals.

PubMed

Atanes, Ana C M; Andreoni, Solange; Hirayama, Marcio S; Montero-Marin, Jesús; Barros, Viviam V; Ronzani, Telmo M; Kozasa, Eliza H; Soler, Joaquim; Cebolla, Ausiàs; Garcia-Campayo, Javier; Demarzo, Marcelo M P

2015-09-02

Primary health care professionals (PHPs) usually report high levels of distress and burnout symptoms related to job strain. Mindfulness, defined as non-judgmental-present-moment awareness, seems to be a moderator in the causal association between life stressors and well-being. This study aimed to verify correlations among self-reported mindfulness, perceived stress (PS), and subjective well-being (SW) in Brazilian PHPs. We performed a correlational cross-sectional study in a purposive sample of Brazilian PHPs (physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, and community health workers), working in community-oriented primary care programs (known locally as "Family Health Programs"). We used validated self-reporting instruments: the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWS). We performed a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), through regression coefficients (beta) in relation to the professional category (nursing assistant), in addition to the length of time in the same job (under than 6 months) that had indicated the lowest level of PS. Participants (n=450) comprised community health workers (65.8%), nursing assistants (18%), registered nurses (10.0%), and doctors (family physicians) (6.0%); 94% were female and 83.1% had worked in the same position for more than one year. MANOVA regression analysis showed differences across professional categories and length of time in the same job position in relation to mindfulness, PS, and SW. Nurses demonstrated lower levels of mindfulness, higher PS, and SW negative affect, as well as lower SW positive affect. Being at work for 1 year or longer showed a clear association with higher PS and lower SW positive affect, and no significance with mindfulness levels. Pearson's coefficient values indicated strong negative correlations between mindfulness and PS, and medium correlations between mindfulness and SW. In this study, there were clear correlations between mindfulness, PS, and SW across different primary care professional categories and time in the same job position, suggesting specific vulnerabilities that should be addressed through the development of staff awareness, stress prevention, and well-being interventions.

Simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements on cocrystals of syndiotactic polystyrene with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers.

PubMed

Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Seto, Naoki; Sato, Shuma; Radulescu, Aurel; Schiavone, Maria Maddalena; Allgaier, Jürgen; Ute, Koichi

2016-10-01

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) is a crystalline polymer which has a unique property; it is able to form cocrystals with a wide range of chemical compounds, in which the guest molecules are confined in the vacancies of the host sPS crystalline region. Recently, it has been found that even polyethylene glycol oligomers with a molecular weight of more than several hundreds can be introduced into the sPS crystalline region. It is quite important to know how such a long-chain molecule is stored in the host sPS lattice. To tackle this issue, a new simultaneous measurement method combing small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SANS/FTIR), which has been recently developed by the authors, was applied to an sPS cocrystal with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether with a molecular weight of 500 (PEGDME500). The temperature-dependent changes of the SANS profile and FTIR spectrum were followed from room temperature up to 413 K for a one-dimensionally oriented SANS/PEGDME500 cocrystal sample. The intensity of the reflections due to the stacking of crystalline lamellae showed a significant temperature dependence. The two-dimensional pattern in the high Q region of SANS also changed depending on temperature. The combined information obtained by SANS and FTIR suggested that PEGDME500 molecules are distributed in both the crystalline and amorphous regions in the low-temperature region close to room temperature, but they are predominantly included in the amorphous region in the high-temperature region. It was also suggested by the two-dimensional SANS profile that PEGDME500 molecules in the crystalline region have an elongated structure along the thickness direction of the crystalline lamellae.

Dynamics of a Room Temperature Ionic Liquid in Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes vs the Bulk Liquid: 2D IR and Polarized IR Pump-Probe Experiments.

PubMed

Shin, Jae Yoon; Yamada, Steven A; Fayer, Michael D

2017-01-11

Supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) are membranes that have ionic liquids impregnated in their pores. SILMs have been proposed for advanced carbon capture materials. Two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) and polarization selective IR pump-probe (PSPP) techniques were used to investigate the dynamics of reorientation and spectral diffusion of the linear triatomic anion, SeCN - , in poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes and room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EmimNTf 2 ). The dynamics in the bulk EmimNTf 2 were compared to its dynamics in the SILM samples. Two PES membranes, PES200 and PES30, have pores with average sizes, ∼300 nm and ∼100 nm, respectively. Despite the relatively large pore sizes, the measurements reveal that the reorientation of SeCN - and the RTIL structural fluctuations are substantially slower in the SILMs than in the bulk liquid. The complete orientational randomization, slows from 136 ps in the bulk to 513 ps in the PES30. 2D IR measurements yield three time scales for structural spectral diffusion (SSD), that is, the time evolution of the liquid structure. The slowest decay constant increases from 140 ps in the bulk to 504 ps in the PES200 and increases further to 1660 ps in the PES30. The results suggest that changes at the interface propagate out and influence the RTIL structural dynamics even more than a hundred nanometers from the polymer surface. The differences between the IL dynamics in the bulk and in the membranes suggest that studies of bulk RTIL properties may be poor guides to their use in SILMs in carbon capture applications.

The study of optical properties and proteoglycan content of tendons by PS-OCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ying; Rupani, Asha; Weightman, Alan; Wimpenny, Ian; Bagnaninchi, Pierre; Ahearne, Mark

2011-03-01

Tendons are load-bearing collagenous tissues consisting mainly of type I collagen and various proteoglycans (PGs) including decorin and versican. It is widely accepted that highly orientated collagen fibers in tendons a play critical role for transferring tensile stress and demonstrate birefringent optical properties. However, the influence that proteoglycans have on the optical properties of tendons is yet to be fully elucidated. Tendinopathy (defined as a syndrome of tendon pain, tenderness and swelling that affects the normal function of the tissue) is a common disease associated with sporting injuries or degeneration. PG's are the essential components of the tendon extracellular matrix; changes in their quantities and compositions have been associated with tendinopathy. In this study, polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) has been used to reveal the relationship between proteoglycan content/location and birefringent properties of tendons. Tendons dissected from freshly slaughtered chickens were imaged at regular intervals by PS-OCT and polarizing light microscope during the extraction of PGs or glycosaminoglycans using established protocols (guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) or proteinase K solution). The macroscopic and microscopic time lapsed images are complimentary; mutually demonstrating that there was a higher concentration of PG's in the outer sheath region than in the fascicles; and the integrity of the sheath affected extraction process and the OCT birefringence bands. Extraction of PGs using GuHCl disturbed the organization of local collagen bundles, which corresponded to a reduction in the frequency of birefringence bands and the band width by PS-OCT. The feature of OCT penetration depth helped us to define the heterogeneous distribution of PG's in tendon, which was complimented by polarizing light microscopy. The results provide new insight of tendon structure and also demonstrate a great potential for using PS-OCT as a diagnostic tool to examine tendon pathology.

Morphological Evolution of Gyroid-Forming Block Copolymer Thin Films with Varying Solvent Evaporation Rate.

PubMed

Wu, Yi-Hsiu; Lo, Ting-Ya; She, Ming-Shiuan; Ho, Rong-Ming

2015-08-05

In this study, we aim to examine the morphological evolution of block copolymer (BCP) nanostructured thin films through solvent evaporation at different rates for solvent swollen polystyrene-block-poly(l-lactide) (PS-PLLA). Interesting phase transitions from disorder to perpendicular cylinder and then gyroid can be found while using a partially selective solvent for PS to swell PS-PLLA thin film followed by solvent evaporation. During the transitions, gyroid-forming BCP thin film with characteristic crystallographic planes of (111)G, (110)G, and (211)G parallel to air surface can be observed, and will gradually transform into coexisting (110)G and (211)G planes, and finally transforms to (211)G plane due to the preferential segregation of constituted block to the surface (i.e., the thermodynamic origin for self-assembly) that affects the relative amount of each component at the air surface. With the decrease on the evaporation rate, the disorder phase will transform to parallel cylinder and then directly to (211)G without transition to perpendicular cylinder phase. Most importantly, the morphological evolution of PS-PLLA thin films is strongly dependent upon the solvent removal rate only in the initial stage of the evaporation process due to the anisotropy of cylinder structure. Once the morphology is transformed back to the isotropic gyroid structure after long evaporation, the morphological evolution will only relate to the variation of the surface composition. Similar phase transitions at the substrate can also be obtained by controlling the ratio of PLLA-OH to PS-OH homopolymers to functionalize the substrate. As a result, the fabrication of well-defined nanostructured thin films with controlled orientation can be achieved by simple swelling and deswelling with controlled evaporation rate.

Simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements on cocrystals of syndiotactic polystyrene with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers1

PubMed Central

Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Seto, Naoki; Sato, Shuma; Radulescu, Aurel; Schiavone, Maria Maddalena; Allgaier, Jürgen; Ute, Koichi

2016-01-01

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) is a crystalline polymer which has a unique property; it is able to form cocrystals with a wide range of chemical compounds, in which the guest molecules are confined in the vacancies of the host sPS crystalline region. Recently, it has been found that even polyethylene glycol oligomers with a molecular weight of more than several hundreds can be introduced into the sPS crystalline region. It is quite important to know how such a long-chain molecule is stored in the host sPS lattice. To tackle this issue, a new simultaneous measurement method combing small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SANS/FTIR), which has been recently developed by the authors, was applied to an sPS cocrystal with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether with a molecular weight of 500 (PEGDME500). The temperature-dependent changes of the SANS profile and FTIR spectrum were followed from room temperature up to 413 K for a one-dimensionally oriented SANS/PEGDME500 cocrystal sample. The intensity of the reflections due to the stacking of crystalline lamellae showed a significant temperature dependence. The two-dimensional pattern in the high Q region of SANS also changed depending on temperature. The combined information obtained by SANS and FTIR suggested that PEGDME500 molecules are distributed in both the crystalline and amorphous regions in the low-temperature region close to room temperature, but they are predominantly included in the amorphous region in the high-temperature region. It was also suggested by the two-dimensional SANS profile that PEGDME500 molecules in the crystalline region have an elongated structure along the thickness direction of the crystalline lamellae. PMID:27738412

Combination of ozonation and photocatalysis for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratnawati, Enjarlis, Slamet

2017-11-01

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phenol removal from pharmaceutical wastewater were investigated using configuration of two circulation batch reactors in a series with ozonation and photocatalytic processes. The ozonation is conducted with O3/granulated activated carbon (O3/GAC), whereas photocatalysis with TiO2 that immobilized on pumice stone (PS-TiO2). The effect of circulation flow rate (10; 12; 15 L/min) and the amount PS-TiO2 (200 g, 250 g, 300 g) were examined. Wastewater of 20 L was circulated pass through the pipe that injected with O3 by the ozone generator, and subsequently flow through two GAC columns, and finally, go through photoreactor that contains photocatalyst PS-TiO2 which equipped with mercury lamp as a photon source. At a time interval, COD and phenol concentration were measured to assess the performance of the process. FESEM imaging confirmed that TiO2 was successfully impregnated on PS, as corroborated by EDX spectra. Meanwhile, degradation process indicated that the combined ozonation and photocatalytic processes (O3/GAC-TiO2) is more efficient compared to the ozonation and photocatalysis alone. For combination process with the circulation flow rate of 10 L/min and 300 g of PS-TiO2,the influent COD of around 1000 ppm are effectively degraded to a final effluent COD of 290 ppm (71% removal) and initial phenol concentration of 4.75 ppm down to 0 ppm for 4 h which this condition fulfill the discharge standards quality. Therefore, this portable prototype reactor is effective that can be used in the pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. For the future, this process condition will be developed for orientation on the industrial applications (portable equipment) since pharmaceutical industries produce wastewater relatively in the small amount.

Blast Noise Prediction. Volume II. BNOISE 3.2 Computer Program Description and Program Listing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

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Pyrrolo-dC Metal-Mediated Base Pairs in the Reverse Watson-Crick Double Helix: Enhanced Stability of Parallel DNA and Impact of 6-Pyridinyl Residues on Fluorescence and Silver-Ion Binding.

PubMed

Yang, Haozhe; Mei, Hui; Seela, Frank

2015-07-06

Reverse Watson-Crick DNA with parallel-strand orientation (ps DNA) has been constructed. Pyrrolo-dC (PyrdC) nucleosides with phenyl and pyridinyl residues linked to the 6 position of the pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine base have been incorporated in 12- and 25-mer oligonucleotide duplexes and utilized as silver-ion binding sites. Thermal-stability studies on the parallel DNA strands demonstrated extremely strong silver-ion binding and strongly enhanced duplex stability. Stoichiometric UV and fluorescence titration experiments verified that a single (2py) PyrdC-(2py) PyrdC pair captures two silver ions in ps DNA. A structure for the PyrdC silver-ion base pair that aligns 7-deazapurine bases head-to-tail instead of head-to-head, as suggested for canonical DNA, is proposed. The silver DNA double helix represents the first example of a ps DNA structure built up of bidentate and tridentate reverse Watson-Crick base pairs stabilized by a dinuclear silver-mediated PyrdC pair. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Assessing Children's Homework Performance: Development of Multi-Dimensional, Multi-Informant Rating Scales.

PubMed

Power, Thomas J; Dombrowski, Stefan C; Watkins, Marley W; Mautone, Jennifer A; Eagle, John W

2007-06-01

Efforts to develop interventions to improve homework performance have been impeded by limitations in the measurement of homework performance. This study was conducted to develop rating scales for assessing homework performance among students in elementary and middle school. Items on the scales were intended to assess student strengths as well as deficits in homework performance. The sample included 163 students attending two school districts in the Northeast. Parents completed the 36-item Homework Performance Questionnaire - Parent Scale (HPQ-PS). Teachers completed the 22-item teacher scale (HPQ-TS) for each student for whom the HPQ-PS had been completed. A common factor analysis with principal axis extraction and promax rotation was used to analyze the findings. The results of the factor analysis of the HPQ-PS revealed three salient and meaningful factors: student task orientation/efficiency, student competence, and teacher support. The factor analysis of the HPQ-TS uncovered two salient and substantive factors: student responsibility and student competence. The findings of this study suggest that the HPQ is a promising set of measures for assessing student homework functioning and contextual factors that may influence performance. Directions for future research are presented.

Assessing Children’s Homework Performance: Development of Multi-Dimensional, Multi-Informant Rating Scales

PubMed Central

Power, Thomas J.; Dombrowski, Stefan C.; Watkins, Marley W.; Mautone, Jennifer A.; Eagle, John W.

2007-01-01

Efforts to develop interventions to improve homework performance have been impeded by limitations in the measurement of homework performance. This study was conducted to develop rating scales for assessing homework performance among students in elementary and middle school. Items on the scales were intended to assess student strengths as well as deficits in homework performance. The sample included 163 students attending two school districts in the Northeast. Parents completed the 36-item Homework Performance Questionnaire – Parent Scale (HPQ-PS). Teachers completed the 22-item teacher scale (HPQ-TS) for each student for whom the HPQ-PS had been completed. A common factor analysis with principal axis extraction and promax rotation was used to analyze the findings. The results of the factor analysis of the HPQ-PS revealed three salient and meaningful factors: student task orientation/efficiency, student competence, and teacher support. The factor analysis of the HPQ-TS uncovered two salient and substantive factors: student responsibility and student competence. The findings of this study suggest that the HPQ is a promising set of measures for assessing student homework functioning and contextual factors that may influence performance. Directions for future research are presented. PMID:18516211

Charge displacement in bacteriorhodopsin during the forward and reverse bR-K phototransition.

PubMed Central

Groma, G I; Hebling, J; Ludwig, C; Kuhl, J

1995-01-01

Dried oriented purple membrane samples of Halobacterium salinarium were excited by 150 fs laser pulses of 620 nm with a 7 kHz repetition rate. An unusual complex picosecond electric response signal consisting of a positive and a negative peak was detected by a sampling oscilloscope. The ratio of the two peaks was changed by 1) reducing the repetition rate, 2) varying the intensity of the excitation beam, and 3) applying background illumination by light of 647 nm or 511 nm. All of these features can be explained by the simultaneous excitation of the bacteriorhodopsin ground form and the K intermediate. The latter was populated by the (quasi)continuous excitation attributable to its prolonged lifetime in a dehydrated state. Least-square analysis resulted in a 5 ps upper and 2.5 ps lower limit for the time constant of the charge displacement process, corresponding to the forward reaction. That is in good agreement with the formation time of K. The charge separation driven by the reverse phototransition was faster, having a time constant of a 3.5 ps upper limit. The difference in the rates indicates the existence of different routes for the forward and the reverse photoreactions. PMID:8580349

Automatic registration of panoramic image sequence and mobile laser scanning data using semantic features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jianping; Yang, Bisheng; Chen, Chi; Huang, Ronggang; Dong, Zhen; Xiao, Wen

2018-02-01

Inaccurate exterior orientation parameters (EoPs) between sensors obtained by pre-calibration leads to failure of registration between panoramic image sequence and mobile laser scanning data. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an automatic registration method based on semantic features extracted from panoramic images and point clouds. Firstly, accurate rotation parameters between the panoramic camera and the laser scanner are estimated using GPS and IMU aided structure from motion (SfM). The initial EoPs of panoramic images are obtained at the same time. Secondly, vehicles in panoramic images are extracted by the Faster-RCNN as candidate primitives to be matched with potential corresponding primitives in point clouds according to the initial EoPs. Finally, translation between the panoramic camera and the laser scanner is refined by maximizing the overlapping area of corresponding primitive pairs based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), resulting in a finer registration between panoramic image sequences and point clouds. Two challenging urban scenes were experimented to assess the proposed method, and the final registration errors of these two scenes were both less than three pixels, which demonstrates a high level of automation, robustness and accuracy.

A Personal Appraisal of the MIBiol Courses in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, 1967-71

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayerst, G.; Gower, A. M.

1972-01-01

Article provides brief description of two microbiology courses at the college level which have multiple characteristics. Course I provides instruction based on papers in biology and in a special subject. Course II is devoted entirely to the special subject. (PS)

Japanese Americans During World War II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Irons, Peter; Masugi, Ken

1986-01-01

The arguments in favor of and against monetary redress for survivors of America's wartime internment camps are presented. Pro-redress arguments emphasize the injustices done the victims. Anti-redress arguments focus on the duties for citizenship and the reasonable actions politicians might have concluded were necessary to win the war. (PS)

Effects of Zn Deficiency and Bicarbonate on the Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics of Four Plant Species

PubMed Central

Zhao, Kuan; Wu, Yanyou

2017-01-01

Calcareous soils are characterized by low nutrient contents, high bicarbonate (HCO3−) content, and high alkalinity. The effects of HCO3− addition under zinc-sufficient (+Zn) and zinc-deficient (−Zn) conditions on the growth and photosynthetic characteristics of seedlings of two Moraceae species (Broussonetia papyrifera and Morus alba) and two Brassicaceae species (Orychophragmus violaceus and Brassica napus) were investigated. These four species were hydroponically grown in nutrient solution with 0 mM Zn (−Zn) or 0.02 mM Zn (+Zn) and 0 mM or 10 mM HCO3−. The photosynthetic response to HCO3− treatment, Zn deficiency, or both varied according to plant species. Of the four species, Broussonetia papyrifera showed the best adaptability to Zn deficiency for both the 0 mM and 10 mM HCO3− treatments due to its strong growth and minimal inhibition of photosynthesis and photosystem II (PS II). Brassica napus was sensitive to Zn deficiency, HCO3− treatment, or both as evidenced by the considerable inhibition of photosynthesis and high PS II activity. The results indicated different responses of various plant species to Zn deficiency and excess HCO3−. Broussonetia papyrifera was shown to have potential as a pioneer species in karst regions. PMID:28076430

Pathways of energy transfer in LHCII revealed by room-temperature 2D electronic spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wells, Kym L; Lambrev, Petar H; Zhang, Zhengyang; Garab, Gyözö; Tan, Howe-Siang

2014-06-21

We present here the first room-temperature 2D electronic spectroscopy study of energy transfer in the plant light-harvesting complex II, LHCII. Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy has been used to study energy transfer dynamics in LHCII trimers from the chlorophyll b Qy band to the chlorophyll a Qy band. Observing cross-peak regions corresponding to couplings between different excitonic states reveals partially resolved fine structure at the exciton level that cannot be isolated by pump-probe or linear spectroscopy measurements alone. Global analysis of the data has been performed to identify the pathways and time constants of energy transfer. The measured waiting time (Tw) dependent 2D spectra are found to be composed of 2D decay-associated spectra with three timescales (0.3 ps, 2.3 ps and >20 ps). Direct and multistep cascading pathways from the high-energy chlorophyll b states to the lowest-energy chlorophyll a states have been resolved occurring on time scales of hundreds of femtoseconds to picoseconds.

Dynamics and control of sister kinetochore behavior during the meiotic divisions in Drosophila spermatocytes

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Sister kinetochores are connected to the same spindle pole during meiosis I and to opposite poles during meiosis II. The molecular mechanisms controlling the distinct behavior of sister kinetochores during the two meiotic divisions are poorly understood. To study kinetochore behavior during meiosis, we have optimized time lapse imaging with Drosophila spermatocytes, enabling kinetochore tracking with high temporal and spatial resolution through both meiotic divisions. The correct bipolar orientation of chromosomes within the spindle proceeds rapidly during both divisions. Stable bi-orientation of the last chromosome is achieved within ten minutes after the onset of kinetochore-microtubule interactions. Our analyses of mnm and tef mutants, where univalents instead of bivalents are present during meiosis I, indicate that the high efficiency of normal bi-orientation depends on pronounced stabilization of kinetochore attachments to spindle microtubules by the mechanical tension generated by spindle forces upon bi-orientation. Except for occasional brief separation episodes, sister kinetochores are so closely associated that they cannot be resolved individually by light microscopy during meiosis I, interkinesis and at the start of meiosis II. Permanent evident separation of sister kinetochores during M II depends on spindle forces resulting from bi-orientation. In mnm and tef mutants, sister kinetochore separation can be observed already during meiosis I in bi-oriented univalents. Interestingly, however, this sister kinetochore separation is delayed until the metaphase to anaphase transition and depends on the Fzy/Cdc20 activator of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome. We propose that univalent bi-orientation in mnm and tef mutants exposes a release of sister kinetochore conjunction that occurs also during normal meiosis I in preparation for bi-orientation of dyads during meiosis II. PMID:29734336

Electron gun jitter effects on beam bunching

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

Liu, M. S.; Iqbal, M., E-mail: muniqbal.chep@pu.edu.pk; Centre for High Energy Physics, University of the Punjab, Lahore 45590

For routine operation of Beijing Electron Positron Collider II (BEPCII) linac, many factors may affect the beam bunching process directly or indirectly. We present the measurements and analyses of the gun timing jitter, gun high voltage jitter, and beam energy at the exit of the standard acceleration section of the linac quantitatively. Almost 80 mV and more than 200 ps of gun high voltage and time jitters have ever been measured, respectively. It was analyzed that the gun timing jitter produced severe effects on beam energy than the gun high voltage jitter, if the timing jitter exceeded 100 ps whichmore » eventually deteriorates both the beam performance and the injection rate to the storage ring.« less

Structure of the Los Angeles Basin from Ambient Noise and Receiver Function Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, R. W.; Ma, Y.; Cochran, E. S.

2015-12-01

We show the results from the LASSIE seismic experiment, which consists of a dense (1-km spacing) linear array of broadband stations deployed across the LA basin for approximately two months. Two common methods - ambient noise and receiver function (RF) - are applied to determine the velocity and structure of the basin. The basin RFs are complicated, however, the dense array enhances the lateral coherence of the signals and allows the structure to be imaged. The basement shape is clearly shown in the migrated image of the PpPs phase. The Ps conversion at the basement is the largest signal (including the direct wave) in the first 3 s. However, the Ps phase does not form as clear an image compared with the PpPs phase, possibly due to a requirement of more accurate velocity model. The surface wave signals from the ambient noise cross-correlations between LASSIE and surrounding SCSN stations are used for velocity inversion. A linear Dix-type inversion (Haney and Tsai, 2015, Geophysics) is applied to the extracted dispersion curves. The 1-10 s period Rayleigh wave and the 1-8 s period Love wave dispersion curves provide excellent constraints on top 5 km SV and top 3 km SH velocity structures respectively. Strong anisotropy (SV > SH) is observed for the top 1 km, and we plan to use this result to infer the fracture orientation and density of the shallow sedimentary rocks.

Observations of local interstellar Mg I and Mg II

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

Bruhweiler, F.C.; Oegerle, W.; Weiler, E.

1984-11-01

Copernicus and IUE observations of 5 stars within 50 pc of the Sun were combined to study the ionization of magnesium in the Local Interstellar Medium (LISM). The high resolution Copernicus spectrometer was used to detect interstellar MG I 2852 in the spectra of alpha Gru, alpha Eri, and alpha Lyr, while placing upper limits on Mg I in the spectra of alpha CMa and alpha PsA. Observations of Mg II 2795, 2802 for these stars were also obtained with IUE and Copernicus. The column densities of Mg I and Mg II are used to place constraints on the temperaturemore » of the LISM.« less

Observations of Local Interstellar Mg I and Mg II

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bruhweiler, F. C.; Oegerle, W.; Weiler, E.; Stencel, R. E.; Kondo, Y.

1984-01-01

Copernicus and IUE observations of 5 stars within 50 pc of the Sun were combined to study the ionization of magnesium in the local interstellar medium (LISM). The high resolution Copernicus spectrometer was used to detect interstellar MG I 2852 in the spectra of alpha Gru, alpha Eri, and alpha Lyr, while placing upper limits on Mg I in the spectra of alpha CMa and alpha PsA. Observations of Mg II 2795, 2802 for these stars were also obtained with IUE and Copernicus. The column densities of Mg I and Mg II are used to place constraints on the temperature of the LISM.

k-Nearest neighbour local linear prediction of scalp EEG activity during intermittent photic stimulation.

PubMed

Erla, Silvia; Faes, Luca; Tranquillini, Enzo; Orrico, Daniele; Nollo, Giandomenico

2011-05-01

The characterization of the EEG response to photic stimulation (PS) is an important issue with significant clinical relevance. This study aims to quantify and map the complexity of the EEG during PS, where complexity is measured as the degree of unpredictability resulting from local linear prediction. EEG activity was recorded with eyes closed (EC) and eyes open (EO) during resting and PS at 5, 10, and 15 Hz in a group of 30 healthy subjects and in a case-report of a patient suffering from cerebral ischemia. The mean squared prediction error (MSPE) resulting from k-nearest neighbour local linear prediction was calculated in each condition as an index of EEG unpredictability. The linear or nonlinear nature of the system underlying EEG activity was evaluated quantifying MSPE as a function of the neighbourhood size during local linear prediction, and by surrogate data analysis as well. Unpredictability maps were obtained for each subject interpolating MSPE values over a schematic head representation. Results on healthy subjects evidenced: (i) the prevalence of linear mechanisms in the generation of EEG dynamics, (ii) the lower predictability of EO EEG, (iii) the desynchronization of oscillatory mechanisms during PS leading to increased EEG complexity, (iv) the entrainment of alpha rhythm during EC obtained by 10 Hz PS, and (v) differences of EEG predictability among different scalp regions. Ischemic patient showed different MSPE values in healthy and damaged regions. The EEG predictability decreased moving from the early acute stage to a stage of partial recovery. These results suggest that nonlinear prediction can be a useful tool to characterize EEG dynamics during PS protocols, and may consequently constitute a complement of quantitative EEG analysis in clinical applications. Copyright © 2010 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

psRNATarget: a plant small RNA target analysis server

PubMed Central

Dai, Xinbin; Zhao, Patrick Xuechun

2011-01-01

Plant endogenous non-coding short small RNAs (20–24 nt), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and a subset of small interfering RNAs (ta-siRNAs), play important role in gene expression regulatory networks (GRNs). For example, many transcription factors and development-related genes have been reported as targets of these regulatory small RNAs. Although a number of miRNA target prediction algorithms and programs have been developed, most of them were designed for animal miRNAs which are significantly different from plant miRNAs in the target recognition process. These differences demand the development of separate plant miRNA (and ta-siRNA) target analysis tool(s). We present psRNATarget, a plant small RNA target analysis server, which features two important analysis functions: (i) reverse complementary matching between small RNA and target transcript using a proven scoring schema, and (ii) target-site accessibility evaluation by calculating unpaired energy (UPE) required to ‘open’ secondary structure around small RNA’s target site on mRNA. The psRNATarget incorporates recent discoveries in plant miRNA target recognition, e.g. it distinguishes translational and post-transcriptional inhibition, and it reports the number of small RNA/target site pairs that may affect small RNA binding activity to target transcript. The psRNATarget server is designed for high-throughput analysis of next-generation data with an efficient distributed computing back-end pipeline that runs on a Linux cluster. The server front-end integrates three simplified user-friendly interfaces to accept user-submitted or preloaded small RNAs and transcript sequences; and outputs a comprehensive list of small RNA/target pairs along with the online tools for batch downloading, key word searching and results sorting. The psRNATarget server is freely available at http://plantgrn.noble.org/psRNATarget/. PMID:21622958

Changes in the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and c-reactive protein following administration of aqueous extract of piper sarmentosum on experimental rabbits fed with cholesterol diet

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Inflammation process plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Hypercholesterolemia is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (P.s) on inflammatory markers like vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods Forty two male New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into seven groups; (i) C- control group fed normal rabbit chow (ii) CH- cholesterol diet (1%cholesterol) (iii) X1- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (62.5 mg/kg) (iv) X2- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (125 mg/kg (v) X3- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (250 mg/kg) (vi) X4- 1% cholesterol with water extract of P.s (500 mg/kg) and (vii) SMV group fed with 1% cholesterol supplemented with simvistatin drug (1.2 mg/kg). All animals were treated for 10 weeks. Blood serum was taken for observing the inflammatory markers at the beginning and end of the experiment. Results Rabbits fed with 1% cholesterol diet (CH) showed significant increase in the level of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP compared to the C group. The levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CRP in the 1% cholesterol group and supplemented with P.s (500 mg/kg) were significantly reduced compared to the cholesterol group. Similar results were also reported with simvistatin group. Conclusion These results suggest that the supplementation of Piper sarmentosum extract could inhibit inflammatory markers which in turn could prevent atherosclerosis. PMID:21214952

Hierarchical active factors to band gap and nonlinear optical response in Ag-containing quaternary-chalcogenide compounds

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

Huang, Jun-ben; Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Electronic Information Material and Devices, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 40-1 South Beijing Road, Urumqi 830011; Mamat, Mamatrishat, E-mail: mmtrxt@xju.edu.cn

In this research work, Ag-containing quaternary-chalcogenide compounds KAg{sub 2}TS{sub 4} (T=P, Sb) (I-II) and RbAg{sub 2}SbS{sub 4} (III) have been studied by means of Density Functional Theory as potential IR nonlinear optical materials. The origin of wide band gap, different optical anisotropy and large SHG response is explained via a combination of density of states, electronic density difference and bond population analysis. It is indicated that the different covalent interaction behavior of P-S and Sb-S bonds dominates the band gap and birefringence. Specifically, the Ag-containing chalcogenide compound KAg{sub 2}PS{sub 4} possesses wide band gap and SHG response comparable with thatmore » of AgGaS{sub 2}. By exploring the origin of the band gap and NLO response for compounds KAg{sub 2}TS{sub 4} (T=P, Sb), we found the determination factor to the properties is different, especially the roles of Ag-d orbitals and bonding behavior of P-S or Sb-S. Thus, the compounds KAg{sub 2}TS{sub 4} (T=P, Sb) and RbAg{sub 2}SbS{sub 4} can be used in infrared (IR) region. - Graphical abstract: Metal thiophosphates RbPbPS{sub 4} and KSbP{sub 2}S{sub 6} have a similar band gap with KAg{sub 2}PS{sub 4}. However, based on first principles calculated results it shown that KAg{sub 2}PS{sub 4} possesses wide band gap (3.02 eV) and relatively large SHG response. Display Omitted.« less

Modelling IRF8 Deficient Human Hematopoiesis and Dendritic Cell Development with Engineered iPS Cells.

PubMed

Sontag, Stephanie; Förster, Malrun; Qin, Jie; Wanek, Paul; Mitzka, Saskia; Schüler, Herdit M; Koschmieder, Steffen; Rose-John, Stefan; Seré, Kristin; Zenke, Martin

2017-04-01

Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into cells of all three germ layers, including hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny. Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a transcription factor, which acts in hematopoiesis as lineage determining factor for myeloid cells, including dendritic cells (DC). Autosomal recessive or dominant IRF8 mutations occurring in patients cause severe monocytic and DC immunodeficiency. To study IRF8 in human hematopoiesis we generated human IRF8-/- iPS cells and IRF8-/- embryonic stem (ES) cells using RNA guided CRISPR/Cas9n genome editing. Upon induction of hematopoietic differentiation, we demonstrate that IRF8 is dispensable for iPS cell and ES cell differentiation into hemogenic endothelium and for endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, and thus development of hematopoietic progenitors. We differentiated iPS cell and ES cell derived progenitors into CD141+ cross-presenting cDC1 and CD1c+ classical cDC2 and CD303+ plasmacytoid DC (pDC). We found that IRF8 deficiency compromised cDC1 and pDC development, while cDC2 development was largely unaffected. Additionally, in an unrestricted differentiation regimen, IRF8-/- iPS cells and ES cells exhibited a clear bias toward granulocytes at the expense of monocytes. IRF8-/- DC showed reduced MHC class II expression and were impaired in cytokine responses, migration, and antigen presentation. Taken together, we engineered a human IRF8 knockout model that allows studying molecular mechanisms of human immunodeficiencies in vitro, including the pathophysiology of IRF8 deficient DC. Stem Cells 2017;35:898-908. © 2017 The Authors Stem Cells published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of AlphaMed Press.

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy to Kill Gram-negative Bacteria

PubMed Central

Sperandio, Felipe F; Huang, Ying-Ying; Hamblin, Michael R

2013-01-01

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a new promising strategy to eradicate pathogenic microorganisms such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and fungi. The search for new approaches that can kill bacteria but do not induce the appearance of undesired drug-resistant strains suggests that PDT may have advantages over traditional antibiotic therapy. PDT is a non-thermal photochemical reaction that involves the simultaneous presence of visible light, oxygen and a dye or photosensitizer (PS). Several PS have been studied for their ability to bind to bacteria and efficiently generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon photostimulation. ROS are formed through type I or II mechanisms and may inactivate several classes of microbial cells including Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are typically characterized by an impermeable outer cell membrane that contains endotoxins and blocks antibiotics, dyes, and detergents, protecting the sensitive inner membrane and cell wall. This review covers significant peer-reviewed articles together with US and World patents that were filed within the past few years and that relate to the eradication of Gram-negative bacteria via PDI or PDT. It is organized mainly according to the nature of the PS involved and includes natural or synthetic food dyes; cationic dyes such as methylene blue and toluidine blue; tetrapyrrole derivatives such as phthalocyanines, chlorins, porphyrins, chlorophyll and bacteriochlorophyll derivatives; functionalized fullerenes; nanoparticles combined with different PS; other formulations designed to target PS to bacteria; photoactive materials and surfaces; conjugates between PS and polycationic polymers or antibodies; and permeabilizing agents such as EDTA, PMNP and CaCl2. The present review also covers the different laboratory animal models normally used to treat Gram-negative bacterial infections with antimicrobial PDT. PMID:23550545

Polarized light microscopy reveals physiological and drug-induced changes in surfactant membrane assembly in alveolar type II pneumocytes.

PubMed

Haller, Thomas; Cerrada, Alejandro; Pfaller, Kristian; Braubach, Peter; Felder, Edward

2018-05-01

In alveolar type II (AT II) cells, pulmonary surfactant (PS) is synthetized, stored and exocytosed from lamellar bodies (LBs), specialized large secretory organelles. By applying polarization microscopy (PM), we confirm a specific optical anisotropy of LBs, which indicates a liquid-crystalline mesophase of the stored surfactant phospholipids (PL) and an unusual case of a radiation-symmetric, spherocrystalline organelle. Evidence is shown that the degree of anisotropy is dependent on the amount of lipid layers and their degree of hydration, but unaffected by acutely modulating vital cell parameters like intravesicular pH or cellular energy supply. In contrast, physiological factors that perturb this structure include osmotic cell volume changes and LB exocytosis. In addition, we found two pharmaceuticals, Amiodarone and Ambroxol, both of which severely affect the liquid-crystalline order. Our study shows that PM is an easy, very sensitive, but foremost non-invasive and label-free method able to collect important structural information of PS assembly in live AT II cells which otherwise would be accessible by destructive or labor intense techniques only. This may open new approaches to dynamically investigate LB biosynthesis - the incorporation, folding and packing of lipid membranes - or the initiation of pathological states that manifest in altered LB structures. Due to the observed drug effects, we further suggest that PM provides an appropriate way to study unspecific drug interactions with alveolar cells and even drug-membrane interactions in general. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sequential steps of macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy are involved in the irreversible process of posterior silk gland histolysis during metamorphosis of Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Shiba, Hajime; Yabu, Takeshi; Sudayama, Makoto; Mano, Nobuhiro; Arai, Naoto; Nakanishi, Teruyuki; Hosono, Kuniaki

2016-04-15

To elucidate the degradation process of the posterior silk gland during metamorphosis of the silkworm ITALIC! Bombyx mori, tissues collected on the 6th day after entering the 5th instar (V6), prior to spinning (PS), during spinning (SP) and after cocoon formation (CO) were used to analyze macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent ubiquitin proteasome. Immediately after entering metamorphosis stage PS, the levels of ATP and phosphorylated p70S6 kinase protein decreased spontaneously and continued to decline at SP, followed by a notable restoration at CO. In contrast, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) showed increases at SP and CO. Most of the Atg8 protein was converted to form II at all stages. The levels of ubiquitinated proteins were high at SP and CO, and low at PS. The proteasome activity was high at V6 and PS but low at SP and CO. In the isolated lysosome fractions, levels of Hsc70/Hsp70 protein began to increase at PS and continued to rise at SP and CO. The lysosomal cathepsin B/L activity showed a dramatic increase at CO. Our results clearly demonstrate that macroautophagy occurs before entering the metamorphosis stage and strongly suggest that the CMA pathway may play an important role in the histolysis of the posterior silk gland during metamorphosis. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Lignin-degrading Peroxidases from Genome of Selective Ligninolytic Fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora*

PubMed Central

Fernández-Fueyo, Elena; Ruiz-Dueñas, Francisco J.; Miki, Yuta; Martínez, María Jesús; Hammel, Kenneth E.; Martínez, Angel T.

2012-01-01

The white-rot fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora delignifies lignocellulose with high selectivity, but until now it has appeared to lack the specialized peroxidases, termed lignin peroxidases (LiPs) and versatile peroxidases (VPs), that are generally thought important for ligninolysis. We screened the recently sequenced C. subvermispora genome for genes that encode peroxidases with a potential ligninolytic role. A total of 26 peroxidase genes was apparent after a structural-functional classification based on homology modeling and a search for diagnostic catalytic amino acid residues. In addition to revealing the presence of nine heme-thiolate peroxidase superfamily members and the unexpected absence of the dye-decolorizing peroxidase superfamily, the search showed that the C. subvermispora genome encodes 16 class II enzymes in the plant-fungal-bacterial peroxidase superfamily, where LiPs and VPs are classified. The 16 encoded enzymes include 13 putative manganese peroxidases and one generic peroxidase but most notably two peroxidases containing the catalytic tryptophan characteristic of LiPs and VPs. We expressed these two enzymes in Escherichia coli and determined their substrate specificities on typical LiP/VP substrates, including nonphenolic lignin model monomers and dimers, as well as synthetic lignin. The results show that the two newly discovered C. subvermispora peroxidases are functionally competent LiPs and also suggest that they are phylogenetically and catalytically intermediate between classical LiPs and VPs. These results offer new insight into selective lignin degradation by C. subvermispora. PMID:22437835

Perinatal Choline Supplementation Reduces Amyloidosis and Increases Choline Acetyltransferase Expression in the Hippocampus of the APPswePS1dE9 Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice.

PubMed

Mellott, Tiffany J; Huleatt, Olivia M; Shade, Bethany N; Pender, Sarah M; Liu, Yi B; Slack, Barbara E; Blusztajn, Jan K

2017-01-01

Prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major goal of biomedical sciences. In previous studies we showed that high intake of the essential nutrient, choline, during gestation prevented age-related memory decline in a rat model. In this study we investigated the effects of a similar treatment on AD-related phenotypes in a mouse model of AD. We crossed wild type (WT) female mice with hemizygous APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP.PS1) AD model male mice and maintained the pregnant and lactating dams on a control AIN76A diet containing 1.1 g/kg of choline or a choline-supplemented (5 g/kg) diet. After weaning all offspring consumed the control diet. As compared to APP.PS1 mice reared on the control diet, the hippocampus of the perinatally choline-supplemented APP.PS1 mice exhibited: 1) altered levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolites-specifically elevated amounts of β-C-terminal fragment (β-CTF) and reduced levels of solubilized amyloid Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides; 2) reduced number and total area of amyloid plaques; 3) preserved levels of choline acetyltransferase protein (CHAT) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2) and 4) absence of astrogliosis. The data suggest that dietary supplementation of choline during fetal development and early postnatal life may constitute a preventive strategy for AD.

Perinatal Choline Supplementation Reduces Amyloidosis and Increases Choline Acetyltransferase Expression in the Hippocampus of the APPswePS1dE9 Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice

PubMed Central

Mellott, Tiffany J.; Huleatt, Olivia M.; Shade, Bethany N.; Pender, Sarah M.; Liu, Yi B.; Slack, Barbara E.; Blusztajn, Jan K.

2017-01-01

Prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major goal of biomedical sciences. In previous studies we showed that high intake of the essential nutrient, choline, during gestation prevented age-related memory decline in a rat model. In this study we investigated the effects of a similar treatment on AD-related phenotypes in a mouse model of AD. We crossed wild type (WT) female mice with hemizygous APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP.PS1) AD model male mice and maintained the pregnant and lactating dams on a control AIN76A diet containing 1.1 g/kg of choline or a choline-supplemented (5 g/kg) diet. After weaning all offspring consumed the control diet. As compared to APP.PS1 mice reared on the control diet, the hippocampus of the perinatally choline-supplemented APP.PS1 mice exhibited: 1) altered levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolites–specifically elevated amounts of β-C-terminal fragment (β-CTF) and reduced levels of solubilized amyloid Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides; 2) reduced number and total area of amyloid plaques; 3) preserved levels of choline acetyltransferase protein (CHAT) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2) and 4) absence of astrogliosis. The data suggest that dietary supplementation of choline during fetal development and early postnatal life may constitute a preventive strategy for AD. PMID:28103298

Preliminary validation of the Spanish version of the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (MSTAT-II).

PubMed

Arquero, José L; McLain, David L

2010-05-01

Despite widespread interest in ambiguity tolerance and other information-related individual differences, existing measures are conceptually dispersed and psychometrically weak. This paper presents the Spanish version of MSTAT-II, a short, stimulus-oriented, and psychometrically improved measure of an individual's orientation toward ambiguous stimuli. Results obtained reveal adequate reliability, validity, and temporal stability. These results support the use of MSTAT-II as an adequate measure of ambiguity tolerance.

Shear-induced Long Range Order in Diblock Copolymer Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Xuan; Russell, Thomas

2007-03-01

Shear is a well-established means of aligning block copolymer micro-domains in bulk; cylinder-forming block copolymers respond by orienting cylinder axes parallel to the flow direction, and macroscopic specimens with near-single-crystal texture can be obtained. A stepper motor is a brushless, synchronous electric motor that can divide a full rotation into a large number of steps. With the combination of a stepper motor and several gear boxes in our experiment, we can control the rotating resolution to be as small as 1 x10-4 degree/step. Also, with the help of a customized computer program we can control the motor speed in a very systematical way. By changing parameters such as the weight (or the uniform pressure) and the lateral force we can carry on experiment to examine the effect of lateral shear on different polymer systems such as PS-b-PEO (large χ) and PS-b-P2VP (small χ).

Through-Space Ultrafast Photoinduced Electron Transfer Dynamics of a C 70 -Encapsulated Bisporphyrin Covalent Organic Polyhedron in a Low-Dielectric Medium

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

Ortiz, Michael; Cho, Sung; Niklas, Jens

Ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer (PIET) dynamics of a C 70-encapsulated bisporphyrin covalent organic polyhedron hybrid (C 70@COP-5) is studied in a nonpolar toluene medium with fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopies. This structurally rigid donor (D)-acceptor (A) molecular hybrid offers a new platform featuring conformationally predetermined cofacial D-A orientation with a fixed edge-to-edge separation, R EE (2.8 Å), without the aid of covalent bonds. Sub-picosecond PIET (T ET ≤ 0.4 ps) and very slow charge recombination (T CR ≈ 600 ps) dynamics are observed. The origin of these dynamics is discussed in terms of enhanced D-A coupling (V = 675 cmmore » -1) and extremely small reorganization energy (λ ≈ 0.18 eV), induced by the intrinsic structural rigidity of the C 70@COP-5 complex.« less

Through-Space Ultrafast Photoinduced Electron Transfer Dynamics of a C 70 -Encapsulated Bisporphyrin Covalent Organic Polyhedron in a Low-Dielectric Medium

DOE PAGES

Ortiz, Michael; Cho, Sung; Niklas, Jens; ...

2017-03-13

Ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer (PIET) dynamics of a C 70-encapsulated bisporphyrin covalent organic polyhedron hybrid (C 70@COP-5) is studied in a nonpolar toluene medium with fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopies. This structurally rigid donor (D)-acceptor (A) molecular hybrid offers a new platform featuring conformationally predetermined cofacial D-A orientation with a fixed edge-to-edge separation, R EE (2.8 Å), without the aid of covalent bonds. Sub-picosecond PIET (T ET ≤ 0.4 ps) and very slow charge recombination (T CR ≈ 600 ps) dynamics are observed. The origin of these dynamics is discussed in terms of enhanced D-A coupling (V = 675 cmmore » -1) and extremely small reorganization energy (λ ≈ 0.18 eV), induced by the intrinsic structural rigidity of the C 70@COP-5 complex.« less

InAs nanowires grown by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) employing PS/PMMA diblock copolymer nanopatterning.

PubMed

Huang, Yinggang; Kim, Tae Wan; Xiong, Shisheng; Mawst, Luke J; Kuech, Thomas F; Nealey, Paul F; Dai, Yushuai; Wang, Zihao; Guo, Wei; Forbes, David; Hubbard, Seth M; Nesnidal, Michael

2013-01-01

Dense arrays of indium arsenide (InAs) nanowire materials have been grown by selective-area metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy (SA-MOVPE) using polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) diblock copolymer (DBC) nanopatterning technique, which is a catalyst-free approach. Nanoscale openings were defined in a thin (~10 nm) SiNx layer deposited on a (111)B-oriented GaAs substrate using the DBC process and CF4 reactive ion etching (RIE), which served as a hard mask for the nanowire growth. InAs nanowires with diameters down to ~ 20 nm and micrometer-scale lengths were achieved with a density of ~ 5 × 10(10) cm(2). The nanowire structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which indicate twin defects in a primary zincblende crystal structure and the absence of threading dislocation within the imaged regions.

Through-Space Ultrafast Photoinduced Electron Transfer Dynamics of a C70-Encapsulated Bisporphyrin Covalent Organic Polyhedron in a Low-Dielectric Medium.

PubMed

Ortiz, Michael; Cho, Sung; Niklas, Jens; Kim, Seonah; Poluektov, Oleg G; Zhang, Wei; Rumbles, Garry; Park, Jaehong

2017-03-29

Ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer (PIET) dynamics of a C 70 -encapsulated bisporphyrin covalent organic polyhedron hybrid (C 70 @COP-5) is studied in a nonpolar toluene medium with fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopies. This structurally rigid donor (D)-acceptor (A) molecular hybrid offers a new platform featuring conformationally predetermined cofacial D-A orientation with a fixed edge-to-edge separation, R EE (2.8 Å), without the aid of covalent bonds. Sub-picosecond PIET (τ ET ≤ 0.4 ps) and very slow charge recombination (τ CR ≈ 600 ps) dynamics are observed. The origin of these dynamics is discussed in terms of enhanced D-A coupling (V = 675 cm -1 ) and extremely small reorganization energy (λ ≈ 0.18 eV), induced by the intrinsic structural rigidity of the C 70 @COP-5 complex.

Interfacial activity of acid functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at the fluid-fluid interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Tao; Russell, Thomas; Hoagland, David

2013-03-01

Interfacial assembly of acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes at the oil/water interface is achieved by the addition of low molecular weight (MW) amino-terminated polystyrene in the oil phase. The surface activity of carboxylated SWCNTs is strongly influenced by the end-group chemistry and molecular weight of the polystyrene component, the concentrations of this component and the SWCNTs, along with the degree of functionalization of the SWCNTs. The prerequisites for interfacial trapping are amino termini on chains with MW less than 5K and 6 hours or longer incubation of pristine SWCNTs to achieve their carboxylation. Plummets in interfacial tension resembling those for surfactants were observed at critical bulk concentrations of both SWCNTs and PS-NH2. In dried droplets, SWCNTs densely packed with associated PS-NH2 form a bird nest-like interfacial structure, with the SWCNTs preferentially oriented perpendicular to the original interface. Advisor

Role of Wnt4/β-catenin, Ang II/TGFβ, ACE2, NF-κB, and IL-18 in attenuating renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in rats treated with Vit D and pioglitazone.

PubMed

Ali, Rabab M; Al-Shorbagy, Muhammad Y; Helmy, Maged W; El-Abhar, Hanan S

2018-07-15

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI) remains a critical clinical situation. Several evidence revealed the potential reno-protective effects of Vitamin D and/or pioglitazone, on renal I/RI. This study addresses the possible involvement of the Wnt4/β-catenin signaling, p-S536NF-κBp65, PPARγ, Ang II/TGF-β, and ACE2 as potential effectors to vitamin D and pioglitazone-mediated renoprotective effects. Two sets of Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30 rat each), were randomized into sham, I/R, Vit D "alfacalcidol" (5 ng/kg/day), pioglitazone (5 mg/kg/day), and Vit D + pioglitazone groups. In all groups renal biochemical parameters, as well as inflammatory and structural profiles were assessed, besides the expression/contents of Wnt4/β-catenin and pS536-NF-κBp65. All treatments started 7 days before I/RI and animals were killed 24 h after I/RI in the first set, while those in the 2nd set continued their treatments for 14 days. After 24 h, all pre-treatments impeded theI/R effect on neutrophils recruitment, p-S536NF-κBp65, IL-18, NGAL, caspase-3, AngII, ACE-2, PPARγ and TGF-β, besides the expression of Wnt4 and ACE-2 with notable reflection on histological changes. Two weeks after I/RI, except a marked up regulation in Wnt4 expression and a striking elevation in the β-catenin content, the magnitude of the injurious events was relatively less pronounced, an effect that was mostly augmented by the different treatments. The current study pledges a promising and novel reno-protective role of the administration of Vit D and pioglitazone entailing a potential involvement of ICAM-1, MPO, NF-κB, Ang II, ACE2, TGFβ, and a modulation of Wnt4/β-catenin pathway. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temperature-dependent time-resolved photoluminescence measurements of (1-101)-oriented semi-polar AlGaN/GaN MQWs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosales, Daniel; Gil, Bernard; Monavarian, Morteza; Zhang, Fan; Okur, Serdal; Izyumskaya, Natalia; Avrutin, Vitaliy; Özgür, Ümit; Morkoç, Hadis

2015-03-01

We studied the temperature dependence and the recombination dynamics of the photoluminescence of (1-101)-oriented semi-polar Al0.2Ga0.8N/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQW). The polarized low-temperature PL measurements reveal that radiative recombination exhibit an anisotropic behavior. The PL intensity at room temperature is reduced by one order of magnitude with respect to low temperature. The radiative decay time exhibits a mixed behavior: it is roughly constant between 8K to ranging near 140-150K and then rapidly increases with a slope of 10 ps.K-1. This behavior is indicative of coexistence of localized excitons and free excitons which relative proportion are statistically computed.

Transformation kinetics for the shock wave induced phase transition in cadmium sulfide crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knudson, M. D.; Gupta, Y. M.

2002-06-01

Initial stage kinetics of the cadmium sulfide (CdS) phase transition was investigated using picosecond time-resolved electronic spectroscopy in plate-impact shock wave experiments. Real-time changes in the electronic spectra were observed, with 100 ps time resolution, in CdS single crystals shocked along a and c axes to stresses ranging between 35 and 90 kbar, which is above the phase-transition threshold stress of approximately 30 kbar. Significant difference in the transformation kinetics was observed for the two crystal orientations. At sufficiently high instantaneous stress, above approximately 60 to 70 kbar for a axis and 50 kbar for c axis, transformation to a metastable state appears to reach a constant state within the 100 ps time resolution. At lower instantaneous stresses, an incubation period on the order of several nanoseconds is observed prior to the onset of electronic changes that mark the onset of the structural change. The subsequent increase in absorbance was quite rapid, with a constant state being reached within the first few nanoseconds after the onset of the structural changes. These results suggest that the nucleation process determines the transformation rate. This insight into transformation kinetics, along with the transformation mechanism obtained from the high-stress experiments, was used to develop a phenomenological model, incorporating ideas of nucleation and growth in martensitic transformations, to simulate the time-dependent extinction of light observed in our experiments. The calculational results incorporating both extinction due to light absorption by the daughter phase volumes and scattering of light by small volumes of the daughter phase were in good agreement with experimental observations. Finally, the orientational differences observed in the transformation kinetics were interpreted in terms of the differences in the elastic-plastic response for the two orientations.

Identification of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR gene family from Prunus sibirica and its expression analysis during mesocarp and kernel development.

PubMed

Niu, Jun; Bi, Quanxin; Deng, Shuya; Chen, Huiping; Yu, Haiyan; Wang, Libing; Lin, Shanzhi

2018-01-24

Auxin response factors (ARFs) in auxin signaling pathway are an important component that can regulate the transcription of auxin-responsive genes involved in almost all aspects of plant growth and development. To our knowledge, the comprehensive and systematic characterization of ARF genes has never been reported in Prunus sibirica, a novel woody biodiesel feedstock in China. In this study, we identified 14 PsARF genes with a perfect open reading frame (ORF) in P. sibirica by using its previous transcriptomic data. Conserved motif analysis showed that all identified PsARF proteins had typical DNA-binding and ARF domain, but 5 members (PsARF3, 8 10, 16 and 17) lacked the dimerization domain. Phylogenetic analysis of the ARF proteins generated from various plant species indicated that ARFs could be categorized into 4 major groups (Class I, II, III and IV), in which all identified ARFs from P. sibirica showed a closest relationship with those from P. mume. Comparison of the expression profiles of 14 PsARF genes in different developmental stages of Siberian apricot mesocarp (SAM) and kernel (SAK) reflected distinct temporal or spatial expression patterns for PsARF genes. Additionally, based on the expressed data from fruit and seed development of multiple plant species, we identified 1514 ARF-correlated genes using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). And the major portion of ARF-correlated gene was characterized to be involved in protein, nucleic acid and carbohydrate metabolic, transport and regulatory processes. In summary, we systematically and comprehensively analyzed the structure, expression pattern and co-expression network of ARF gene family in P. sibirica. All our findings provide theoretical foundation for the PsARF gene family and will pave the way for elucidating the precise role of PsARF genes in SAM and SAK development.

Different intraoperative kinematics with comparable clinical outcomes of ultracongruent and posterior stabilized mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Kim, Tae Woo; Lee, Sang Min; Seong, Sang Cheol; Lee, Sahnghoon; Jang, Jak; Lee, Myung Chul

2016-09-01

There remains no consensus as to whether mobile total knee arthroplasty (TKA) should use a posterior cruciate ligament-sacrificing ultracongruent (UC) or a posterior cruciate ligament-substituting posterior stabilized (PS) prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to assess intraoperative kinematics and clinical outcomes of UC and PS rotating platform mobile-bearing TKA. In this randomized controlled study, mobile UC TKA prostheses (n = 45) were compared with mobile PS TKA prostheses (n = 45) with regard to intraoperative kinematics and clinical outcomes. The passive kinematic study using intraoperative navigation system included anterior/posterior translation, varus/valgus alignment and rotation of femur during flexion. The patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated over a 3-year follow-up. Paradoxical anterior translation of the femur was 10.8 ± 5.2 mm in the UC knee from 0° to 82° of knee flexion and 8.7 ± 3.0 mm in the PS knee from 0° to 70° of knee flexion (p = 0.027). Paradoxical internal rotation of the femur was 5.8° in the UC knees and 9.9° in the PS knees (p = 0.003). But, there was no significant difference between the groups in regard to the coronal alignment. There was no significant difference in the range of motion, KS knee scores, KS function scores, and WOMAC index scores. Despite different intraoperative kinematics between mobile UC and mobile PS TKA, neither design reproduced physiologic knee kinematics and there was no difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups. The clinical relevance of the study is that despite different intraoperative kinematics, UC design can be a considerable alternative to PS design in mobile-bearing TKA in respect of clinical outcomes. II.

Usefulness of rCBF analysis in diagnosing Parkinson's disease: supplemental role with MIBG myocardial scintigraphy.

PubMed

Nagamachi, Shigeki; Wakamatsu, Hideyuki; Kiyohara, Shogo; Fujita, Seigo; Futami, Shigemi; Tamura, Shozo; Nakazato, Masamitsu; Yamashita, Syuichi; Arita, Hideo; Nishii, Ryuichi; Kawai, Keiichi

2008-08-01

(123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy is a useful tool for differentiating idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) from parkinsonism (PS) caused by other disorders. However, cardiac MIBG uptake is affected by various causes. Alternatively, hypoperfusion in the occipital lobe of PD is reported recently. The objective is to clarify the correlation between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) alteration and cardiac MIBG uptake in PD. In addition, we examined whether additional brain perfusion analysis improved the differential diagnostic ability for PD from PS when compared with MIBG scintigraphy alone. Forty-nine patients with PD (27 mild groups: Hoehn and Yahr stages I, II; 22 severe groups: Hoehn and Yahr stages III, IV) and 28 patients with PS participated. We compared absolute rCBF values between PD and PS. In addition, we determined correlation between MIBG parameters and each rCBF value. Finally, we compared the diagnostic ability for the differentiation of PD from PS between two diagnostic criteria, each MIBG index abnormality alone [heart-to-mediastinum ratio, H/M (E) < 1.9, H/E (D) < 1.7, washout rate > 40%] and each MIBG index abnormality or occipital lobe hypoperfusion (<36 ml/100 g per min). Absolute rCBF value of occipital lobe was significantly lower in severe PD as compared with PS or mild PD. In the correlation analysis, rCBF of occipital lobe correlated positively with MIBG parameters (H/M). Regarding the diagnostic ability, sensitivity improved by accounting for occipital hypoperfusion as compared with MIBG indices alone. In contrast, neither specificity nor accuracy improved by adding occipital lobe analysis. MIBG parameters (H/M) correlated positively with occipital hypoperfusion in PD. In the differential diagnosis between PD and PS, although its usefulness might be limited, analysis of rCBF in the occipital lobe added to (123)I-MIBG myocardial imaging can be recommended.

The Representation of Orientation in Macaque V2: Four Stripes Not Three

PubMed Central

Felleman, Daniel J.; Lim, Heejin; Xiao, Youping; Wang, Yi; Eriksson, Anastasia; Parajuli, Arun

2015-01-01

Area V2 of macaque monkeys is traditionally thought to consist of 3 distinct functional compartments with characteristic cortical connections and functional properties. Orientation selectivity is one property that has frequently been used to distinguish V2 stripes, however, this receptive field property has been found in a high percentage of neurons across V2 compartments. Using quantitative intrinsic cortical imaging, we derived maps of preferred orientation, orientation selectivity, and orientation gradient in thin stripes, thick stripes, and interstripes in area V2. Orientation-selective responses were found in each V2 stripe, but the magnitude and organization of orientation selectivity differed significantly from stripe to stripe. Remarkably, the 2 pale stripes flanking each cytochrome oxidase dense stripe differed significantly in their representation of orientation resulting in their distinction as type-I and type-II interstripes. V2 orientation maps are characterized by clockwise and anticlockwise “orientation pinwheels”, but unlike V1, they are not homogeneously distributed across V2. Furthermore, V2 stripes contain large-scale sequences of preferred orientation. These analyses demonstrate that V2 consists of 4 distinct functional compartments; thick stripes and type-II interstripes, which are strongly orientation selective and thin stripes and type-I interstripes, which are significantly less selective for orientation and exhibit larger orientation gradient magnitudes. PMID:24614951

Response of mitochondrial thioredoxin PsTrxo1, antioxidant enzymes, and respiration to salinity in pea (Pisum sativum L.) leaves.

PubMed

Martí, María C; Florez-Sarasa, Igor; Camejo, Daymi; Ribas-Carbó, Miquel; Lázaro, Juan J; Sevilla, Francisca; Jiménez, Ana

2011-07-01

Mitochondria play an essential role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) signal transduction in plants. Redox regulation is an essential feature of mitochondrial function, with thioredoxin (Trx), involved in disulphide/dithiol interchange, playing a prominent role. To explore the participation of mitochondrial PsTrxo1, Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), peroxiredoxin (PsPrxII F), and alternative oxidase (AOX) under salt stress, their transcriptional and protein levels were analysed in pea plants growing under 150 mM NaCl for a short and a long period. The activities of mitochondrial Mn-SOD and Trx together with the in vivo activities of the alternative pathway (AP) and the cytochrome pathway (CP) were also determined, combined with the characterization of the plant physiological status as well as the mitochondrial oxidative indicators. The analysis of protein and mRNA levels and activities revealed the importance of the post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation of these proteins in the response to salt stress. Increases in AOX protein amount correlated with increases in AP capacity, whereas in vivo AP activity was maintained under salt stress. Similarly, Mn-SOD activity was also maintained. Under all the stress treatments, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and CP activity were decreased although the oxidative stress in leaves was only moderate. However, an increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation was found in mitochondria isolated from leaves under the short-term salinity conditions. In addition, an increase in mitochondrial Trx activity was produced in response to the long-term NaCl treatment. The results support a role for PsTrxo1 as a component of the defence system induced by NaCl in pea mitochondria, providing the cell with a mechanism by which it can respond to changing environment protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress together with Mn-SOD, AOX, and PrxII F.

Detection of severe digital vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis by colour Doppler sonography is associated with digital ulcers.

PubMed

Lüders, Susanne; Friedrich, Stefanie; Ohrndorf, Sarah; Glimm, Anne-Marie; Burmester, Gerd-Rüdiger; Riemekasten, Gabriela; Backhaus, Marina

2017-11-01

Colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) is very important in general vascular diagnostic procedures. Its role in determining the extent of vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) needs further investigation. The aim of this study was to compare the presence of altered arteries with nailfold capillaroscopy and clinical signs of ischaemia, that is, digital ulcers or pitting scars (DU/PS). A feasible CDUS protocol is provided. Two thousand five hundred and twenty-eight arteries of the fingers, palms and wrists from 79 SSc patients (32 arteries per patient) were examined using CDUS. Furthermore, nailfold capillaroscopy, clinical and laboratory data were evaluated. Narrowed or occluded lumens were seen in 39.8% of all assessable arteries (n = 2489) and 48.9% of all proper palmar digital arteries (n = 1564) but only 15.6% (P < 0.0001) of proximal arteries (n = 924). Fingerwise analyses presented significant coincidence of pathological CDUS findings and DU/PS (P = 0.0009). Pathological CDUS findings were also associated with elevated CRP concentrations, current or past smoking with ⩾20 pack-years, male gender and present or past DU/PS. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve = 0.727) suggested a cut-off value of ⩾20% pathological vessels (sensitivity: 90.7%; specificity: 47.8%) for the presence of DU/PS. An examination protocol focusing on the right-hand digits II-V (proper palmar digital arteries) revealed similar results (area under the curve = 0.751; sensitivity: 93.0%; specificity: 43.5%). CDUS of hand and finger arteries allows measurement of the extent of SSc vasculopathy, which is associated with clinical signs of chronic malperfusion. A shortened examination protocol of CDUS (right-hand digits II-V; 15 min instead of 45 min examination time) could complement vascular diagnostics in SSc. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Regulation of CDP-diacylglycerol synthesis and utilization by inositol and choline in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

PubMed Central

Gaynor, P M; Greenberg, M L

1992-01-01

CDP-diacylglycerol (CDP-DG) is an important branchpoint intermediate in eucaryotic phospholipid biosynthesis and could be a key regulatory site in phospholipid metabolism. Therefore, we examined the effects of growth phase, phospholipid precursors, and the disruption of phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis on the membrane-associated phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes CDP-DG synthase, phosphatidylglycerolphosphate (PGP) synthase, phosphatidylinositol (PI) synthase, and phosphatidylserine (PS) synthase in cell extracts of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In complete synthetic medium containing inositol, maximal expression of CDP-DG synthase, PGP synthase, PI synthase, and PS synthase in wild-type cells occurred in the exponential phase of growth and decreased two- to fourfold in the stationary phase of growth. In cells starved for inositol, this decrease in PGP synthase, PI synthase, and PS synthase expression was not observed. Starvation for inositol resulted in a twofold derepression of PGP synthase and PS synthase expression, while PI synthase expression decreased initially and then remained constant. Upon the addition of inositol to inositol-starved cells, there was a rapid and continued increase in PI synthase expression. We examined expression of these enzymes in cho2 and cho1 mutants, which are blocked in the methylation pathway for synthesis of PC. Choline starvation resulted in a decrease in PS synthase and CDP-DG synthase expression in cho1 but not cho2 cells. Expression of PGP synthase and PI synthase was not affected by choline starvation. Inositol starvation resulted in a 1.7-fold derepression of PGP synthase expression in cho2 but not cho1 cells when PC was synthesized. PS synthase expression was not depressed, while CDP-DG synthase and PI synthase expression decreased in cho2 and cho1 cells in the absence of inositol. These results demonstrate that (i) CDP-DG synthase, PGP synthase, PI synthase, and PS synthase are similarly regulated by growth phase; (ii) inositol affects the expression of PGP synthase, PI synthase, and PS synthase; (iii) disruption of the methylation pathway results in aberrant patterns of regulation of growth phase and phospholipid precursors. Important differences between S. pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae with regard to regulation of these enzymes are discussed. PMID:1324908

7 CFR 1753.38 - Procurement procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... specifications and equipment requirements (required only for projects expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the... technology. (ii) The borrower shall review in detail all exceptions to the P&S. No exceptions will be... only for projects that are expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the loan, whichever is less), sealed...

7 CFR 1753.38 - Procurement procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... specifications and equipment requirements (required only for projects expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the... technology. (ii) The borrower shall review in detail all exceptions to the P&S. No exceptions will be... only for projects that are expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the loan, whichever is less), sealed...

7 CFR 1753.38 - Procurement procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... specifications and equipment requirements (required only for projects expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the... technology. (ii) The borrower shall review in detail all exceptions to the P&S. No exceptions will be... only for projects that are expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the loan, whichever is less), sealed...

7 CFR 1753.38 - Procurement procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... specifications and equipment requirements (required only for projects expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the... technology. (ii) The borrower shall review in detail all exceptions to the P&S. No exceptions will be... only for projects that are expected to exceed $500,000 or 25% of the loan, whichever is less), sealed...

Time-resolved optical emission spectroscopic studies of picosecond laser produced Cr plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Kavya H.; Smijesh, N.; Klemke, N.; Philip, R.; Litvinyuk, I. V.; Sang, R. T.

2018-06-01

Time-resolved optical emission spectroscopic measurements of a plasma generated by irradiating a Cr target using 60 picosecond (ps) and 300 ps laser pulses are carried out to investigate the variation in the line width (δλ) of emission from neutrals and ions for increasing ambient pressures. Measurements ranging from 10-6 Torr to 102 Torr show a distinctly different variation in the δλ of neutrals (Cr I) compared to that of singly ionized Cr (Cr II), for both irradiations. δλ increases monotonously with pressure for Cr II, but an oscillation is evident at intermediate pressures for Cr I. This oscillation does not depend on the laser pulse widths used. In spite of the differences in the plasma formation mechanisms, it is experimentally found that there is an optimum intermediate background pressure for which δλ of neutrals drops to a minimum. Importantly, these results underline the fact that for intermediate pressures, the usual practice of calculating the plasma number density from the δλ of neutrals needs to be judiciously done, to avoid reaching inaccurate conclusions.

Imaging the Molecular Signatures of Apoptosis and Injury with Radiolabeled Annexin V

PubMed Central

Blankenberg, Francis G.

2009-01-01

Annexin V is a ubiquitous intracellular protein in humans that has a variety of intriguing characteristics, including a nanomolar affinity for the membrane-bound constitutive anionic phospholipid known as phosphatidylserine (PS). PS is selectively expressed on the surface of apoptotic or physiologically stressed cells. As such, radiolabeled forms of annexin V have been used in both animal models and human Phase I and Phase II trials to determine if this tracer can be employed as an early surrogate marker of therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Many other pulmonary imaging applications of radiolabeled annexin V are also possible, including the detection and monitoring of active pulmonary inflammation and other pathophysiologic stressors in a variety of diseases. In this article, the salient molecular features of apoptosis (and other forms of cell death) that permits imaging with radiolabeled annexin V will be discussed. The latest results from Phase II imaging trials with NSCLC and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will be also be detailed. Finally, the potential future application of this tracer for the imaging of other pulmonary pathologies will be outlined. PMID:19687221

Artificial Photosystem I and II: Highly Selective solar fuels and tandem photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Yuchen; Castellanos, Ignacio; Cerkovnik, Logan; Nagpal, Prashant

2014-03-01

Artificial photosynthesis, or generation of solar fuels from CO2/H2O, can provide an important alternative for rising CO2 emission and renewable energy generation. In our recent work, composite photocatalysts (CPCs) made from widebandgap nanotubes and different QDs were used to mimic Photosystem II (PS680) and I (PS700), respectively. By tuning the redox potentials using the size, composition and energy band alignment of QDs, we demonstrate highly selective (>90%) and efficient production of ethane, ethanol and acetaldehyde as solar fuels with different wavelengths of light. We also show that this selectivity is a result of precise energy band alignments (using cationic/anionic doping of nanotubes, QD size etc.), confirmed using measurements of electronic density of states, and alignment of higher redox potentials with hot-carriers can also lead to hot-carrier photocatalysis. This wavelength-selective CPCs can have important implications for inexpensive production of solar fuels including alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes and hydrogen, and making tandem structures (red, green, blue) with three CPCs, allowing almost full visible spectrum (410 ~ 730nm) utilization with different fuels produced simultaneously.

Heating-freezing effects on the orientation of kaolin clay particles

DOE PAGES

Jaradat, Karam A.; Darbari, Zubin; Elbakhshwan, Mohamed; ...

2017-09-29

The effects of temperature changes on the particle orientation of a consolidated kaolin are studied using XRD experiments. Here, two sets of equipment were utilized in this study: a benchtop equipment, and a synchrotron beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The kaolin specimens tested in the benchtop XRD were subjected to elevated and freezing temperatures ex-situ, while those used for the NSLS-II experiment were exposed to the temperature changes in-situ. The temperatures considered in this study range from freezing (-10 °C) to elevated temperature below boiling (90 °C). The thermally-induced reorientation of claymore » mineral particles is highly dependent on the relative orientation of the clay mineral particles with respect to the applied thermal gradient. For example, kaolin samples with kaolinite particles oriented perpendicular to the thermal gradient, and to the expected thermally-induced pore water flow, experience much higher particles reorientations compared to samples with particles initially oriented parallel to the thermal gradient. Lastly, freezing kaolin preserved its microstructure as ice crystals form.« less

Heating-freezing effects on the orientation of kaolin clay particles

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

Jaradat, Karam A.; Darbari, Zubin; Elbakhshwan, Mohamed

The effects of temperature changes on the particle orientation of a consolidated kaolin are studied using XRD experiments. Here, two sets of equipment were utilized in this study: a benchtop equipment, and a synchrotron beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The kaolin specimens tested in the benchtop XRD were subjected to elevated and freezing temperatures ex-situ, while those used for the NSLS-II experiment were exposed to the temperature changes in-situ. The temperatures considered in this study range from freezing (-10 °C) to elevated temperature below boiling (90 °C). The thermally-induced reorientation of claymore » mineral particles is highly dependent on the relative orientation of the clay mineral particles with respect to the applied thermal gradient. For example, kaolin samples with kaolinite particles oriented perpendicular to the thermal gradient, and to the expected thermally-induced pore water flow, experience much higher particles reorientations compared to samples with particles initially oriented parallel to the thermal gradient. Lastly, freezing kaolin preserved its microstructure as ice crystals form.« less

The formation mechanism and evolution of ps-laser-induced high-spatial-frequency periodic surface structures on titanium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, A. F.; Wang, W. J.; Mei, X. S.; Yang, H. Z.; Sun, X. F.

2017-01-01

We report the formation and evolution mechanisms of HSFLs (high-spatial-frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures) on the commercial pure titanium under 10-ps 532-nm-wavelength laser irradiation. At a lower peak laser fluence, HSFLs in the rough zone are first formed along the surface texture. Subsequently, HSFLs in the flat zone are formed with an orientation parallel to the laser polarization direction. The formation of HSFLs can be attributed to the parallel orientation of the initial periodic modulation of the electron plasma concentration to the laser polarization direction. In particular, the formation of HSFLs along the surface texture occurs because the absorbed laser energy density is along the surface texture. At a higher peak laser fluence, two types of HSFLs appear together with LSFLs. The first type involves HSFLs that initially cover the concave part of the LSFL (low-spatial-frequency laser-induced periodic surface structures) and penetrate inward as the number of spot overlaps increases. This formation mechanism can be attributed to cavitation instability. The second type involves HSFLs that are initially in the convex part of the LSFL, and they are transformed into oxidized nanodots as the number of spot overlaps increases. The oxidized nanodots increase the absorption of laser energy in titanium, which leads to the ablation and removal of the oxidized material. Therefore, the surface of the LSFL becomes smooth.

Ion-pairing dynamics of Li{sup +} and SCN{sup -} in dimethylformamide solution: Chemical exchange two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy

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

Lee, Kyung-Koo; Park, Kwang-Hee; Kwon, Donghyun

2011-02-14

Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy has been proven to be an exceptionally useful method to study chemical exchange processes between different vibrational chromophores under thermal equilibria. Here, we present experimental results on the thermal equilibrium ion pairing dynamics of Li{sup +} and SCN{sup -} ions in N,N-dimethylformamide. Li{sup +} and SCN{sup -} ions can form a contact ion pair (CIP). Varying the relative concentration of Li{sup +} in solution, we could control the equilibrium CIP and free SCN{sup -} concentrations. Since the CN stretch frequency of Li-SCN CIP is blue-shifted by about 16 cm{sup -1} from that of free SCN{supmore » -} ion, the CN stretch IR spectrum is a doublet. The temperature-dependent IR absorption spectra reveal that the CIP formation is an endothermic (0.57 kJ/mol) process and the CIP state has larger entropy by 3.12 J/(K mol) than the free ion states. Since the two ionic configurations are spectrally distinguishable, this salt solution is ideally suited for nonlinear IR spectroscopic investigations to study ion pair association and dissociation dynamics. Using polarization-controlled IR pump-probe methods, we first measured the lifetimes and orientational relaxation times of these two forms of ionic configurations. The vibrational population relaxation times of both the free ion and CIP are about 32 ps. However, the orientational relaxation time of the CIP, which is {approx}47 ps, is significantly longer than that of the free SCN{sup -}, which is {approx}7.7 ps. This clearly indicates that the effective moment of inertia of the CIP is much larger than that of the free SCN{sup -}. Then, using chemical exchange 2DIR spectroscopy and analyzing the diagonal peak and cross-peak amplitude changes with increasing the waiting time, we determined the contact ion pair association and dissociation time constants that are found to be 165 and 190 ps, respectively. The results presented and discussed in this paper are believed to be important, not only because the ion-pairing dynamics is one of the most fundamental physical chemistry problems but also because such molecular ion-ion interactions are of critical importance in understanding Hofmeister effects on protein stability.« less

Novel Insights in the Regulation of Phosphatidylserine Exposure in Human Red Blood Cells.

PubMed

Wesseling, Mauro C; Wagner-Britz, Lisa; Nguyen, Duc Bach; Asanidze, Salome; Mutua, Judy; Mohamed, Nagla; Hanf, Benjamin; Ghashghaeinia, Mehrdad; Kaestner, Lars; Bernhardt, Ingolf

2016-01-01

In previous publications we were able to demonstrate the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer membrane leaflet after activation of red blood cells (RBCs) by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), phorbol-12 myristate-13acetate (PMA), or 4-bromo-A23187 (A23187). It has been concluded that three different mechanisms are responsible for the PS exposure in human RBCs: (i) Ca2+-stimulated scramblase activation (and flippase inhibition) by A23187, LPA, and PMA; (ii) PKCα activation by LPA and PMA; and (iii) enhanced lipid flip flop caused by LPA. Further studies aimed to elucidate interconnections between the increased Ca2+ content, scramblase- and PKCα-activation. In addition, the role of the Ca2+-activated K+ channel (Gardos channel) activity in the process of PS exposure needs to be investigated. The intracellular Ca2+ content and the PS exposure of RBCs have been investigated after treatment with LPA (2.5 µM), PMA (6 µM), or A23187 (2 µM). Fluo-4 and annexin V-FITC has been used to detect intracellular Ca2+ content and PS exposure, respectively. Both parameters (Ca2+ content, PS exposure) were studied using flow cytometry. Inhibitors of the scramblase, the PKCα, and the Gardos channel have been applied. The percentage of RBCs showing PS exposure after activation with LPA, PMA, or A23187 is significantly reduced after inhibition of the scramblase using the specific inhibitor R5421 as well as after the inhibition of the PKCα using chelerythrine chloride or calphostin C. The inhibitory effect is more pronounced when the scramblase and the PKCα are inhibited simultaneously. Additionally, the inhibition of the Gardos channel using charybdotoxin resulted in a significant reduction of the percentage of RBCs showing PS exposure under all conditions measured. Similar results were obtained when the Gardos channel activity was suppressed by increased extracellular K+ content. PS exposure is mediated by the Ca2+-dependent scramblase but also by PKCα activated by LPA and PMA in a Ca2+-dependent and a Ca2+-independent manner. Furthermore, we hypothesize that a hyperpolarisation of RBCs caused by the opening of the Gardos channel is essential for the scramblase activity as well as for a fraction of the LPA-induced Ca2+ entry. © 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

The Effect of Combat on Aircrew Subjective Readiness and LSO Grades during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

These periods of SUSOPS often require many hours of mission planning and briefing by the same aircrew who later fly into combat. This ’front-loading’ of...CsCOLLATERIAL OUTr. GDUTIDIES a au LE.P Sa PlKF PoSTRIKE PLANNING EXEsERCISE DATE MUEAS 0aEMMF PsMEOCEATIONIMEST XETESTING!11 11 I1illilll ii I-. II...duration and infrequent occurrence, functional check flights (FCF) and post maintenance check flights ( PMCF ) were also included among the TRG flights

Electronic readout system for the Belle II imaging Time-Of-Propagation detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotchetkov, Dmitri

2017-07-01

The imaging Time-Of-Propagation (iTOP) detector, constructed for the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB e+e- collider, is an 8192-channel high precision Cherenkov particle identification detector with timing resolution below 50 ps. To acquire data from the iTOP, a novel front-end electronic readout system was designed, built, and integrated. Switched-capacitor array application-specific integrated circuits are used to sample analog signals. Triggering, digitization, readout, and data transfer are controlled by Xilinx Zynq-7000 system on a chip devices.

Two reaction pathways for transformation of high potential cytochrome b559 of PS II into the intermediate potential form.

PubMed

Kaminskaya, Olga; Shuvalov, Vladimir A; Renger, Gernot

2007-06-01

This study describes an analysis of different treatments that influence the relative content and the midpoint potential of HP Cyt b559 in PS II membrane fragments from higher plants. Two basically different types of irreversible modification effects are distinguished: the HP form of Cyt b559 is either predominantly affected when the heme group is oxidized ("O-type" effects) or when it is reduced ("R-type" effects). Transformation of HP Cyt b559 to lower potential redox forms (IP and LP forms) by the "O-type" mechanism is induced by high pH and detergent treatments. In this case the effects consist of a gradual decrease in the relative content of HP Cyt b559 while its midpoint potential remains unaffected. Transformation of HP Cyt b559 via an "R-type" mechanism is caused by a number of exogenous compounds denoted L: herbicides, ADRY reagents and tetraphenylboron. These compounds are postulated to bind to the PS II complex at a quinone binding site designated as Q(C) which interacts with Cyt b559 and is clearly not the Q(B) site. Binding of compounds L to the Q(C) site when HP Cyt b559 is oxidized gives rise to a gradual decrease in the E(m) of HP Cyt b559 with increasing concentration of L (up to 10 K(ox)(L) values) while the relative content of HP Cyt b559 is unaffected. Higher concentrations of compounds L required for their binding to Q(C) site when HP Cyt b559 is reduced (described by K(red)(L)) induce a conversion of HP Cyt b559 to lower potential redox forms ("R-type" transformation). Two reaction pathways for transitions of Cyt b559 between the different protein conformations that are responsible for the HP and IP/LP redox forms are proposed and new insights into the functional regulation of Cyt b559 via the Q(C) site are discussed.

Long-term Outcomes of One Stage Surgery Using Transanal Colorectal Tube for Acute Colorectal Obstruction of Stage II/III Distal Colon Cancer.

PubMed

Okuda, Yusuke; Yamada, Tomonori; Hirata, Yoshikazu; Shimura, Takaya; Yamaguchi, Ryuzo; Sakamoto, Eiji; Sobue, Satoshi; Nakazawa, Takahiro; Kataoka, Hiromi; Joh, Takashi

2018-06-06

Since oncological outcomes of transanal colorectal tube (TCT) placement, an endoscopic treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) with acute colorectal obstruction (ACO), remain unknown, this study analyzed long-term outcomes of TCT placement for stage II/III CRC with ACO. Data were retrospectively reviewed from consecutive patients with distal stage II/III CRC who underwent surgery between January 2007 and December 2011 at two Japanese hospitals. One hospital conducted emergency surgery and the other performed TCT placement as the standard treatment for all CRCs with ACO. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to adjust baseline characteristics between two groups. Among 754 patients with distal stage II/III CRC, 680 did not have ACO (non-ACO group) and 74 had ACO (ACO group). The PS matching between both hospitals identified 234 pairs in the non-ACO group and 23 pairs in the ACO group. In the non-ACO group, the surgical quality was equivalent between the two institutions, with no significant differences in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). In the ACO group, the rate of primary resection/anastomosis was higher in the TCT group than in the surgery group (87.0% vs. 26.1%; p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted between the surgery and the TCT groups in OS (5-year OS, 61.9% vs. 51.5%; p=0.490) and DFS (5-year DFS, 45.9% vs. 38.3%; p=0.658). TCT placement can achieve similar long-term outcomes to emergency surgery, with a high rate of primary resection/anastomosis for distal stage II/III colon cancer with ACO.

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

Samant, Saumil; Strzalka, Joseph; Yager, Kevin G.

Dynamic thermal gradient-based processes for directed self-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) thin films such as cold zone annealing (CZA) have demonstrated much potential for rapidly fabricating highly ordered patterns of BCP domains with facile orientation control. As a demonstration, hexagonally packed predominantly vertical cylindrical morphology, technologically relevant for applications such as membranes and lithography, was achieved in 1 μm thick cylinder-forming PS-b-PMMA (cBCP) films by applying sharp thermal gradients (CZA-Sharp) at optimum sample sweep rates. A thorough understanding of the molecular level mechanisms and pathways of the BCP ordering that occur during this CZA-S process is presented, useful to fullymore » exploit the potential of CZA-S for large-scale BCP-based device fabrication. To that end, we developed a customized CZA-S assembly to probe the dynamic structure evolution and ordering of the PS-b-PMMA cBCP film in situ as it undergoes the CZA-S process using the grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) technique. Four distinct regimes of BCP ordering were observed within the gradient that include microphase separation from an “as cast” unordered state (Regime I), evolution of vertical cylinders under a thermally imposed strain gradient (Regime II), reorientation of a fraction of cylinders due to preferential substrate interactions (Regime III), and finally grain-coarsening on the cooling edge (Regime IV). The ordering pathway in the different regimes is further described within the framework of an energy landscape. A novel aspect of this study is the identification of a grain-coarsening regime on the cooling edge of the gradient, previously obscure in zone annealing studies of BCPs. Furthermore, such insights into the development of highly ordered BCP nanostructures under template-free thermal gradient fields can potentially have important ramifications in the field of BCP-directed self-assembly and self-assembling polymer systems more broadly.« less

Ordering pathway of block copolymers under dynamic thermal gradients studied by in situ GISAXS

DOE PAGES

Samant, Saumil; Strzalka, Joseph; Yager, Kevin G.; ...

2016-10-31

Dynamic thermal gradient-based processes for directed self-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) thin films such as cold zone annealing (CZA) have demonstrated much potential for rapidly fabricating highly ordered patterns of BCP domains with facile orientation control. As a demonstration, hexagonally packed predominantly vertical cylindrical morphology, technologically relevant for applications such as membranes and lithography, was achieved in 1 μm thick cylinder-forming PS-b-PMMA (cBCP) films by applying sharp thermal gradients (CZA-Sharp) at optimum sample sweep rates. A thorough understanding of the molecular level mechanisms and pathways of the BCP ordering that occur during this CZA-S process is presented, useful to fullymore » exploit the potential of CZA-S for large-scale BCP-based device fabrication. To that end, we developed a customized CZA-S assembly to probe the dynamic structure evolution and ordering of the PS-b-PMMA cBCP film in situ as it undergoes the CZA-S process using the grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) technique. Four distinct regimes of BCP ordering were observed within the gradient that include microphase separation from an “as cast” unordered state (Regime I), evolution of vertical cylinders under a thermally imposed strain gradient (Regime II), reorientation of a fraction of cylinders due to preferential substrate interactions (Regime III), and finally grain-coarsening on the cooling edge (Regime IV). The ordering pathway in the different regimes is further described within the framework of an energy landscape. A novel aspect of this study is the identification of a grain-coarsening regime on the cooling edge of the gradient, previously obscure in zone annealing studies of BCPs. Furthermore, such insights into the development of highly ordered BCP nanostructures under template-free thermal gradient fields can potentially have important ramifications in the field of BCP-directed self-assembly and self-assembling polymer systems more broadly.« less

Responsibility/Threat Overestimation Moderates the Relationship Between Contamination-Based Disgust and Obsessive-Compulsive Concerns About Sexual Orientation.

PubMed

Ching, Terence H W; Williams, Monnica T; Siev, Jedidiah; Olatunji, Bunmi O

2018-05-01

Disgust has been shown to perform a "disease-avoidance" function in contamination fears. However, no studies have examined the relevance of disgust to obsessive-compulsive (OC) concerns about sexual orientation (e.g., fear of one's sexual orientation transforming against one's will, and compulsive avoidance of same-sex and/or gay or lesbian individuals to prevent that from happening). Therefore, we investigated whether the specific domain of contamination-based disgust (i.e., evoked by the perceived threat of transmission of essences between individuals) predicted OC concerns about sexual orientation, and whether this effect was moderated/amplified by obsessive beliefs, in evaluation of a "sexual orientation transformation-avoidance" function. We recruited 283 self-identified heterosexual college students (152 females, 131 males; mean age = 20.88 years, SD = 3.19) who completed three measures assessing disgust, obsessive beliefs, and OC concerns about sexual orientation. Results showed that contamination-based disgust (β = .17), responsibility/threat overestimation beliefs (β = .15), and their interaction (β = .17) each uniquely predicted OC concerns about sexual orientation, ts = 2.22, 2.50, and 2.90, ps < .05. Post hoc probing indicated that high contamination-based disgust accompanied by strong responsibility/threat overestimation beliefs predicted more severe OC concerns about sexual orientation, β = .48, t = 3.24, p < .001. The present study, therefore, provided preliminary evidence for a "sexual orientation transformation-avoidance" process underlying OC concerns about sexual orientation in heterosexual college students, which is facilitated by contamination-based disgust, and exacerbated by responsibility/threat overestimation beliefs. Treatment for OC concerns about sexual orientation should target such beliefs.

Synthesis, characterization and single crystal x-ray analysis of a complex of iron(II) bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)dithiophosphate with 4-ethylpyridine

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

Kumar, Sandeep; Andotra, Savit; Kaur, Mandeep

2016-09-15

Complex of iron(II) bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)dithiophosphate with 4-ethylpyridine [((2,4- (CH{sub 3}){sub 2}C{sub 6}H{sub 3}O)2PS2)2Fe(NC{sub 5}H{sub 4}(C{sub 2}H{sub 5})-4){sub 2}] is synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic moment, IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray analysis. Complex crystallizes in the monoclinic sp. gr. P2{sub 1}/n, Z = 2. Crystal structure consists of mononuclear units with Fe(II) ion chelated by four S atoms of the two diphenyldithiophosphate ligands in bidentate manner. N atoms from two 4-ethylpyridine ligands are axially coordinated to the Fe(II) atom leading to an octahedral geometry.

Lignin-Modified Carbon Nanotube/Graphene Hybrid Coating as Efficient Flame Retardant

PubMed Central

Song, Kunlin; Ganguly, Indroneil; Eastin, Ivan

2017-01-01

To reduce fire hazards and expand high-value applications of lignocellulosic materials, thin films comprising graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) pre-adsorbed with alkali lignin were deposited by a Meyer rod process. Lightweight and highly flexible papers with increased gas impermeability were obtained by coating a protective layer of carbon nanomaterials in a randomly oriented and overlapped network structure. Assessment of the thermal and flammability properties of papers containing as low as 4 wt % carbon nanomaterials exhibited self-extinguishing behavior and yielded up to 83.5% and 87.7% reduction in weight loss and burning area, respectively, compared to the blank papers. The maximum burning temperature as measured by infrared pyrometry also decreased from 834 °C to 705 °C with the presence of flame retardants. Furthermore, papers coated with composites of GnPs and CNTs pre-adsorbed with lignin showed enhanced thermal stability and superior fire resistance than samples treated with either component alone. These outstanding flame-retardant properties can be attributed to the synergistic effects between GnPs, CNTs and lignin, enhancing physical barrier characteristics, formation of char and thermal management of the material. These results provide great opportunities for the development of efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flame retardants. PMID:29117109

Correlation of collagen synthesis with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography imaging of in vitro human atherosclerosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Wen-Chuan; Shyu, Jeou-Jong; Chou, Nai-Kuan; Lai, Chih-Ming; Tien, En-Kuang; Huang, Huan-Jang; Chou, Chien; Jan, Gwo-Jen

2005-04-01

Atherosclerosis is unquestionably the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. In the mean time, the worldwide importance of acute vascular syndromes is increasing. Because collagen fiber is a critical component of atherosclerotic lesions; it constitutes up to 60% of the total atherosclerotic plaque protein. The uncontrolled collagen accumulation leads to arterial stenosis, whereas excessive collagen breakdown weakens plaques thereby making them prone to rupture finally. Thus, in this study, we present the first application, to our knowledge, of using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) in human atherosclerosis. We demonstrate this technique for imaging of intensity, birefringence, and fast-axis orientation simultaneously in atherosclerotic plaques. This in vitro study suggests that the birefringence change in plaque is due to the prominent deposition of collagen according to the correlation of PS-OCT images with histological counterpart. Moreover, we can acquire quantitative criteria based on the change of polarization of incident beam to estimate whether the collagen synthesized is "too much" or "not enough". Thus by combining of high resolution intensity imaging and birefringence detection makes PS-OCT could be a potentially powerful tool for early assessment of atherosclerosis appearance and the prediction of plaque rupture in clinic.

Aqueous solvation from the water perspective.

PubMed

Ahmed, Saima; Pasti, Andrea; Fernández-Terán, Ricardo J; Ciardi, Gustavo; Shalit, Andrey; Hamm, Peter

2018-06-21

The response of water re-solvating a charge-transfer dye (deprotonated Coumarin 343) after photoexcitation has been measured by means of transient THz spectroscopy. Two steps of increasing THz absorption are observed, a first ∼10 ps step on the time scale of Debye relaxation of bulk water and a much slower step on a 3.9 ns time scale, the latter of which reflecting heating of the bulk solution upon electronic relaxation of the dye molecules from the S 1 back into the S 0 state. As an additional reference experiment, the hydroxyl vibration of water has been excited directly by a short IR pulse, establishing that the THz signal measures an elevated temperature within ∼1 ps. This result shows that the first step upon dye excitation (10 ps) is not limited by the response time of the THz signal; it rather reflects the reorientation of water molecules in the solvation layer. The apparent discrepancy between the relatively slow reorientation time and the general notion that water is among the fastest solvents with a solvation time in the sub-picosecond regime is discussed. Furthermore, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations have been performed, revealing a close-to-quantitative agreement with experiment, which allows one to disentangle the contribution of heating to the overall THz response from that of water orientation.

Near-infrared image-guided laser ablation of artificial caries lesions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, You-Chen; Fan, Kenneth; Fried, Daniel

2007-02-01

Laser removal of dental hard tissue can be combined with optical, spectral or acoustic feedback systems to selectively ablate dental caries and restorative materials. Near-infrared (NIR) imaging has considerable potential for the optical discrimination of sound and demineralized tissue. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that two-dimensional NIR images of demineralized tooth surfaces can be used to guide CO II laser ablation for the selective removal of artificial caries lesions. Highly patterned artificial lesions were produced by submerging 5 x 5 mm2 bovine enamel samples in demineralized solution for a 9-day period while sound areas were protected with acid resistant varnish. NIR imaging and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) were used to acquire depth-resolved images at a wavelength of 1310-nm. An imaging processing module was developed to analyze the NIR images and to generate optical maps. The optical maps were used to control a CO II laser for the selective removal of the lesions at a uniform depth. This experiment showed that the patterned artificial lesions were removed selectively using the optical maps with minimal damage to sound enamel areas. Post-ablation NIR and PS-OCT imaging confirmed that demineralized areas were removed while sound enamel was conserved. This study successfully demonstrated that near-IR imaging can be integrated with a CO II laser ablation system for the selective removal of dental caries.

Experience with case tools in the design of process-oriented software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novakov, Ognian; Sicard, Claude-Henri

1994-12-01

In Accelerator systems such as the CERN PS complex, process equipment has a life time which may exceed the typical life cycle of its related software. Taking into account the variety of such equipment, it is important to keep the analysis and design of the software in a system-independent form. This paper discusses the experience gathered in using commercial CASE tools for analysis, design and reverse engineering of different process-oriented software modules, with a principal emphasis on maintaining the initial analysis in a standardized form. Such tools have been in existence for several years, but this paper shows that they are not fully adapted to our needs. In particular, the paper stresses the problems of integrating such a tool into an existing data-base-dependent development chain, the lack of real-time simulation tools and of Object-Oriented concepts in existing commercial packages. Finally, the paper gives a broader view of software engineering needs in our particular context.

Effects of light, food availability and temperature stress on the function of photosystem II and photosystem I of coral symbionts.

PubMed

Hoogenboom, Mia O; Campbell, Douglas A; Beraud, Eric; Dezeeuw, Katrina; Ferrier-Pagès, Christine

2012-01-01

Reef corals are heterotrophic coelenterates that achieve high productivity through their photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbionts. Excessive seawater temperature destabilises this symbiosis and causes corals to "bleach," lowering their photosynthetic capacity. Bleaching poses a serious threat to the persistence of coral reefs on a global scale. Despite expanding research on the causes of bleaching, the mechanisms remain a subject of debate. This study determined how light and food availability modulate the effects of temperature stress on photosynthesis in two reef coral species. We quantified the activities of Photosystem II, Photosystem I and whole chain electron transport under combinations of normal and stressful growth temperatures, moderate and high light levels and the presence or absence of feeding of the coral hosts. Our results show that PS1 function is comparatively robust against temperature stress in both species, whereas PS2 and whole chain electron transport are susceptible to temperature stress. In the symbiotic dinoflagellates of Stylophora pistillata the contents of chlorophyll and major photosynthetic complexes were primarily affected by food availability. In Turbinaria reniformis growth temperature was the dominant influence on the contents of the photosynthetic complexes. In both species feeding the host significantly protected photosynthetic function from high temperature stress. Our findings support the photoinhibition model of coral bleaching and demonstrate that PS1 is not a major site for thermal damage during bleaching events. Feeding mitigates bleaching in two scleractinian corals, so that reef responses to temperature stresses will likely be influenced by the coinciding availabilities of prey for the host.

Metatranscriptomics of N2-fixing cyanobacteria in the Amazon River plume

PubMed Central

Hilton, Jason A; Satinsky, Brandon M; Doherty, Mary; Zielinski, Brian; Zehr, Jonathan P

2015-01-01

Biological N2 fixation is an important nitrogen source for surface ocean microbial communities. However, nearly all information on the diversity and gene expression of organisms responsible for oceanic N2 fixation in the environment has come from targeted approaches that assay only a small number of genes and organisms. Using genomes of diazotrophic cyanobacteria to extract reads from extensive meta-genomic and -transcriptomic libraries, we examined diazotroph diversity and gene expression from the Amazon River plume, an area characterized by salinity and nutrient gradients. Diazotroph genome and transcript sequences were most abundant in the transitional waters compared with lower salinity or oceanic water masses. We were able to distinguish two genetically divergent phylotypes within the Hemiaulus-associated Richelia sequences, which were the most abundant diazotroph sequences in the data set. Photosystem (PS)-II transcripts in Richelia populations were much less abundant than those in Trichodesmium, and transcripts from several Richelia PS-II genes were absent, indicating a prominent role for cyclic electron transport in Richelia. In addition, there were several abundant regulatory transcripts, including one that targets a gene involved in PS-I cyclic electron transport in Richelia. High sequence coverage of the Richelia transcripts, as well as those from Trichodesmium populations, allowed us to identify expressed regions of the genomes that had been overlooked by genome annotations. High-coverage genomic and transcription analysis enabled the characterization of distinct phylotypes within diazotrophic populations, revealed a distinction in a core process between dominant populations and provided evidence for a prominent role for noncoding RNAs in microbial communities. PMID:25514535

NOAA Photo Library

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NOAA Photo Library Banner Takes you to the Top Page Takes you to the About this Site page. Takes Collections page. Takes you to the search page. Takes you to the Links page. NOAA Photo Library Image the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin ....", 1806. Volume II, p. 26. Library Call Number PS745 .A2 1806

Protein covalent immobilization via its scarce thiol versus abundant amine groups: Effect on orientation, cell binding domain exposure and conformational lability.

PubMed

Ba, O M; Hindie, M; Marmey, P; Gallet, O; Anselme, K; Ponche, A; Duncan, A C

2015-10-01

Quantity, orientation, conformation and covalent linkage of naturally cell adhesive proteins adsorbed or covalently linked to a surface, are known to influence the preservation of their subsequent long term cell adhesion properties and bioactivity. In the present work, we explore two different strategies for the covalent linking of plasma fibronectin (pFN) - used as a cell adhesive model protein, onto a polystyrene (PS) surface. One is aimed at tethering the protein to the surface in a semi-oriented fashion (via one of the 4 free thiol reactive groups on the protein) with a heterofunctional coupling agent (SSMPB method). The other aims to immobilize the protein in a more random fashion by reaction between the abundant pendant primary amine bearing amino acids of the pFN and activated carboxylic surface functions obtained after glutaric anhydride surface treatment (GA method). The overall goal will be to verify the hypothesis of a correlation between covalent immobilization of a model cell adhesive protein to a PS surface in a semi-oriented configuration (versus randomly oriented) with promotion of enhanced exposure of the protein's cell binding domain. This in turn would lead to enhanced cell adhesion. Ideally the goal is to elaborate substrates exhibiting a long term stable protein monolayer with preserved cell adhesive properties and bioactivity for biomaterial and/or cell adhesion commercial plate applications. However, the initial restrictive objective of this paper is to first quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the reversibly (merely adsorbed) versus covalently irreversibly bound protein to the surface after the immobilization procedure. Although immobilized surface amounts were similar (close to the monolayer range) for all immobilization approaches, covalent grafting showed improved retention and stronger "tethering" of the pFN protein to the surface (roughly 40%) after SDS rinsing compared to that for mere adsorption (0%) suggesting an added value to the covalent grafting immobilization methods. However no differences in exposure of the cell binding domains were observed (ELISA results) before SDS rinsing, suggesting that pFN protein grafting to the surface is initially kinetically driven be a stochastic random adsorption phenomenon. Covalent grafting acts in the final stage as a process that simply tethers and stabilizes (or freezes) the initial conformation/orientation of the adsorbed protein on the surface. In addition covalent linkage via the SSMPB approach is likely favored by surface-induce exposure of one of the normally hidden free thiol group pair, thus optimizing covalent linkage to the surface. However after SDS rinsing, this "tethering"/"freezing" effect was significantly more prominent for the GA grafting approach (due to greater number of potential covalent links between the protein and the surface) compared to that for the SSMPB approach. This hypothesis was buttressed by the improved resistance to denaturation (smaller conformational lability) for the GA compared to the SMPB approach and improved exposure of the cell binding domain for the former (>50%) even after SDS rinsing. These results are promising in that they suggest covalent tethering of fibronectin to PS substrate in a monolayer range, with significantly improved irreversible protein surface bonding via both approaches (compared to that for mere adsorption). The latter are likely applicable to a wide range of proteins. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Data-free and data-driven spectral perturbations for RANS UQ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edeling, Wouter; Mishra, Aashwin; Iaccarino, Gianluca

2017-11-01

Despite recent developments in high-fidelity turbulent flow simulations, RANS modeling is still vastly used by industry, due to its inherent low cost. Since accuracy is a concern in RANS modeling, model-form UQ is an essential tool for assessing the impacts of this uncertainty on quantities of interest. Applying the spectral decomposition to the modeled Reynolds-Stress Tensor (RST) allows for the introduction of decoupled perturbations into the baseline intensity (kinetic energy), shape (eigenvalues), and orientation (eigenvectors). This constitutes a natural methodology to evaluate the model form uncertainty associated to different aspects of RST modeling. In a predictive setting, one frequently encounters an absence of any relevant reference data. To make data-free predictions with quantified uncertainty we employ physical bounds to a-priori define maximum spectral perturbations. When propagated, these perturbations yield intervals of engineering utility. High-fidelity data opens up the possibility of inferring a distribution of uncertainty, by means of various data-driven machine-learning techniques. We will demonstrate our framework on a number of flow problems where RANS models are prone to failure. This research was partially supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Enabling Quantification of Uncertainty in Physical Systems (EQUiPS) project (technical monitor: Dr Fariba Fahroo), and the DOE PSAAP-II program.

DNA-fiber EPR investigation of the influence of amino-terminal residue stereochemistry on the DNA binding orientation of Cu(II)•Gly-Gly-His-derived metallopeptides

PubMed Central

Hamada, Hirokazu; Abe, Yuko; Nagane, Ryoichi; Fang, Ya-Yin; Lewis, Mark A.; Long, Eric C.; Chikira, Makoto

2007-01-01

DNA fiber EPR was used to investigate the DNA binding stabilities and orientations of Cu(II)•Gly-Gly-His-derived metallopeptides containing d- vs. l-amino acid substitutions in the first peptide position. This examination included studies of Cu(II)•d-Arg-Gly-His and Cu(II)•d-Lys-Gly-His for comparison to metallopeptides containing l-Arg/Lys substitutions, and also the diastereoisomeric pairs Cu(II)•d/l-Pro-Gly-His and Cu(II)•d/l-Pro-Lys-His. Results indicated that l-Arg/Lys to d-Arg/Lys substitutions considerably randomized the orientation of the metallopeptides on DNA whereas the replacement of l-Pro by d-Pro in Cu(II)•l-Pro-Gly-His caused a decrease in randomness. The difference in the extent of randomness of d- vs. l-Pro-Gly-His complexes was diminished through the substitution of Gly for Lys in the middle peptide position, supporting the notion that the ε-amino group of Lys triggered further randomization, likely through hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions that disrupt binding of the metallopeptide equatorial plane and the DNA. The relationship between the stereochemistry of amino acid residues and the binding and reaction of M(II)•Xaa-Xaa’-His metallopeptides with DNA are also discussed. PMID:17706784

Comparing the utility of DSM-5 Section II and III antisocial personality disorder diagnostic approaches for capturing psychopathic traits.

PubMed

Few, Lauren R; Lynam, Donald R; Maples, Jessica L; MacKillop, James; Miller, Joshua D

2015-01-01

The current study compares the 2 diagnostic approaches (Section II vs. Section III) included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) for diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in terms of their relations with psychopathic traits and externalizing behaviors (EBs). The Section III approach to ASPD, which is more explicitly trait-based than the Section II approach, also includes a psychopathy specifier (PS) that was created with the goal of making the diagnosis of ASPD more congruent with psychopathy. In a community sample of individuals currently receiving mental health treatment (N = 106), ratings of the 2 DSM-5 diagnostic approaches were compared in relation to measures of psychopathy, as well as indices of EBs. Both DSM-5 ASPD approaches were significantly related to the psychopathy scores, although the Section III approach accounted for almost twice the amount of variance when compared with the Section II approach. Relatively little of this predictive advantage, however, was due to the PS, as these traits manifested little evidence of incremental validity in relation to existing psychopathy measures and EBs, with the exception of a measure of fearless dominance. Overall, the DSM-5 Section III diagnostic approach for ASPD is more convergent with the construct of psychopathy, from which ASPD was originally derived. These improvements, however, are due primarily to the new trait-based focus in the Section III ASPD diagnosis rather than the assessment of personality dysfunction or the inclusion of additional "psychopathy-specific" traits. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

The regulation of TiO2 nanoparticles on the expression of light-harvesting complex II and photosynthesis of chloroplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Ze, Yuguan; Liu, Chao; Wang, Ling; Hong, Mengmeng; Hong, Fashui

2011-11-01

Recent studies demonstrated that titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) could significantly promote photosynthesis and plant growth, but its mechanism is still unclear. In this article, we studied the mechanism of light absorption and transfer of chloroplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana caused by TiO2 NPs treated. The results showed that TiO2 NPs could induce significant increases of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) b gene expression and LHCII II content on the thylakoid membrane in A. thaliana, and the increases in LHCII were higher than the non-nano TiO2 (bulk-TiO2) treatment. Meanwhile, spectroscopy assays indicated that TiO2 NPs obviously increased the absorption peak intensity of the chloroplast in red and blue region, the fluorescence quantum yield near 680 nm, the excitation peak intensity near 440 and 480 nm and/or near 650 and 680 nm of the chloroplast. TiO2 NPs treatment could reduce F480/F440 ratio and increase F650/F680 ratio and accelerate the rate of whole chain electron transport and oxygen evolution of the chloroplast. However, the photosynthesis improvement of the non-nanoTiO2 treatment was far less effective than TiO2 NPs treatment. Taken together, TiO2 NPs could promote the light absorption of chloroplast, regulate the distribution of light energy from PS I to PS II by increasing LHCII and accelerate the transformation from light energy to electronic energy, water photolysis, and oxygen evolution.

The Effects of Target Orientation on the Dynamic Contrast Sensitivity Function

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

tests: A comparative evaluation. Journal of Amlied ychology, 50, 460-466. Burg, A. (1971). Vision and driving: A report on research. Human Factors...evaluation. Journal of Applied Ps ogy, 50, 460-466. Burg, A. (1971). Vision and driving: A report on research. Human Factors, 13, 79-87. Campbell, F. W...FUNDING NUMBERS 6. AUTHOR(S)G~ioD A- 0ecoKT, ) 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER AFIT Student

Ultrafast shock-induced orientation of polycrystalline films: Applications to high explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franken, Jens; Hambir, Selezion A.; Dlott, Dana D.

1999-02-01

Tiny laser-driven shock waves of ˜5 GPa pressure (nanoshocks) are used to study fast mechanical processes occurring in a thin layer of polycrystalline insensitive energetic material, (3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one) (NTO). Ultrafast coherent Raman spectroscopy of shocked NTO shows the existence of three distinct mechanical processes. Very fast (˜600 ps) changes in intensity and the appearance of new transitions are associated with the uniaxial nature of compression by the shock front. Frequency shifting and broadening processes which track the ˜2 ns duration nanoshock are associated with transient changes in density and temperature. A novel slower process (5-10 ns) starts as the shock begins to unload, and continues for several nanoseconds after the shock is over, resulting in changes of widths and intensities of several vibrational transitions. By comparing ultrafast spectra to static Raman spectra of single NTO crystals in various orientations, it is concluded that this process involves shock-induced partial orientation of the crystals in the NTO layer. The NTO crystals are oriented faster than the time scale for initiating chemical reactions. The sensitivity of explosive crystals to shock initiation may depend dramatically on the orientation of the crystal relative to the direction of shock propagation, so the implications of fast shock-induced orientation for energetic materials initiation are discussed briefly.

Micropattern array with gradient size (µPAGS) plastic surfaces fabricated by PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) mold-based hot embossing technique for investigation of cell-surface interaction.

PubMed

Choi, Min Jin; Park, Ju Young; Cha, Kyoung Je; Rhie, Jong-Won; Cho, Dong-Woo; Kim, Dong Sung

2012-12-01

Recently, it was found that the variations of physical environment significantly affect cell behaviors including cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Through a plastic surface with controlled mechanical properties such as stiffness, one can change the orientation and migration of cells in a particular direction, thereby determining cell behaviors. In this study, we demonstrate a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold-based hot embossing technique for rapid, simple and low-cost replication of polystyrene (PS) surfaces having micropatterns. The PDMS mold was fabricated by UV-photolithography followed by PDMS casting; the elastomeric properties of PDMS enabled us to obtain conformal contact of the PDMS mold to a PS surface and to create high transcription quality of micropatterns on the PS surface. Two different types of circular micropillar and microwell arrays were successfully replicated on the PS surfaces based on the suggested technique. The micropatterns were designed to have various diameters (2-150 µm), spacings (2-160 µm) and heights (1.4, 2.4, 8.2 and 14.9 µm), so as to generate the gradient of physical properties on the surface. Experimental parametric studies indicated that (1) the embossing temperature became a critical processing parameter as the aspect ratio of micropattern increased and (2) the PDMS mold-based hot embossing could successfully replicate micropatterns, even having an aspect ratio of 2.7 for micropattern diameter of 6 µm, with an optimal processing condition (embossing pressure and temperature of 0.4 MPa and 130 °C, respectively) in this study. We carried out cell experiments with adipose-derived stem cells on the replicated PS surface with the height of 1.4 µm to investigate cellular behaviors in response to the micropattern array with gradient size. Cellular experiment results showed that the micropillar-arrayed surface improved cell proliferation as compared with the microwell-arrayed surface. We could also estimate the ranges of pattern sizes having the desired effects on the cellular behaviors.

A unique mid-sequence linker used to multimerize the lipid-phosphatidylserine (PS) binding peptide-peptoid hybrid PPS1.

PubMed

Shukla, Satya Prakash; Manarang, Joseph C; Udugamasooriya, D Gomika

2017-09-08

Ligand multimerizations enhance the binding affinity towards cell surface biomarkers through their avidity effects. Typical linkers connect individual monomeric ligand moieties from one end (e.g., C- or N-terminus of a peptide) and exclusively target protein receptors. The lipid phosphatidylserine (PS) is normally present on the cytoplasmic side of the eukaryotic cell membrane, but in tumors and tumor endothelial cells, this negatively charged PS flips to the outer layer. We recently reported a PS binding peptide-peptoid hybrid (PPS1) that has distinct positively charged and hydrophobic residue-containing regions. The PPS1 monomer is inactive, and upon C-terminal dimerization (PPS1D1), it triggers cytotoxicity. In the current study, a unique series of PPS1 multimeric derivatives were synthesized by switching the linker from the C-terminus to an internal position. The unimportant fourth residue (N-lys) from the C-terminus was utilized to build the linker. The synthesis strategy was developed employing variations of (I) the linker size, (II) the number of positively charged residues, and (III) the number of hydrophobic regions. Cytotoxicity of these new derivatives on HCC4017 lung cancer cells showed that a minimum of two hydrophobic regions was important to retain the activity and that the shortest linker length was optimal for activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

In vivo imaging of brain infarct with the novel fluorescent probe PSVue 794 in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion model.

PubMed

Chu, Chun; Huang, Xiaofang; Chen, Chiung-Tong; Zhao, Yuanli; Luo, Jin J; Gray, Brian D; Pak, Koon Y; Dun, Nae J

2013-01-01

The utility of PSVue 794 (PS794), a near-infrared fluorescent dye conjugated to a bis[zinc (II)-dipicolylamine] (Zn-DPA) targeting moiety, in imaging brain infarct was assessed in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion model. Following reperfusion, 1 mM PS794 solution was administered intravenously via a tail vein. Fluorescence images were captured between 6 to 72 hours postinjection using a LI-COR Biosciences Pearl Imaging System. Strong fluorescence signals, which may represent the infarct core, were detected in the right hemisphere, ipsilateral to the injured site, and weaker signals in areas surrounding the core. In ischemia-reperfusion rats injected with a control dye not linked to a targeting agent, fluorescence was distributed diffusely throughout the brain. To address the issue of whether Zn-DPA targets apoptotic/necrotic cells, HT22 mouse hippocampal neurons were cultured in either Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, serum-deprived medium, Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, or L-glutamate (10 mM)-containing medium for up to 33 hours. Cells were then double-labeled with PSVue 480 (Zn-DPA conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate) and propidium iodide, which labels necrotic cells. Microscopic examination revealed that PS480 targeted apoptotic and necrotic cells. The result indicates that PS794 is applicable to in vivo imaging of brain infarct and that Zn-DPA selectively targets apoptotic/necrotic cells.

Molecular architecture of the human Mediator-RNA polymerase II-TFIIF assembly.

PubMed

Bernecky, Carrie; Grob, Patricia; Ebmeier, Christopher C; Nogales, Eva; Taatjes, Dylan J

2011-03-01

The macromolecular assembly required to initiate transcription of protein-coding genes, known as the Pre-Initiation Complex (PIC), consists of multiple protein complexes and is approximately 3.5 MDa in size. At the heart of this assembly is the Mediator complex, which helps regulate PIC activity and interacts with the RNA polymerase II (pol II) enzyme. The structure of the human Mediator-pol II interface is not well-characterized, whereas attempts to structurally define the Mediator-pol II interaction in yeast have relied on incomplete assemblies of Mediator and/or pol II and have yielded inconsistent interpretations. We have assembled the complete, 1.9 MDa human Mediator-pol II-TFIIF complex from purified components and have characterized its structural organization using cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle reconstruction techniques. The orientation of pol II within this assembly was determined by crystal structure docking and further validated with projection matching experiments, allowing the structural organization of the entire human PIC to be envisioned. Significantly, pol II orientation within the Mediator-pol II-TFIIF assembly can be reconciled with past studies that determined the location of other PIC components relative to pol II itself. Pol II surfaces required for interacting with TFIIB, TFIIE, and promoter DNA (i.e., the pol II cleft) are exposed within the Mediator-pol II-TFIIF structure; RNA exit is unhindered along the RPB4/7 subunits; upstream and downstream DNA is accessible for binding additional factors; and no major structural re-organization is necessary to accommodate the large, multi-subunit TFIIH or TFIID complexes. The data also reveal how pol II binding excludes Mediator-CDK8 subcomplex interactions and provide a structural basis for Mediator-dependent control of PIC assembly and function. Finally, parallel structural analysis of Mediator-pol II complexes lacking TFIIF reveal that TFIIF plays a key role in stabilizing pol II orientation within the assembly.

Orientation of liquid crystalline blue phases on unidirectionally orienting surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Misaki; Ohkawa, Takuma; Yoshida, Hiroyuki; Fukuda, Jun-ichi; Kikuchi, Hirostugu; Ozaki, Masanori

2018-03-01

Liquid crystalline cholesteric blue phases (BPs) continue to attract interest due to their fast response times and quasi-polarization-independent phase modulation capabilities. Various approaches have recently been proposed to control the crystal orientation of BPs on substrates; however, their basic orientation properties on standard, unidirectionally orienting alignment layers have not been investigated in detail. Through analysis of the azimuthal orientation of Kossel diagrams, we study the 3D crystal orientation of a BP material—with a phase sequence of cholesteric, BP I, and BP II—on unidirectionally orienting surfaces prepared using two methods: rubbing and photoalignment. BP II grown from the isotropic phase is sensitive to surface conditions, with different crystal planes orienting on the two substrates. On the other hand, strong thermal hysteresis is observed in BPs grown through a different liquid crystal phase, implying that the preceding structure determines the orientation. More specifically, the BP II-I transition is accompanied by a rotation of the crystal such that the crystal direction defined by certain low-value Miller indices transform into different directions, and within the allowed rotations, different azimuthal configurations are obtained in the same cell depending on the thermal process. Our findings demonstrate that, for the alignment control of BPs, the thermal process is as important as the properties of the alignment layer.

Structure and dynamics in self-organized C60 fullerenes.

PubMed

Patnaik, Archita

2007-01-01

This manuscript on 'structure and dynamics in self-organized C60 fullerenes' has three sections dealing with: (A) pristine C60 aggregate structure and geometry in solvents of varying dielectric constant. Here, using positronium (Ps) as a fundamental probe which maps changes in the local electron density of the microenvironment, the onset concentration for stable C60 aggregate formation and its phase behavior is deduced from the specific interactions of the Ps atom with the surrounding. (B) A novel methanofullerene dyad, based on a hydrophobic (acceptor C60 moiety)-hydrophilic (bridge with benzene and ester functionalities)-hydrophobic (donor didodecyloxybenzene) network is chosen for investigation of characteristic self-assembly it undergoes leading to supramolecular aggregates. The pi-electronic amphiphile, necessitating a critical dielectric constant epsilon > or = 30 in binary THF-water mixtures, dictated the formation of bilayer vesicles as precursors for spherical fractal aggregates upon complete dyad extraction into a more polar water phase. (C) While the molecular orientation is dependent on the packing density, the ordering of the molecular arrangement, indispensable for self-assembly depends on the balance between the structures demanded by inter-molecular and molecule-substrate interactions. The molecular orientation in a monolayer affects the orientation in a multilayer, formed on the monolayer, suggesting the possibility of the latter to act as a template for controlling the structure of the three dimensionally grown self-assembled molecular aggregation. A systematic study on the electronic structure and orientation associated with C60 functionalized aminothiol self-assembled monolayers on Au(111) surface is presented using surface sensitive Ultra-Violet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) and C-K edge Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The results revealed drastic modifications to d-band structure of Au(111) and the electronic structure was found sensitive towards the S-Au interface and the C60 end functional moiety with formation of localized sigma-(S-Au) and sigma(N-C) bonds, respectively. Upon binding C60 to the amine-terminated alkanethiol SAM, a drastically reduced HOMO-LUMO gap of 2.7 eV as compared to a large electronic gap of approximately 8 eV in alkanethiols enables the SAM to be a potential electron transport medium.

IgM antibodies to oxidized phosphatidylserine as protection markers in cardiovascular disease among 60-year olds

PubMed Central

Frostegård, Johan; Su, Jun; Sing, Sudhir; Hua, Xiang; Vikström, Max; Leander, Karin; Gigante, Bruna; de Faire, Ulf; Frostegård, Anna G.

2017-01-01

Objective Phosphatidylserine is exposed on apoptotic cells and is prone to oxidation (OxPS). Here we analyze the association of IgM antibodies against OxPS (anti-OxPS) with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods Among sixty-year olds from Stockholm County in Sweden, previously screened for cardiovascular risk factors (2039 men, 2193 women), there were 210 incident CVD-cases identified during a 5-year follow-up. Using a nested case-control design, 622 age- and sex-matched controls were selected. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% intervals (CI) were calculated by conditional logistic regression. IgM anti-OxPS was measured by ELISA. Phagocytosis of apoptotic Jurkat-cells by macrophages was studied by flow cytometry. Results Anti-OxPS levels were lower among cases (median (interquartile range): 80.7 (60.9–101.0 vs. 84.6 (65.8–109.6); p = 0.047); among men (76.6 (55.8–99.2) vs. 82.0 (63.1–105.1); p = 0.022) and among women 89.6 (72.3–110.1) vs. 89.8 (69.9–114.4); p = 0.79). After adjustment for smoking, BMI, diabetes mellitus type II, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension, and dividing into quartiles, using the highest quartile (quartile 4) as reference, quartile 3 was associated with a OR of 1.74 (CI 1.08–2.81). Quartiles 2 and 1 had similar associations, the later reaching statistical significance. Among men associations were stronger whereas no significant associations were observed in women. The OR of MI/angina comparing quartile 3 with quartile 4 was 2.31 (CI 1.30–4.11). The OR for quartile 2 and 1, respectively, were similar as for quartile 3. Total IgM increased uptake of apoptotic cells, which was reversed if incubated with OxPS. Conclusions IgM anti-OxPS is a novel potential protection marker for CVD, in particular in men. Increased phagocytosis of dying/dead cells could be one potential underlying mechanism. PMID:28430795

Use of transcriptomic data for extending a model of the AppA/PpsR system in Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

PubMed

Pandey, Rakesh; Armitage, Judith P; Wadhams, George H

2017-12-28

Photosynthetic (PS) gene expression in Rhodobacter sphaeroides is regulated in response to changes in light and redox conditions mainly by PrrB/A, FnrL and AppA/PpsR systems. The PrrB/A and FnrL systems activate the expression of them under anaerobic conditions while the AppA/PpsR system represses them under aerobic conditions. Recently, two mathematical models have been developed for the AppA/PpsR system and demonstrated how the interaction between AppA and PpsR could lead to a phenotype in which PS genes are repressed under semi-aerobic conditions. These models have also predicted that the transition from aerobic to anaerobic growth mode could occur via a bistable regime. However, they lack experimentally quantifiable inputs and outputs. Here, we extend one of them to include such quantities and combine all relevant micro-array data publically available for a PS gene of this bacterium and use that to parameterise the model. In addition, we hypothesise that the AppA/PpsR system alone might account for the observed trend of PS gene expression under semi-aerobic conditions. Our extended model of the AppA/PpsR system includes the biological input of atmospheric oxygen concentration and an output of photosynthetic gene expression. Following our hypothesis that the AppA/PpsR system alone is sufficient to describe the overall trend of PS gene expression we parameterise the model and suggest that the rate of AppA reduction in vivo should be faster than its oxidation. Also, we show that despite both the reduced and oxidised forms of PpsR binding to the PS gene promoters in vitro, binding of the oxidised form as a repressor alone is sufficient to reproduce the observed PS gene expression pattern. Finally, the combination of model parameters which fit the biological data well are broadly consistent with those which were previously determined to be required for the system to show (i) the repression of PS genes under semi-aerobic conditions, and (ii) bistability. We found that despite at least three pathways being involved in the regulation of photosynthetic genes, the AppA/PpsR system alone is capable of accounting for the observed trends in photosynthetic gene expression seen at different oxygen levels.

Mass test of AdvanSiD model ASD-NUV3S-P SiliconPMs for the Pixel Timing Counter of the MEG II experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossella, M.; Bariani, S.; Barnaba, O.; Cattaneo, P. W.; Cervi, T.; Menegolli, A.; Nardò, R.; Prata, M. C.; Romano, E.; Scagliotti, C.; Simonetta, M.; Vercellati, F.

2017-02-01

The MEG II Timing Counter will measure the positron time of arrival with a resolution of 30 ps relying on two arrays of scintillator pixels read out by 6144 Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) from AdvanSiD. They must be characterized, measuring their breakdown voltage, to assure that the gains of the SiPMs of each pixel are as uniform as possible, to maximize the pixel resolution. To do this an automatic test system that can measure sequentially the parameters of 32 devices has been developed.

Identification of polymer stabilized blue-phase liquid crystal display by chromaticity diagram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Yi-Fen; Tsai, Cheng-Yeh; Wang, Ling-Yung; Ku, Po-Jen; Huang, Tai-Hsiang; Liu, Chu-Yu; Sugiura, Norio

2012-04-01

We reported an identification method of blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) display status by using Commission International de l'Éclairage (CIE) chromaticity diagram. The BPLC was injected into in-plane-switch (IPS) cell, polymer stabilized (PS) by ultraviolet cured process and analyzed by luminance colorimeter. The results of CIE chromaticity diagram showed a remarkable turning point when polymer stabilized blue phase liquid crystal II (PSBPLC-II) formed in the IPS cell. A mechanism of CIE chromaticity diagram identify PSBPLC display status was proposed, and we believe this finding will be useful to application and production of PSBPLC display.

Microcontact printing of BMP-2 and its effect on human chondrocytes behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Chang-Jiang; Nie, Yu-Dong

2010-01-01

The present study is to investigate human chondrocytes behavior on microcontact printed bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) lines on polystyrene (PS) surface. It was found that the cells aligned with BMP lines and expressed type II and VI collagen. The chondrocytes in vitro cultured on BMP lines were elongated, which resulted in altered cell morphology. Taking all these results into consideration, BMP-2 lines enhance cell adhesion, restrict spreading, and increase type II and VI collagen expression. The results represented in this study may be an approach to the problem of engineering reparative cartilage in vitro.

A theoretical model for the Gla-TSR-EGF-1 region of the anticoagulant cofactor protein S: From biostructural pathology to specie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villoutreix, Bruno O.; Teleman, Olle; Dahlbäck, Björn

1997-05-01

Protein S (PS), which functions as a species-specific anticoagulant cofactor to activated protein C (APC), is a mosaic protein that interacts with the phospholipid membrane via its γ-carboxyglutamate-rich (Gla) module. This module is followed by the thrombin-sensitive region (TSR), sensitive to thrombin cleavage, four epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like modules and a last region referred to as the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) domain. Of these, the TSR and the first EGF-like regions have been shown to be important for the species-specific interaction with APC. Difficulties in crystallising PS have so far hindered its study at the atomic level. Here, we report theoretical models for the Gla and EGF-1 modules of human PS constructed using prothrombin and factor X experimental structures. The TSR was built interactively. Analysis of the model linked with the large body of biochemical literature on PS and related proteins leads to suggestions that (i) the TSR stabilises the calcium-loaded Gla module through hydrophobic and ionic interactions and its conformation depends on the presence of the Gla module; (ii) the TSR does not form a calcium binding site but is protected from thrombin cleavage in the calcium-loaded form owing to short secondary structure elements and close contact with the Gla module; (iii) the PS missense mutations in this region are consistent with the structural data, except in one case which needs further investigation; and (iv) the two PS `faces' involving regions of residues Arg49-Gln52-Lys97 (TSR-EGF-1) and Thr103-Pro106 (EGF-1) may be involved in species-specific interactions with APC as they are richer in nonconservative substitution when comparing human and bovine protein S. This preliminary model helps to plan future experiments and the resulting data will be used to further validate and optimise the present structure.

Effect of methanolic extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves on neointimal foam cell infiltration in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet

PubMed Central

Amran, Adel A.; Zakaria, Zaiton; Othman, Faizah; Das, Srijit; Al-Mekhlafi, Hesham M.; Raj, Santhana; Nordin, Nor-Anita MM

2012-01-01

Previous research has shown the beneficial effects of aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (P.s) on atherosclerosis. The first stage in atherosclerosis is the formation of foam cell. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the methanol extract of P.s on fatty streaks by calculating neointimal foam cell infiltration in rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet. Thirty six male New Zealand white rabbits were divided equally into six groups: (i) C: control group fed normal rabbit chow; (ii) CH: cholesterol diet (1 % cholesterol); (iii) PM1: 1 % cholesterol with methanol extract of P.s (62.5 mg/kg); (iv) PM2: 1 % cholesterol with methanol extract of P.s (125 mg/kg); (v) PM3: 1 % cholesterol with methanol extract of P.s (250 mg/kg); (vi) SMV group fed 1 % cholesterol supplemented with Simvistatin drug (1.2 mg/kg). All animals were treated for 10 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the rabbits were fasted and sacrificed and the aortic tissues were collected for histological studies to measure the area of the neointimal foam cell infiltration using software. The thickening of intima ratio of atherosclerosis and morphological changes by scanning electron microscope were measured. The results showed that the atherosclerotic group had significantly bigger area of fatty streak compared to the control group. The area of fatty streak in the abdominal aorta was significantly reduced in the treatment groups which were similar with the SMV group. Similarly, there was a reduction in the number of foam cell in the treatment groups compared to the atherosclerotic group as seen under scanning microscope. In conclusion, histological study demonstrated that the methanol extract of the P.s could reduce the neointimal foam cell infiltration in the lumen of the aorta and the atherosclerotic lesion. PMID:27366140

The Relationship between Patient Satisfaction with Service Quality and Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - Is Self-Rated Health a Potential Confounder?

PubMed

Lis, Christopher G; Patel, Kamal; Gupta, Digant

2015-01-01

Previously we reported that higher patient satisfaction (PS) with service quality is associated with favorable survival outcomes in a variety of cancers. However, we cautioned the readers that patients with greater satisfaction might be the ones with better self-rated health (SRH), a well-established prognosticator of cancer survival. In other words, SRH could potentially confound the PS and survival relationship. We investigated this hypothesis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 778 NSCLC patients (327 males and 451 females; mean age 58.8 years) treated at 4 Cancer Treatment Centers of America hospitals between July 2011 and March 2013. PS was measured on a 7-point scale ranging from "completely dissatisfied" to "completely satisfied". SRH was measured on a 7-point scale ranging from "very poor" to "excellent". Both were dichotomized into 2 categories: top box response (7) versus all others (1-6). Patient survival was the primary end point. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between PS and survival controlling for covariates. 74, 70, 232 and 391 patients had stage I, II, III and IV disease respectively. 631 (81.1%) patients were "completely satisfied". 184 (23.7%) patients had "excellent" SRH. There was a weak but significant correlation between overall PS and SRH (Kendall's tau b = 0.19; p<0.001). On univariate analysis, "completely satisfied" patients had a significantly lower risk of mortality (HR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.99; p = 0.04). Similarly, patients with "excellent" SRH had a significantly lower risk of mortality (HR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.81; p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis controlling for stage at diagnosis, treatment history and gender, SRH was found to be a significant predictor of survival (HR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.89; p = 0.007) while PS was not (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.2; p = 0.32). Among the individual PS items, the only significant independent predictor of survival was "teams communicating with each other concerning your medical condition and treatment" (HR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.94; p = 0.03). SRH appears to confound the PS-survival relationship in NSCLC. SRH should be used as a control/stratification variable in analyses involving PS as a predictor of clinical cancer outcomes.

Phase II Trial Of PS-341 (Bortezomib) In Patients With Previously Treated Advanced Urothelial Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma

ClinicalTrials.gov

2013-06-04

Metastatic Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter; Recurrent Bladder Cancer; Recurrent Transitional Cell Cancer of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter; Recurrent Urethral Cancer; Stage III Bladder Cancer; Stage III Urethral Cancer; Stage IV Bladder Cancer; Stage IV Urethral Cancer; Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder; Ureter Cancer

Bibliography of Soviet Laser Developments, Number 28, March - April 1977.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-02-24

Dyes " a. Rhodamine 25. Makogon, M.M. and V.B. Sukhanov (0). Dye laser with a partially se- lective resonator. ZhPS, v.26, no.4, 1977, 622-625. b...medium. KE, no.4, 1977, 751-757. 105. Bel’tyugov, V.N., I.I. Sukhanov , and Yu.V. Troitskiy (0). Thermal dis- tortions in intraresonator optical

Research in the Child Psychiatric and Guidance Clinics: Supplementary Bibliography II (1972).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klein, Zanvel E.

This bibliography is the third in a series of compilations of research related to pre-adolescent problems commonly treated through outpatient mental health settings such as clinics and schools. The original document (ED 073 849) covered literature up to 1971, and the first supplement (PS 007 263) focused on research that appeared in 1971. This,…

Effect of manganese doping on remnant polarization and leakage current in (K0.44,Na0.52,Li0.04)(Nb0.84,Ta0.10,Sb0.06)O3 epitaxial thin films on SrTiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abazari, M.; Akdoǧan, E. K.; Safari, A.

2008-05-01

Single phase, epitaxial, ⟨001⟩ oriented, undoped and 1mol% Mn-doped (K0.44,Na0.52,Li0.04)(Nb0.84,Ta0.10,Sb0.06)O3 thin films of 400nm thickness were synthesized on SrRuO3 coated SrTiO3. Such films exhibit well saturated hysteresis loops and have a spontaneous polarization (Ps) of 10μC /cm2, which is a 150% higher over the Ps of the undoped composition. The coercive field of 1mol% Mn doped films is 13kV/cm. Mn-doping results in three orders of magnitude decrease in leakage current above 50kV/cm electric field, which we attribute to the suppression of intrinsic p-type conductivity of undoped films by Mn donors.

Orientation and temperature dependence of some mechanical properties of the single-crystal nickel-base superalloy Rene N4. II - Low cycle fatigue behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabb, T. P.; Gayda, J.; Miner, R. V.

1986-01-01

The low cycle fatigue (LCF) properties of a single-crystal nickel-base superalloy Rene N4, have been examined at 760 and 980 C in air. Specimens having crystallographic orientations near the 001, 011, -111, 023, -236, and -145 lines were tested in fully reversed, total-strain-controlled LCF tests at a frequency of 0.1 Hz. At 760 C, this alloy exhibited orientation dependent tension-compression anisotropies of yielding which continued to failure. Also at 760 C, orientations exhibiting predominately single slip exhibited serrated yielding for many cycles. At 980 C, orientation dependencies of yielding behavior were smaller. In spite of the tension-compression anisotropies, cyclic stress range-strain range behavior was not strongly orientation dependent for either test temperature. Fatigue life on a total strain range basis was highly orientation dependent at 760 and 980 C and was related chiefly to elastic modulus, low modulus orientations having longer lives. Stage I crack growth on 111 planes was dominant at 760 C, while Stage II crack growth occurred at 980 C. Crack initiation generally occurred at near-surface micropores, but occasionally at oxidation spikes in the 980 C tests.

Effects of a community-based approach of food and psychosocial stimulation on growth and development of severely malnourished children in Bangladesh: a randomised trial.

PubMed

Nahar, B; Hossain, M I; Hamadani, J D; Ahmed, T; Huda, S N; Grantham-McGregor, S M; Persson, L A

2012-06-01

Psychosocial stimulation (PS) and food supplementation (FS) improve development of malnourished children. This study evaluates the effects of a community-based approach of PS and FS on growth and development of severely malnourished children. Severely underweight hospitalised children aged 6-24 months (n = 507) were randomly allocated on discharge to five groups: (i) PS, (ii) FS, (iii) PS+FS, (iv) clinic-control and (v) hospital-control. PS included play sessions and parental counselling on child development. This was done at each fortnightly follow-up visit, that is, every second week, for 6 months at community clinics. FS included distribution of cereal-based food packets (150-300 kcal/day) for 3 months. All groups received medical care, micronutrient supplementation, health-education and growth monitoring. Children's development was assessed using revised version of Bayley Scales of Infant Development at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of intervention. Anthropometry was measured using standard procedure. Comparing groups with any stimulation with those with no stimulation there was a significant effect of stimulation on children's mental development index (group*session interaction P = 0.037, effect size = 0.37 s.d.) and weight-for-age Z-score (group*session interaction P = 0.02, effect size=0.26 s.d.). Poor levels of development and nutritional status were sustained, however, due to their initial very severe malnutrition. There was no effect on motor development and linear growth. Children receiving any stimulation showed a significant benefit to mental development and growth in weight. More intensive intervention with longer duration is needed to correct their poor developmental levels and nutritional status.

Generation of hepatocyte-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by co-culturing embryoid body cells with liver non-parenchymal cell line TWNT-1.

PubMed

Javed, M Shahid; Yaqoob, Naeem; Iwamuro, Masaya; Kobayashi, Naoya; Fujiwara, Toshiyoshi

2014-02-01

To generate a homogeneous population of patient-specific hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) from human iPS cells those show the morphologic and phenotypic properties of primary human hepatocytes. An experimental study. Department of Surgery, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, from April to December 2011. Human iPS cells were generated and maintained on ES qualified matrigel coated plates supplemented with mTeSR medium or alternatively on mitotically inactivated MEF feeder layer in DMEM/F12 medium containing 20% KOSR, 4ng/ml bFGF-2, 1 x 10-4 M 2-mercaptoethanol, 1 mmol/L NEAA, 2mM L-glutamine and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. iPS cells were differentiated to HLCs by sequential culture using a four step differentiation protocol: (I) Generation of embryoid bodies (EBs) in suspension culture; (II) Induction of definitive endoderm (DE) from 2 days old EBs by growth in human activin-A (100 ng/ml) and basic fibroblasts growth factor (bFGF2) (100 ng/ml) on matrigel coated plates; (III) Induction of hepatic progenitors by co-culture with non-parenchymal human hepatic stellate cell line (TWNT-1); and (IV) Maturation by culture in dexamethasone. Characterization was performed by RT-PCR and functional assays. The generated HLCs showed microscopically morphological phenotype of human hepatocytes, expressed liver-specific genes (ASGPR, Albumin, AFP, Sox17, Fox A2), secreted human liver-specific proteins such as albumin, synthesized urea and metabolized ammonia. Functional HLCs were generated from human iPS cells, which could be used for autologus hepatocyte transplantation for liver failure and as in vitro model for determining the metabolic and toxicological properties of drug compounds.

Common elements in interleukin 4 and insulin signaling pathways in factor-dependent hematopoietic cells.

PubMed

Wang, L M; Keegan, A D; Li, W; Lienhard, G E; Pacini, S; Gutkind, J S; Myers, M G; Sun, X J; White, M F; Aaronson, S A

1993-05-01

Interleukin 4 (IL-4), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) efficiently induced DNA synthesis in the IL-3-dependent murine myeloid cell lines FDC-P1 and FDC-P2. Although these factors could not individually sustain long-term growth of these lines, a combination of IL-4 with either insulin or IGF-I did support continuous growth. The principal tyrosine-phosphorylated substrate observed in FDC cells stimulated with IL-4, previously designated 4PS, was of the same size (170 kDa) as the major substrate phosphorylated in response to insulin or IGF-I. These substrates had phosphopeptides of the same size when analyzed by digestion with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and each tightly associated with the 85-kDa component of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase after factor stimulation. IRS-1, the principal substrate phosphorylated in response to insulin or IGF-I stimulation in nonhematopoietic cells, is similar in size to 4PS. However, anti-IRS-1 antibodies failed to efficiently precipitate 4PS, and some phosphopeptides generated by V8 protease digestion of IRS-1 were distinct in size from the phosphopeptides of 4PS. Nevertheless, IL-4, insulin, and IGF-I were capable of stimulating tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in FDC cells that expressed this substrate as a result of transfection. These findings indicate that (i) IL-4, insulin, and IGF-I use signal transduction pathways in FDC lines that have at least one major feature in common, the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of 4PS, and (ii) insulin and IGF-I stimulation of hematopoietic cell lines leads to the phosphorylation of a substrate that may be related to but is not identical to IRS-1.

Common elements in interleukin 4 and insulin signaling pathways in factor-dependent hematopoietic cells.

PubMed Central

Wang, L M; Keegan, A D; Li, W; Lienhard, G E; Pacini, S; Gutkind, J S; Myers, M G; Sun, X J; White, M F; Aaronson, S A

1993-01-01

Interleukin 4 (IL-4), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) efficiently induced DNA synthesis in the IL-3-dependent murine myeloid cell lines FDC-P1 and FDC-P2. Although these factors could not individually sustain long-term growth of these lines, a combination of IL-4 with either insulin or IGF-I did support continuous growth. The principal tyrosine-phosphorylated substrate observed in FDC cells stimulated with IL-4, previously designated 4PS, was of the same size (170 kDa) as the major substrate phosphorylated in response to insulin or IGF-I. These substrates had phosphopeptides of the same size when analyzed by digestion with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and each tightly associated with the 85-kDa component of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase after factor stimulation. IRS-1, the principal substrate phosphorylated in response to insulin or IGF-I stimulation in nonhematopoietic cells, is similar in size to 4PS. However, anti-IRS-1 antibodies failed to efficiently precipitate 4PS, and some phosphopeptides generated by V8 protease digestion of IRS-1 were distinct in size from the phosphopeptides of 4PS. Nevertheless, IL-4, insulin, and IGF-I were capable of stimulating tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in FDC cells that expressed this substrate as a result of transfection. These findings indicate that (i) IL-4, insulin, and IGF-I use signal transduction pathways in FDC lines that have at least one major feature in common, the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of 4PS, and (ii) insulin and IGF-I stimulation of hematopoietic cell lines leads to the phosphorylation of a substrate that may be related to but is not identical to IRS-1. Images Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 PMID:7683417

RAId_aPS: MS/MS Analysis with Multiple Scoring Functions and Spectrum-Specific Statistics

PubMed Central

Alves, Gelio; Ogurtsov, Aleksey Y.; Yu, Yi-Kuo

2010-01-01

Statistically meaningful comparison/combination of peptide identification results from various search methods is impeded by the lack of a universal statistical standard. Providing an -value calibration protocol, we demonstrated earlier the feasibility of translating either the score or heuristic -value reported by any method into the textbook-defined -value, which may serve as the universal statistical standard. This protocol, although robust, may lose spectrum-specific statistics and might require a new calibration when changes in experimental setup occur. To mitigate these issues, we developed a new MS/MS search tool, RAId_aPS, that is able to provide spectrum-specific -values for additive scoring functions. Given a selection of scoring functions out of RAId score, K-score, Hyperscore and XCorr, RAId_aPS generates the corresponding score histograms of all possible peptides using dynamic programming. Using these score histograms to assign -values enables a calibration-free protocol for accurate significance assignment for each scoring function. RAId_aPS features four different modes: (i) compute the total number of possible peptides for a given molecular mass range, (ii) generate the score histogram given a MS/MS spectrum and a scoring function, (iii) reassign -values for a list of candidate peptides given a MS/MS spectrum and the scoring functions chosen, and (iv) perform database searches using selected scoring functions. In modes (iii) and (iv), RAId_aPS is also capable of combining results from different scoring functions using spectrum-specific statistics. The web link is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/CBBresearch/Yu/raid_aps/index.html. Relevant binaries for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X are available from the same page. PMID:21103371

Roles of platelet STIM1 and Orai1 in glycoprotein VI- and thrombin-dependent procoagulant activity and thrombus formation.

PubMed

Gilio, Karen; van Kruchten, Roger; Braun, Attila; Berna-Erro, Alejandro; Feijge, Marion A H; Stegner, David; van der Meijden, Paola E J; Kuijpers, Marijke J E; Varga-Szabo, David; Heemskerk, Johan W M; Nieswandt, Bernhard

2010-07-30

In platelets, STIM1 has been recognized as the key regulatory protein in store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) with Orai1 as principal Ca(2+) entry channel. Both proteins contribute to collagen-dependent arterial thrombosis in mice in vivo. It is unclear whether STIM2 is involved. A key platelet response relying on Ca(2+) entry is the surface exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS), which accomplishes platelet procoagulant activity. We studied this response in mouse platelets deficient in STIM1, STIM2, or Orai1. Upon high shear flow of blood over collagen, Stim1(-/-) and Orai1(-/-) platelets had greatly impaired glycoprotein (GP) VI-dependent Ca(2+) signals, and they were deficient in PS exposure and thrombus formation. In contrast, Stim2(-/-) platelets reacted normally. Upon blood flow in the presence of thrombin generation and coagulation, Ca(2+) signals of Stim1(-/-) and Orai1(-/-) platelets were partly reduced, whereas the PS exposure and formation of fibrin-rich thrombi were normalized. Washed Stim1(-/-) and Orai1(-/-) platelets were deficient in GPVI-induced PS exposure and prothrombinase activity, but not when thrombin was present as co-agonist. Markedly, SKF96365, a blocker of (receptor-operated) Ca(2+) entry, inhibited Ca(2+) and procoagulant responses even in Stim1(-/-) and Orai1(-/-) platelets. These data show for the first time that: (i) STIM1 and Orai1 jointly contribute to GPVI-induced SOCE, procoagulant activity, and thrombus formation; (ii) a compensating Ca(2+) entry pathway is effective in the additional presence of thrombin; (iii) platelets contain two mechanisms of Ca(2+) entry and PS exposure, only one relying on STIM1-Orai1 interaction.

24 CFR 5.105 - Other Federal requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. (ii) Prohibition of inquiries on sexual orientation or gender identity. No owner or administrator of HUD-assisted or HUD-insured... subrecipient of HUD funds may inquire about the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant for, or...

24 CFR 5.105 - Other Federal requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. (ii) Prohibition of inquiries on sexual orientation or gender identity. No owner or administrator of HUD-assisted or HUD-insured... subrecipient of HUD funds may inquire about the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant for, or...

24 CFR 5.105 - Other Federal requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status. (ii) Prohibition of inquiries on sexual orientation or gender identity. No owner or administrator of HUD-assisted or HUD-insured... subrecipient of HUD funds may inquire about the sexual orientation or gender identity of an applicant for, or...

Investigation of a tissue engineered tendon model by PS-OCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ying; Ahearne, Mark; Wimpenny, Ian; Guijarro-Leach, Juan; Torbet, Jim

2010-02-01

A few native tissues, such as tendon, skin and eye, possess highly organized collagenous matrices. In particular, the collagen fibers in tendon are organized into a hierarchical and unidirectional format, which gives rise to the high tissuespecific mechanical properties. This organization has been clearly revealed by a conventional polarized light microscope. The newly developed polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) technique allows non-invasive visualization of birefringence images arising from orientated structures in a three dimensional format. Our previous studies of native tendon and tissue engineered tendon by PS-OCT demonstrate that tissue engineered tendon has a far less perfect collagen fiber organization than native tendon even under dynamic culture conditions. The purpose of this study is to use PS-OCT to assess the relationship between the degree of birefringence, collagen concentration and fiber density in model tendon tissues. The model tissue is constructed from an aligned collagen hydrogel and aligned polyester nanofibers. The effects of the diameter and density of the nanofibers and the collagen concentration in the model have been investigated. The alignment of collagen fibrils is induced by application of a high magnetic field during fibrillogenesis while aligned polyester nanofibers are manufactured using the electrospinning technique. It is found that the collagen concentration, the density and size of nanofiber bundles are the key parameters to produce birefringence in OCT images. The perfectly aligned collagen hydrogel with concentration as high as 4 mg/ml does not exhibit a birefringence image until the hydrogel has been compressed and concentrated. Aligned nanofiber bundles have demonstrated marginal birefringence in the absence of the collagen matrix. These studies enhance our understanding of how to control and optimize the parameters in tendon tissue engineering.

Nanoscale silicon substrate patterns from self-assembly of cylinder forming poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) block copolymer on silane functionalized surfaces.

PubMed

Borah, Dipu; Cummins, Cian; Rasappa, Sozaraj; Watson, Scott M D; Pike, Andrew R; Horrocks, Benjamin R; Fulton, David A; Houlton, Andrew; Liontos, George; Ntetsikas, Konstantinos; Avgeropoulos, Apostolos; Morris, Michael A

2017-01-27

Poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) is an excellent block copolymer (BCP) system for self-assembly and inorganic template fabrication because of its high Flory-Huggins parameter (χ ∼ 0.26) at room temperature in comparison to other BCPs, and high selective etch contrast between PS and PDMS block for nanopatterning. In this work, self-assembly in PS-b-PDMS BCP is achieved by combining hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-OH) brush surfaces with solvent vapor annealing. As an alternative to standard brush chemistry, we report a simple method based on the use of surfaces functionalized with silane-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A solution-based approach to SAM formation was adopted in this investigation. The influence of the SAM-modified surfaces upon BCP films was compared with polymer brush-based surfaces. The cylinder forming PS-b-PDMS BCP and PDMS-OH polymer brush were synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization. It was observed that silane SAMs provided the appropriate surface chemistry which, when combined with solvent annealing, led to microphase segregation in the BCP. It was also demonstrated that orientation of the PDMS cylinders may be controlled by judicious choice of the appropriate silane. The PDMS patterns were successfully used as an on-chip etch mask to transfer the BCP pattern to underlying silicon substrate with sub-25 nm silicon nanoscale features. This alternative SAM/BCP approach to nanopattern formation shows promising results, pertinent in the field of nanotechnology, and with much potential for application, such as in the fabrication of nanoimprint lithography stamps, nanofluidic devices or in narrow and multilevel interconnected lines.

Nanoscale silicon substrate patterns from self-assembly of cylinder forming poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) block copolymer on silane functionalized surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borah, Dipu; Cummins, Cian; Rasappa, Sozaraj; Watson, Scott M. D.; Pike, Andrew R.; Horrocks, Benjamin R.; Fulton, David A.; Houlton, Andrew; Liontos, George; Ntetsikas, Konstantinos; Avgeropoulos, Apostolos; Morris, Michael A.

2017-01-01

Poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) is an excellent block copolymer (BCP) system for self-assembly and inorganic template fabrication because of its high Flory-Huggins parameter (χ ˜ 0.26) at room temperature in comparison to other BCPs, and high selective etch contrast between PS and PDMS block for nanopatterning. In this work, self-assembly in PS-b-PDMS BCP is achieved by combining hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-OH) brush surfaces with solvent vapor annealing. As an alternative to standard brush chemistry, we report a simple method based on the use of surfaces functionalized with silane-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A solution-based approach to SAM formation was adopted in this investigation. The influence of the SAM-modified surfaces upon BCP films was compared with polymer brush-based surfaces. The cylinder forming PS-b-PDMS BCP and PDMS-OH polymer brush were synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization. It was observed that silane SAMs provided the appropriate surface chemistry which, when combined with solvent annealing, led to microphase segregation in the BCP. It was also demonstrated that orientation of the PDMS cylinders may be controlled by judicious choice of the appropriate silane. The PDMS patterns were successfully used as an on-chip etch mask to transfer the BCP pattern to underlying silicon substrate with sub-25 nm silicon nanoscale features. This alternative SAM/BCP approach to nanopattern formation shows promising results, pertinent in the field of nanotechnology, and with much potential for application, such as in the fabrication of nanoimprint lithography stamps, nanofluidic devices or in narrow and multilevel interconnected lines.

DETERIORATION IN BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE VAGINA FOLLOWING IMPLANTATION OF A HIGH STIFFNESS PROLAPSE MESH

PubMed Central

Feola, Andrew; Abramowitch, Steven; Jallah, Zegbeh; Stein, Suzan; Barone, William; Palcsey, Stacy; Moalli, Pamela

2012-01-01

Objective Define the impact of prolapse mesh on the biomechanical properties of the vagina by comparing the prototype Gynemesh PS (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) to 2 new generation lower stiffness meshes, SmartMesh (Coloplast, Minneapolis, MN) and UltraPro (Ethicon). Design A study employing a non-human primate model Setting University of Pittsburgh Population 45 parous rhesus macaques Methods Meshes were implanted via sacrocolpexy after hysterectomy and compared to Sham. Because its stiffness is highly directional UltraPro was implanted in two directions: UltraPro Perpendicular (less stiff) and UltraPro Parallel (more stiff), with the indicated direction referring to the blue orientation lines. The mesh-vaginal complex (MVC) was excised en toto after 3 months. Main Outcome Measures Active mechanical properties were quantified as contractile force generated in the presence of 120 mM KCl. Passive mechanical properties (a tissues ability to resist an applied force) were measured using a multi-axial protocol. Results Vaginal contractility decreased 80% following implantation with the Gynemesh PS (p=0.001), 48% after SmartMesh (p=0.001), 68% after UltraPro parallel (p=0.001) and was highly variable after UltraPro perpendicular (p =0.16). The tissue contribution to the passive mechanical behavior of the MVC was drastically reduced for Gynemesh PS (p=0.003) but not SmartMesh (p=0.9) or UltraPro independent of the direction of implantation (p=0.68 and p=0.66, respectively). Conclusions Deterioration of the mechanical properties of the vagina was highest following implantation with the stiffest mesh, Gynemesh PS. Such a decrease associated with implantation of a device of increased stiffness is consistent with findings from other systems employing prostheses for support. PMID:23240801

Deterioration in biomechanical properties of the vagina following implantation of a high-stiffness prolapse mesh.

PubMed

Feola, A; Abramowitch, S; Jallah, Z; Stein, S; Barone, W; Palcsey, S; Moalli, P

2013-01-01

To define the impact of prolapse mesh on the biomechanical properties of the vagina by comparing the prototype Gynemesh PS (Ethicon) to two new-generation lower stiffness meshes, SmartMesh (Coloplast) and UltraPro (Ethicon). A study employing a nonhuman primate model. University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Forty-five parous rhesus macaques. Meshes were implanted via sacrocolpopexy after hysterectomy and compared with sham. Because its stiffness is highly directional, UltraPro was implanted in two directions: UltraPro Perpendicular (less stiff) and UltraPro Parallel (more stiff), with the indicated direction referring to the position of the blue orientation lines relative to the longitudinal axis of the vagina. The mesh-vaginal complex (MVC) was excised in toto after 3 months. Active mechanical properties were quantified as the contractile force generated in the presence of 120 mmol/l KCl. Passive mechanical properties (a tissue's ability to resist an applied force) were measured using a multiaxial protocol. Vaginal contractility decreased by 80% following implantation with the Gynemesh PS (P = 0.001), 48% after SmartMesh (P = 0.001), 68% after UltraPro Parallel (P = 0.001) and was highly variable after UltraPro Perpendicular (P = 0.16). The tissue contribution to the passive mechanical behaviour of the MVC was drastically reduced for Gynemesh PS (P = 0.003), but not for SmartMesh (P = 0.9) or UltraPro independent of the direction of implantation (P = 0.68 and P = 0.66, respectively). Deterioration of the mechanical properties of the vagina was highest following implantation with the stiffest mesh, Gynemesh PS. Such a decrease associated with implantation of a device of increased stiffness is consistent with findings from other systems employing prostheses for support. © 2013 The Authors BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology © 2013 RCOG.

Determination of characteristics of degenerative joint disease using optical coherence tomography and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Xie, Tuqiang; Guo, Shuguang; Zhang, Jun; Chen, Zhongping; Peavy, George M

2006-10-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that optical coherence tomography (OCT) could be used to delineate alterations in the microstructure of cartilage, and have suggested that changes in the polarization state of light as detected by OCT could provide information on the birefringence properties of articular cartilage as influenced by disease. In this study we have used both OCT and polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) technologies to evaluate normal and abnormal bovine articular cartilage according to established structural, organizational, and birefringent characteristics of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in order to determine if this technology can be used to differentiate various stages of DJD as a minimally invasive imaging tool. Fresh bovine femoral-tibial joints were obtained from an abattoir, and 45 cartilage specimens were harvested from 8 tibial plateaus. Whole ex vivo specimens of normal and degenerative articular cartilage were imaged by both OCT and PS-OCT, then fixed and processed for histological evaluation. OCT/PS-OCT images and corresponding histology sections of each specimen were scored according to a modified Mankin structural grading scale and compared. OCT and PS-OCT imaging allowed structural evaluation of intact articular cartilage along a 6 mm surface length to a depth of 2 mm with a transverse resolution of 12 microm and an axial resolution of 10 microm. The OCT and PS-OCT images demonstrated characteristic alterations in the structure of articular cartilage with a high correlation to histological evaluation (kappa = 0.776). The OCT images were able to demonstrate early to advanced structural changes of articular cartilage while the optical phase retardation images obtained by PS-OCT imaging were able to discriminate areas where disorganization of the cartilage matrix was present, however, these characteristics are much different than those reported where OCT images alone were used to characterize tissue birefringence. No evidence of differences in OCT or PS-OCT images were detected between specimens of similar structural characteristics where proteoglycan was judged present or absent by safranin-O Fast Green staining. The combined use of OCT and PS-OCT technologies to obtain images from a single system is able to demonstrate and discriminate between characteristics of very early stages of surface irregularities not previously reported for OCT imaging, to deep clefts and collagen matrix disorganization for tissue at depths of up to 2 mm with good correlation to histology. PS-OCT and accumulated optical phase retardation images of articular cartilage as constructed from alterations in Stokes vector parameters appear to give a valuable but different assessment of alterations in tissue birefringence and organization than have been reported for OCT images obtained with the use of polarized or non-polarized light sources. This is the first time that alterations in the polarization state of light reflected from within the tissue have been demonstrated to be consistent with changes observed in the orientation and organization of the collagen matrix in advanced stages of DJD. The degree of phase transformation of light reflected from within the tissue as determined by PS-OCT imaging does not appear to be altered by the presence or absence of proteoglycan.

Characterization of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of a protein S mutant identified in a family of quantitative protein S deficiency.

PubMed

Tsuda, Hiroko; Tokunaga, Fuminori; Nagamitsu, Hiroshi; Koide, Takehiko

2006-01-01

Misfolded and unassembled glycoproteins are eliminated from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen by the ER-associated degradation (ERAD). We previously identified a Tyr595Cys (Y595C) mutation of protein S (PS) in a family of a quantitative PS deficiency. The mutation causes intracellular degradation and decreased secretion of the Y595C mutant PS. The aim of the present study was to further characterize the molecular basis of the intracellular degradation of the mutant. We stably expressed the mutant in mammalian cells, and analyzed the intracellular localization of the protein. The intracellular degradation pathway was determined by pulse-chase analyses in the presence of various inhibitors of ERAD. Endoglycosidase H digestion and immunofluorescence staining revealed the mutant being retained in the ER. Epoxomicin, a potent and specific proteasome inhibitor, and Ala-Ala-Phe-CH(2)Cl (AAF), an inhibitor of tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPPII), suppressed the intracellular degradation of the mutant by about 65% and 50%, respectively. When epoxomicin was combined with AAF, the inhibitory effect was substantially enhanced. Although castanospermine, an inhibitor of glucosidases I and II, did not affect the degradation, kifunensine, an inhibitor of ER mannosidase I, suppressed it. Thus, it appears that the Y595C mutant is degraded through more than one pathway of ERAD, including the proteasome-dependent pathway and an alternate proteasome-independent pathway where proteases such as TPPII may be involved. Production of the critical B isoform of Man(8)GlcNAc(2) targets the mutant for ERAD, however, the interaction with calnexin/calreticulin through monoglucosylated oligosaccharides may not be required for the degradation of the mutant.

Groundwater Hydrology and Chemistry in and near an Emulsified Vegetable-Oil Injection Zone, Solid Waste Management Unit 17, Naval Weapons Station Charleston, North Charleston, South Carolina, 2004-2009

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vroblesky, Don A.; Petkewich, Matthew D.; Lowery, Mark A.; Conlon, Kevin J.; Casey, Clifton C.

2010-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast investigated the hydrology and groundwater chemistry in the vicinity of an emulsified vegetable-oil injection zone at Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 17, Naval Weapons Station Charleston, North Charleston, South Carolina. In May 2004, Solutions-IES initiated a Phase-I pilot-scale treatability study at SWMU17 involving the injection of an edible oil emulsion into the aquifer near wells 17PS-01, 17PS-02, and 17PS-03 to treat chlorinated solvents. The Phase-I injection of emulsified vegetable oil resulted in dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), but the dechlorination activity appeared to stall at cDCE, with little further dechlorination of cDCE to vinyl chloride (VC) or to ethene. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the groundwater hydrology and chemistry in and near the injection zone to gain a better understanding of the apparent remediation stall. It is unlikely that the remediation stall was due to the lack of an appropriate microbial community because groundwater samples showed the presence of Dehalococcoides species (sp.) and suitable enyzmes. The probable causes of the stall were heterogeneous distribution of the injectate and development of low-pH conditions in the injection area. Because groundwater pH values in the injection area were below the range considered optimum for dechlorination activity, a series of tests was done to examine the effect on dechlorination of increasing the pH within well 17PS-02. During and following the in-well pH-adjustment tests, VC concentrations gradually increased in some wells in the injection zone that were not part of the in-well pH-adjustment tests. These data possibly reflect a gradual microbial acclimation to the low-pH conditions produced by the injection. In contrast, a distinct increase in VC concentration was observed in well 17PS-02 following the in-well pH increase. Adjustment of the pH to near-neutral values in well 17PS-02 may have made that well relatively favorable to VC production compared with much of the rest of the injection zone, possibly accounting for acceleration of VC production at that well. Following a Phase-II injection in which Solutions-IES, Inc., injected pH-buffered emulsified vegetable oil with an improved efficiency injection approach, 1,1-dichloroethene, TCE, and cDCE rapidly decreased in concentration and are now (2009) undetectable in the injection zone, with the exception of a low concentration (43 micrograms per liter, August 2009) of cDCE in well 17PS-01. In August 2009, VC was still present in groundwater at the test wells in concentrations ranging from 150 to 640 micrograms per liter. The Phase-II injection, however, appears to have locally decreased aquifer permeability, possibly resulting in movement of contamination around, rather than through, the treatment area.

New evidence for primordial action site of Fluazifop-P-butyl on Acanthospermum hispidum seedlings: From the effects on chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and histological observation.

PubMed

Shang, Yuhong; Yang, Congjun; Liu, Zhihang; Song, Jiqing; Li, Pingliang; Li, Lingxu; Zhou, Fei; Xin, Hua; Wan, Fanghao; Matsumoto, Hiroshi; Luo, Xiaoyong

2017-10-01

Acanthospermum hispidum DC, an Asteraceae weed species, was very susceptible to fluazifop-P-butyl, but tolerant to other aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides, such as haloxyfop-P-methyl. However, other Asteraceae weeds including Bidens pilosa were all tolerant to fluazifop-P-butyl. Membrane lipid peroxidation by increasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was proposed as an action mechanism of fluazifop-P-butyl in A. hispidum. To further clarify the primordial action site of fluazifop-P-butyl in this species, the effects on chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics and cytohistology of apical meristems were studied. Chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics (CFC) in sensitive A. hispidum seedlings were markedly affected by 10μM fluazifop-P-butyl, with the dark fluorescence yield (Fo), maximal fluorescence yield (Fm), maximal PS II quantum yield (Fv/Fm), effective photosystem II (PS II) quantum yield [Y(II)], and quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation [Y(NPQ)] declining, quantum yield of nonregulated energy dissipation [Y(NO)] rising, but these measures were not affected in Bidens pilosa. The effects of fluazifop-P-butyl on chlorophyll fluorescence properties were observed on the growing point before the mature leaves by about 4-6h. Haloxyfop-P-methyl, a control herbicide, had no effects on CFC of either A. hispidum or B. pilosa. In addition, damage to apical meristem cells of A. hispidum was observed at 6 HAT prior to changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters suggesting that the primary action site of fluazifop-P-butyl in this species is in the apical meristem and the effects on CFC may be the results of secondary action. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Seasonal Changes in Fitness, Anthropometrics, and Body Composition in Collegiate Division Ii Female Soccer Players.

PubMed

Peart, Ashley N; Nicks, Clayton R; Mangum, Michael; Tyo, Brian M

2018-03-22

The purpose of this study was to investigate anthropometrics, body composition, aerobic and anaerobic fitness of collegiate Division II female soccer players throughout a calendar year. Eighteen (20 ± 0.9y) NCAA division II female soccer players from the same team participated in the study. Anthropometrics and body composition variables were assessed in addition to the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT), and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Data were collected over five time points: end of competitive seasons (ECS1 and ECS2), beginning of off-season (BOS), end of off-season (EOS), and pre-season (PS). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to compare test scores among all five data collection points. Where appropriate, Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to determine which points were significantly different. Hip circumference (HC) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from EOS (98.47 ± 6.5 cm) to PS (94.46 ± 6.8 cm). Fat mass (FM) (12.73 ± 5.4 kg) was significantly different in ECS2 compared to BOS and EOS means (p ≤ 0.05) and percentage of body fat (%BF) (20.08 ± 5.44) significantly different in ECS2 compared to ECS1, BOS, and EOS means (p ≤ 0.05), while fat-free mass (FFM) was maintained from ECS1 to ECS2. CMJ, WAT, and VO2peak performance did not significantly change from ECS1 to ECS2. Anthropometrics and body composition results are similar to previous studies measuring Division II to professional female soccer players. CMJ results remained consistent and are comparable to results on Division I female soccer players. Coaches and researchers can use these data to help design and evaluate training programs throughout a calendar year.

PtII diimine chromophores with perfluorinated thiolate ligands: nature and dynamics of the charge-transfer-to-diimine lowest excited state.

PubMed

Weinstein, Julia A; Blake, Alexander J; Davies, E Stephen; Davis, Adrienne L; George, Michael W; Grills, David C; Lileev, Igor V; Maksimov, Alexander M; Matousek, Pavel; Mel'nikov, Mikhail Ya; Parker, Anthony W; Platonov, Vyacheslav E; Towrie, Michael; Wilson, Claire; Zheligovskaya, Natalia N

2003-11-03

The synthesis of new Pt(II) diimine complexes bearing perfluorinated thiolate ligands, Pt(II)(NN)(4-X-C(6)F(4)-S)(2), where NN = 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline and X = F or CN, is reported, together with an investigation of the nature and dynamics of their lowest excited states. A combined UV-vis, (spectro)electrochemical, resonance Raman, and time-resolved infrared (TRIR) study has suggested that the HOMO is mainly composed of thiolate(pi)/S(p)/Pt(d) orbitals and that the LUMO is largely localized on the pi*(diimine) orbital, thus revealing the [charge-transfer-to-diimine] nature of the lowest excited state. An enhancement of the thiolate ring vibrations, C-F vibrations, and the vibration of the CN-substituent on the thiolate moiety was observed in the resonance Raman spectra, whereas no such enhancement was seen for the nonfluorinated analogues. Thus, the introduction of fluorine substituents on the thiolate moiety probably leads to a more pronounced contribution of the intrathiolate modes to the HOMO compared to the analogous complexes with nonfluorinated thiolates. Furthermore, the introduction of the p-CN group into the thiolate moiety has allowed the dynamics of the lowest excited state of Pt(bpy)(4-CN-C(6)F(4)-S)(2) to be monitored by picosecond TRIR spectroscopy. The dynamics of the lowest [charge-transfer-to-diimine] excited state are governed by ca. 2-ps vibrational cooling and 35-ps back electron transfer.

The gaseous component of the disk around Beta Pictoris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hobbs, L. M.; Vidal-Madjar, A.; Ferlet, R.; Albert, C. E.; Gry, C.

1985-01-01

Optical spectra of alpha Lyr, alpha PsA, and beta Pic have been obtained at a velocity resolution of 3 km/s. No circumstellar absorption lines of Ca II or Na I are detected toward alpha Lyr or alpha PsA at sensitive limits. In the favorable case of beta Pic, where the circumstellar disk imaged by Smith and Terrile (1984) is seen nearly edge-on, a strong, narrow, circumstellar Ca II K absorption line previously reported by Slettebak (1982) and weaker, still narrower circumstellar Na I D lines are detected. Negative results of high sensitivity also are obtained for the Ca I 4226 A and CH(+) 4232 A lines, along with upper limits on the Zn II 2026, 2062 A doublet from archival IUE spectra. Under assumptions which agree with other well-established observations of the gaseous abundances of calcium and zinc, the total gaseous column density of hydrogen along a radius of the circumstellar disk is between 10 to the 18th and 4 x 10 to the 20th/sq cm. Within the boundaries of the dust disk detected by Smith and Terrile (1984) the total gaseous mass then is less than about 2, or less than 1 percent of the mass of the planetary system. A simplified model of the density distribution in the gaseous disk yields a characteristic total density n(H) of about 100,000/cu cm, which exceeds that of all interplanetary gas at earth's position by a factor of about 10,000.

Periodic structure formation and surface morphology evolution of glassy carbon surfaces applying 35-fs-200-ps laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Csontos, J.; Toth, Z.; Pápa, Z.; Budai, J.; Kiss, B.; Börzsönyi, A.; Füle, M.

2016-06-01

In this work laser-induced periodic structures with lateral dimensions smaller than the central wavelength of the laser were studied on glassy carbon as a function of laser pulse duration. To generate diverse pulse durations titanium-sapphire (Ti:S) laser (center wavelength 800 nm, pulse durations: 35 fs-200 ps) and a dye-KrF excimer laser system (248 nm, pulse durations: 280 fs, 2.1 ps) were used. In the case of Ti:S laser treatment comparing the central part of the laser-treated areas a striking difference is observed between the femtoseconds and picoseconds treatments. Ripple structure generated with short pulse durations can be characterized with periodic length significantly smaller than the laser wavelength (between 120 and 165 nm). At higher pulse durations the structure has a higher periodic length (between 780 and 800 nm), which is comparable to the wavelength. In case of the excimer laser treatment the different pulse durations produced similar surface structures with different periodic length and different orientation. One of the structures was parallel with the polarization of the laser light and has a higher periodic length (~335 nm), and the other was perpendicular with smaller periodic length (~78-80 nm). The possible mechanisms of structure formation will be outlined and discussed in the frame of our experimental results.

A physical model study of converted wave amplitude variation in a reservoir of systematically aligned vertical fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, C.; Sun, L.; Lin, C.; Chang, Y.; Tseng, P.

2013-12-01

The existence of fractures not only provides spaces for the residence of oils and gases reside, but it also creates pathways for migration. Characterizing a fractured reservoir thus becomes an important subject and has been widely studied by exploration geophysicists and drilling engineers. In seismic anisotropy, a reservoir of systematically aligned vertical fractures (SAVF) is often treated as a transversely isotropic medium (TIM) with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI). Subjecting to HTI, physical properties vary in azimuth. P-wave reflection amplitude, which is susceptible to vary in azimuth, is one of the most popular seismic attributes which is widely used to delineate the fracture strike of an SAVF reservoir. Instead of going further on analyzing P-wave signatures, in this study, we focused on evaluating the feasibility of orienting the fracture strike of an SAVF reservoir using converted (C-) wave amplitude. For a C-wave is initiated by a downward traveling P-wave that is converted on reflection to an upcoming S-wave; the behaviors of both P- and S-waves should be theoretically woven in a C-wave. In our laboratory work, finite offset reflection experiments were carried out on the azimuthal plane of a HTI model at two different offset intervals. To demonstrate the azimuthal variation of C-wave amplitude in a HTI model, reflections were acquired along the principal symmetry directions and the diagonal direction of the HTI model. Inheriting from phenomenon of S-wave splitting in a transversely isotropic medium (TIM), P-waves get converted into both the fast (S1) and slow (S2) shear modes at all azimuths outside the vertical symmetry planes, thus producing split PS-waves (PS1 and PS2). In our laboratory data, the converted PS1- (C1-) wave were observed and identified. As the azimuth varies from the strike direction to the strike normal, C1-wave amplitude exhibits itself in a way of weakening and can be view from the common-reflection-point (CRP) gathers. Therefore, in conjunction with the azimuthal velocity and the amplitude variations in the P-wave and the azimuthal polarization of the S-wave, the azimuthal variation of C-wave amplitude which is experimentally demonstrated could be considered as a valuable seismic attribute in orienting the fracture strike of a SAVF reservoir. (Key words: converted wave, transversely isotropic medium, physical modeling, amplitude, fracture)

Dielectric relaxation of guest molecules in a clathrate structure of syndiotactic polystyrene.

PubMed

Urakawa, Osamu; Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Kobayashi, Hideo

2012-12-13

Structure and dynamics of semicrystalline polymer films composed of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) and 2-butanone were examined through X-ray diffraction, polarized FTIR, and dielectric relaxation measurements. The X-ray and FTIR measurements revealed its crystal structure to be δ-clathrate containing 2-butanone molecules inside. The carbonyl group of 2-butanone in the crystal was found to orient preferentially parallel to the ac plane of the crystal through the polarized ATR FTIR measurements. Dielectric measurements were also conducted on these film samples to see only the relaxation dynamics of 2-butanone thanks to the high dielectric intensity of 2-butanone compared to sPS. Two relaxation modes denoted by slow and fast modes appeared. The former was assigned to the motion of 2-butanone molecules entrapped in the cavities of the crystalline (δ-form) and the latter to those in the amorphous region. We focused on the slow mode in order to elucidate the specific dynamics of the guest molecule confined in the crystalline region. The relaxation time of the slow mode was about 4 orders of magnitude longer than that of liquid 2-butanone. This suggests that the dynamics of guest molecules is highly restricted due to the high barrier to conformational and/or orientational change of the guest molecule in the cavity of δ-crystal. Furthermore, the dielectric intensity Δε of the slow mode was much smaller than the one calculated from that of bulk liquid 2-butanone and the guest concentration in the crystalline region (the intensity was only 10% of the estimated value from the bulk liquid data). This result also indicates that the free rotational motion of 2-butanone molecules is restricted inside the crystal. This will be consistently related to the weak uniplanar orientation of the carbonyl group of 2-butanone parallel to the ac plane revealed by the X-ray and polarized ATR FTIR measurements.

Molecular Architecture of the Human Mediator–RNA Polymerase II–TFIIF Assembly

PubMed Central

Bernecky, Carrie; Grob, Patricia; Ebmeier, Christopher C.; Nogales, Eva; Taatjes, Dylan J.

2011-01-01

The macromolecular assembly required to initiate transcription of protein-coding genes, known as the Pre-Initiation Complex (PIC), consists of multiple protein complexes and is approximately 3.5 MDa in size. At the heart of this assembly is the Mediator complex, which helps regulate PIC activity and interacts with the RNA polymerase II (pol II) enzyme. The structure of the human Mediator–pol II interface is not well-characterized, whereas attempts to structurally define the Mediator–pol II interaction in yeast have relied on incomplete assemblies of Mediator and/or pol II and have yielded inconsistent interpretations. We have assembled the complete, 1.9 MDa human Mediator–pol II–TFIIF complex from purified components and have characterized its structural organization using cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle reconstruction techniques. The orientation of pol II within this assembly was determined by crystal structure docking and further validated with projection matching experiments, allowing the structural organization of the entire human PIC to be envisioned. Significantly, pol II orientation within the Mediator–pol II–TFIIF assembly can be reconciled with past studies that determined the location of other PIC components relative to pol II itself. Pol II surfaces required for interacting with TFIIB, TFIIE, and promoter DNA (i.e., the pol II cleft) are exposed within the Mediator–pol II–TFIIF structure; RNA exit is unhindered along the RPB4/7 subunits; upstream and downstream DNA is accessible for binding additional factors; and no major structural re-organization is necessary to accommodate the large, multi-subunit TFIIH or TFIID complexes. The data also reveal how pol II binding excludes Mediator–CDK8 subcomplex interactions and provide a structural basis for Mediator-dependent control of PIC assembly and function. Finally, parallel structural analysis of Mediator–pol II complexes lacking TFIIF reveal that TFIIF plays a key role in stabilizing pol II orientation within the assembly. PMID:21468301

Success Factors for Adoption of Real-Time Java

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

use Java in an effective way in order to achieve objectives If d ’t l t ti f bj ti d d ’t lt i t l i 9© 2010 Atego. All rights reserved. you on p an o...order to effectively use object-oriented programming practices. Te ps d’execution des algos 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 n m s TacticalPicture...find all garbage, nor to defragment the available free pool Common operations may have surprising effects (e.g. entering a mutual exclusion region

Inversion of Experimental Optical Data.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-01

Comand,. Aberden Proving Ground , Maryland 21010 A. 9 Disclaimer The findings in this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army... Proving Ground , Maryland 21010 47 14. MONITORING AGENCY NAME & AODRESS(II different from Controlling Office) 1S. SECURITY CLASS. (of this report...Commander, Chemical Research and Development Center UNCLASSIFIED ATTN: DRSMC-CLB-PS (A) ______________ Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland 21010 15a

Work experiences among attendees of day centres for people with psychiatric disabilities.

PubMed

Eklund, Mona; Sandlund, Mikael

2015-01-01

It is possible that people with psychiatric disabilities who visit day centres have previous work experiences that may be seen as resources for their current engagement in day centre activities. Research in this respect seems to lack, however. To investigate work experiences among attendees at day centres for people with psychiatric disabilities and relationships with current type of day centre (work-oriented, meeting place-oriented or mixed), engagement in day centre activities, motivation and socio-demographic and health-related factors. Seventy-seven attendees responded to questionnaires. Global Assessment of Functioning, GAF, was also used. Work was categorised into Group I (professionals, semi-professionals), Group II (clerical support, services workers) and Group III (e.g. craft workers, elementary occupations). Almost everyone had previously had open-market employment; more than half for ≥ 10 years. Group I was more common in mixed centres, Group II in meeting place-oriented ones and Group III in work-oriented ones. Group I more frequently had college degree and was rated high on GAF functioning. Women were over-represented in Group II, and men in Group III and in meeting place-oriented centres. Attending mixed centres was more likely when having a college degree, scoring high on GAF functioning and being highly engaged in activities. Attendees at work-oriented day centres were characterised by being motivated for spending time alone and reporting a diagnosis of psychosis. The participants had unused working capacity. No clear-cut relationships were found between work experiences and the investigated correlates.

Changes in Reported Sexual Orientation Following US States Recognition of Same-Sex Couples

PubMed Central

Corliss, Heather L.; Spiegelman, Donna; Williams, Kerry; Austin, S. Bryn

2016-01-01

Objectives. To compare changes in self-reported sexual orientation of women living in states with any recognition of same-sex relationships (e.g., hospital visitation, domestic partnerships) with those of women living in states without such recognition. Methods. We calculated the likelihood of women in the Nurses’ Health Study II (n = 69 790) changing their reported sexual orientation between 1995 and 2009. Results. We used data from the Nurses’ Health Study II and found that living in a state with same-sex relationship recognition was associated with changing one’s reported sexual orientation, particularly from heterosexual to sexual minority. Individuals who reported being heterosexual in 1995 were 30% more likely to report a minority orientation (i.e., bisexual or lesbian) in 2009 (risk ratio = 1.30; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.61) if they lived in a state with any recognition of same-sex relationships compared with those who lived in a state without such recognition. Conclusions. Policies recognizing same-sex relationships may encourage women to report a sexual minority orientation. Future research is needed to clarify how other social and legal policies may affect sexual orientation self-reports. PMID:27736213

Measurement of Lifetime and Decay-Width Difference in B_{s};{0}-->J/psivarphi Decays.

PubMed

Aaltonen, T; Abulencia, A; Adelman, J; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Alvarez González, B; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Apollinari, G; Apresyan, A; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Bednar, P; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carrillo, S; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Dagenhart, D; Datta, M; Davies, T; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'orso, M; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Ferrazza, C; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Forrester, S; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garberson, F; Garcia, J E; Garfinkel, A F; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C M; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hewamanage, S; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Kar, D; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Koay, S A; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kraus, J; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; Lecompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lovas, L; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lueck, J; Luci, C; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; Macqueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Mattson, M E; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyake, H; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagai, Y; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norman, M; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagan Griso, S; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savard, P; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thompson, G A; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Uozumi, S; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, J; Wagner, W; Wakisaka, T; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zheng, Y; Zucchelli, S

2008-03-28

We measure the mean lifetime tau=2/(Gamma_{L}+Gamma_{H}) and the decay-width difference DeltaGamma=Gamma_{L}-Gamma_{H} of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B_{s}{0} meson, B_{sL}{0} and B_{sH}{0}, in B_{s}{0}-->J/psivarphi decays using 1.7 fb;{-1} of data collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp[over ] collider. Assuming CP conservation, a good approximation for the B_{s}{0} system in the standard model, we obtain DeltaGamma=0.076_{-0.063}{+0.059}(stat)+/-0.006(syst) ps{-1} and tau=1.52+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.02(syst) ps, the most precise measurements to date. Our constraints on the weak phase and DeltaGamma are consistent with CP conservation.

Loading and release mechanisms of a biocide in polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) block copolymer micelles.

PubMed

Vyhnalkova, Renata; Eisenberg, Adi; van de Ven, Theo G M

2008-07-24

The kinetics of loading of polystyrene197-block-poly(acrylic acid)47 (PS197-b-PAA47) micelles, suspended in water, with thiocyanomethylthiobenzothiazole biocide and its subsequent release were investigated. Loading of the micelles was found to be a two-step process. First, the surface of the PS core of the micelles is saturated with biocide, with a rate determined by the transfer of solid biocide to micelles during transient micelle-biocide contacts. Next, the biocide penetrates as a front into the micelles, lowering the Tg in the process (non-Fickian case II diffusion). The slow rate of release is governed by the height of the energy barrier that a biocide molecule must overcome to pass from PS into water, resulting in a uniform biocide concentration within the micelle, until Tg is increased to the point that diffusion inside the micelles becomes very slow. Maximum loading of biocide into micelles is approximately 30% (w/w) and is achieved in 1 h. From partition experiments, it can be concluded that the biocide has a similar preference for polystyrene as for ethylbenzene over water, implying that the maximum loading is governed by thermodynamics.

Microwave-assisted preparation of flower-like cobalt phosphate and its application as a new heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiaoxia; Li, Rong; Zhao, Shuyu; Xing, Yanjun

2017-02-01

A novel flower-like 3D hierarchical cobalt phosphate Co3(PO4)2·8H2O (fCoP), and a plate-like cobalt phosphate (pCoP) were successfully synthesized via a microwave-assisted method at low temperature under atmospheric pressure using hexamethylene tetramine (HMTA) or urea as a template. All CoPs were characterized using XRD, FESEM, TEM, DRS and surface photovoltage spectra (SPS). The performance of the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) via a Fenton-like process on CoPs was evaluated both in the dark and under illumination. The results showed that the morphology and composition of the CoPs affected the RhB degradation. The flower-like hierarchical fCoP favored the photo degradation of RhB. fCoP was also confirmed to have the merits of easy recycling and good stability based on successive degradation experiments. The active species trapping experiments showed that the superoxide radical (rad O2-) was the dominant active species in the Fenton-like process. The catalytic activation was confirmed to be related to both the Co(II) on the surface and the fCoP framework.

Chronic Pharmacological mGluR5 Inhibition Prevents Cognitive Impairment and Reduces Pathogenesis in an Alzheimer Disease Mouse Model.

PubMed

Hamilton, Alison; Vasefi, Maryam; Vander Tuin, Cheryl; McQuaid, Robyn J; Anisman, Hymie; Ferguson, Stephen S G

2016-05-31

Beta-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD), and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) has been shown to act as a receptor for both Aβ oligomers and cellular prion proteins. Furthermore, the genetic deletion of mGluR5 in an APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of AD improves cognitive function and reduces Aβ plaques and Aβ oligomer concentrations. Here, we show that chronic administration of the orally bioavailable mGluR5-selective negative allosteric modulator CTEP, which is similar in structure, potency, and selectivity to Basimglurant (RO4917523), which is currently in phase II clinical development for major depressive disorder and fragile X syndrome, reverses cognitive decline in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice and reduces Aβ plaque deposition and soluble Aβ oligomer concentrations in both APPswe/PS1ΔE9 and 3xTg-AD male mice. These findings suggest that CTEP or its analogue Basimglutant might potentially be an effective therapeutic for the treatment of AD patients. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tuning the dynamic range and sensitivity of optical oxygen-sensors by employing differently substituted polystyrene-derivatives

PubMed Central

Koren, Klaus; Hutter, Lukas; Enko, Barbara; Pein, Andreas; Borisov, Sergey M.; Klimant, Ingo

2013-01-01

Ten different polystyrene-derivatives were tested with respect to their potential use as matrix materials for optical oxygen sensors in combination with the platinum(II) meso-tetra(4-fluorophenyl)tetrabenzoporphyrin as indicator dye. Either halogen atoms or bulky residues were introduced as substituents on the phenyl ring. A fine-tuning of the sensor sensitivity was achieved, without compromising solubility of the indicator in the matrix by providing a chemical environment very similar to polystyrene (PS), a standard matrix in optical oxygen sensors. To put the results into perspective, the studied materials were compared to PS regarding sensitivity of the sensor, molecular weight and glass-transition temperature. The materials promise to be viable alternatives to PS with respect to the requirements posed in various sensor application fields. Some of the polymers (e.g. poly(2,6-dichlorostyrene)) promise to be of use in applications requiring measurements from 0 to 100% oxygen due to linearity across this range. Poly(4-tert-butylstyrene) and poly(2,6-fluorostyrene), on the other hand, yield sensors with increased sensitivity. Sensor stability was evaluated as a function of the matrix, a topic which has not received a lot of interest so far. PMID:23576846

Similarities and differences in signal transduction by interleukin 4 and interleukin 13: analysis of Janus kinase activation.

PubMed

Keegan, A D; Johnston, J A; Tortolani, P J; McReynolds, L J; Kinzer, C; O'Shea, J J; Paul, W E

1995-08-15

The cytokines interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-13 induce many of the same biological responses, including class switching to IgE and induction of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and CD23 on human B cells. It has recently been shown that IL-4 induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 170-kDa protein, a substrate called 4PS, and of the Janus kinase (JAK) family members JAK1 and JAK3. Because IL-13 has many functional effects similar to those of IL-4, we compared the ability of IL-4 and IL-13 to activate these signaling molecules in the human multifactor-dependent cell line TF-1. In this report we demonstrate that both IL-4 and IL-13 induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of 4PS and JAK1. Interestingly, although IL-4 induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK3, we did not detect JAK3 phosphorylation in response to IL-13. These data suggest that IL-4 and IL-13 signal in similar ways via the activation of JAK1 and 4PS. However, our data further indicate that there are significant differences because IL-13 does not activate JAK3.

Unique surface adsorption behaviors of serum proteins on chemically uniform and alternating surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Sheng

With increasing interests of studying proteins adsorption on the surfaces with nanoscale features in biomedical field, it is crucial to have fundamental understandings on how the proteins are adsorbed on such a surface and what factors contribute to the driving forces of adsorption. Besides, exploring more available nanoscale templates would greatly offer more possibilities one could design surface bio-detection methods with favorable protein-surface interactions. Thus, to fulfill the purpose, the work in this dissertation has been made into three major sections. First, to probe the intermediate states which possibly exist between stable and unstable phases described in mean-field theory diagram, a solvent vapor annealing method is chosen to slowly induce the copolymer polystyrene-block-polyvinylpyridine (PS-b-PVP)'s both blocks undergoing micro-phase separations from initial spherical nanodomains into terminal cylindrical nanodomains. During this process, real time atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been conducted to capture other six intermediate states with different morphologies on the polymeric film surfaces. Secondly, upon recognizing each intermediate state, the solution of immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) proteins has been deposited on the surface and been rinsed off with buffer solution before the protein-bounded surface is imaged by AFM. It has been found IgG showing a strong adsorption preference on PS over P4VP block. Among all the six intermediate states, the proteins are almost exclusively adsorbed on PS nanodomains regardless the concentration and deposition time. Thirdly, a trinodular shape protein fibrinogen (Fg) is selected for investigating how geometry and surface charge of proteins would interplay with cylindrical nanodomains on a surface developed from Polystyrene -block-Poly-(methyl methacrylate) PS-b-PMMA. Also, Fg adsorptions on chemically homogeneous surfaces are included here to have a better contrast of showing how much difference it can make by using it on a nanoscale surface. Interestingly, higher concentration of protein solution promotes the occurrences of single phase packed Fg on the PS domain. The densely packed network has formed where each Fg keeps its main body in PS domain and leaves its two alpha C chains on nearby PMMA domain. We believe this conformation and orientation would maximize both the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between Fg and the underlying surface.

Progerin phosphorylation in interphase is lower and less mechanosensitive than lamin-A,C in iPS-derived mesenchymal stem cells

PubMed Central

Cho, Sangkyun; Abbas, Amal; Ivanovska, Irena L.; Xia, Yuntao; Tewari, Manu; Discher, Dennis E.

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Interphase phosphorylation of lamin-A,C depends dynamically on a cell's microenvironment, including the stiffness of extracellular matrix. However, phosphorylation dynamics is poorly understood for diseased forms such as progerin, a permanently farnesylated mutant of LMNA that accelerates aging of stiff and mechanically stressed tissues. Here, fine-excision alignment mass spectrometry (FEA-MS) is developed to quantify progerin and its phosphorylation levels in patient iPS cells differentiated to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The stoichiometry of total A-type lamins (including progerin) versus B-type lamins measured for Progeria iPS-MSCs prove similar to that of normal MSCs, with total A-type lamins more abundant than B-type lamins. However, progerin behaves more like farnesylated B-type lamins in mechanically-induced segregation from nuclear blebs. Phosphorylation of progerin at multiple sites in iPS-MSCs cultured on rigid plastic is also lower than that of normal lamin-A and C. Reduction of nuclear tension upon i) cell rounding/detachment from plastic, ii) culture on soft gels, and iii) inhibition of actomyosin stress increases phosphorylation and degradation of lamin-C > lamin-A > progerin. Such mechano-sensitivity diminishes, however, with passage as progerin and DNA damage accumulate. Lastly, transcription-regulating retinoids exert equal effects on both diseased and normal A-type lamins, suggesting a differential mechano-responsiveness might best explain the stiff tissue defects in Progeria. PMID:29619860

Automation of the Marine Corps Planning Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

I & IV P ro b le m Fr am in g C h ap te r II  JT C W  C P O F  IO Sv 1 C O A D e ve lo p m e n t C O A W ar -G am e C O A C o m p...S  JA D IC S  P SS -S O F  St ri ke Li n k  C ID N E  IO Sv 2  IO Sv 3  M ar in e Li n k Command & Control C h ap te r II I

Propulsion Systems for Aircraft. Aerospace Education II. Instructional Unit II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elmer, James D.

This curriculum guide accompanies another publication in the Aerospace Education II series entitled "Propulsion Systems for Aircraft." The guide includes specific guidelines for teachers on each chapter in the textbook. Suggestions are included for objectives (traditional and behavioral), suggested outline, orientation, suggested key…

RuO2 supported NaY zeolite catalysts: Effect of preparation methods on catalytic performance during aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Dasom; Lee, Sunwoo; Na, Kyungsu

2017-10-01

The effects of preparation method for RuO2 supported zeolite catalysts on the catalytic consequences during the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde were investigated. Three preparation methods, i.e., (i) simultaneous crystallization of the zeolite framework in the presence of RuCl3 (Ru(SC)/NaY), (ii) post ion-exchange with RuCl3 on the zeolite framework (Ru(IE)/NaY), and (iii) post support of preformed Ru metal nanoparticles on the zeolite surface (Ru(PS)/NaY), were used to construct three different RuO2 supported NaY zeolite catalysts. The catalyst performance was investigated as functions of the reaction time and temperature, in correlation with the structural changes of the catalysts, as analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that the catalytic consequences were dramatically affected by the preparation methods. Although similar conversion was achieved with all three catalysts, the turnover frequency (TOF) differed. The Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst exhibited the highest TOF (33-48 h-1), whereas the other catalysts produced much lower TOFs (9-12 h-1). The Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst also had the highest activation energy (Ea) of 48.39 kJ mol-1, whereas the Ru(SC)/NaY and Ru(IE)/NaY catalysts had Ea values of 18.58 and 24.11 kJ mol-1, respectively. Notably, the Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst yielded a significantly higher pre-exponential factor of 5.22 × 105 h-1, which is about 5 orders of magnitude larger than that of the Ru(SC)/NaY catalyst (7.15 × 100 h-1). This suggests that collision between benzyl alcohol and molecular oxygen was very intensive on the Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst, which explains the higher TOF of the Ru(PS)/NaY catalyst relative to the others in spite of the higher Ea value of the former. In terms of recyclability, the pristine crystallinity of the zeolite framework was maintained in the Ru(SC)/NaY catalyst and the RuO2 phase exhibited an insignificant loss of the initial activity up to three catalytic cycles, whereas Ru(PS)/NaY showed slight loss of activity and Ru(IE)/NaY showed a significant loss of activity due to the disappearance of the RuO2 phase.

Examining the Self-Assembly of Rod-Coil Block Copolymers via Physics Based Polymer Models and Polarized X-Ray Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannon, Adam; Sunday, Daniel; Windover, Donald; Liman, Christopher; Bowen, Alec; Khaira, Gurdaman; de Pablo, Juan; Delongchamp, Dean; Kline, R. Joseph

Photovoltaics, flexible electronics, and stimuli-responsive materials all require enhanced methodology to examine their nanoscale molecular orientation. The mechanical, electronic, optical, and transport properties of devices made from these materials are all a function of this orientation. The polymer chains in these materials are best modeled as semi-flexible to rigid rods. Characterizing the rigidity and molecular orientation of these polymers non-invasively is currently being pursued by using polarized resonant soft X-ray scattering (P-RSoXS). In this presentation, we show recent work on implementing such a characterization process using a rod-coil block copolymer system in the rigid-rod limit. We first demonstrate how we have used physics based models such as self-consistent field theory (SCFT) in non-polarized RSoXS work to fit scattering profiles for thin film coil-coil PS- b-PMMA block copolymer systems. We then show by using a wormlike chain partition function in the SCFT formulism to model the rigid-rod block, the methodology can be used there as well to extract the molecular orientation of the rod block from a simulated P-RSoXS experiment. The results from the work show the potential of the technique to extract thermodynamic and morphological sample information.

Sexual orientation and spatial memory.

PubMed

Cánovas, Ma Rosa; Cimadevilla, José Manuel

2011-11-01

The present study aimed at determining the influence of sexual orientation in human spatial learning and memory. Participants performed the Boxes Room, a virtual reality version of the Holeboard. In Experiment I, a reference memory task, the position of the hidden rewards remained constant during the whole experiment. In Experiment II, a working memory task, the position of rewards changed between blocks. Each block consisted of two trials: One trial for acquisition and another for retrieval. The results of Experiment I showed that heterosexual men performed better than homosexual men and heterosexual women. They found the rewarded boxes faster. Moreover, homosexual participants committed more errors than heterosexuals. Experiment II showed that working memory abilities are the same in groups of different sexual orientation. These results suggest that sexual orientation is related to spatial navigation abilities, but mostly in men, and limited to reference memory, which depends more on the function of the hippocampal system.

Optimising the synthesis, polymer membrane encapsulation and photoreduction performance of Ru(II)- and Ir(III)-bis(terpyridine) cytochrome c bioconjugates.

PubMed

Hvasanov, David; Mason, Alexander F; Goldstein, Daniel C; Bhadbhade, Mohan; Thordarson, Pall

2013-07-28

Ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) bis(terpyridine) complexes were prepared with maleimide functionalities in order to site-specifically modify yeast iso-1 cytochrome c possessing a single cysteine residue available for modification (CYS102). Single X-ray crystal structures were solved for aniline and maleimide Ru(II) 3 and Ru(II) 4, respectively, providing detailed structural detail of the complexes. Light-activated bioconjugates prepared from Ru(II) 4 in the presence of tris(2-carboxyethyl)-phosphine (TCEP) significantly improved yields from 6% to 27%. Photoinduced electron transfer studies of Ru(II)-cyt c in bulk solution and polymer membrane encapsulated specimens were performed using EDTA as a sacrificial electron donor. It was found that membrane encapsulation of Ru(II)-cyt c in PS140-b-PAA48 resulted in a quantum efficiency of 1.1 ± 0.3 × 10(-3), which was a two-fold increase relative to the bulk. Moreover, Ir(III)-cyt c bioconjugates showed a quantum efficiency of 3.8 ± 1.9 × 10(-1), equivalent to a ∼640-fold increase relative to bulk Ru(II)-cyt c.

In-plane and out-of-plane defectivity in thin films of lamellar block copolymers

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

Mahadevapuram, Nikhila; Mitra, Indranil; Bozhchenko, Alona

2015-10-29

We investigate the ordering of poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) lamellar copolymers (periodicity L 0 = 46 nm) confined between a free surface and brushed poly(styrene-r-methyl methacrylate) silicon substrate. The processing temperature was selected to eliminate wetting layers at the top and bottom interfaces, producing approximately neutral boundaries that stabilize perpendicular domain orientations. The PS-PMMA film thickness (t = 0.5L 0–2.5L 0) and brush grafting density (Σ = 0.2–0.6 nm –2) were systematically varied to examine their impacts on in-plane and out-of-plane ordering. Samples were characterized with a combination of high-resolution microscopy, X-ray reflectivity, and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. In-plane order atmore » the top of the film (quantified through calculation of orientational correlation lengths) improved with t n, where the exponent n increased from 0.75 to 1 as Σ decreased from 0.6 to 0.2 nm –2. Out-of-plane defects such as tilted domains were detected in all films, and the distribution of domain tilt angles was nearly independent of t and Σ. These studies demonstrate that defectivity in perpendicular lamellar phases is three-dimensional, comprised of in-plane topological defects and out-of-plane domain tilt, with little or no correlation between these two types of disorder. As a result, strong interactions between the block copolymer and underlying substrate may trap both kinds of thermally generated defects.« less

Littoral Combat Ship Open Ocean Anti-Submarine Warfare

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

maintain stealth and its defense in order to properly conduct an attack on a surface vessel (Sternhell and Thorndike 2014, 102). This statement...its target, the surface combatants can counter by increasing their speed (Sternhell and Thorndike 2014). While the maximum speed of the current...120316_PS.pdf Sternhell, Charles M, and Alan M Thorndike . 2014. “Antisubmarine Warfare in World War II.” CNA Analysis & Solutions. Accessed April 14, 2014

Prevention of Post-Radiotherapy Failure in Prostate Cancer by Vitamin D

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-01

in the fall of 2003, Dr. Vijayakumar consulted extensively with the statistician for the UCD Cancer Center, Dr. Laurel Beckett , to confirm and...phone (Surgical Oncology, UIC), Dr. William Hall (Radiation Oncology), and Phil Boerner (Writer, Radiation Oncology). As a result of this meeting...RG, Mehta RR, Hall WH, Boerner PS, Beckett LA, Vijayakumar S. Designing a randomized phase I/II prostate cancer chemoprevention trial using 1alpha

Prevention of Post-Radiotherapy Failure in Prostate Cancer by Vitamin D

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-01

extensively with the statistician for the UCD Cancer Center, Dr. Laurel Beckett , to confirm and modify the study design. Dr. Vijayakumar also recruited...Radiation Oncology), and Phil Boerner (Writer, Radiation Oncology). As a result of this meeting, several important modifications were made to the...Packianathan S, Mehta RR, Mehta RG, Hall W, Boerner PS, Beckett L, Vijayakumar S. Cancer Journal, 10(6): 357-367. II. Scientific Abstracts: 2007

Synthesis and structural characterisation of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with a flexible, ferrocene-based P,S-donor amidophosphine ligand.

PubMed

Tauchman, Jiří; Císařová, Ivana; Stěpnička, Petr

2014-01-28

1'-Diphenylphosphino-1-{[(2-(methylthio)ethyl)amino]carbonyl}ferrocene (1), accessible via amidation of 1'-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid (Hdpf) with 2-(methylthio)ethylamine, reacts with [PdCl2(cod)] (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) at a 1 : 1 metal-to-ligand ratio to give trans-[PdCl2(1-κ(2)P,S)] (trans-2) as the sole product. A similar reaction with [PtCl2(cod)] affords a mixture of cis- and trans-[PtCl2(1-κ(2)P,S)] (cis- and trans-3), which can be separated by fractional crystallisation. Complexation reactions performed with 2 equiv. of the ligand are less selective, yielding mixtures of the expected bis-phosphine complexes (i.e., trans-[PdCl2(1-κP)2], or a mixture of cis- and trans-[PtCl2(-κP)2]) with the respective monophosphine complexes. The structures of 1, trans-2, cis-3 and trans-3 determined by X-ray diffraction demonstrate the ability of the title ligand to act as a flexible cis- or trans-P,S-chelate donor (the ligand bite angles are 174.03(2)/173.05(2)° for trans-2/3 and 92.86(2)° for cis-3).

Identity and physiology of a new psychrophilic eukaryotic green alga, Chlorella sp., strain BI, isolated from a transitory pond near Bratina Island, Antarctica

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morgan-Kiss, R. M.; Ivanov, A.G.; Modla, S.; Czymmek, K.; Huner, N.P.A.; Priscu, J.C.; Lisle, J.T.; Hanson, T.E.

2008-01-01

Permanently low temperature environments are one of the most abundant microbial habitats on earth. As in most ecosystems, photosynthetic organisms drive primary production in low temperature food webs. Many of these phototrophic microorganisms are psychrophilic; however, functioning of the photosynthetic processes of these enigmatic psychrophiles (the 'photopsychrophiles') in cold environments is not well understood. Here we describe a new chlorophyte isolated from a low temperature pond, on the Ross Ice Shelf near Bratina Island, Antarctica. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses place this strain in the Chlorella clade, and we have named this new chlorophyte Chlorella BI. Chlorella BI is a psychrophilic species, exhibiting optimum temperature for growth at around 10??C. However, psychrophily in the Antarctic Chlorella was not linked to high levels of membrane-associated poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Unlike the model Antarctic lake alga, Chlamydomonas raudensis UWO241, Chlorella BI has retained the ability for dynamic short term adjustment of light energy distribution between photosystem II (PS II) and photosystem I (PS I). In addition, Chlorella BI can grow under a variety of trophic modes, including heterotrophic growth in the dark. Thus, this newly isolated photopsychrophile has retained a higher versatility in response to environmental change than other well studied cold-adapted chlorophytes. ?? 2008 Springer.

Influence of barley grain particle size and treatment with citric acid on digestibility, ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in Holstein calves.

PubMed

Kazemi-Bonchenari, M; Salem, A Z M; López, S

2017-08-01

Chemical and physical treatments of barley grain increase ruminally resistant starch and can improve the rumen fermentation pattern. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of chemical (addition of citric acid, CA) and physical (grinding to two different particle sizes, PS) treatment of barley grain on performance, rumen fermentation, microbial protein yield in the rumen and selected blood metabolites in growing calves. In all, 28 male Holstein calves (172±5.1 kg initial BW) were used in a complete randomised design with a factorial arrangement of 2 barley grain particle sizes×2 levels of citric acid. The diets were as follows: (i) small PS (average 1200 µm) barley grain soaked in water (no CA addition); (ii) small PS barley grain soaked in a CA solution (adding 20 g CA/kg barley); (iii) large PS (average 2400 µm) barley grain soaked in water (no citric acid addition) and (iv) large PS barley grain soaked in a citric acid solution (adding 20 g CA/kg barley). Barley grain was then incorporated at 35% in a total mixed ration and fed to the calves for 11 weeks. Feeding small PS barley decreased feed intake (P=0.02) and average daily weight gain (P=0.01). The addition of CA to barley grain did not affect intake but increased weight gain (P0.05). However, the molar proportion of propionate was increased (P=0.03) when barley was more finely ground, and that of acetate was increased (P=0.04) when CA was added to barley grain. The ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen was increased (P<0.01) and microbial nitrogen synthesis in the rumen tended to decrease by adding CA to barley. Treating barley grain with citric acid increased fibre digestibility of total mixed rations, attenuated the decrease in ruminal pH, and improved weight gain and feed efficiency in male Holstein growing calves fed a high-cereal diet (550 g cereal grain/kg diet).

On the nature of hydrogen-rich superluminous supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inserra, C.; Smartt, S. J.; Gall, E. E. E.; Leloudas, G.; Chen, T.-W.; Schulze, S.; Jerkstrand, A.; Nicholl, M.; Anderson, J. P.; Arcavi, I.; Benetti, S.; Cartier, R. A.; Childress, M.; Della Valle, M.; Flewelling, H.; Fraser, M.; Gal-Yam, A.; Gutiérrez, C. P.; Hosseinzadeh, G.; Howell, D. A.; Huber, M.; Kankare, E.; Krühler, T.; Magnier, E. A.; Maguire, K.; McCully, C.; Prajs, S.; Primak, N.; Scalzo, R.; Schmidt, B. P.; Smith, M.; Smith, K. W.; Tucker, B. E.; Valenti, S.; Wilman, M.; Young, D. R.; Yuan, F.

2018-03-01

We present two hydrogen-rich superluminous supernovae (SLSNe): SN2103hx and PS15br. These objects, together with SN2008es, are the only SLSNe showing a distinct, broad H α feature during the photospheric phase; also, they show no sign of strong interaction between fast moving ejecta and circumstellar shells in their early spectra. Despite the fact that the peak luminosity of PS15br is fainter than that of the other two objects, the spectrophotometric evolution is similar to SN2103hx and different from any other supernova in a similar luminosity space. We group all of them as SLSNe II and hence they are distinct from the known class of SLSN IIn. Both transients show a strong, multicomponent H α emission after 200 d past maximum, which we interpret as an indication of the interaction of the ejecta with an asymmetric, clumpy circumstellar material. The spectra and photometric evolution of the two objects are similar to Type II supernovae, although they have much higher luminosity and evolve on slower time-scales. This is qualitatively similar to how SLSNe I compare with normal type Ic, in that the former are brighter and evolve more slowly. We apply a magnetar and an interaction semi-analytical code to fit the light curves of our two objects and SN2008es. The overall observational data set would tend to favour the magnetar, or central engine, model as the source of the peak luminosity, although the clear signature of late-time interaction indicates that interaction can play a role in the luminosity evolution of SLSNe II at some phases.

Chemical analysis and biological testing of materials from the EDS coal liquefaction process: a status report

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

Later, D.W.; Pelroy, R.A.; Wilson, B.W.

1984-05-01

Representative process materials were obtained from the EDS pilot plant for chemical and biological analyses. These materials were characterized for biological activity and chemical composition using a microbial mutagenicity assay and chromatographic and mass spectrometric analytical techniques. The two highest boiling distillation cuts, as well as process solvent (PS) obtained from the bottoms recycle mode operation, were tested for initiation of mouse skin tumorigenicity. All three materials were active; the crude 800/sup 0 +/F cut was substantially more potent than the crude bottoms recycle PS or 750 to 800/sup 0/F distillate cut. Results from chemical analyses showed the EDS materials,more » in general, to be more highly alkylated and have higher hydroaromatic content than analogous SRC II process materials (no in-line process hydrogenation) used for comparison. In the microbial mutagenicity assays the N-PAC fractions showed greater activity than did the aliphatic hydrocarbon, hydroxy-PAH, or PAH fractions, although mutagenicity was detected in certain PAH fractions by a modified version of the standard microbial mutagenicity assay. Mutagenic activities for the EDS materials were lower, overall, than those for the corresponding materials from the SRC II process. The EDS materials produced under different operational modes had distinguishable differences in both their chemical constituency and biological activity. The primary differences between the EDS materials studied here and their SRC II counterparts used for comparison are most likely attributable to the incorporation of catalytic hydrogenation in the EDS process. 27 references, 28 figures, 27 tables.« less

Effect of the season on the free phytoprostane content in Cornicabra extra virgin olive oil from deficit-irrigated olive trees.

PubMed

Collado-González, Jacinta; Pérez-López, David; Memmi, Houssem; Gijón, M Carmen; Medina, Sonia; Durand, Thierry; Guy, Alexandre; Galano, Jean-Marie; Fernández, Diego José; Carro, Fernando; Ferreres, Federico; Torrecillas, Arturo; Gil-Izquierdo, Angel

2016-03-30

The effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on the phytoprostane (PhytoP) content in extra virgin olive (Olea europaea L., cv. Cornicabra) oil (EVOO) was studied. During the 2012 and 2013 seasons, T0 plants were irrigated at 100% ETc, while T1 and T2 plants were irrigated avoiding water deficit during phases I and III of fruit growth and saving water during the non-critical phenological period of pit hardening (phase II), developing a more severe water deficit in T2 plants. In 2013, a fourth treatment (T3) was also performed, which was similar to T2 except that water saving was from the beginning of phase II to 15 days after the end of phase II. 9-F1t -PhytoP, 9-epi-9-F1t -PhytoP, 9-epi-9-D1t -PhytoP, 9-D1t -PhytoP, 16-B1 -PhytoP and 9-L1 -PhytoP were present in Cornicabra EVOO, and their contents increased in the EVOO from RDI plants. Deficit irrigation during pit hardening or for a further period of 2 weeks thereafter to increase irrigation water saving is clearly critical for EVOO composition because of the enhancement of free PhytoPs, which have potential beneficial effects on human health. The response of individual free PhytoPs to changes in plant water status was not as perceptible as expected, preventing their use as biomarkers of water stress. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

$$B^{0}_{s}$$ Lifetime Measurement in the CP-odd Decay Channel $$B^{0}_{s} \\to J/\\psi\\mbox{ }f_{0}(980)$$

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

Abazov, V. M.

Here, the lifetime of the B s 0 meson is measured in the decay channel B s 0→J/ψπ +π - with 880 ≤ M π+π- ≤ 1080 MeV/c 2, which is mainly a CP-odd state and dominated by the f 0(980) resonance. In 10.4 fb -1 of data collected with the D0 detector in Run II of the Tevatron, the lifetime of the B s 0 meson is measured to be τ(B s 0) = 1.70 ± 0.14(stat) ± 0.05(syst) ps. Neglecting CP violation in B s 0/more » $$\\bar{B}$$ 0 s mixing, the measurement can be translated into the width of the heavy mass eigenstate of the B s 0, Γ H = 0.59 ± 0.05(stat) ± 0.02(syst) ps -1.« less

A study of inter-crystallite spaces in some polycrystalline inorganic systems using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shantarovich, V. P.; Suzuki, T.; Ito, Y.; Kondo, K.; Gustov, V. W.; Melikhov, I. V.; Berdonosov, S. S.; Ivanov, L. N.; Yu, R. S.

2007-02-01

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was used for calculation of number density and effective sizes of free volume holes (inter-crystallite spaces) in polycrystal CaSO 4, CaCO 3 (vaterit) and Ca 10(PO 4) 6(OH) 2 (apatite). The effect of substitution of two-valence Ca(II) for three-valence Eu(III) on annihilation characteristics of apatite, studied together with the data on thermo-stimulated luminescence (TSL) and low-temperature sorption of gas (N 2), helped to elucidate mechanism of positronium atom (Ps) localization in the free volume holes and perform corresponding calculations. It came out that PALS is more sensitive to inter-crystallite sites (10 16 cm -3) in polycrystallites than to the free volume holes in polymer glasses (10 19 cm -3). This is due to higher mobility of the precursor of localized Ps in crystallites.

The laser calibration system of the TOP detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamponi, Umberto

2017-12-01

The TOP detector of the Belle II Experiment at KEK is a particle identification detector, devoted mainly to the separation of charged pions and kaons. The Cherenkov photons produced in fused silica bars are detected by an array of micro-cannel plate photomultipliers, and the position and time of arrival of the photoelectrons are used to identify the particle. In order to achieve a time resolution of less than 100 ps, the performance of electronics and PMTs must be continuously monitored by a high resolution laser calibration system. Here we report about the design, characterization, construction and installation of this light distribution system consisting of a picosecond laser source, a printed light circuit (PLC), long single mode fibers coupled to bundles of multimode fibers terminated with graded index microlenses, to provide illumination of all the PMT pixels with time jitter less than 50 ps.