Biological Control of Phytophthora palmivora Causing Root Rot of Pomelo Using Chaetomium spp.

PubMed Central

Wattanachai, Pongnak; Kasem, Soytong; Poaim, Supatta

2015-01-01

Phytophthora diseases have become a major impediment in the citrus production in Thailand. In this study, an isolate of Phytophthora denominated as PHY02 was proven to be causal pathogen of root rot of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) in Thailand. The isolate PHY02 was morphologically characterized and identified as Phytophthora palmivora based on molecular analysis of an internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequence. This work also presents in vitro evaluations of the capacities of Chaetomium spp. to control the P. palmivora PHY02. As antagonists, Chaetomium globosum CG05, Chaetomium cupreum CC3003, Chaetomium lucknowense CL01 inhibited 50~61% mycelial growth, degraded mycelia and reduced 92~99% sporangial production of P. palmivora PHY02 in bi-culture test after 30 days. Fungal metabolites from Chaetomium spp. were tested against PHY02. Results showed that, methanol extract of C. globosum CG05 expressed strongest inhibitory effects on mycelial growth and sporangium formation of P. palmivora PHY02 with effective dose ED50 values of 26.5 µg/mL and 2.3 µg/mL, respectively. It is interesting that C. lucknowense is reported for the first time as an effective antagonist against a species of Phytophthora. PMID:25892917

Zu einer inhaltsorientierten Theorie des Lernens und Lehrens der biologischen Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallin, Anita

Der Zweck dieser Studie (zwecks Überblick siehe dazu Abb. 9.1) war zu untersuchen, wie die Schüler der Sekundarstufe II ein Verständnis von der Theorie der biologischen Evolution entwickeln. Vom Ausgangspunkt "Vorurteile der Schüler“ ausgehend wurden Unterrichtssequenzen entwickelt und drei verschiedene Lernexperimente in einem zyklischen Prozess durchgeführt. Das Wissen der Schüler wurde vor, während und nach den Unterrichtssequenzen mit Hilfe von schriftlichen Tests, Interviews und Diskussionsrunden in kleinen Gruppen abgefragt. Etwa 80 % der Schüler hatten vor dem Unterricht alternative Vorstellungen von Evolution, und in dem Nachfolgetest erreichten circa 75 % ein wissenschaftliches Niveau. Die Argumentation der Schüler in den verschiedenen Tests wurde sorgfältig unter Rücksichtnahme auf Vorurteile, der konzeptionellen Struktur der Theorie der Evolution und den Zielen des Unterrichts analysiert. Daraus konnten Einsichten in solche Anforderungen an Lehren und Lernen gewonnen werden, die Herausforderungen an Schüler und Lehrer darstellen, wenn sie anfangen, evolutionäre Biologie zu lernen oder zu lehren. Ein wichtiges Ergebnis war, dass das Verständnis existierender Variation in einer Population der Schlüssel zum Verständnis von natürlicher Selektion ist. Die Ergebnisse sind in einer inhaltsorientierten Theorie zusammengefasst, welche aus drei verschiedenen Aspekten besteht: 1) den inhaltsspezifischen Aspekten, die einzigartig für jedes wissenschaftliche Feld sind; 2) den Aspekten, die die Natur der Wissenschaft betreffen; und 3) den allgemeinen Aspekten. Diese Theorie kann in neuen Experimenten getestet und weiter entwickelt werden.

Clinical performance of the Prostate Health Index (PHI) for the prediction of prostate cancer in obese men: data from the PROMEtheuS project, a multicentre European prospective study.

PubMed

Abrate, Alberto; Lazzeri, Massimo; Lughezzani, Giovanni; Buffi, Nicolòmaria; Bini, Vittorio; Haese, Alexander; de la Taille, Alexandre; McNicholas, Thomas; Redorta, Joan Palou; Gadda, Giulio M; Lista, Giuliana; Kinzikeeva, Ella; Fossati, Nicola; Larcher, Alessandro; Dell'Oglio, Paolo; Mistretta, Francesco; Freschi, Massimo; Guazzoni, Giorgio

2015-04-01

To test serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA), p2PSA/free PSA (%p2PSA) and Prostate Health Index (PHI) accuracy in predicting prostate cancer in obese men and to test whether PHI is more accurate than PSA in predicting prostate cancer in obese patients. The analysis consisted of a nested case-control study from the pro-PSA Multicentric European Study (PROMEtheuS) project. The study is registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN04707454. The primary outcome was to test sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (clinical validity) of serum p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI, in determining prostate cancer at prostate biopsy in obese men [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m(2) ], compared with total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) and fPSA/tPSA ratio (%fPSA). The number of avoidable prostate biopsies (clinical utility) was also assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models were complemented by predictive accuracy analysis and decision-curve analysis. Of the 965 patients, 383 (39.7%) were normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m(2) ), 440 (45.6%) were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2) ) and 142 (14.7%) were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2) ). Among obese patients, prostate cancer was found in 65 patients (45.8%), with a higher percentage of Gleason score ≥7 diseases (67.7%). PSA, p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI were significantly higher, and %fPSA significantly lower in patients with prostate cancer (P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression models, PHI significantly increased accuracy of the base multivariable model by 8.8% (P = 0.007). At a PHI threshold of 35.7, 46 (32.4%) biopsies could have been avoided. In obese patients, PHI is significantly more accurate than current tests in predicting prostate cancer. © 2014 The Authors. BJU International © 2014 BJU International.

Evaluation of [-2] proPSA and Prostate Health Index (phi) for the detection of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Filella, Xavier; Giménez, Nuria

2013-04-01

The usefulness of %[-2] proPSA and Prostate Health Index (phi) in the detection of prostate cancer are currently unknown. It has been suggested that these tests can distinguish prostate cancer from benign prostatic diseases better than PSA or %fPSA. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available scientific evidence to evaluate the clinical usefulness of %[-2] proPSA and phi. Relevant published papers were identified by searching computerized bibliographic systems. Data on sensitivity and specificity were extracted from 12 studies: 10 studies about %[-2] proPSA (3928 patients in total, including 1762 with confirmed prostate cancer) and eight studies about phi (2919 patients in total, including 1515 with confirmed prostate cancer). The sensitivity for the detection of prostate cancer was 90% for %[-2] proPSA and phi, while the pooled specificity was 32.5% (95% CI 30.6-34.5) and 31.6% (95% CI 29.2-34.0) for %[-2] proPSA and phi, respectively. The measurement of %[-2] proPSA improves the accuracy of prostate cancer detection in comparison with PSA or %fPSA, particularly in the group of patients with PSA between 2 μg/L and 10 μg/L. Similar results were obtained measuring phi. Using these tests, it is possible to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies, maintaining a high cancer detection rate. Published results also showed that %[-2] proPSA and phi are related to the aggressiveness of the tumor.

The Pemberton Happiness Index: Validation of the Universal Portuguese version in a large Brazilian sample.

PubMed

Paiva, Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro; de Camargos, Mayara Goulart; Demarzo, Marcelo Marcos Piva; Hervás, Gonzalo; Vázquez, Carmelo; Paiva, Carlos Eduardo

2016-09-01

The Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI) is a recently developed integrative measure of well-being that includes components of hedonic, eudaimonic, social, and experienced well-being. The PHI has been validated in several languages, but not in Portuguese. Our aim was to cross-culturally adapt the Universal Portuguese version of the PHI and to assess its psychometric properties in a sample of the Brazilian population using online surveys.An expert committee evaluated 2 versions of the PHI previously translated into Portuguese by the original authors using a standardized form for assessment of semantic/idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. A pretesting was conducted employing cognitive debriefing methods. In sequence, the expert committee evaluated all the documents and reached a final Universal Portuguese PHI version. For the evaluation of the psychometric properties, the data were collected using online surveys in a cross-sectional study. The study population included healthcare professionals and users of the social network site Facebook from several Brazilian geographic areas. In addition to the PHI, participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Diener and Emmons' Positive and Negative Experience Scale (PNES), Psychological Well-being Scale (PWS), and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). Internal consistency, convergent validity, known-group validity, and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Satisfaction with the previous day was correlated with the 10 items assessing experienced well-being using the Cramer V test. Additionally, a cut-off value of PHI to identify a "happy individual" was defined using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve methodology.Data from 1035 Brazilian participants were analyzed (health professionals = 180; Facebook users = 855). Regarding reliability results, the internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.890 and 0.914) and test-retest (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.814) were both considered adequate. Most of the validity hypotheses formulated a priori (convergent and know-group) was further confirmed. The cut-off value of higher than 7 in remembered PHI was identified (AUC = 0.780, sensitivity = 69.2%, specificity = 78.2%) as the best one to identify a happy individual.We concluded that the Universal Portuguese version of the PHI is valid and reliable for use in the Brazilian population using online surveys.

PHI-base: a new interface and further additions for the multi-species pathogen–host interactions database

PubMed Central

Urban, Martin; Cuzick, Alayne; Rutherford, Kim; Irvine, Alistair; Pedro, Helder; Pant, Rashmi; Sadanadan, Vidyendra; Khamari, Lokanath; Billal, Santoshkumar; Mohanty, Sagar; Hammond-Kosack, Kim E.

2017-01-01

The pathogen–host interactions database (PHI-base) is available at www.phi-base.org. PHI-base contains expertly curated molecular and biological information on genes proven to affect the outcome of pathogen–host interactions reported in peer reviewed research articles. In addition, literature that indicates specific gene alterations that did not affect the disease interaction phenotype are curated to provide complete datasets for comparative purposes. Viruses are not included. Here we describe a revised PHI-base Version 4 data platform with improved search, filtering and extended data display functions. A PHIB-BLAST search function is provided and a link to PHI-Canto, a tool for authors to directly curate their own published data into PHI-base. The new release of PHI-base Version 4.2 (October 2016) has an increased data content containing information from 2219 manually curated references. The data provide information on 4460 genes from 264 pathogens tested on 176 hosts in 8046 interactions. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens are represented in almost equal numbers. Host species belong ∼70% to plants and 30% to other species of medical and/or environmental importance. Additional data types included into PHI-base 4 are the direct targets of pathogen effector proteins in experimental and natural host organisms. The curation problems encountered and the future directions of the PHI-base project are briefly discussed. PMID:27915230

Prospects for studying penguin decays in LHCb experiments

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

Barsuk, S. Ya.; Pakhlova, G. V., E-mail: Galina.Pakhlova@cern.ch; Belyaev, I. M.

2006-04-15

Investigation of loop penguin decays of beauty hadrons seems promising in testing the predictions of the Standard Model of electroweak and strong interactions and in seeking new phenomena beyond the Standard Model. The possibility of studying the radiative penguin decays B{sup 0} {sup {yields}} K*{sup 0}{gamma}, B{sup 0}{sub s} {sup {yields}} {phi}{gamma}, and B{sup 0} {sup {yields}} {omega}{gamma} and the gluonic penguin decays B{sup 0} {sup {yields}} {phi}K{sup 0}{sub S} and B{sup 0}{sub s} {sup {yields}} {phi}{phi} in LHCb experiments is discussed.

Use of the cytosensor microphysiometer to predict results of a 21-day cumulative irritation patch test in humans.

PubMed

Landin, Wendell E; Mun, Greg C; Nims, Raymond W; Harbell, John W

2007-09-01

The cytosensor microphysiometer (mu phi) was investigated as a rapid, relatively inexpensive test to predict performance of skin cleansing wipes on the human 21-day cumulative irritation patch test (21CIPT). It indirectly measures metabolic rate changes in L929 cells as a function of test article dose, by measuring the acidification rate in a low-buffer medium. The dose producing a 50% reduction in metabolic rate (MRD50), relative to the baseline rate, is used as a measure of toxicity. The acute toxicity of the mu phi assay can be compared to the chronic toxicity of the 21CIPT, which is based largely on the exposure of test agents to the epidermal cells, resulting in damage and penetration of the stratum corneum leading to cell toxicity. Two series of surfactant-based cleansing wipe products were tested via the mu phi assay and 21CIPT. The first series, consisting of 20 products, was used to determine a prediction model. The second series of 38 products consisted of routine product development formulas or marketed products. Comparing the results from both tests, samples with an MRD50 greater than 50 mg/ml provided a 21CIPT score consistent with a product that performs satisfactorily in the market. When the MRD50 was greater than 78 mg/ml, the 21CIPT score was usually zero. The mu phi may be more sensitive than the 21CIPT for ranking minimally irritating materials. The mu phi assay is useful as a screen for predicting the performance of a wet wipes formula on the 21CIPT, and concurrently reduces the use of animals for safety testing in a product development program for cleansing wipes.

Impact of Assay conditions on activity estimate and kinetics comparison of Aspergillus niger PhyA and Escherichia coli AppA2 phytases

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study was to compare three phytase activity assays and kinetics of Aspergillus niger PhyA and Escherichia coli AppA2 phytases expressed in Pichia pastoris at the observed stomach pH of 3.5. In Experiment 1, equivalent phytase activities in the crude preparations of PhyA and AppA2 were tested ...

The perception of object versus objectless motion.

PubMed

Hock, Howard S; Nichols, David F

2013-05-01

Wertheimer, M. (Zeitschrift für Psychologie und Physiologie der Sinnesorgane, 61:161-265, 1912) classical distinction between beta (object) and phi (objectless) motion is elaborated here in a series of experiments concerning competition between two qualitatively different motion percepts, induced by sequential changes in luminance for two-dimensional geometric objects composed of rectangular surfaces. One of these percepts is of spreading-luminance motion that continuously sweeps across the entire object; it exhibits shape invariance and is perceived most strongly for fast speeds. Significantly for the characterization of phi as objectless motion, the spreading luminance does not involve surface boundaries or any other feature; the percept is driven solely by spatiotemporal changes in luminance. Alternatively, and for relatively slow speeds, a discrete series of edge motions can be perceived in the direction opposite to spreading-luminance motion. Akin to beta motion, the edges appear to move through intermediate positions within the object's changing surfaces. Significantly for the characterization of beta as object motion, edge motion exhibits shape dependence and is based on the detection of oppositely signed changes in contrast (i.e., counterchange) for features essential to the determination of an object's shape, the boundaries separating its surfaces. These results are consistent with area MT neurons that differ with respect to speed preference Newsome et al (Journal of Neurophysiology, 55:1340-1351, 1986) and shape dependence Zeki (Journal of Physiology, 236:549-573, 1974).

The prostate health index PHI predicts oncological outcome and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy - analysis in 437 patients

PubMed Central

Maxeiner, Andreas; Kilic, Ergin; Matalon, Julia; Friedersdorff, Frank; Miller, Kurt; Jung, Klaus; Stephan, Carsten; Busch, Jonas

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Prostate-Health-Index (PHI) for pathological outcome prediction following radical prostatectomy and also for biochemical recurrence prediction in comparison to established parameters such as Gleason-score, pathological tumor stage, resection status (R0/1) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Out of a cohort of 460 cases with preoperative PHI-measurements (World Health Organization calibration: Beckman Coulter Access-2-Immunoassay) between 2001 and 2014, 437 patients with complete follow up data were included. From these 437 patients, 87 (19.9%) developed a biochemical recurrence. Patient characteristics were compared by using chi-square test. Predictors were analyzed by multivariate adjusted logistic and Cox regression. The median follow up for a biochemical recurrence was 65 (range 3-161) months. PHI, PSA, [-2]proPSA, PHI- and PSA-density performed as significant variables (p < 0.05) for cancer aggressiveness: Gleason-score <7 or ≥7 (ISUP grade 1 or ≥2) . Concerning pathological tumor stage discrimination and prediction, variables as PHI, PSA, %fPSA, [-2]proPSA, PHI- and PSA-density significantly discriminated between stages

The prostate health index PHI predicts oncological outcome and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy - analysis in 437 patients.

PubMed

Maxeiner, Andreas; Kilic, Ergin; Matalon, Julia; Friedersdorff, Frank; Miller, Kurt; Jung, Klaus; Stephan, Carsten; Busch, Jonas

2017-10-03

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Prostate-Health-Index (PHI) for pathological outcome prediction following radical prostatectomy and also for biochemical recurrence prediction in comparison to established parameters such as Gleason-score, pathological tumor stage, resection status (R0/1) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Out of a cohort of 460 cases with preoperative PHI-measurements (World Health Organization calibration: Beckman Coulter Access-2-Immunoassay) between 2001 and 2014, 437 patients with complete follow up data were included. From these 437 patients, 87 (19.9%) developed a biochemical recurrence. Patient characteristics were compared by using chi-square test. Predictors were analyzed by multivariate adjusted logistic and Cox regression. The median follow up for a biochemical recurrence was 65 (range 3-161) months. PHI, PSA, [-2]proPSA, PHI- and PSA-density performed as significant variables (p < 0.05) for cancer aggressiveness: Gleason-score <7 or ≥7 (ISUP grade 1 or ≥2) . Concerning pathological tumor stage discrimination and prediction, variables as PHI, PSA, %fPSA, [-2]proPSA, PHI- and PSA-density significantly discriminated between stages

PHI-base: a new interface and further additions for the multi-species pathogen-host interactions database.

PubMed

Urban, Martin; Cuzick, Alayne; Rutherford, Kim; Irvine, Alistair; Pedro, Helder; Pant, Rashmi; Sadanadan, Vidyendra; Khamari, Lokanath; Billal, Santoshkumar; Mohanty, Sagar; Hammond-Kosack, Kim E

2017-01-04

The pathogen-host interactions database (PHI-base) is available at www.phi-base.org PHI-base contains expertly curated molecular and biological information on genes proven to affect the outcome of pathogen-host interactions reported in peer reviewed research articles. In addition, literature that indicates specific gene alterations that did not affect the disease interaction phenotype are curated to provide complete datasets for comparative purposes. Viruses are not included. Here we describe a revised PHI-base Version 4 data platform with improved search, filtering and extended data display functions. A PHIB-BLAST search function is provided and a link to PHI-Canto, a tool for authors to directly curate their own published data into PHI-base. The new release of PHI-base Version 4.2 (October 2016) has an increased data content containing information from 2219 manually curated references. The data provide information on 4460 genes from 264 pathogens tested on 176 hosts in 8046 interactions. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens are represented in almost equal numbers. Host species belong ∼70% to plants and 30% to other species of medical and/or environmental importance. Additional data types included into PHI-base 4 are the direct targets of pathogen effector proteins in experimental and natural host organisms. The curation problems encountered and the future directions of the PHI-base project are briefly discussed. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Many-integrated core (MIC) technology for accelerating Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport: A study based on the code DPM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, M.; Brualla, L.

2018-04-01

Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport is computationally demanding to obtain reasonably low statistical uncertainties of the estimated quantities. Therefore, it can benefit in a large extent from high-performance computing. This work is aimed at assessing the performance of the first generation of the many-integrated core architecture (MIC) Xeon Phi coprocessor with respect to that of a CPU consisting of a double 12-core Xeon processor in Monte Carlo simulation of coupled electron-photonshowers. The comparison was made twofold, first, through a suite of basic tests including parallel versions of the random number generators Mersenne Twister and a modified implementation of RANECU. These tests were addressed to establish a baseline comparison between both devices. Secondly, through the p DPM code developed in this work. p DPM is a parallel version of the Dose Planning Method (DPM) program for fast Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport in voxelized geometries. A variety of techniques addressed to obtain a large scalability on the Xeon Phi were implemented in p DPM. Maximum scalabilities of 84 . 2 × and 107 . 5 × were obtained in the Xeon Phi for simulations of electron and photon beams, respectively. Nevertheless, in none of the tests involving radiation transport the Xeon Phi performed better than the CPU. The disadvantage of the Xeon Phi with respect to the CPU owes to the low performance of the single core of the former. A single core of the Xeon Phi was more than 10 times less efficient than a single core of the CPU for all radiation transport simulations.

An RR Lyrae period shift in terms of the Fourier parameter Phi sub 31

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clement, Christine M.; Jankulak, Michael; Simon, Norman R.

1992-01-01

The Fourier phase parameter Phi sub 31 has been determined for RRc stars in five globular clusters, NGC 6171, M5, M3, M53, and M15. The results indicate that the RRc stars in a given cluster show a sequence of Phi sub 31 increasing with period, and that the higher the cluster metallicity, the higher the sequence lies in a plot of Phi sub 31 with period. The Phi sub 31 values for the stars in NGC 6171 and M5 presented here are based on observations made with the University of Toronto 0.61 m telescope at Las Campanas, Chile, while those for M3, M53, and M15 are based on published data. A bootstrap procedure has been used to establish the uncertainties in the Fourier parameters. The physical significance of the relationship among Phi sub 31, period, and metallicity is not yet understood. It will need to be tested with hydrodynamic pulsation models computed with new opacities.

Study on the removal efficiency of UF membranes using bacteriophages in bench-scale and semi-technical scale.

PubMed

Kreissel, K; Bösl, M; Lipp, P; Franzreb, M; Hambsch, B

2012-01-01

To determine the removal efficiency of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for nano-particles in the size range of viruses the state of the art uses challenge tests with virus-spiked water. This work focuses on bench-scale and semi-technical scale experiments. Different experimental parameters influencing the removal efficiency of the tested UF membrane modules were analyzed and evaluated for bench- and semi-technical scale experiments. Organic matter in the water matrix highly influenced the removal of the tested bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174. Less membrane fouling (low ΔTMP) led to a reduced phage reduction. Increased flux positively affected phage removal in natural waters. The tested bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174 revealed different removal properties. MS2, which is widely used as a model organism to determine virus removal efficiencies of membranes, mostly showed a better removal than phiX174 for the natural water qualities tested. It seems that MS2 is possibly a less conservative surrogate for human enteric virus removal than phiX174. In bench-scale experiments log removal values (LRV) for MS2 of 2.5-6.0 and of 2.5-4.5 for phiX174 were obtained for the examined range of parameters. Phage removal obtained with differently fabricated semi-technical modules was quite variable for comparable parameter settings, indicating that module fabrication can lead to differing results. Potting temperature and module size were identified as influencing factors. In conclusion, careful attention has to be paid to the choice of experimental settings and module potting when using bench-scale or semi-technical scale experiments for UF membrane challenge tests.

Expression of Aspergillus nidulans phy Gene in Nicotiana benthamiana Produces Active Phytase with Broad Specificities

PubMed Central

Oh, Tae-Kyun; Oh, Sung; Kim, Seongdae; Park, Jae Sung; Vinod, Nagarajan; Jang, Kyung Min; Kim, Sei Chang; Choi, Chang Won; Ko, Suk-Min; Jeong, Dong Kee; Udayakumar, Rajangam

2014-01-01

A full-length phytase gene (phy) of Aspergillus nidulans was amplified from the cDNA library by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and it was introduced into a bacterial expression vector, pET-28a. The recombinant protein (rPhy-E, 56 kDa) was overexpressed in the insoluble fraction of Escherichia coli culture, purified by Ni-NTA resin under denaturing conditions and injected into rats as an immunogen. To express A. nidulans phytase in a plant, the full-length of phy was cloned into a plant expression binary vector, pPZP212. The resultant construct was tested for its transient expression by Agrobacterium-infiltration into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Compared with a control, the agro-infiltrated leaf tissues showed the presence of phy mRNA and its high expression level in N. benthamiana. The recombinant phytase (rPhy-P, 62 kDa) was strongly reacted with the polyclonal antibody against the nonglycosylated rPhy-E. The rPhy-P showed glycosylation, two pH optima (pH 4.5 and pH 5.5), an optimum temperature at 45~55 °C, thermostability and broad substrate specificities. After deglycosylation by peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase-F), the rPhy-P significantly lost the phytase activity and retained 1/9 of the original activity after 10 min of incubation at 45 °C. Therefore, the deglycosylation caused a significant reduction in enzyme thermostability. In animal experiments, oral administration of the rPhy-P at 1500 U/kg body weight/day for seven days caused a significant reduction of phosphorus excretion by 16% in rat feces. Besides, the rPhy-P did not result in any toxicological changes and clinical signs. PMID:25192284

Stability of an aluminum salt-adjuvanted protein D-conjugated pneumococcal vaccine after exposure to subzero temperatures

PubMed Central

Fortpied, Juliette; Wauters, Florence; Rochart, Christelle; Hermand, Philippe; Hoet, Bernard; Moniotte, Nicolas; Vojtek, Ivo

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Accidental exposure of a vaccine containing an aluminum-salt adjuvant to temperatures below 0°C in the cold chain can lead to freeze damage. Our study evaluated the potential for freeze damage in a licensed aluminum-salt-containing protein-D-conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PHiD-CV; Synflorix, GSK) in conditions that included static storage, single subzero-temperature excursions, and simulated air-freight transportation. Several parameters were assessed including freezing at subzero temperatures, aluminum-salt-particle size, antigen integrity and immunogenicity in the mouse. The suitability of the WHO's shake test for identifying freeze-damaged vaccines was also assessed. During subzero-temperature excursions, the mean temperatures at which PHiD-CV froze (−16.7°C to −18.1°C) appeared unaffected by the type of vaccine container (two-dose or four-dose vial, or single-dose syringe), vaccine batch, rotational agitation, or the rate of temperature decline (−0.5 to −10°C/hour). At constant subzero temperature and in simulated air-freight transportation, the freezing of PHiD-CV appeared to be promoted by vibration. At −5°C, no PHiD-CV sample froze in static storage (>1 month), whereas when subjected to vibration, a minority of samples froze (7/21, 33%) within 18 hours. At −8°C with vibration, nearly all (5/6, 83%) samples froze. In these vibration regimes, the shake test identified most samples that froze (10/12, 93%) except two in the −5°C regime. Nevertheless, PHiD-CV-antigen integrity appeared unaffected by freezing up to −20°C or by vibration. And although aluminum-salt-particle size was increased only by freezing at −20°C, PHiD-CV immunogenicity appeared only marginally affected by freezing at −20°C. Therefore, our study supports the use of the shake test to exclude freeze-damaged PHiD-CV in the field. PMID:29337646

Differences of Munchausen syndrome by proxy according to predominant symptoms in Japan.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Takeo; Okuyama, Makiko; Kasahara, Mari; Nakamura, Ayako

2008-08-01

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate differing characteristics of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) between subjects with predominantly physical symptoms and those with predominantly psychological symptoms. A questionnaire survey was sent to 11 leading doctors in the child abuse field in Japan, each located in different hospital-based sites. Child abuse doctors answered questions regarding the characteristics of MSBP subjects for whom they had helped care. The differences of characteristics between groups were analyzed using Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables. Among 21 reported MSBP subjects, 16 MSBP subjects with predominantly physical symptoms (PHY) and five MSBP subjects with predominantly psychological symptoms (PSY) were found. PHY were more likely to be produced, whereas PSY cases were more often simulated. PHY cases were more often life-threatening than PSY cases, but decisions made by the Child Guidance Center surrounding the custodial outcome of MSBP victims did not differ between PHY and PSY cases. Social welfare services that need to decide on custody for MSBP victims should recognize the relatively high risk of life-threatening danger of PHY cases in their family of origin.

Comparative evaluation of urinary PCA3 and TMPRSS2: ERG scores and serum PHI in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness.

PubMed

Tallon, Lucile; Luangphakdy, Devillier; Ruffion, Alain; Colombel, Marc; Devonec, Marian; Champetier, Denis; Paparel, Philippe; Decaussin-Petrucci, Myriam; Perrin, Paul; Vlaeminck-Guillem, Virginie

2014-07-30

It has been suggested that urinary PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG fusion tests and serum PHI correlate to cancer aggressiveness-related pathological criteria at prostatectomy. To evaluate and compare their ability in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness, PHI and urinary PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG (T2) scores were assessed in 154 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for biopsy-proven prostate cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression and decision curve analyses were performed. All three markers were predictors of a tumor volume≥0.5 mL. Only PHI predicted Gleason score≥7. T2 score and PHI were both independent predictors of extracapsular extension(≥pT3), while multifocality was only predicted by PCA3 score. Moreover, when compared to a base model (age, digital rectal examination, serum PSA, and Gleason sum at biopsy), the addition of both PCA3 score and PHI to the base model induced a significant increase (+12%) when predicting tumor volume>0.5 mL. PHI and urinary PCA3 and T2 scores can be considered as complementary predictors of cancer aggressiveness at prostatectomy.

New algorithms and methods to estimate maximum-likelihood phylogenies: assessing the performance of PhyML 3.0.

PubMed

Guindon, Stéphane; Dufayard, Jean-François; Lefort, Vincent; Anisimova, Maria; Hordijk, Wim; Gascuel, Olivier

2010-05-01

PhyML is a phylogeny software based on the maximum-likelihood principle. Early PhyML versions used a fast algorithm performing nearest neighbor interchanges to improve a reasonable starting tree topology. Since the original publication (Guindon S., Gascuel O. 2003. A simple, fast and accurate algorithm to estimate large phylogenies by maximum likelihood. Syst. Biol. 52:696-704), PhyML has been widely used (>2500 citations in ISI Web of Science) because of its simplicity and a fair compromise between accuracy and speed. In the meantime, research around PhyML has continued, and this article describes the new algorithms and methods implemented in the program. First, we introduce a new algorithm to search the tree space with user-defined intensity using subtree pruning and regrafting topological moves. The parsimony criterion is used here to filter out the least promising topology modifications with respect to the likelihood function. The analysis of a large collection of real nucleotide and amino acid data sets of various sizes demonstrates the good performance of this method. Second, we describe a new test to assess the support of the data for internal branches of a phylogeny. This approach extends the recently proposed approximate likelihood-ratio test and relies on a nonparametric, Shimodaira-Hasegawa-like procedure. A detailed analysis of real alignments sheds light on the links between this new approach and the more classical nonparametric bootstrap method. Overall, our tests show that the last version (3.0) of PhyML is fast, accurate, stable, and ready to use. A Web server and binary files are available from http://www.atgc-montpellier.fr/phyml/.

Effects of Fuel Distribution on Detonation Tube Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perkins, Hugh Douglas

2002-01-01

A pulse detonation engine (PDE) uses a series of high frequency intermittent detonation tubes to generate thrust. The process of filling the detonation tube with fuel and air for each cycle may yield non-uniform mixtures. Lack of mixture uniformity is commonly ignored when calculating detonation tube thrust performance. In this study, detonation cycles featuring idealized non-uniform H2/air mixtures were analyzed using the SPARK two-dimensional Navier-Stokes CFD code with 7-step H2/air reaction mechanism. Mixture non-uniformities examined included axial equivalence ratio gradients, transverse equivalence ratio gradients, and partially fueled tubes. Three different average test section equivalence ratios (phi), stoichiometric (phi = 1.00), fuel lean (phi = 0.90), and fuel rich (phi = 1.10), were studied. All mixtures were detonable throughout the detonation tube. It was found that various mixtures representing the same test section equivalence ratio had specific impulses within 1 percent of each other, indicating that good fuel/air mixing is not a prerequisite for optimal detonation tube performance.

[The value of PHI/PCA3 in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer].

PubMed

Tan, S J; Xu, L W; Xu, Z; Wu, J P; Liang, K; Jia, R P

2016-01-12

To investigate the value of prostate health index (PHI) and prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). A total of 190 patients with abnormal serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination were enrolled. They were all underwent initial biopsy and 11 of them were also underwent repeated biopsy. In addition, 25 healthy cases (with normal digital rectal examination and PSA<4 ng/ml) were the control group.The PHI and PCA3 were detected by using immunofluorescence and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). The sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis were determined by ROC curve.In addition, the relationship between PHI/PSA and the Gleason score and clinical stage were analyzed. A total of 89 patients were confirmed PCa by Pathological diagnosis. The other 101 patients were diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The sensitivity and specificity of PCA3 test were 85.4% was 92.1%. Area under curve (AUC) of PHI is higher than AUC of PSA (0.727>0.699). The PHI in peripheral blood was positively correlated with Gleason score and clinical stage. The detection of PCA3 and PHI shows excellent detecting effectiveness. Compared with single PSA, the combined detection of PHI and PCA3 improved the diagnostic specificity. It can provide a new method for the early diagnosis in prostate cancer and avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Measurement of serum isoform [-2]proPSA derivatives shows superior accuracy to magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in patients with a total prostate-specific antigen level of 2-10 ng/ml.

PubMed

Furuya, Kazuhiro; Kawahara, Takashi; Narahara, Masaki; Tokita, Takashi; Fukui, Sachi; Imano, Masashi; Mitome, Taku; Ito, Yusuke; Izumi, Koji; Osaka, Kimito; Yokomizo, Yumiko; Hayashi, Narihiko; Hasumi, Hisashi; Nawata, Shintaro; Kawano, Tsuyoshi; Yao, Masahiro; Uemura, Hiroji

2017-08-01

More accurate diagnostic procedures for prostate cancer are needed to avoid unnecessary biopsy due to the low specificity of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Recent studies showed that the percentage of serum isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) to free PSA (%p2PSA), the Prostate Health Index (PHI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were more accurate than PSA. The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of %p2PSA, PHI and MRI in discriminating patients with and without prostate cancer. The subjects were 50 consecutive men with a PSA level of 2.0-10.0 ng/ml, who underwent prostate biopsy from October 2012 to July 2014. These patients underwent multiparametric MRI before biopsy, and their serum samples were measured for PSA, free PSA and p2PSA. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PHI, %p2PSA and MRI were compared with PSA in the diagnosis of biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer. In a univariate analysis, %p2PSA [area under the curve (AUC): 0.811] and PHI (AUC 0.795) were more accurate than MRI (AUC: 0.583) and PSA (AUC: 0.554) for prostate cancer detection. At 60% sensitivity, the specificity of PHI (76.5%) was higher than that of MRI (52.9%). For significant cancer detection, %p2PSA (AUC: 0.745), PHI (AUC: 0.791) and MRI (AUC: 0.739) were marginally more accurate than PSA (AUC: 0.696). At 85% sensitivity, the specificity of MRI (62.1%) was higher than that of PHI (34.5%). PHI and %p2PSA can be used for screening the general population and MRI can be used for detection of significant cancer in patients suspected, from screening tests, of having prostate cancer.

Morphological responses of wheat to changes in phytochrome photoequilibrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, C.; Bugbee, B.

1991-01-01

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown at the same photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), 200 micromoles per square meter per second, but with phytochrome photoequilibrium (phi) values of 0.81, 0.55, and 0.33. Plants grown at phi values of 0.55 and 0.33 tillered 43 and 56%, less compared with plants grown at phi of 0.81. Main culm development (Haun stage) was slightly more advanced at lower values of phi, and leaf sheaths, but not leaf lamina, were longer at lower phi. Dry-mass accumulation was not affected by different levels of phi. Three levels of PPF (100, 200, and 400 micromoles per square meter per second) and two lamp types, metal halide and high pressure sodium, were also tested. Higher levels of PPF resulted in more dry mass, more tillering, and a more advanced Haun stage. There was no difference in plant dry mass or development under metal halide versus high pressure sodium lamps, except for total leaf length, which was greater under high pressure sodium lamps (49.5 versus 44.9 centimeters, P < 0.01).

Prostate Health Index (Phi) and Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) Significantly Improve Prostate Cancer Detection at Initial Biopsy in a Total PSA Range of 2–10 ng/ml

PubMed Central

Perdonà, Sisto; Marino, Ada; Mazzarella, Claudia; Perruolo, Giuseppe; D’Esposito, Vittoria; Cosimato, Vincenzo; Buonerba, Carlo; Di Lorenzo, Giuseppe; Musi, Gennaro; De Cobelli, Ottavio; Chun, Felix K.; Terracciano, Daniela

2013-01-01

Many efforts to reduce prostate specific antigen (PSA) overdiagnosis and overtreatment have been made. To this aim, Prostate Health Index (Phi) and Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) have been proposed as new more specific biomarkers. We evaluated the ability of phi and PCA3 to identify prostate cancer (PCa) at initial prostate biopsy in men with total PSA range of 2–10 ng/ml. The performance of phi and PCA3 were evaluated in 300 patients undergoing first prostate biopsy. ROC curve analyses tested the accuracy (AUC) of phi and PCA3 in predicting PCa. Decision curve analyses (DCA) were used to compare the clinical benefit of the two biomarkers. We found that the AUC value of phi (0.77) was comparable to those of %p2PSA (0.76) and PCA3 (0.73) with no significant differences in pairwise comparison (%p2PSA vs phi p = 0.673, %p2PSA vs. PCA3 p = 0.417 and phi vs. PCA3 p = 0.247). These three biomarkers significantly outperformed fPSA (AUC = 0.60), % fPSA (AUC = 0.62) and p2PSA (AUC = 0.63). At DCA, phi and PCA3 exhibited a very close net benefit profile until the threshold probability of 25%, then phi index showed higher net benefit than PCA3. Multivariable analysis showed that the addition of phi and PCA3 to the base multivariable model (age, PSA, %fPSA, DRE, prostate volume) increased predictive accuracy, whereas no model improved single biomarker performance. Finally we showed that subjects with active surveillance (AS) compatible cancer had significantly lower phi and PCA3 values (p<0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, both phi and PCA3 comparably increase the accuracy in predicting the presence of PCa in total PSA range 2–10 ng/ml at initial biopsy, outperforming currently used %fPSA. PMID:23861782

Prostate Health Index (Phi) and Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) significantly improve prostate cancer detection at initial biopsy in a total PSA range of 2-10 ng/ml.

PubMed

Ferro, Matteo; Bruzzese, Dario; Perdonà, Sisto; Marino, Ada; Mazzarella, Claudia; Perruolo, Giuseppe; D'Esposito, Vittoria; Cosimato, Vincenzo; Buonerba, Carlo; Di Lorenzo, Giuseppe; Musi, Gennaro; De Cobelli, Ottavio; Chun, Felix K; Terracciano, Daniela

2013-01-01

Many efforts to reduce prostate specific antigen (PSA) overdiagnosis and overtreatment have been made. To this aim, Prostate Health Index (Phi) and Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) have been proposed as new more specific biomarkers. We evaluated the ability of phi and PCA3 to identify prostate cancer (PCa) at initial prostate biopsy in men with total PSA range of 2-10 ng/ml. The performance of phi and PCA3 were evaluated in 300 patients undergoing first prostate biopsy. ROC curve analyses tested the accuracy (AUC) of phi and PCA3 in predicting PCa. Decision curve analyses (DCA) were used to compare the clinical benefit of the two biomarkers. We found that the AUC value of phi (0.77) was comparable to those of %p2PSA (0.76) and PCA3 (0.73) with no significant differences in pairwise comparison (%p2PSA vs phi p = 0.673, %p2PSA vs. PCA3 p = 0.417 and phi vs. PCA3 p = 0.247). These three biomarkers significantly outperformed fPSA (AUC = 0.60), % fPSA (AUC = 0.62) and p2PSA (AUC = 0.63). At DCA, phi and PCA3 exhibited a very close net benefit profile until the threshold probability of 25%, then phi index showed higher net benefit than PCA3. Multivariable analysis showed that the addition of phi and PCA3 to the base multivariable model (age, PSA, %fPSA, DRE, prostate volume) increased predictive accuracy, whereas no model improved single biomarker performance. Finally we showed that subjects with active surveillance (AS) compatible cancer had significantly lower phi and PCA3 values (p<0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, both phi and PCA3 comparably increase the accuracy in predicting the presence of PCa in total PSA range 2-10 ng/ml at initial biopsy, outperforming currently used %fPSA.

Minimized virus binding for tests of barrier materials.

PubMed Central

Lytle, C D; Routson, L B

1995-01-01

Viruses are used to test the barrier properties of materials. Binding of virus particles during passage through holes in the material may yield misleading test results. The choices of challenge virus and suspending medium may be important for minimizing confounding effects that might arise from such binding. In this study, different surrogate viruses, as well as different support media, were evaluated to determine optimal test parameters. Two membranes with high-binding properties (nitrocellulose and cationic polysulfone) were used as filters to compare binding activities of different surrogate challenge viruses (MS2, phi X174, T7, PRD1, and phi 6) in different media. The media consisted of buffered saline with surfactants, serum, or culture broth as additives. In addition, elution rates of viruses that bound to the membranes were determined. The results suggest that viruses can bind by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, with phi X174 displaying the lowest level of binding by either process. The nonionic detergents Triton X-100 and Tween 80 (0.1%) equally minimized hydrophobic interactions. Neither anionic nor cationic surfactants were as effective at nontoxic levels. Serum was effective at reducing both hydrophobic and electrostatic binding, with 2% being sufficient for eliminating binding under our test conditions. Thus, phi X174 remains the best choice as a surrogate virus to test barrier materials, and Triton X-100 (0.1%) remains a good choice for reducing hydrophobic binding. In addition, binding of viruses by barrier materials is unlikely to prevent passage of blood-borne pathogens. PMID:7574603

Using a Commercial Ethernet PHY Device in a Radiation Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parks, Jeremy; Arani, Michael; Arroyo, Roberto

2014-01-01

This work involved placing a commercial Ethernet PHY on its own power boundary, with limited current supply, and providing detection methods to determine when the device is not operating and when it needs either a reset or power-cycle. The device must be radiation-tested and free of destructive latchup errors. The commercial Ethernet PHY's own power boundary must be supplied by a current-limited power regulator that must have an enable (for power cycling), and its maximum power output must not exceed the PHY's input requirements, thus preventing damage to the device. A regulator with configurable output limits and short-circuit protection (such as the RHFL4913, rad hard positive voltage regulator family) is ideal. This will prevent a catastrophic failure due to radiation (such as a short between the commercial device's power and ground) from taking down the board's main power. Logic provided on the board will detect errors in the PHY. An FPGA (field-programmable gate array) with embedded Ethernet MAC (Media Access Control) will work well. The error detection includes monitoring the PHY's interrupt line, and the status of the Ethernet's switched power. When the PHY is determined to be non-functional, the logic device resets the PHY, which will often clear radiation induced errors. If this doesn't work, the logic device power-cycles the FPGA by toggling the regulator's enable input. This should clear almost all radiation induced errors provided the device is not latched up.

Statistical reporting inconsistencies in experimental philosophy

PubMed Central

Colombo, Matteo; Duev, Georgi; Nuijten, Michèle B.; Sprenger, Jan

2018-01-01

Experimental philosophy (x-phi) is a young field of research in the intersection of philosophy and psychology. It aims to make progress on philosophical questions by using experimental methods traditionally associated with the psychological and behavioral sciences, such as null hypothesis significance testing (NHST). Motivated by recent discussions about a methodological crisis in the behavioral sciences, questions have been raised about the methodological standards of x-phi. Here, we focus on one aspect of this question, namely the rate of inconsistencies in statistical reporting. Previous research has examined the extent to which published articles in psychology and other behavioral sciences present statistical inconsistencies in reporting the results of NHST. In this study, we used the R package statcheck to detect statistical inconsistencies in x-phi, and compared rates of inconsistencies in psychology and philosophy. We found that rates of inconsistencies in x-phi are lower than in the psychological and behavioral sciences. From the point of view of statistical reporting consistency, x-phi seems to do no worse, and perhaps even better, than psychological science. PMID:29649220

Modeling of deformation behavior and texture evolution in magnesium alloy using the intermediate $$\\phi$$-model

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

Li, Dongsheng; Ahzi, Said; M'Guil, S. M.

2014-01-06

The viscoplastic intermediate phi-model was applied in this work to predict the deformation behavior and texture evolution in a magnesium alloy, an HCP material. We simulated the deformation behavior with different intergranular interaction strengths and compared the predicted results with available experimental results. In this approach, elasticity is neglected and the plastic deformation mechanisms are assumed as a combination of crystallographic slip and twinning systems. Tests are performed for rolling (plane strain compression) of random textured Mg polycrystal as well as for tensile and compressive tests on rolled Mg sheets. Simulated texture evolutions agree well with experimental data. Activities of twinning and slip, predicted by the intermediatemore » $$\\phi$$-model, reveal the strong anisotropic behavior during tension and compression of rolled sheets.« less

Viele Tests - viele Fehler?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tabelow, Karsten

Bildgebende Verfahren haben sich in den letzten Jahren einen festen Platz in der Medizin erobert und die medizinische Forschung und Diagnostik revolutioniert. Sie ermöglichen Ärzten und Forschern einen Einblick in lebendes Gewebe. Mit der fortschreitenden technischen Entwicklung liefern die Verfahren immer höhere Auflösungen, schärfere Bilder und mehr Details. Bildgebende Verfahren sind ohne Mathematik undenkbar, von der Bildrekonstruktion aus den gemessenen Signalen, bis hin zur Auswertung der Bildinformation. Für die Analyse der großen Menge an Bilddatenpunkten (Voxel, volume element, im Gegensatz zum zweidimensionalen Pixel, picture element) werden häufig insbesondere Methoden der mathematischen Statistik benötigt. Zufällige Fehler in der Messung äußern sich als Bildrauschen, die Bilder wirken unscharf und gestört. Dadurch werden diagnostische Entscheidungen erschwert.

Surface Cleaning and Disinfection: Efficacy Assessment of Four Chlorine Types Using Escherichia coli and the Ebola Surrogate Phi6.

PubMed

Gallandat, Karin; Wolfe, Marlene K; Lantagne, Daniele

2017-04-18

In the 2014 West African Ebola outbreak, international organizations provided conflicting recommendations for disinfecting surfaces contaminated by uncontrolled patient spills. We compared the efficacy of four chlorine solutions (sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, high-test hypochlorite, and generated hypochlorite) for disinfection of three surface types (stainless steel, heavy-duty tarp, and nitrile) with and without pre-cleaning practices (prewiping, covering, or both) and soil load. The test organisms were Escherichia coli and the Ebola surrogate Phi6. All tests achieved a minimum of 5.9 and 3.1 log removal in E. coli and Phi6, respectively. A 15 min exposure to 0.5% chlorine was sufficient to ensure <8 Phi6 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/cm 2 in all tests. While chlorine types were equally efficacious with and without soil load, variation was seen by surface type. Wiping did not increase disinfection efficacy and is not recommended because it generates infectious waste. Covering spills decreased disinfection efficacy against E. coli on heavy-duty tarp but does prevent splashing, which is critical in Ebola contexts. Our results support the recommendation of a 15 min exposure to 0.5% chlorine, independently of chlorine type, surface, pre-cleaning practices, and organic matter, as an efficacious measure to interrupt disease transmission from uncontrolled spills in Ebola outbreaks.

Optimized testing schemes using nucleus progeny, adult MOET siblings, or juvenile MOET pedigrees in dairy cattle closed populations.

PubMed

Bondoc, O L; Smith, C

1993-01-12

Selection response rates are predicted for nucleus progeny testing, adult multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) sib testing, and juvenile MOET pedigree testing in closed populations. Deterministic models are adapted to adjust predicted genetic gains for the effects of population size and structure, selection disequilibrium, sampling losses, and inbreeding depression. The improvement schemes were optimized for different numbers of sires used and first lactation females recorded per year. The number of nucleus daughters tested per sire, and of females per MOET full sibship, that maximize the predicted response to selection per year, were determined. Annual genetic gains and inbreeding rates were interpolated to the same planning horizon (20 years) to compare the optimized schemes for a wide range of situations. The predicted maximum genetic gain per year is higher for adult MOET than for juvenile MOET (due to the proportional extra time to collect the embryos needed) and for nucleus progeny testing. Average annual inbreeding rates are much higher for MOET schemes than for nucleus progeny testing. The advantages of adult and juvenile over nucleus progeny testing are little affected by planning horizon, but are higher with more females recorded per year, higher heritability, and higher reproductive and MOET success rates. Comparison of the schemes at the same level of inbreeding is fairer for fixed testing resources. At the same inbreeding level, the genetic advantage of adult MOET was generally maintained, but juvenile MOET then lost its advantage over progeny testing in these closed populations. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Optimierte Prüfpläne für Nukleusnachkommen, adulte MOET Geschwister oder juvenile MOET Pedigrees in geschlossenen Milchviehpopulationen Selektionserfolge werden für Nukleusnachkommenprüfung, adulte multiple Ovulation (MOET) und Embryotransfer, Geschwisterprüfung und juvenile MOET Pedigreeprüfung geschlossener Populationen geschätzt. Deterministische Modelle werden modifiziert zur Berücksichtigung geschätzter genetischer Fortschritte für die Wirkungen von Populationsgröße, Struktur, Selektionsungleichgewicht, Stichprobenungenauigkeit und Inzuchtdepression. Die Zuchtpläne werden für verschiedene Zahlen von Stieren und Erstlaktationskühe pro Jahr optimiert. Die Zahl der geprüften Nukleustöchter je Stier und Kühe je MOETVollgeschwistergruppe, die den geschätzten Erfolg maximieren, werden bestimmt. Um die optimierten Pläne über einen weiten Bereich zu vergleichen, werden jährlicher Zuchtfortschritt und Inzuchtzuwachs für den gleichen Planungshorizont von 20 Jahren interpoliert. Der geschätzte maximale Zuchtfortschritt pro Jahr ist für adultes MOET höher als bei juvenilem (wegen zusätzlicher Zeit zur Embryonengewinnung) und bei Nukleusnachkommenschaftsprüfung. Durchschnittliche jährliche Inzuchtraten sind viel höher für MOET Pläne als für das Nachkommenschaftsprüfsystem. Die Vorteile des adulten und juvenilen MOET über Nukleusnachkommenprüfung werden durch den Planungshorizont nur geringfügig tangiert, werden aber höher, wenn mehr weibliche Tiere je Jahr geprüft werden bei höherer Heritabilität, höherer Reproduktions- und Erfolgsrate. Der Vergleich der Pläne beim gleichen Inzuchtniveau ist für gegebene Testresourcen angemessener. 1993 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Epidemiologie, Prävention und Früherkennung des Zervixkarzinoms

PubMed Central

Wentzensen, Nicolas

2016-01-01

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Persistierende Infektionen mit humanen Papillomviren sind die notwendige Ursache des Zervixkarzinoms. Die Entwicklung von HPV-basierten Präventionsverfahren, der HPV Impfung und der HPV-Testung, führt derzeit zu umfangreichen Veränderungen von Zervixkarzinom-Vorsorgeprogrammen. Eine Dekade nach Einführung der HPV-Imfpung in vielen Ländern werden bereits Reduktionen von HPV-Infektionen und Krebsvorstufen in jungen Frauen beobachtet. Der Fokus liegt jetzt auf der Integration von neuen Testverfahren im Screening von Populationen mit zunehmenden Impfraten. Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung Ein erfolgreiches Zervixkarzinom-Vorsorgeprogramm besteht aus verschiedenen Komponenten, vom primären Screening über die Triage zur Kolposkopie mit Biopsie, um Frauen mit Kresbvorstufen zu identifizieren, die eine therapeutische Intervention benötigen. Im primären Screening wird eine kleine Gruppe von Frauen mit erhöhtem Risiko für eine Krebsvorstufe identifiziert, während die grosse Mehrheit kein erhöhtes Risiko hat. Je nach primärem Testverfahren werden in screen-positiven Frauen zusätzliche Triage-Tests durchgeführt, um zu entscheiden, wer zur Kolposkopie überwiesen werden sollte. Derzeit gibt es drei verschiedene Ansätze für das primäre Zervixkarzinomscreening: Die Zervix-Zytologie, die HPV-Testung, und die HPV-Zytologie Ko-Testung. Zahlreiche Triage-Tests für HPV-positive Frauen werden derzeit untersucht, darunter sind die Zytologie, HPV-Genotypisierung, p16/Ki-67 Zytologie, und diverse Methylierungstests. Die steigende Anzahl an Optionen für die Früherkennung des Zervixkarzinoms stellt eine Herausforderung für klinische Leitlinien dar. Die zunehmende Komplexität von Vorsorgeprogrammen kann zur Verunsicherung von Ärzten und von am Screening teilnehmenden Frauen führen. Die Präzisions-Prävention des Zervixkarzinoms ist eine neuer Ansatz, der umfangreiche Risikodaten basierend auf der individuellen Vorgeschichte und von Testergebnissen integriert und einheitliche, Risiko-basierte Managementempfehlungen gibt. PMID:28265177

The impact of financial incentives on physician empathy: a study from the perspective of patients with private and statutory health insurance.

PubMed

Neumann, Melanie; Bensing, Jozien; Wirtz, Markus; Wübker, Ansgar; Scheffer, Christian; Tauschel, Diethard; Edelhäuser, Friedrich; Ernstmann, Nicole; Pfaff, Holger

2011-08-01

We hypothesized that patients' ratings of physician empathy (PE) would be higher among those with private health insurance (PHI, referring to financial incentive) than among patients with statutory health insurance (SHI). A postal survey was administered to 710 cancer patients. PE was assessed using the Consultation-and-Relational-Empathy measure. T-tests were conducted to analyse whether PHI and SHI-patients differ in their ratings of PE and variables relating to contact time with the physician. Structural-equation-modelling (SEM) verified mediating effects. PHI-patients rated physician empathy higher. SEM revealed that PHI-status has a strong significant effect on frequency of talking with the physician, which has a strong significant effect (1) on PE and (2) has a moderate effect on patients' perception of medical staff stress, thereby also affecting patients' ratings of PE. Our findings suggest that PHI-status is one necessary precondition for physicians spending more time with the patient. Spending more time with the PHI-patient has two major effects: it results in a more positive perception of PE and positively impacts PHI-patients' perception of medical staff stress, which in turn, again influences PE. Health policy should discuss these findings in terms of equality in receiving high-quality care. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intracellular pH gradients in migrating cells.

PubMed

Martin, Christine; Pedersen, Stine F; Schwab, Albrecht; Stock, Christian

2011-03-01

Cell polarization along the axis of movement is required for migration. The localization of proteins and regulators of the migratory machinery to either the cell front or its rear results in a spatial asymmetry enabling cells to simultaneously coordinate cell protrusion and retraction. Protons might function as such unevenly distributed regulators as they modulate the interaction of focal adhesion proteins and components of the cytoskeleton in vitro. However, an intracellular pH (pH(i)) gradient reflecting a spatial asymmetry of protons has not been shown so far. One major regulator of pH(i), the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE1, is essential for cell migration and accumulates at the cell front. Here, we test the hypothesis that the uneven distribution of NHE1 activity creates a pH(i) gradient in migrating cells. Using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye BCECF, pH(i) was measured in five cell lines (MV3, B16V, NIH3T3, MDCK-F1, EA.hy926) along the axis of movement. Differences in pH(i) between the front and the rear end (ΔpH(i) front-rear) were present in all cell lines, and inhibition of NHE1 either with HOE642 or by absence of extracellular Na(+) caused the pH(i) gradient to flatten or disappear. In conclusion, pH(i) gradients established by NHE1 activity exist along the axis of movement.

Embryonic common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) preferentially regulate intracellular tissue pH during acid-base challenges.

PubMed

Shartau, Ryan B; Crossley, Dane A; Kohl, Zachary F; Brauner, Colin J

2016-07-01

The nests of embryonic turtles naturally experience elevated CO2 (hypercarbia), which leads to increased blood PCO2  and a respiratory acidosis, resulting in reduced blood pH [extracellular pH (pHe)]. Some fishes preferentially regulate tissue pH [intracellular pH (pHi)] against changes in pHe; this has been proposed to be associated with exceptional CO2 tolerance and has never been identified in amniotes. As embryonic turtles may be CO2 tolerant based on nesting strategy, we hypothesized that they preferentially regulate pHi, conferring tolerance to severe acute acid-base challenges. This hypothesis was tested by investigating pH regulation in common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) reared in normoxia then exposed to hypercarbia (13 kPa PCO2 ) for 1 h at three developmental ages: 70% and 90% of incubation, and yearlings. Hypercarbia reduced pHe but not pHi, at all developmental ages. At 70% of incubation, pHe was depressed by 0.324 pH units while pHi of brain, white muscle and lung increased; heart, liver and kidney pHi remained unchanged. At 90% of incubation, pHe was depressed by 0.352 pH units but heart pHi increased with no change in pHi of other tissues. Yearlings exhibited a pHe reduction of 0.235 pH units but had no changes in pHi of any tissues. The results indicate common snapping turtles preferentially regulate pHi during development, but the degree of response is reduced throughout development. This is the first time preferential pHi regulation has been identified in an amniote. These findings may provide insight into the evolution of acid-base homeostasis during development of amniotes, and vertebrates in general. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

phyA-GFP is spectroscopically and photochemically similar to phyA and comprises both its native types, phyA' and phyA''.

PubMed

Sineshchekov, Vitaly; Sudnitsin, Artem; Ádám, Éva; Schäfer, Eberhard; Viczián, András

2014-12-01

Low-temperature fluorescence investigations of phyA-GFP used in experiments on its nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning were carried out. In etiolated hypocotyls of phyA-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana expressing phyA-GFP, it was found that it is similar to phyA in spectroscopic parameters with both its native types, phyA' and phyA'', present and their ratio shifted towards phyA'. In transgenic tobacco hypocotyls, native phyA and rice phyA-GFP were also identical to phyA in the wild type whereas phyA-GFP belonged primarily to the phyA' type. Finally, truncated oat Δ6-12 phyA-GFP expressed in phyA-deficient Arabidopsis was represented by the phyA' type in contrast to full-length oat phyA-GFP with an approximately equal proportion of the two phyA types. This correlates with a previous observation that Δ6-12 phyA-GFP can form only numerous tiny subnuclear speckles while its wild-type counterpart can also localize into bigger and fewer subnuclear protein complexes. Thus, phyA-GFP is spectroscopically and photochemically similar or identical to the native phyA, suggesting that the GFP tag does not affect the chromophore. phyA-GFP comprises phyA'-GFP and phyA''-GFP, suggesting that both of them are potential participants in nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning, which may contribute to its complexity.

Survival of the lichen model system Circinaria gyrosa before flight to the ISS (EXPOSE R2 mission)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De la Torre Noetzel, Rosa

Abstract Space Verification Tests (SVT) are necessary for selection of the most promising biological organisms for flight experiments in Low Earth Orbit or other space destinations: Simulation of sample assembly, exposure to expected space parameters and sample disassembly are significantly advanced by such tests, will be performed with this tests, allowing post-analysis of the exposed biological material and thus a deeper understanding of the individual and synergistic effects of space. In this work we present the results obtained with the lichen species Circinaria gyrosa after the SVT 2 run-2 tests concerning the EXPOSE-R2 Mission Preflight Test Program, performed at the planetary and space simulation facilities at DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Cologne, Germany) [1], from October 2013 to January 2014. This vagrant lichen species was collected at the steppic highlands of Central Spain and defined as “astrobiological model system” due to previous test at space missions (BIOPAN-6, Foton M-3) [2, 3], Therefore, C. gyrosa is part of the BIOMEX experiment (Biology and Mars Experiment, ESA) [4] which will be exposed from July 2014 to January 2016 on board of EXPOSE R2 on the International Space Station. C. gyrosa was exposed at DLR to simulated space- and Mars parameters: a) space vacuum 10-5 Pa, space UV-radiation (200-400 nm, fluence of 12 months mission = 5 x 105 kJm-2) and temperature fluctuations (-25 ºC to 10 ºC); b); Mars Simulated CO2 atmosphere, Mars pressure of 103 Pa, Mars UV-radiation (200-400 nm), and temperature fluctuations (-25 ºC to 10 ºC). In line with the lichen's well studied adaptations to harsh environmental conditions [5, 6] we observed a high recovery- and resistance capacity of C. gyrosa which was demonstrated after a 72 hours re-activation process of in the UV-Radiation and Bioclimatology Laboratories of INTA (Atmospheric Research and Instrumentation, Dept. Earth Observation). These results confirm the high survival potential to space and Mars conditions, contributing to our understanding of extremotolerance and the Lithopanspermia hypothesis [7]. References [1] Rabbow, E., und Rettberg, Petra und Barczyk, Simon und Bohmeier, Maria und Parpart, André und Panitz, Corinna und Horneck, Gerda und von Heise-Rotenburg, Ralf und Hoppenbrouwers, Tom und Willnecker, Rainer und Baglioni, Pietro und Demets, René und Dettmann, Jan und Reitz, Guenther (2012) EXPOSE-E: An ESA Astrobiology Mission 1.5 Years in Space. Astrobiology, 12 (5), Seiten 374-386. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.. DOI: 10.1089/ast.2011.0760. [2] De la Torre, R. L.G. Sancho, G. Horneck, A.de los Ríos, J. Wierzchos, K. Olsson-Francis, C.S. Cockell, Rettberg P., T. Berger, J.P. de Vera, S. Ott, J. Martinez Frías, P.Gonzalez Melendi M.M. Lucas, M. Reina, A. Pintado, R.Demets. Survival of lichens and bacteria exposed to outer space conditions. Results of the Lithopanspermia experiments. Icarus, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2010.03.010 (2010). [3] Sanchez, F.J., E. Mateo-Martí, J. Raggio, J. Meessen, J. Martinez-Frias, L. Gª Sancho, S. Ott and R. de la Torre. The resistance of the lichen Circinaria gyrosa (nom. provis.) towards simulated Mars conditions - a model test for the survival capacity of an eukaryotic extremophyle. Planetary and Space Science 72, 102-110 (2012). [4] de Vera JP and the BIOMEX-Team (2012) Supporting Mars exploration: BIOMEX in Low Earth Orbit and further astrobiological studies on the Moon using Raman and PanCam technology. Planetary and Space Science, 74 (1), Seiten 103-110. Elsevier. DOI:10.1016/j.pss.2012.06.010. [5] Meeßen J, Sánchez FJ, Brandt A, Balzer EM, de la Torre R, Sancho LG, de Vera JP, Ott S (2013) Extremotolerance and resistance of lichens: Comparative studies on five species used in astrobiological research I. Morphological and anatomical characteristics. Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres 43 (3): 283-303 [6] Meeßen J, Sánchez FJ, Sadowsky A, de Vera JP, de la Torre R, Ott S (2013) Extremotolerance and resistance of lichens: Comparative studies on five lichen species used in astrobiological research II. Secondary lichen compounds. Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres, online-first publication, doi: 10.1007/s11084-013-9348-z [7] Mileikowsky C, Cucinotta F, Wilson JW, Gladman B, Horneck G, Lindegren G, Melosh J, Rickman H, Valtonen M, Zheng JQ (2000) Natural transfer of viable microbes in space, Part 1: From Mars to Earth and Earth to Mars. Icarus 145, 391-427

Root phototropism: how light and gravity interact in shaping plant form

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiss, John Z.; Correll, Melanie J.; Mullen, Jack L.; Hangarter, Roger P.; Edelmann, Richard E.

2003-01-01

The interactions among tropisms can be critical in determining the final growth form of plants and plant organs. We have studied tropistic responses in roots as an example of these type of interactions. While gravitropism is the predominant tropistic response in roots, phototropism also plays a role in the oriented growth in this organ in flowering plants. In blue or white light, roots exhibit negative phototropism, but red light induces positive phototropism. In the flowering plant Arabidopsis, the photosensitive pigments phytochrome A (phyA) and phytochrome B (phyB) mediate this positive red-light-based photoresponse in roots since single mutants (and the double phyAB mutant) were severely impaired in this response. While blue-light-based negative phototropism is primarily mediated by the phototropin family of photoreceptors, the phyA and phyAB mutants (but not phyB) were inhibited in this response relative to the WT. The differences observed in phototropic responses were not due to growth limitations since the growth rates among all the mutants tested were not significantly different from that of the WT. Thus, our study shows that the blue-light and red-light systems interact in plants and that phytochrome plays a key role in integrating multiple environmental stimuli.

Root phototropism: how light and gravity interact in shaping plant form.

PubMed

Kiss, John Z; Correll, Melanie J; Mullen, Jack L; Hangarter, Roger P; Edelmann, Richard E

2003-06-01

The interactions among tropisms can be critical in determining the final growth form of plants and plant organs. We have studied tropistic responses in roots as an example of these type of interactions. While gravitropism is the predominant tropistic response in roots, phototropism also plays a role in the oriented growth in this organ in flowering plants. In blue or white light, roots exhibit negative phototropism, but red light induces positive phototropism. In the flowering plant Arabidopsis, the photosensitive pigments phytochrome A (phyA) and phytochrome B (phyB) mediate this positive red-light-based photoresponse in roots since single mutants (and the double phyAB mutant) were severely impaired in this response. While blue-light-based negative phototropism is primarily mediated by the phototropin family of photoreceptors, the phyA and phyAB mutants (but not phyB) were inhibited in this response relative to the WT. The differences observed in phototropic responses were not due to growth limitations since the growth rates among all the mutants tested were not significantly different from that of the WT. Thus, our study shows that the blue-light and red-light systems interact in plants and that phytochrome plays a key role in integrating multiple environmental stimuli.

Broad-spectrum inhibition of Phytophthora infestans by fungal endophytes

PubMed Central

von Dahlen, Janina K; Schnake, Anika; Ginschel, Sarah; Schulz, Barbara; Rose, Laura E

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Phytophthora infestans is a devastating pathogen of tomato and potato. It readily overcomes resistance genes and applied agrochemicals and hence even today causes large yield losses. Fungal endophytes provide a largely unexplored avenue of control of Phy. infestans. Not only do endophytes produce a wide array of bioactive metabolites, they may also directly compete with and defeat pathogens in planta. Here, we tested 12 fungal endophytes isolated from different plant species in vitro for their production of metabolites with anti- Phytophthora activity. Four well-performing isolates were evaluated for their ability to suppress nine isolates of Phy. infestans on agar medium and in planta. Two endophytes reliably inhibited all Phy. infestans isolates on agar medium, of which Phoma eupatorii isolate 8082 was the most promising. It nearly abolished infection by Phy. infestans in planta. Our data indicate a role for the production of anti-Phytophthora compounds by the fungus and/or an enhanced plant defense response, as evident by an enhanced anthocyanin production. Here, we present a potential biocontrol agent, which can inhibit a broad-spectrum of Phy. infestans isolates. Such broadly acting inhibition is ideal, because it allows for effective control of genetically diverse isolates and may slow the adaptation of Phy. infestans. PMID:29528408

Macrophage function in murine allogeneic bone marrow radiation chimeras in the early phase after transplantation

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

Roesler, J.; Baccarini, M.; Vogt, B.

1989-08-01

We tested several of the functions of macrophages (M phi) in the early phase after allogeneic bone marrow transfer to get information about this important aspect of the nonspecific immune system in the T-cell-deficient recipient. On days 3-5 after transfer, the number of M phi was reduced in the spleen, liver, lungs, and peritoneal cavity (Pe). The phagocytosis of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) by these M phi was normal or even enhanced, as in the case of Pe-M phi. Already on days 8-12 after transfer, the number of M phi in spleen and liver exceeded that of controls, whereasmore » the number was still reduced in lungs and Pe. We examined their ability to kill P815 tumor cells, to produce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), to phagocytose SRBC, to produce reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) in vitro and to kill Listeria monocytogenes in vivo. Most functions were normal and often even enhanced, depending on the organ origin, but the ability of Pe-M phi to produce ROI was reduced. Proliferative response to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and killing of YAC-1 tumor cells revealed a high frequency of macrophage precursor cells in the spleen and liver and a high natural killer (NK) activity in the liver. Altogether, enhanced nonspecific immune function, especially preactivated M phi, may enable chimeras to survive attacks by opportunistic pathogens.« less

phiC31 Integrase-Mediated Site-Specific Recombination in Barley

PubMed Central

Rubtsova, Myroslava; Kumlehn, Jochen; Gils, Mario

2012-01-01

The Streptomyces phage phiC31 integrase was tested for its feasibility in excising transgenes from the barley genome through site-specific recombination. We produced transgenic barley plants expressing an active phiC31 integrase and crossed them with transgenic barley plants carrying a target locus for recombination. The target sequence involves a reporter gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), which is flanked by the attB and attP recognition sites for the phiC31 integrase. This sequence disruptively separates a gusA coding sequence from an upstream rice actin promoter. We succeeded in producing site-specific recombination events in the hybrid progeny of 11 independent barley plants carrying the above target sequence after crossing with plants carrying a phiC31 expression cassette. Some of the hybrids displayed fully executed recombination. Excision of the GFP gene fostered activation of the gusA gene, as visualized in tissue of hybrid plants by histochemical staining. The recombinant loci were detected in progeny of selfed F1, even in individuals lacking the phiC31 transgene, which provides evidence of stability and generative transmission of the recombination events. In several plants that displayed incomplete recombination, extrachromosomal excision circles were identified. Besides the technical advance achieved in this study, the generated phiC31 integrase-expressing barley plants provide foundational stock material for use in future approaches to barley genetic improvement, such as the production of marker-free transgenic plants or switching transgene activity. PMID:23024817

Nicotine can skew the characterization of the macrophage type-1 (M{Phi}1) phenotype differentiated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor to the M{Phi}2 phenotype

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

Yanagita, Manabu; Kobayashi, Ryohei; Murakami, Shinya, E-mail: ipshinya@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp

Macrophages (M{Phi}s) exhibit functional heterogeneity and plasticity in the local microenvironment. Recently, it was reported that M{Phi}s can be divided into proinflammatory M{Phi}s (M{Phi}1) and anti-inflammatory M{Phi}s (M{Phi}2) based on their polarized functional properties. Here, we report that nicotine, the major ingredient of cigarette smoke, can modulate the characteristics of M{Phi}1. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-driven M{Phi}1 with nicotine (Ni-M{Phi}1) showed the phenotypic characteristics of M{Phi}2. Like M{Phi}2, Ni-M{Phi}1 exhibited antigen-uptake activities. Ni-M{Phi}1 suppressed IL-12, but maintained IL-10 and produced high amounts of MCP-1 upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation compared with M{Phi}1. Moreover, we observed strong proliferative responses of T cells to lipopolysaccharide-stimulated M{Phi}1,more » whereas Ni-M{Phi}1 reduced T cell proliferation and inhibited IFN-{gamma} production by T cells. These results suggest that nicotine can change the functional characteristics of M{Phi} and skew the M{Phi}1 phenotype to M{Phi}2. We propose that nicotine is a potent regulator that modulates immune responses in microenvironments.« less

The Skp1 Protein from Toxoplasma Is Modified by a Cytoplasmic Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Associated with Oxygen Sensing in the Social Amoeba Dictyostelium*

PubMed Central

Xu, Yuechi; Brown, Kevin M.; Wang, Zhuo A.; van der Wel, Hanke; Teygong, Crystal; Zhang, Dongmei; Blader, Ira J.; West, Christopher M.

2012-01-01

In diverse types of organisms, cellular hypoxic responses are mediated by prolyl 4-hydroxylases that use O2 and α-ketoglutarate as substrates to hydroxylate conserved proline residues in target proteins. Whereas in metazoans these enzymes control the stability of the HIFα family of transcription factor subunits, the Dictyostelium enzyme (DdPhyA) contributes to O2 regulation of development by a divergent mechanism involving hydroxylation and subsequent glycosylation of DdSkp1, an adaptor subunit in E3SCF ubiquitin ligases. Sequences related to DdPhyA, DdSkp1, and the glycosyltransferases that cap Skp1 hydroxyproline occur also in the genomes of Toxoplasma and other protists, suggesting that this O2 sensing mechanism may be widespread. Here we show by disruption of the TgphyA locus that this enzyme is required for Skp1 glycosylation in Toxoplasma and that disrupted parasites grow slowly at physiological O2 levels. Conservation of cellular function was tested by expression of TgPhyA in DdphyA-null cells. Simple gene replacement did not rescue Skp1 glycosylation, whereas overexpression not only corrected Skp1 modification but also restored the O2 requirement to a level comparable to that of overexpressed DdPhyA. Bacterially expressed TgPhyA protein can prolyl hydroxylate both Toxoplasma and Dictyostelium Skp1s. Kinetic analyses showed that TgPhyA has similar properties to DdPhyA, including a superimposable dependence on the concentration of its co-substrate α-ketoglutarate. Remarkably, however, TgPhyA had a significantly higher apparent affinity for O2. The findings suggest that Skp1 hydroxylation by PhyA is a conserved process among protists and that this biochemical pathway may indirectly sense O2 by detecting the levels of O2-regulated metabolites such as α-ketoglutarate. PMID:22648409

Comparison of prostate cancer gene 3 score, prostate health index and percentage free prostate-specific antigen for differentiating histological inflammation from prostate cancer and other non-neoplastic alterations of the prostate at initial biopsy.

PubMed

De Luca, Stefano; Passera, Roberto; Bollito, Enrico; Manfredi, Matteo; Scarpa, Roberto Mario; Sottile, Antonino; Randone, Donato Franco; Porpiglia, Francesco

2014-12-01

To determine if prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) score, Prostate Health Index (PHI), and percent free prostate-specific antigen (%fPSA) may be used to differentiate prostatitis from prostate cancer (PCa), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) in patients with elevated PSA and negative digital rectal examination (DRE). in the present prospective study, 274 patients, undergoing PCA3 score, PHI and %fPSA assessments before initial biopsy, were enrolled. Three multivariate logistic regression models were used to test PCA3 score, PHI and %fPSA as risk factors for prostatitis vs. PCa, vs. BPH, and vs. HG-PIN. All the analyses were performed for the whole patient cohort and for the 'gray zone' of PSA (4-10 ng/ml) cohort (188 individuals). The determinants for prostatitis vs. PCa were PCA3 score, PHI and %fPSA (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.97, 0.96 and 0.94, respectively). Unit increase of PHI was the only risk factor for prostatitis vs. BPH (OR=1.06), and unit increase of PCA3 score for HG-PIN vs. prostatitis (OR=0.98). In the 'gray zone' PSA cohort, the determinants for prostatitis vs. PCa were PCA3 score, PHI and %fPSA (OR=0.96, 0.94 and 0.92, respectively), PCA3 score and PHI for prostatitis vs. BPH (OR=0.96 and 1.08, respectively), and PCA3 score for prostatitis vs. HG-PIN (OR=0.97). The clinical benefit of using PCA3 score and PHI to estimate prostatitis vs. PCa was comparable; even %fPSA had good diagnostic performance, being a faster and cheaper marker. PHI was the only determinant for prostatitis vs. BPH, while PCA3 score for prostatitis vs. HG-PIN. Copyright© 2014 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

DFVLR/FAA (Deutsche Forschungs-und Versuchsanstalt fuer Luft und Raumfahrt/Federal Aviation Administration) Propeller Noise Tests in the German- Dutch Wind Tunnel DNW

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

8 2.2 Test-rig Installation ................................ 9 2.3 Test Propellers ...................................... 9 2.4 In-flow...considerations, the maximUm power con- sumption of each propeller had to be limited to approximately 9 250 kW. Propeller-tip geometries as well as the radial...in the streamwise direction and arranged in a "helical" manner around a streamwise-orientated main carrier-tibe. This construct. - n concept (Fig. 9

Summing up the Euler [phi] Function

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loomis, Paul; Plytage, Michael; Polhill, John

2008-01-01

The Euler [phi] function counts the number of positive integers less than and relatively prime to a positive integer n. Here we look at perfect totient numbers, number for which [phi](n) + [phi]([phi](n)) + [phi]([phi]([phi](n))) + ... + 1 = n.

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the PROGENSA® prostate cancer antigen 3 assay and the Prostate Health Index in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: a systematic review and economic evaluation.

PubMed

Nicholson, Amanda; Mahon, James; Boland, Angela; Beale, Sophie; Dwan, Kerry; Fleeman, Nigel; Hockenhull, Juliet; Dundar, Yenal

2015-10-01

There is no single definitive test to identify prostate cancer in men. Biopsies are commonly used to obtain samples of prostate tissue for histopathological examination. However, this approach frequently misses cases of cancer, meaning that repeat biopsies may be necessary to obtain a diagnosis. The PROGENSA(®) prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) assay (Hologic Gen-Probe, Marlborough, MA, USA) and the Prostate Health Index (phi; Beckman Coulter Inc., Brea, CA, USA) are two new tests (a urine test and a blood test, respectively) that are designed to be used to help clinicians decide whether or not to recommend a repeat biopsy. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the PCA3 assay and the phi in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Multiple publication databases and trial registers were searched in May 2014 (from 2000 to May 2014), including MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Medion, Aggressive Research Intelligence Facility database, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The assessment of clinical effectiveness involved three separate systematic reviews, namely reviews of the analytical validity, the clinical validity of these tests and the clinical utility of these tests. The assessment of cost-effectiveness comprised a systematic review of full economic evaluations and the development of a de novo economic model. The perspective of the evaluation was the NHS in England and Wales. Men suspected of having prostate cancer for whom the results of an initial prostate biopsy were negative or equivocal. The use of the PCA3 score or phi in combination with existing tests (including histopathology results, prostate-specific antigen level and digital rectal examination), multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and clinical judgement. In addition to documents published by the manufacturers, six studies were identified for inclusion in the analytical validity review. The review identified issues concerning the precision of the PCA3 assay measurements. It also highlighted issues relating to the storage requirements and stability of samples intended for analysis using the phi assay. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the clinical validity review. These studies reported results for 10 different clinical comparisons. There was insufficient evidence to enable the identification of appropriate test threshold values for use in a clinical setting. In addition, the implications of adding either the PCA3 assay or the phi to clinical assessment were not clear. Furthermore, the addition of the PCA3 assay or the phi to clinical assessment plus magnetic resonance imaging was not found to improve discrimination. No published papers met the inclusion criteria for either the clinical utility review or the cost-effectiveness review. The results from the cost-effectiveness analyses indicated that using either the PCA3 assay or the phi in the NHS was not cost-effective. The main limitations of the systematic review of clinical validity are that the review conclusions are over-reliant on findings from one study, the descriptions of clinical assessment vary widely within reviewed studies and many of the reported results for the clinical validity outcomes do not include either standard errors or confidence intervals. The clinical benefit of using the PCA3 assay or the phi in combination with existing tests, scans and clinical judgement has not yet been confirmed. The results from the cost-effectiveness analyses indicate that the use of these tests in the NHS would not be cost-effective. This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014009595. The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

The 39th Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes toward the Public Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rose, Lowell C.; Gallup, Alec M.

2007-01-01

In this article, the authors report the results of the 39th Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the public's attitudes toward the public schools. This year's report examined the public's assessment of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and its principal strategy, standardized testing. The authors include a summary of key findings and tables showing…

Comparison Between the Four-kallikrein Panel and Prostate Health Index for Predicting Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Nordström, Tobias; Vickers, Andrew; Assel, Melissa; Lilja, Hans; Grönberg, Henrik; Eklund, Martin

2015-07-01

The four-kallikrein panel and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) have been shown to improve prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) compared with prostate-specific antigen (PSA). No comparison of the four-kallikrein panel and PHI has been presented. To compare the four-kallikrein panel and PHI for predicting PCa in an independent cohort. Participants were from a population-based cohort of PSA-tested men in Stockholm County. We included 531 men with PSA levels between 3 and 15 ng/ml undergoing first-time prostate biopsy during 2010-2012. Models were fitted to case status. We computed calibration curves, the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC), decision curves, and percentage of saved biopsies. The four-kallikrein panel showed AUCs of 69.0 when predicting any-grade PCa and 71.8 when predicting high-grade cancer (Gleason score ≥7). Similar values were found for PHI: 70.4 and 71.1, respectively. Both models had higher AUCs than a base model with PSA value and age (p<0.0001 for both); differences between models were not significant. Sensitivity analyses including men with any PSA level or a previous biopsy did not materially affect our findings. Using 10% predicted risk of high-grade PCa by the four-kallikrein panel or PHI of 39 as cut-off for biopsy saved 29% of performed biopsies at a cost of delayed diagnosis for 10% of the men with high-grade cancers. Both models showed limited net benefit in decision analysis. The main study limitation was lack of digital rectal examination data and biopsy decision being based on PSA information. The four-kallikrein panel and PHI similarly improved discrimination when predicting PCa and high-grade PCa. Both are simple blood tests that can reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies compared with screening with total PSA, representing an important new option to reduce harm. Prostate-specific antigen screening is controversial due to limitations of the test. We found that two blood tests, the Prostate Health Index and the four-kallikrein panel, performed similarly and could both aid in decision making among Swedish men undergoing a prostate biopsy. Copyright © 2014 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Light exaggerates apical hook curvature through phytochrome actions in tomato seedlings.

PubMed

Shichijo, Chizuko; Ohuchi, Hisako; Iwata, Naoko; Nagatoshi, Yukari; Takahashi, Miki; Nakatani, Eri; Inoue, Kentaroh; Tsurumi, Seiji; Tanaka, Osamu; Hashimoto, Tohru

2010-02-01

Contrary to the established notion that the apical hook of dark-grown dicotyledonous seedlings opens in response to light, we found in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) that the apical hook curvature is exaggerated by light. Experiments with several tomato cultivars and phytochrome mutants, irradiated with red and far-red light either as a brief pulse (Rp, FRp) or continuously (Rc, FRc), revealed: the hook-exaggeration response is maximal at the emergence of the hypocotyl from the seed; the effect of Rp is FRp-reversible; fluence-response curves to a single Rp or FRp show an involvement of low and very low fluence responses (LFR, VLFR); the effect of Rc is fluence-rate dependent, but that of FRc is not; the phyA mutant (phyA hp-1) failed to respond to an Rp of less than 10(-2) micromol m(-2) and to an FRp of all fluences tested as well as to FRc, thus indicating that the hook-exaggeration response involves phyA-mediated VLFR. The Rp fluence-response curve with the same mutant also confirmed the presence of an LFR mediated by phytochrome(s) other than phyA, although the phyB1 mutant (phyB1 hp-1) still showed full response probably due to other redundant phytochrome species (e.g., phyB2). Simulation experiments led to the possible significance of hook exaggeration in the field that the photoresponse may facilitate the release of seed coat when seeds germinate at some range of depth in soil. It was also observed that seed coat and/or endosperm are essential to the hook exaggeration.

Modal Testing of the NPSAT1 Engineering Development Unit

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

erkläre ich, dass die vorliegende Master Arbeit von mir selbstständig und nur unter Verwendung der angegebenen Quellen und Hilfsmittel angefertigt...logarithmic scale . As 5 Figure 2 shows, natural frequencies are indicated by large values of the first CMIF (peaks), and multiple modes can be detected by...structure’s behavior. Ewins even states, “that no large- scale modal test should be permitted to proceed until some preliminary SDOF analyses have

[Effects of interferon-gamma on cytotoxicity of murine activated macrophages against murine glioma cells].

PubMed

Ohyama, K; Kikuchi, H; Oda, Y; Moritake, K; Yamasaki, T

1993-06-01

We studied the effects of mouse IFN-gamma on the cytotoxic activity of murine activated macrophages (M phi) against mouse VM-Glioma cells (H-2b). Activated M phi were obtained from peritoneal exudate cells of mice from four strains, C57BL/6 (H-2b), C3H/He(H-2k), DBA/2 (H-2d), and BALB/c (H-2d), following intraperitoneal injection of (1) LPS 200 micrograms, (2) BCG 200 micrograms, (3) C. parvum 200 micrograms, or (4) MDP 350 micrograms 7 days prior to 20-hr 51Cr release-assay. Of the various combination of mouse strains and activating agents tested, that of activated M phi of the C3H/He mouse with induction by LPS had the most tumoricidal effect against the glioma cells, which was not MHC restricted. Although LPS-activated M phi underwent marked loss of cytotoxicity following initiation of in vitro culture, this 24 hr pretreatment with IFN-gamma inhibited this reduction in tumoricidal effects in a dose-dependent fashion. On the other hand, 24 hr pretreatment of target cells with IFN-gamma did not increase their susceptibility to lysis by activated M phi. These findings suggest that IFN-gamma augments the in vitro tumoricidal activation of M phi; This effect appears to be unrelated to any influence of IFN-gamma on target sensitivity to lysis by macrophages.

DelPhiPKa web server: predicting pKa of proteins, RNAs and DNAs.

PubMed

Wang, Lin; Zhang, Min; Alexov, Emil

2016-02-15

A new pKa prediction web server is released, which implements DelPhi Gaussian dielectric function to calculate electrostatic potentials generated by charges of biomolecules. Topology parameters are extended to include atomic information of nucleotides of RNA and DNA, which extends the capability of pKa calculations beyond proteins. The web server allows the end-user to protonate the biomolecule at particular pH based on calculated pKa values and provides the downloadable file in PQR format. Several tests are performed to benchmark the accuracy and speed of the protocol. The web server follows a client-server architecture built on PHP and HTML and utilizes DelPhiPKa program. The computation is performed on the Palmetto supercomputer cluster and results/download links are given back to the end-user via http protocol. The web server takes advantage of MPI parallel implementation in DelPhiPKa and can run a single job on up to 24 CPUs. The DelPhiPKa web server is available at http://compbio.clemson.edu/pka_webserver. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Repurposing the clinical record: can an existing natural language processing system de-identify clinical notes?

PubMed

Morrison, Frances P; Li, Li; Lai, Albert M; Hripcsak, George

2009-01-01

Electronic clinical documentation can be useful for activities such as public health surveillance, quality improvement, and research, but existing methods of de-identification may not provide sufficient protection of patient data. The general-purpose natural language processor MedLEE retains medical concepts while excluding the remaining text so, in addition to processing text into structured data, it may be able provide a secondary benefit of de-identification. Without modifying the system, the authors tested the ability of MedLEE to remove protected health information (PHI) by comparing 100 outpatient clinical notes with the corresponding XML-tagged output. Of 809 instances of PHI, 26 (3.2%) were detected in output as a result of processing and identification errors. However, PHI in the output was highly transformed, much appearing as normalized terms for medical concepts, potentially making re-identification more difficult. The MedLEE processor may be a good enhancement to other de-identification systems, both removing PHI and providing coded data from clinical text.

Anomalous diffusion on the Hanoi networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boettcher, S.; Gonçalves, B.

2008-11-01

Diffusion is modeled on the recently proposed Hanoi networks by studying the mean-square displacement of random walks with time, langr2rang~t2/dw. It is found that diffusion —the quintessential mode of transport throughout Nature— proceeds faster than ordinary, in one case with an exact, anomalous exponent dw=2- log2(phi)=1.30576... . It is an instance of a physical exponent containing the "golden ratio"\\phi=(1+\\sqrt{5})/2 that is intimately related to Fibonacci sequences and since Euclid's time has been found to be fundamental throughout geometry, architecture, art, and Nature itself. It originates from a singular renormalization group fixed point with a subtle boundary layer, for whose resolution phi is the main protagonist. The origin of this rare singularity is easily understood in terms of the physics of the process. Yet, the connection between network geometry and the emergence of phi in this context remains elusive. These results provide an accurate test of recently proposed universal scaling forms for first passage times.

Temperature, illumination and fluence dependence of current and voltage in electron irradiated solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obenschain, A. F.; Faith, T. J.

1973-01-01

Emperical equations have been derived from measurements of solar cell photovoltaic characteristics relating light generated current, IL, and open circuit voltage, VO, to cell temperature, T, intensity of illumination, W, and 1 Mev electron fluence, phi both 2 ohm-cm and 10 ohm-cm cells were tested. The temperature dependency of IL is similar for both resistivities at 140mw/sq cm; at high temperature the coefficient varies with fluence as phi 0.18, while at low temperatures the coefficient is relatively independent of fluence. Fluence dependent degration causes a decrease in IL at a rate proportional to phi 0.153 for both resistivities. At all intensities other than 560 mw/sq cm, a linear dependence of IL on illumination was found. The temperature coefficient of voltage was, to a good approximation, independent of both temperature and illumination for both resistivities. Illumination dependence of VOC was logarithmic, while the decrease with fluence of VOC varied as phi 0.25 for both resistivities.

Isolation and Characterization of phiLLS, a Novel Phage with Potential Biocontrol Agent against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Amarillas, Luis; Rubí-Rangel, Lucia; Chaidez, Cristobal; González-Robles, Arturo; Lightbourn-Rojas, Luis; León-Félix, Josefina

2017-01-01

Foodborne diseases are a serious and growing problem, and the incidence and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among foodborne pathogens is reported to have increased. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains demands novel strategies to counteract this epidemic. In this regard, lytic bacteriophages have reemerged as an alternative for the control of pathogenic bacteria. However, the effective use of phages relies on appropriate biological and genomic characterization. In this study, we present the isolation and characterization of a novel bacteriophage named phiLLS, which has shown strong lytic activity against generic and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains. Transmission electron microscopy of phiLLS morphology revealed that it belongs to the Siphoviridae family. Furthermore, this phage exhibited a relatively large burst size of 176 plaque-forming units per infected cell. Phage phiLLS significantly reduced the growth of E. coli under laboratory conditions. Analyses of restriction profiles showed the presence of submolar fragments, confirming that phiLLS is a pac-type phage. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequence of large terminase subunits confirmed that this phage uses a headful packaging strategy to package their genome. Genomic sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that phiLLS is a novel bacteriophage that is most closely related to T5-like phages. In silico analysis indicated that the phiLLS genome consists of 107,263 bp (39.0 % GC content) encoding 160 putative ORFs, 16 tRNAs, several potential promoters and transcriptional terminators. Genome analysis suggests that the phage phiLLS is strictly lytic without carrying genes associated with virulence factors and/or potential immunoreactive allergen proteins. The bacteriophage isolated in this study has shown promising results in the biocontrol of bacterial growth under in vitro conditions, suggesting that it may prove useful as an alternative agent for the control of foodborne pathogens. However, further oral toxicity testing is needed to ensure the safety of phage use. PMID:28785246

Isolation and Characterization of phiLLS, a Novel Phage with Potential Biocontrol Agent against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Amarillas, Luis; Rubí-Rangel, Lucia; Chaidez, Cristobal; González-Robles, Arturo; Lightbourn-Rojas, Luis; León-Félix, Josefina

2017-01-01

Foodborne diseases are a serious and growing problem, and the incidence and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among foodborne pathogens is reported to have increased. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains demands novel strategies to counteract this epidemic. In this regard, lytic bacteriophages have reemerged as an alternative for the control of pathogenic bacteria. However, the effective use of phages relies on appropriate biological and genomic characterization. In this study, we present the isolation and characterization of a novel bacteriophage named phiLLS, which has shown strong lytic activity against generic and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strains. Transmission electron microscopy of phiLLS morphology revealed that it belongs to the Siphoviridae family. Furthermore, this phage exhibited a relatively large burst size of 176 plaque-forming units per infected cell. Phage phiLLS significantly reduced the growth of E. coli under laboratory conditions. Analyses of restriction profiles showed the presence of submolar fragments, confirming that phiLLS is a pac -type phage. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequence of large terminase subunits confirmed that this phage uses a headful packaging strategy to package their genome. Genomic sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that phiLLS is a novel bacteriophage that is most closely related to T5-like phages. In silico analysis indicated that the phiLLS genome consists of 107,263 bp (39.0 % GC content) encoding 160 putative ORFs, 16 tRNAs, several potential promoters and transcriptional terminators. Genome analysis suggests that the phage phiLLS is strictly lytic without carrying genes associated with virulence factors and/or potential immunoreactive allergen proteins. The bacteriophage isolated in this study has shown promising results in the biocontrol of bacterial growth under in vitro conditions, suggesting that it may prove useful as an alternative agent for the control of foodborne pathogens. However, further oral toxicity testing is needed to ensure the safety of phage use.

The Pemberton Happiness Index

PubMed Central

Paiva, Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro; de Camargos, Mayara Goulart; Demarzo, Marcelo Marcos Piva; Hervás, Gonzalo; Vázquez, Carmelo; Paiva, Carlos Eduardo

2016-01-01

Abstract The Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI) is a recently developed integrative measure of well-being that includes components of hedonic, eudaimonic, social, and experienced well-being. The PHI has been validated in several languages, but not in Portuguese. Our aim was to cross-culturally adapt the Universal Portuguese version of the PHI and to assess its psychometric properties in a sample of the Brazilian population using online surveys. An expert committee evaluated 2 versions of the PHI previously translated into Portuguese by the original authors using a standardized form for assessment of semantic/idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. A pretesting was conducted employing cognitive debriefing methods. In sequence, the expert committee evaluated all the documents and reached a final Universal Portuguese PHI version. For the evaluation of the psychometric properties, the data were collected using online surveys in a cross-sectional study. The study population included healthcare professionals and users of the social network site Facebook from several Brazilian geographic areas. In addition to the PHI, participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Diener and Emmons’ Positive and Negative Experience Scale (PNES), Psychological Well-being Scale (PWS), and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). Internal consistency, convergent validity, known-group validity, and test–retest reliability were evaluated. Satisfaction with the previous day was correlated with the 10 items assessing experienced well-being using the Cramer V test. Additionally, a cut-off value of PHI to identify a “happy individual” was defined using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve methodology. Data from 1035 Brazilian participants were analyzed (health professionals = 180; Facebook users = 855). Regarding reliability results, the internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.890 and 0.914) and test–retest (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.814) were both considered adequate. Most of the validity hypotheses formulated a priori (convergent and know-group) was further confirmed. The cut-off value of higher than 7 in remembered PHI was identified (AUC = 0.780, sensitivity = 69.2%, specificity = 78.2%) as the best one to identify a happy individual. We concluded that the Universal Portuguese version of the PHI is valid and reliable for use in the Brazilian population using online surveys. PMID:27661039

Cytosolic acidification and intracellular zinc release in hippocampal neurons

PubMed Central

Kiedrowski, Lech

2012-01-01

In neurons exposed to glutamate, Ca2+ influx triggers intracellular Zn2+ release via an as yet unclear mechanism. Since glutamate induces a Ca2+-dependent cytosolic acidification, the present work tested the relationships among intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), intracellular pH (pHi), and [Zn2+]i. Cultured hippocampal neurons were exposed to glutamate and glycine (Glu/Gly), while [Zn2+]i, [Ca2+]i and pHi were monitored using FluoZin-3, Fura2-FF, and 2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, respectively. Glu/Gly applications decreased pHi to 6.1 and induced intracellular Zn2+ release in a Ca2+-dependent manner, as expected. The pHi drop reduced the affinity of FluoZin-3 and Fura-2-FF for Zn2+. The rate of Glu/Gly-induced [Zn2+]i increase was not correlated with the rate of [Ca2+]i increase. Instead, the extent of [Zn2+]i elevations corresponded well to the rate of pHi drop. Namely, [Zn2+]i increased more in more highly acidified neurons. Inhibiting the mechanisms responsible for the Ca2+-dependent pHi drop (plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump and mitochondria) counteracted the Glu/Gly-induced intracellular Zn2+ release. Alkaline pH (8.5) suppressed Glu/Gly-induced intracellular Zn2+ release whereas acidic pH (6.0) enhanced it. A pHi drop to 6.0 (without any Ca2+ influx or glutamate receptor activation) led to intracellular Zn2+ release; the released Zn2+ (free Zn2+ plus Zn2+ bound to Fura-2FF and FluoZin-3) reached 1 μM. PMID:22339672

alpha-Putrescinylthymine and the sensitivity of bacteriophage phi W-14 DNA to restriction endonucleases.

PubMed Central

Miller, P B; Wakarchuk, W W; Warren, R A

1985-01-01

The modified base alpha-putrescinylthymine (putT) in phi W-14 DNA blocks cleavage of the DNA by 17 of 32 Type II restriction endonucleases. The enzymes cleaving the DNA do so to widely varying extents. The frequencies of cleavage of three altered forms of the DNA show that putT blocks recognition sites either when it occurs within the site or when it is in a sequence flanking the site. The blocking is dependent on both charge and steric factors. The charge effects can be greater than the steric effects for some of the enzymes tested. All the enzymes cleaving phi W-14 DNA release discrete fragments, showing that the distribution of putT is ordered. The cleavage frequencies for different enzymes suggest that the sequence CAputTG occurs frequently in the DNA. Only TaqI of the enzymes tested appeared not to be blocked by putT, but it was slowed down. TaqI generated fragments are joinable by T4 DNA ligase. PMID:2987859

Removal of bacteriophages with different surface charges by diverse ceramic membrane materials in pilot spiking tests.

PubMed

Hambsch, B; Bösl, M; Eberhagen, I; Müller, U

2012-01-01

This study examines mechanisms for removal of bacteriophages (MS2 and phiX174) by ceramic membranes without application of flocculants. The ceramic membranes considered included ultra- and microfiltration membranes of different materials. Phages were spiked into the feed water in pilot scale tests in a waterworks. The membranes with pore sizes of 10 nm provided a 2.5-4.0 log removal of the phages. For pore sizes of 50 nm, the log removal dropped to 0.96-1.8. The membrane with a pore size of 200 nm did not remove phages. So, the removal of both MS2- and phiX174-phages depended on the pore size of the membranes. But apart from pore size also other factors influence the removal of phages. Removal was 0.5-0.9 log higher for MS2-phages compared with phiX174-phages. Size exclusion seems to be the major but not the only mechanism which influences the efficiency of phage removal by ceramic membranes.

The application of A.C. impedance spectroscopy on the durability of hydrated cement paste subjected to various environmental conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perron, Stacey

Harsh Canadian winters cause many problems in reinforced concrete structures due to damaging freezing-thawing cycles which is exacerbated by the heavy use of de-icing salts on roadways. Evaluation of concrete durability with current ASTM methods may give unreliable results and are destructive to the structure. A relatively new and novel approach to evaluating the durability of concrete uses A. C. Impedance Spectroscopy (ACIS). Hydrated cement paste (hcp), mortar, brick and vycor glass were evaluated using ACIS during drying-rewetting and freezing-thawing cycles. Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests were also conducted and used as references. Results indicate that ACIS can be used to successfully evaluate the pore structure of hcp. The results from the drying-rewetting cycles are consistent with the pore coarsening theory. ACIS revealed pore structure changes consistent with the mechanical strains and pore solution chemistry. Increased pore continuity with each drying-rewetting cycle was indicated by a reduction in sample resistance. Unique tests were conducted on hydrated cement paste, mortar, brick and vycor glass that measured the ACIS and mechanical strains simultaneously while undergoing temperature changes. The temperature was lowered from 5°C to -80°C and then raised to +20°C. The ACIS results indicate that durability of the material can be assessed using the parameters R, material resistance, and phi, indicative of the frequency dispersion angle. The resistance on freezing values correlates with the amount of pore water freezing. The phi values on freezing are representative of the pore size distribution of the test sample. Resistance and phi data from freezing-thawing tests can be analyzed to assess durability of the sample. A material that is durable to freezing-thawing cycles can be described as having a high resistance at room temperature, a low freezing resistance and small changes in phi. Results were consistent among all the materials tested. Freezing-thawing tests were also conducted on specimens resaturated with salt solutions (5%, 10%, 15%). The results of these tests indicated a lower incipient freezing temperature, increase in pore blockage temperatures, and increased mobility of the pore water during freezing (increase in the change to phi). A series of test were conducted to evaluate the electrode polarization effects associated with the permittivity values at low frequencies. Teflon sheets were used to minimize the electrode polarization effects. It is shown that electrode polarization effects dominate over bulk polarization effects. Effects vary with the porosity of the material.

Relating polarization phase difference of SAR signals to scene properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ulaby, Fawwaz T.; Dobson, Myron C.; Mcdonald, Kyle C.; Senior, Thomas B. A.; Held, Daniel

1987-01-01

This paper examines the statistical behavior of the phase difference Delta-phi between the HH-polarized and VV-polarized backscattered signals recorded by an L-band SAR over an agricultural test site in Illinois. Polarization-phase difference distributions were generated for about 200 agricultural fields for which ground information had been acquired in conjunction with the SAR mission. For the overwhelming majority of cases, the Delta-phi distribution is symmetric and has a single major lobe centered at the mean value of the distribution Delta-phi. Whereas the mean Delta-phi was found to be close to zero degrees for bare soil, cut vegetation, alfalfa, soybeans, and clover, a different pattern was observed for the corn fields; the mean Delta-phi increased with increasing incidence angle Theta = 35 deg. The explanation proposed for this variation is that the corn canopy, most of whose mass is contained in its vertical stalks, acts like a uniaxial crystal characterized by different velocities of propagation for waves with horizontal and vertical polarization. Thus, it is hypothesized that the observed backscatter is contributed by a combination of propagation delay, forward scatter by the soil surface, and specular bistatic reflection by the stalks. Model calculations based on this assumption were found to be in general agreement with the phase observations.

CP violation experiment at Fermilab

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

Hsiung, Yee B.

1990-07-01

The E731 experiment at Fermilab has searched for direct'' CP violation in K{sup 0} {yields} {pi}{pi}, which is parametrized by {var epsilon}{prime}/{var epsilon}. For the first time, in 20% of the data set, all four modes of the K{sub L,S} {yields} {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup {minus}} ({pi}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}) were collected simultaneously, providing a great check on the systematic uncertainty. The result is Re({var epsilon}{prime}/{var epsilon}) = {minus}0.0004 {plus minus} 0.0014 (stat) {plus minus} 0.0006(syst), which provides no evidence for direct'' CP violation. The CPT symmetry has also been tested by measuring the phase difference {Delta}{phi} = {phi}{sub 00} {minus} {phi}{sub {plusmore » minus}} between the two CP violating parameters {eta}{sub 00} and {eta}{sub {plus minus}}. We fine {Delta}{phi} = {minus}0.3{degrees} {plus minus} 2.4{degree}(stat) {plus minus} 1.2{degree}(syst). Using this together with the world average {phi}{sub {plus minus}}, we fine that the phase of the K{sup 0}-{bar K}{sup 0} mixing parameter {var epsilon} is 44.5{degree} {plus minus} 1.5{degree}. Both of these results agree well with the predictions of CPT symmetry. 17 refs., 10 figs.« less

Deep soil compaction as a method of ground improvement and to stabilization of wastes and slopes with danger of liquefaction, determining the modulus of deformation and shear strength parameters of loose rock.

PubMed

Lersow, M

2001-01-01

For the stabilization of dumps with the construction of hidden dams and for building ground improvement, for instance for traffic lines over dumps, nearly all applied compaction methods have the aim to reduce the pore volume in the loose rock. With these methods, a homogenization of the compacted loose rock will be obtained too. The compaction methods of weight compaction by falling weight, compaction by vibration and compaction by blasting have been introduced, and their applications and efficiencies have been shown. For the estimation of the effective depth of the compaction and for a safe planning of the bearing layer, respectively, the necessary material parameters have to be determined for each deep compaction method. Proposals for the determination of these parameters have been made within this paper. In connection with the stabilization of flow-slide-prone dump slopes, as well as for the improvement of dump areas for the use as building ground, it is necessary to assess the deformation behavior and the bearing capacity. To assess the resulting building ground improvement, deformation indexes (assessment of the flow-prone layer) and strength indexes (assessment of the bearing capacity) have to be determined with soil mechanical tests. Förster and Lersow, [Patentschrift DE 197 17 988. Verfahren, auf der Grundlage last- und/oder weggesteuerter Plattendruckversuche auf der Bohrlochsohle, zur Ermittlung des Spannungs-Verformungs-Verhaltens und/oder von Deformationsmoduln und/oder von Festigkeitseigenschaften in verschiedenen Tiefen insbesondere von Lockergesteinen und von Deponiekörpern in situ; Förster W, Lersow M. Plattendruckversuch auf der Bohrlochsohle, Ermittlung des Spannungs-Verformungs-Verhaltens von Lockergestein und Deponiematerial Braunkohle--Surface Mining, 1998;50(4): 369-77; Lersow M. Verfahren zur Ermittlung von Scherfestigkeitsparametern von Lockergestein und Deponiematerial aus Plattendruckversuchen auf der Bohrlochsohle. Braunkohle--Surface Mining, 1995;51(1):39-47] improved a direct procedure, the so-called plate-loading test. With this improved procedure, it is possible to produce profiles of deformation parameters and shear-strength parameters of the loose rock. On this basis the settlement behavior and the bearing behavior of the ground can be described. The PDV-BS cone-penetration test and the pressiometer test are compared and the reliability of the soil mechanical indexes are assessed critically. The PDV-BS can be used as a calibration test for cone penetration tests as well as for the calibration of pressiometer tests. With the application of a PDV-BS and a pressiometer test in combination in a testing field, the anisotropy properties of the loose rock can be proved.

PKS1 plays a role in red-light-based positive phototropism in roots.

PubMed

Molas, Maria Lia; Kiss, John Z

2008-06-01

Aerial parts of plants curve towards the light (i.e. positive phototropism), and roots typically grow away from the light (i.e. negative phototropism). In addition, Arabidopsis roots exhibit positive phototropism relative to red light (RL), and this response is mediated by phytochromes A and B (phyA and phyB). Upon light stimulation, phyA and phyB interact with the phytochrome kinase substrate (PKS1) in the cytoplasm. In this study, we investigated the role of PKS1, along with phyA and phyB, in the positive phototropic responses to RL in roots. Using a high-resolution feedback system, we studied the phenotypic responses of roots of phyA, phyB, pks1, phyA pks1 and phyB pks1 null mutants as well as the PKS1-overexpressing line in response to RL. PKS1 emerged as an intermediary in the signalling pathways and appears to promote a negative curvature to RL in roots. In addition, phyA and phyB were both essential for a positive response to RL and act in a complementary fashion. However, either photoreceptor acting without the other results in negative curvature in response to red illumination so that the mode of action differs depending on whether phyA and phyB act independently or together. Our results suggest that PKS1 is part of a signalling pathway independent of phyA and phyB and that PKS1 modulates RL-based root phototropism.

General dynamical properties of cosmological models with nonminimal kinetic coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsumoto, Jiro; Sushkov, Sergey V.

2018-01-01

We consider cosmological dynamics in the theory of gravity with the scalar field possessing the nonminimal kinetic coupling to curvature given as η Gμνphi,μphi,ν, where η is an arbitrary coupling parameter, and the scalar potential V(phi) which assumed to be as general as possible. With an appropriate dimensionless parametrization we represent the field equations as an autonomous dynamical system which contains ultimately only one arbitrary function χ (x)= 8 π | η | V(x/√8 π) with x=√8 πphi. Then, assuming the rather general properties of χ(x), we analyze stationary points and their stability, as well as all possible asymptotical regimes of the dynamical system. It has been shown that for a broad class of χ(x) there exist attractors representing three accelerated regimes of the Universe evolution, including de Sitter expansion (or late-time inflation), the Little Rip scenario, and the Big Rip scenario. As the specific examples, we consider a power-law potential V(phi)=M4(phi/phi0)σ, Higgs-like potential V(phi)=λ/4(phi2‑phi02)2, and exponential potential V(phi)=M4 e‑phi/phi0.

Reliability and cultural applicability of the Greek version of the International Personality Disorders Examination.

PubMed

Fountoulakis, K N; Iacovides, A; Ioannidou, Ch; Bascialla, F; Nimatoudis, I; Kaprinis, G; Janca, A; Dahl, A

2002-05-17

The International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE) constitutes the proposal of the WHO for the reliable diagnosis of personality disorders (PD). The IPDE assesses pathological personality and is compatible both with DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnosis. However it is important to test the reliability and cultural applicability of different IPDE translations. Thirty-one patients (12 male and 19 female) aged 35.25 +/- 11.08 years, took part in the study. Three examiners applied the interview (23 interviews of two and 8 interviews of 3 examiners, that is 47 pairs of interviews and 70 single interviews). The phi coefficient was used to test categorical diagnosis agreement and the Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient to test agreement concerning the number of criteria met. Translation and back-translation did not reveal specific problems. Results suggested that reliability of the Greek translation is good. However, socio-cultural factors (family coherence, work environment etc) could affect the application of some of the IPDE items in Greece. The diagnosis of any PD was highly reliable with phi >0.92. However, diagnosis of non-specific PD was not reliable at all (phi close to 0) suggesting that this is a true residual category. Diagnosis of specific PDs were highly reliable with the exception of schizoid PD. Diagnosis of antisocial and Borderline PDs were perfectly reliable with phi equal to 1.00. The Greek translation of the IPDE is a reliable instrument for the assessment of personality disorder but cultural variation may limit its applicability in international comparisons.

Lysine 206 in Arabidopsis phytochrome A is the major site for ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation.

PubMed

Rattanapisit, Kaewta; Cho, Man-Ho; Bhoo, Seong Hee

2016-02-01

Phytochrome A (phyA) is a light labile phytochrome that mediates plant development under red/far-red light condition. Degradation of phyA is initiated by red light-induced phyA-ubiquitin conjugation through the 26S proteasome pathway. The N-terminal of phyA is known to be important in phyA degradation. To determine the specific lysine residues in the N-terminal domain of phyA involved in light-induced ubiquitination and protein degradation, we aligned the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal domain of Arabidopsis phyA with those of phyA from other plant species. Based on the alignment results, phytochrome over-expressing Arabidopsis plants were generated. In particular, wild-type and mutant (substitutions of conserved lysines by arginines) phytochromes fused with GFP were expressed in phyA(-)211 Arabidopsis plants. Degradation kinetics of over-expressed phyA proteins revealed that degradation of the K206R phyA mutant protein was delayed. Delayed phyA degradation of the K206R phyA mutant protein resulted in reduction of red-light-induced phyA-ubiquitin conjugation. Furthermore, seedlings expressing the K206R phyA mutant protein showed an enhanced phyA response under far-red light, resulting in inhibition of hypocotyl elongation as well as cotyledon opening. Together, these results suggest that lysine 206 is the main lysine for rapid ubiquitination and protein degradation of Arabidopsis phytochrome A. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Japanese Biochemical Society. All rights reserved.

A Structured Clinical Interview for Kleptomania (SCI-K): preliminary validity and reliability testing.

PubMed

Grant, Jon E; Kim, Suck Won; McCabe, James S

2006-06-01

Kleptomania presents difficulties in diagnosis for clinicians. This study aimed to develop and test a DSM-IV-based diagnostic instrument for kleptomania. To assess for current kleptomania the Structured Clinical Interview for Kleptomania (SCI-K) was administered to 112 consecutive subjects requesting psychiatric outpatient treatment for a variety of disorders. Reliability and validity were determined. Classification accuracy was examined using the longitudinal course of illness. The SCI-K demonstrated excellent test-retest (Phi coefficient = 0.956 (95% CI = 0.937, 0.970)) and inter-rater reliability (phi coefficient = 0.718 (95% CI = 0.506, 0.848)) in the diagnosis of kleptomania. Concurrent validity was observed with a self-report measure using DSM-IV kleptomania criteria (phi coefficient = 0.769 (95% CI = 0.653, 0.850)). Discriminant validity was observed with a measure of depression (point biserial coefficient = -0.020 (95% CI = -0.205, 0.166)). The SCI-K demonstrated both high sensitivity and specificity based on longitudinal assessment. The SCI-K demonstrated excellent reliability and validity in diagnosing kleptomania in subjects presenting with various psychiatric problems. These findings require replication in larger groups, including non-psychiatric populations, to examine their generalizability. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Precision force sensing with optically-levitated nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geraci, Andrew

2017-04-01

In high vacuum, optically-trapped dielectric nanospheres achieve excellent decoupling from their environment and experience minimal friction, making them ideal for precision force sensing. We have shown that 300 nm silica spheres can be used for calibrated zeptonewton force measurements in a standing-wave optical trap. In this optical potential, the known spacing of the standing wave anti-nodes can serve as an independent calibration tool for the displacement spectrum of the trapped particle. I will describe our progress towards using these sensors for tests of the Newtonian gravitational inverse square law at micron length scales. Optically levitated dielectric objects also show promise for a variety of other precision sensing applications, including searches for gravitational waves and other experiments in quantum optomechanics. National Science Foundation PHY-1205994, PHY-1506431, PHY-1509176.

Segmentierung von Aortenaneurysmen in CTA-Bildern mit dem statistischen Verfahren der Active Appearance Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greiner, Katharina; Egger, Jan; Großkopf, Stefan; Kaftan, Jens N.; Dörner, Ralf; Freisleben, Bernd

In diesem Beitrag werden Active Appearance Models (AAMs) zur Segmentierung der äußeren Kontur von Aortenaneurysmen eingesetzt. Diese Aufgabe ist wegen des geringen Kontrastes zum umliegenden Gewebe und des Aufbaus der teils thrombotisierten oder kalzifizierten Gefäßwände im Bereich eines Aneurysmas so komplex, dass sie aufgrund der Vielgestalt der Kontur in CT-Angiographie-Bildern die Verwendung eines statistischen Modells für Form und eingeschlossene Textur rechtfertigt. Für die Evaluation des Verfahrens wurden verschiedene statistische Modelle aus Schichten von neun CTA-Datensätzen trainiert und die Segmentierung anhand von Leave-One-Out-Tests überprüft.

Retention modeling under organic modifier gradient conditions in ion-pair reversed-phase chromatography. Application to the separation of a set of underivatized amino acids.

PubMed

Pappa-Louisi, A; Agrafiotou, P; Papachristos, K

2010-07-01

The combined effect of the ion-pairing reagent concentration, C(ipr), and organic modifier content, phi, on the retention under phi-gradient conditions at different constant C(ipr) was treated in this study by using two approaches. In the first approach, the prediction of the retention time of a sample solute is based on a direct fitting procedure of a proper retention model to 3-D phi-gradient retention data obtained under the same phi-linear variation but with different slope and time duration of the initial isocratic part and in the presence of various constant C(ipr) values in the eluent. The second approach is based on a retention model describing the combined effect of C(ipr) and phi on the retention of solutes in isocratic mode and consequently analyzes isocratic data obtained in mobile phases containing different C(ipr) values. The effectiveness of the above approaches was tested in the retention prediction of a mixture of 16 underivatized amino acids using mobile phases containing acetonitrile as organic modifier and sodium dodecyl sulfate as ion-pairing reagent. From these approaches, only the first one gives satisfactory predictions and can be successfully used in optimization of ion-pair chromatographic separations under gradient conditions. The failure of the second approach to predict the retention of solutes in the gradient elution mode in the presence of different C(ipr) values was attributed to slow changes in the distribution equilibrium of ion-pairing reagents caused by phi-variation.

Bacteriophage phi11 lysin: physicochemical characterization and comparison with phage phi80a lysin

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phage lytic enzymes are promising antimicrobial agents. Lysins of phage phi11 (LysPhi11) and phi80a (LysPhi80a) can lyse (destroy) biofilms and cells of antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Stability of enzymes is one of the parameters making their practical use possible. The obj...

Arabidopsis fhl/fhy1 double mutant reveals a distinct cytoplasmic action of phytochrome A

PubMed Central

Rösler, Jutta; Klein, Ilse; Zeidler, Mathias

2007-01-01

Phytochrome A (phyA) plays an important role during germination and early seedling development. Because phyA is the primary photoreceptor for the high-irradiance response and the very-low-fluence response, it can trigger development not only in red and far-red (FR) light but also in a wider range of light qualities. Although phyA action is generally associated with translocation to the nucleus and regulation of transcription, there is evidence for additional cytoplasmic functions. Because nuclear accumulation of phyA has been shown to depend on far-red-elongated hypocotyl 1 (FHY1) and FHL (FHY1-like), investigation of phyA function in a double fhl/fhy1 mutant might be valuable in revealing the mechanism of phyA translocation and possible cytoplasmic functions. In fhl/fhy1, the FR-triggered nuclear translocation of phyA could no longer be detected but could be restored by transgenic expression of CFP:FHY1. Whereas the fhl/fhy1 mutant showed a phyA phenotype in respect to hypocotyl elongation and cotyledon opening under high-irradiance response conditions as well as a typical phyA germination phenotype under very-low-fluence response conditions, fhl/fhy1 showed no phenotype with respect to the phyA-dependent abrogation of negative gravitropism in blue light and in red-enhanced phototropism, demonstrating clear cytoplasmic functions of phyA. Disturbance of phyA nuclear import in fhl/fhy1 led to formation of FR-induced phyA:GFP cytoplasmic foci resembling the sequestered areas of phytochrome. FHY1 and FHL play crucial roles in phyA nuclear translocation and signaling. Thus the double-mutant fhl/fhy1 allows nuclear and cytoplasmic phyA functions to be separated, leading to the novel identification of cytoplasmic phyA responses. PMID:17566111

Canonical single field slow-roll inflation with a non-monotonic tensor-to-scalar ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Germán, Gabriel; Herrera-Aguilar, Alfredo; Hidalgo, Juan Carlos; Sussman, Roberto A.

2016-05-01

We take a pragmatic, model independent approach to single field slow-roll canonical inflation by imposing conditions, not on the potential, but on the slow-roll parameter epsilon(phi) and its derivatives epsilon'(phi) and epsilon''(phi), thereby extracting general conditions on the tensor-to-scalar ratio r and the running nsk at phiH where the perturbations are produced, some 50-60 e-folds before the end of inflation. We find quite generally that for models where epsilon(phi) develops a maximum, a relatively large r is most likely accompanied by a positive running while a negligible tensor-to-scalar ratio implies negative running. The definitive answer, however, is given in terms of the slow-roll parameter ξ2(phi). To accommodate a large tensor-to-scalar ratio that meets the limiting values allowed by the Planck data, we study a non-monotonic epsilon(phi) decreasing during most part of inflation. Since at phiH the slow-roll parameter epsilon(phi) is increasing, we thus require that epsilon(phi) develops a maximum for phi > phiH after which epsilon(phi) decrease to small values where most e-folds are produced. The end of inflation might occur trough a hybrid mechanism and a small field excursion Δphie ≡ |phiH-phie| is obtained with a sufficiently thin profile for epsilon(phi) which, however, should not conflict with the second slow-roll parameter η(phi). As a consequence of this analysis we find bounds for Δphie, rH and for the scalar spectral index nsH. Finally we provide examples where these considerations are explicitly realised.

PhySIC_IST: cleaning source trees to infer more informative supertrees

PubMed Central

Scornavacca, Celine; Berry, Vincent; Lefort, Vincent; Douzery, Emmanuel JP; Ranwez, Vincent

2008-01-01

Background Supertree methods combine phylogenies with overlapping sets of taxa into a larger one. Topological conflicts frequently arise among source trees for methodological or biological reasons, such as long branch attraction, lateral gene transfers, gene duplication/loss or deep gene coalescence. When topological conflicts occur among source trees, liberal methods infer supertrees containing the most frequent alternative, while veto methods infer supertrees not contradicting any source tree, i.e. discard all conflicting resolutions. When the source trees host a significant number of topological conflicts or have a small taxon overlap, supertree methods of both kinds can propose poorly resolved, hence uninformative, supertrees. Results To overcome this problem, we propose to infer non-plenary supertrees, i.e. supertrees that do not necessarily contain all the taxa present in the source trees, discarding those whose position greatly differs among source trees or for which insufficient information is provided. We detail a variant of the PhySIC veto method called PhySIC_IST that can infer non-plenary supertrees. PhySIC_IST aims at inferring supertrees that satisfy the same appealing theoretical properties as with PhySIC, while being as informative as possible under this constraint. The informativeness of a supertree is estimated using a variation of the CIC (Cladistic Information Content) criterion, that takes into account both the presence of multifurcations and the absence of some taxa. Additionally, we propose a statistical preprocessing step called STC (Source Trees Correction) to correct the source trees prior to the supertree inference. STC is a liberal step that removes the parts of each source tree that significantly conflict with other source trees. Combining STC with a veto method allows an explicit trade-off between veto and liberal approaches, tuned by a single parameter. Performing large-scale simulations, we observe that STC+PhySIC_IST infers much more informative supertrees than PhySIC, while preserving low type I error compared to the well-known MRP method. Two biological case studies on animals confirm that the STC preprocess successfully detects anomalies in the source trees while STC+PhySIC_IST provides well-resolved supertrees agreeing with current knowledge in systematics. Conclusion The paper introduces and tests two new methodologies, PhySIC_IST and STC, that demonstrate the interest in inferring non-plenary supertrees as well as preprocessing the source trees. An implementation of the methods is available at: . PMID:18834542

PhySIC_IST: cleaning source trees to infer more informative supertrees.

PubMed

Scornavacca, Celine; Berry, Vincent; Lefort, Vincent; Douzery, Emmanuel J P; Ranwez, Vincent

2008-10-04

Supertree methods combine phylogenies with overlapping sets of taxa into a larger one. Topological conflicts frequently arise among source trees for methodological or biological reasons, such as long branch attraction, lateral gene transfers, gene duplication/loss or deep gene coalescence. When topological conflicts occur among source trees, liberal methods infer supertrees containing the most frequent alternative, while veto methods infer supertrees not contradicting any source tree, i.e. discard all conflicting resolutions. When the source trees host a significant number of topological conflicts or have a small taxon overlap, supertree methods of both kinds can propose poorly resolved, hence uninformative, supertrees. To overcome this problem, we propose to infer non-plenary supertrees, i.e. supertrees that do not necessarily contain all the taxa present in the source trees, discarding those whose position greatly differs among source trees or for which insufficient information is provided. We detail a variant of the PhySIC veto method called PhySIC_IST that can infer non-plenary supertrees. PhySIC_IST aims at inferring supertrees that satisfy the same appealing theoretical properties as with PhySIC, while being as informative as possible under this constraint. The informativeness of a supertree is estimated using a variation of the CIC (Cladistic Information Content) criterion, that takes into account both the presence of multifurcations and the absence of some taxa. Additionally, we propose a statistical preprocessing step called STC (Source Trees Correction) to correct the source trees prior to the supertree inference. STC is a liberal step that removes the parts of each source tree that significantly conflict with other source trees. Combining STC with a veto method allows an explicit trade-off between veto and liberal approaches, tuned by a single parameter.Performing large-scale simulations, we observe that STC+PhySIC_IST infers much more informative supertrees than PhySIC, while preserving low type I error compared to the well-known MRP method. Two biological case studies on animals confirm that the STC preprocess successfully detects anomalies in the source trees while STC+PhySIC_IST provides well-resolved supertrees agreeing with current knowledge in systematics. The paper introduces and tests two new methodologies, PhySIC_IST and STC, that demonstrate the interest in inferring non-plenary supertrees as well as preprocessing the source trees. An implementation of the methods is available at: http://www.atgc-montpellier.fr/physic_ist/.

Purification and characterization of two distinct acidic phytases with broad pH stability from Aspergillus niger NCIM 563.

PubMed

Soni, S K; Magdum, A; Khire, J M

2010-11-01

Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 produced two different extracellular phytases (Phy I and Phy II) under submerged fermentation conditions at 30°C in medium containing dextrin-glucose-sodium nitrate-salts. Both the enzymes were purified to homogeneity using Rotavapor concentration, Phenyl-Sepharose column chromatography and Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. The molecular mass of Phy I and II as determined by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration were 66, 264, 150 and 148 kDa respectively, indicating that Phy I consists of four identical subunits and Phy II is a monomer. The pI values of Phy I and II were 3.55 and 3.91, respectively. Phy I was highly acidic with optimum pH of 2.5 and was stable over a broad pH range (1.5-9.0) while Phy II showed a pH optimum of 5.0 with stability in the range of pH 3.5-9.0. Phy I exhibited very broad substrate specificity while Phy II was more specific for sodium phytate. Similarly Phy II was strongly inhibited by Ag(+), Hg(2+) (1 mM) metal ions and Phy I was partially inhibited. Peptide analysis by Mass Spectrometry (MS) MALDI-TOF also indicated that both the proteins were totally different. The K(m) for Phy I and II for sodium phytate was 2.01 and 0.145 mM while V(max) was 5,018 and 1,671 μmol min(-1) mg(-1), respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of Phy I and Phy II were FSYGAAIPQQ and GVDERFPYTG, respectively. Phy II showed no homology with Phy I and any other known phytases from the literature suggesting its unique nature. This, according to us, is the first report of two distinct novel phytases from Aspergillus niger.

Performance of serum prostate-specific antigen isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and the prostate health index (PHI) in a Chinese hospital-based biopsy population.

PubMed

Na, Rong; Ye, Dingwei; Liu, Fang; Chen, Haitao; Qi, Jun; Wu, Yishuo; Zhang, Guiming; Wang, Meilin; Wang, Wenying; Sun, Jielin; Yu, Guopeng; Zhu, Yao; Ren, Shancheng; Zheng, S Lilly; Jiang, Haowen; Sun, Yinghao; Ding, Qiang; Xu, Jianfeng

2014-11-01

The use of serum [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and its derivative, the prostate health index (PHI), in detecting prostate cancer (PCa) have been consistently shown to have better performance than total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) in discriminating biopsy outcomes in western countries. However, little is known about their performance in Chinese men. Our objective is to test the performance of p2PSA and PHI and their added value to tPSA in discriminating biopsy outcomes in Chinese men. Consecutive patients who underwent prostate biopsy in three tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China during 2012-2013 were recruited. Serum tPSA, free PSA (fPSA), and p2PSA were measured centrally using Beckman Coulter's DxI 800 Immunoassay System. The primary outcome is PCa and the secondary outcome is high-grade PCa (Gleason Score of 4 + 3 or worse). Discriminative performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), detection rate and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). Among 636 patients who underwent prostate biopsy, PHI was a significant predictor of biopsy outcomes, independent of other clinical variables. The AUC in discriminating PCa from non-PCa was consistently higher for PHI than tPSA in the entire cohort (0.88 vs. 0.81) as well as in patients with tPSA at 2-10 ng/ml (0.73 vs. 0.53), at 10.1-20 ng/ml (0.81 vs. 0.58), and at tPSA >20 ng/ml (0.90 vs. 0.80). The differences were statistically significant in all comparisons, P < 0.01. To detect 90% of all PCa in the cohort, 362 and 457 patients would need to be biopsied based on PHI and tPSA cutoff, respectively, a 21% reduction for PHI. Similar results were found for discriminating high-grade PCa. PHI provides added value over tPSA in discriminating PCa and high-grade PCa in patients who underwent prostate biopsy in China. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Phytochrome B Requires PIF Degradation and Sequestration to Induce Light Responses Across a Wide Range of Light Conditions.

PubMed

Park, Eunae; Kim, Yeojae; Choi, Giltsu

2018-05-15

Phytochrome B (phyB) inhibits the function of phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs) by inducing their degradation and sequestration, but the relative physiological importance of these two phyB activities is unclear. In an analysis of published Arabidopsis thaliana phyB mutations, we identified a point mutation in the N-terminal half of phyB (phyBG111D) that abolishes its PIF sequestration activity without affecting its PIF degradation activity. We also identified a point mutation in the phyB C-terminal domain, which, when combined with a deletion of the C-terminal end (phyB990G767R), does the opposite; it blocks PIF degradation without affecting PIF sequestration. The resulting phyB proteins, phyB990G767R and phyBG111D, are equally capable of inducing light responses under continuous red light. However, phyBG111D, which exhibits only the PIF degradation activity, induces stronger light responses than phyB990G767R under white light with prolonged dark periods (i.e., diurnal cycles). In contrast, phyB990G767R, which exhibits only the PIF sequestration activity, induces stronger light responses in flickering light (a condition that mimics sunflecks). Together, our results indicate that both of these separable phyB activities are required for light responses in varying light conditions. © 2018 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.

Role of the N*(1535) in pp{yields}pp{phi} and {pi}{sup -}p{yields}n{phi} reactions

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

Xie Jujun; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; Zou Bingsong

2008-01-15

The near-threshold {phi}-meson production in proton-proton and {pi}{sup -}p collisions is studied with the assumption that the production mechanism is due to the sub-N{phi}-threshold N*(1535) resonance. The {pi}{sup 0}-,{eta}-, and {rho}{sup 0}-meson exchanges for proton-proton collisions are considered. It is shown that the contribution to the pp{yields}pp{phi} reaction from the t-channel {pi}{sup 0}-meson exchange is dominant. With a significant N*(1535)N{phi} coupling [g{sub N*(1535)N{phi}}{sup 2}/4{pi}=0.13], both pp{yields}pp{phi} and {pi}{sup -}p{yields}n{phi} data are very well reproduced. The significant coupling of the N*(1535) resonance to N{phi} is compatible with previous indications of a large ss component in the quark wave function of themore » N*(1535) resonance and may be the real origin of the significant enhancement of the {phi} production over the naive OZI-rule predictions.« less

The differential production cross section of the $$\\phi $$ (1020) meson in $$\\sqrt{s}$$ TeV $pp$ collisions measured with the ATLAS detector

DOE PAGES

Aad, G.; Abajyan, T.; Abbott, B.; ...

2014-07-01

Ameasurement is presented of themore » $$\\phi $$×BR($$\\phi $$ →K < sup > + < /sup > K < sup > - < /sup > ) production cross section at √s = 7 TeV using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 383 μb -1, collected with the ATLAS experiment at the HC. Selection of $$\\phi $$(1020) mesons is based on the identification of charged kaons by their energy loss in the pixel detector. The differential cross section ismeasured as a function of the transverse momentum, pT,$$\\phi $$ , and rapidity, y$$\\phi $$, of the $$\\phi $$(1020) meson in the fiducial region 500 < pT,$$\\phi $$ < 1200MeV, |y$$\\phi $$ | < 0.8, kaon p T,K > 230 MeV and kaon momentum p K < 800 MeV. The integrated $$\\phi $$(1020)-meson production cross section in this fiducial range is measured to be sφ×BR($$\\phi $$ →K < sup > + < /sup > K < sup > - < /sup > ) = 570 ± 8 (stat) ± 66 (syst) ± 20 (lumi) μb.« less

Arabidopsis response regulators ARR3 and ARR4 play cytokinin-independent roles in the control of circadian period.

PubMed

Salomé, Patrice A; To, Jennifer P C; Kieber, Joseph J; McClung, C Robertson

2006-01-01

Light and temperature are potent environmental signals used to synchronize the circadian oscillator with external time and photoperiod. Phytochrome and cryptochrome photoreceptors integrate light quantity and quality to modulate the pace and phase of the clock. PHYTOCHROME B (phyB) controls period length in red light as well as the phase of the clock in white light. phyB interacts with ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR4 (ARR4) in a light-dependent manner. Accordingly, we tested ARR4 and other members of the type-A ARR family for roles in clock function and show that ARR4 and its closest relative, ARR3, act redundantly in the Arabidopsis thaliana circadian system. Loss of ARR3 and ARR4 lengthens the period of the clock even in the absence of light, demonstrating that they do so independently of active phyB. In addition, in white light, arr3,4 mutants show a leading phase similar to phyB mutants, suggesting that circadian light input is modulated by the interaction of phyB with ARR4. Although type-A ARRs are involved in cytokinin signaling, the circadian defects appear to be independent of cytokinin, as exogenous cytokinin affects the phase but not the period of the clock. Therefore, ARR3 and ARR4 are critical for proper circadian period and define an additional level of regulation of the circadian clock in Arabidopsis.

Survival of prototype strains of somatic coliphage families in environmental waters and when exposed to UV low-pressure monochromatic radiation or heat.

PubMed

Lee, Hee Suk; Sobsey, Mark D

2011-06-01

The potential use of specific somatic coliphage taxonomic groups as viral indicators based on their persistence and prevalence in water was investigated. Representative type strains of the 4 major somatic coliphage taxonomic groups were seeded into reagent water and an ambient surface water source of drinking water and the survival of the added phages was measured over 90 days at temperatures of 23-25 and 4 °C. Microviridae (type strain PhiX174), Siphoviridae (type strain Lambda), and Myoviridae (type strain T4) viruses were the most persistent in water at the temperatures tested. The Microviridae (type strain PhiX174) and the Siphoviridae (type strain Lambda) were the most resistant viruses to UV radiation and the Myoviridae (type strain T4) and the Microviridae (type strain PhiX174) were the most resistant viruses to heat. Based on their greater persistence in water over time and their relative resistance to heat and/or UV radiation, the Myoviridae (type strain T4), the Microviridae (type strain PhiX174), and the Siphoviridae (type strain Lambda) were the preferred candidate somatic coliphages as fecal indicator viruses in water, with the Microviridae (type strain PhiX174) the most resistant to these conditions overall. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Na+, HCO3--cotransporter NBCn1 increases pHi gradients, filopodia, and migration of smooth muscle cells and promotes arterial remodelling.

PubMed

Boedtkjer, Ebbe; Bentzon, Jacob F; Dam, Vibeke S; Aalkjaer, Christian

2016-08-01

Arterial remodelling can cause luminal narrowing and obstruct blood flow. We tested the hypothesis that cellular acid-base transport facilitates proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and enhances remodelling of conduit arteries. [Formula: see text]-cotransport via NBCn1 (Slc4a7) mediates net acid extrusion and controls steady-state intracellular pH (pHi) in VSMCs of mouse carotid arteries and primary aortic explants. Carotid arteries undergo hypertrophic inward remodelling in response to partial or complete ligation in vivo, but the increase in media area and thickness and reduction in lumen diameter are attenuated in arteries from NBCn1 knock-out compared with wild-type mice. With [Formula: see text] present, gradients for pHi (∼0.2 units magnitude) exist along the axis of VSMC migration in primary explants from wild-type but not NBCn1 knock-out mice. Knock-out or pharmacological inhibition of NBCn1 also reduces filopodia and lowers initial rates of VSMC migration after scratch-wound infliction. Interventions to reduce H(+)-buffer mobility (omission of [Formula: see text] or inhibition of carbonic anhydrases) re-establish axial pHi gradients, filopodia, and migration rates in explants from NBCn1 knock-out mice. The omission of [Formula: see text] also lowers global pHi and inhibits proliferation in primary explants. Under physiological conditions (i.e. with [Formula: see text] present), NBCn1-mediated [Formula: see text] uptake raises VSMC pHi and promotes filopodia, VSMC migration, and hypertrophic inward remodelling. We propose that axial pHi gradients enhance VSMC migration whereas global acidification inhibits VSMC proliferation and media hypertrophy after carotid artery ligation. These findings support a key role of acid-base transport, particularly via NBCn1, for development of occlusive artery disease. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Handwashing and Ebola virus disease outbreaks: A randomized comparison of soap, hand sanitizer, and 0.05% chlorine solutions on the inactivation and removal of model organisms Phi6 and E. coli from hands and persistence in rinse water.

PubMed

Wolfe, Marlene K; Gallandat, Karin; Daniels, Kyle; Desmarais, Anne Marie; Scheinman, Pamela; Lantagne, Daniele

2017-01-01

To prevent Ebola transmission, frequent handwashing is recommended in Ebola Treatment Units and communities. However, little is known about which handwashing protocol is most efficacious. We evaluated six handwashing protocols (soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS), and 0.05% sodium dichloroisocyanurate, high-test hypochlorite, and stabilized and non-stabilized sodium hypochlorite solutions) for 1) efficacy of handwashing on the removal and inactivation of non-pathogenic model organisms and, 2) persistence of organisms in rinse water. Model organisms E. coli and bacteriophage Phi6 were used to evaluate handwashing with and without organic load added to simulate bodily fluids. Hands were inoculated with test organisms, washed, and rinsed using a glove juice method to retrieve remaining organisms. Impact was estimated by comparing the log reduction in organisms after handwashing to the log reduction without handwashing. Rinse water was collected to test for persistence of organisms. Handwashing resulted in a 1.94-3.01 log reduction in E. coli concentration without, and 2.18-3.34 with, soil load; and a 2.44-3.06 log reduction in Phi6 without, and 2.71-3.69 with, soil load. HTH performed most consistently well, with significantly greater log reductions than other handwashing protocols in three models. However, the magnitude of handwashing efficacy differences was small, suggesting protocols are similarly efficacious. Rinse water demonstrated a 0.28-4.77 log reduction in remaining E. coli without, and 0.21-4.49 with, soil load and a 1.26-2.02 log reduction in Phi6 without, and 1.30-2.20 with, soil load. Chlorine resulted in significantly less persistence of E. coli in both conditions and Phi6 without soil load in rinse water (p<0.001). Thus, chlorine-based methods may offer a benefit of reducing persistence in rinse water. We recommend responders use the most practical handwashing method to ensure hand hygiene in Ebola contexts, considering the potential benefit of chlorine-based methods in rinse water persistence.

Measurement of the decays B--> phiK and B--> phiK*.

PubMed

Aubert, B; Boutigny, D; Gaillard, J M; Hicheur, A; Karyotakis, Y; Lees, J P; Robbe, P; Tisserand, V; Palano, A; Chen, G P; Chen, J C; Qi, N D; Rong, G; Wang, P; Zhu, Y S; Eigen, G; Reinertsen, P L; Stugu, B; Abbott, B; Abrams, G S; Borgland, A W; Breon, A B; Brown, D N; Button-Shafer, J; Cahn, R N; Clark, A R; Fan, Q; Gill, M S; Gowdy, S J; Gritsan, A; Groysman, Y; Jacobsen, R G; Kadel, R W; Kadyk, J; Kerth, L T; Kluth, S; Kolomensky, Y G; Kral, J F; LeClerc, C; Levi, M E; Liu, T; Lynch, G; Meyer, A B; Momayezi, M; Oddone, P J; Perazzo, A; Pripstein, M; Roe, N A; Romosan, A; Ronan, M T; Shelkov, V G; Telnov, A V; Wenzel, W A; Bright-Thomas, P G; Harrison, T J; Hawkes, C M; Kirk, A; Knowles, D J; O'Neale, S W; Penny, R C; Watson, A T; Watson, N K; Deppermann, T; Koch, H; Krug, J; Kunze, M; Lewandowski, B; Peters, K; Schmuecker, H; Steinke, M; Andress, J C; Barlow, N R; Bhimji, W; Chevalier, N; Clark, P J; Cottingham, W N; De Groot, N; Dyce, N; Foster, B; Mass, A; McFall, J D; Wallom, D; Wilson, F F; Abe, K; Hearty, C; Mattison, T S; McKenna, J A; Thiessen, D; Camanzi, B; Jolly, S; McKemey, A K; Tinslay, J; Blinov, V E; Bukin, A D; Bukin, D A; Buzykaev, A R; Dubrovin, M S; Golubev, V B; Ivanchenko, V N; Korol, A A; Kravchenko, E A; Onuchin, A P; Salnikov, A A; Serednyakov, S I; Skovpen, Y I; Telnov, V I; Yushkov, A N; Lankford, A J; Mandelkern, M; McMahon, S; Stoker, D P; Ahsan, A; Arisaka, K; Buchanan, C; Chun, S; Branson, J G; MacFarlane, D B; Prell, S; Rahatlou, S; Raven, G; Sharma, V; Campagnari, C; Dahmes, B; Hart, P A; Kuznetsova, N; Levy, S L; Long, O; Lu, A; Richman, J D; Verkerke, W; Witherell, M; Yellin, S; Beringer, J; Dorfan, D E; Eisner, A M; Frey, A; Grillo, A A; Grothe, M; Heusch, C A; Johnson, R P; Kroeger, W; Lockman, W S; Pulliam, T; Sadrozinski, H; Schalk, T; Schmitz, R E; Schumm, B A; Seiden, A; Turri, M; Walkowiak, W; Williams, D C; Wilson, M G; Chen, E; Dubois-Felsmann, G P; Dvoretskii, A; Hitlin, D G; Metzler, S; Oyang, J; Porter, F C; Ryd, A; Samuel, A; Weaver, M; Yang, S; Zhu, R Y; Devmal, S; Geld, T L; Jayatilleke, S; Mancinelli, G; Meadows, B T; Sokoloff, M D; Bloom, P; Fahey, S; Ford, W T; Gaede, F; Johnson, D R; Michael, A K; Nauenberg, U; Olivas, A; Park, H; Rankin, P; Roy, J; Sen, S; Smith, J G; van Hoek, W C; Wagner, D L; Blouw, J; Harton, J L; Krishnamurthy, M; Soffer, A; Toki, W H; Wilson, R J; Zhang, J; Brandt, T; Brose, J; Colberg, T; Dahlinger, G; Dickopp, M; Dubitzky, R S; Maly, E; Müller-Pfefferkorn, R; Otto, S; Schubert, K R; Schwierz, R; Spaan, B; Wilden, L; Behr, L; Bernard, D; Bonneaud, G R; Brochard, F; Cohen-Tanugi, J; Ferrag, S; Roussot, E; T'Jampens, S; Thiebaux, C; Vasileiadis, G; Verderi, M; Anjomshoaa, A; Bernet, R; Di Lodovico, F; Khan, A; Muheim, F; Playfer, S; Swain, J E; Falbo, M; Bozzi, C; Dittongo, S; Folegani, M; Piemontese, L; Treadwell, E; Anulli, F; Baldini-Ferroli, R; Calcaterra, A; de Sangro, R; Falciai, D; Finocchiaro, G; Patteri, P; Peruzzi, I M; Piccolo, M; Xie, Y; Zallo, A; Bagnasco, S; Buzzo, A; Contri, R; Crosetti, G; Fabbricatore, P; Farinon, S; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M; Monge, M R; Musenich, R; Pallavicini, M; Parodi, R; Passaggio, S; Pastore, F C; Patrignani, C; Pia, M G; Priano, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Morii, M; Bartoldus, R; Dignan, T; Hamilton, R; Mallik, U; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Fischer, P A; Lamsa, J; Meyer, W T; Rosenberg, E I; Benkebil, M; Grosdidier, G; Hast, C; Höcker, A; Lacker, H M; LePeltier, V; Lutz, A M; Plaszczynski, S; Schune, M H; Trincaz-Duvoid, S; Valassi, A; Wormser, G; Bionta, R M; Brigljevic, V; Fackler, O; Fujino, D; Lange, D J; Mugge, M; Shi, X; van Bibber, K; Wenaus, T J; Wright, D M; Wuest, C R; Carroll, M; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; George, M; Kay, M; Payne, D J; Sloane, R J; Touramanis, C; Aspinwall, M L; Bowerman, D A; Dauncey, P D; Egede, U; Eschrich, I; Gunawardane, N J; Martin, R; Nash, J A; Sanders, P; Smith, D; Azzopardi, D E; Back, J J; Dixon, P; Harrison, P F; Potter, R J; Shorthouse, H W; Strother, P; Vidal, P B; Williams, M I; Cowan, G; George, S; Green, M G; Kurup, A; Marker, C E; McGrath, P; McMahon, T R; Ricciardi, S; Salvatore, F; Scott, I; Vaitsas, G; Brown, D; Davis, C L; Allison, J; Barlow, R J; Boyd, J T; Forti, A; Fullwood, J; Jackson, F; Lafferty, G D; Savvas, N; Simopoulos, E T; Weatherall, J H; Farbin, A; Jawahery, A; Lillard, V; Olsen, J; Roberts, D A; Schieck, J R; Blaylock, G; Dallapiccola, C; Flood, K T; Hertzbach, S S; Kofler, R; Lin, C S; Moore, T B; Staengle, H; Willocq, S; Wittlin, J; Brau, B; Cowan, R; Sciolla, G; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Britton, D I; Milek, M; Patel, P M; Trischuk, J; Lanni, F; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Booke, M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Kroeger, R; Reidy, J; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Martin, J P; Nief, J Y; Seitz, R; Taras, P; Zacek, V; Nicholson, H; Sutton, C S; Cartaro, C; Cavallo, N; De Nardo, G; Fabozzi, F; Gatto, C; Lista, L; Paolucci, P; Piccolo, D; Sciacca, C; LoSecco, J M; Alsmiller, J R; Gabriel, T A; Handler, T; Brau, J; Frey, R; Iwasaki, M; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Colecchia, F; Dal Corso, F; Dorigo, A; Galeazzi, F; Margoni, M; Michelon, G; Morandin, M; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Torassa, E; Voci, C; Benayoun, M; Briand, H; Chauveau, J; David, P; De La Vaissière, C; Del Buono, L; Hamon, O; Le Diberder, F; Leruste, P; Lory, J; Roos, L; Stark, J; Versillé, S; Manfredi, P F; Re, V; Speziali, V; Frank, E D; Gladney, L; Guo, Q H; Panetta, J H; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Bondioli, M; Carpinelli, M; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Martinez-Vidal, F; Morganti, M; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rama, M; Rizzo, G; Sandrelli, F; Simi, G; Triggiani, G; Walsh, J; Haire, M; Judd, D; Paick, K; Turnbull, L; Wagoner, D E; Albert, J; Bula, C; Lu, C; McDonald, K T; Miftakov, V; Schaffner, S F; Smith, A J; Tumanov, A; Varnes, E W; Cavoto, G; del Re, D; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Fratini, K; Lamanna, E; Leonardi, E; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Piredda, G; Safai Tehrani, F; Serra, M; Voena, C; Christ, S; Waldi, R; Adye, T; Franek, B; Geddes, N I; Gopal, G P; Xella, S M; Aleksan, R; De Domenico, G; Emery, S; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Giraud, P F; Hamel De Monchenault, G; Kozanecki, W; Langer, M; London, G W; Mayer, B; Serfass, B; Vasseur, G; Yeche, C; Zito, M; Copty, N; Purohit, M V; Singh, H; Yumiceva, F X; Adam, I; Anthony, P L; Aston, D; Baird, K; Bartelt, J; Bloom, E; Boyarski, A M; Bulos, F; Calderini, G; Claus, R; Convery, M R; Coupal, D P; Coward, D H; Dorfan, J; Doser, M; Dunwoodie, W; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Godfrey, G L; Grosso, P; Himel, T; Huffer, M E; Innes, W R; Jessop, C P; Kelsey, M H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Langenegger, U; Leith, D W; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; Manzin, G; Marsiske, H; Menke, S; Messner, R; Moffeit, K C; Mount, R; Muller, D R; O'Grady, C P; Petrak, S; Quinn, H; Ratcliff, B N; Robertson, S H; Rochester, L S; Roodman, A; Schietinger, T; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Serbo, V V; Snyder, A; Soha, A; Spanier, S M; Stahl, A; Stelzer, J; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Talby, M; Tanaka, H A; Trunov, A; Va'vra, J; Wagner, S R; Weinstein, A J; Wisniewski, W J; Young, C C; Burchat, P R; Cheng, C H; Kirkby, D; Meyer, T I; Roat, C; De Silva, A; Henderson, R; Bugg, W; Cohn, H; Hart, E; Weidemann, A W; Benninger, T; Izen, J M; Kitayama, I; Lou, X C; Turcotte, M; Bianchi, F; Bona, M; Di Girolamo, B; Gamba, D; Smol, A; Zanin, D; Bosisio, L; Della Ricca, G; Lanceri, L; Pompili, A; Poropat, P; Prest, M; Vallazza, E; Vuagnin, G; Panvini, R S; Brown, C M; Kowalewski, R; Roney, J M; Band, H R; Charles, E; Dasu, S; Elmer, P; Hu, H; Johnson, J R; Liu, R; Nielsen, J; Orejudos, W; Pan, Y; Prepost, R; Scott, I J; Sekula, S J; von Wimmersperg-Toeller, J H; Wu, S L; Yu, Z; Zobering, H; Kordich, T M; Neal, H

2001-10-08

We have observed the decays B--> phiK and phiK(*) in a sample of over 45 million B mesons collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II collider. The measured branching fractions are B(B+--> phiK+) = (7.7(+1.6)(-1.4)+/-0.8)x10(-6), B(B0--> phiK0) = (8.1(+3.1)(-2.5)+/-0.8)x10(-6), B(B+--> phiK(*+)) = (9.7(+4.2)(-3.4)+/-1.7)x10(-6), and B(B0--> phiK(*0)) = (8.7(+2.5)(-2.1)+/-1.1)x10(-6). We also report the upper limit B(B+--> phipi(+))<1.4x10(-6) ( 90% C.L.).

Reducing adaptive optics latency using Xeon Phi many-core processors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barr, David; Basden, Alastair; Dipper, Nigel; Schwartz, Noah

2015-11-01

The next generation of Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) for astronomy will rely heavily on the performance of their adaptive optics (AO) systems. Real-time control is at the heart of the critical technologies that will enable telescopes to deliver the best possible science and will require a very significant extrapolation from current AO hardware existing for 4-10 m telescopes. Investigating novel real-time computing architectures and testing their eligibility against anticipated challenges is one of the main priorities of technology development for the ELTs. This paper investigates the suitability of the Intel Xeon Phi, which is a commercial off-the-shelf hardware accelerator. We focus on wavefront reconstruction performance, implementing a straightforward matrix-vector multiplication (MVM) algorithm. We present benchmarking results of the Xeon Phi on a real-time Linux platform, both as a standalone processor and integrated into an existing real-time controller (RTC). Performance of single and multiple Xeon Phis are investigated. We show that this technology has the potential of greatly reducing the mean latency and variations in execution time (jitter) of large AO systems. We present both a detailed performance analysis of the Xeon Phi for a typical E-ELT first-light instrument along with a more general approach that enables us to extend to any AO system size. We show that systematic and detailed performance analysis is an essential part of testing novel real-time control hardware to guarantee optimal science results.

Clinical performance of serum prostate-specific antigen isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and its derivatives, %p2PSA and the prostate health index (PHI), in men with a family history of prostate cancer: results from a multicentre European study, the PROMEtheuS project.

PubMed

Lazzeri, Massimo; Haese, Alexander; Abrate, Alberto; de la Taille, Alexandre; Redorta, Joan Palou; McNicholas, Thomas; Lughezzani, Giovanni; Lista, Giuliana; Larcher, Alessandro; Bini, Vittorio; Cestari, Andrea; Buffi, Nicolòmaria; Graefen, Markus; Bosset, Olivier; Le Corvoisier, Philippe; Breda, Alberto; de la Torre, Pablo; Fowler, Linda; Roux, Jacques; Guazzoni, Giorgio

2013-08-01

To test the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of serum prostate-specific antigen isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA), %p2PSA and the prostate health index (PHI), in men with a family history of prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing prostate biopsy for suspected PCa. To evaluate the potential reduction in unnecessary biopsies and the characteristics of potentially missed cases of PCa that would result from using serum p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI. The analysis consisted of a nested case-control study from the PRO-PSA Multicentric European Study, the PROMEtheuS project. All patients had a first-degree relative (father, brother, son) with PCa. Multivariable logistic regression models were complemented by predictive accuracy analysis and decision-curve analysis. Of the 1026 patients included in the PROMEtheuS cohort, 158 (15.4%) had a first-degree relative with PCa. p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI values were significantly higher (P < 0.001), and free/total PSA (%fPSA) values significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the 71 patients with PCa (44.9%) than in patients without PCa. Univariable accuracy analysis showed %p2PSA (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.733) and PHI (AUC: 0.733) to be the most accurate predictors of PCa at biopsy, significantly outperforming total PSA ([tPSA] AUC: 0.549), free PSA ([fPSA] AUC: 0.489) and %fPSA (AUC: 0.600) (P ≤ 0.001). For %p2PSA a threshold of 1.66 was found to have the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (70.4 and 70.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.4-80.7 and 59.4-79.5 respectively). A PHI threshold of 40 was found to have the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (64.8 and 71.3%, respectively; 95% CI 52.5-75.8 and 60.6-80.5). At 90% sensitivity, the thresholds for %p2PSA and PHI were 1.20 and 25.5, with a specificity of 37.9 and 25.5%, respectively. At a %p2PSA threshold of 1.20, a total of 39 (24.8%) biopsies could have been avoided, but two cancers with a Gleason score (GS) of 7 would have been missed. At a PHI threshold of 25.5 a total of 27 (17.2%) biopsies could have been avoided and two (3.8%) cancers with a GS of 7 would have been missed. In multivariable logistic regression models, %p2PSA and PHI achieved independent predictor status and significantly increased the accuracy of multivariable models including PSA and prostate volume by 8.7 and 10%, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI were directly correlated with Gleason score (ρ: 0.247, P = 0.038; ρ: 0.366, P = 0.002; ρ: 0.464, P < 0.001, respectively). %p2PSA and PHI are more accurate than tPSA, fPSA and %fPSA in predicting PCa in men with a family history of PCa. Consideration of %p2PSA and PHI results in the avoidance of several unnecessary biopsies. p2PSA, %p2PSA and PHI correlate with cancer aggressiveness. © 2013 BJU International.

Observation of {chi}{sub c1} Decays into Vector Meson Pairs {phi}{phi}, {omega}{omega}, and {omega}{phi}

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

Ablikim, M.; An, Z. H.; Bai, J. Z.

Using (106{+-}4)x10{sup 6} {psi}(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII e{sup +}e{sup -} collider, we present the first measurement of decays of {chi}{sub c1} to vector meson pairs {phi}{phi}, {omega}{omega}, and {omega}{phi}. The branching fractions are measured to be (4.4{+-}0.3{+-}0.5)x10{sup -4}, (6.0{+-}0.3{+-}0.7)x10{sup -4}, and (2.2{+-}0.6{+-}0.2)x10{sup -5}, for {chi}{sub c1}{yields}{phi}{phi}, {omega}{omega}, and {omega}{phi}, respectively, which indicates that the hadron helicity selection rule is significantly violated in {chi}{sub cJ} decays. In addition, the measurement of {chi}{sub cJ}{yields}{omega}{phi} provides the first indication of the rate of doubly OZI-suppressed {chi}{sub cJ} decay. Finally, we present improved measurements for the branching fractionsmore » of {chi}{sub c0} and {chi}{sub c2} to vector meson pairs.« less

Pyropheophorbide und a as a catabolite of ethylene-induced chlorophyll und a degradation

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

Shimokawa, Keishi; Hashizume, Akihito; Shioi, Yuzo

1990-05-01

An enzyme extract prepared from ethylene-induced degreening Citrus fruits contains chlorophyll (Chl) degrading enzymes. The fate of Chl carbons during an enzymatic degradation was investigated using Chl {und a}-{sup 14}C. Accompanying the disappearance of labelled Chl {und a}, pheophorbide {und a} and pyropheophorbide {und a} appeared and accumulation of pyropheophorbide {und a} was observed. HydroxyChl {und a} was also detected, but this is thought to be an artifact during chromatography. Unlike ethylene-induced Citrus fruits (in vivo), further degradation of pyropheophorbide {und a} did not occur in vitro enzyme system. This suggests that there is a lack of enzyme(s) and/or cofactor(s)more » for further degradation. It is concluded that Chl {und a} degraded enzymatically by the following order: Chl {und a}, chlorophyllide {und a}, pheophorbide {und a} and pyropheophorbide {und a}.« less

Phosphite, an analog of phosphate, suppresses the coordinated expression of genes under phosphate starvation.

PubMed

Varadarajan, Deepa K; Karthikeyan, Athikkattuvalasu S; Matilda, Paino Durzo; Raghothama, Kashchandra G

2002-07-01

Phosphate (Pi) and its analog phosphite (Phi) are acquired by plants via Pi transporters. Although the uptake and mobility of Phi and Pi are similar, there is no evidence suggesting that plants can utilize Phi as a sole source of phosphorus. Phi is also known to interfere with many of the Pi starvation responses in plants and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). In this study, effects of Phi on plant growth and coordinated expression of genes induced by Pi starvation were analyzed. Phi suppressed many of the Pi starvation responses that are commonly observed in plants. Enhanced root growth and root to shoot ratio, a hallmark of Pi stress response, was strongly inhibited by Phi. The negative effects of Phi were not obvious in plants supplemented with Pi. The expression of Pi starvation-induced genes such as LePT1, LePT2, AtPT1, and AtPT2 (high-affinity Pi transporters); LePS2 (a novel acid phosphatase); LePS3 and TPSI1 (novel genes); and PAP1 (purple acid phosphatase) was suppressed by Phi in plants and cell cultures. Expression of luciferase reporter gene driven by the Pi starvation-induced AtPT2 promoter was also suppressed by Phi. These analyses showed that suppression of Pi starvation-induced genes is an early response to addition of Phi. These data also provide evidence that Phi interferes with gene expression at the level of transcription. Synchronized suppression of multiple Pi starvation-induced genes by Phi points to its action on the early molecular events, probably signal transduction, in Pi starvation response.

Hypocotyl growth orientation in blue light is determined by phytochrome A inhibition of gravitropism and phototropin promotion of phototropism.

PubMed

Lariguet, Patricia; Fankhauser, Christian

2004-12-01

How developing seedlings integrate gravitropic and phototropic stimuli to determine their direction of growth is poorly understood. In this study we tested whether blue light influences hypocotyl gravitropism in Arabidopsis. Phototropin1 (phot1) triggers phototropism under low fluence rates of blue light but, at least in the dark, has no effect on gravitropism. By analyzing the growth orientation of phototropism-deficient seedlings in response to gravitropic and phototropic stimulations we show that blue light not only triggers phototropism but also represses hypocotyl gravitropism. At low fluence rates of blue light phot1 mutants were agravitropic. In contrast, phyAphot1 double mutants grew exclusively according to gravity demonstrating that phytochrome A (phyA) is necessary to inhibit gravitropism. Analyses of phot1cry1cry2 triple mutants indicate that cryptochromes play a minor role in this response. Thus the optimal growth orientation of hypocotyls is determined by the action of phyA-suppressing gravitropism and the phototropin-triggering phototropism. It has long been known that phytochromes promote phototropism but the mechanism involved is still unknown. Our data show that by inhibiting gravitropism phyA acts as a positive regulator of phototropism.

Optimization and evaluation of single-cell whole-genome multiple displacement amplification.

PubMed

Spits, C; Le Caignec, C; De Rycke, M; Van Haute, L; Van Steirteghem, A; Liebaers, I; Sermon, K

2006-05-01

The scarcity of genomic DNA can be a limiting factor in some fields of genetic research. One of the methods developed to overcome this difficulty is whole genome amplification (WGA). Recently, multiple displacement amplification (MDA) has proved very efficient in the WGA of small DNA samples and pools of cells, the reaction being catalyzed by the phi29 or the Bst DNA polymerases. The aim of the present study was to develop a reliable, efficient, and fast protocol for MDA at the single-cell level. We first compared the efficiency of phi29 and Bst polymerases on DNA samples and single cells. The phi29 polymerase generated accurately, in a short time and from a single cell, sufficient DNA for a large set of tests, whereas the Bst enzyme showed a low efficiency and a high error rate. A single-cell protocol was optimized using the phi29 polymerase and was evaluated on 60 single cells; the DNA obtained DNA was assessed by 22 locus-specific PCRs. This new protocol can be useful for many applications involving minute quantities of starting material, such as forensic DNA analysis, prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or cancer research. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

K(+)- and HCO3(-)-dependent acid-base transport in squid giant axons II. Base influx

PubMed Central

1995-01-01

We used microelectrodes to determine whether the K/HCO3 cotransporter tentatively identified in the accompanying paper (Hogan, E. M., M. A. Cohen, and W. F. Boron. 1995. Journal of General Physiology. 106:821- 844) can mediate an increase in the intracellular pH (pHi) of squid giant axons. An 80-min period of internal dialysis increased pHi to 7.7, 8.0, or 8.3; the dialysis fluid was free of K+, Na+, and Cl-. Our standard artificial seawater (ASW), which also lacked Na+, K+, and Cl-, had a pH of 8.0. Halting dialysis unmasked a slow pHi decrease. Subsequently introducing an ASW containing 437 mM K+ and 0.5% CO2/12 mM HCO3- had two effects: (a) it caused membrane potential (Vm) to become very positive, and (b) it caused a rapid pHi decrease, because of CO2 influx, followed by a slower plateau-phase pHi increase, presumably because of inward cotransport of K+ and HCO3- ("base influx"). Only extracellular Rb+ substituted for K+ in producing the plateau-phase pHi increase in the presence of CO2/HCO3-. Mean fluxes with Na+, Li+, and Cs+ were not significantly different from zero, even though Vm shifts were comparable for all monovalent cations tested. Thus, unless K+ or Rb+ (but not Na+, Li+, or Cs+) somehow activates a conductive pathway for H+, HCO3-, or both, it is unlikely that passive transport of H+, HCO3-, or both makes the major contribution to the pHi increase in the presence of K+ (or Rb+) and CO2/HCO3-. Because exposing axons to an ASW containing 437 mM K+, but no CO2/HCO3-, produced at most a slow pHi increase, K-H exchange could not make a major contribution to base influx. Introducing an ASW containing CO2/HCO3-, but no K+ also failed to elicit base influx. Because we observed base influx when the ASW and DF were free of Na+ and Cl-, and because the disulfonic stilbene derivatives SITS and DIDS failed to block base influx, Na(+)-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchange also cannot account for the results. Rather, we suggest that the most straightforward explanation for the pHi increase we observed in the simultaneous presence of K+ and CO2/HCO3- is the coupled uptake of K+ and HCO3-. PMID:8648295

Nonlinear Wave Simulation on the Xeon Phi Knights Landing Processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hristov, Ivan; Goranov, Goran; Hristova, Radoslava

2018-02-01

We consider an interesting from computational point of view standing wave simulation by solving coupled 2D perturbed Sine-Gordon equations. We make an OpenMP realization which explores both thread and SIMD levels of parallelism. We test the OpenMP program on two different energy equivalent Intel architectures: 2× Xeon E5-2695 v2 processors, (code-named "Ivy Bridge-EP") in the Hybrilit cluster, and Xeon Phi 7250 processor (code-named "Knights Landing" (KNL). The results show 2 times better performance on KNL processor.

Multiple phytochromes are involved in red-light-induced enhancement of first-positive phototropism in arabidopsis thaliana

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

Janoudi, A.K.; Gordon, W.R.; Poff, K.L.

1997-03-01

The amplitude of phototropic curvature to blue light is enhanced by a prior exposure of seedlings to red light. This enhancement is mediated by phytochrome. Fluence-response relationships have been constructed for red-light-induced enhancement in the phytochrome A (phyA) null mutant, the phytochrome B- (phyB) deficient mutant, and in two transgenic lines of Arabidopsis thaliana that overexpress either phyA or phyB. These fluence-response relationships demonstrate the existence of two responses in enhancement, a response in the very-low-to-low-fluence range, and a response in the high-fluence range. Only the response in the high-fluence range is present in the phyA null mutant. In contrast,more » the phyB-deficient mutant is indistinguishable from the wild-type parent in red-light responsiveness. These data indicate that phyA is necessary for the very-low-to-low but not the high-fluence response, and that phyB is not necessary for either response range. Based on these results, the high-fluence response, if controlled by a single phytochrome, must be controlled by a phytochrome other than phyA or phyB. Overexpression of phyA has a negative effect and overexpression of phyB has an enhancing effect in the high fluence range. These results suggest that overexpression of either phytochrome perturbs the function of the endogenous photoreceptor system in unpreditable fashion. 25 refs., 3 figs.« less

SUMOylation of phytochrome-B negatively regulates light-induced signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Sadanandom, Ari; Ádám, Éva; Orosa, Beatriz; Viczián, András; Klose, Cornelia; Zhang, Cunjin; Josse, Eve-Marie; Kozma-Bognár, László; Nagy, Ferenc

2015-01-01

The red/far red light absorbing photoreceptor phytochrome-B (phyB) cycles between the biologically inactive (Pr, λmax, 660 nm) and active (Pfr; λmax, 730 nm) forms and functions as a light quality and quantity controlled switch to regulate photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis. At the molecular level, phyB interacts in a conformation-dependent fashion with a battery of downstream regulatory proteins, including PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR transcription factors, and by modulating their activity/abundance, it alters expression patterns of genes underlying photomorphogenesis. Here we report that the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is conjugated (SUMOylation) to the C terminus of phyB; the accumulation of SUMOylated phyB is enhanced by red light and displays a diurnal pattern in plants grown under light/dark cycles. Our data demonstrate that (i) transgenic plants expressing the mutant phyBLys996Arg-YFP photoreceptor are hypersensitive to red light, (ii) light-induced SUMOylation of the mutant phyB is drastically decreased compared with phyB-YFP, and (iii) SUMOylation of phyB inhibits binding of PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 5 to phyB Pfr. In addition, we show that OVERLY TOLERANT TO SALT 1 (OTS1) de-SUMOylates phyB in vitro, it interacts with phyB in vivo, and the ots1/ots2 mutant is hyposensitive to red light. Taken together, we conclude that SUMOylation of phyB negatively regulates light signaling and it is mediated, at least partly, by the action of OTS SUMO proteases. PMID:26283376

Automatic detection of protected health information from clinic narratives.

PubMed

Yang, Hui; Garibaldi, Jonathan M

2015-12-01

This paper presents a natural language processing (NLP) system that was designed to participate in the 2014 i2b2 de-identification challenge. The challenge task aims to identify and classify seven main Protected Health Information (PHI) categories and 25 associated sub-categories. A hybrid model was proposed which combines machine learning techniques with keyword-based and rule-based approaches to deal with the complexity inherent in PHI categories. Our proposed approaches exploit a rich set of linguistic features, both syntactic and word surface-oriented, which are further enriched by task-specific features and regular expression template patterns to characterize the semantics of various PHI categories. Our system achieved promising accuracy on the challenge test data with an overall micro-averaged F-measure of 93.6%, which was the winner of this de-identification challenge. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gravitational lensing effects in a time-variable cosmological 'constant' cosmology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratra, Bharat; Quillen, Alice

1992-01-01

A scalar field phi with a potential V(phi) varies as phi exp -alpha(alpha is greater than 0) has an energy density, behaving like that of a time-variable cosmological 'constant', that redshifts less rapidly than the energy densities of radiation and matter, and so might contribute significantly to the present energy density. We compute, in this spatially flat cosmology, the gravitational lensing optical depth, and the expected lens redshift distribution for fixed source redshift. We find, for the values of alpha of about 4 and baryonic density parameter Omega of about 0.2 consistent with the classical cosmological tests, that the optical depth is significantly smaller than that in a constant-Lambda model with the same Omega. We also find that the redshift of the maximum of the lens distribution falls between that in the constant-Lambda model and that in the Einstein-de Sitter model.

Insulation Resistance Degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Donhang (David)

2015-01-01

Insulation resistance (IR) degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors has been characterized by the measurement of both time to failure and direct-current (DC) leakage current as a function of stress time under highly accelerated life test conditions. The measured leakage current-time dependence data fit well to an exponential form, and a characteristic growth time ?SD can be determined. A greater value of tau(sub SD) represents a slower IR degradation process. Oxygen vacancy migration and localization at the grain boundary region results in the reduction of the Schottky barrier height and has been found to be the main reason for IR degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 capacitors. The reduction of barrier height as a function of time follows an exponential relation of phi (??)=phi (0)e(exp -2?t), where the degradation rate constant ??=??o??(????/????) is inversely proportional to the mean time to failure (MTTF) and can be determined using an Arrhenius plot. For oxygen vacancy electromigration, a lower barrier height phi(0) will favor a slow IR degradation process, but a lower phi(0) will also promote electronic carrier conduction across the barrier and decrease the insulation resistance. As a result, a moderate barrier height phi(0) (and therefore a moderate IR value) with a longer MTTF (smaller degradation rate constant ??) will result in a minimized IR degradation process and the most improved reliability in Ni-BaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors.

Insulation Resistance Degradation in Ni-BaTiO3 Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Donhang David

2015-01-01

Insulation resistance (IR) degradation in NiBaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors has been characterized by the measurement of both time to failure (TTF) and direct current leakage current as a function of stress time under highly accelerated life test conditions. The measured leakage current time dependence data fit well to an exponential form, and a characteristic growth time tau (sub SD) can be determined. A greater value of tau (sub SD) represents a slower IR degradation process. Oxygen vacancy migration and localization at the grain boundary region results in the reduction of the Schottky barrier height and has been found to be the main reason for IR degradation in NiBaTiO3 capacitors. The reduction of barrier height as a function oftime follows an exponential relation of phi (t ) = phi (0) e (exp -2Kt), where 13 the degradation rate constant K Koe (Ek/kT) is inversely proportional to the mean TTF (MTTF) and can be determined using an Arrhenius plot. For oxygen vacancy electromigration, a lower barrier height phi (0) will favor a slow IR degradation process, but a lower phi (0) will also promote electronic carrier conduction across the barrier and decrease the IR. As a result, a moderate barrier height phi (0) (and therefore a moderate IR value) with a longer MTTF (smaller degradation rate constant K) will result in a minimized IR degradation process and the most improved reliability in NiBaTiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors.

Multisite light-induced phosphorylation of the transcription factor PIF3 is necessary for both its rapid degradation and concomitant negative feedback modulation of photoreceptor phyB levels in Arabidopsis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Plants constantly monitor informational light signals using sensory photoreceptors, which include the phytochrome (phy) family (phyA to phyE), and adjust their growth and development accordingly. Following light-induced nuclear translocation, photoactivated phy molecules bind to and induce rapid pho...

Putting the Focus Back on the Patient: How Privacy Concerns Affect Personal Health Information Sharing Intentions

PubMed Central

Sanders, G Lawrence

2017-01-01

Background Health care providers are driven by greater participation and systemic cost savings irrespective of benefits to individual patients derived from sharing Personal Health Information (PHI). Protecting PHI is a critical issue in the sharing of health care information systems; yet, there is very little literature examining the topic of sharing PHI electronically. A good overview of the regulatory, privacy, and societal barriers to sharing PHI can be found in the 2009 Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. Objective This study investigated the factors that influence individuals’ intentions to share their PHI electronically with health care providers, creating an understanding of how we can represent a patient’s interests more accurately in sharing settings, instead of treating patients like predetermined subjects. Unlike privacy concern and trust, patient activation is a stable trait that is not subject to change in the short term and, thus, is a useful factor in predicting sharing behavior. We apply the extended privacy model in the health information sharing context and adapt this model to include patient activation and issue involvement to predict individuals’ intentions. Methods This was a survey-based study with 1600+ participants using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data to validate a model through various statistical techniques. The research method included an assessment of both the measurement and structural models with post hoc analysis. Results We find that privacy concern has the most influence on individuals’ intentions to share. Patient activation, issue involvement, and patient-physician relationship are significant predictors of sharing intention. We contribute to theory by introducing patient activation and issue involvement as proxies for personal interest factors in the health care context. Conclusions Overall, this study found that although patients are open to sharing their PHI, they still have concerns over the privacy of their PHI during the sharing process. It is paramount to address this factor to increase information flow and identify how patients can assure that their privacy is protected. The outcome of this study is a set of recommendations for motivating the sharing of PHI. The goal of this research is to increase the health profile of the patients by integrating the testing and diagnoses of various doctors across health care providers and, thus, bring patients closer to the physicians. PMID:28903895

[Genetic study of bacteriophage phi81. I. Isolation, study of complementation and preliminary mapping of amber-mutants of bacteriophage phi81].

PubMed

Sineokiĭ, S P; Pogosov, V Z; Iankovskiĭ, N K; Krylov, V N

1976-01-01

123 Amber mutants of lambdoid bacteriophage phi81 are isolated and distributed into 19 complementation groups. Deletion mapping made possible to locate 5 gene groups on the genetic map of bacteriophage phi81 and to determine a region of possible location of mm' sticky ends on the prophage genetic map. A gene of phage phi81 is localized, which controls the adsorption specificity, and which functional similarity to a respective gene of phage phi80 is demonstrated.

Waveform Generator Signal Processing Software

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-09-01

This report describes the software that was developed to process test waveforms that were recorded by crash test data acquisition systems. The test waveforms are generated by an electronic waveform generator developed by MGA Research Corporation unde...

Evaluation of PHI Hunter in Natural Language Processing Research.

PubMed

Redd, Andrew; Pickard, Steve; Meystre, Stephane; Scehnet, Jeffrey; Bolton, Dan; Heavirland, Julia; Weaver, Allison Lynn; Hope, Carol; Garvin, Jennifer Hornung

2015-01-01

We introduce and evaluate a new, easily accessible tool using a common statistical analysis and business analytics software suite, SAS, which can be programmed to remove specific protected health information (PHI) from a text document. Removal of PHI is important because the quantity of text documents used for research with natural language processing (NLP) is increasing. When using existing data for research, an investigator must remove all PHI not needed for the research to comply with human subjects' right to privacy. This process is similar, but not identical, to de-identification of a given set of documents. PHI Hunter removes PHI from free-form text. It is a set of rules to identify and remove patterns in text. PHI Hunter was applied to 473 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) text documents randomly drawn from a research corpus stored as unstructured text in VA files. PHI Hunter performed well with PHI in the form of identification numbers such as Social Security numbers, phone numbers, and medical record numbers. The most commonly missed PHI items were names and locations. Incorrect removal of information occurred with text that looked like identification numbers. PHI Hunter fills a niche role that is related to but not equal to the role of de-identification tools. It gives research staff a tool to reasonably increase patient privacy. It performs well for highly sensitive PHI categories that are rarely used in research, but still shows possible areas for improvement. More development for patterns of text and linked demographic tables from electronic health records (EHRs) would improve the program so that more precise identifiable information can be removed. PHI Hunter is an accessible tool that can flexibly remove PHI not needed for research. If it can be tailored to the specific data set via linked demographic tables, its performance will improve in each new document set.

Contribution of elevated intracellular calcium to pulmonary arterial myocyte alkalinization during chronic hypoxia

PubMed Central

Luke, Trevor; Shimoda, Larissa A.

2016-01-01

Abstract In the lung, exposure to chronic hypoxia (CH) causes pulmonary hypertension, a debilitating disease. Development of this condition arises from increased muscularity and contraction of pulmonary vessels, associated with increases in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) intracellular pH (pHi) and Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In this study, we explored the interaction between pHi and [Ca2+]i in PASMCs from rats exposed to normoxia or CH (3 weeks, 10% O2). PASMC pHi and [Ca2+]i were measured with fluorescent microscopy and the dyes BCECF and Fura-2. Both pHi and [Ca2+]i levels were elevated in PASMCs from hypoxic rats. Exposure to KCl increased [Ca2+]i and pHi to a similar extent in normoxic and hypoxic PASMCs. Conversely, removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blockade of Ca2+ entry with NiCl2 or SKF 96365 decreased [Ca2+]i and pHi only in hypoxic cells. Neither increasing pHi with NH4Cl nor decreasing pHi by removal of bicarbonate impacted PASMC [Ca2+]i. We also examined the roles of Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX) and Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) in mediating the elevated basal [Ca2+]i and Ca2+-dependent changes in PASMC pHi. Bepridil, dichlorobenzamil, and KB-R7943, which are NCX inhibitors, decreased resting [Ca2+]i and pHi only in hypoxic PASMCs and blocked the changes in pHi induced by altering [Ca2+]i. Exposure to ethyl isopropyl amiloride, an NHE inhibitor, decreased resting pHi and prevented changes in pHi due to changing [Ca2+]i. Our findings indicate that, during CH, the elevation in basal [Ca2+]i may contribute to the alkaline shift in pHi in PASMCs, likely via mechanisms involving reverse-mode NCX and NHE. PMID:27076907

Evaluation of PHI Hunter in Natural Language Processing Research

PubMed Central

Redd, Andrew; Pickard, Steve; Meystre, Stephane; Scehnet, Jeffrey; Bolton, Dan; Heavirland, Julia; Weaver, Allison Lynn; Hope, Carol; Garvin, Jennifer Hornung

2015-01-01

Objectives We introduce and evaluate a new, easily accessible tool using a common statistical analysis and business analytics software suite, SAS, which can be programmed to remove specific protected health information (PHI) from a text document. Removal of PHI is important because the quantity of text documents used for research with natural language processing (NLP) is increasing. When using existing data for research, an investigator must remove all PHI not needed for the research to comply with human subjects’ right to privacy. This process is similar, but not identical, to de-identification of a given set of documents. Materials and methods PHI Hunter removes PHI from free-form text. It is a set of rules to identify and remove patterns in text. PHI Hunter was applied to 473 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) text documents randomly drawn from a research corpus stored as unstructured text in VA files. Results PHI Hunter performed well with PHI in the form of identification numbers such as Social Security numbers, phone numbers, and medical record numbers. The most commonly missed PHI items were names and locations. Incorrect removal of information occurred with text that looked like identification numbers. Discussion PHI Hunter fills a niche role that is related to but not equal to the role of de-identification tools. It gives research staff a tool to reasonably increase patient privacy. It performs well for highly sensitive PHI categories that are rarely used in research, but still shows possible areas for improvement. More development for patterns of text and linked demographic tables from electronic health records (EHRs) would improve the program so that more precise identifiable information can be removed. Conclusions PHI Hunter is an accessible tool that can flexibly remove PHI not needed for research. If it can be tailored to the specific data set via linked demographic tables, its performance will improve in each new document set. PMID:26807078

Nuclear phytochrome A signaling promotes phototropism in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Kami, Chitose; Hersch, Micha; Trevisan, Martine; Genoud, Thierry; Hiltbrunner, Andreas; Bergmann, Sven; Fankhauser, Christian

2012-02-01

Phototropin photoreceptors (phot1 and phot2 in Arabidopsis thaliana) enable responses to directional light cues (e.g., positive phototropism in the hypocotyl). In Arabidopsis, phot1 is essential for phototropism in response to low light, a response that is also modulated by phytochrome A (phyA), representing a classical example of photoreceptor coaction. The molecular mechanisms underlying promotion of phototropism by phyA remain unclear. Most phyA responses require nuclear accumulation of the photoreceptor, but interestingly, it has been proposed that cytosolic phyA promotes phototropism. By comparing the kinetics of phototropism in seedlings with different subcellular localizations of phyA, we show that nuclear phyA accelerates the phototropic response, whereas in the fhy1 fhl mutant, in which phyA remains in the cytosol, phototropic bending is slower than in the wild type. Consistent with this data, we find that transcription factors needed for full phyA responses are needed for normal phototropism. Moreover, we show that phyA is the primary photoreceptor promoting the expression of phototropism regulators in low light (e.g., PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE1 [PKS1] and ROOT PHOTO TROPISM2 [RPT2]). Although phyA remains cytosolic in fhy1 fhl, induction of PKS1 and RPT2 expression still occurs in fhy1 fhl, indicating that a low level of nuclear phyA signaling is still present in fhy1 fhl.

Nuclear Phytochrome A Signaling Promotes Phototropism in Arabidopsis[W][OA

PubMed Central

Kami, Chitose; Hersch, Micha; Trevisan, Martine; Genoud, Thierry; Hiltbrunner, Andreas; Bergmann, Sven; Fankhauser, Christian

2012-01-01

Phototropin photoreceptors (phot1 and phot2 in Arabidopsis thaliana) enable responses to directional light cues (e.g., positive phototropism in the hypocotyl). In Arabidopsis, phot1 is essential for phototropism in response to low light, a response that is also modulated by phytochrome A (phyA), representing a classical example of photoreceptor coaction. The molecular mechanisms underlying promotion of phototropism by phyA remain unclear. Most phyA responses require nuclear accumulation of the photoreceptor, but interestingly, it has been proposed that cytosolic phyA promotes phototropism. By comparing the kinetics of phototropism in seedlings with different subcellular localizations of phyA, we show that nuclear phyA accelerates the phototropic response, whereas in the fhy1 fhl mutant, in which phyA remains in the cytosol, phototropic bending is slower than in the wild type. Consistent with this data, we find that transcription factors needed for full phyA responses are needed for normal phototropism. Moreover, we show that phyA is the primary photoreceptor promoting the expression of phototropism regulators in low light (e.g., PHYTOCHROME KINASE SUBSTRATE1 [PKS1] and ROOT PHOTO TROPISM2 [RPT2]). Although phyA remains cytosolic in fhy1 fhl, induction of PKS1 and RPT2 expression still occurs in fhy1 fhl, indicating that a low level of nuclear phyA signaling is still present in fhy1 fhl. PMID:22374392

How does gravity save or kill Q-balls?

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

Tamaki, Takashi; Sakai, Nobuyuki; Department of Education, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560

2011-02-15

We explore stability of gravitating Q-balls with potential V{sub 4}({phi})=(m{sup 2}/2){phi}{sup 2}-{lambda}{phi}{sup 4}+({phi}{sup 6}/M{sup 2}) via catastrophe theory, as an extension of our previous work on Q-balls with potential V{sub 3}({phi})=(m{sup 2}/2){phi}{sup 2}-{mu}{phi}{sup 3}+{lambda}{phi}{sup 4}. In flat spacetime Q-balls with V{sub 4} in the thick-wall limit are unstable and there is a minimum charge Q{sub min}, where Q-balls with Q

Interaction between physostigmine and soman on brain regional cholinesterase activity and /sup 3/H-physostigmine distribution

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

Hallak, M.E.; Woodruff, E.; Giacobini, E.

1986-03-05

Physostigmine (Phy) concentrations (as radioactivity) were studied in various brain areas after /sup 3/H-Phy administration as a function of time. Five min after 500 ..mu..g/kg i.m., cortex (CX) and total brain showed similar concentrations (370 ng/g) which were 50-90% higher than those of other brain regions (striatum, hippocampus, and medulla oblongata). Soman did not affect Phy levels in whole brain after pretreatment with Phy (100 or 500 ..mu..g/kg), however, the regional distribution of Phy was altered by soman as was ChE inhibition. A significant increase in Phy concentration was seen in HC (22 and 45% at 5 and 30 min,more » respectively) and CX (21% at 30 min). ChE activity in total brain was 12, 30, and 24% (5, 15 and 30 min after soman administration) lower than after Phy alone. If the pretreatment dose of Phy was increased to 500 ..mu..g/kg /sup 3/H-Phy, ChE activity was further reduced to 4, 13 and 19%. This might indicate that higher doses of Phy provide more protection of the enzyme from soman than lower doses. The protective role of Phy seen in total brain was not consistent for all brain regions. Soman alone produced a 95% ChE inhibition and there were no differences in its effect between total brain or brain areas. Pretreatment of the rat with Phy produced a protective effect upon ChE activity up to 30 min. However, no protective effect on survival was observed.« less

Color deconvolution. Optimizing handling of 3D unitary optical density vectors with polar coordinates.

PubMed

Bigras, Gilbert

2012-06-01

Color deconvolution relies on determination of unitary optical density vectors (OD(3D)) derived from pure constituent stains initially defined as intensity vectors in RGB space. OD(3D) can be defined in polar coordinates (phi, theta, radius); always being equal to one, radius can be ignored. Easier handling of unitary optical density 2D vectors (OD(2D)) is shown. OD(2D) pure stains used in anatomical pathology were assessed as centroid values (phi, theta) with a measure of variance: inertia based on arc lengths between centroid value and sampled points. These variables were plotted on a stereographic projection plane. In order to assess pure stains OD(2D), different methods of sampling RGB pixels were tested and compared: (2) direct sampling of nuclei from preparations using (a) composite H&E and (b) hematoxylin only and (2) for any pure stain RGB image, different associated 8-bit masks (saturation, brightness and RGB average) were used for sampling and compared. Behaviors of phi, theta and inertia were obtained by moving threshold in 8-bit mask histograms. Phi and theta stability were tested against variable light intensity during image acquisition and by using 2 different image acquisition systems. The more saturated RGB pixels are, the more stable phi, theta and inertia values are obtained. Different commercial hematoxylins have distinct OD(2D) characteristics. UltraView DAB stain shows high inertia and is angularly closer to usual counterstains than ultraView Red stain, which also has a lower inertia. Superior accuracy is expected from the latter stain. Phi and theta OD(2D) values are sensitive to light intensity variation, to the used imaging system and to the used objectives. An ImageJ plugin was designed to plot and interactively modify OD(2D) values with instant update of color deconvolution allowing heuristic segmentation. Utilization of polar OD(2D) eases statistical characterization of OD(3D) vectors: conditions of optimal sampling were demonstrated and various factors influencing OD(2D) stability were explored. Stereographic projection plane allows intuitive visualization of OD(3D) vectors as well as heuristic vectorial modification. All findings are not restricted to anatomical pathology but can be applied to bright field microscopy and subtractive color applications in general.

Sequential and coordinated action of phytochromes A and B during Arabidopsis stem growth revealed by kinetic analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parks, B. M.; Spalding, E. P.; Evans, M. L. (Principal Investigator)

1999-01-01

Photoreceptor proteins of the phytochrome family mediate light-induced inhibition of stem (hypocotyl) elongation during the development of photoautotrophy in seedlings. Analyses of overt mutant phenotypes have established the importance of phytochromes A and B (phyA and phyB) in this developmental process, but kinetic information that would augment emerging molecular models of phytochrome signal transduction is absent. We have addressed this deficiency by genetically dissecting phytochrome-response kinetics, after having solved the technical issues that previously limited growth studies of small Arabidopsis seedlings. We show here, with resolution on the order of minutes, that phyA initiated hypocotyl growth inhibition upon the onset of continuous red light. This primary contribution of phyA began to decrease after 3 hr of irradiation, the same time at which immunochemically detectable phyA disappeared and an exclusively phyB-dependent phase of inhibition began. The sequential and coordinated actions of phyA and phyB in red light were not observed in far-red light, which inhibited growth persistently through an exclusively phyA-mediated pathway.

Intracellular pH Regulation in Cultured Astrocytes from Rat Hippocampus

PubMed Central

Bevensee, Mark O.; Weed, Regina A.; Boron, Walter F.

1997-01-01

We studied the regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) in single cultured astrocytes passaged once from the hippocampus of the rat, using the dye 2′,7′-biscarboxyethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) to monitor pHi. Intrinsic buffering power (βI) was 10.5 mM (pH unit)−1 at pHi 7.0, and decreased linearly with pHi; the best-fit line to the data had a slope of −10.0 mM (pH unit)−2. In the absence of HCO3 −, pHi recovery from an acid load was mediated predominantly by a Na-H exchanger because the recovery was inhibited 88% by amiloride and 79% by ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA) at pHi 6.05. The ethylisopropylamiloride-sensitive component of acid extrusion fell linearly with pHi. Acid extrusion was inhibited 68% (pHi 6.23) by substituting Li+ for Na+ in the bath solution. Switching from a CO2/HCO3 −-free to a CO2/HCO3 −-containing bath solution caused mean steady state pHi to increase from 6.82 to 6.90, due to a Na+-driven HCO3 − transporter. The HCO3 −-induced pHi increase was unaffected by amiloride, but was inhibited 75% (pHi 6.85) by 400 μM 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS), and 65% (pHi 6.55–6.75) by pretreating astrocytes for up to ∼6.3 h with 400 μM 4-acetamide-4′-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS). The CO2/HCO3 −-induced pHi increase was blocked when external Na+ was replaced with N-methyl-d-glucammonium (NMDG+). In the presence of HCO3 −, the Na+-driven HCO3 − transporter contributed to the pHi recovery from an acid load. For example, HCO3 − shifted the plot of acid-extrusion rate vs. pHi by 0.15–0.3 pH units in the alkaline direction. Also, with Na-H exchange inhibited by amiloride, HCO3 − increased acid extrusion 3.8-fold (pHi 6.20). When astrocytes were acid loaded in amiloride, with Li+ as the major cation, HCO3 − failed to elicit a substantial increase in pHi. Thus, Li+ does not appear to substitute well for Na+ on the HCO3 − transporter. We conclude that an amiloride-sensitive Na-H exchanger and a Na+-driven HCO3 − transporter are the predominant acid extruders in astrocytes. PMID:9379175

Professionelles Learning Service Management an Hochschulen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baume, Matthias; Rathmayer, Sabine; Gergintchev, Ivan; Schulze, Elvira

Aufbauend auf den Großteils bereits geschaffenen eLearning Infrastrukturen für eine moderne Organisation stehen nahezu alle Hochschulen vor der Aufgabe, geeignete Lern- und Wissensmanagementkonzepte in Hinblick auf die Dienstgüte und den Anwenderbezug zu realisieren. Ein möglicher Lösungsansatz ist dabei die Entwicklung und Umsetzung eines Rahmenkonzeptes zur Verbesserung und Weiterentwicklung der Lehr-/Lernprozesse für Dozenten und Studenten am Beispiel bereits vorhandener und etablierter Service-Management-Konzepte. Übertragen auf die universitäre Organisation und Lehre, wäre ein derartiges Rahmenwerk zur Planung, Erbringung und Unterstützung von Lehr-/Lerndienstleistungen mit Einbezug der wichtigsten Lehr-/Lernprozesse ein dringend benötigter und fundamentaler Schritt hin zu einer schrittweisen Professionalisierung und Verbesserung der Hochschullehre. Der Beitrag erschließt eine Konzeptskizze für professionelles Learning Service Management an Hochschulen und gibt einen Ausblick auf die mögliche Vorgehensweise bei dessen Implementierung und Evaluierung.

Prostate health index and prostate cancer gene 3 score but not percent-free Prostate Specific Antigen have a predictive role in differentiating histological prostatitis from PCa and other nonneoplastic lesions (BPH and HG-PIN) at repeat biopsy.

PubMed

De Luca, Stefano; Passera, Roberto; Fiori, Cristian; Bollito, Enrico; Cappia, Susanna; Mario Scarpa, Roberto; Sottile, Antonino; Franco Randone, Donato; Porpiglia, Francesco

2015-10-01

To determine if prostate health index (PHI), prostate cancer antigen gene 3 (PCA3) score, and percentage of free prostate-specific antigen (%fPSA) may be used to differentiate asymptomatic acute and chronic prostatitis from prostate cancer (PCa), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) in patients with elevated PSA levels and negative findings on digital rectal examination at repeat biopsy (re-Bx). In this prospective study, 252 patients were enrolled, undergoing PHI, PCA3 score, and %fPSA assessments before re-Bx. We used 3 multivariate logistic regression models to test the PHI, PCA3 score, and %fPSA as risk factors for prostatitis vs. PCa, vs. BPH, and vs. HG-PIN. All the analyses were performed for the whole patient cohort and for the "gray zone" of PSA (4-10ng/ml) cohort (171 individuals). Of the 252 patients, 43 (17.1%) had diagnosis of PCa. The median PHI was significantly different between men with a negative biopsy and those with a positive biopsy (34.9 vs. 48.1, P<0.001), as for the PCA3 score (24 vs. 54, P<0.001) and %fPSA (11.8% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.012). The net benefit of using PCA3 and PHI to differentiate prostatitis and PCa was moderate, although it extended to a good range of threshold probabilities (40%-100%), whereas that from using %fPSA was negligible: this pattern was reported for the whole population as for the "gray zone" PSA cohort. In front of a good diagnostic performance of all the 3 biomarkers in distinguishing negative biopsy vs. positive biopsy, the clinical benefit of using the PCA3 score and PHI to estimate prostatitis vs. PCa was comparable. PHI was the only determinant for prostatitis vs. BPH, whereas no biomarkers could differentiate prostate inflammation from HG-PIN. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

76 FR 63342 - Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-12

...-1039. Petitioner: PHI, Inc. Section of 14 CFR Affected: Sec. 91.9(a). Description of Relief Sought: PHI, Inc. (PHI), requests an exemption from 91.9(a) to allow PHI to operate S-92A helicopters in accordance...

[Vegetarische und vegane Ernährung bei Kindern - Stand der Forschung und Forschungsbedarf].

PubMed

Keller, Markus; Müller, Stine

2016-01-01

Die Praxis vegetarischer Ernährungsformen ist in Deutschland im letzten Jahrzehnt deutlich angestiegen. Allerdings ist der Anteil vegetarischer und veganer Kinder dabei unbekannt. Studien mit Erwachsenen zeigen das präventive Potenzial, aber auch potenzielle Schwachstellen pflanzenbasierter Kostformen. Die Vorteile und Risiken einer vegetarischen bzw. veganen Ernährung im Kindesalter wurden bisher jedoch relativ selten untersucht. Außerdem lassen das unterschiedliche Alter der Kinder, das heterogene Studiendesign sowie die teilweise geringe Probandenzahl der Studien keine verbindlichen Aussagen zu. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die Ergebnisse der wenigen Studien zu vegetarisch und vegan ernährten Kindern (< 12 Jahren) in Nordamerika und Europa zusammengefasst. Demnach lag die Zufuhr von Nahrungsenergie und Makronährstoffen vegetarischer und veganer Kinder meist näher an den Empfehlungen der Fachgesellschaften als die Ernährung gleichaltriger Mischkostkinder. Ebenso wiesen vegetarisch und vegan ernährte Kinder eine höhere Zufuhr von und bessere Versorgung mit verschiedenen Vitaminen und Mineralstoffen auf. Häufiger zeigten sich jedoch Defizite bei Vitamin B12, Zink, Kalzium, Eisen und Vitamin D. Das Wachstum und die Entwicklung vegetarisch und vegan ernährter Kinder entsprachen weitgehend den Referenzstandards, wobei sie dazu tendierten, leichter, schlanker und (< 5 Jahren) auch kleiner zu sein. Aufgrund der unzureichenden Studienlage besteht erheblicher Forschungsbedarf zu den Auswirkungen einer vegetarischen und veganen Ernährung im Kindesalter. © 2016 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

Intracellular pH change does not accompany egg activation in the mouse.

PubMed

Phillips, K P; Baltz, J M

1996-09-01

In the sea urchin, some other marine invertebrates, and the frog, Xenopus, egg activation at fertilization is accompanied by an increase in intracellular pH (pHi). We measured pHi in germinal vesicle (GV)-intact mouse oocytes, ovulated eggs, and in vivo fertilized zygotes using the pH indicator dye, SNARF-1. The mean pH, was 6.96 +/- 0.004 (+/- SEM) in GV-intact oocytes, 7.00 +/- 0.01 in ovulated, unfertilized eggs, and 7.02 +/- 0.01 in fertilized zygotes, indicating no sustained changes in pHi after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) or fertilization. To examine whether transient changes in pHi occur shortly after egg activation, mouse eggs were parthenogenetically activated by 7% ethanol in phosphate buffered saline (PBS); no significant change in pHi followed ethanol activation. Since increased Na+/H+ antiporter activity is responsible for pHi increase in the sea urchin, pHi was measured in the absence of added bicarbonate or CO2 (a condition under which the antiporter would be the only major pHi regulatory mechanism able to operate, since the others were bicarbonate-dependent) in GV-intact oocytes, ovulated eggs, and in vivo fertilized zygotes to determine whether a Na+/H+ antiporter was activated. There was no physiologically significant difference in pHi after GVBD or fertilization, when pHi was measured in bicarbonate-free medium, nor any change upon parthenogenetic activation. Thus, a change in pHi is not a feature of egg activation in the mouse.

Sternbilder und ihre Mythen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fasching, Gerhard

Die Sternbilder und die damit verbundenen Mythen helfen, sich am Sternenhimmel zurechtzufinden und vermitteln die Vielfalt der Bilder der Mythologie und der Sternsagen. Sternkarten und alte Kupferstiche aus dem Bestand der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek zeigen, wie man sich in früheren Jahrhunderten den Sternenhimmel vorgestellt hat. Ausführliche Sachverzeichnisse mit über 3000 Suchbegriffen erleichtern den Zugang zu Stern- und Sternbildnamen und zur Mythologie. Die dritte, erweiterte Auflage gibt für die kommenden Jahrzehnte darüber Auskunft, wo und wann die Planeten aber auch Sternhaufen, Gasnebel und Galaxien am Himmel mühelos aufgefunden werden können.

Force-field parameters of the Psi and Phi around glycosidic bonds to oxygen and sulfur atoms.

PubMed

Saito, Minoru; Okazaki, Isao

2009-12-01

The Psi and Phi torsion angles around glycosidic bonds in a glycoside chain are the most important determinants of the conformation of a glycoside chain. We determined force-field parameters for Psi and Phi torsion angles around a glycosidic bond bridged by a sulfur atom, as well as a bond bridged by an oxygen atom as a preparation for the next study, i.e., molecular dynamics free energy calculations for protein-sugar and protein-inhibitor complexes. First, we extracted the Psi or Phi torsion energy component from a quantum mechanics (QM) total energy by subtracting all the molecular mechanics (MM) force-field components except for the Psi or Phi torsion angle. The Psi and Phi energy components extracted (hereafter called "the remaining energy components") were calculated for simple sugar models and plotted as functions of the Psi and Phi angles. The remaining energy component curves of Psi and Phi were well represented by the torsion force-field functions consisting of four and three cosine functions, respectively. To confirm the reliability of the force-field parameters and to confirm its compatibility with other force-fields, we calculated adiabatic potential curves as functions of Psi and Phi for the model glycosides by adopting the Psi and Phi force-field parameters obtained and by energetically optimizing other degrees of freedom. The MM potential energy curves obtained for Psi and Phi well represented the QM adiabatic curves and also these curves' differences with regard to the glycosidic oxygen and sulfur atoms. Our Psi and Phi force-fields of glycosidic oxygen gave MM potential energy curves that more closely represented the respective QM curves than did those of the recently developed GLYCAM force-field. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Smart Meter Rollout: Intelligente Messsysteme als Schnittstelle zum Kunden im Smart Grid und Smart Market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vortanz, Karsten; Zayer, Peter

Das Gesetz zur Digitalisierung der Energiewende ist verabschiedet. Ab 2017 sind moderne Messeinrichtungen (mME) und intelligente Messsysteme (iMSys) zu verbauen und zu betreiben. Der "deutsche Weg" für die Einführung von Smart Metern sieht einen stufenweisen Rollout sowie ein Höchstmaß an Informations- und Datensicherheit vor. Dabei spielen iMSys und mME eine wichtige Rolle bei der Neugestaltung der intelligenten Netze (Smart Grids) und des neuen Marktmodells (Smart Market). Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit den neuen Gesetzen, den Marktrollen und ihren Aufgaben, Datenschutz und Datensicherheit, dem iMSys als sichere Lösung, dem sicheren Betrieb von Smart Meter Gateways, Smart Grid - Smart Market, dem Zusammenspiel zwischen reguliertem Bereich und Markt, den Einsatzbereichen der iMSys sowie den Auswirkungen auf Prozesse und Systeme und gibt Handlungsempfehlungen.

Mikrodaten und statistische Auswertungsmethoden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hujer, Reinhard

Mit der zunehmenden Verfügbarkeit immer größerer Querschnitts- und Längschnittsdatensätze für Personen, Haushalte und Betriebe sowie deren Verknüpfungen hat sich die mikroökonometrische Forschung in den vergangenen Jahren rasant weiterentwickelt. Dies gilt sowohl aus methodischer als auch aus empirischer, anwendungsorientierter Sicht. Mikrodaten und mikroökonometrische Ansätze dienen dazu, aktuelle, politikrelevante Fragen aufzugreifen, sie zu analysieren und fundierte politische Empfehlungen zu geben, beispielsweise im Rahmen der Arbeitsmarkt- und Sozialpolitik, der Finanzanalyse und der Marketingforschung. Die Deutsche Statistische Gesellschaft (DStatG) und deren Mitglieder haben sich in den Ausschüssen und in Hauptversammlungen kontinuierlich mit den Weiterentwicklungen der mikroökonometrischen Methodik und den empirischen Anwendungen befasst. Zahlreiche Publikationen von Mitgliedern der DStatG haben entscheidend zum kritischen Diskurs und zum wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt in diesem Bereich beigetragen.

Molecular characterization of a genomic region in a Lactococcus bacteriophage that is involved in its sensitivity to the phage defense mechanism AbiA.

PubMed

Dinsmore, P K; Klaenhammer, T R

1997-05-01

A spontaneous mutant of the lactococcal phage phi31 that is insensitive to the phage defense mechanism AbiA was characterized in an effort to identify the phage factor(s) involved in sensitivity of phi31 to AbiA. A point mutation was localized in the genome of the AbiA-insensitive phage (phi31A) by heteroduplex analysis of a 9-kb region. The mutation (G to T) was within a 738-bp open reading frame (ORF245) and resulted in an arginine-to-leucine change in the predicted amino acid sequence of the protein. The mutant phi31A-ORF245 reduced the sensitivity of phi31 to AbiA when present in trans, indicating that the mutation in ORF245 is responsible for the AbiA insensitivity of phi31A. Transcription of ORF245 occurs early in the phage infection cycles of phi31 and phi31A and is unaffected by AbiA. Expansion of the phi31 sequence revealed ORF169 (immediately upstream of ORF245) and ORF71 (which ends 84 bp upstream of ORF169). Two inverted repeats lie within the 84-bp region between ORF71 and ORF169. Sequence analysis of an independently isolated AbiA-insensitive phage, phi31B, identified a mutation (G to A) in one of the inverted repeats. A 118-bp fragment from phi31, encompassing the 84-bp region between ORF71 and ORF169, eliminates AbiA activity against phi31 when present in trans, establishing a relationship between AbiA and this fragment. The study of this region of phage phi31 has identified an open reading frame (ORF245) and a 118-bp DNA fragment that interact with AbiA and are likely to be involved in the sensitivity of this phage to AbiA.

[Improvement of Phi bodies stain and its clinical significance].

PubMed

Gong, Xu-Bo; Lu, Xing-Guo; Yan, Li-Juan; Xiao, Xi-Bin; Wu, Dong; Xu, Gen-Bo; Zhang, Xiao-Hong; Zhao, Xiao-Ying

2009-02-01

The aim of this study was to improve the dyeing method of hydroperoxidase (HPO), to analyze the morphologic features of Phi bodies and to evaluate the clinical application of this method. 128 bone marrow or peripheral blood smears from patients with myeloid and lymphoid malignancies were stained by improved HPO staining. The Phi bodies were observed with detection rate of Phi bodies in different leukemias. 69 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) specimens were chosen randomly, the positive rate and the number of Phi bodies between the improved HPO and POX stain based on the same substrate of 3, 3'diaminobenzidine were compared. The results showed that the shape of bundle-like Phi bodies was variable, long or short. while the nubbly Phi bodies often presented oval and smooth. Club-like Phi bodies were found in M(3). The detection rates of bundle-like Phi bodies in AML M(1)-M(5) were 42.9% (6/14), 83.3% (15/18), 92.0% (23/25), 52.3% (11/21), 33.3% (5/15) respectively, and those of nubbly Phi bodies were 28.6% (4/14), 66.7% (12/18), 11.1% (3/25), 33.3% (7/21), 20.0% (3/15) respectively. The detection rate of bundle-like Phi bodies in M(3) was significantly higher than that in (M(1) + M(2)) or (M(4) + M(5)) groups. The detection rate of nubbly Phi bodies in (M(1) + M(2)) group was higher than that in M(3) group. In conclusion, after improvement of staining method, the HPO stain becomes simple, the detection rate of Phi bodies is higher than that by the previous method, the positive granules are more obvious, and the results become stable. This improved method plays an important role in differentiating AML from ALL, subtyping AML, and evaluating the therapeutic results.

The role and uptake of private health insurance in different health care systems: are there lessons for developing countries?

PubMed

Odeyemi, Isaac Ao; Nixon, John

2013-01-01

Social and national health insurance schemes are being introduced in many developing countries in moving towards universal health care. However, gaps in coverage are common and can only be met by out-of-pocket payments, general taxation, or private health insurance (PHI). This study provides an overview of PHI in different health care systems and discusses factors that affect its uptake and equity. A representative sample of countries was identified (United States, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, France, Australia, and Latvia) that illustrates the principal forms and roles of PHI. Literature describing each country's health care system was used to summarize how PHI is utilized and the factors that affect its uptake and equity. In the United States, PHI is a primary source of funding in conjunction with tax-based programs to support vulnerable groups; in the UK and Latvia, PHI is used in a supplementary role to universal tax-based systems; in France and Latvia, complementary PHI is utilized to cover gaps in public funding; in The Netherlands, PHI is supplementary to statutory private and social health insurance; in Australia, the government incentivizes the uptake of complementary PHI through tax rebates and penalties. The uptake of PHI is influenced by age, income, education, health care system typology, and the incentives or disincentives applied by governments. The effect on equity can either be positive or negative depending on the type of PHI adopted and its role within the wider health care system. PHI has many manifestations depending on the type of health care system used and its role within that system. This study has illustrated its common applications and the factors that affect its uptake and equity in different health care systems. The results are anticipated to be helpful in informing how developing countries may utilize PHI to meet the aim of achieving universal health care.

FORS am Very Large Telescope der Europäischen Südsternwarte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1998-09-01

Erstes wissenschaftliches Beobachtungsinstrument liefert eindrucksvolle Bilder Entsprechend dem straffen Zeitplan wird das ESO Very Large Teleskop Projekt (VLT-Projekt) auf dem Cerro Paranal in Nord-Chile verwirklicht: die volle Betriebsbereitschaft des ersten der vier 8,2m-Einzelteleskope wird Anfang des nächsten Jahres erreicht sein. Am 15. September 1998 wurde ein weiterer wichtiger Meilenstein erfolgreich, rechtzeitig und innerhalb des Kostenplans erreicht. Nur wenige Tage nach seiner Montage am ersten 8,2m-Einzelteleskop des VLT (UT1) konnte FORS1 ( FO cal R educer and S pectrograph) als erstes einer Gruppe leistungsfähiger und komplexer wissenschaftlicher Instrumente seine Beobachtungstätigkeit beginnen. Von Anfang an konnte es eine Reihe exzellenter astronomischer Bilder aufnehmen. Dieses bedeutende Ereignis eröffnet eine Fülle neuer Möglichkeiten für die europäische Astronomie. FORS - ein Höhepunkt an Komplexität FORS1 und das zukünftige Zwillingsinstrument (FORS2) sind das Ergebnis einer der eingehendsten und fortschrittlichsten technologischen Studien, die je für ein Instrument der bodengebundenen Astronomie durchgeführt wurden. Dieses einzigartige Instrument ist nun im Cassegrain-Fokus installiert und verschwindet beinahe, trotz seiner Dimensionen von 3 x 1.5m (Gewicht 2.3t), unterhalb des riesigen 53 m 2 großen Zerodurspiegels. Um die große Spiegelfläche und die hervorragende Bildqualität von UT1 optimal auszunützen, wurde FORS speziell so konstruiert, daß es die lichtschwächsten und entferntesten Objekte im Weltall untersuchen kann. Bald wird dieses komplexe VLT-Instrument den europäischen Astronomen erlauben, die derzeitigen Beobachtungshorizonte entscheidend zu erweitern. Die beiden FORS-Instrumente sind Vielzweck-Beobachtungsinstrumente, die in mehreren unterschiedlichen Beobachtungsarten eingesetzt werden können. Beispielsweise können Bilder mit zwei verschiedenen Abbildungsmaßstäben (Vergrößerungen) sowie Spektren mit unterschiedlicher spektraler Auflösung von einzelnen oder mehreren Objekten aufgenommen werden. Dabei erlaubt der schnelle Wechsel zwischen den unterschiedlichen Beobachtungsarten z.B. zunächst die Aufnahme und direkt anschließend die Spektroskopie weit entfernter Galaxien. Damit kann dann u.a. die stellare Zusammensetzung und die Entfernung bestimmt werden. Als eines der leistungsfähigsten astronomischen Instrumente seiner Art wird FORS1 ein wahres Arbeitspferd für die Untersuchung des fernen Universums darstellen. Der Bau von FORS Das FORS-Projekt wird unter ESO-Kontrakt von einem Konsortium dreier deutscher astronomischer Institute durchgeführt, der Landessternwarte Heidelberg und den Universitäts-Sternwarten von Göttingen and München. Bis zur Beendigung des Projekts werden die beteiligten Institute Arbeit im Umfang von ca. 180 Mann-Jahren eingebracht haben. Bei der Landessternwarte Heidelberg lag die Leitung des Projekts. Hier wurde außerdem das gesamte optische System konstruiert, die Beschaffung der Komponenten der abbildenden Optik und der Zusatzoptiken für Spektroskopie und Polarimetrie durchgeführt und die spezielle Computersoftware geschrieben, mit der die von FORS gelieferten Daten verarbeitet und ausgewertet werden. Darüber hinaus wurde in der Werkstatt der Sternwarte ein Teleskopsimulator gebaut, mit dem alle wesentlichen Funktionen von FORS in Europa getestet werden konnten, bevor das Instrument zum Paranal (Chile) transportiert wurde. An der Universitäts-Sternwarte Göttingen wurden Konstruktion, Herstellung und Zusammenbau der gesamten Mechanik von FORS durchgeführt. Der größte Teil der Präzisionsteile, insbesondere der Multispalteinheit, wurde in der feinmechanischen Werkstatt der Sternwarte hergestellt. Die Beschaffung der großen Instrumentengehäuse und Flansche, die Computeranalysen für mechanische und thermische Stabilität des empfindlichen Spektrographen und die Herstellung der speziellen Werkzeuge für Handhabung, Wartung und Justierung lag ebenso in der Verantwortung dieser Sternwarte wie die Tests der zahlreichen opto- und elektromechanischen Funktionen. Die Universitäts-Sternwarte München war verantwortlich für das Projektmanagement, Integration und Test des gesamten Instruments im Labor, für Planung und Einbau aller Elektronik und Elektromechanik, sowie für Entwicklung und Test der gesamten Software, die FORS in allen Teilen vollständig per Computer steuert (z.B. Filter- und Grismräder, Verschlüsse, Spalteinheit für die Vielspaltspektroskopie, Masken, alle optischen Komponenten, Elektromotoren, Encoder usw.). Zusätzlich wurde Computersoftware geschrieben, mit der die komplexen astronomischen Beobachtungen mit FORS vorbereitet werden und das Verhalten des Instruments durch eine ständige Kontrolle der gesammelten wissenschaftlichen Daten überwacht wird. Als Gegenleistung für den Bau von FORS erhalten die Astronomen der drei beteiligten Institute des FORS-Konsortiums eine gewisse Anzahl von Nächten an "garantierter Beobachtungszeit" am VLT. In dieser Beobachtungszeit werden verschiedene Forschungsprojekte durchgeführt, deren Themen unter anderem von kleinen Körpern im äußeren Sonnensystem über Untersuchungen von Sternen im Endstadium und den von ihnen abgestoßenen Gaswolken bis zur Erforschung ferner Galaxien und Quasare reichen, die Aufschluß über die frühen Zeiten unseres Universums geben. Erste Tests von FORS1 am VLT-UT1: ein großartiger Erfolg Nach sorgfältiger Vorbereitung hat das FORS-Konsortium nun mit der Inbetriebnahme ("Commissioning") des Instruments begonnen. Dazu gehören ein eingehender Nachweis der spezifizierten Leistungsfähigkeit am Teleskop, die Überprüfung der korrekten Funktionsweise unter Softwaresteuerung vom Kontrollraum auf Paranal, und am Ende dieses Prozesses eine Demonstration, daß das Instrument seinen angestrebten wissenschaftlichen Zweck erfüllt. Während der Durchführung dieser Tests gelangen dem Commissioning-Team auf Paranal eine Reihe von Aufnahmen verschiedener astronomischer Objekte, von denen einige hier wiedergegeben sind. Sie wurden alle mit FORS in der Standardauflösung gewonnen (Bildfeldgröße 6.8 x 6.8 Bogenminuten, Pixelgröße 0.20 Bogensekunden) und zeigen einige der eindrucksvollen Möglichkeiten, die das neue Instrument bietet. Spiralgalaxie NGC 1288 ESO PR Photo 37a/98 ESO PR Photo 37a/98 [Preview - JPEG: 800 x 908 pix - 224k] [High-Res - JPEG: 3000 x 3406 pix - 1.5Mb] Farbaufnahme der Spiralgalaxie NGC 1288, aufgenommen in der ersten Beobachtungsnacht von FORS ("Nacht des ersten Lichts"). Das erste Photo zeigt eine Dreifarbenaufnahme der schönen Spiralgalaxie NGC 1288 im südlichen Sternbild Fornax. PR Photo 37a/98 umfaßt das gesamte Feld, das mit der 2048 x 2048 Pixel großen CCD-Kamera abgebildet wurde. Es wurde aus drei CCD-Aufnahmen zusammengesetzt, die bei gutem Seeing in verschiedenen Farben in der "Nacht des ersten Lichts" (15. September 1998) aufgenommen wurden. Diese Galaxie mit einem Durchmesser von rund 200000 Lichtjahren ist etwa 300 Millionen Lichtjahre entfernt, ihre Fluchtgeschwindigkeit beträgt 4500 km/sec. Technische Informationen : Photo 37a/98 ist ein Komposit von drei Aufnahmen in den drei Filtern B (420nm, 6 Minuten belichtet), V (530nm, 3 Minuten) und I (800nm, 3 Minuten) während einer Periode mit 0.7 Bogensekunden Seeing. Das gezeigte Feld ist 6.8 x 6.8 Bogenminuten groß. Norden ist links, Osten unten. Entfernter Galaxienhaufen ESO PR Photo 37b/98 ESO PR Photo 37b/98 [Preview - JPEG: 657 x 800 pix - 248k] [High-Res - JPEG: 2465 x 3000 pix - 1.9Mb] Ein ungewöhnlicher Galaxienhaufen in der Umgebung des Quasars PB5763 . ESO PR Photo 37c/98 ESO PR Photo 37c/98 [Preview - JPEG: 670 x 800 pix - 272k] [High-Res - JPEG: 2512 x 3000 pix - 1.9Mb] Vergrößerung von PR Photo 37b/98; sie zeigt mehr Einzelheiten des ungewöhnlichen Galaxienhaufens. Die nächsten Photos wurden von einer 5-minütigen Aufnahme im Nahen Infrarot reproduziert, die ebenfalls in der "Nacht des ersten Lichts" von FORS1 (15. September 1998) gewonnen wurde. PR Photo 37b/98 zeigt einen Himmelsausschnitt in der Nähe des Quasars PB5763, in dem auch ein ungewöhnlicher, sehr weit entfernter Haufen von Galaxien zu sehen ist. Er besteht aus einer großen Zahl lichtschwacher Galaxien, die bisher noch nicht eingehend untersucht wurden. Dieser Haufen ist ein gutes Beispiel für die Art von Objekten, auf die viel Beobachtungszeit mit FORS verwendet werden wird, sobald der reguläre Beobachtungsbetrieb begonnen hat. Eine Vergrößerung des gleichen Feldes ist in PR Photo 37c/98 wiedergegeben. Sie zeigt die einzelnen Mitglieder dieses Galaxienhaufens im Detail. Man beachte besonders die interessante spindelförmige Galaxie, die anscheinend einen äquatorialen Ring aufweist. Neben einer schönen Spiralgalaxie sind auch noch viele weitere lichtschwache Galaxien zu erkennen. Sie sind entweder Zwerggalaxien und Mitglieder des Haufens oder befinden sich sehr viel weiter entfernt im Hintergrund des Haufens. Technische Informationen : PR Photos 37b/98 (als Negativ reproduziert) und 37c/98 (Positiv) stammen von einer Aufnahme, die bei 0.8 Bogensekunden Seeing durch ein I-Filter (nahes Infrarot, 800nm) gewonnen wurde. Die Belichtungszeit betrug 5 Minuten, und es wurde eine Flatfield-Korrektur durchgeführt. Das gezeigte Feld ist 6.8 x 6.8 Bogenminuten bzw. 2.5 x 2.3 Bogenminuten groß. Norden ist links oben, Osten links unten. Spiralgalaxie NGC 1232 ESO PR Photo 37d/98 ESO PR Photo 37d/98 [Preview - JPEG: 800 x 912 pix - 760k] [High-Res - JPEG: 3000 x 3420 pix - 5.7Mb] Ein Farbbild der Spiralgalaxie NGC 1232, aufgenommen am 21. September 1998. ESO PR Photo 37e/98 ESO PR Photo 37e/98 [Preview - JPEG: 800 x 961 pix - 480k] [High-Res - JPEG: 3000 x 3602 pix - 3.5Mb] Vergrößerung des Zentrums von PR Photo 37d/98. Dieses spektakuläre Bild der großen Spiralgalaxie NGC 1232 (Photo 37d/98) wurde am 21. September 1998 unter guten Beobachtungsbedingungen erhalten. Es wurde aus drei Einzelaufnahmen im ultravioletten, blauen und roten Licht zusammengesetzt. Die Farben der verschiedenen Regionen sind deutlich sichtbar: Das Zentralgebiet enthält ältere, rötlich leuchtende Sterne (Photo 37e/98), während die Spiralarme von jungen, bläulichen Sternen und roten Sternentstehungsgebieten bevölkert sind. Man beachte die gestörte Begleitgalaxie am linken Rand (Photo 37d/98), die wie der griechische Buchstabe "Theta" aussieht. NGC 1232 liegt 20 Grad südlich des Himmelsäquators im Sternbild Eridanus. Obwohl die Entfernung dieser Galaxie ungefähr 100 Millionen Lichtjahre beträgt, kann man auf Grund der exzellenten Bildqualität einen unglaublichen Reichtum an Details erkennen. Bei dieser Entfernung entspricht die Kantenlänge des Bildfeldes etwa 200000 Lichtjahren oder etwa der doppelten Größe unserer Milchstraße. Technische Informationen : Photos 37d/98 und 37e/98 sind ein Komposit von drei Aufnahmen in den drei Filtern U (360nm, 10 Minuten belichtet), B (420nm, 6 Minuten) und R (600nm, 2 Minuten 30 Sekunden) während einer Periode mit 0.7 Bogensekunden Seeing. Das gezeigte Feld ist 6.8 x 6.8 Bogenminuten bzw. 1.6 x 1.8 Bogenminuten groß. Norden ist oben, Osten links. Note: [1] Diese Pressemitteilung wird gemeinsam (auf Englisch und Deutsch) von der Europäischen Südsternwarte, der Landessternwarte Heidelberg und den Universitäts-Sternwarten Göttingen und München herausgegeben. An English Version of this Press Release is also available. Zugang zu ESO Presseinformationen ESO Presseinformationen werden im World Wide Web zur Verfügung gestellt (URL: http://www.eso.org/outreach/press-rel/). ESO Pressephotos dürfen veröffentlicht werden, wenn die Europäische Südsternwarte als Urheber genannt wird.

P2P Watch: Personal Health Information Detection in Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing Networks

PubMed Central

El Emam, Khaled; Arbuckle, Luk; Neri, Emilio; Rose, Sean; Jonker, Elizabeth

2012-01-01

Background Users of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks risk the inadvertent disclosure of personal health information (PHI). In addition to potentially causing harm to the affected individuals, this can heighten the risk of data breaches for health information custodians. Automated PHI detection tools that crawl the P2P networks can identify PHI and alert custodians. While there has been previous work on the detection of personal information in electronic health records, there has been a dearth of research on the automated detection of PHI in heterogeneous user files. Objective To build a system that accurately detects PHI in files sent through P2P file-sharing networks. The system, which we call P2P Watch, uses a pipeline of text processing techniques to automatically detect PHI in files exchanged through P2P networks. P2P Watch processes unstructured texts regardless of the file format, document type, and content. Methods We developed P2P Watch to extract and analyze PHI in text files exchanged on P2P networks. We labeled texts as PHI if they contained identifiable information about a person (eg, name and date of birth) and specifics of the person’s health (eg, diagnosis, prescriptions, and medical procedures). We evaluated the system’s performance through its efficiency and effectiveness on 3924 files gathered from three P2P networks. Results P2P Watch successfully processed 3924 P2P files of unknown content. A manual examination of 1578 randomly selected files marked by the system as non-PHI confirmed that these files indeed did not contain PHI, making the false-negative detection rate equal to zero. Of 57 files marked by the system as PHI, all contained both personally identifiable information and health information: 11 files were PHI disclosures, and 46 files contained organizational materials such as unfilled insurance forms, job applications by medical professionals, and essays. Conclusions PHI can be successfully detected in free-form textual files exchanged through P2P networks. Once the files with PHI are detected, affected individuals or data custodians can be alerted to take remedial action. PMID:22776692

P2P watch: personal health information detection in peer-to-peer file-sharing networks.

PubMed

Sokolova, Marina; El Emam, Khaled; Arbuckle, Luk; Neri, Emilio; Rose, Sean; Jonker, Elizabeth

2012-07-09

Users of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks risk the inadvertent disclosure of personal health information (PHI). In addition to potentially causing harm to the affected individuals, this can heighten the risk of data breaches for health information custodians. Automated PHI detection tools that crawl the P2P networks can identify PHI and alert custodians. While there has been previous work on the detection of personal information in electronic health records, there has been a dearth of research on the automated detection of PHI in heterogeneous user files. To build a system that accurately detects PHI in files sent through P2P file-sharing networks. The system, which we call P2P Watch, uses a pipeline of text processing techniques to automatically detect PHI in files exchanged through P2P networks. P2P Watch processes unstructured texts regardless of the file format, document type, and content. We developed P2P Watch to extract and analyze PHI in text files exchanged on P2P networks. We labeled texts as PHI if they contained identifiable information about a person (eg, name and date of birth) and specifics of the person's health (eg, diagnosis, prescriptions, and medical procedures). We evaluated the system's performance through its efficiency and effectiveness on 3924 files gathered from three P2P networks. P2P Watch successfully processed 3924 P2P files of unknown content. A manual examination of 1578 randomly selected files marked by the system as non-PHI confirmed that these files indeed did not contain PHI, making the false-negative detection rate equal to zero. Of 57 files marked by the system as PHI, all contained both personally identifiable information and health information: 11 files were PHI disclosures, and 46 files contained organizational materials such as unfilled insurance forms, job applications by medical professionals, and essays. PHI can be successfully detected in free-form textual files exchanged through P2P networks. Once the files with PHI are detected, affected individuals or data custodians can be alerted to take remedial action.

Tonometry revisited: perfusion-related, metabolic, and respiratory components of gastric mucosal acidosis in acute cardiorespiratory failure.

PubMed

Jakob, Stephan M; Parviainen, Ilkka; Ruokonen, Esko; Kogan, Alexander; Takala, Jukka

2008-05-01

Mucosal pH (pHi) is influenced by local perfusion and metabolism (mucosal-arterial pCO2 gradient, DeltapCO2), systemic metabolic acidosis (arterial bicarbonate), and respiration (arterial pCO2). We determined these components of pHi and their relation to outcome during the first 24 h of intensive care. We studied 103 patients with acute respiratory or circulatory failure (age, 63+/-2 [mean+/-SEM]; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, 20+/-1; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, 8+/-0). pHi, and the effects of bicarbonate and arterial and mucosal pCO2 on pHi, were assessed at admission, 6, and 24 h. pHi was reduced (at admission, 7.27+/-0.01) due to low arterial bicarbonate and increased DeltapCO2. Low pHi (<7.32) at admission (n=58; mortality, 29% vs. 13% in those with pHi>or=7.32 at admission; P=0.061) was associated with an increased DeltapCO2 in 59% of patients (mortality, 47% vs. 4% for patients with low pHi and normal DeltapCO2; P=0.0003). An increased versus normal DeltapCO2, regardless of pHi, was associated with increased mortality at admission (51% vs. 5%; P<0.0001; n=39) and at 6 h (34% vs. 13%; P=0.016; n=45). A delayed normalization or persistently low pHi (n=47) or high DeltapCO2 (n=25) was associated with high mortality (low pHi [34%] vs. high DeltapCO2 [60%]; P=0.046). In nonsurvivors, hypocapnia increased pHi at baseline, 6, and 24 h (all P

AMANDA and D0 as a Test Environment for the LHC Computing Grid (in German)

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

Harenberg, Torsten

2005-08-01

Die Suche nach den Grundbausteinen der Materie und nach den Kräften, die zwischen ihnen wirken, ist das Forschungsgebiet der Hochenergiephysik. Mit immer größer werdenden Teilchenbeschleunigern erreicht man immer tiefer gehende Erkenntnisse und dringt dabei in Energiebereiche vor, wie sie kurz nach dem Urknall herrschten. Im Moment ist das Tevatron am Fermilab der energ piereichste Teilchenbeschleuniger der Welt mit einer Schwerpunktsenergie von √s = 1, 96 TeV. Um die bei diesen hohen Energien entstehende Anzahl von Teilchen zu messen, sind auch immer höher auflösende Detektoren nötig. Dem wurde dadurch Rechnung getragen, dass mit der Steigerung der Schwerpunktsenergie am Tevatron auch diemore » Detektoren DØ und CDF1) teilweise erneuert wurden.« less

Some demographic issues affecting private health insurance.

PubMed

Hanning, Brian

2004-01-01

There will be significant changes in the demography of persons with Private Health Insurance (PHI). Two methods of projecting PHI coverage are discussed in this paper. The first assumes the only factors affecting PHI coverage are demographic change and mortality and facilitates comparisons between actual and projected PHI coverage. The second projects the percentage of the population insured in each five year age cohort, and makes allowance for changes in PHI coverage due to all factors. Demographic change will increase Registered Health Benefit Organization (RHBO) premiums by 1.7% per annum. The role of these projections in analysing the effect of future premium increases on PHI retention rates is also discussed.

Independent regulation of reovirus membrane penetration and apoptosis by the mu1 phi domain.

PubMed

Danthi, Pranav; Coffey, Caroline M; Parker, John S L; Abel, Ty W; Dermody, Terence S

2008-12-01

Apoptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of reovirus encephalitis. Reovirus outer-capsid protein mu1, which functions to penetrate host cell membranes during viral entry, is the primary regulator of apoptosis following reovirus infection. Ectopic expression of full-length and truncated forms of mu1 indicates that the mu1 phi domain is sufficient to elicit a cell death response. To evaluate the contribution of the mu1 phi domain to the induction of apoptosis following reovirus infection, phi mutant viruses were generated by reverse genetics and analyzed for the capacity to penetrate cell membranes and elicit apoptosis. We found that mutations in phi diminish reovirus membrane penetration efficiency by preventing conformational changes that lead to generation of key reovirus entry intermediates. Independent of effects on membrane penetration, amino acid substitutions in phi affect the apoptotic potential of reovirus, suggesting that phi initiates apoptosis subsequent to cytosolic delivery. In comparison to wild-type virus, apoptosis-defective phi mutant viruses display diminished neurovirulence following intracranial inoculation of newborn mice. These results indicate that the phi domain of mu1 plays an important regulatory role in reovirus-induced apoptosis and disease.

Phi is not beta, and why Wertheimer's discovery launched the Gestalt revolution.

PubMed

Steinman, R M; Pizlo, Z; Pizlo, F J

2000-01-01

Max Wertheimer (1880-1943), the founder of the Gestalt School of Psychology, published a monograph on the perception of apparent motion in 1912, which initiated a new direction for a great deal of subsequent perceptual theory and research. Wertheimer's research was inspired by a serendipitous observation of a pure apparent movement, which he called the phi-phenomenon to distinguish it from optimal apparent movement (beta), which resembles real movement. Wertheimer called his novel observation 'pure' because it was perceived in the absence of any object being seen to change its position in space. The phi-phenomenon, as well as the best conditions for seeing it, were not described clearly in this monograph, leading to considerable subsequent confusion about its appearance and occurrence. We review the history leading to the discovery of the phi-phenomenon, and then describe: (i) a likely source for the confusion evident in most contemporary research on the phi-phenomenon; (ii) the best conditions for seeing the phi-phenomenon; (iii) new conditions that provide a particularly vivid phi-phenomenon; and (iv) two lines of thought that may provide explanations of the phi-phenomenon and also distinguish phi from beta.

Handwashing and Ebola virus disease outbreaks: A randomized comparison of soap, hand sanitizer, and 0.05% chlorine solutions on the inactivation and removal of model organisms Phi6 and E. coli from hands and persistence in rinse water

PubMed Central

Gallandat, Karin; Daniels, Kyle; Desmarais, Anne Marie; Scheinman, Pamela; Lantagne, Daniele

2017-01-01

To prevent Ebola transmission, frequent handwashing is recommended in Ebola Treatment Units and communities. However, little is known about which handwashing protocol is most efficacious. We evaluated six handwashing protocols (soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS), and 0.05% sodium dichloroisocyanurate, high-test hypochlorite, and stabilized and non-stabilized sodium hypochlorite solutions) for 1) efficacy of handwashing on the removal and inactivation of non-pathogenic model organisms and, 2) persistence of organisms in rinse water. Model organisms E. coli and bacteriophage Phi6 were used to evaluate handwashing with and without organic load added to simulate bodily fluids. Hands were inoculated with test organisms, washed, and rinsed using a glove juice method to retrieve remaining organisms. Impact was estimated by comparing the log reduction in organisms after handwashing to the log reduction without handwashing. Rinse water was collected to test for persistence of organisms. Handwashing resulted in a 1.94–3.01 log reduction in E. coli concentration without, and 2.18–3.34 with, soil load; and a 2.44–3.06 log reduction in Phi6 without, and 2.71–3.69 with, soil load. HTH performed most consistently well, with significantly greater log reductions than other handwashing protocols in three models. However, the magnitude of handwashing efficacy differences was small, suggesting protocols are similarly efficacious. Rinse water demonstrated a 0.28–4.77 log reduction in remaining E. coli without, and 0.21–4.49 with, soil load and a 1.26–2.02 log reduction in Phi6 without, and 1.30–2.20 with, soil load. Chlorine resulted in significantly less persistence of E. coli in both conditions and Phi6 without soil load in rinse water (p<0.001). Thus, chlorine-based methods may offer a benefit of reducing persistence in rinse water. We recommend responders use the most practical handwashing method to ensure hand hygiene in Ebola contexts, considering the potential benefit of chlorine-based methods in rinse water persistence. PMID:28231311

Phosphorus acquisition by citrate- and phytase-exuding Nicotiana tabacum plant mixtures depends on soil phosphorus availability and root intermingling.

PubMed

Giles, Courtney D; Richardson, Alan E; Cade-Menun, Barbara J; Mezeli, Malika M; Brown, Lawrie K; Menezes-Blackburn, Daniel; Darch, Tegan; Blackwell, Martin Sa; Shand, Charles A; Stutter, Marc I; Wendler, Renate; Cooper, Patricia; Lumsdon, David G; Wearing, Catherine; Zhang, Hao; Haygarth, Philip M; George, Timothy S

2018-03-02

Citrate and phytase root exudates contribute to improved phosphorus (P) acquisition efficiency in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) when both exudates are produced in a P deficient soil. To test the importance of root intermingling in the interaction of citrate and phytase exudates, Nicotiana tabacum plant-lines with constitutive expression of heterologous citrate (Cit) or fungal phytase (Phy) exudation traits were grown under two root treatments (roots separated or intermingled) and in two soils with contrasting soil P availability. Complementarity of plant mixtures varying in citrate efflux rate and mobility of the expressed phytase in soil was determined based on plant biomass and P accumulation. Soil P composition was evaluated using solution 31 P NMR spectroscopy. In the soil with limited available P, positive complementarity occurred in Cit+Phy mixtures with roots intermingled. Root separation eliminated positive interactions in mixtures expressing the less mobile phytase (Aspergillus niger PhyA) whereas positive complementarity persisted in mixtures that expressed the more mobile phytase (Peniophora lycii PhyA). Soils from Cit+Phy mixtures contained less inorganic P and more organic P compared to monocultures. Exudate-specific strategies for the acquisition of soil P were most effective in P-limited soil and depended on citrate efflux rate and the relative mobility of the expressed phytase in soil. Plant growth and soil P utilization in plant systems with complementary exudation strategies are expected to be greatest where exudates persist in soil and are expressed synchronously in space and time. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Predictions for the $$\\bar{B}^{0}\\rightarrow \\bar{K}^{\\ast 0}$$ X(YZ) and $$\\bar{B}^{0}_{s}\\rightarrow\\phi$$ X(YZ) with X(4160), Y(3940), Z(3930)

DOE PAGES

Liang, Wei -Hong; Molina, R.; Xie, Ju -Jun; ...

2015-05-22

We investigate the decay ofmore » $$\\bar B^0 \\to \\bar K^{*0} R$$ and $$\\bar B^0_s \\to \\phi R$$ with $R$ being the $X(4160)$, $Y(3940)$, $Z(3930)$ resonances. Under the assumption that these states are dynamically generated from the vector-vector interaction, as has been concluded from several theoretical studies, we use a reaction mechanism of quark production at the elementary level, followed by hadronization of one final $$q \\bar q$$ pair into two vectors and posterior final state interaction of this pair of vector mesons to produce the resonances. With this procedure we are able to predict five ratios for these decays, which are closely linked to the dynamical nature of these states, and also predict the order of magnitude of the branching ratios which we find of the order of $$10^{-4}$$, well within the present measurable range. In order to further test the dynamical nature of these resonances we study the $$\\bar B^0_s \\to \\phi D^* \\bar D^*$$ and $$\\bar B^0_s \\to \\phi D_s^* \\bar D_s^*$$ decays close to the $$D^* \\bar D^*$$ and $$D_s^* \\bar D_s^*$$ thresholds and make predictions for the ratio of the mass distributions in these decays and the $$\\bar B^0_s \\to \\phi R$$ decay widths. In conclusion, the measurement of these decays rates can help unravel the nature of these resonances.« less

Self-reproduction in k-inflation

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

Helmer, Ferdinand; Winitzki, Sergei

2006-09-15

We study cosmological self-reproduction in models of inflation driven by a scalar field {phi} with a noncanonical kinetic term (k-inflation). We develop a general criterion for the existence of attractors and establish conditions selecting a class of k-inflation models that admit a unique attractor solution. We then consider quantum fluctuations on the attractor background. We show that the correlation length of the fluctuations is of order c{sub s}H{sup -1}, where c{sub s} is the speed of sound. By computing the magnitude of field fluctuations, we determine the coefficients of Fokker-Planck equations describing the probability distribution of the spatially averaged fieldmore » {phi}. The field fluctuations are generally large in the inflationary attractor regime; hence, eternal self-reproduction is a generic feature of k-inflation. This is established more formally by demonstrating the existence of stationary solutions of the relevant Fokker-Planck equations. We also show that there exists a (model-dependent) range {phi}{sub R}<{phi}<{phi}{sub max} within which large fluctuations are likely to drive the field towards the upper boundary {phi}={phi}{sub max}, where the semiclassical consideration breaks down. An exit from inflation into reheating without reaching {phi}{sub max} will occur almost surely (with probability 1) only if the initial value of {phi} is below {phi}{sub R}. In this way, strong self-reproduction effects constrain models of k-inflation.« less

Economic evaluation of second generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in Norway.

PubMed

Robberstad, Bjarne; Frostad, Carl R; Akselsen, Per E; Kværner, Kari J; Berstad, Aud K H

2011-11-03

A seven valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced in the Norwegian childhood immunization programme in 2006, and since then the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease has declined substantially. Recently, two new second generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have become available, and an update of the economic evidence is needed. The aim of this study was to estimate incremental costs, health effects and cost-effectiveness of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines PCV7, PCV13 and PHiD-CV in Norway. We used a Markov model to estimate costs and epidemiological burden of pneumococcal- and NTHi-related diseases (invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) and acute otitis media (AOM)) for a specific birth cohort. Using the most relevant evidence and assumptions for a Norwegian setting, we calculated incremental costs, health effects and cost-effectiveness for different vaccination strategies. In addition we performed sensitivity analyses for key parameters, tested key assumptions in scenario analyses and explored overall model uncertainty using probabilistic sensitivity analysis. The model predicts that both PCV13 and PHiD-CV provide more health gains at a lower cost than PCV7. Differences in health gains between the two second generation vaccines are small for invasive pneumococcal disease but larger for acute otitis media and myringotomy procedures. Consequently, PHiD-CV saves more disease treatment costs and indirect costs than PCV13. This study predicts that, compared to PVC13, PHiD-CV entails lower costs and greater benefits if the latter is measured in terms of quality adjusted life years. PVC13 entails more life years gained than PHiD-CV, but those come at a cost of NOK 3.1 million (∼€0.4 million) per life year. The results indicate that PHiD-CV is cost-effective compared to PCV13 in the Norwegian setting. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving the prediction of pathologic outcomes in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: the value of prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), prostate health index (phi) and sarcosine.

PubMed

Ferro, Matteo; Lucarelli, Giuseppe; Bruzzese, Dario; Perdonà, Sisto; Mazzarella, Claudia; Perruolo, Giuseppe; Marino, Ada; Cosimato, Vincenzo; Giorgio, Emilia; Tagliamonte, Virginia; Bottero, Danilo; De Cobelli, Ottavio; Terracciano, Daniela

2015-02-01

Several efforts have been made to find biomarkers that could help clinicians to preoperatively determine prostate cancer (PCa) pathological characteristics and choose the best therapeutic approach, avoiding over-treatment. On this effort, prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), prostate health index (phi) and sarcosine have been presented as promising tools. We evaluated the ability of these biomarkers to predict the pathologic PCa characteristics within a prospectively collected contemporary cohort of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized PCa at a single high-volume Institution. The prognostic performance of PCA3, phi and sarcosine were evaluated in 78 patients undergoing RP for biopsy-proven PCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses tested the accuracy (area under the curve (AUC)) in predicting PCa pathological characteristics. Decision curve analyses (DCA) were used to assess the clinical benefit of the three biomarkers. We found that PCA3, phi and sarcosine levels were significantly higher in patients with tumor volume (TV)≥0.5 ml, pathologic Gleason sum (GS)≥7 and pT3 disease (all p-values≤0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that phi is an accurate predictor of high-stage (AUC 0.85 [0.77-0.93]), high-grade (AUC 0.83 [0.73-0.93]) and high-volume disease (AUC 0.94 [0.88-0.99]). Sarcosine showed a comparable AUC (0.85 [0.76-0.94]) only for T3 stage prediction, whereas PCA3 score showed lower AUCs, ranging from 0.74 (for GS) to 0.86 (for TV). PCA3, phi and sarcosine are predictors of PCa characteristics at final pathology. Successful clinical translation of these findings would reduce the frequency of surveillance biopsies and may enhance acceptance of active surveillance (AS). Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Non-Destructive Impermeability Testing of Land-Based Sewage Systems (zerstoerungsfreie dichtheitspruefung con grundstuecksentwaesserungsleitungen)

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

CYberdeckungsh6he zunehmen. Ffr die Stabilitdt des Str ~mungszustandes ist dagegen ein weniger empfindlicher Ansaugstutzen von Vorteil, weil geringe Schwankungen im...Gerinnestr() mung mit einem Laser-Doppler- Anemometer und einem Pitot-Rohr Ltd. BD Dipl.-Ing. B. Ftirmaier M6glichkeiten der Verwertung von HausmUll und...GrundstticksentwAsserungsleitungen ISBN 3-486-26517-2 * diese Hefte k6nnen beim Oldenbourg Industrieverlag GmbH, Rosenheimer Str . 145, 81671 MUnchen bezogen werden (Preis pro Heft: 35,00 DM, Stand 2001)

Can Binary Population Synthesis Models Be Tested With Hot Subdwarfs ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopparapu, Ravi Kumar; Wade, R. A.; O'Shaughnessy, R.

2007-12-01

Models of binary star interactions have been successful in explaining the origin of field hot subdwarf (sdB) stars in short period systems. The hydrogen envelopes around these core He-burning stars are removed in a "common envelope" evolutionary phase. Reasonably clean samples of short-period sdB+WD or sdB+dM systems exist, that allow the common envelope ejection efficiency to be estimated for wider use in binary population synthesis (BPS) codes. About one-third of known sdB stars, however, are found in longer-period systems with a cool G or K star companion. These systems may have formed through Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) mass transfer from the present sdB to its companion. They have received less attention, because the existing catalogues are believed to have severe selection biases against these systems, and because their long, slow orbits are difficult to measure. Are these known sdB+cool systems worth intense observational effort? That is, can they be used to make a valid and useful test of the RLOF process in BPS codes? We use the Binary Stellar Evolution (BSE) code of Hurley et al. (2002), mapping sets of initial binaries into present-day binaries that include sdBs, and distinguishing "observable" sdBs from "hidden" ones. We aim to find out whether (1) the existing catalogues of sdBs are sufficiently fair samples of the kinds of sdB binaries that theory predicts, to allow testing or refinement of RLOF models; or instead whether (2) large predicted hidden populations mandate the construction of new catalogues, perhaps using wide-field imaging surveys such as 2MASS, SDSS, and Galex. This work has been partially supported by NASA grant NNG05GE11G and NSF grants PHY 03-26281, PHY 06-00953 and PHY 06-53462. This work is also supported by the Center for Gravitational Wave Physics, which is supported by the National Science Foundation under cooperative agreement PHY 01-14375.

[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.

Bewehrte Betonbauteile unter Betriebsbedingungen: Forschungsbericht

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eligehausen, Rolf; Kordina, Karl; Schießl, Peter

2000-09-01

Vorwort. Teil I: Rißbreiten (Gert König) 1 Ein mechanisches Modell zur Erhöhung der Vorhersagegenauigkeit über die Rißbreiten unter Betriebsbedingungen (Gert König und Michael Fischer). 1.1 Einleitung und Zielsetzung. 1.2 Versuchsprogramm. 1.3 Meßtechnik. 1.4 Belastung und Versuchsdurchführung. 1.5 Literatur. 2 Rißbreiten und Verformungszunahme vorgespannter Bauteile unter wiederholter Last - und Zwangbeanspruchung (Gert König und Michael Fischer). 2.1 Einleitung und Zielsetzung. 2.2 Versuchsprogramm. 2.3 Auswertung. 2.4 Ausblick. 2.5 Literatur. 3 Rißverhalten von Beton bei plötzlicher Abkühlung (Viktor Mechtcherine und Harald S. Müller). 3.1 Einleitung. 3.2 Experimentelle Untersuchungen. 3.3 Formulierung eines Stoffgesetzes für thermisch beanspruchten Beton. 3.4 Riß entwicklung in einer Betonplatte unter Temperaturschock. 3.5 Zusammenfassung. 3.6 Literatur. 4 Stahlfaserbeton unter Betriebsbedingungen bei Dauerbeanspruchung (Bo Soon Kang, Bernd Schnütgen und Friedhelm Stangenberg). 4.1 Einleitung. 4.2 Wirkung von Stahlfasern im Beton. 4.3 Versuchsprogramm. 4.4 Untersuchungen zum Verbundverhalten. 4.5 Untersuchungen zum Verhalten unter Biegebeanspruchung. 4.6 Theoretische Untersuchungen. 4.7 Literatur. 5 Experimentelle Untersuchungen an Stahlbeton-Zugkörpern unter wiederholter Belastung zur Ermittlung des versteifenden Einflusses der Mitwirkung des Betons zwischen den Rissen (Petra Seibel und Gerhard Mehlhorn). 5.1 Einleitung. 5.2 Ansatz zur Bestimmung der Mitwirkung des Betons zwischen den Rissen nach Eurocode 2, Model Code 90 und Günther. 5.3 Experimentelle Untersuchungen. 5.4 Ergebnisse. 5.5 Zusammenfassung. 5.6 Literatur. 6 Riß- und Verformungsverhalten von vorgefertigten Spannbetonträgern unter Betriebsbedingungen bei besonderer Berücksichtigung des Betonalters (Monika Maske, Heinz Meichsner und Lothar Schubert). 6.1 Einleitung. 6.2 Beschreibung der Fertigteilträger. 6.3 Belastungsversuche. 6.4 Ergebnisse. 6.5 Zusammenfassung. 6.6 Literatur. Teil II: Verbundfragen (Rolf Eligehausen). 1 Ein mechanisches Modell zur Beschreibung des Verbundverhaltens zwischen Stahl und Beton (Gert König, Nguyen V. Tue und Wolfgang Kurz). 1.1 Einleitung. 1.2 Beschreibung der Kraftübertragung zwischen Stahl und Beton. 1.3 Vorstellung des Modells. 1.4 Materialgesetze für die Berechnung der Verformung des Fachwerks. 1.5 Vergleich zwischen Versuch und Modell. 1.6 Zusammenfassung und Ausblick. 1.7 Literatur. 2 Verbund unter nicht ruhender Beanspruchung (Rainer Koch und György L. Balázs). 2.1 Übersicht über die durchgeführten Versuche. 2.2 Versuchkörper und Materialien. 2.3 Versuchseinrichtungen. 2.4 Versuche und Ergebnisse. 2.5 Zusammenfassung und Ausblick. 2.6 Literatur. 3 Trag- und Verformungsverhalten von Stahlbetontragwerken unter Betriebsbelastung (Thomas M. Sippel und Rolf Eligehausen). 3.1 Einleitung. 3.2 Allgemeines. 3.3 Rechenmodell und Materialmodelle. 3.4 Vergleich zwischen Versuchen und Rechnung. 3.5 Parameterstudien. 3.6 Vereinfachtes Rechenmodell. 3.7 Zusammenfassung. 3.8 Literatur. 4 Verbundverhalten von Spanngliedern mit nachträglichem Verbund unter Betriebsbedingungen (Josef Hegger, Norbert Will und Heiner Cordes). 4.1 Einführung. 4.2 Verbundverhalten von Spanngliedern. 4.3 Zeitabhängige Effekte des Verbunds. 4.4 Versuche unter statischer Langzeitbeanspruchung. 4.5 Versuche unter dynamischer Langzeitbeanspruchung. 4.6 Bemessungsvorschlag für Verbundkennwerte. 4.7 Zusammenfassung. 4.8 Literatur. 5 Spannungsumlagerungen in gemischt bewehrten Querschnitten (Josef Hegger, Heiner Cordes und Matthias Rudlof). 5.1 Problemstellung und Zielsetzung. 5.2 Spannungsumlagerungen bei gemischter Bewehrung. 5.3 Versuche an zentrischen Zugkörpern. 5.4 Versuchsergebnisse. 5.5 Ermittlung und Vergleich von Verbundkennwerten. 5.6 Zusammenfassung. 5.7 Literatur. Teil III: Bauteile (Karl Kordina). 1 Einfluß von Längsbeanspruchungen auf den Neigungswinkel der Schubrisse (Marek Los und Ulrich Quast). 1.1 Einleitung. 1.2 Ungerissener Zustand. 1.3 Gerissener Zustand. 1.4 FEM-Berechnungen. 1.5 Zusammenfassung. 1.6 Literatur. 2 Auswirkungen des unterschiedlichen Verformungsverhaltens bei Beund Entlastung auf die Beanspruchungen im Gebrauchszustand (Jochen Keysberg). 2.1 Einleitung und Zielsetzung. 2.2 Modelle für die Momenten-Verkrümmungs-Beziehung. 2.3 Programm zur nichtlinearen Berechnung. 2.4 Einfluß von Lastwechseln auf nichtlineare Berechnungen. 2.5 Zusammenfassung. 2.6 Literatur. 3 3D-Analyse von Balken-Stützen-Verbindungen aus normal- und hochfestem Beton unter zyklischer Beanspruchung (Josko Ozbolt, Yijun Li und Rolf Eligehausen). 3.1 Einleitung. 3.2 Materialmodell und FE-Diskretisierung. 3.3 Numerische Analyse. 3.4 Schlußfolgerungen. 3.5 Zusammenfassung. 3.6 Literatur. 4 Der Einfluß von freien Schwingungen infolge dynamischer Belastung auf die Deterioration eines Bauwerks (Manfred Specht und Michael Kramp). 4.1 Veranlassung des Forschungsvorhabens. 4.2 Forschungsziele. 4.3 Versuchsträger, Versuchsdurchführung und Versuchsergebnisse. 4.4 Auswertung. 4.5 Ergebnisse für die Systemidentifikation von Stahlbetonkonstruktionen. 4.6 Literatur. 5 Lokale Schwind- und Temperaturgradienten in bewehrten, oberflächennahen Zonen von Betonkonstruktionen (Josef Eibl und Stephan Kranz). 5.1 Problemstellung. 5.2 Temperatur- und Feuchtefeldberechnung. 5.3 Numerisches Berechnungsmodell zur Spannungsanalyse im Beton. 5.4 Durchgeführte Versuche. 5.5 Rechnerische Untersuchungen. 5.6 Zusammenfassung. 5.7 Literatur. 6 Wassereindringverhalten von Flüssigkeiten beim Biegeriß (Gert König und Christian Brunsch). 6.1 Problemstellung. 6.2 Experimentelle Untersuchungen. 6.3 Entwicklung eines Modells zur rechnerischen Abschätzung des zeitlichen Eindringens einer Wassermenge in Biegerisse von Stahlbetonbauteilen. 6.4 Zusammenfassung und Diskussion der Versuchsreihe. 6.5 Literatur. 7 Dauerhaftigkeitsprobleme von offenen Becken (György Iványi, Wilhelm Buschmeyer und Udo Paas). 7.1 Einleitung. 7.2 Bestandsaufnahme. 7.3 Felduntersuchungen. 7.4 Laboruntersuchungen. 7.5 Berechnungen. 7.6 Entwurfs- und Ausführungskriterien. 7.7 Literatur. Teil IV: Korrosion und Ermüdung (Peter Schießl). 1 Ermüdungskorrosion von Spannstahl (Herbert Kupfer und Hans H. Müller). 1.1 Forschungsziel. 1.2 Korrosionsversuche an Spannstählen. 1.3 Methoden zur Erkennung von Anrissen. 2 Korrosionsermüdung von Stahl in Betonbauteilen (J. W. Weber, Peter Schießl und Jörg Moersch). 2.1 Allgemeines. 2.2 Wesentliche Einflüsse bei der Schwingungsrißkorrosion. 2.3 Ziel der Untersuchungen. 2.4 Prüfkörper und Betone. 2.5 Chloridbeaufschlagung. 2.6 Ergebnisse. 2.7 Zusammenfassung. 2.8 Literatur. 3 Untersuchungen zum Rißkorrosionsverhalten von Spannstählen unter Betriebsbedingungen (Jörg Moersch und Peter Schießl). 3.1 Einführung und Ziel. 3.2 Untersuchungsprogramm. 3.3 Ergebnisse. 3.4 Zusammenfassung der Ergebnisse. 3.5 Literatur. 4 Schwingfestigkeit von Stahlbeton bei Beanspruchung mit Meerwasser (Ulf Nürnberger und Willibald Beul). 4.1 Einführung. 4.2 Mechanismus. 4.3 Schwingfestigkeitsuntersuchungen. 4.4 Folgerungen. 4.5 Literatur. 5 Wasserstoffinduzierte Spannungsrißkorrosion von zugschwellbeanspruchten Spannstählen (Ulf Nürnberger und Willibald Beul). 5.1 Einführung. 5.2 Untersuchungen. 5.3 Folgerung. 5.4 Literatur. 6 Selbstheilung und Bewehrungskorrosion bei von schwach sauren Wässern durchströmten Trennrissen in bewehrtem Beton (Wieland Ramm und Michaela Biscoping). 6.1 Übersicht. 6.2 Einleitung. 6.3 Versuchsprogramm. 6.4 Versuchsergebnisse. 6.5 Zusammenfassung. 6.6 Literatur. 7 Untersuchungen zur Reibermüdung bei teilweise vorgespannten Bauteilen (Heiner Cordes, Josef Hegger und Jens U. Neuser). 7.1 Einleitung. 7.2 Stand der Forschung. 7.3 Versuchsaufbau und Versuchsdurchführung. 7.4 Versuchsergebnisse. 7.5 Zusammenfassung und Ausblick. 7.6 Literatur. Teil V: Junger Beton (Ferdinand S. Rostásy). 1 Ermittlung und Berechnung des Nullspannungstemperaturgradienten im jungen Beton (Rupert Springenschmid und Jean-Louis Bostvironnois). 1.1 Einleitung. 1.2 Der Nullspannungstemperaturgradient. 1.3 Ergebnisse und Schußfolgerungen. 1.4 Literatur. 2 Experimentelle Ermittlung der Verformungskennwerte von jungem Beton und der Zwangspannungen in situ (Markus Plannerer und Rupert Springenschmid). 2.1 Einleitung. 2.2 Versuche zur Ermittlung der Verformungskennwerte und der Zwangspannungen. 2.3 Laborergebnisse. 2.4 In-situ-Ergebnisse. 2.5 Zusammenfassung. 2.6 Literatur. 3 Werkstoffeigenschaften jungen Betons--Experimente und Modellierung (Ferdinand S. Rostásy und Alex-W. Gutsch). 3.1 Einleitung. 3.2 Versuche und Modellbildung. 3.3 Zusammenfassung. 3.4 Literatur.

X-Phi and Carnapian Explication.

PubMed

Shepherd, Joshua; Justus, James

2015-04-01

The rise of experimental philosophy (x-phi) has placed metaphilosophical questions, particularly those concerning concepts, at the center of philosophical attention. X-phi offers empirically rigorous methods for identifying conceptual content, but what exactly it contributes towards evaluating conceptual content remains unclear. We show how x-phi complements Rudolf Carnap's underappreciated methodology for concept determination, explication. This clarifies and extends x-phi's positive philosophical import, and also exhibits explication's broad appeal. But there is a potential problem: Carnap's account of explication was limited to empirical and logical concepts, but many concepts of interest to philosophers (experimental and otherwise) are essentially normative. With formal epistemology as a case study, we show how x-phi assisted explication can apply to normative domains.

phiGENOME: an integrative navigation throughout bacteriophage genomes.

PubMed

Stano, Matej; Klucar, Lubos

2011-11-01

phiGENOME is a web-based genome browser generating dynamic and interactive graphical representation of phage genomes stored in the phiSITE, database of gene regulation in bacteriophages. phiGENOME is an integral part of the phiSITE web portal (http://www.phisite.org/phigenome) and it was optimised for visualisation of phage genomes with the emphasis on the gene regulatory elements. phiGENOME consists of three components: (i) genome map viewer built using Adobe Flash technology, providing dynamic and interactive graphical display of phage genomes; (ii) sequence browser based on precisely formatted HTML tags, providing detailed exploration of genome features on the sequence level and (iii) regulation illustrator, based on Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) and designed for graphical representation of gene regulations. Bringing 542 complete genome sequences accompanied with their rich annotations and references, makes phiGENOME a unique information resource in the field of phage genomics. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ökophysik: Plaudereien über das Leben auf dem Land, im Wasser und in der Luft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nachtigall, W.

Prof. em. Dr. rer. nat. Werner Nachtigall, geb. 1934, war als Zoophysiologe und Biophysiker Leiter des Zoologischen Instituts der Universität des Saarlandes in Saarbrücken. In Forschung und Ausbildung hat er sich insbesondere mit Aspekten der Technischen Biologie und Bionik befasst und mit seinen Forschergruppen viele Basisdaten insbesondere zur Ökologie, Physiologie und Physik des Fliegens und Schwimmens aber auch zur Stabilität beispielsweise der Gräser erarbeitet. Lebewesen überraschen immer wieder durch ihre "Biodiversität", ihre hochspezifischen Ausgestaltungen und Anpassungen.

DNA conformational change induced by the bacteriophage phi 29 connector.

PubMed Central

Valpuesta, J M; Serrano, M; Donate, L E; Herranz, L; Carrascosa, J L

1992-01-01

Translocation of viral DNA inwards and outwards of the capsid of double-stranded DNA bacteriophages occurs through the connector, a key viral structure that is known to interact with DNA. It is shown here that phage phi 29 connector binds both linear and circular double-stranded DNA. However, DNA-mediated protection of phi 29 connectors against Staphylococcus aureus endoprotease V8 digestion suggests that binding to linear DNA is more stable than to circular DNA. Endoprotease V8-protection assays also suggest that the length of the linear DNA required to produce a stable phi 29 connector-DNA interaction is, at least, twice longer than the phi 29 connector channel. This result is confirmed by experiments of phi 29 connector-protection of DNA against DNase I digestion. Furthermore, DNA circularization assays indicate that phi 29 connectors restrain negative supercoiling when bound to linear DNA. This DNA conformational change is not observed upon binding to circular DNA and it could reflect the existence of some left-handed DNA coiling or DNA untwisting inside of the phi 29 connector channel. Images PMID:1454519

Scaling of ion expansion energy with laser flux in moderate-Z plasmas produced by lasers

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

Gupta, P.D.; Goel, S.K.; Uppal, J.S.

1982-09-01

Ion expansion energy measurements in plasmas created by focusing 1-GW, 5-nsec Nd:glass laser on plane solid targets of polythene, carbon, and aluminum are reported. It is observed that the scaling of ion expansion energy with laser flux Phi varies between Phi/sup 0.28/ and Phi/sup 0.66/ for polythene, Phi/sup 0.28/ and Phi/sup 0.70/ for carbon, and Phi/sup 0.51/ and Phi/sup 0.44/ for aluminum in the flux range 5 x 10/sup 10/--5 x 10/sup 12/ W/cm/sup 2/ of our experiment. The scaling is either much slower or faster than a scaling of Phi/sup 4/9/ expected from a self-regulating model for plasmas createdmore » in the low flux range. It is shown that this behavior, as well as results of experiments on similar plasmas reported by other authors, can be explained when radiation losses and the energy spent in ionization are also considered in the self-regulating model.« less

Dynamische Motorvermessung mit verschiedenen Methoden und Modellen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schreiber, Alexander

Die stark zunehmenden gesetzlichen und wirtschaftlichen Vorgaben zur Senkung von Kraftstoffverbrauch und Abgasemissionen stellen große Anforderungen an die weitere Entwicklung von Benzin- und Dieselmotoren. Hierbei sind grundlegende Fortschritte durch Konstruktion und auslegungsbedingte Maßnahmen im Bereich der Einspritzung, Gemischaufbereitung, Aufladung, Brennverfahren und Abgasnachbehandlung zu erreichen. Ein wesentlicher Teil dieser Verbesserungen wird jedoch durch eine Zunahme von Variabilitäten erreicht wie z.B. verstellbaren Vor-, Haupt- und Nacheinspritzungen, variablem Raildruck, variablen Nockenwellensteuerwinkeln, Ventilhüben, Drall-/Tumbleklappen sowie verstellbaren Abgasturbinen, Abgasrückführströmen und Abgasnachbehandlungssystemen. Dadurch steigt die Zahl der Stellglieder (Aktoren) stark an. Hinzu kommen zusätzliche Sensoren wie z.B. für Luftzahl, NOx, Brennraumdruck, Abgastemperatur und Abgasdruck. Deshalb nimmt der Umfang der Steuerungs-, Regelungs- und Diagnosefunktionen in der Motorelektronik (ECU) stark zu. Bild 7-1 zeigt als Beispiel den Signalfluss für die gesteuerten und geregelten Größen eines Dieselmotors in einer beispielhaften Prüfstandsumgebung.

Putting the Focus Back on the Patient: How Privacy Concerns Affect Personal Health Information Sharing Intentions.

PubMed

Abdelhamid, Mohamed; Gaia, Joana; Sanders, G Lawrence

2017-09-13

Health care providers are driven by greater participation and systemic cost savings irrespective of benefits to individual patients derived from sharing Personal Health Information (PHI). Protecting PHI is a critical issue in the sharing of health care information systems; yet, there is very little literature examining the topic of sharing PHI electronically. A good overview of the regulatory, privacy, and societal barriers to sharing PHI can be found in the 2009 Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. This study investigated the factors that influence individuals' intentions to share their PHI electronically with health care providers, creating an understanding of how we can represent a patient's interests more accurately in sharing settings, instead of treating patients like predetermined subjects. Unlike privacy concern and trust, patient activation is a stable trait that is not subject to change in the short term and, thus, is a useful factor in predicting sharing behavior. We apply the extended privacy model in the health information sharing context and adapt this model to include patient activation and issue involvement to predict individuals' intentions. This was a survey-based study with 1600+ participants using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data to validate a model through various statistical techniques. The research method included an assessment of both the measurement and structural models with post hoc analysis. We find that privacy concern has the most influence on individuals' intentions to share. Patient activation, issue involvement, and patient-physician relationship are significant predictors of sharing intention. We contribute to theory by introducing patient activation and issue involvement as proxies for personal interest factors in the health care context. Overall, this study found that although patients are open to sharing their PHI, they still have concerns over the privacy of their PHI during the sharing process. It is paramount to address this factor to increase information flow and identify how patients can assure that their privacy is protected. The outcome of this study is a set of recommendations for motivating the sharing of PHI. The goal of this research is to increase the health profile of the patients by integrating the testing and diagnoses of various doctors across health care providers and, thus, bring patients closer to the physicians. ©Mohamed Abdelhamid, Joana Gaia, G Lawrence Sanders. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 13.09.2017.

Bed Net Durability Assessments: Exploring a Composite Measure of Net Damage

PubMed Central

Vanden Eng, Jodi L.; Chan, Adeline; Abílio, Ana Paula; Wolkon, Adam; Ponce de Leon, Gabriel; Gimnig, John; Morgan, Juliette

2015-01-01

Background The durability of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in field conditions is of great importance for malaria prevention and control efforts; however, the physical integrity of the net fabric is not well understood making it challenging to determine overall effectiveness of nets as they age. The 2011 World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) guidelines provide a simple, standardized method using a proportional hole index (PHI) for assessing net damage with the intent to provide national malaria control programs with guidelines to assess the useful life of LLINS and estimate the rate of replacement. Methods We evaluated the utility of the PHI measure using 409 LLINs collected over three years in Nampula Province, Mozambique following a mass distribution campaign in 2008. For each LLIN the diameter and distance from the bottom of the net were recorded for every hole. Holes were classified into four size categories and a PHI was calculated following WHOPES guidelines. We investigate how the size, shape, and location of holes influence the PHI. The areas of the WHOPES defined categories were compared to circular and elliptical areas based on approximate shape and actual measured axes of each hole and the PHI was compared to cumulative damaged surface area of the LLIN. Results The damaged area of small, medium, large, and extra-large holes was overestimated using the WHOPES categories compared to elliptical areas using the actual measured axes. Similar results were found when comparing to circular areas except for extra-large holes which were underestimated. (Wilcoxon signed rank test of differences p< 0.0001 for all sizes). Approximating holes as circular overestimated hole surface area by 1.5 to 2 times or more. There was a significant difference in the mean number of holes < 0.5 cm by brand and there were more holes of all sizes on the bottom of nets than the top. For a range of hypothetical PHI thresholds used to designate a “failed LLIN”, roughly 75 to 80% of failed LLINs were detected by considering large and extra-large holes alone, but sensitivity varied by brand. Conclusions Future studies may refine the PHI to better approximate overall damaged surface area. Furthermore, research is needed to identify whether or not appropriate PHI thresholds can be used to deem a net no longer protective. Once a cutoff is selected, simpler methods of determining the effective lifespan of LLINs can help guide replacement strategies for malaria control programs. PMID:26047494

Bed Net Durability Assessments: Exploring a Composite Measure of Net Damage.

PubMed

Vanden Eng, Jodi L; Chan, Adeline; Abílio, Ana Paula; Wolkon, Adam; Ponce de Leon, Gabriel; Gimnig, John; Morgan, Juliette

2015-01-01

The durability of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in field conditions is of great importance for malaria prevention and control efforts; however, the physical integrity of the net fabric is not well understood making it challenging to determine overall effectiveness of nets as they age. The 2011 World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) guidelines provide a simple, standardized method using a proportional hole index (PHI) for assessing net damage with the intent to provide national malaria control programs with guidelines to assess the useful life of LLINS and estimate the rate of replacement. We evaluated the utility of the PHI measure using 409 LLINs collected over three years in Nampula Province, Mozambique following a mass distribution campaign in 2008. For each LLIN the diameter and distance from the bottom of the net were recorded for every hole. Holes were classified into four size categories and a PHI was calculated following WHOPES guidelines. We investigate how the size, shape, and location of holes influence the PHI. The areas of the WHOPES defined categories were compared to circular and elliptical areas based on approximate shape and actual measured axes of each hole and the PHI was compared to cumulative damaged surface area of the LLIN. The damaged area of small, medium, large, and extra-large holes was overestimated using the WHOPES categories compared to elliptical areas using the actual measured axes. Similar results were found when comparing to circular areas except for extra-large holes which were underestimated. (Wilcoxon signed rank test of differences p< 0.0001 for all sizes). Approximating holes as circular overestimated hole surface area by 1.5 to 2 times or more. There was a significant difference in the mean number of holes < 0.5 cm by brand and there were more holes of all sizes on the bottom of nets than the top. For a range of hypothetical PHI thresholds used to designate a "failed LLIN", roughly 75 to 80% of failed LLINs were detected by considering large and extra-large holes alone, but sensitivity varied by brand. Future studies may refine the PHI to better approximate overall damaged surface area. Furthermore, research is needed to identify whether or not appropriate PHI thresholds can be used to deem a net no longer protective. Once a cutoff is selected, simpler methods of determining the effective lifespan of LLINs can help guide replacement strategies for malaria control programs.

Defining, Describing, and Categorizing Public Health Infrastructure Priorities for Tropical Cyclone, Flood, Storm, Tornado, and Tsunami-Related Disasters.

PubMed

Ryan, Benjamin J; Franklin, Richard C; Burkle, Frederick M; Watt, Kerrianne; Aitken, Peter; Smith, Erin C; Leggat, Peter

2016-08-01

The study aim was to undertake a qualitative research literature review to analyze available databases to define, describe, and categorize public health infrastructure (PHI) priorities for tropical cyclone, flood, storm, tornado, and tsunami-related disasters. Five electronic publication databases were searched to define, describe, or categorize PHI and discuss tropical cyclone, flood, storm, tornado, and tsunami-related disasters and their impact on PHI. The data were analyzed through aggregation of individual articles to create an overall data description. The data were grouped into PHI themes, which were then prioritized on the basis of degree of interdependency. Sixty-seven relevant articles were identified. PHI was categorized into 13 themes with a total of 158 descriptors. The highest priority PHI identified was workforce. This was followed by water, sanitation, equipment, communication, physical structure, power, governance, prevention, supplies, service, transport, and surveillance. This review identified workforce as the most important of the 13 thematic areas related to PHI and disasters. If its functionality fails, workforce has the greatest impact on the performance of health services. If addressed post-disaster, the remaining forms of PHI will then be progressively addressed. These findings are a step toward providing an evidence base to inform PHI priorities in the disaster setting. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:598-610).

The occurrence of phi in dento-facial beauty of fine art from antiquity through the Renaissance.

PubMed

Wiener, R Constance; Wiener Pla, Regina M

2012-01-01

External beauty is a complex construct that influences lives and may be impacted by dentists. Beauty is not easily quantified, but one cited anthropometric of beauty is the ratio phi, the number 1.618033(...). This study examined phi as a measure of female frontal facial beauty in classic Western art, using pre- Renaissance (N = 30), and Renaissance (N = 30) artwork. Four horizontal and five vertical ratios were determined in the works of art, which were then compared with the phi ratio. All horizontal ratios for both pre-Renaissance and Renaissance artwork were similar to each other, but did not contain the phi ratio (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, all vertical ratios for pre-Renaissance and Renaissance art-work did contain the phi ratio within their confidence intervals with the exception of the vertical ratio, "intereye point to soft tissue menton/ intereye point to stomion", that was found to be less than phi in the Renaissance group. The study provides evidence of the presence of the phi ratio in vertical aspect of females in artwork from pre-Renaissance through the Renaissance demonstrating consistent temporal preferences. Therefore, the phi ratio seems to be an important consideration in altering vertical facial dimensions in full mouth rehabilitation and reconstructive orthognathic surgery involving females.

Cytoplasmic pH influences cytoplasmic calcium in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, H. S.; Hughes-Fulford, M.; Kumegawa, M.; Pitts, A. C.; Snowdowne, K. W.

1993-01-01

We found that the cytoplasmic concentration of calcium (Cai) of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts was influenced by the type of pH buffer we used in the perfusing medium, suggesting that intracellular pH (pHi) might influence Cai. To study this effect, the Cai and pHi were monitored as we applied various experimental conditions known to change pHi. Exposure to NH4Cl caused a transient increase in both pHi and Cai without a change in extracellular pH (pHo). Decreasing pHo and pHi by lowering the bicarbonate concentration of the medium decreased Cai, and increasing pHi by the removal of 5% CO2 increased Cai. Clamping pHi to known values with 10 microM nigericin, a potassium proton ionophore, also influenced Cai: acid pHi lowered Cai, whereas alkaline pHi increased it. The rise in Cai appears to be very sensitive to the extracellular concentration of calcium, suggesting the existence of a pH-sensitive calcium influx mechanism. We conclude that physiologic changes in pH could modulate Cai by controlling the influx of calcium ions and could change the time course of the Cai transient associated with hormonal activation.

RNA packaging device of double-stranded RNA bacteriophages, possibly as simple as hexamer of P4 protein.

PubMed

Kainov, Denis E; Pirttimaa, Markus; Tuma, Roman; Butcher, Sarah J; Thomas, George J; Bamford, Dennis H; Makeyev, Eugene V

2003-11-28

Genomes of complex viruses have been demonstrated, in many cases, to be packaged into preformed empty capsids (procapsids). This reaction is performed by molecular motors translocating nucleic acid against the concentration gradient at the expense of NTP hydrolysis. At present, the molecular mechanisms of packaging remain elusive due to the complex nature of packaging motors. In the case of the double-stranded RNA bacteriophage phi 6 from the Cystoviridae family, packaging of single-stranded genomic precursors requires a hexameric NTPase, P4. In the present study, the purified P4 proteins from two other cystoviruses, phi 8 and phi 13, were characterized and compared with phi 6 P4. All three proteins are hexameric, single-stranded RNA-stimulated NTPases with alpha/beta folds. Using a direct motor assay, we found that phi 8 and phi 13 P4 hexamers translocate 5' to 3' along ssRNA, whereas the analogous activity of phi 6 P4 requires association with the procapsid. This difference is explained by the intrinsically high affinity of phi 8 and phi 13 P4s for nucleic acids. The unidirectional translocation results in RNA helicase activity. Thus, P4 proteins of Cystoviridae exhibit extensive similarity to hexameric helicases and are simple models for studying viral packaging motor mechanisms.

Measurements of CP Asymmetries in the Decay B --> {phi}K

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

Aubert, B

The authors present a preliminary measurement of the time-dependent CP asymmetry for the neutral B-meson decay B{sup 0} --> {phi}K{sup 0}. They use a sample of approximately 227 million B-meson pairs recorded at the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II B-meson Factory at SLAC. They reconstruct the CP eigenstates {phi}K{sub s}{sup 0} and {phi}K{sub L}{sup 0} where {phi} --> K{sup +}K{sup -}, K{sub s}{sup 0} --> {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}, and K{sub L}{sup 0} is observed via its hadronic interactions. The other B meson in the event is tagged as either a B{sup 0} or {bar B}{sup 0}more » from its decay products. The values of the CP-violation parameters deived from the combined {phi}K{sup 0} dataset are S{sub {phi}K} = +0.50 {+-} 0.25(stat.){sub -0.04}{sup +0.07}(syst.) and C{sub {phi}K} = 0.00 {+-} 0.23(stat.) {+-}0.05(syst.). In addition, the authors measure the CP-violating charge asymmetry A{sub CP}(B{sup +} --> {phi}K{sup +}) = 0.054 {+-} 0.056(stat.) {+-} 0.012(syst.). All results are preliminary.« less

Kinetics and metabolism of physostigmine in rat in the presence of soman

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

Khalique, A.; Somani, S.M.

1986-03-01

The effect of soman (105 ..mu..g/kg; 1.5 LD/sub 50/ s.c.) administration on pharmacokinetics and metabolism of /sup 3/H-physostigmine (Phy) was studied in rats. The rats were pretreated with either Phy 100 ..mu..g/kg i.v. or 500 ..mu..g/kg i.m., 5 or 15 min prior to soman administration. Phy and metabolites were determined in plasma and brain by HPLC. The half-life of Phy in plasma after i.v. administration was 15.5 min both in the presence and absence of soman, however the t/sub 1/2/ in brain was 11 min and 13 min, respectively. Clearance was 71.4 ml/min/kg in the Phy treated rat and 90more » ml/min/kg in the presence of soman. The half-life of Phy in plasma was 18 min and 17 min, and in brain 17 min and 15 min, respectively in the absence and presence of soman after i.m. dose of Phy. Clearance after Phy treatment was 85.2 mlmin/kg however in the presence of soman, it was 66.7 ml/min/kg. Phy was slightly less metabolized to eseroline and two other metabolites, M/sub 1/ and M/sub 2/, in the presence of soman after i.v. as well as after i.m. administration in plasma and brain. The soman administration does not change the pharmacokinetics of Phy by the two different dosages and routes of administration.« less

Novel phytochrome sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana: Structure, evolution, and differential expression of a plant regulatory photoreceptor family

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

Sharrock, R.A.; Quail, P.H.

1989-01-01

Phytochrome is a plant regulatory photoreceptor that mediates red light effects on a wide variety of physiological and molecular responses. DNA blot analysis indicates that the Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains four to five phytochrome-related gene sequences. The authors have isolated and sequenced cDNA clones corresponding to three of these genes and have deduced the amino acid sequence of the full-length polypeptide encoded in each case. One of these proteins (phyA) shows 65-80% amino acid sequence identity with the major, etiolated-tissue phytochrome apoproteins described previously in other plant species. The other two polypeptides (phyB and phyC) are unique in that theymore » have low sequence identity with each other, with phyA, and with all previously described phytochromes. The phyA, phyB, and phyC proteins are of similar molecular mass, have related hydropathic profiles, and contain a conserved chromophore attachment region. However, the sequence comparison data indicate that the three phy genes diverged early in plant evolution, well before the divergence of the two major groups of angiosperms, the monocots and dicots. The steady-state level of the phyA transcript is high in dark-grown A. thaliana seedlings and is down-regulated by light. In contrast, the phyB and phyC transcripts are present at lower levels and are not strongly light-regulated. These findings indicate that the red/far red light-responsive phytochrome photoreceptor system in A. thaliana, and perhaps in all higher plants, consists of a family of chromoproteins that are heterogeneous in structure and regulation.« less

Time course of cholinesterase activity in plasma, brain and muscle of rat pretreated with physostigmine, and then soman

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

Giacobini, E.; Boyer, A.; Somani, S.M.

1986-03-05

Time course of /sup 3/H-physostigmine (Phy) concentration and cholinesterase (ChE) activity in plasma and tissues was studied in rats pretreated with Phy and then soman. Rats were dosed with Phy (100 ..mu..g/kg, i.v.), 5 or 15 min prior to soman (105 ..mu..g/kg, 1.5 LD/sub 50/, s.c.) treatment and were sacrificed at various times; Phys conc. and ChE activity were determined. BuChE activity in plasma was 5% of control from 7-30 min after Phy i.v. pretreatment and soman or soman alone treatment. Plasma Phy conc. steadily declined (32.6 ng/ml at 7 min) to 15 ng/ml at 30 min. ChE activity inmore » muscle was 60-50% of control for Phy pretreated but soman alone gave 85-72% activity from 2-30 min. Brain ChE activity was about 5% of control within 2 min after soman treatment; however, with Phy pretreatment, the activity was about 52% at 7 min, 40% at 22 min, which recovered to 45% of control at 35 min, indicating that Phy protected brain ChE. Brain Phy conc. steadily declined (58.6 ng/g at 7 min) to 11.7 ng/g at 30 min. However, pretreatment of rat with a higher dose of Phy and then soman showed BuChE in plasma and ChE in brain and muscle to be about 25, 35 and 51%, in comparison to about 5% in plasma and brain with soman alone treatment, indicating higher protection of ChE enzyme with higher conc. of Phy in plasma and brain.« less

A phytochrome/phototropin chimeric photoreceptor of fern functions as a blue/far-red light-dependent photoreceptor for phototropism in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Kanegae, Takeshi; Kimura, Izumi

2015-08-01

In the fern Adiantum capillus-veneris, the phototropic response of the protonemal cells is induced by blue light and partially inhibited by subsequent irradiation with far-red light. This observation strongly suggests the existence of a phytochrome that mediates this blue/far-red reversible response; however, the phytochrome responsible for this response has not been identified. PHY3/NEO1, one of the three phytochrome genes identified in Adiantum, encodes a chimeric photoreceptor composed of both a phytochrome and a phototropin domain. It was demonstrated that phy3 mediates the red light-dependent phototropic response of Adiantum, and that phy3 potentially functions as a phototropin. These findings suggest that phy3 is the phytochrome that mediates the blue/far-red response in Adiantum protonemata. In the present study, we expressed Adiantum phy3 in a phot1 phot2 phototropin-deficient Arabidopsis line, and investigated the ability of phy3 to induce phototropic responses under various light conditions. Blue light irradiation clearly induced a phototropic response in the phy3-expressing transgenic seedlings, and this effect was fully inhibited by simultaneous irradiation with far-red light. In addition, experiments using amino acid-substituted phy3 indicated that FMN-cysteinyl adduct formation in the light, oxygen, voltage (LOV) domain was not necessary for the induction of blue light-dependent phototropism by phy3. We thus demonstrate that phy3 is the phytochrome that mediates the blue/far-red reversible phototropic response in Adiantum. Furthermore, our results imply that phy3 can function as a phototropin, but that it acts principally as a phytochrome that mediates both the red/far-red and blue/far-red light responses. © 2015 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Tumor-cytolytic human macrophages cultured as nonadherent cells: potential for the adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.

PubMed

Helinski, E H; Hurley, E L; Streck, R J; Bielat, K L; Pauly, J L

1990-01-01

Tumor-cytolytic lymphokine (e.g., interleukin-2; IL-2)-activated killer cells are currently being evaluated in IL-2/LAK cell adoptive immunotherapy regimens for the treatment of cancer. Monocyte-derived macrophages (M phi) are also known to be efficient tumor killer cells; accordingly, M phi that have been activated in vitro may also be of therapeutic merit. However, attempts to cultivate M phi for morphological and functional studies have often been compromised because M phi adhere rapidly and tenaciously to cultureware. Studies that we have conducted to address this problem have proven successful in developing procedures for the long-term cultivation of non-adherent immunocompetent M phi in serum-free medium using petri dishes containing a thin Teflon liner. The utility of this technology is documented by the results of studies presented herein in which light and scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze tumor-cytolytic human M phi. In these experiments, we demonstrated that nonadherent immunocompetent human M phi can be prepared for detailed examinations of their pleomorphic membrane architecture. Moreover, nonadherent human M phi could readily be collected for preparing conjugates of M phi and tumor cells. It is anticipated that this technology should prove useful for future structure-function studies defining the topographical location and spatial distribution of antigens and receptors on M phi membrane ultrastructures, particularly the microvilli-like projections that bridge together an immunocompetent effector M phi and target cell (e.g., tumor cells and microbial pathogens) and which provide the physical interaction required for the initial phases of a cellular immune response that includes antigen recognition and cell-to-cell adhesion.

Genome of Enterobacteriophage Lula/phi80 and Insights into Its Ability To Spread in the Laboratory Environment

PubMed Central

Rotman, Ella; Kouzminova, Elena; Plunkett, Guy

2012-01-01

The novel temperate bacteriophage Lula, contaminating laboratory Escherichia coli strains, turned out to be the well-known lambdoid phage phi80. Our previous studies revealed that two characteristics of Lula/phi80 facilitate its spread in the laboratory environment: cryptic lysogen productivity and stealthy infectivity. To understand the genetics/genomics behind these traits, we sequenced and annotated the Lula/phi80 genome, encountering an E. coli-toxic gene revealed as a gap in the sequencing contig and analyzing a few genes in more detail. Lula/phi80's genome layout copies that of lambda, yet homology with other lambdoid phages is mostly limited to the capsid genes. Lula/phi80's DNA is resistant to cutting with several restriction enzymes, suggesting DNA modification, but deletion of the phage's damL gene, coding for DNA adenine methylase, did not make DNA cuttable. The damL mutation of Lula/phi80 also did not change the phage titer in lysogen cultures, whereas the host dam mutation did increase it almost 100-fold. Since the high phage titer in cultures of Lula/phi80 lysogens is apparently in response to endogenous DNA damage, we deleted the only Lula/phi80 SOS-controlled gene, dinL. We found that dinL mutant lysogens release fewer phage in response to endogenous DNA damage but are unchanged in their response to external DNA damage. The toxic gene of Lula/phi80, gamL, encodes an inhibitor of the host ATP-dependent exonucleases, RecBCD and SbcCD. Its own antidote, agt, apparently encoding a modifier protein, was found nearby. Interestingly, Lula/phi80 lysogens are recD and sbcCD phenocopies, so GamL and Agt are part of lysogenic conversion. PMID:23042999

Relationship between intracellular pH and proton mobility in rat and guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Swietach, Pawel; Vaughan-Jones, Richard D

2005-08-01

Intracellular H+ ion mobility in eukaryotic cells is low because of intracellular buffering. We have investigated whether Hi+ mobility varies with pHi. A dual microperfusion apparatus was used to expose guinea-pig or rat myocytes to small localized doses (3-5 mm) of ammonium chloride (applied in Hepes-buffered solution). Intracellular pH (pHi) was monitored confocally using the fluorescent dye, carboxy-SNARF-1. Local ammonium exposure produced a stable, longitudinal pHi gradient. Its size was fed into a look-up table (LUT) to give an estimate of the apparent intracellular proton diffusion coefficient (D(app)H). LUTs were generated using a diffusion-reaction model of Hi+ mobility based on intracellular buffer diffusion. To examine the pHi sensitivity of D(app)H, whole-cell pHi was initially displaced using a whole-cell ammonium or acetate prepulse, before locally applying the low dose of ammonium. In both rat and guinea-pig, D(app)H decreased with pHi over the range 7.5-6.5. In separate pipette-loading experiments, the intracellular diffusion coefficient for carboxy-SNARF-1 (a mobile-buffer analogue) exhibited no significant pHi dependence. The pHi sensitivity of D(app)H is thus likely to be governed by the mobile fraction of intrinsic buffering capacity. These results reinforce the buffer hypothesis of Hi+ mobility. The pHi dependence of D(app)H was used to characterize the mobile and fixed buffer components, and to estimate D(mob) (the average diffusion coefficient for intracellular mobile buffer). One consequence of a decline in Hi+ mobility at low pHi is that it will predispose the myocardium to pHi nonuniformity. The physiological relevance of this is discussed.

Oligomeric properties and DNA binding specificities of repressor isoforms from the Streptomyces bacteriophage phiC31.

PubMed

Wilson, S E; Smith, M C

1998-05-15

Three protein isoforms (74, 54 and 42 kDa) are expressed from repressor gene c in the Streptomyces temperate bacteriophage phiC31. Because expression of the two smaller isoforms, 54 and 42 kDa, is sufficient for superinfection immunity, the interaction between these isoforms was studied. The native 42 kDa repressor (Nat42) and an N-terminally 6x histidine-tagged 54 kDa isoform (His54) were shown by co-purification on a Ni-NTA column to interact in Streptomyces lividans . In vitro three repressor preparations, containing Nat42, His54 and the native 54 and 42 kDa isoforms expressed together (Nat54&42), were subjected to chemical crosslinking and gel filtration analysis. Homo- and hetero-tetramers were observed. Previous work showed that the smallest isoform bound to 17 bp operators containing aconservedinvertedrepeat (CIR) and that the CIRs were located at 16 loci throughout the phiC31 genome. One of the CIRs (CIR6) is believed to be critical for regulating the lytic pathway. The DNA binding activities of the three repressor preparations were studied using fragments containing CIRs (CIR3-CIR6) from the essential early region as templates for DNase I footprinting. Whereas Nat42 bound to CIR6, poorly to CIR5 but undetectably to CIR3 or CIR4, the Nat54&42 preparation could bind to all CIRs tested, albeit poorly to CIR3 and CIR4. The His54 isoform bound all CIRs tested. Isoforms expressed from the phiC31 repressor gene, like those which are expressed from many eukaryotic transcription factor genes, apparently have different binding specificities.

Hydrogen ion dynamics in human red blood cells

PubMed Central

Swietach, Pawel; Tiffert, Teresa; Mauritz, Jakob M A; Seear, Rachel; Esposito, Alessandro; Kaminski, Clemens F; Lew, Virgilio L; Vaughan-Jones, Richard D

2010-01-01

Our understanding of pH regulation within red blood cells (RBCs) has been inferred mainly from indirect experiments rather than from in situ measurements of intracellular pH (pHi). The present work shows that carboxy-SNARF-1, a pH fluorophore, when used with confocal imaging or flow cytometry, reliably reports pHi in individual, human RBCs, provided intracellular fluorescence is calibrated using a ‘null-point’ procedure. Mean pHi was 7.25 in CO2/HCO3−-buffered medium and 7.15 in Hepes-buffered medium, and varied linearly with extracellular pH (slope of 0.77). Intrinsic (non-CO2/HCO3−-dependent) buffering power, estimated in the intact cell (85 mmol (l cell)−1 (pH unit)−1 at resting pHi), was somewhat higher than previous estimates from cell lysates (50–70 mmol (l cell)−1 (pH unit)−1). Acute displacement of pHi (superfusion of weak acids/bases) triggered rapid pHi recovery. This was mediated via membrane Cl−/HCO3− exchange (the AE1 gene product), irrespective of whether recovery was from an intracellular acid or base load, and with no evident contribution from other transporters such as Na+/H+ exchange. H+-equivalent flux through AE1 was a linear function of [H+]i and reversed at resting pHi, indicating that its activity is not allosterically regulated by pHi, in contrast to other AE isoforms. By simultaneously monitoring pHi and markers of cell volume, a functional link between membrane ion transport, volume and pHi was demonstrated. RBC pHi is therefore tightly regulated via AE1 activity, but modulated during changes of cell volume. A comparable volume–pHi link may also be important in other cell types expressing anion exchangers. Direct measurement of pHi should be useful in future investigations of RBC physiology and pathology. PMID:20962000

The role of NOS2A -954G/C and vascular endothelial growth factor +936C/T polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nonproliferative retinopathy risk management.

PubMed

Porojan, Mihai Dumitru; Cătană, Andreea; Popp, Radu A; Dumitrascu, Dan L; Bala, Cornelia

2015-01-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains one of the major health problems in Europe. Retinopathy is one of the major causes of morbidity in T2DM, strongly influencing the evolution and prognosis of these patients. In the last 2 decades, several studies have been conducted to identify the possible genetic susceptibility factors involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, there is little data related to the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene polymorphisms in the T2DM Caucasian population. The objective of this study was to identify a possible connection between NOS2A -954G/C (rs2297518) and VEGF +936C/T (rs3025039) polymorphisms and the risk of developing T2DM and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in a Caucasian population group. We investigated 200 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 208 controls. Genotypes were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical and comparative analyses (Fisher's exact test) for dominant and recessive models of NOS2A -954G/C and VEGF +936C/T polymorphisms revealed an increased risk of T2DM (χ (2)=8.14, phi =0.141, P=0.004, odds ratio [OR] =2.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.347-5.801; χ (2)=18.814, phi =0.215, P<0.001, OR =2.59, 95% CI =1.675-4.006, respectively). Also, comparative analysis for the recessive model (using Pearson's chi-square test [χ (2)] and the phi coefficient [phi]) reveals that the variant CC genotype of NOS2A gene is more frequently associated with T2DM without retinopathy (χ (2)=3.835, phi =-0.138, P=0.05, OR =0.447, 95% CI =0.197-1.015). In conclusion, the results of the study place VEGF +936C/T polymorphisms among the genetic risk factor for T2DM, whereas NOS2A -954G/C polymorphisms act like a protective individual factor for nonproliferative retinopathy.

The role of NOS2A −954G/C and vascular endothelial growth factor +936C/T polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nonproliferative retinopathy risk management

PubMed Central

Porojan, Mihai Dumitru; Cătană, Andreea; Popp, Radu A; Dumitrascu, Dan L; Bala, Cornelia

2015-01-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains one of the major health problems in Europe. Retinopathy is one of the major causes of morbidity in T2DM, strongly influencing the evolution and prognosis of these patients. In the last 2 decades, several studies have been conducted to identify the possible genetic susceptibility factors involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, there is little data related to the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene polymorphisms in the T2DM Caucasian population. The objective of this study was to identify a possible connection between NOS2A −954G/C (rs2297518) and VEGF +936C/T (rs3025039) polymorphisms and the risk of developing T2DM and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in a Caucasian population group. We investigated 200 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 208 controls. Genotypes were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical and comparative analyses (Fisher’s exact test) for dominant and recessive models of NOS2A −954G/C and VEGF +936C/T polymorphisms revealed an increased risk of T2DM (χ2=8.14, phi =0.141, P=0.004, odds ratio [OR] =2.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.347–5.801; χ2=18.814, phi =0.215, P<0.001, OR =2.59, 95% CI =1.675–4.006, respectively). Also, comparative analysis for the recessive model (using Pearson’s chi-square test [χ2] and the phi coefficient [phi]) reveals that the variant CC genotype of NOS2A gene is more frequently associated with T2DM without retinopathy (χ2=3.835, phi =−0.138, P=0.05, OR =0.447, 95% CI =0.197–1.015). In conclusion, the results of the study place VEGF +936C/T polymorphisms among the genetic risk factor for T2DM, whereas NOS2A −954G/C polymorphisms act like a protective individual factor for nonproliferative retinopathy. PMID:26664124

Relationship of chronic histologic prostatic inflammation in biopsy specimens with serum isoform [-2]proPSA (p2PSA), %p2PSA, and prostate health index in men with a total prostate-specific antigen of 4-10 ng/ml and normal digital rectal examination.

PubMed

Lazzeri, Massimo; Abrate, Alberto; Lughezzani, Giovanni; Gadda, Giulio Maria; Freschi, Massimo; Mistretta, Francesco; Lista, Giuliana; Fossati, Nicola; Larcher, Alessandro; Kinzikeeva, Ella; Buffi, Nicolòmaria; Dell'Acqua, Vincenzo; Bini, Vittorio; Montorsi, Francesco; Guazzoni, Giorgio

2014-03-01

To investigate the relationship between serum [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and derivatives with chronic histologic prostatic inflammation (CHPI) in men undergoing prostate biopsy for suspected prostate cancer (PCa). This nested case-control study resulted from an observational prospective trial for the definition of sensibility, specificity, and accuracy of p2PSA, %p2PSA, and Beckman Coulter Prostate Health Index (PHI), in men undergoing prostate biopsy, with a total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 4-10 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination. CHPI was the outcome of interest and defined as the presence of moderate to large infiltration of lymphomononuclear cells with interstitial and/or glandular disruption in absence of PCa. p2PSA, %p2PSA, and PHI were considered the index tests and compared with the established biomarker reference standard tests: tPSA, fPSA, %fPSA. Of 267 patients subjected to prostate biopsy, 73 (27.3%) patients were diagnosed with CHPI. Comparing CHPI with PCa patients, %p2PSA and PHI were found to be significantly lower, whereas fPSA and %fPSA were significantly higher. %p2PSA and PHI were the most accurate predictors of CHPI at biopsy, significantly outperforming tPSA, fPSA, and %fPSA. On the contrary, no significant differences were found in PSA, p2PSA, and derivatives between CHPI and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Our findings showed that p2PSA, %p2PSA, and PHI values might discriminate PCa from CHPI or BPH, but not CHPI from BPH, in men with a total PSA 4-10 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination. p2PSA isoform and its derivatives could be useful in clinical decision making to avoid unnecessary biopsies in patients with CHPI and elevated tPSA value. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neue Laser und Strahlquellen - alte und neue Risiken?

PubMed

Paasch, Uwe; Schwandt, Antje; Seeber, Nikolaus; Kautz, Gerd; Grunewald, Sonja; Haedersdal, Merete

2017-05-01

Die Entwicklungen im Bereich dermatologischer Laser, hochenergetischer Blitzlampen, LED und neuer Energie- und Strahlquellen der letzten Jahre haben gezeigt, dass mit neuen Wellenlängen, Konzepten und Kombinationen zusätzliche, zum Teil über den ästhetischen Bereich hinaus gehende therapeutische Optionen für den Dermatologen erschlossen werden konnten. Wurden bisher zum Beispiel mit fraktionalen Lasern Falten behandelt, sind eben diese Systeme heute in Kombination mit Medikamenten wichtige Werkzeuge bei der Behandlung von Narben, bei Feldkanzerisierung und epithelialen Tumoren. Die Anforderungen an den die Indikation stellenden und vorzugsweise therapierenden Arzt steigen mit der immer komplexer werdenden Technik und den zunehmenden Komorbiditäten und Komedikationen einer älter werdenden Patientenklientel. Parallel etabliert wurden, zunächst für einige wenige Indikationen, Geräte für die Heimanwendung, die sich durch geringe Leistung und spezielle Sicherheitsvorkehrungen zur Vermeidung von Unfällen, Risiken und Nebenwirkungen auszeichnen. Trotz der reduzierten Effizienz solcher Selbstbehandlungsmaßnahmen steigt die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Fehlanwendung, da die Grundvoraussetzung für eine korrekte Therapie, nämlich die exakte Diagnose und Indikationsstellung, nicht vorausgesetzt werden kann. Bei einer Haarentfernung können so Pigmenttumoren, bei einer Faltentherapie neoplastische Hautveränderungen adressiert und zu erwartende, unvorhergesehene und neue Nebenwirkungen und Komplikationen induziert werden. In diesem Szenario ist es wichtig, alle potenziellen Anwender dieser neuen Technologien vor deren Einsatz so zu qualifizieren, dass den Therapierten maximale Therapiesicherheit bei höchster Effizienz unter dem Leitbild diagnosis certa - ullae therapiae fundamentum garantiert wird. © 2017 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ein Blick ins Licht. Einblicke in die Natur des Lichts und des Sehens, in Farbe und Fotografie.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falk, D. S.; Brill, D. R.; Stork, D. G.

This book is a German translation, by A. Ehlers, of the American original "Seeing the light. Optics in nature, photography, color, vision, and holography", published in 1986. Contents: 1. Die Haupteigenschaften des Lichts. 2. Grundlagen der geometrischen Optik. 3. Spiegel und Linsen. 4. Kamera und Fotografie. 5. Das menschliche Auge und sein Sehvermögen. I: Wie das Bild erzeugt wird. 6. Optische Instrumente. 7. Das menschliche Auge und sein Sehvermögen. II: Bildverarbeitung. 8. Räumliches Sehen und Tiefenwahrnehmung. 9. Farbe. 10. Farbwahrnehmung. 11. Farbfotografie. 12. Wellenoptik. 13. Streuung und Polarisation. 14. Holografie. 15. Ein Blick in die moderne Physik.

Zeit im Wandel der Zeit.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aichelburg, P. C.

Contents: Einleitung(P. C. Aichelburg). 1. Über Zeit, Bewegung und Veränderung (Aristoteles). 2. Ewigkeit und Zeit (Plotin). 3. Was ist die Zeit? (Augustinus). 4. Von der Zeit (Immanuel Kant). 5. Newtons Ansichten über Zeit, Raum und Bewegung (Ernst Mach). 6. Über die mechanische Erklärung irreversibler Vorgänge (Ludwig Boltzmann). 7. Das Maß der Zeit (Henri Poincaré). 8. Dauer und Intuition (Henri Bergson). 9. Die Geschichte des Unendlichkeitsproblems (Bertrand Russell). 10. Raum und Zeit (Hermann Minkowski). 11. Der Unterschied von Zeit und Raum (Hans Reichenbach). 12. Newtonscher und Bergsonscher Zeitbegriff (Norbert Wiener). 13. Die Bildung des Zeitbegriffs beim Kinde (JeanPiaget).14. Eine Bemerkung über die Beziehungen zwischen Relativitätstheorie und der idealistischen Philosophie (Kurt Gödel). 15. Der zweite Hauptsatz und der Unterschied von Vergangenheit und Zukunft (Carl Friedrich v. Weizsäcker). 16. Zeit als physikalischer Begriff (Friedrich Hund). 17. Zeitmessung und Zeitbegriff in der Astronomie (Otto Heckmann). 18. Kann die Zeit rückwärts gehen? (Martin Gardner). 19. Zeit und Zeiten (Ilya Prigogine, Isabelle Stengers). 20. Zeit als dynamische Größe in der Relativitätstheorie (P. C. Aichelburg).

The phi-meson and Chiral-mass-meson production in heavy-ion collisions as potential probes of quark-gluon-plasma and Chiral symmetry transitions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, Y.; Eby, P. B.

1985-01-01

Possibilities of observing abundances of phi mesons and narrow hadronic pairs, as results of QGP and Chiral transitions, are considered for nucleus-nucleus interactions. Kinematical requirements in forming close pairs are satisfied in K+K decays of S(975) and delta (980) mesons with small phi, and phi (91020) mesons with large PT, and in pi-pi decays of familiar resonance mesons only in a partially restored chiral symmetry. Gluon-gluon dominance in QGP can enhance phi meson production. High hadronization rates of primordial resonance mesons which form narrow hadronic pairs are not implausible. Past cosmic ray evidences of anomalous phi production and narrow pair abundances are considered.

Anonymization of DICOM Electronic Medical Records for Radiation Therapy

PubMed Central

Newhauser, Wayne; Jones, Timothy; Swerdloff, Stuart; Newhauser, Warren; Cilia, Mark; Carver, Robert; Halloran, Andy; Zhang, Rui

2014-01-01

Electronic medical records (EMR) and treatment plans are used in research on patient outcomes and radiation effects. In many situations researchers must remove protected health information (PHI) from EMRs. The literature contains several studies describing the anonymization of generic Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) files and DICOM image sets but no publications were found that discuss the anonymization of DICOM radiation therapy plans, a key component of an EMR in a cancer clinic. In addition to this we were unable to find a commercial software tool that met the minimum requirements for anonymization and preservation of data integrity for radiation therapy research. The purpose of this study was to develop a prototype software code to meet the requirements for the anonymization of radiation therapy treatment plans and to develop a way to validate that code and demonstrate that it properly anonymized treatment plans and preserved data integrity. We extended an open-source code to process all relevant PHI and to allow for the automatic anonymization of multiple EMRs. The prototype code successfully anonymized multiple treatment plans in less than 1 minute per patient. We also tested commercial optical character recognition (OCR) algorithms for the detection of burned-in text on the images, but they were unable to reliably recognize text. In addition, we developed and tested an image filtering algorithm that allowed us to isolate and redact alpha-numeric text from a test radiograph. Validation tests verified that PHI was anonymized and data integrity, such as the relationship between DICOM unique identifiers (UID) was preserved. PMID:25147130

Anonymization of DICOM electronic medical records for radiation therapy.

PubMed

Newhauser, Wayne; Jones, Timothy; Swerdloff, Stuart; Newhauser, Warren; Cilia, Mark; Carver, Robert; Halloran, Andy; Zhang, Rui

2014-10-01

Electronic medical records (EMR) and treatment plans are used in research on patient outcomes and radiation effects. In many situations researchers must remove protected health information (PHI) from EMRs. The literature contains several studies describing the anonymization of generic Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) files and DICOM image sets but no publications were found that discuss the anonymization of DICOM radiation therapy plans, a key component of an EMR in a cancer clinic. In addition to this we were unable to find a commercial software tool that met the minimum requirements for anonymization and preservation of data integrity for radiation therapy research. The purpose of this study was to develop a prototype software code to meet the requirements for the anonymization of radiation therapy treatment plans and to develop a way to validate that code and demonstrate that it properly anonymized treatment plans and preserved data integrity. We extended an open-source code to process all relevant PHI and to allow for the automatic anonymization of multiple EMRs. The prototype code successfully anonymized multiple treatment plans in less than 1min/patient. We also tested commercial optical character recognition (OCR) algorithms for the detection of burned-in text on the images, but they were unable to reliably recognize text. In addition, we developed and tested an image filtering algorithm that allowed us to isolate and redact alpha-numeric text from a test radiograph. Validation tests verified that PHI was anonymized and data integrity, such as the relationship between DICOM unique identifiers (UID) was preserved. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Milch, Milchprodukte, Analoge und Speiseeis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coors, Ursula

Die Produktpalette Milch und Erzeugnisse aus Milch beinhaltet Konsummilch, die aus Milch oder Bestandteilen der Milch hergestellten Milcherzeugnisse wie Sauermilch-, Joghurt-, Kefir-, Buttermilch-, Sahne-, Kondensmilch-, Trockenmilch- und Molkenerzeugnisse, Milchmisch- und Molkenmischprodukte (Produkte mit beigegebenen Lebensmitteln), Milchzucker, Milcheiweißerzeugnisse, Milchfette und Käse.

The percentage of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) isoform [-2]proPSA and the Prostate Health Index improve the diagnostic accuracy for clinically relevant prostate cancer at initial and repeat biopsy compared with total PSA and percentage free PSA in men aged ≤65 years.

PubMed

Boegemann, Martin; Stephan, Carsten; Cammann, Henning; Vincendeau, Sébastien; Houlgatte, Alain; Jung, Klaus; Blanchet, Jean-Sebastien; Semjonow, Axel

2016-01-01

To prospectively test the diagnostic accuracy of the percentage of prostate specific antigen (PSA) isoform [-2]proPSA (%p2PSA) and the Prostate Health Index (PHI), and to determine their role for discrimination between significant and insignificant prostate cancer at initial and repeat prostate biopsy in men aged ≤65 years. The diagnostic performance of %p2PSA and PHI were evaluated in a multicentre study. In all, 769 men aged ≤65 years scheduled for initial or repeat prostate biopsy were recruited in four sites based on a total PSA (t-PSA) level of 1.6-8.0 ng/mL World Health Organization (WHO) calibrated (2-10 ng/mL Hybritech-calibrated). Serum samples were measured for the concentration of t-PSA, free PSA (f-PSA) and p2PSA with Beckman Coulter immunoassays on Access-2 or DxI800 instruments. PHI was calculated as (p2PSA/f-PSA × √t-PSA). Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models and an artificial neural network (ANN) were complemented by decision curve analysis (DCA). In univariate analysis %p2PSA and PHI were the best predictors of prostate cancer detection in all patients (area under the curve [AUC] 0.72 and 0.73, respectively), at initial (AUC 0.67 and 0.69) and repeat biopsy (AUC 0.74 and 0.74). t-PSA and %f-PSA performed less accurately for all patients (AUC 0.54 and 0.62). For detection of significant prostate cancer (based on Prostate Cancer Research International Active Surveillance [PRIAS] criteria) the %p2PSA and PHI equally demonstrated best performance (AUC 0.70 and 0.73) compared with t-PSA and %f-PSA (AUC 0.54 and 0.59). In multivariate analysis PHI we added to a base model of age, prostate volume, digital rectal examination, t-PSA and %f-PSA. PHI was strongest in predicting prostate cancer in all patients, at initial and repeat biopsy and for significant prostate cancer (AUC 0.73, 0.68, 0.78 and 0.72, respectively). In DCA for all patients the ANN showed the broadest threshold probability and best net benefit. PHI as single parameter and the base model + PHI were equivalent with threshold probability and net benefit nearing those of the ANN. For significant cancers the ANN was the strongest parameter in DCA. The present multicentre study showed that %p2PSA and PHI have a superior diagnostic performance for detecting prostate cancer in the PSA range of 1.6-8.0 ng/mL compared with t-PSA and %f-PSA at initial and repeat biopsy and for predicting significant prostate cancer in men aged ≤65 years. They are equally superior for counselling patients before biopsy. © 2015 The Authors BJU International © 2015 BJU International Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

IRBIT plays an important role in NHE3-mediated pHi regulation in HSG cells.

PubMed

Tran, Tien Manh; Park, Moon-Yong; Lee, Jiyeon; Bae, Jun-Seok; Hwang, Sung-Min; Choi, Se-Young; Mikoshiba, Katsuhiko; Park, Kyungpyo

2013-07-19

Expression of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor-binding protein (IRBIT) has been reported in epithelial cells. However, its role in pHi regulation is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the role of IRBIT in pHi regulation, mediated by Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs), in salivary glands. We measured pHi recovery from cell acidification in BCECF-loaded salivary HSG cells. Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) assays were also performed, showing that NHE1, 2 and 3 are expressed, and IRBIT binds to NHE3. HOE642, a specific NHE1 blocker, inhibited pHi recovery, but 40% pH(i) recovery was still observed even at the highest concentration of HOE642. Furthermore, pretreatment of the cells with siIRBIT significantly inhibited pHi recovery, indicating that NHE3 potentially plays a role in pHi recovery as well. The amount of membrane-localized NHE3 and its interaction with IRBIT are also significantly increased by cell acidification. In addition, we found that Ste20p-related proline alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) reverses the effect of IRBIT on membrane NHE3 translocation. Taken together, we conclude that IRBIT plays an important role in pHi regulation, mediated by NHE3, and further regulated by SPAK. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of multi-carbohydrase and phytase on standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids and apparent metabolizable energy in canola meal fed to broiler chicks.

PubMed

Gallardo, C; Dadalt, J C; Kiarie, E; Trindade Neto, M A

2017-09-01

Two assays were conducted to evaluate nutritive value of canola meal (CM) fed to broiler chicks without or with a multi-carbohydrase (MC) preparation (700 U α-galactosidase, 2,200 U galactomannanase, 30,000 U xylanase, and 22,000 U β-glucanase per kg of diet) and phytase (Phy, 500 FTU per kg of diet). Assay 1 determined apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and metabolizable energy (AME) by the difference method. Assay 2 determined apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids by the index method. Two reference diets (RD) - an 85% corn based and a 5% casein-cornstarch diet fortified with vitamins and minerals - were made for assays 1 and 2, respectively. For each assay, the test diets were made by mixing RD and CM 7:3 wt/wt basis and fed without or with MC or Phy or combination. A total of 245 day-old male broilers (Cobb 500) was allocated to 5 treatments to give 7 replicates (7 birds/cage). The birds were fed a commercial diet from day zero to 10 followed by assay 1 fed from d 11 to 18 and assay 2 fed from d 19 to 21. Excreta samples were collected on d 15 to18, and all birds were slaughtered on d 21 for ileal digesta. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between MC and Phy on ATTD of DM, N, and P. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between MC and Phy on AMEn; however, MC and Phy individually improved AMEn retention. Enzymes interacted (P < 0.05) on SID of Arg, His, Leu, Met, Thr, Ala, Asp, Gln, and Gly. In this context, feeding a combination of MC and Phy resulted in higher (P < 0.05) SID of Arg, His, Met, and Thr relative to single activity or control. Both enzymes improved (P < 0.05) SID of Lys independently. The combination of carbohydrase and Phy may be an effective strategy to improve amino acid utilization in CM for poultry. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Selective fertilization with phosphite allows unhindered growth of cotton plants expressing the ptxD gene while suppressing weeds.

PubMed

Pandeya, Devendra; López-Arredondo, Damar L; Janga, Madhusudhana R; Campbell, LeAnne M; Estrella-Hernández, Priscila; Bagavathiannan, Muthukumar V; Herrera-Estrella, Luis; Rathore, Keerti S

2018-06-04

Weeds, which have been the bane of agriculture since the beginning of civilization, are managed manually, mechanically, and, more recently, by chemicals. However, chemical control options are rapidly shrinking due to the recent rise in the number of herbicide-resistant weeds in crop fields, with few alternatives on the horizon. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative weed suppression systems to sustain crop productivity while reducing our dependence on herbicides and tillage. Such a development will also allay some of the negative perceptions associated with the use of herbicide-resistance genes and heavy dependence on herbicides. Transgenic plants expressing the bacterial phosphite dehydrogenase ( ptxD ) gene gain an ability to convert phosphite (Phi) into orthophosphate [Pi, the metabolizable form of phosphorus (P)]. Such plants allow for a selective fertilization scheme, based on Phi as the sole source of P for the crop, while offering an effective alternative for suppressing weed growth. Here, we show that, when P is supplied in the form of Phi, ptxD -expressing cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants outcompete, in both artificial substrates and natural soils from agricultural fields, three different monocot and dicot weed species intentionally introduced in the experiments, as well as weeds naturally present in the tested soils. Importantly, the ptxD /Phi system proved highly efficacious in inhibiting the growth of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. With over 250 weed species resistant to currently available herbicides, ptxD -transgenic plants fertilized with Phi could provide an effective alternative to suppressing the growth of these weeds while providing adequate nutrition to the crop. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Characterisation of transition state structures for protein folding using 'high', 'medium' and 'low' {Phi}-values.

PubMed

Geierhaas, Christian D; Salvatella, Xavier; Clarke, Jane; Vendruscolo, Michele

2008-03-01

It has been suggested that Phi-values, which allow structural information about transition states (TSs) for protein folding to be obtained, are most reliably interpreted when divided into three classes (high, medium and low). High Phi-values indicate almost completely folded regions in the TS, intermediate Phi-values regions with a detectable amount of structure and low Phi-values indicate mostly unstructured regions. To explore the extent to which this classification can be used to characterise in detail the structure of TSs for protein folding, we used Phi-values divided into these classes as restraints in molecular dynamics simulations. This type of procedure is related to that used in NMR spectroscopy to define the structure of native proteins from the measurement of inter-proton distances derived from nuclear Overhauser effects. We illustrate this approach by determining the TS ensembles of five proteins and by showing that the results are similar to those obtained by using as restraints the actual numerical Phi-values measured experimentally. Our results indicate that the simultaneous consideration of a set of low-resolution Phi-values can provide sufficient information for characterising the architecture of a TS for folding of a protein.

A novel protein tyrosine phosphatase like phytase from Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51: Cloning, characterization and application in mineral release for food technology applications.

PubMed

Sharma, Rekha; Kumar, Piyush; Kaushal, Vandana; Das, Rahul; Kumar Navani, Naveen

2018-02-01

A novel protein tyrosine phosphatase like phytase (PTPLP), designated as PhyLf from probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum NKN51 was identified, cloned, expressed and characterized. The recombinant PhyLf showed specific activity of 174.5 U/mg. PhyLf exhibited strict specificity towards phytate and optimum temperature at 60 °C, pH 5.0 and ionic strength of 100 mM. K m and K cat of PhyLf for phytate were 0.773 mM and 84.31 s -1 , respectively. PhyLf exhibited high resistance against oxidative inactivation. PhyLf shares no homology, sans the active site with reported PTLPs, warranting classification as a new subclass. Dephytinization of durum wheat and finger millet under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions using PhyLf enhanced the bioaccessibility of mineral ions. Probiotic origin, phytate specificity, resistance to oxidative environment and gastric milieu coupled with ability to release micronutrients are unique properties of PhyLf which present a strong case for its use in ameliorating nutritional value of cereals and animal feed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facial recognition software success rates for the identification of 3D surface reconstructed facial images: implications for patient privacy and security.

PubMed

Mazura, Jan C; Juluru, Krishna; Chen, Joseph J; Morgan, Tara A; John, Majnu; Siegel, Eliot L

2012-06-01

Image de-identification has focused on the removal of textual protected health information (PHI). Surface reconstructions of the face have the potential to reveal a subject's identity even when textual PHI is absent. This study assessed the ability of a computer application to match research subjects' 3D facial reconstructions with conventional photographs of their face. In a prospective study, 29 subjects underwent CT scans of the head and had frontal digital photographs of their face taken. Facial reconstructions of each CT dataset were generated on a 3D workstation. In phase 1, photographs of the 29 subjects undergoing CT scans were added to a digital directory and tested for recognition using facial recognition software. In phases 2-4, additional photographs were added in groups of 50 to increase the pool of possible matches and the test for recognition was repeated. As an internal control, photographs of all subjects were tested for recognition against an identical photograph. Of 3D reconstructions, 27.5% were matched correctly to corresponding photographs (95% upper CL, 40.1%). All study subject photographs were matched correctly to identical photographs (95% lower CL, 88.6%). Of 3D reconstructions, 96.6% were recognized simply as a face by the software (95% lower CL, 83.5%). Facial recognition software has the potential to recognize features on 3D CT surface reconstructions and match these with photographs, with implications for PHI.

Auf dem Weg zur digitalen Fakultät - moderne IT Infrastruktur am Beispiel des Physik-Departments der TU München

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homolka, Josef

Der Geschäftsbetrieb einer Universität ist durch zunehmende Digitalisierung und Nutzung elektronischer Medien gekennzeichnet. Die Einführung immer leistungsfähigerer zentraler IT-Systeme führt zu einer komplexen Vielfalt heterogener Benutzer- und Administrationsschnittstellen. Zur Schaffung einer umfassenden benutzerfreundlichen und nahtlosen IT-Infrastruktur ist die Beteiligung aller organisatorischen Einheiten und Ebenen erforderlich. Am Physik-Departement der Technischen Universität München wurden unter Integration eigener Ressourcen mit zentralen Ressourcen, die im Rahmen des IntegraTUM Projektes entwickelt und bereitgestellt wurden, existierende Dienste weiterentwickelt und neue Angebote aufgebaut. Das System, bestehend aus den Komponenten Netzwerk, Arbeitsplatzrechner, Serverinfrastruktur, E-Mail-Service, WWWDienst, Datenhaltung und Software wurde für die Nutzerkreise Studenten und Mitarbeiter im Hinblick auf Anwenderfreundlichkeit und nahtlosen Zugriff optimiert.

Statistik in Naturwissenschaft und Technik

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilrich, Peter-Theodor

Mit dem Aufschwung von Naturwissenschaft und Technik zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts entstand die mathematische Statistik, angeregt aus der Geodäsie (wie die Methode der kleinsten Quadrate) und der Anthropologie (wie die statistische Analyse mehrdimensionaler Beobachtungen und ihrer stochastischen Abhängigkeiten). Im Gegensatz zu den Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften, in denen Daten vorwiegend aus Beobachtungsstudien gewonnen werden, stehen in den Naturwissenschaften Experimente im Vordergrund. Daher gehört die statistische Versuchsplanung zu den insbesondere in Naturwissenschaft und Technik angewendeten statistischen Methoden, aber auch die Extremwertstatistik und Lebensdaueranalysen sowie die Methoden der räumlichen Statistik (insbesondere in der Umweltforschung). Im 20. Jahrhundert wurden Stichprobenpläne und Regelkarten (Kontrollkarten) zur Prozessregelung als Hilfsmittel der statistischen Qualitätssicherung entwickelt. Diese Methodenbündel, mit denen sich der Ausschuss Statistik in Naturwissenschaft und Technik immer wieder befasst, werden im Folgenden vorgestellt.

Sternbilder und ihre Mythen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fasching, Gerhard

Die Sternbilder, die seit alters her die Menschen in ihren Bann gezogen haben, und die damit verbundenen Mythen werden in zweifacher Weise vorgestellt. Erstens ist es die Absicht, dem Leser zu helfen, sich am Sternenhimmel zurechtzufinden, und zweitens will es ihm die Vielfalt der Bilder vermitteln, die damit verbunden sind. Am Anfang des Buches stehen die prächtigen Erzählungen aus Ovids Metamorphosen. Dann ist vom Sternenhimmel im Jahreskreis die Rede, um den Leser anzuregen, diesen fast unendlichen Bilderreichtum sich selbst durch eigene Beobachtungen zu erschließen. Ein umfangreicher Abschnitt behandelt die einzelnen Sternbilder und das hierzu überlieferte Wissen. Sternkarten und alte Kupferstiche aus dem Bestand der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek zeigen, wie man sich in früheren Jahrhunderten den Sternenhimmel vorgestellt hat. Sternsagen und Mythen werden erzählt und auch das ptolemäische und das kopernikanische Weltsystem werden einander gegenübergestellt. Ausführliche Sachverzeichnisse mit über 3000 Suchbegriffen erleichtern den Zugang zu Stern- und Sternbildnamen und zur Mythologie.

Ordovician and Silurian Phi Kappa and Trail Creek formations, Pioneer Mountains, central Idaho; stratigraphic and structural revisions, and new data on graptolite faunas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dover, James H.; Berry, William B.N.; Ross, Reuben James

1980-01-01

Recent geologic mapping in the northern Pioneer Mountains combined with the identification of graptolites from 116 new collections indicate that the Ordovician and Silurian Phi Kappa and Trail Creek Formations occur in a series of thrust-bounded slices within a broad zone of imbricate thrust faulting. Though confirming a deformational style first reported in a 1963 study by Michael Churkin, our data suggest that the complexity and regional extent of the thrust zone were not previously recognized. Most previously published sections of the Phi Kappa and Trail Creek Formations were measured across unrecognized thrust faults and therefore include not only structural repetitions of graptolitic Ordovician and Silurian rocks but also other tectonically juxtaposed lithostratigraphic units of diverse ages as well. Because of this discovery, the need to reconsider the stratigraphic validity of these formations and their lithology, nomenclature, structural distribution, facies relations, and graptolite faunas has arisen. The Phi Kappa Formation in most thrust slices has internal stratigraphic continuity despite the intensity of deformation to which it was subjected. As revised herein, the Phi Kappa Formation is restricted to a structurally repeated succession of predominantly black, carbonaceous, graptolitic argillite and shale. Some limy, light-gray-weathering shale occurs in the middle part of the section, and fine-grained locally pebbly quartzite is present at the base. The basal quartzite is here named the Basin Gulch Quartzite Member of the Phi Kappa. The Phi Kappa redefined on a lithologic basis represents the span of Ordovician time from W. B. N. Berry's graptolite zones 2-4 through 15 and also includes approximately 17 m of lithologically identical shale of Early and Middle Silurian age at the top. The lower contact of the formation as revised is tectonic. The Phi Kappa is gradationally overlain by the Trail Creek Formation as restricted herein. Most of the coarser clastic rocks reported in previously measured sections of the Phi Kappa, as well as the sequence along Phi Kappa Creek from which the name originates, are excluded from the Phi Kappa as revised and are reassigned to two structural plates of Mississippian Copper Basin Formation; other strata now excluded from the formation are reassigned to the Trail Creek Formation and to an unnamed Silurian and Devonian unit. As redefined, the Phi Kappa Formation is only about 240 m thick, compared with the 3,860 m originally estimated, and it occupies only about 25 percent of the outcrop area previously mapped in 1930 by H. G. Westgate and C. P. Ross. Despite this drastic reduction in thickness and the exclusion of the rocks along Phi Kappa Creek, the name Phi Kappa is retained because of widely accepted prior usage to denote the Ordovician graptolitic shale facies of central Idaho, and because the Phi Kappa Formation as revised is present in thrust slices on Phi Kappa Mountain, at the head of Phi Kappa Creek. The lithic and faunal consistency of this unit throughout the area precludes the necessity for major facies telescoping along individual faults within the outcrop belt. However, tens of kilometers of tectonic shortening seems required to juxtapose the imbricated Phi Kappa shale facies with the Middle Ordovician part of the carbonate and quartzite shale sequence of east central Idaho. The shelf rocks are exposed in the Wildhorse structural window of the northeastern Pioneer Mountains, and attain a thickness of at least 1,500 m throughout the region north and east of the Pioneer Mountains. The Phi Kappa is in direct thrust contact on intensely deformed medium- to high-grade metamorphic equivalents of the same shelf sequence in the Pioneer window at the south end of the Phi Kappa-Trail Creek outcrop belt. Along East Pass, Big Lake, and Pine Creeks, north of the Pioneer Mountains, some rocks previously mapped as Ramshorn Slate are lithologically and faunally equivalent to the P

Philosophic Heuristic Instruction (PHI)--II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coole, Walter A.

This publication contains a course outline and syllabus, self-study units, and testing materials finished and tested in the Open Classroom, an auto-tutorial learning laboratory at Skagit Valley College (Washington). This self-contained course in informal logic is organized around problem-solving strategy and a collection of modules for extensive…

The extraction of Φ – N total cross section from d ( γ , p K + K - ) n

DOE PAGES

Qian, X.; Chen, W.; Gao, H.; ...

2009-10-01

We report on the first measurement of the differential cross section ofmore » $$\\phi$$-meson photoproduction for the $$d(\\gamma,pK^{+}K^{-})n$$ exclusive reaction channel. The experiment was performed using a \\textcolor{black}{tagged-photon} beam and the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab. A combined analysis using data from the $$d(\\gamma,pK^{+}K^{-})n$$ channel and those from a previous publication on coherent $$\\phi$$ production on the deuteron has been carried out to extract the $$\\phi-N$$ total cross section, $$\\sigma_{\\phi N}$$. The extracted $$\\phi-N$$ total cross section favors a value above 20 mb. This value is larger than the value extracted using vector-meson dominance models for $$\\phi$$ photoproduction on the proton.« less

Calculated X-ray Intensities Using Monte Carlo Algorithms: A Comparison to Experimental EPMA Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carpenter, P. K.

2005-01-01

Monte Carlo (MC) modeling has been used extensively to simulate electron scattering and x-ray emission from complex geometries. Here are presented comparisons between MC results and experimental electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) measurements as well as phi(rhoz) correction algorithms. Experimental EPMA measurements made on NIST SRM 481 (AgAu) and 482 (CuAu) alloys, at a range of accelerating potential and instrument take-off angles, represent a formal microanalysis data set that has been widely used to develop phi(rhoz) correction algorithms. X-ray intensity data produced by MC simulations represents an independent test of both experimental and phi(rhoz) correction algorithms. The alpha-factor method has previously been used to evaluate systematic errors in the analysis of semiconductor and silicate minerals, and is used here to compare the accuracy of experimental and MC-calculated x-ray data. X-ray intensities calculated by MC are used to generate a-factors using the certificated compositions in the CuAu binary relative to pure Cu and Au standards. MC simulations are obtained using the NIST, WinCasino, and WinXray algorithms; derived x-ray intensities have a built-in atomic number correction, and are further corrected for absorption and characteristic fluorescence using the PAP phi(rhoz) correction algorithm. The Penelope code additionally simulates both characteristic and continuum x-ray fluorescence and thus requires no further correction for use in calculating alpha-factors.

The effects of nonuniform magnetic field strength on density flux and test particle transport in drift wave turbulence

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

Dewhurst, J. M.; Hnat, B.; Dendy, R. O.

2009-07-15

The extended Hasegawa-Wakatani equations generate fully nonlinear self-consistent solutions for coupled density n and vorticity {nabla}{sup 2}{phi}, where {phi} is electrostatic potential, in a plasma with background density inhomogeneity {kappa}=-{partial_derivative} ln n{sub 0}/{partial_derivative}x and magnetic field strength inhomogeneity C=-{partial_derivative} ln B/{partial_derivative}x. Finite C introduces interchange effects and {nabla}B drifts into the framework of drift turbulence through compressibility of the ExB and diamagnetic drifts. This paper addresses the direct computation of the radial ExB density flux {gamma}{sub n}=-n{partial_derivative}{phi}/{partial_derivative}y, tracer particle transport, the statistical properties of the turbulent fluctuations that drive {gamma}{sub n} and tracer motion, and analytical underpinnings. Systematic trends emergemore » in the dependence on C of the skewness of the distribution of pointwise {gamma}{sub n} and in the relative phase of density-velocity and density-potential pairings. It is shown how these effects, together with conservation of potential vorticity {pi}={nabla}{sup 2}{phi}-n+({kappa}-C)x, account for much of the transport phenomenology. Simple analytical arguments yield a Fickian relation {gamma}{sub n}=({kappa}-C)D{sub x} between the radial density flux {gamma}{sub n} and the radial tracer diffusivity D{sub x}, which is shown to explain key trends in the simulations.« less

Recombinant HAP Phytase of the Thermophilic Mold Sporotrichum thermophile: Expression of the Codon-Optimized Phytase Gene in Pichia pastoris and Applications.

PubMed

Ranjan, Bibhuti; Satyanarayana, T

2016-02-01

The codon-optimized phytase gene of the thermophilic mold Sporotrichum thermophile (St-Phy) was expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant P. pastoris harboring the phytase gene (rSt-Phy) yielded a high titer of extracellular phytase (480 ± 23 U/mL) on induction with methanol. The recombinant phytase production was ~40-fold higher than that of the native fungal strain. The purified recombinant phytase (rSt-Phy) has the molecular mass of 70 kDa on SDS-PAGE, with K m and V max (calcium phytate), k cat and k cat/K m values of 0.147 mM and 183 nmol/mg s, 1.3 × 10(3)/s and 8.84 × 10(6)/M s, respectively. Mg(2+) and Ba(2+) display a slight stimulatory effect, while other cations tested exert inhibitory action on phytase. The enzyme is inhibited by chaotropic agents (guanidinium hydrochloride, potassium iodide, and urea), Woodward's reagent K and 2,3-bunatedione, but resistant to both pepsin and trypsin. The rSt-Phy is useful in the dephytinization of broiler feeds efficiently in simulated gut conditions of chick leading to the liberation of soluble inorganic phosphate with concomitant mitigation in antinutrient effects of phytates. The addition of vanadate makes it a potential candidate for generating haloperoxidase, which has several applications.

The Novel Phages phiCD5763 and phiCD2955 Represent Two Groups of Big Plasmidial Siphoviridae Phages of Clostridium difficile.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vargas, Gabriel; Goh, Shan; Rodríguez, César

2018-01-01

Until recently, Clostridium difficile phages were limited to Myoviruses and Siphoviruses of medium genome length (32-57 kb). Here we report the finding of phiCD5763, a Siphovirus with a large extrachromosomal circular genome (132.5 kb, 172 ORFs) and a large capsid (205.6 ± 25.6 nm in diameter) infecting MLST Clade 1 strains of C. difficile . Two subgroups of big phage genomes similar to phiCD5763 were identified in 32 NAP CR1 /RT012/ST-54 C. difficile isolates from Costa Rica and in whole genome sequences (WGS) of 41 C. difficile isolates of Clades 1, 2, 3, and 4 from Canada, USA, UK, Belgium, Iraq, and China. Through comparative genomics we discovered another putative big phage genome in a non-NAP CR1 isolate from Costa Rica, phiCD2955, which represents other big phage genomes found in 130 WGS of MLST Clade 1 and 2 isolates from Canada, USA, Hungary, France, Austria, and UK. phiCD2955 (131.6 kb, 172 ORFs) is related to a previously reported C. difficile phage genome, phiCD211/phiCDIF1296T. Detailed genome analyses of phiCD5763, phiCD2955, phiCD211/phiCDIF1296T, and seven other putative C. difficile big phage genome sequences of 131-136 kb reconstructed from publicly available WGS revealed a modular gene organization and high levels of sequence heterogeneity at several hotspots, suggesting that these genomes correspond to biological entities undergoing recombination. Compared to other C. difficile phages, these big phages have unique predicted terminase, capsid, portal, neck and tail proteins, receptor binding proteins (RBPs), recombinases, resolvases, primases, helicases, ligases, and hypothetical proteins. Moreover, their predicted gene load suggests a complex regulation of both phage and host functions. Overall, our results indicate that the prevalence of C. difficile big bacteriophages is more widespread than realized and open new avenues of research aiming to decipher how these viral elements influence the biology of this emerging pathogen.

Release and bioactivity of bone morphogenetic protein-2 are affected by scaffold binding techniques in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Suliman, Salwa; Xing, Zhe; Wu, Xujun; Xue, Ying; Pedersen, Torbjorn O; Sun, Yang; Døskeland, Anne P; Nickel, Joachim; Waag, Thilo; Lygre, Henning; Finne-Wistrand, Anna; Steinmüller-Nethl, Doris; Krueger, Anke; Mustafa, Kamal

2015-01-10

A low dose of 1μg rhBMP-2 was immobilised by four different functionalising techniques on recently developed poly(l-lactide)-co-(ε-caprolactone) [(poly(LLA-co-CL)] scaffolds. It was either (i) physisorbed on unmodified scaffolds [PHY], (ii) physisorbed onto scaffolds modified with nanodiamond particles [nDP-PHY], (iii) covalently linked onto nDPs that were used to modify the scaffolds [nDP-COV] or (iv) encapsulated in microspheres distributed on the scaffolds [MICS]. Release kinetics of BMP-2 from the different scaffolds was quantified using targeted mass spectrometry for up to 70days. PHY scaffolds had an initial burst of release while MICS showed a gradual and sustained increase in release. In contrast, NDP-PHY and nDP-COV scaffolds showed no significant release, although nDP-PHY scaffolds maintained bioactivity of BMP-2. Human mesenchymal stem cells cultured in vitro showed upregulated BMP-2 and osteocalcin gene expression at both week 1 and week 3 in the MICS and nDP-PHY scaffold groups. These groups also demonstrated the highest BMP-2 extracellular protein levels as assessed by ELISA, and mineralization confirmed by Alizarin red. Cells grown on the PHY scaffolds in vitro expressed collagen type 1 alpha 2 early but the scaffold could not sustain rhBMP-2 release to express mineralization. After 4weeks post-implantation using a rat mandible critical-sized defect model, micro-CT and Masson trichrome results showed accelerated bone regeneration in the PHY, nDP-PHY and MICS groups. The results demonstrate that PHY scaffolds may not be desirable for clinical use, since similar osteogenic potential was not seen under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, in contrast to nDP-PHY and MICS groups, where continuous low doses of BMP-2 induced satisfactory bone regeneration in both conditions. The nDP-PHY scaffolds used here in critical-sized bone defects for the first time appear to have promise compared to growth factors adsorbed onto a polymer alone and the short distance effect prevents adverse systemic side effects. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Towards Automatic Threat Recognition

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

York: Bantam. Forschungsinstitut für Kommunikation, Informationsverarbeitung und Ergonomie FGAN Informationstechnik und Führungssysteme KIE Towards...Informationsverarbeitung und Ergonomie FGAN Informationstechnik und Führungssysteme KIE Content Preliminaries about Information Fusion The System Ontology Unification...as Processing Principle Back to the Example Conclusion and Outlook Forschungsinstitut für Kommunikation, Informationsverarbeitung und Ergonomie FGAN

Konsistente Verknüpfung von Aktivitäts-, Sequenz- und Zustandsdiagrammen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrecht, Lars; Lemmer, Karsten

Der folgende Beitrag stellt eine formale, generische Verhaltensstruktur und Semantik vor, die die Basis für die konsistente Verknüpfung der drei wichtigsten UML Verhaltensdiagramme bildet. Es wird gezeigt, wie sich das grobe und übersichtliche Verhalten in Aktivitätsdiagrammen, das detaillierte Schnittstellenverhalten in Sequenzdiagrammen und detaillierte Verhaltensmodelle in Zustandsdiagrammen mit Hilfe der Semantik konsistent miteinander verknüpfen lassen und die Inhalte der drei genannten Verhaltensdiagramme eindeutig miteinander in Beziehung gebracht werden können. Als Anwendungsbeispiel wird die komplexe, sicherheits- und echtzeitkritische zugseitige Komponente des Europäischen Leit- und Sicherungstechnik Systems (ETCS) verwendet.

Anwendungsorientierte Funktionswerkstoffe mittels Walzplattieren

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichelt, Stephan; Schmidt, J.-F.; Neubauer, M.; Schade, A.; Andler, G.; Buerkle, G.; Hansen, H.; Hofmann, L.; Stiehler, J.; Janisch, S. D.

Obwohl walzplattierte Werkstoffe in der allgemeinen Öffentlichkeit nur wenig beachtet und behandelt werden, besitzen sie bereits heute eine hohe Bedeutung, um unterschiedliche Güter des täglichen Bedarfs realisieren und produzieren zu können. Durch eine hohe Produktivität und ein umfangreiches technologisches Wissen lassen sich bereits heute sehr anspruchsvolle und aufwändige Funktionswerkstoffe mittels Plattierverfahren herstellen, die maßgeschneiderte Produkteigenschaften für viele Halbzeuge und Fertigprodukte garantieren. Bedingt durch die konstruktiven Trends im Bereich von Automotive, Luft- und Raumfahrt sowie dem allgemeinen konstruktiven und materiellem Leichtbau ist davon auszugehen, dass die Bedeutung maßgeschneiderter Funktionswerkstoffe für spezifische Anwendungsfelder in naher Zukunft weiter wachsen und die Bedeutung einzelner Plattierverfahren für eine wirtschaftliche Produktionskette verschiedener Produkte wachsen wird.

Der neue Kosmos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unsöld, Albrecht; Baschek, Bodo

Astronomie, Astrophysik und Weltraumforschung haben innerhalb weniger Jahrzehnte eine geradezu explosive Entwicklung genommen. Die neuen Beobachtungsmöglichkeiten durch die Raumfahrt, die Entwicklung hochempfindlicher Lichtdetektoren und der Einsatz leistungsstarker Computer haben uns neuartige Aspekte in der faszinierenden Welt der Galaxien und Quasare, der Sterne und Planeten erschlossen. Nachdem die dritte Auflage vergriffen ist, trägt die vorliegende vierte, völlig neubearbeitete Auflage des NEUEN KOSMOS dieser stürmischen Entwicklung Rechnung. In überschaubarem Umfang wird - bei bescheidenen Ansprüchen an die mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Vorbildung des Lesers - eine zusammenhängende Einführung in das Gesamtgebiet der Astronomie und Astrophysik gegeben, welche die Beobachtungen und die Grundgedanken ihrer theoretischen Deutung in gleicher Weise berücksichtigt. Auch in seiner neuen Gestalt wird der NEUE KOSMOS den Studenten und Forschern in Bereichen der Astronomie, Physik und Geowissenschaften sowie einem weiten Kreis ernsthaft interessierter Amateure viel Neues und viel Freude bringen.

Archaeological Test Excavation and Evaluation of Three Prehistoric Sites at Swift Bar, on the Lower Snake River, Southeastern Washington.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

Bildschirmmaske gefragt. Anschließend werden die erfaßten Daten in der ent- sprechenden Datenbank abgespeichert. Selbstverständlich ist vor jeder Erfassung...registrierten Softwarcproduktc zunächst in einer Datenbank erstellt und erfaßt und anschließend in eine Datei kopiert. Als Beispiel sei ein Satz angeführt...Softwareprodukten installiert werden. 4.1 Ncurcgistricning von Nutzern für A l’S-DOS 17 Aus der Datenbank , in der die RACF-Pcrmits gespeichelt sind

Intracellular pH in mammalian stages of Trypanosoma cruzi is K+-dependent and regulated by H+-ATPases.

PubMed

Van Der Heyden, N; Docampo, R

2000-02-05

Regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) was investigated in Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes and trypomastigotes using 2',7'-bis-(carboxyethyl)-5(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). pHi was determined to be 7.33 +/- 0.08 and 7.35 +/- 0.07 in amastigotes and trypomastigotes, respectively, and there were no significant differences in the regulation of pH, between the two stages. Steady-state pHi, recovery of pHi from acidification, and H+-efflux were all decreased markedly by the H+-ATPase inhibitors N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide (DCCD), diethylstilbestrol (DES) and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) supporting a significant role for a plasma membrane H+-ATPase in the regulation of pHi. pHi was maintained at neutrality over a range of external pH (pHe) from 5-8 in parasites suspended in a buffer containing Na+ and K+ (standard buffer) but was acidified at low pHe in the absence of these cations (choline buffer). The pHi of trypomastigotes decreased significantly when they transformed into amastigotes. The rate of recovery of pHi by acidified parasites was similar in Na+-free buffer and standard buffer but was slower in the absence of K+ (K+-free or choline buffer) and parasites suspended in choline buffer were acidic by 0.25 pH units as compared with controls. Ba2+ and Cs+ decreased the pHi of parasites suspended in standard but not choline buffer suggesting the presence of an inward directed K+ channel. The pHi of amastigotes and trypomastigotes suspended in Cl(-)-free buffer was decreased by 0.13 and 0.2 pH units, respectively, supporting the presence of a chloride conductive channel. No evidence of pH regulation via a Na+/H+ or Cl-/HCO3- exchanger was found. These results are consistent with the presence of a plasma membrane H+-ATPase that regulates pHi and is supported by K+ and Cl- channels.

Medically Unexplained and Explained Physical Symptoms in the General Population: Association with Prevalent and Incident Mental Disorders

PubMed Central

van Eck van der Sluijs, Jonna; ten Have, Margreet; Rijnders, Cees; van Marwijk, Harm; de Graaf, Ron; van der Feltz-Cornelis, Christina

2015-01-01

Background Clinical studies have shown that Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) are related to common mental disorders. It is unknown how often common mental disorders occur in subjects who have explained physical symptoms (PHY), MUS or both, in the general population, what the incidence rates are, and whether there is a difference between PHY and MUS in this respect. Aim To study the prevalence and incidence rates of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders in groups with PHY, MUS and combined MUS and PHY compared to a no-symptoms reference group in the general population. Method Data were derived from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2 (NEMESIS-2), a nationally representative face-to-face survey of the general population aged 18-64 years. We selected subjects with explained physical symptoms only (n=1952), with MUS only (n=177), with both MUS and PHY (n=209), and a reference group with no physical symptoms (n=4168). The assessment of common mental disorders was through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between group membership and the prevalence and first-incidence rates of comorbid mental disorders, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics. Results MUS were associated with the highest prevalence rates of mood and anxiety disorders, and combined MUS and PHY with the highest prevalence rates of substance disorder. Combined MUS and PHY were associated with a higher incidence rate of mood disorder only (OR 2.9 (95%CI:1.27,6.74)). Conclusion In the general population, PHY, MUS and the combination of both are related to mood and anxiety disorder, but odds are highest for combined MUS and PHY in relation to substance use disorder. Combined MUS and PHY are related to a greater incidence of mood disorder. These findings warrant further research into possibilities to improve recognition and early intervention in subjects with combined MUS and PHY. PMID:25853676

Specific binding of (/sup 3/H-Tyr8)physalaemin to rat submaxillary gland substance P receptor

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

Bahouth, S.W.; Lazaro, D.M.; Brundish, D.E.

1985-01-01

(/sup 3/H)Physalaemin ((/sup 3/H)PHY) binds to a single class of noninteracting sites on rat submaxillary gland membranes suspended in high ionic strength media with a KD of 2.7 nM, a Bmax of 240 fmol/mg of protein, and low nonspecific binding. The relative potencies of substance P (SP) and its fragments in competing with (/sup 3/H)PHY correlate with their relative salivation potencies. This indicates that (/sup 3/H)PHY interacts with a physiologically relevant SP receptor. In low ionic strength media, the KD of (/sup 3/H)PHY does not change, but SP and some of its fragments are more potent than PHY in competingmore » with (/sup 3/H) PHY. Computer-assisted analysis of (/sup 3/H)PHY and (/sup 3/H)SP binding in high and low ionic strength media demonstrated that both peptides are equipotent in high ionic strength but that the affinity of SP increases by 70-fold in low ionic strength. The SP fragments that contain a basic residue in positions 1 and/or 3 also display an increased affinity in low ionic strength. These findings document that (/sup 3/H)PHY binding in high ionic strength (mu . 0.6) accurately reflects the pharmacological potencies of agonists on the SP-P receptor. The binding of (/sup 3/H)PHY, like that of (/sup 3/H)SP, increases by the addition of divalent cations (Mg2+ greater than Ca2+ greater than Mn2+). Guanine nucleotides decrease (/sup 3/H)PHY binding by decreasing the Bmax to the same level (160 fmol/mg of protein), in the presence or absence of Mg2+.« less

Evolutionary divergence of phytochrome protein function in Zea mays PIF3 signaling.

PubMed

Kumar, Indrajit; Swaminathan, Kankshita; Hudson, Karen; Hudson, Matthew E

2016-07-01

Two maize phytochrome-interacting factor (PIF) basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family members, ZmPIF3.1 and ZmPIF3.2, were identified, cloned and expressed in vitro to investigate light-signaling interactions. A phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the maize bHLH transcription factor gene family revealed the extent of the PIF family, and a total of seven predicted PIF-encoding genes were identified from genes encoding bHLH family VIIa/b proteins in the maize genome. To investigate the role of maize PIFs in phytochrome signaling, full-length cDNAs for phytochromes PhyA2, PhyB1, PhyB2 and PhyC1 from maize were cloned and expressed in vitro as chromophorylated holophytochromes. We showed that ZmPIF3.1 and ZmPIF3.2 interact specifically with the Pfr form of maize holophytochrome B1 (ZmphyB1), showing no detectable affinity for the Pr form. Maize holophytochrome B2 (ZmphyB2) showed no detectable binding affinity for PIFs in either Pr or Pfr forms, but phyB Pfr from Arabidopsis interacted with ZmPIF3.1 similarly to ZmphyB1 Pfr. We conclude that subfunctionalization at the protein-protein interaction level has altered the role of phyB2 relative to that of phyB1 in maize. Since the phyB2 mutant shows photomorphogenic defects, we conclude that maize phyB2 is an active photoreceptor, without the binding of PIF3 seen in other phyB family proteins. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Plasma HIV viral rebound following protocol-indicated cessation of ART commenced in primary and chronic HIV infection.

PubMed

Hamlyn, Elizabeth; Ewings, Fiona M; Porter, Kholoud; Cooper, David A; Tambussi, Giuseppe; Schechter, Mauro; Pedersen, Court; Okulicz, Jason F; McClure, Myra; Babiker, Abdel; Weber, Jonathan; Fidler, Sarah

2012-01-01

The magnitude of HIV viral rebound following ART cessation has consequences for clinical outcome and onward transmission. We compared plasma viral load (pVL) rebound after stopping ART initiated in primary (PHI) and chronic HIV infection (CHI). Two populations with protocol-indicated ART cessation from SPARTAC (PHI, n = 182) and SMART (CHI, n = 1450) trials. Time for pVL to reach pre-ART levels after stopping ART was assessed in PHI using survival analysis. Differences in pVL between PHI and CHI populations 4 weeks after stopping ART were examined using linear and logistic regression. Differences in pVL slopes up to 48 weeks were examined using linear mixed models and viral burden was estimated through a time-averaged area-under-pVL curve. CHI participants were categorised by nadir CD4 at ART stop. Of 171 PHI participants, 71 (41.5%) rebounded to pre-ART pVL levels, at a median of 50 (95% CI 48-51) weeks after stopping ART. Four weeks after stopping treatment, although the proportion with pVL ≥ 400 copies/ml was similar (78% PHI versus 79% CHI), levels were 0.45 (95% CI 0.26-0.64) log(10) copies/ml lower for PHI versus CHI, and remained lower up to 48 weeks. Lower CD4 nadir in CHI was associated with higher pVL after ART stop. Rebound for CHI participants with CD4 nadir >500 cells/mm(3) was comparable to that experienced by PHI participants. Stopping ART initiated in PHI and CHI was associated with viral rebound to levels conferring increased transmission risk, although the level of rebound was significantly lower and sustained in PHI compared to CHI.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Prostate Health Index and 4-Kallikrein Panel Score in Predicting Overall and High-grade Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Russo, Giorgio Ivan; Regis, Federica; Castelli, Tommaso; Favilla, Vincenzo; Privitera, Salvatore; Giardina, Raimondo; Cimino, Sebastiano; Morgia, Giuseppe

2017-08-01

Markers for prostate cancer (PCa) have progressed over recent years. In particular, the prostate health index (PHI) and the 4-kallikrein (4K) panel have been demonstrated to improve the diagnosis of PCa. We aimed to review the diagnostic accuracy of PHI and the 4K panel for PCa detection. We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Academic One File databases until July 2016. We included diagnostic accuracy studies that used PHI or 4K panel for the diagnosis of PCa or high-grade PCa. The methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Twenty-eight studies including 16,762 patients have been included for the analysis. The pooled data showed a sensitivity of 0.89 and 0.74 for PHI and 4K panel, respectively, for PCa detection and a pooled specificity of 0.34 and 0.60 for PHI and 4K panel, respectively. The derived area under the curve (AUC) from the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) showed an accuracy of 0.76 and 0.72 for PHI and 4K panel respectively. For high-grade PCa detection, the pooled sensitivity was 0.93 and 0.87 for PHI and 4K panel, respectively, whereas the pooled specificity was 0.34 and 0.61 for PHI and 4K panel, respectively. The derived AUC from the HSROC showed an accuracy of 0.82 and 0.81 for PHI and 4K panel, respectively. Both PHI and the 4K panel provided good diagnostic accuracy in detecting overall and high-grade PCa. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An Integrative Model for Phytochrome B Mediated Photomorphogenesis: From Protein Dynamics to Physiology

PubMed Central

Kircher, Stefan; Kirchenbauer, Daniel; Timmer, Jens; Nagy, Ferenc; Schäfer, Eberhard; Fleck, Christian

2010-01-01

Background Plants have evolved various sophisticated mechanisms to respond and adapt to changes of abiotic factors in their natural environment. Light is one of the most important abiotic environmental factors and it regulates plant growth and development throughout their entire life cycle. To monitor the intensity and spectral composition of the ambient light environment, plants have evolved multiple photoreceptors, including the red/far-red light-sensing phytochromes. Methodology/Principal Findings We have developed an integrative mathematical model that describes how phytochrome B (phyB), an essential receptor in Arabidopsis thaliana, controls growth. Our model is based on a multiscale approach and connects the mesoscopic intracellular phyB protein dynamics to the macroscopic growth phenotype. To establish reliable and relevant parameters for the model phyB regulated growth we measured: accumulation and degradation, dark reversion kinetics and the dynamic behavior of different nuclear phyB pools using in vivo spectroscopy, western blotting and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) technique, respectively. Conclusions/Significance The newly developed model predicts that the phyB-containing nuclear bodies (NBs) (i) serve as storage sites for phyB and (ii) control prolonged dark reversion kinetics as well as partial reversibility of phyB Pfr in extended darkness. The predictive power of this mathematical model is further validated by the fact that we are able to formalize a basic photobiological observation, namely that in light-grown seedlings hypocotyl length depends on the total amount of phyB. In addition, we demonstrate that our theoretical predictions are in excellent agreement with quantitative data concerning phyB levels and the corresponding hypocotyl lengths. Hence, we conclude that the integrative model suggested in this study captures the main features of phyB-mediated photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis. PMID:20502669

Evaluation of the Xeon phi processor as a technology for the acceleration of real-time control in high-order adaptive optics systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barr, David; Basden, Alastair; Dipper, Nigel; Schwartz, Noah; Vick, Andy; Schnetler, Hermine

2014-08-01

We present wavefront reconstruction acceleration of high-order AO systems using an Intel Xeon Phi processor. The Xeon Phi is a coprocessor providing many integrated cores and designed for accelerating compute intensive, numerical codes. Unlike other accelerator technologies, it allows virtually unchanged C/C++ to be recompiled to run on the Xeon Phi, giving the potential of making development, upgrade and maintenance faster and less complex. We benchmark the Xeon Phi in the context of AO real-time control by running a matrix vector multiply (MVM) algorithm. We investigate variability in execution time and demonstrate a substantial speed-up in loop frequency. We examine the integration of a Xeon Phi into an existing RTC system and show that performance improvements can be achieved with limited development effort.

A search for a doubly-charged Higgs boson in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s} = 7 \\ \\mbox{TeV}$$

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

Chatrchyan, S.; Khachatryan, V.; Sirunyan, A. M.

A search for a doubly-charged Higgs boson in pp collisions atmore » $$ \\sqrt{s}=7 $$ TeV is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 4.9 inverse femtobarns, collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The search is performed using events with three or more isolated charged leptons of any flavor, giving sensitivity to the decays of pair-produced triplet components Phi[++]Phi[--], and Phi[++]Phi[-] from associated production. No excess is observed compared to the background prediction, and upper limits at the 95% confidence level are set on the Phi[++] production cross section, under specific assumptions on its branching fractions. Lower bounds on the Phi[++] mass are reported, providing significantly more stringent constraints than previously published limits.« less

Effects of intracellular pH on the mitotic apparatus and mitotic stage in the sand dollar egg.

PubMed

Watanabe, K; Hamaguchi, M S; Hamaguchi, Y

1997-01-01

The effect of change in intracellular pH (pHi) on mitosis was investigated in the sand dollar egg. The pHi in the fertilized egg of Scaphechinus mirabilis and Clypeaster japonicus, which was 7.34 and 7.31, respectively, changed by means of treating the egg at nuclear envelope breakdown with sea water containing acetate and/or ammonia at various values of pH. The mitotic apparatus at pHi 6.70 became larger than that of normal fertilized eggs; that is, the mitotic spindle had the maximal size, especially in length at pHi 6.70. The spindle length linearly decreased when pHi increased from 6.70 to 7.84. By polarization microscopy, the increase in birefringence retardation was detected at slightly acidic pHi, suggesting that the increase in size of the spindle is caused by the increase in the amount of microtubules in the spindle. At pHi 6.30, the organization of the mitotic apparatus was inhibited. Furthermore, slightly acidic pHi caused cleavage retardation or inhibition. By counting the number of the eggs at various mitotic stages with time after treating them with the media, it is found that metaphase was persistent and most of the S. mirabilis eggs were arrested at metaphase under the condition of pHi 6.70. It is concluded that at slightly acidic pH, the microtubules in the spindle are stabilized and more microtubules assembled than those in the normal eggs.

Multisite Light-Induced Phosphorylation of the Transcription Factor PIF3 Is Necessary for Both Its Rapid Degradation and Concomitant Negative Feedback Modulation of Photoreceptor phyB Levels in Arabidopsis[C][W

PubMed Central

Ni, Weimin; Xu, Shou-Ling; Chalkley, Robert J.; Pham, Thao Nguyen D.; Guan, Shenheng; Maltby, Dave A.; Burlingame, Alma L.; Wang, Zhi-Yong; Quail, Peter H.

2013-01-01

Plants constantly monitor informational light signals using sensory photoreceptors, which include the phytochrome (phy) family (phyA to phyE), and adjust their growth and development accordingly. Following light-induced nuclear translocation, photoactivated phy molecules bind to and induce rapid phosphorylation and degradation of phy-interacting basic Helix Loop Helix (bHLH) transcription factors (PIFs), such as PIF3, thereby regulating the expression of target genes. However, the mechanisms underlying the signal-relay process are still not fully understood. Here, using mass spectrometry, we identify multiple, in vivo, light-induced Ser/Thr phosphorylation sites in PIF3. Using transgenic expression of site-directed mutants of PIF3, we provide evidence that a set of these phosphorylation events acts collectively to trigger rapid degradation of the PIF3 protein in response to initial exposure of dark-grown seedlings to light. In addition, we show that phyB-induced PIF3 phosphorylation is also required for the known negative feedback modulation of phyB levels in prolonged light, potentially through codegradation of phyB and PIF3. This mutually regulatory intermolecular transaction thus provides a mechanism with the dual capacity to promote early, graded, or threshold regulation of the primary, PIF3-controlled transcriptional network in response to initial light exposure, and later, to attenuate global sensitivity to the light signal through reductions in photoreceptor levels upon prolonged exposure. PMID:23903316

Strukturen und Geschäftsmodelle eines neuen Energiemarkts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mildebrath, Bernhard

Die Energiewende fördert nicht nur technologische, sondern auch organisatorische und kommerzielle Innovationen. Die Strukturen und Geschäftsmodelle eines neuen Energiemarktes entwickeln sich bereits. Im Spagat zwischen Versuch und Irrtum werden sie völlig neue Lösungen für eine altbekannte Forderung schaffen: Strom soll preiswert, sicher und umweltverträglich sein. Der nachstehende Artikel präsentiert dafür - teils zugespitzte - Überlegungen zu den Strukturen und Geschäftsmodellen eines neuen Energiemarkts.

Elevated Prostate Health Index (phi) and Biopsy Reclassification During Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Andreas, Darian; Tosoian, Jeffrey J; Landis, Patricia; Wolf, Sacha; Glavaris, Stephanie; Lotan, Tamara L; Schaeffer, Edward M; Sokoll, Lori J; Ross, Ashley E

2016-07-01

The Prostate Health Index (phi) has been FDA approved for decision-making regarding prostate biopsy. Phi has additionally been shown to positively correlate with tumor volume, extraprostatic disease and higher Gleason grade tumors. Here we describe a case in which an elevated phi encouraged biopsy of a gentleman undergoing active surveillance leading to reclassification of his disease as high risk prostate cancer.

Tiny abortive initiation transcripts exert antitermination activity on an RNA hairpin-dependent intrinsic terminator.

PubMed

Lee, Sooncheol; Nguyen, Huong Minh; Kang, Changwon

2010-10-01

No biological function has been identified for tiny RNA transcripts that are abortively and repetitiously released from initiation complexes of RNA polymerase in vitro and in vivo to date. In this study, we show that abortive initiation affects termination in transcription of bacteriophage T7 gene 10. Specifically, abortive transcripts produced from promoter phi 10 exert trans-acting antitermination activity on terminator T phi both in vitro and in vivo. Following abortive initiation cycling of T7 RNA polymerase at phi 10, short G-rich and oligo(G) RNAs were produced and both specifically sequestered 5- and 6-nt C + U stretch sequences, consequently interfering with terminator hairpin formation. This antitermination activity depended on sequence-specific hybridization of abortive transcripts with the 5' but not 3' half of T phi RNA. Antitermination was abolished when T phi was mutated to lack a C + U stretch, but restored when abortive transcript sequence was additionally modified to complement the mutation in T phi, both in vitro and in vivo. Antitermination was enhanced in vivo when the abortive transcript concentration was increased via overproduction of RNA polymerase or ribonuclease deficiency. Accordingly, antitermination activity exerted on T phi by abortive transcripts should facilitate expression of T phi-downstream promoter-less genes 11 and 12 in T7 infection of Escherichia coli.

Estimation of Reconnection Flux Using Post-Eruption Arcades and Its Relevance to Magnetic Clouds at 1 AU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gopalswamy, N.; Yashiro, S.; Akiyama, S.; Xie, H.

2017-01-01

We report on a new method to compute the flare reconnection (RC) flux from post-eruption arcades (PEAs) and the underlying photospheric magnetic fields. In previous works, the RC flux has been computed using the cumulative flare ribbon area. Here we obtain the RC flux as the flux in half of the area underlying the PEA in EUV imaged after the flare maximum. We apply this method to a set of 21 eruptions that originated near the solar disk center in Solar Cycle 23. We find that the RC flux from the arcade method ((Phi)rA) has excellent agreement with the flux from the flare-ribbon method ((Phi)rR) according to (Phi)rA = 1.24((Phi)rR)(sup 0.99). We also find (Phi)rA to be correlated with the poloidal flux ((Phi)P) of the associated magnetic cloud at 1 AU: (Phi)P = 1.20((Phi)rA)(sup 0.85). This relation is nearly identical to that obtained by Qiu et al. (Astrophys. J. 659, 758, 2007) using a set of only 9 eruptions. Our result supports the idea that flare reconnection results in the formation of the flux rope and PEA as a common process.

Role of phi cells and the endodermis under salt stress in Brassica oleracea.

PubMed

Fernandez-Garcia, N; Lopez-Perez, L; Hernandez, M; Olmos, E

2009-01-01

Phi cell layers were discovered in the 19th century in a small number of species, including members of the Brassicaceae family. A mechanical role was first suggested for this structure; however, this has never been demonstrated. The main objective of the present work was to analyse the ultrastructure of phi cells, their influence on ion movement from the cortex to the stele, and their contribution to salt stress tolerance in Brassica oleracea. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis studies were used to analyse the subcellular structure and distribution of ions in phi cells and the endodermis under salt stress. Ion movement was analysed using lanthanum as an apoplastic tracer. The ultrastructural results confirm that phi cells are specialized cells showing cell wall ingrowths in the inner tangential cell walls. X-ray microanalysis confirmed a build-up of sodium. Phi thickenings were lignified and lanthanum moved periplasmically at this level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the possible role of the phi cells as a barrier controlling the movement of ions from the cortex to the stele. Therefore, the phi cell layer and endodermis seem to be regulating ion transport in Brassica oleracea under salt stress.

Yellow fluorescent protein phiYFPv (Phialidium): structure and structure-based mutagenesis

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

Pletneva, Nadya V.; Pletnev, Vladimir Z., E-mail: vzpletnev@gmail.com; Souslova, Ekaterina

The yellow fluorescent protein phiYFPv with improved folding has been developed from the spectrally identical wild-type phiYFP found in the marine jellyfish Phialidium. The yellow fluorescent protein phiYFPv (λ{sub em}{sup max} ≃ 537 nm) with improved folding has been developed from the spectrally identical wild-type phiYFP found in the marine jellyfish Phialidium. The latter fluorescent protein is one of only two known cases of naturally occurring proteins that exhibit emission spectra in the yellow–orange range (535–555 nm). Here, the crystal structure of phiYFPv has been determined at 2.05 Å resolution. The ‘yellow’ chromophore formed from the sequence triad Thr65-Tyr66-Gly67 adoptsmore » the bicyclic structure typical of fluorophores emitting in the green spectral range. It was demonstrated that perfect antiparallel π-stacking of chromophore Tyr66 and the proximal Tyr203, as well as Val205, facing the chromophore phenolic ring are chiefly responsible for the observed yellow emission of phiYFPv at 537 nm. Structure-based site-directed mutagenesis has been used to identify the key functional residues in the chromophore environment. The obtained results have been utilized to improve the properties of phiYFPv and its homologous monomeric biomarker tagYFP.« less

Werkstoffe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hornbogen, Erhard; Eggeler, Gunther; Werner, Ewald

Lernziel: Dieses Kapitel vermittelt einen ersten Eindruck von Werkstoffen, die bestimmte technische Eigenschaften besitzen müssen, dabei einfach herstellbar sein sollen und die Forderung der Wirtschaftlichkeit erfüllen müssen. Wir diskutieren Werkstoffe in einfachen, allgemeinen und speziellen Zusammenhängen und lernen das Wissensgebiet Werkstoffkunde kennen, das die Werkstoffwissenschaft und die Werkstofftechnik umfasst. Wir verschaffen uns einen ersten Eindruck vom mikroskopischen Aufbau der vier Werkstoffgruppen Metalle, Gläser/Keramiken, Kunststoffe und Verbundwerkstoffe. Wir lernen einige wichtige Werkstoffeigenschaften kennen. Es geht dann um zuverl ässige Datenüber Eigenschaften von Werkstoffen und in diesem Zusammenhang wird die Prüfung, die Normung und die Bezeichnung von Werkstoffen betrachtet. Schließlich befassen wir uns kurz mit der zeitlichen Entwicklung von Werkstoffen und führen den Begriff der Nachhaltigkeit ein.

Intracellular pH in sperm physiology.

PubMed

Nishigaki, Takuya; José, Omar; González-Cota, Ana Laura; Romero, Francisco; Treviño, Claudia L; Darszon, Alberto

2014-08-01

Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation is essential for cell function. Notably, several unique sperm ion transporters and enzymes whose elimination causes infertility are either pHi dependent or somehow related to pHi regulation. Amongst them are: CatSper, a Ca(2+) channel; Slo3, a K(+) channel; the sperm-specific Na(+)/H(+) exchanger and the soluble adenylyl cyclase. It is thus clear that pHi regulation is of the utmost importance for sperm physiology. This review briefly summarizes the key components involved in pHi regulation, their characteristics and participation in fundamental sperm functions such as motility, maturation and the acrosome reaction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On character amenability of Banach algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaniuth, E.; Lau, A. T.; Pym, J.

2008-08-01

We continue our work [E. Kaniuth, A.T. Lau, J. Pym, On [phi]-amenability of Banach algebras, Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 144 (2008) 85-96] in the study of amenability of a Banach algebra A defined with respect to a character [phi] of A. Various necessary and sufficient conditions of a global and a pointwise nature are found for a Banach algebra to possess a [phi]-mean of norm 1. We also completely determine the size of the set of [phi]-means for a separable weakly sequentially complete Banach algebra A with no [phi]-mean in A itself. A number of illustrative examples are discussed.

High Reynolds number tests of the CAST 10-2/DOA 2 airfoil in the Langley 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dress, D. A.; Mcguire, P. D.; Stanewsky, E.; Ray, E. J.

1983-01-01

A wind tunnel investigation of an advanced technology airfoil, the CAST 10-2/DOA 2, was conducted in the Langley 0.3 meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (0.3 m TCT). This was the first of a series of tests conducted in a cooperative National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DFVLR) airfoil research program. Test temperature was varied from 280 K to 100 K to pressures from slightly above 1 to 5.8 atmospheres. Mach number was varied from 0.60 to 0.80, and the Reynolds number (based on airfoil chord) was varied from 4 x 10 to the 8th power to 45 x 10 to the 6th power. This report presents the experimental aerodynamic data obtained for the airfoil and includes descriptions of the airfoil model, the 0.3 m TCT, the test instrumentation, and the testing procedures.

Funkmesstechnik

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plaßmann, Wilfried

Ein Hauptgebiet der Funkmesstechnik ist durch den Begriff RADAR (radio detection and ranging gekennzeichnet. Bei diesem Verfahren werden impulsförmige elektromagnetische Wellen von einer Antenne ausgesendet und an Körpern oder Stoffverteilungen (Wolken) reflektiert. Die Sendeantenne wird auf Empfang umgeschaltet, und anhand des Echos sind Rückschlüsse auf die Lage und die Beschaffenheit der Körper oder der Stoffverteilungen möglich. Angewendet wird die Radartechnik bei der Kontrolle und der Sicherung des Land-, Wasser- und Flugverkehrs, in der Meteorologie zur Wetterprognose, in der Astrologie und im militärischen Bereich.

The genome of the Erwinia amylovora phage PhiEaH1 reveals greater diversity and broadens the applicability of phages for the treatment of fire blight.

PubMed

Meczker, Katalin; Dömötör, Dóra; Vass, János; Rákhely, Gábor; Schneider, György; Kovács, Tamás

2014-01-01

The enterobacterium Erwinia amylovora is the causal agent of fire blight. This study presents the analysis of the complete genome of phage PhiEaH1, isolated from the soil surrounding an E. amylovora-infected apple tree in Hungary. Its genome is 218 kb in size, containing 244 ORFs. PhiEaH1 is the second E. amylovora infecting phage from the Siphoviridae family whose complete genome sequence was determined. Beside PhiEaH2, PhiEaH1 is the other active component of Erwiphage, the first bacteriophage-based pesticide on the market against E. amylovora. Comparative genome analysis in this study has revealed that PhiEaH1 not only differs from the 10 formerly sequenced E. amylovora bacteriophages belonging to other phage families, but also from PhiEaH2. Sequencing of more Siphoviridae phage genomes might reveal further diversity, providing opportunities for the development of even more effective biological control agents, phage cocktails against Erwinia fire blight disease of commercial fruit crops.

[PHI regulates histone methylation and acetylation in Burkitt lymphoma Daudi cell line].

PubMed

Hong, Ling-Ling; Ma, Xu-Dong; Huang, Yi-Qun

2011-02-01

This study was purposed to investigate the effects of phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI) on Burkitt lymphoma Daudi cell line and regulation of histone acetylation and methylation in Daudi cells, and to explore the potential mechanism. The apoptotic rate of Daudi cells treated with PHI was measured by flow cytometry, the changes of histone H3 and H4 acetylation, histone H3K9 and H3K4 methylation in Daudi cells treated with PHI were detected by Western blot. The results showed that PHI could induce apoptosis of Daudi cells, increased the acetylation level of H3 and H4, enhanced the methylation of H3K4, but reduced the methylation of H3K9. It is concluded that the PHI can up-regulate the acetylation level of histone H3 associated with transcription stimulation and the methylation of histone H3K4, down-regulate the methylation on histone H3K9 associated with transcription inhibition, promotes the apoptosis of Daudi cells. PHI may be a potential agent for target therapy of lymphoma.

The life of phi: the development of phi thickenings in roots of the orchids of the genus Miltoniopsis.

PubMed

Idris, Nurul A; Collings, David A

2015-02-01

Phi thickenings, bands of secondary wall thickenings that reinforce the primary wall of root cortical cells in a wide range of species, are described for the first time in the epiphytic orchid Miltoniopsis. As with phi thickenings found in other plants, the phi thickenings in Miltoniopsis contain highly aligned cellulose running along the lengths of the thickenings, and are lignified but not suberized. Using a combination of histological and immunocytochemical techniques, thickening development can be categorized into three different stages. Microtubules align lengthwise along the thickening during early and intermediate stages of development, and callose is deposited within the thickening in a pattern similar to the microtubules. These developing thickenings also label with the fluorescently tagged lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). These associations with microtubules and callose, and the WGA labeling, all disappear when the phi thickenings are mature. This pattern of callose and WGA deposition show changes in the thickened cell wall composition and may shed light on the function of phi thickenings in plant roots, a role for which has yet to be established.

Particle-in-Cell laser-plasma simulation on Xeon Phi coprocessors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surmin, I. A.; Bastrakov, S. I.; Efimenko, E. S.; Gonoskov, A. A.; Korzhimanov, A. V.; Meyerov, I. B.

2016-05-01

This paper concerns the development of a high-performance implementation of the Particle-in-Cell method for plasma simulation on Intel Xeon Phi coprocessors. We discuss the suitability of the method for Xeon Phi architecture and present our experience in the porting and optimization of the existing parallel Particle-in-Cell code PICADOR. Direct porting without code modification gives performance on Xeon Phi close to that of an 8-core CPU on a benchmark problem with 50 particles per cell. We demonstrate step-by-step optimization techniques, such as improving data locality, enhancing parallelization efficiency and vectorization leading to an overall 4.2 × speedup on CPU and 7.5 × on Xeon Phi compared to the baseline version. The optimized version achieves 16.9 ns per particle update on an Intel Xeon E5-2660 CPU and 9.3 ns per particle update on an Intel Xeon Phi 5110P. For a real problem of laser ion acceleration in targets with surface grating, where a large number of macroparticles per cell is required, the speedup of Xeon Phi compared to CPU is 1.6 ×.

Genome packaging in EL and Lin68, two giant phiKZ-like bacteriophages of P. aeruginosa.

PubMed

Sokolova, O S; Shaburova, O V; Pechnikova, E V; Shaytan, A K; Krylov, S V; Kiselev, N A; Krylov, V N

2014-11-01

A unique feature of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa giant phage phiKZ is its way of genome packaging onto a spool-like protein structure, the inner body. Until recently, no similar structures have been detected in other phages. We have studied DNA packaging in P. aeruginosa phages EL and Lin68 using cryo-electron microscopy and revealed the presence of inner bodies. The shape and positioning of the inner body and the density of the DNA packaging in EL are different from those found in phiKZ and Lin68. This internal organization explains how the shorter EL genome is packed into a large EL capsid, which has the same external dimensions as the capsids of phiKZ and Lin68. The similarity in the structural organization in EL and other phiKZ-like phages indicates that EL is phylogenetically related to other phiKZ-like phages, and, despite the lack of detectable DNA homology, EL, phiKZ, and Lin68 descend from a common ancestor. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen retention, energy, and amino acid digestibility of wheat bran, without or with multicarbohydrase and phytase supplementation, fed to broiler chickens.

PubMed

Gallardo, Connie; Dadalt, Julio Cezar; Trindade Neto, Messias Alves

2018-06-04

The study was conducted to determine the effects of multicarbohydrase (MC) preparation (700 U α-galactosidase, 2,200 U galactomannanase, 3,000 U xylanase, and 22,000 U β-glucanase per kg of diet) and phytase (Phy, 500 FTU per kg of diet) supplementation on the nutritive value of wheat bran (WB) in broiler chicks. Trial 1 determined retention of nutrients and apparent metabolizable energy corrected by nitrogen (AMEn). One reference diet (RD) protein-free (85% corn based) was fortified to determine the WB nutrient retention coefficient. Trial 2 determined standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA, when pancreas and liver were weighed. An additional group of bird was fed with an RD with 5% casein-corn starch diet, fortified with vitamins and minerals to quantify the endogenous fraction and determine SID of AA. For each trial, the test diets were made by mixing RD and WB 7:3 (wt/wt) and fed without or with MC or Phy or combination. Male broilers (Cobb 500), 245 d old, were allocated to five treatments to give seven replicates (seven birds/cage). The birds were fed a commercial diet from day 0 to10 followed by Trial 1 diets from day 11 to 18 and finally Trial 2 diets from day 19 to 21. Excreta samples were collected on days 15-18 and all birds were slaughtered on day 21 for ileal digesta. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between MC and Phy on retention of DM, N, P, and AMEn. An interaction (P < 0.05) was also observed on SID of Arg, His, Leu, Lys, Phe, Thr, Val, Asp, Cys, Glu, and Ser. Responses of MC plus Phy supplementation were higher (P < 0.05) on overall SID of AA by 6.05% (75.18 to 94.26%), compared with responses for MC (2.35%; 72.04 to 88.97) or Phy (3.46%; 73.27 to 92.13). Liver and pancreas weights were affected (P < 0.05) by the single MC supplementation. The MC and Phy combination may be an effective strategy to improve AA utilization of WB in broiler chickens.

Sarcolemmal mechanisms for pHi recovery from alkalosis in the guinea-pig ventricular myocyte

PubMed Central

Leem, Chae-Hun; Vaughan-Jones, Richard D

1998-01-01

The mechanism of pHi recovery from an intracellular alkali load (induced by acetate prepulse or by reduction/removal of ambient PCO2) was investigated using intracellular SNARF fluorescence in the guinea-pig ventricular myocyte. In Hepes buffer (pHo 7.40), pHi recovery was inhibited by removal of extracellular Cl−, but not by removal of Na+o or elevation of K+o. Recovery was unaffected by the stilbene drug DIDS (4,4-diisothiocyanatostilbene-disulphonic acid), but was slowed dose dependently by the stilbene drug DBDS (dibenzamidostilbene-disulphonic acid). In 5 % CO2/HCO3− buffer (pHo 7.40), pHi recovery was faster than in Hepes buffer. It consisted of an initial rapid recovery phase followed by a slow phase. Much of the rapid phase has been attributed to CO2-dependent buffering. The slow phase was inhibited completely by Cl− removal but not by Na+o removal or K+o elevation. At a test pHi of 7.30 in CO2/HCO3− buffer, the slow phase was inhibited 70 % by DIDS. The mean DIDS-inhibitable acid influx was equivalent in magnitude to the HCO3−-stimulated acid influx. Similarly, the DIDS-insensitive influx was equivalent to that estimated in Hepes buffer. We conclude that two independent sarcolemmal acid-loading carriers are stimulated by a rise of pHi and account for the slow phase of recovery from an alkali load. The results are consistent with activation of a DIDS-sensitive Cl−-HCO3− anion exchanger (AE) to produce HCO3− efflux, and a DIDS-insensitive Cl−-OH− exchanger (CHE) to produce OH− efflux. H+-Cl− co-influx as the alternative configuration for CHE is not, however, excluded. The dual acid-loading system (AE plus CHE), previously shown to be activated by a fall of extracellular pH, is thus activated by a rise of intracellular pH. Activity of the dual-loading system is therefore controlled by pH on both sides of the cardiac sarcolemma. PMID:9575297

Chancen und Visionen Der Modernen Mechanik

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehlers, Wolfgang; Wriggers, Peter

Die Gesellschaft des 21. Jahrhunderts wird ihre Anforderungen an Lebensqualität und Umweltstandards stetig erhöhen. Dies betrifft auch die Anforderungen an Qualität und Vorhersagegenauigkeit bei der Berechnung komplexer Probleme und umfasst insbesondere das Gesamtdesign von Produkten unserer unmittelbaren Umgebung wie Architektur- und Ingenieurbauwerken, aber auch von Industrieprodukten, die wir in unseremtäglichen Leben einsetzen.

Developing Workforce Capacity in Public Health Informatics: Core Competencies and Curriculum Design

PubMed Central

Wholey, Douglas R.; LaVenture, Martin; Rajamani, Sripriya; Kreiger, Rob; Hedberg, Craig; Kenyon, Cynthia

2018-01-01

We describe a master’s level public health informatics (PHI) curriculum to support workforce development. Public health decision-making requires intensive information management to organize responses to health threats and develop effective health education and promotion. PHI competencies prepare the public health workforce to design and implement these information systems. The objective for a Master’s and Certificate in PHI is to prepare public health informaticians with the competencies to work collaboratively with colleagues in public health and other health professions to design and develop information systems that support population health improvement. The PHI competencies are drawn from computer, information, and organizational sciences. A curriculum is proposed to deliver the competencies and result of a pilot PHI program is presented. Since the public health workforce needs to use information technology effectively to improve population health, it is essential for public health academic institutions to develop and implement PHI workforce training programs. PMID:29770321

Intracellular pH of symbiotic dinoflagellates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibbin, E. M.; Davy, S. K.

2013-09-01

Intracellular pH (pHi) is likely to play a key role in maintaining the functional success of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis, yet until now the pHi of the symbiotic dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium) has never been quantified. Flow cytometry was used in conjunction with the ratiometric fluorescent dye BCECF to monitor changes in pHi over a daily light/dark cycle. The pHi of Symbiodinium type B1 freshly isolated from the model sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella was 7.25 ± 0.01 (mean ± SE) in the light and 7.10 ± 0.02 in the dark. A comparable effect of irradiance was seen across a variety of cultured Symbiodinium genotypes (types A1, B1, E1, E2, F1, and F5) which varied between pHi 7.21-7.39 in the light and 7.06-7.14 in the dark. Of note, there was a significant genotypic difference in pHi, irrespective of irradiance.

Analog quadrature signal to phase angle data conversion by a quadrature digitizer and quadrature counter

DOEpatents

Buchenauer, C.J.

1981-09-23

The quadrature phase angle phi (t) of a pair of quadrature signals S/sub 1/(t) and S/sub 2/(t) is digitally encoded on a real time basis by a quadrature digitizer for fractional phi (t) rotational excursions and by a quadrature up/down counter for full phi (t) rotations. The pair of quadrature signals are of the form S/sub 1/(t) = k(t) sin phi (t) and S/sub 2/(t) = k(t) cos phi (t) where k(t) is a signal common to both. The quadrature digitizer and the quadrature up/down counter may be used together or singularly as desired or required. Optionally, a digital-to-analog converter may follow the outputs of the quadrature digitizer and the quadrature up/down counter to provide an analog signal output of the quadrature phase angle phi (t).

Analog quadrature signal to phase angle data conversion by a quadrature digitizer and quadrature counter

DOEpatents

Buchenauer, C. Jerald

1984-01-01

The quadrature phase angle .phi.(t) of a pair of quadrature signals S.sub.1 (t) and S.sub.2 (t) is digitally encoded on a real time basis by a quadrature digitizer for fractional .phi.(t) rotational excursions and by a quadrature up/down counter for full .phi.(t) rotations. The pair of quadrature signals are of the form S.sub.1 (t)=k(t) sin .phi.(t) and S.sub.2 (t)=k(t) cos .phi.(t) where k(t) is a signal common to both. The quadrature digitizer and the quadrature up/down counter may be used together or singularly as desired or required. Optionally, a digital-to-analog converter may follow the outputs of the quadrature digitizer and the quadrature up/down counter to provide an analog signal output of the quadrature phase angle .phi.(t).

Macrophage tumoricidal mechanisms are selectively altered by prenatal chlordane exposure.

PubMed

Theus, S A; Tabor, D R; Soderberg, L S; Barnett, J B

1992-09-01

Macrophages (m phi) derived from mice treated in utero with chlordane show a significant delay of tumoricidal induction activity. In this study, m phi from chlordane-treated animals required a 48 h in vitro period of induction with interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (IFN/LPS) before they could kill P815 targets. Similarly, m phi from chlordane-treated animals also failed to produce an immediate H2O2 burst upon perturbation. Conversely, their stimulated control m phi counterparts were tumoricidal by 2 h and exhibited a respiratory burst without any delay. Moreover, levels of the second messenger, inositol triphosphate (IP3), were significantly delayed in chlordane-treated animals following interaction with IFN/LPS. When nitrate/nitrite production was analyzed as an alternate mechanism for killing tumors, stimulated m phi from both normal and chlordane-treated animals responded equally. The data show that chlordane differentially introduces defects in m phi biochemical mechanisms associated with tumor killing.

Order and disorder in crystals of hexameric NTPases from dsRNA bacteriophages.

PubMed

Mancini, Erika J; Grimes, Jonathan M; Malby, Robyn; Sutton, Geoffrey C; Kainov, Denis E; Juuti, Jarmo T; Makeyev, Eugene V; Tuma, Roman; Bamford, Dennis H; Stuart, David I

2003-12-01

The packaging of genomic RNA in members of the Cystoviridae is performed by P4, a hexameric protein with NTPase activity. Across family members such as Phi6, Phi8 and Phi13, the P4 proteins show low levels of sequence identity, but presumably have similar atomic structures. Initial structure-determination efforts for P4 from Phi6 and Phi8 were hampered by difficulties in obtaining crystals that gave ordered diffraction. Diffraction from crystals of full-length P4 showed a variety of disorder and anisotropy. Subsequently, crystals of Phi13 P4 were obtained which yielded well ordered diffraction to 1.7 A. Comparison of the packing arrangements of P4 hexamers in different crystal forms and analysis of the disorder provides insights into the flexibility of this family of proteins, which might be an integral part of their biological function.

Measurement of differential cross sections in the $$\\phi^*$$ variable for inclusive Z boson production in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ 8 TeV

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

Sirunyan, Albert M; et al.

Measurements of differential cross sections dmore » $$\\sigma$$/d$$\\phi^*$$ and double-differential cross sections d$$^2\\sigma$$/d$$\\phi^*\\,$$d$|y|$ for inclusive Z boson production are presented using the dielectron and dimuon final states. The kinematic observable $$\\phi^*$$ correlates with the dilepton transverse momentum but has better resolution, and $y$ is the dilepton rapidity. The analysis is based on data collected with the CMS experiment at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb$$^{-1}$$. The normalised cross section (1/$$\\sigma$$)$$\\,$$d$$\\sigma$$/d$$\\phi^*$$, within the fiducial kinematic region, is measured with a precision of better than 0.5% for $$\\phi^*$$<1. The measurements are compared to theoretical predictions and they agree, typically, within few percent.« less

Developing Workforce Capacity in Public Health Informatics: Core Competencies and Curriculum Design.

PubMed

Wholey, Douglas R; LaVenture, Martin; Rajamani, Sripriya; Kreiger, Rob; Hedberg, Craig; Kenyon, Cynthia

2018-01-01

We describe a master's level public health informatics (PHI) curriculum to support workforce development. Public health decision-making requires intensive information management to organize responses to health threats and develop effective health education and promotion. PHI competencies prepare the public health workforce to design and implement these information systems. The objective for a Master's and Certificate in PHI is to prepare public health informaticians with the competencies to work collaboratively with colleagues in public health and other health professions to design and develop information systems that support population health improvement. The PHI competencies are drawn from computer, information, and organizational sciences. A curriculum is proposed to deliver the competencies and result of a pilot PHI program is presented. Since the public health workforce needs to use information technology effectively to improve population health, it is essential for public health academic institutions to develop and implement PHI workforce training programs.

Spectroscopy of Kerr black holes with Earth- and space-based interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berti, Emanuele; Sesana, Alberto; Barausse, Enrico; Cardoso, Vitor; Belczynski, Krzysztof

2017-01-01

We estimate the potential of present and future interferometric gravitational-wave detectors to test the Kerr nature of black holes through ``gravitational spectroscopy,'' i.e. the measurement of multiple quasinormal mode frequencies from the remnant of a black hole merger. Using population synthesis models of the formation and evolution of stellar-mass black hole binaries, we find that Voyager-class interferometers will be necessary to perform these tests. Gravitational spectroscopy in the local Universe may become routine with the Einstein Telescope, but a 40-km facility like Cosmic Explorer is necessary to go beyond z 3 . In contrast, eLISA-like detectors should carry out a few - or even hundreds - of these tests every year, depending on uncertainties in massive black hole formation models. Many space-based spectroscopical measurements will occur at high redshift, testing the strong gravity dynamics of Kerr black holes in domains where cosmological corrections to general relativity (if they occur in nature) must be significant. NSF CAREER Grant No. PHY-1055103, NSF Grant No. PHY-1607130, FCT contract IF/00797/2014/CP1214/CT0012.

IQM-Reifegradmodell für die Bewertung und Verbesserung des Information Lifecycle Management Prozesses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baškarada, Saša; Gebauer, Marcus; Koronios, Andy; Gao, Jing

Heutige Organisationen produzieren und speichern mehr Informationen als je zuvor. Der resultierende Informationsüberfluss, zusammen mit einem Mangel an Qualitätssicherung für das Information Lifecycle Management, führt zu einem unsicheren Status der Informationsqualität in vielen Organisationen. Weiterhin hat sich herausgestellt, dass das Bewerten, Verbessern und Steuern der Informationsqualität ein offenkundig schwieriges Unterfangen ist. Dieses Kapitel stellt ein Modell zur Bewertung und Verbesserung der Information Quality Management Capability Maturity (IQM-Reifegrad) vor. Es wird ein Satz von Kriterien vorgestellt, der aus Literaturrecherche und Fallstudien abgeleitet wurde. Die Reifegradindikatoren werden validiert und in einem mehrstufigen Reifegradmodell durch eine Delphi-Studie gruppiert. Das abgeleitete IQM-Reifegradmodell hilft Organisationen ihre bestehenden Praktiken im IQM zu bewerten und potentielle Lücken und Verbesserungsstrategien zu ermitteln.

Craniota, Wirbel- oder Schädeltiere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultze, Hans-Peter

Zu den Craniota zählen alle Chordatiere, die eine dreiteilige Regionalisierung des Körpers in Kopf, Rumpf und Schwanz aufweisen. Der Kopf umfasst (1) das Neurocranium mit Gehirn und komplexen Sinnesorganen zur Wahrnehmung der Umgebung, (2) das Viscerocranium zur Nahrungsaufnahme und zur Ventilation der Kiemen bei den primär wasserlebenden Craniota und (3) das Dermatocranium (S. 38). Letzteres entsteht durch Verknöcherungen im Bindegewebe des Integuments, es dient dem Schutz des Kopfes und trägt im Mundbreich die Zähne. Zusammen bilden die drei Skelettstrukturen die funktionelle Einheit Schädel (Cranium). Außer der (somatischen) Rumpfmuskulatur und dem Axialskelett liegen im Rumpf Kreislauf-, Atmungs-, Verdauungs-, Exkretions- und Fortpflanzungsorgane. Der Schwanz, der Abschnitt hinter der Afteröffnung, die das Ende der Leibeshöhle markiert, dient mit Muskeln und Schwanzflosse der Fortbewegung.

Regionalstatistik

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eppmann, Helmut; Fürnrohr, Michael

Viele Aufgaben in Politik, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft erfordern nicht nur globale, sondern auch regionale Lösungen. Die Regionalstatistik ist deshalb unentbehrlich für viele Planungs- und Entscheidungsprozesse. Ihren Ausbau und ihre Nutzung zu fördern, hat sich der Ausschuss für Regionalstatistik der Deutschen Statistischen Gesellschaft zum Ziel gesetzt. Dieses Kapitel stellt zunächst einige Grundlagen der Regionalstatistik und die Aufgaben des Ausschusses dar. Es folgen das umfangreiche regionalstatistische Datenangebot der Statistischen Ämter des Bundes und der Länder und seine Nutzung. Ein ergänzender Abschnitt ist der Arbeit des Instituts für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung gewidmet. Das Kapitel schließt mit einem Ausblick auf die Weiterentwicklung des regionalstatistischen Datenangebotes aus Sicht der amtlichen Statistik.

Reusable design: A proposed approach to Public Health Informatics system design

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Since it was first defined in 1995, Public Health Informatics (PHI) has become a recognized discipline, with a research agenda, defined domain-specific competencies and a specialized corpus of technical knowledge. Information systems form a cornerstone of PHI research and implementation, representing significant progress for the nascent field. However, PHI does not advocate or incorporate standard, domain-appropriate design methods for implementing public health information systems. Reusable design is generalized design advice that can be reused in a range of similar contexts. We propose that PHI create and reuse information design knowledge by taking a systems approach that incorporates design methods from the disciplines of Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design and other related disciplines. Discussion Although PHI operates in a domain with unique characteristics, many design problems in public health correspond to classic design problems, suggesting that existing design methods and solution approaches are applicable to the design of public health information systems. Among the numerous methodological frameworks used in other disciplines, we identify scenario-based design and participatory design as two widely-employed methodologies that are appropriate for adoption as PHI standards. We make the case that these methods show promise to create reusable design knowledge in PHI. Summary We propose the formalization of a set of standard design methods within PHI that can be used to pursue a strategy of design knowledge creation and reuse for cost-effective, interoperable public health information systems. We suggest that all public health informaticians should be able to use these design methods and the methods should be incorporated into PHI training. PMID:21333000

The RTE inversion on FPGA aboard the solar orbiter PHI instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cobos Carrascosa, J. P.; Aparicio del Moral, B.; Ramos Mas, J. L.; Balaguer, M.; López Jiménez, A. C.; del Toro Iniesta, J. C.

2016-07-01

In this work we propose a multiprocessor architecture to reach high performance in floating point operations by using radiation tolerant FPGA devices, and under narrow time and power constraints. This architecture is used in the PHI instrument that carries out the scientific analysis aboard the ESA's Solar Orbiter mission. The proposed architecture, in a SIMD flavor, is aimed to be an accelerator within the Data Processing Unit (it is composed by a main Leon processor and two FPGAs) for carrying out the RTE inversion on board the spacecraft using a relatively slow FPGA device - Xilinx XQR4VSX55-. The proposed architecture squeezes the FPGA resources in order to reach the computational requirements and improves the ground-based system performance based on commercial CPUs regarding time and power consumption. In this work we demonstrate the feasibility of using this FPGA devices embedded in the SO/PHI instrument. With that goal in mind, we perform tests to evaluate the scientific results and to measure the processing time and power consumption for carrying out the RTE inversion.

Rapid Motion Adaptation Reveals the Temporal Dynamics of Spatiotemporal Correlation between ON and OFF Pathways

PubMed Central

Oluk, Can; Pavan, Andrea; Kafaligonul, Hulusi

2016-01-01

At the early stages of visual processing, information is processed by two major thalamic pathways encoding brightness increments (ON) and decrements (OFF). Accumulating evidence suggests that these pathways interact and merge as early as in primary visual cortex. Using regular and reverse-phi motion in a rapid adaptation paradigm, we investigated the temporal dynamics of within and across pathway mechanisms for motion processing. When the adaptation duration was short (188 ms), reverse-phi and regular motion led to similar adaptation effects, suggesting that the information from the two pathways are combined efficiently at early-stages of motion processing. However, as the adaption duration was increased to 752 ms, reverse-phi and regular motion showed distinct adaptation effects depending on the test pattern used, either engaging spatiotemporal correlation between the same or opposite contrast polarities. Overall, these findings indicate that spatiotemporal correlation within and across ON-OFF pathways for motion processing can be selectively adapted, and support those models that integrate within and across pathway mechanisms for motion processing. PMID:27667401

Isolation, Characterization, Molecular Gene Cloning, and Sequencing of a Novel Phytase from Bacillus subtilis

PubMed Central

Kerovuo, Janne; Lauraeus, Marko; Nurminen, Päivi; Kalkkinen, Nisse; Apajalahti, Juha

1998-01-01

The Bacillus subtilis strain VTT E-68013 was chosen for purification and characterization of its excreted phytase. Purified enzyme had maximal phytase activity at pH 7 and 55°C. Isolated enzyme required calcium for its activity and/or stability and was readily inhibited by EDTA. The enzyme proved to be highly specific since, of the substrates tested, only phytate, ADP, and ATP were hydrolyzed (100, 75, and 50% of the relative activity, respectively). The phytase gene (phyC) was cloned from the B. subtilis VTT E-68013 genomic library. The deduced amino acid sequence (383 residues) showed no homology to the sequences of other phytases nor to those of any known phosphatases. PhyC did not have the conserved RHGXRXP sequence found in the active site of known phytases, and therefore PhyC appears not to be a member of the phytase subfamily of histidine acid phosphatases but a novel enzyme having phytase activity. Due to its pH profile and optimum, it could be an interesting candidate for feed applications. PMID:9603817

The polymerase subunit of a dsRNA virus plays a central role in the regulation of viral RNA metabolism.

PubMed

Makeyev, E V; Bamford, D H

2000-11-15

Bacteriophage φ6 has a three-segmented double-stranded (ds) RNA genome, which resides inside a polymerase complex particle throughout the entire life cycle of the virus. The polymerase subunit P2, a minor constituent of the polymerase complex, has previously been reported to replicate both φ6-specific and heterologous single-stranded (ss) RNAs, giving rise to dsRNA products. In this study, we show that the enzyme is also able to use dsRNA templates to perform semi-conservative RNA transcription in vitro without the assistance of other proteins. The polymerase synthesizes predominantly plus-sense copies of φ6 dsRNA, medium and small segments being more efficient templates than the large one. This distribution of the test-tube reaction products faithfully mimics viral transcription in vivo. Experiments with chimeric ssRNAs and dsRNAs show that short terminal nucleotide sequences can account for the difference in efficiency of RNA synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest a model explaining important aspects of viral RNA metabolism regulation in terms of enzymatic properties of the polymerase subunit.

Smartes System für die Energiewende - der Übertragungsnetzbetreiber in der digitalen Zukunft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pflaum, Rainer; Egeler, Tobias

Die Übertragungsnetze stellen eine zuverlässige Versorgung von Haushalt, Gewerbe und Industrie mit elektrischer Energie sicher und sind damit Grundlage einer modernen Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft. Die mittlerweile unumkehrbaren Entwicklungen der nationalen und europäischen Energiewende stellen den Übertragungsnetzbetreiber in seinen Kernaufgaben, dem Bau und Betrieb von Netzen, dem Markt- und Netzzugang und der Integration der erneuerbaren Energien vor neue und große Herausforderungen. Verbrauchsnahe dezentrale Erzeugung wie verbrauchsferne zentrale Erzeugung muss im Sinne der Gewährleistung der Systemstabilität gemanagt und in Einklang mit dem Verbrauch gebracht werden. Erneuerbare Energien müssen zudem in einem solchen System ihren Beitrag zur System- und Marktintegration leisten. All das erfordert mehr Daten, um in einem Gesamtsystem dynamische Reaktionsmöglichkeiten gewährleisten zu können. Erst die "Digitalisierung" schafft dabei die notwendigen Voraussetzungen die Komplexität zu stemmen. Die Digitalisierung stellt daher ein Kernelement dieses Wandels des Übertragungsnetzbetreibers dar, die einerseits mit zum Entstehen der neuen Herausforderungen beiträgt, andererseits aber auch hilft Werkzeuge bereitzustellen, diesen Herausforderungen zu begegnen. Im folgenden Beitrag wird aufgezeigt, wie die Digitalisierung die Aufgaben und Instrumente des Übertragungsnetzbetreibers verändern. Ausgehend von den heutigen Aufgaben eines Übertragungsnetzbetreibers und dem gültigen Rechtsrahmen werden unter dem Begriff "Notwendiges Set für morgen" smarte Elemente und Werkzeuge beschrieben, die bereits heute im Einsatz sind oder in den nächsten Jahren notwendig werden. Im Anschluss erfolgt anhand einiger Beispiele aus unterschiedlichen Bereichen eine Konkretisierung der Einsatzzwecke der Digitalisierung beim Übertragungsnetzbetreiber. Ein kurzer Ausblick mit Fokus auf den weiteren Veränderungsprozess rundet den Beitrag ab.

Direct CP Violation in Charmless Hadronic B-Meson Decays at the PEP-II Asymmetric B-Meson Factory

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

Telnov, Alexandre Valerievich; /UC, Berkeley

2005-05-06

The study of the quark transition b {yields} s{bar s}s, which is a pure loop-level (''penguin'') process leading to several B-meson-decay final states, most notably {phi}K, is arguably the hottest topic in B-meson physics today. The reason is the sensitivity of the amplitudes and the CP-violating asymmetries in such processes to physics beyond the Standard Model. By performing these measurements, we improve our understanding of the phenomenon of combined-parity (CP) violation, which is believed to be responsible for the dominance of matter over antimatter in our Universe. Here, we present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries in the decaysmore » B{sup +} {yields} {phi}K{sup +} and B{sup 0} {yields} {phi}K{sup 0} in a sample of approximately 89 million B{bar B} pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B-meson Factory at SLAC. We determine {Beta}(B{sup +} {yields} {phi}K{sup +}) = (10.0{sub -0.8}{sup +0.9} {+-} 0.5) x 10{sup -6} and {Beta}(B{sup 0} {yields} {phi}K{sup 0}) = (8.4{sub -1.3}{sup +1.5} {+-} 0.5) x 10{sup -6}, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. Additionally, we measure the CP-violating charge asymmetry {Alpha}{sub CP}(B{sup {+-}} {yields} {phi}K{sup {+-}}) = 0.04 {+-} 0.09 {+-} 0.01, with a 90% confidence-level interval of [-0.10, 0.18], and set an upper limit on the CKM- and color-suppressed decay B{sup +} {yields} {phi}{pi}{sup +}, {Beta}(B{sup +} {yields} {phi}{pi}{sup +}) < 0.41 x 10{sup -6} (at the 90% confidence level). Our results are consistent with the Standard Model, which predicts {Alpha}{sub CP}(B{sup {+-}} {yields} {phi}K{sup {+-}}) {approx}< 1% and {Beta}(B {yields} {phi}{tau}) << 10{sup -7}. Since many models of physics beyond the Standard Model introduce additional loop diagrams with new heavy particles and new CP-violating phases that would contribute to these decays, potentially making {Alpha}{sub CP} (B{sup {+-}} {yields} {phi}K{sup {+-}}) and {Beta}(B {yields} {phi}{pi}) quite large, our results can be used to substantially constrain the parameter spaces of such models.« less

Is there a field-theoretic explanation for precursor biopolymers?

PubMed

Rosen, Gerald

2002-08-01

A Hu-Barkana-Gruzinov cold dark matter scalar field phi may enter a weak isospin invariant derivative interaction that causes the flow of right-handed electrons to align parallel to (inverted delta phi). Hence, in the outer regions of galaxies where (inverted delta phi) is large, as in galactic halos, the derivative interaction may induce a chirality-imbued quantum chemistry. Such a chirality-imbued chemistry would in turn be conducive to the formation of abundant precursor biopolymers on interstellar dust grains, comets and meteors in galactic halo regions, with subsequent delivery to planets in the inner galactic regions where phi and (inverted delta phi) are concomitantly near zero and left-right symmetric terrestrial quantum chemistry prevails.

Aufnahme, Analyse und Visualisierung von Bewegungen nativer Herzklappen in-vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiß, Oliver; Friedl, Sven; Kondruweit, Markus; Wittenberg, Thomas

Die hohe Zahl an Transplantationen von Herzklappen und viele nötige Re-Operationen machen eine detaillierte Analyse der Strömungen und Klappenbewegungen klinisch interessant. Ein neuer Ansatz ist hierbei der Einsatz von Hochgeschwindigkeitskameras um Bewegungsabl äufe der Herzklappen beobachten und auswerten zu können. Die hohen Datenraten erfordern allerdings eine möglichst automatisierte Analyse und möglichst komprimierte Darstellung des Schwingungsverhaltens. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Ansatz vorgestellt, bei dem Bewegungen nativer Herzklappen in-vitro aufgenommen, analysiert und kompakt visualisiert werden.

Genomic characterization of Ralstonia solanacearum phage phiRSB1, a T7-like wide-host-range phage.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Takeru; Shimizu, Mio; Satsuma, Hideki; Fujiwara, Akiko; Fujie, Makoto; Usami, Shoji; Yamada, Takashi

2009-01-01

PhiRSB1 is a wide-host-range, T7-like bacteriophage that infects and efficiently lyses the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. The phiRSB1 genome comprises 43,079 bp of double-stranded DNA (61.7% G+C) with 325-bp terminal repeats and contains 47 open reading frames. Strong activity of tandem early promoters and wide specificity of phage promoters of phiRSB1 were demonstrated.

Genome packaging in EL and Lin68, two giant phiKZ-like bacteriophages of P. aeruginosa

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

Sokolova, O.S., E-mail: sokolova@mail.bio.msu.ru; A.V. Shoubnikov Institute of Crystallography RAS, Moscow; Shaburova, O.V.

A unique feature of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa giant phage phiKZ is its way of genome packaging onto a spool-like protein structure, the inner body. Until recently, no similar structures have been detected in other phages. We have studied DNA packaging in P. aeruginosa phages EL and Lin68 using cryo-electron microscopy and revealed the presence of inner bodies. The shape and positioning of the inner body and the density of the DNA packaging in EL are different from those found in phiKZ and Lin68. This internal organization explains how the shorter EL genome is packed into a large EL capsid, whichmore » has the same external dimensions as the capsids of phiKZ and Lin68. The similarity in the structural organization in EL and other phiKZ-like phages indicates that EL is phylogenetically related to other phiKZ-like phages, and, despite the lack of detectable DNA homology, EL, phiKZ, and Lin68 descend from a common ancestor. - Highlights: • We performed a comparative structural study of giant P. aeruginosa phages: EL, Lin68 and phiKZ. • We revealed that the inner body is a common feature in giant phages. • The phage genome size correlates with the overall dimensions of the inner body.« less

Expression, purification and characterization of a phyAm-phyCs fusion phytase*

PubMed Central

Zou, Li-kou; Wang, Hong-ning; Pan, Xin; Tian, Guo-bao; Xie, Zi-wen; Wu, Qi; Chen, Hui; Xie, Tao; Yang, Zhi-rong

2008-01-01

The phyAm gene encoding acid phytase and optimized neutral phytase phyCs gene were inserted into expression vector pPIC9K in correct orientation and transformed into Pichia pastoris in order to expand the pH profile of phytase and decrease the cost of production. The fusion phytase phyAm-phyCs gene was successfully overexpressed in P. pastoris as an active and extracellular phytase. The yield of total extracellular fusion phytase activity is (25.4±0.53) U/ml at the flask scale and (159.1±2.92) U/ml for high cell-density fermentation, respectively. Purified fusion phytase exhibits an optimal temperature at 55 °C and an optimal pH at 5.5~6.0 and its relative activity remains at a relatively high level of above 70% in the range of pH 2.0 to 7.0. About 51% to 63% of its original activity remains after incubation at 75 °C to 95 °C for 10 min. Due to heavy glycosylation, the expressed fusion phytase shows a broad and diffuse band in SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). After deglycosylation by endoglycosidase H (EndoHf), the enzyme has an apparent molecular size of 95 kDa. The characterization of the fusion phytase was compared with those of phyCs and phyAm. PMID:18600783

PhiC31 recombination system demonstrates heritable germinal transmission of site-specific excision from the Arabidopsis genome

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The large serine recombinase phiC31 from broad host range Streptomyces temperate phage, catalyzes the site-specific recombination of two recognition sites that differ in sequence, typically known as attachment sites attB and attP. Previously, we characterized the phiC31 catalytic activity and modes of action in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Results In this work, the phiC31 recombinase gene was placed under the control of the Arabidopsis OXS3 promoter and introduced into Arabidopsis harboring a chromosomally integrated attB and attP-flanked target sequence. The phiC31 recombinase excised the attB and attP-flanked DNA, and the excision event was detected in subsequent generations in the absence of the phiC31 gene, indicating germinal transmission was possible. We further verified that the genomic excision was conservative and that introduction of a functional recombinase can be achieved through secondary transformation as well as manual crossing. Conclusion The phiC31 system performs site-specific recombination in germinal tissue, a prerequisite for generating stable lines with unwanted DNA removed. The precise site-specific deletion by phiC31 in planta demonstrates that the recombinase can be used to remove selectable markers or other introduced transgenes that are no longer desired and therefore can be a useful tool for genome engineering in plants. PMID:20178628

S1-Leitlinie Lipödem.

PubMed

Reich-Schupke, Stefanie; Schmeller, Wilfried; Brauer, Wolfgang Justus; Cornely, Manuel E; Faerber, Gabriele; Ludwig, Malte; Lulay, Gerd; Miller, Anya; Rapprich, Stefan; Richter, Dirk Frank; Schacht, Vivien; Schrader, Klaus; Stücker, Markus; Ure, Christian

2017-07-01

Die vorliegende überarbeitete Leitlinie zum Lipödem wurde unter der Federführung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) erstellt und finanziert. Die Inhalte beruhen auf einer systematischen Literaturrecherche und dem Konsens von acht medizinischen Fachgesellschaften und Berufsverbänden. Die Leitlinie beinhaltet Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und Therapie des Lipödems. Die Diagnose ist dabei auf der Basis von Anamnese und klinischem Befund zu stellen. Charakteristisch ist eine umschriebene, symmetrisch lokalisierte Vermehrung des Unterhautfettgewebes an den Extremitäten mit deutlicher Disproportion zum Stamm. Zusätzlich finden sich Ödeme, Hämatomneigung und eine gesteigerte Schmerzhaftigkeit der betroffenen Körperabschnitte. Weitere apparative Untersuchungen sind bisher besonderen Fragestellungen vorbehalten. Die Erkrankung ist chronisch progredient mit individuell unterschiedlichem und nicht vorhersehbarem Verlauf. Die Therapie besteht aus vier Säulen, die individuell kombiniert und an das aktuelle Beschwerdebild angepasst werden sollten: komplexe physikalische Entstauungstherapie (manuelle Lymphdrainage, Kompressionstherapie, Bewegungstherapie, Hautpflege), Liposuktion und plastisch-chirurgische Interventionen, Ernährung und körperliche Aktivität sowie ggf. additive Psychotherapie. Operative Maßnahmen sind insbesondere dann angezeigt, wenn trotz konsequent durchgeführter konservativer Therapie noch Beschwerden bestehen bzw. eine Progredienz des Befundes und/oder der Beschwerden auftritt. Eine begleitend zum Lipödem bestehende morbide Adipositas sollte vor einer Liposuktion therapeutisch angegangen werden. © 2017 The Authors | Journal compilation © Blackwell Verlag GmbH, Berlin.

Mehr Mathematik Wagen in der Medizin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deuflhard, Peter; Dössel, Olaf; Louis, Alfred K.; Zachow, Stefan

In diesem Artikel wird an drei Erfolgsmodellen dargestellt, wie das Zusammenwirken von Mathematik und Medizin eine Entwicklung hin zu patientenspezifischen Modellen auf Basis moderner medizinischer Bildgebung angestoßen hat, die in naher Zukunft dynamisch weiter Raum greifen wird. Dabei existiert ein Gleichklang der Interessen von Medizin und Mathematik: Beide Disziplinen wollen die Resultate schnell und zuverlässig. Für die Klinik heißt dies, dass notwendige Rechnungen in möglichst kurzer Zeit, und zwar auf dem PC, ablaufen müssen und dass die Resultate so genau und belastbar sein müssen, dass medizinische Entscheidungen darauf aufbauen können. Für die Mathematik folgt daraus, dass höchste Anforderungen an die Effizienz der verwendeten Algorithmen und die darauf aufbauende Software in Numerik und Visualisierung zu stellen sind. Allerdings ist es noch ein weiter Weg, bis anatomische und medizinisch brauchbare funktionelle Modelle auch nur für die wichtigsten Körperteile und die häufigsten Krankheitsfälle verfügbar sein werden. Führende Universitätskliniken könnten, als Zentren einer interdisziplinären Kooperation von Medizinern, Ingenieuren und Mathematikern, eine Vorreiterrolle dabei übernehmen, mehr Mathematik in der Medizin zu wagen. Dies wäre zweifellos ein wichtiger Schritt in Richtung auf eine individuelle quantitative Medizin, bei dem Deutschland die besten Voraussetzungen hätte, die Rolle des "Schrittmachers“ zu übernehmen.

Evaluating the Applicability of Phi Coefficient in Indicating Habitat Preferences of Forest Soil Fauna Based on a Single Field Study in Subtropical China.

PubMed

Cui, Yang; Wang, Silong; Yan, Shaokui

2016-01-01

Phi coefficient directly depends on the frequencies of occurrence of organisms and has been widely used in vegetation ecology to analyse the associations of organisms with site groups, providing a characterization of ecological preference, but its application in soil ecology remains rare. Based on a single field experiment, this study assessed the applicability of phi coefficient in indicating the habitat preferences of soil fauna, through comparing phi coefficient-induced results with those of ordination methods in charactering soil fauna-habitat(factors) relationships. Eight different habitats of soil fauna were implemented by reciprocal transfer of defaunated soil cores between two types of subtropical forests. Canonical correlation analysis (CCorA) showed that ecological patterns of fauna-habitat relationships and inter-fauna taxa relationships expressed, respectively, by phi coefficients and predicted abundances calculated from partial redundancy analysis (RDA), were extremely similar, and a highly significant relationship between the two datasets was observed (Pillai's trace statistic = 1.998, P = 0.007). In addition, highly positive correlations between phi coefficients and predicted abundances for Acari, Collembola, Nematode and Hemiptera were observed using linear regression analysis. Quantitative relationships between habitat preferences and soil chemical variables were also obtained by linear regression, which were analogous to the results displayed in a partial RDA biplot. Our results suggest that phi coefficient could be applicable on a local scale in evaluating habitat preferences of soil fauna at coarse taxonomic levels, and that the phi coefficient-induced information, such as ecological preferences and the associated quantitative relationships with habitat factors, will be largely complementary to the results of ordination methods. The application of phi coefficient in soil ecology may extend our knowledge about habitat preferences and distribution-abundance relationships, which will benefit the understanding of biodistributions and variations in community compositions in the soil. Similar studies in other places and scales apart from our local site will be need for further evaluation of phi coefficient.

Evaluating the Applicability of Phi Coefficient in Indicating Habitat Preferences of Forest Soil Fauna Based on a Single Field Study in Subtropical China

PubMed Central

Cui, Yang; Wang, Silong; Yan, Shaokui

2016-01-01

Phi coefficient directly depends on the frequencies of occurrence of organisms and has been widely used in vegetation ecology to analyse the associations of organisms with site groups, providing a characterization of ecological preference, but its application in soil ecology remains rare. Based on a single field experiment, this study assessed the applicability of phi coefficient in indicating the habitat preferences of soil fauna, through comparing phi coefficient-induced results with those of ordination methods in charactering soil fauna-habitat(factors) relationships. Eight different habitats of soil fauna were implemented by reciprocal transfer of defaunated soil cores between two types of subtropical forests. Canonical correlation analysis (CCorA) showed that ecological patterns of fauna-habitat relationships and inter-fauna taxa relationships expressed, respectively, by phi coefficients and predicted abundances calculated from partial redundancy analysis (RDA), were extremely similar, and a highly significant relationship between the two datasets was observed (Pillai's trace statistic = 1.998, P = 0.007). In addition, highly positive correlations between phi coefficients and predicted abundances for Acari, Collembola, Nematode and Hemiptera were observed using linear regression analysis. Quantitative relationships between habitat preferences and soil chemical variables were also obtained by linear regression, which were analogous to the results displayed in a partial RDA biplot. Our results suggest that phi coefficient could be applicable on a local scale in evaluating habitat preferences of soil fauna at coarse taxonomic levels, and that the phi coefficient-induced information, such as ecological preferences and the associated quantitative relationships with habitat factors, will be largely complementary to the results of ordination methods. The application of phi coefficient in soil ecology may extend our knowledge about habitat preferences and distribution-abundance relationships, which will benefit the understanding of biodistributions and variations in community compositions in the soil. Similar studies in other places and scales apart from our local site will be need for further evaluation of phi coefficient. PMID:26930593

Evidence for the role of a Na(+)/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter in trout hepatocyte pHi regulation.

PubMed

Furimsky, M; Moon, T W; Perry, S F

2000-07-01

The mechanisms of intracellular pH (pHi) regulation were examined in hepatocytes of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. pHi was monitored using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye BCECF, and the effects of various media and pharmacological agents were examined for their influence on baseline pHi and recovery rates from acid and base loading. Rates of Na(+) uptake were measured using (22)Na, and changes in membrane potential were examined using the potentiometric fluorescent dye Oxonol VI. The rate of proton extrusion following acid loading was diminished by the blockade of either Na(+)/H(+) exchange (using amiloride) or anion transport (using DIDS). The removal of external HCO(3)(-) and the abolition of outward K(+) diffusion by the channel blocker Ba(2+) also decreased the rate of proton extrusion following acid load. Depolarization of the cell membrane with 50 mmol l(-)(1) K(+), however, did not affect pHi. The rate of recovery from base loading was significantly diminished by the blockade of anion transport, removal of external HCO(3)(-) and, to a lesser extent, by blocking Na(+)/H(+) exchange. The blockade of K(+) conductance had no effect. The decrease in Na(+) uptake rate observed in the presence of the anion transport blocker DIDS and the DIDS-sensitive hyperpolarization of membrane potential during recovery from acid loading suggest that a Na(+)-dependent electrogenic transport system is involved in the restoration of pHi after intracellular acidification. The effects on baseline pHi indicate that the different membrane exchangers are tonically active in the maintenance of steady-state pHi. This study confirms the roles of a Na(+)/H(+) exchanger and a Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger in the regulation of trout hepatocyte pHi and provides new evidence that a Na(+)/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter contributes to pHi regulation.

Dürre, Waldbrände, gravitative Massenbewegungen und andere klimarelevante Naturgefahren

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glade, Thomas; Hoffmann, Peter; Thonicke, Kirsten

Klimarelevante Naturgefahren sind auf vielfältige Faktoren zurückzuführen, deren Zusammenwirken in der Gesamtheit betrachtet werden muss. Die vorbereitenden, auslösenden und kontrollierenden Faktoren werden in unterschiedlichster Weise vom Klimawandel beeinflusst. Die Autoren beschreiben beobachtete Trends und Projektionen zu Dürre, Waldbränden, gravitativen Massenbewegungen (Muren, Fels- und Bergstürze, Hangrutschungen) und Schneelawinen sowie das Zusammenspiel der unterschiedlichen Ursachen. Sie diskutieren darüber hinaus, welche der Veränderungen in der Häufigkeit oder Stärke von Naturgefahren tatsächlich ausschließlich dem Klimawandel zuzuschreiben sein könnten und welche Anteile hierbei der direkte menschliche Einfluss hat und konstatieren, dass eine eindeutige Trennung häufig nicht vollzogen werden kann.

Kommunale Energieversorger als wesentliche Akteure der Digitalisierung - Strategien und Handlungsoptionen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reiche, Katherina

Die Digitalisierung erfasst sämtliche Bereiche des Lebens und Wirtschaftens. Auch die Kommunalwirtschaft - insbesondere die kommunale Energiewirtschaft - sieht sich perspektivisch disruptiven Entwicklungen gegenüber. Stadtwerke haben bereits viele Herausforderungen erfolgreich gemeistert und stehen auch der Digitalisierung positiv gegenüber. Vielerorts gestalten kommunale Unternehmen den digitalen Wandel bereits aktiv mit. Dieser Artikel arbeitet die Assets kommunaler Unternehmen heraus und zeigt Strategien und Handlungsoptionen zum Umgang mit der digitalen Transformation für kommunale Energieversorgungsunternehmen auf. Dabei zeigt sich, dass das politische und regulatorische Umfeld für das positive Gelingen der Digitalisierung entscheidend sind. Kommunale Unternehmen benötigen die gleichen Marktzugangsbedingungen wie andere Akteure. Ferner profitieren kommunale Unternehmen von einigen Wettbewerbsvorteilen, etwa hohen Vertrauenswerten ihrer Kunden und umfangreiches Know-how im Datenmanagement.

Intracellular pH regulation by acid-base transporters in mammalian neurons

PubMed Central

Ruffin, Vernon A.; Salameh, Ahlam I.; Boron, Walter F.; Parker, Mark D.

2014-01-01

Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation in the brain is important in both physiological and physiopathological conditions because changes in pHi generally result in altered neuronal excitability. In this review, we will cover 4 major areas: (1) The effect of pHi on cellular processes in the brain, including channel activity and neuronal excitability. (2) pHi homeostasis and how it is determined by the balance between rates of acid loading (JL) and extrusion (JE). The balance between JE and JL determine steady-state pHi, as well as the ability of the cell to defend pHi in the face of extracellular acid-base disturbances (e.g., metabolic acidosis). (3) The properties and importance of members of the SLC4 and SLC9 families of acid-base transporters expressed in the brain that contribute to JL (namely the Cl-HCO3 exchanger AE3) and JE (the Na-H exchangers NHE1, NHE3, and NHE5 as well as the Na+- coupled HCO3− transporters NBCe1, NBCn1, NDCBE, and NBCn2). (4) The effect of acid-base disturbances on neuronal function and the roles of acid-base transporters in defending neuronal pHi under physiopathologic conditions. PMID:24592239

Imaging of Intracellular pH in Tumor Spheroids Using Genetically Encoded Sensor SypHer2.

PubMed

Zagaynova, Elena V; Druzhkova, Irina N; Mishina, Natalia M; Ignatova, Nadezhda I; Dudenkova, Varvara V; Shirmanova, Marina V

2017-01-01

Intracellular pH (pHi) is one of the most important parameters that regulate the physiological state of cells and tissues. pHi homeostasis is crucial for normal cell functioning. Cancer cells are characterized by having a higher (neutral to slightly alkaline) pHi and lower (acidic) extracellular pH (pHe) compared to normal cells. This is referred to as a "reversed" pH gradient, and is essential in supporting their accelerated growth rate, invasion and migration, and in suppressing anti-tumor immunity, the promotion of metabolic coupling with fibroblasts and in preventing apoptosis. Moreover, abnormal pH, both pHi and pHe, contribute to drug resistance in cancers. Therefore, the development of methods for measuring pH in living tumor cells is likely to lead to better understanding of tumor biology and to open new ways for cancer treatment. Genetically encoded, fluorescent, pH-sensitive probes represent promising instruments enabling the subcellular measurement of pHi with unrivaled specificity and high accuracy. Here, we describe a protocol for pHi imaging at a microscopic level in HeLa tumor spheroids, using the genetically encoded ratiometric (dual-excitation) pHi indicator, SypHer2.

Bacteriophage phi 6 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase: molecular details of initiating nucleic acid synthesis without primer.

PubMed

Laurila, Minni R L; Makeyev, Eugene V; Bamford, Dennis H

2002-05-10

Like most RNA polymerases, the polymerase of double-strand RNA bacteriophage phi6 (phi6pol) is capable of primer-independent initiation. Based on the recently solved phi6pol initiation complex structure, a four-amino acid-long loop (amino acids 630-633) has been suggested to stabilize the first two incoming NTPs through stacking interactions with tyrosine, Tyr(630). A similar loop is also present in the hepatitis C virus polymerase, another enzyme capable of de novo initiation. Here, we use a series of phi6pol mutants to address the role of this element. As predicted, mutants at the Tyr(630) position are inefficient in initiation de novo. Unexpectedly, when the loop is disordered by changing Tyr(630)-Lys(631)-Trp(632) to GSG, phi6pol becomes a primer-dependent enzyme, either extending complementary oligonucleotide or, when the template 3' terminus can adopt a hairpin-like conformation, utilizing a "copy-back" initiation mechanism. In contrast to the wild-type phi6pol, the GSG mutant does not require high GTP concentration for its optimal activity. These findings suggest a general model for the initiation of de novo RNA synthesis.

Linked Records of Children with Traumatic Brain Injury. Probabilistic Linkage without Use of Protected Health Information.

PubMed

Bennett, T D; Dean, J M; Keenan, H T; McGlincy, M H; Thomas, A M; Cook, L J

2015-01-01

Record linkage may create powerful datasets with which investigators can conduct comparative effectiveness studies evaluating the impact of tests or interventions on health. All linkages of health care data files to date have used protected health information (PHI) in their linkage variables. A technique to link datasets without using PHI would be advantageous both to preserve privacy and to increase the number of potential linkages. We applied probabilistic linkage to records of injured children in the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB, N = 156,357) and the Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS, N = 104,049) databases from 2007 to 2010. 49 match variables without PHI were used, many of them administrative variables and indicators for procedures recorded as International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification codes. We validated the accuracy of the linkage using identified data from a single center that submits to both databases. We accurately linked the PHIS and NTDB records for 69% of children with any injury, and 88% of those with severe traumatic brain injury eligible for a study of intervention effectiveness (positive predictive value of 98%, specificity of 99.99%). Accurate linkage was associated with longer lengths of stay, more severe injuries, and multiple injuries. In populations with substantial illness or injury severity, accurate record linkage may be possible in the absence of PHI. This methodology may enable linkages and, in turn, comparative effectiveness studies that would be unlikely or impossible otherwise.

77 FR 71172 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-29

... beneficiaries on their TRICARE benefits. Personal health information (PHI) and personally identifiable.../PHI to obtain and verify TRICARE eligibility, treatment, payment, and other healthcare operations... during the case resolution process, individuals may object to the collection of PHI and PII via verbal or...

Spectral observations of Be stars in the visible range. I - Phi Per, Psi Per, 11 Cam, and Phi And

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krugov, V. D.

1986-02-01

Phi Per was found to display considerable variations of emission in H-alpha and H-beta. The H-alpha and H-beta emission profiles of Psi Per appeared to vary with a period of several years. A complete disappearance of H-alpha emission was observed for 11 Cam. Finally, the H-alpha emission for Phi And did not display intensity variations during the entire period of observations in 1983.

The Effects of Exercise on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Physostigmine in Rats

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-15

Phy ( cholinesterase activity ) are likely to be altered by exercise due to altered blood flow rates to liver and pH of muscle. During exercise...concurrent acute exercise on the ChE activity in RBC aad tissues and in blood biochemical parameters in rats. Phy has been reported to reduce the...Springfield, Illinois. Also, we have studied the effect of exercise training, Phy and training + Phy on ChE activity in RBC and tissues and on blood biochemi

Cyclic Axial-Torsional Deformation Behavior of a Cobalt-Base Superalloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonacuse, Peter J.; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

1995-01-01

The cyclic, high-temperature deformation behavior of a wrought cobalt-base super-alloy, Haynes 188, is investigated under combined axial and torsional loads. This is accomplished through the examination of hysteresis loops generated from a biaxial fatigue test program. A high-temperature axial, torsional, and combined axial-torsional fatigue database has been generated on Haynes 188 at 760 C. Cyclic loading tests have been conducted on uniform gage section tubular specimens in a servohydraulic axial-torsional test rig. Test control and data acquisition were accomplished with a minicomputer. The fatigue behavior of Haynes 188 at 760 C under axial, torsional, and combined axial-torsional loads and the monotonic and cyclic deformation behaviors under axial and torsional loads have been previously reported. In this paper, the cyclic hardening characteristics and typical hysteresis loops in the axial stress versus axial strain, shear stress ,versus engineering shear strain, axial strain versus engineering shear strain. and axial stress versus shear stress spaces are presented for cyclic in-phase and out-of-phase axial-torsional tests. For in-phase tests, three different values of the proportionality constant lambda (the ratio of engineering shear strain amplitude to axial strain amplitude, are examined, viz. 0.86, 1.73, and 3.46. In the out-of-phase tests, three different values of the phase angle, phi (between the axial and engineering shear strain waveforms), are studied, viz., 30, 60, and 90 degrees with lambda equals 1.73. The cyclic hardening behaviors of all the tests conducted on Haynes 188 at 760 C are evaluated using the von Mises equivalent stress-strain and the maximum shear stress-maximum engineering shear strain (Tresca) curves. Comparisons are also made between the hardening behaviors of cyclic axial, torsional, and combined in-phase (lambda = 1.73 and phi = 0) and out-of-phase (lambda = 1.73 and phi = 90') axial-torsional fatigue tests. These comparisons are accomplished through simple Ramberg-Osgood type stress-strain functions for cyclic, axial stress-strain and shear stress-engineering shear strain curves.

Innovative BI-Lösungen als Basis für eine erfolgreiche Transformation zu Utility 4.0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillipp, Daniel; Ebert, Sebastian

Für eine erfolgreiche Transformation, vom reinen Energieversorger hin zum Energiedienstleister, werden innovative Business-Intelligence-Lösungen notwendig sein und eine zentrale Rolle einnehmen. Dabei ist es zunächst essenziell, die Herausforderungen zu kennen und ihnen mit geeigneten Analysen zu begegnen. Die Basis hierzu bildet eine abgestimmte und auf die strategischen Unternehmensziele ausgerichtete Architektur und Vorgehensweise. Zwei Beispiele veranschaulichen, wie ein gesamtheitlicher Ansatz, auch bei Datenvielfalt und hoher Komplexität, operative Prozesse optimiert, und fortgeschrittene Analysen zukünftig einen Beitrag zum Unternehmenserfolg liefern können.

Analytische Geometrie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemnitz, Arnfried

Der Grundgedanke der Analytischen Geometrie besteht darin, dass geometrische Untersuchungen mit rechnerischen Mitteln geführt werden. Geometrische Objekte werden dabei durch Gleichungen beschrieben und mit algebraischen Methoden untersucht. Behandelt werden folgende Themen: Koordinatensysteme: Kartesisches Koordinatensystem der Ebene und des Raumes, Polarkoordinatensystem der Ebene, Zusammenhang zwischen kartesischen und Polarkoordinaten; Geraden: Geradengleichungen, Abstände von Geraden; Kreise: Kreisgleichungen, Kreisberechnungen; Kugeln; Kegelschnitte; Ellipsen; Hyperbeln; Parabeln; Anwendungen von Kegelschnitten aus Technik und Mathematik; Vektoren: Definitionen, Addition, Multiplikation, Komponentendarstellung in der Ebene und im Raum, Skalarprodukt, Vektorprodukt. Zu den einzelnen Themenkreisen sind Beispiele aufgeführt. Wichtige Regeln und Gesetze sind durch Umrandung besonders kenntlich gemacht.

Structural Behavior Under Precision Impact Tests

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-08-01

ASPECTS OF IMPACT TESTING The problem of impact between two bodies has been studied extensively (for example, Eibl 1987, Feyerabend 1988, Krauthammer...Concrete for Hazard Protection, Edinburgh, Scotland, pp. 175-186. Feyerabend , M., 1988, "Der harte Querstoss auf Stützen aus Stahl und Stahlbeton

„3D-augmented-reality“-Visualisierung für die navigierte Osteosynthese von Beckenfrakturen

PubMed Central

Befrui, N.; Fischer, M.; Fuerst, B.; Lee, S.-C.; Fotouhi, J.; Weidert, S.; Johnson, A.; Euler, E.; Osgood, G.; Navab, N.; Böcker, W.

2018-01-01

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Trotz großer Fortschritte in der Entwicklung der Hard- und Software von Navigationssystemen finden diese aufgrund ihrer vermeintlichen Komplexität, umständlichen Integration in klinische Arbeitsabläufe und fraglichen Vorteilen gegenüber konventionellen bildgebenden Verfahren bisher wenig Einsatz in den heutigen Operationssälen. Ziel der Arbeit Entwicklung einer „Augmented-reality“(AR)-Darstellung zur chirurgischen Navigation ohne Infrarot(„IR“)-Tracking-Marker und Vergleich zum konventioneller Röntgen in einem simulierten Eingriff. Material und Methoden Navigationssystem bestehend aus „Cone-beam-CT“(CBCT)-fähigem C-Bogen und „Red-green-blue-depth“(RGBD)-Kamera. Testung durch Kirschner(K)-Draht-Platzierung in Modellen unter Berücksichtigung der benötigten Zeit, der Strahlendosis und der Benutzerfreundlichkeit der Systeme. Ergebnisse Eine signifikante Reduktion der benötigten Zeit, der Röntgenbilder und der gesamten Strahlendosis bei der AR-Navigation gegenüber dem konventionellen Röntgen bei gleichbleibender Präzision. Schlussfolgerung Die AR-Navigation mithilfe der RGBD-Kamera bietet flexible und intuitive Darstellungsmöglichkeiten des Operations-situs für navigierte Osteosynthesen ohne Tracking-Marker. Hiermit ist es möglich, Operationen schneller, einfacher und mit geringerer Strahlenbelastung für Patient und OP-Personal durchzuführen. PMID:29500506

PHI and PCA3 improve the prognostic performance of PRIAS and Epstein criteria in predicting insignificant prostate cancer in men eligible for active surveillance.

PubMed

Cantiello, Francesco; Russo, Giorgio Ivan; Cicione, Antonio; Ferro, Matteo; Cimino, Sebastiano; Favilla, Vincenzo; Perdonà, Sisto; De Cobelli, Ottavio; Magno, Carlo; Morgia, Giuseppe; Damiano, Rocco

2016-04-01

To assess the performance of prostate health index (PHI) and prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) when added to the PRIAS or Epstein criteria in predicting the presence of pathologically insignificant prostate cancer (IPCa) in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) but eligible for active surveillance (AS). An observational retrospective study was performed in 188 PCa patients treated with laparoscopic or robot-assisted RP but eligible for AS according to Epstein or PRIAS criteria. Blood and urinary specimens were collected before initial prostate biopsy for PHI and PCA3 measurements. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and decision curve analysis were carried out to identify predictors of IPCa using the updated ERSPC definition. At the multivariate analyses, the inclusion of both PCA3 and PHI significantly increased the accuracy of the Epstein multivariate model in predicting IPCa with an increase of 17 % (AUC = 0.77) and of 32 % (AUC = 0.92), respectively. The inclusion of both PCA3 and PHI also increased the predictive accuracy of the PRIAS multivariate model with an increase of 29 % (AUC = 0.87) and of 39 % (AUC = 0.97), respectively. DCA revealed that the multivariable models with the addition of PHI or PCA3 showed a greater net benefit and performed better than the reference models. In a direct comparison, PHI outperformed PCA3 performance resulting in higher net benefit. In a same cohort of patients eligible for AS, the addition of PHI and PCA3 to Epstein or PRIAS models improved their prognostic performance. PHI resulted in greater net benefit in predicting IPCa compared to PCA3.

Distinct moieties underlie biphasic H+ gating of connexin43 channels, producing a pH optimum for intercellular communication

PubMed Central

Garciarena, Carolina D.; Malik, Akif; Swietach, Pawel; Moreno, Alonso P.; Vaughan-Jones, Richard D.

2018-01-01

Most mammalian cells can intercommunicate via connexin-assembled, gap-junctional channels. To regulate signal transmission, connexin (Cx) channel permeability must respond dynamically to physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. One key stimulus is intracellular pH (pHi), which is modulated by a tissue’s metabolic and perfusion status. Our understanding of the molecular mechanism of H+ gating of Cx43 channels—the major isoform in the heart and brain—is incomplete. To interrogate the effects of acidic and alkaline pHi on Cx43 channels, we combined voltage-clamp electrophysiology with pHi imaging and photolytic H+ uncaging, performed over a range of pHi values. We demonstrate that Cx43 channels expressed in HeLa or N2a cell pairs are gated biphasically by pHi via a process that consists of activation by H+ ions at alkaline pHi and inhibition at more acidic pHi. For Cx43 channel–mediated solute/ion transmission, the ensemble of these effects produces a pHi optimum, near resting pHi. By using Cx43 mutants, we demonstrate that alkaline gating involves cysteine residues of the C terminus and is independent of motifs previously implicated in acidic gating. Thus, we present a molecular mechanism by which cytoplasmic acid–base chemistry fine tunes intercellular communication and establishes conditions for the optimal transmission of solutes and signals in tissues, such as the heart and brain.—Garciarena, C. D., Malik, A., Swietach, P., Moreno, A. P., Vaughan-Jones, R. D. Distinct moieties underlie biphasic H+ gating of connexin43 channels, producing a pH optimum for intercellular communication. PMID:29183963

Prostate health index (phi) and prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) significantly improve diagnostic accuracy in patients undergoing prostate biopsy.

PubMed

Perdonà, Sisto; Bruzzese, Dario; Ferro, Matteo; Autorino, Riccardo; Marino, Ada; Mazzarella, Claudia; Perruolo, Giuseppe; Longo, Michele; Spinelli, Rosa; Di Lorenzo, Giuseppe; Oliva, Andrea; De Sio, Marco; Damiano, Rocco; Altieri, Vincenzo; Terracciano, Daniela

2013-02-15

Prostate health index (phi) and prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) have been recently proposed as novel biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCa). We assessed the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers, alone or in combination, in men undergoing first prostate biopsy for suspicion of PCa. One hundred sixty male subjects were enrolled in this prospective observational study. PSA molecular forms, phi index (Beckman coulter immunoassay), PCA3 score (Progensa PCA3 assay), and other established biomarkers (tPSA, fPSA, and %fPSA) were assessed before patients underwent a 18-core first prostate biopsy. The discriminating ability between PCa-negative and PCa-positive biopsies of Beckman coulter phi and PCA3 score and other used biomarkers were determined. One hundred sixty patients met inclusion criteria. %p2PSA (p2PSA/fPSA × 100), phi and PCA3 were significantly higher in patients with PCa compared to PCa-negative group (median values: 1.92 vs. 1.55, 49.97 vs. 36.84, and 50 vs. 32, respectively, P ≤ 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that %p2PSA, phi, and PCA3 are good indicator of malignancy (AUCs = 0.68, 0.71, and 0.66, respectively). A multivariable logistic regression model consisting of both the phi index and PCA3 score allowed to reach an overall diagnostic accuracy of 0.77. Decision curve analysis revealed that this "combined" marker achieved the highest net benefit over the examined range of the threshold probability. phi and PCA3 showed no significant difference in the ability to predict PCa diagnosis in men undergoing first prostate biopsy. However, diagnostic performance is significantly improved by combining phi and PCA3. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optimal future liver remnant in patients treated with extensive preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases.

PubMed

Shindoh, Junichi; Tzeng, Ching-Wei D; Aloia, Thomas A; Curley, Steven A; Zimmitti, Giuseppe; Wei, Steven H; Huang, Steven Y; Mahvash, Armeen; Gupta, Sanjay; Wallace, Michael J; Vauthey, Jean-Nicolas

2013-08-01

Patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) are increasingly treated with preoperative chemotherapy. Chemotherapy associated liver injury is associated with postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI) and mortality. The adequate minimum future liver remnant (FLR) volume in patients treated with extensive chemotherapy remains unknown. All patients with standardized FLR > 20 %, who underwent extended right hepatectomy for CLM from 1993-2011, were divided into three cohorts by chemotherapy duration: no chemotherapy (NC, n = 30), short duration (SD, ≤12 weeks, n = 78), long duration (LD, >12 weeks, n = 86). PHI and mortality were compared by using uni-/multivariate analyses. Optimal FLR for LD chemotherapy was determined using a minimum p-value approach. A total of 194 patients met inclusion criteria. LD chemotherapy was significantly associated with PHI (NC + SD 3.7 vs. LD 16.3%, p = 0.006). Ninety-day mortality rates were 0 % in NC, 1.3 % in SD, and 2.3% in LD patients, respectively (p = 0.95). In patients with FLR > 30 %, PHI occurred in only two patients (both LD, 2/20, 10 %), but all patients with FLR > 30 % survived. The best cutoff of FLR for preventing PHI after chemotherapy >12 weeks was estimated as >30 %. Both LD chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, p = 0.004) and FLR ≤ 30 % (OR 6.3, p = 0.019) were independent predictors of PHI. Preoperative chemotherapy >12 weeks increases the risk of PHI after extended right hepatectomy. In patients treated with long-duration chemotherapy, FLR > 30 % reduces the rate of PHI and may provide enough functional reserve for clinical rescue if PHI develops.

Effects of plasmalemmal V-ATPase activity on plasma membrane potential of resident alveolar macrophages.

PubMed

Heming, T A; Bidani, A

2003-01-01

The acid-base status and functional responses of alveolar macrophages (mphi) are influenced by the activity of plasmalemmal V-type H+-pump (V-ATPase), an electrogenic H+ extruder that provides a possible link between intracellular pH (pHi) and plasma membrane potential (Em). This study examined the relationships among Em, pHi, and plasmalemmal V-ATPase activity in resident alveolar mphi from rabbits. Em and pHi were measured using fluorescent probes. Em was -46 mV and pHi was 7.14 at an extracellular pH (pHo) of 7.4. The pHi declined progressively at lower pHo values. Decrements in pHo, also caused depolarization of the plasma membrane, independent of V-ATPase activity. The pH effects on Em were sensitive to external K+, and hence, probably involved pH-sensitive K+ conductance. H+ were not distributed at equilibrium across the plasma membrane. V-ATPase activity was a major determinant of the transmembrane H+ disequilibrium. Pump inhibition with bafilomycin A1 caused cytosolic acidification, due most likely to the retention of metabolically generated H+. V-ATPase inhibition also caused depolarization of the plasma membrane, but the effects were mediated indirectly via the accompanying pHi changes. V-ATPase activity was sensitive to Em. Em hyperpolarization (valinomycin-clamp) reduced V-ATPase activity, causing an acidic shift in baseline pHi under steady-state conditions and slowing pHi recovery from NH4Cl prepulse acid-loads. The findings indicate that a complex relationship exists among Em, pHi, and pHo that was partially mediated by plasmalemmal V-ATPase activity. This relationship could have important consequences for the expression of pH- and/or voltage-sensitive functions in alveolar mphi.

X-Phi and Carnapian Explication

PubMed Central

Shepherd, Joshua; Justus, James

2015-01-01

The rise of experimental philosophy (x-phi) has placed metaphilosophical questions, particularly those concerning concepts, at the center of philosophical attention. X-phi offers empirically rigorous methods for identifying conceptual content, but what exactly it contributes towards evaluating conceptual content remains unclear. We show how x-phi complements Rudolf Carnap’s underappreciated methodology for concept determination, explication. This clarifies and extends x-phi’s positive philosophical import, and also exhibits explication’s broad appeal. But there is a potential problem: Carnap’s account of explication was limited to empirical and logical concepts, but many concepts of interest to philosophers (experimental and otherwise) are essentially normative. With formal epistemology as a case study, we show how x-phi assisted explication can apply to normative domains. PMID:26345713

B-Zell-Lymphome der Haut - Pathogenese, Diagnostik und Therapie.

PubMed

Nicolay, Jan P; Wobser, Marion

2016-12-01

Primär kutane B-Zell-Lymphome (PCBCL) beschreiben reifzellige lymphoproliferative Erkrankungen der B-Zell-Reihe, die primär die Haut betreffen. Die Biologie und der klinische Verlauf der einzelnen PCBCL-Subtypen variieren untereinander stark und unterscheiden sich grundsätzlich von primär nodalen und systemischen B-Zell-Lymphomen. Primär kutane Marginalzonenlymphome (PCMZL) und primäre kutane follikuläre Keimzentrumslymphome (PCFCL) werden auf Grund ihres unkomplizierten Verlaufs und ihrer exzellenten Prognose zu den indolenten PCBCL gezählt. Demgegenüber stellen die diffus großzelligen B-Zell-Lymphome, hauptsächlich vom Beintyp (DLBCL, LT) die aggressiveren PCBCL-Varianten mit schlechterer Prognose dar. Für die Ausbreitungsdiagnostik und die Therapieentscheidung sind eine genaue histologische und immunhistochemische Klassifizierung sowie der Ausschluss einer systemischen Beteiligung in Abgrenzung zu nodalen oder systemischen Lymphomen notwendig. Die Diagnostik sollte dabei durch molekularbiologische Untersuchungen unterstützt werden. Therapeutisch stehen für die indolenten PCBCL primär operative und radioonkologische Maßnahmen im Vordergrund sowie eine Systemtherapie mit dem CD20-Antikörper Rituximab bei disseminiertem Befall. Die aggressiveren Varianten sollten in erster Linie mit Kombinationen aus Rituximab und Polychemotherapieschemata wie z. B. dem CHOP-Schema oder Modifikationen davon behandelt werden. Auf Grund der in allen seinen Einzelheiten noch nicht vollständig verstandenen Pathogenese und Biologie sowie des begrenzten Therapiespektrums der PCBCL besteht hier, speziell beim DLBCL, LT, noch erheblicher Forschungsbedarf. © 2016 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cellular reflectarray antenna and method of making same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romanofsky, Robert R (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A method of manufacturing a cellular reflectarray antenna arranged in an m by n matrix of radiating elements for communication with a satellite includes steps of determining a delay .phi.m,n for each of said m by n matrix of elements of said cellular reflectarray antenna using sub-steps of: determining the longitude and latitude of operation, determining elevation and azimuth angles of the reflectarray with respect to the satellite and converting theta.sub.0 (.theta..sub.0) and phi.sub.0 (.phi..sub.0), determining .DELTA..beta..sub.m,n, the pointing vector correction, for a given inter-element spacing and wavelength, determining .DELTA..phi..sub.m,n, the spherical wave front correction factor, for a given radius from the central element and/or from measured data from the feed horn; and, determining a delay .phi.m,n for each of said m by n matrix of elements as a function of .DELTA..beta..sub.m,n and .DELTA..phi..sub.m,n.

Cellular reflectarray antenna and method of making same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romanofsky, Robert R (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A method of manufacturing a cellular reflectarray antenna arranged in an m by n matrix of radiating elements for communication with a satellite includes steps of determining a delay .phi.m,n for each of said m by n matrix of elements of said cellular reflectarray antenna using sub-steps of: determining the longitude and latitude of operation, determining elevation and azimuth angles of the reflectarray with respect to the satellite and converting theta.sub.0 (.theta..sub.0) and phi.sub.0 (.phi..sub.0), determining .DELTA..beta..sub.m,n, the pointing vector correction, for a given inter-element spacing and wavelength, determining .DELTA..phi..sub.m,n, the spherical wave front correction factor, for a given radius from the central element and/or from measured data from the feed horn; and, determining a delay .phi.m,n for each of said m by n matrix of elements as a function of .DELTA..beta..sub.m,n and .DELTA..phi..sub.m,n..

The complete genome sequence and proteomics of Yersinia pestis phage Yep-phi.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiangna; Wu, Weili; Qi, Zhizhen; Cui, Yujun; Yan, Yanfeng; Guo, Zhaobiao; Wang, Zuyun; Wang, Hu; Deng, Haijun; Xue, Yan; Chen, Weijun; Wang, Xiaoyi; Yang, Ruifu

2011-01-01

Yep-phi, a lytic phage of Yersinia pestis, was isolated in China and is routinely used as a diagnostic phage for the identification of the plague pathogen. Yep-phi has an isometric hexagonal head containing dsDNA and a short non-contractile conical tail. In this study, we sequenced the Yep-phi genome (GenBank accession no. HQ333270) and performed proteomics analysis. The genome consists of 38 ,616 bp of DNA, including direct terminal repeats of 222 bp, and is predicted to contain 45 ORFs. Most structural proteins were identified by proteomics analysis. Compared with the three available genome sequences of lytic phages for Y. pestis, the phages could be divided into two subgroups. Yep-phi displays marked homology to the bacteriophages Berlin (GenBank accession no. AM183667) and Yepe2 (GenBank accession no. EU734170), and these comprise one subgroup. The other subgroup is represented by bacteriophage ΦA1122 (GenBank accession no. AY247822). Potential recombination was detected among the Yep-phi subgroup.

[Prevalence of HIV treatment in PHI].

PubMed

Wild, F; Finkenstädt, V

2013-12-01

The importance of HIV in PHI is examined on the basis of the "AIDS statistics" of the Association of PHI and pharmaceutical data from PHI. The observation period is from 2007 to 2011. We define a HIV case if a private insured person has submitted at least one HIV-related invoice (e.g., an antiretroviral drug) for reimbursement during the observation period. In 2011, 7,624 people in PHI received HIV therapy, that is 32% (+1888) more than in 2007. The number of new HIV cases in 2011 was 673, and thus 12% (-92) lower than in 2007. The proportion of people receiving antiretroviral therapy in PHI is higher than in the general population in Germany. HIV infections occur in all age groups, but peaks in the age group 41 to 50 years old. Men are affected more than women. In contrast, the number of HIV cases among 11- to 15-year-old girls is higher compared to boys of the same age.

Partonic Flow and phi-Meson production in Au+Au collisions at sqrt radical sNN = 200 GeV.

PubMed

Abelev, B I; Aggarwal, M M; Ahammed, Z; Anderson, B D; Arkhipkin, D; Averichev, G S; Bai, Y; Balewski, J; Barannikova, O; Barnby, L S; Baudot, J; Baumgart, S; Belaga, V V; Bellingeri-Laurikainen, A; Bellwied, R; Benedosso, F; Betts, R R; Bhardwaj, S; Bhasin, A; Bhati, A K; Bichsel, H; Bielcik, J; Bielcikova, J; Bland, L C; Blyth, S-L; Bombara, M; Bonner, B E; Botje, M; Bouchet, J; Brandin, A V; Bravar, A; Burton, T P; Bystersky, M; Cadman, R V; Cai, X Z; Caines, H; Calderón de la Barca Sánchez, M; Callner, J; Catu, O; Cebra, D; Chajecki, Z; Chaloupka, P; Chattopadhyay, S; Chen, H F; Chen, J H; Chen, J Y; Cheng, J; Cherney, M; Chikanian, A; Christie, W; Chung, S U; Coffin, J P; Cormier, T M; Cosentino, M R; Cramer, J G; Crawford, H J; Das, D; Dash, S; Daugherity, M; de Moura, M M; Dedovich, T G; DePhillips, M; Derevschikov, A A; Didenko, L; Dietel, T; Djawotho, P; Dogra, S M; Dong, X; Drachenberg, J L; Draper, J E; Du, F; Dunin, V B; Dunlop, J C; Dutta Mazumdar, M R; Eckardt, V; Edwards, W R; Efimov, L G; Emelianov, V; Engelage, J; Eppley, G; Erazmus, B; Estienne, M; Fachini, P; Fatemi, R; Fedorisin, J; Feng, A; Filip, P; Finch, E; Fine, V; Fisyak, Y; Fu, J; Gagliardi, C A; Gaillard, L; Ganti, M S; Garcia-Solis, E; Ghazikhanian, V; Ghosh, P; Gorbunov, Y G; Gos, H; Grebenyuk, O; Grosnick, D; Grube, B; Guertin, S M; Guimaraes, K S F F; Gupta, N; Haag, B; Hallman, T J; Hamed, A; Harris, J W; He, W; Heinz, M; Henry, T W; Heppelmann, S; Hippolyte, B; Hirsch, A; Hjort, E; Hoffman, A M; Hoffmann, G W; Hofman, D J; Hollis, R S; Horner, M J; Huang, H Z; Hughes, E W; Humanic, T J; Igo, G; Iordanova, A; Jacobs, P; Jacobs, W W; Jakl, P; Jia, F; Jones, P G; Judd, E G; Kabana, S; Kang, K; Kapitan, J; Kaplan, M; Keane, D; Kechechyan, A; Kettler, D; Khodyrev, V Yu; Kim, B C; Kiryluk, J; Kisiel, A; Kislov, E M; Klein, S R; Knospe, A G; Kocoloski, A; Koetke, D D; Kollegger, T; Kopytine, M; Kotchenda, L; Kouchpil, V; Kowalik, K L; Kravtsov, P; Kravtsov, V I; Krueger, K; Kuhn, C; Kulikov, A I; Kumar, A; Kurnadi, P; Kuznetsov, A A; Lamont, M A C; Landgraf, J M; Lange, S; LaPointe, S; Laue, F; Lauret, J; Lebedev, A; Lednicky, R; Lee, C-H; Lehocka, S; LeVine, M J; Li, C; Li, Q; Li, Y; Lin, G; Lin, X; Lindenbaum, S J; Lisa, M A; Liu, F; Liu, H; Liu, J; Liu, L; Ljubicic, T; Llope, W J; Longacre, R S; Love, W A; Lu, Y; Ludlam, T; Lynn, D; Ma, G L; Ma, J G; Ma, Y G; Mahapatra, D P; Majka, R; Mangotra, L K; Manweiler, R; Margetis, S; Markert, C; Martin, L; Matis, H S; Matulenko, Yu A; McClain, C J; McShane, T S; Melnick, Yu; Meschanin, A; Millane, J; Miller, M L; Minaev, N G; Mioduszewski, S; Mironov, C; Mischke, A; Mitchell, J; Mohanty, B; Morozov, D A; Munhoz, M G; Nandi, B K; Nattrass, C; Nayak, T K; Nelson, J M; Nepali, C; Netrakanti, P K; Nogach, L V; Nurushev, S B; Odyniec, G; Ogawa, A; Okorokov, V; Oldenburg, M; Olson, D; Pachr, M; Pal, S K; Panebratsev, Y; Pavlinov, A I; Pawlak, T; Peitzmann, T; Perevoztchikov, V; Perkins, C; Peryt, W; Phatak, S C; Planinic, M; Pluta, J; Poljak, N; Porile, N; Poskanzer, A M; Potekhin, M; Potrebenikova, E; Potukuchi, B V K S; Prindle, D; Pruneau, C; Putschke, J; Qattan, I A; Raniwala, R; Raniwala, S; Ray, R L; Relyea, D; Ridiger, A; Ritter, H G; Roberts, J B; Rogachevskiy, O V; Romero, J L; Rose, A; Roy, C; Ruan, L; Russcher, M J; Sahoo, R; Sakrejda, I; Sakuma, T; Salur, S; Sandweiss, J; Sarsour, M; Sazhin, P S; Schambach, J; Scharenberg, R P; Schmitz, N; Seger, J; Selyuzhenkov, I; Seyboth, P; Shabetai, A; Shahaliev, E; Shao, M; Sharma, M; Shen, W Q; Shimanskiy, S S; Sichtermann, E P; Simon, F; Singaraju, R N; Smirnov, N; Snellings, R; Sorensen, P; Sowinski, J; Speltz, J; Spinka, H M; Srivastava, B; Stadnik, A; Stanislaus, T D S; Staszak, D; Stock, R; Strikhanov, M; Stringfellow, B; Suaide, A A P; Suarez, M C; Subba, N L; Sumbera, M; Sun, X M; Sun, Z; Surrow, B; Symons, T J M; Szanto de Toledo, A; Takahashi, J; Tang, A H; Tarnowsky, T; Thomas, J H; Timmins, A R; Timoshenko, S; Tokarev, M; Trainor, T A; Trentalange, S; Tribble, R E; Tsai, O D; Ulery, J; Ullrich, T; Underwood, D G; Van Buren, G; van der Kolk, N; van Leeuwen, M; Vander Molen, A M; Varma, R; Vasilevski, I M; Vasiliev, A N; Vernet, R; Vigdor, S E; Viyogi, Y P; Vokal, S; Voloshin, S A; Waggoner, W T; Wang, F; Wang, G; Wang, J S; Wang, X L; Wang, Y; Watson, J W; Webb, J C; Westfall, G D; Wetzler, A; Whitten, C; Wieman, H; Wissink, S W; Witt, R; Wu, J; Wu, Y; Xu, N; Xu, Q H; Xu, Z; Yepes, P; Yoo, I-K; Yue, Q; Yurevich, V I; Zhan, W; Zhang, H; Zhang, W M; Zhang, Y; Zhang, Z P; Zhao, Y; Zhong, C; Zhou, J; Zoulkarneev, R; Zoulkarneeva, Y; Zubarev, A N; Zuo, J X

2007-09-14

We present first measurements of the phi-meson elliptic flow (v2(pT)) and high-statistics pT distributions for different centralities from radical sNN=200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. In minimum bias collisions the v2 of the phi meson is consistent with the trend observed for mesons. The ratio of the yields of the Omega to those of the phi as a function of transverse momentum is consistent with a model based on the recombination of thermal s quarks up to pT approximately 4 GeV/c, but disagrees at higher momenta. The nuclear modification factor (R CP) of phi follows the trend observed in the K S 0 mesons rather than in Lambda baryons, supporting baryon-meson scaling. These data are consistent with phi mesons in central Au+Au collisions being created via coalescence of thermalized s quarks and the formation of a hot and dense matter with partonic collectivity at RHIC.

The Effects of Flocculation on the Propagation of Ultrasound in Dilute Kaolin Slurries.

PubMed

Austin; Challis

1998-10-01

A broadband ultrasonic spectrometer has been used to measure ultrasonic attenuation and phase velocity dispersion as functions of frequency in kaolin suspensions over a range of solid volume fractions from phi = 0.01 to phi = 0.08 and over a pH range from 3 to 9. The Harker and Temple theory was used to simulate ultrasound propagation in the suspension, using measured slope viscosity, particle size, and size distribution. Simulated results for ultrasonic attenuation and phase velocity agree well with measured values. Both sets of results agree well and show that for volume fractions above phi approximately 0.05 attenuation and velocity dispersion increase for increasing floc size, whereas for volume fractions below phi approximately 0.05 attenuation and velocity dispersion both decrease. It is proposed that the mechanism for this change in behavior around phi approximately 0.05 involves changes in floc density and floc size distribution with phi and pH. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Two types of phytases (histidine acid phytase and β-propeller phytase) in Serratia sp. TN49 from the gut of Batocera horsfieldi (coleoptera) larvae.

PubMed

Zhang, Rui; Yang, Peilong; Huang, Huoqing; Shi, Pengjun; Yuan, Tiezheng; Yao, Bin

2011-11-01

Microbial phytases play a major role in the mineralization of organic phosphorous, especially in symbiotic plants and animals. In this study, we identified two types of phytases in Serratia sp. TN49 that was harbored in the gut of Batocera horsfieldi (Coleoptera) larvae. The two phytases, an acidic histidine acid phosphatase (PhyH49) and an alkaline β-propeller phytase (PhyB49), shared low identities with known phytases (61% at most). PhyH49 and PhyB49 produced in Escherichia coli exhibited maximal activities at pH 5.0 (60°C) and pH 7.5-8.0 (45°C), respectively, and are complementary in phytate degradation over the pH range 2.0-9.0. Serratia sp. TN49 harboring both PhyH49 and PhyB49 might make it more adaptive to environment change, corresponding to the evolution trend of microorganism.

Demand for private health insurance: how important is the quality gap?

PubMed

Costa, Joan; García, Jaume

2003-07-01

Perceived quality of private and public health care, income and insurance premium are among the determinants of demand for private health insurance (PHI). In the context of a model in which individuals are expected utility maximizers, the non purchasing choice can result in consuming either public health care or private health care with full cost paid out-of-pocket. This paper empirically analyses the effect of the determinants of the demand for PHI on the probability of purchasing PHI by estimating a pseudo-structural model to deal with missing data and endogeneity issues. Our findings support the hypothesis that the demand for PHI is indeed driven by the quality gap between private and public health care. As expected, PHI is a normal good and a rise in the insurance premium reduces the probability of purchasing PHI albeit displaying price elasticities smaller than one in absolute value for different groups of individuals. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Role of the N*(1535) resonance and the {pi}{sup -}p{yields}KY amplitudes in the OZI forbidden {pi}N{yields}{phi}N reaction

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

Doering, M.; Oset, E.; Zou, B. S.

2008-08-15

We study the {pi}N{yields}{phi}N reaction close to the {phi}N threshold within the chiral unitary approach, by combining the {pi}{sup -}p{yields}K{sup +}{sigma}{sup -},{pi}{sup -}p{yields}K{sup 0}{sigma}{sup 0}, and {pi}{sup -}p{yields}K{sup 0}{lambda} amplitudes with the coupling of {phi} to the K components of the final states of these reactions via quantum loops. We obtain good agreement with experiment when the dominant {pi}{sup -}p{yields}K{sup 0}{lambda} amplitude is constrained with its experimental cross section. We also evaluate the coupling of N*(1535) to {phi}N and find a moderate coupling as a consequence of partial cancellation of the large KY components of N*(1535). We also show thatmore » the N*(1535) pole approximation is too small to reproduce the measured cross section for the {pi}{sup -}N{yields}{phi}N reaction.« less

Invasive forstliche schad-organismen in Nordamerika

Treesearch

Christopher J. Fettig; Horst E.  Delb

2017-01-01

In Nordamerika sind Wälder infolge von Einwandernden, internationalem Handel und Tourismus traditionell stark von Einschleppungen gebietsfremder invasiver Schadorganismen betroffen. Infolge von Globalisierung und Klimawandel gibt es aufgrund der Ähnlichkeiten von Klima, Flora und Fauna zwischen Europa und Nordamerika viele Parallelen.

Rückwärtsintegration - Zu den Verhältnissen Gymnasium, Hochschule und Arbeitswelt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmid, Gerhard; Heppner, Winfried; Focht, Eva

In seiner 2007 erschienen Sammlung von Vorträgen und Essays beschäftigt sich Wolfgang Frühwald, mit der Frage "Wieviel Wissen brauchen wir?“ [1] Die Kernproblematik moderner Wissenschaft und Forschung sieht der Autor, emeritierter Ordinarius für Neuere Deutsche Literaturwissenschaft und von 1992 bis 1997 Präsident der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft, einerseits in der zunehmenden Spezialisierung der Wissenschaftsbereiche, andererseits in der Gefahr der Abkoppelung der Naturwissenschaften von den Geisteswissenschaften. Wiederholt plädiert er dafür, über der rasanten Entwicklung beispielsweise in der Biologie und Physik, die historische, gesellschaftliche und besonders die ethische Dimension der Forschung nicht zu übersehen und fordert eine übergeordnete Theorie der Wissenschaft, die nur im Dialog zwischen den einzelnen Fachgebieten zu entwickeln sei.

Kompressionstherapie - Versorgungspraxis: Informationsstand von Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum.

PubMed

Protz, Kerstin; Heyer, Kristina; Dissemond, Joachim; Temme, Barbara; Münter, Karl-Christian; Verheyen-Cronau, Ida; Klose, Katharina; Hampel-Kalthoff, Carsten; Augustin, Matthias

2016-12-01

Eine Säule der kausalen Therapie bei Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum ist die Kompressionstherapie. Sie unterstützt die Abheilung, reduziert Schmerzen und Rezidive und steigert die Lebensqualität. Bislang existieren kaum wissenschaftliche Daten zu dem Versorgungsstand und fachspezifischem Wissen von Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum. Standardisierte Fragebögen wurden bundesweit in 55 Pflegediensten, 32 Arztpraxen, vier Wundzentren und -sprechstunden sowie einem Pflegetherapiestützpunkt von Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum bei Erstvorstellung anonym ausgefüllt. Insgesamt nahmen 177 Patienten (Durchschnittsalter 69,4 Jahre; 75,1 % Frauen) teil. Ein florides Ulcus cruris venosum bestand im Mittel 17 Monate. 31,1 % hatten keine Kompressionstherapie, 40,1 % Binden und 28,8 % Strümpfe. Bei der Bestrumpfung hatten 13,7 % Kompressionsklasse III, 64,7 % Kompressionsklasse II und 19,6 % Kompressionsklasse I. 70,6 % legten die Strümpfe nach dem Aufstehen an, 21,1 % trugen sie Tag und Nacht. 39,2 % bereiteten die Strümpfe Beschwerden. Lediglich 11,7 % hatten eine An- und Ausziehhilfe. Die Binden wurden im Mittel 40,7 Wochen getragen und bei 69 % nicht unterpolstert. Bei 2,8 % wurde der Knöchel- und Waden-Umfang zur Erfolgskontrolle gemessen. Venensport machten 45,9 %. Ein Drittel hatte keine Kompressionsversorgung, obwohl diese eine Basismaßnahme der Therapie des Ulcus cruris venosum ist. Zudem ist deren korrekte Auswahl und Anwendung angesichts der langen Bestandsdauer der Ulzerationen zu hinterfragen. Weiterführende Fachkenntnisse bei Anwendern und Verordnern sowie Patientenschulungen sind erforderlich. © 2016 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Modulatory effects of neuropsychopharmaca on intracellular pH of hippocampal neurones in vitro

PubMed Central

Bonnet, Udo; Bingmann, Dieter; Wiltfang, Jens; Scherbaum, Norbert; Wiemann, Martin

2010-01-01

Background and purpose: The intracellular pH (pHi) of neurones is tightly regulated by, for example, membrane-bound acid-exchangers and loaders. Nevertheless, excessive bioelectric activity lowers steady-state pHi. In turn, even a moderate acidification can inhibit neuronal activity, a process believed to be part of a negative feedback loop controlling neuronal excitation. As moclobemide, an antidepressant, and also some antiepileptic drugs can reduce neuronal pHi in hippocampus slices in vitro, we screened a panel of currently used neuropsychopharmaca for comparable effects. Experimental approach: BCECF-AM loaded hippocampal slices were superfused with 16 different neuroleptics, antidepressants and antiepileptics under bicarbonate-buffered conditions. Changes in steady-state pHi of CA3 neurones were measured fluorometrically. Key results: The antipsychotics haloperidol, clozapine, ziprasidone, and the antidepressants amitriptyline, doxepin, trimipramine, citalopram, mirtazapine, as well as the anticonvulsive drug tiagabine reversibly reduced the steady-state pHi by up to 0.35 pH-units in concentrations of 5–50 µM. In contrast, venlafaxine, the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, clonazepam, gabapentin, lamotrigine, zonisamide, and the mood stabilizer lithium had no effect on neuronal pHi. Conclusion and implications: These data substantiate the view that clinically relevant concentrations of neuroleptics and antidepressants can mediate changes in neuronal pHi, which may contribute to their pharmacological mode of action. Effects on pHi should be taken into account when therapeutic or even harmful effects of these drugs are evaluated. PMID:20015293

Modulare und durchgängige Produktmodelle als Erfolgsfaktor zur Bedienung einer Omni-Channel-Architektur - PLM 4.0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golovatchev, Julius; Felsmann, Marcus

Mit der Transformation der Wertschöpfungsstrukturen von Utility 1.0 zu Utility 4.0 erfolgt offensichtlich auch eine Veränderung des Produkts. Vor dem Hintergrund disruptiver Technologien (IoT, Big Data, Cloud, Robotics etc.) und auch gesellschaftlicher Veränderungen entstehen ständig neue Geschäftsmodelle und Produkte, die über die reine Versorgungsdienstleistung (z. B. Strom) hinausgehen. Dabei muss der wertvolle Rohstoff Produktdaten für smarte Produkte durchgängiger und schneller nutzbar gemacht werden. Die modularen und durchgängigen Produktstrukturen leisten einen Beitrag zur Beherrschung von Komplexität und stellen somit einen wesentlichen Hebel für erfolgreiche Produktentwicklung und -management dar. In diesem Beitrag werden Ansätze beschrieben, wie es den vor der Herausforderung Utility 4.0 stehenden Unternehmen gelingen kann, Smart-Energy-Produkte so zu modellieren, dass sie die Interoperabilität der einzelnen Produktionsmodule sicherstellt und ein Ende-zu-Ende-Management ermöglicht.

The iPhyClassifier, an interactive online tool for phytoplasma classification and taxonomic assignment

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The iPhyClassifier is an Internet-based research tool for quick identification and classification of diverse phytoplasmas. The iPhyClassifier simulates laboratory restriction enzyme digestions and subsequent gel electrophoresis and generates virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) p...

Berechnung verkehrlicher Substitutionseffekte im Personenverkehr bei Online-Shopping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nerlich, Mark R.; Schiffner, Felix; Vogt, Walter; Rauh, Jürgen; Breidenbach, Petra

Für Güter des täglichen, mittelfristigen und langfristigen Bedarfs sowie für das Beispiel Baumarktartikel wird das Potenzial für Personenverkehrsaufwand von Einkaufsaktivtäten quantitativ abgeschätzt. Die entwickelten Algorithmen behandeln die einkaufsvorbereitende Information und den eigentlichen Einkauf, d.h. den Erwerb eines Gutes, separat. Informationsaktivitäten haben insbesondere bei höherwertigen Gütern einen hohen Stellenwert und damit auch verkehrliche Relevanz. Wie Berechnungen zeigen, spart Online-Shopping Informations- und Einkaufsverkehrsaufwand im Pkw-Verkehr ein. Die notwendigen Eingangsdaten wie differenzierte Informations- und Einkaufshäufigkeiten sowie verkehrliche Parameter zu Verkehrsmittelwahl, Entfernungen und Wegekopplungen wurden aus eigenen Erhebungen gewonnen.

Quadratic Finite Element Method for 1D Deterministic Transport

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

Tolar, Jr., D R; Ferguson, J M

2004-01-06

In the discrete ordinates, or SN, numerical solution of the transport equation, both the spatial ({und r}) and angular ({und {Omega}}) dependences on the angular flux {psi}{und r},{und {Omega}}are modeled discretely. While significant effort has been devoted toward improving the spatial discretization of the angular flux, we focus on improving the angular discretization of {psi}{und r},{und {Omega}}. Specifically, we employ a Petrov-Galerkin quadratic finite element approximation for the differencing of the angular variable ({mu}) in developing the one-dimensional (1D) spherical geometry S{sub N} equations. We develop an algorithm that shows faster convergence with angular resolution than conventional S{sub N} algorithms.

Organisationsaspekte in der Umsetzung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balck, Henning; Bungard, Walter; Hofmann, Karsten; Ganz, Walter; Schwenker, Burkhard; Hanßen, Dirk; Meindl, Rudolf; Schloske, Alexander; Thieme, Paul; Teufel, Peter

Strukturbrüche sind eine der Hauptursachen für die Schwierigkeiten vieler Unternehmen, ihre Organisationsform zu modernisieren und vor allem turbulenten Marktbedingungen anzupassen. Klassische Beispiele für Strukturbrüche finden sich in der Spaltung von Aufbau- und Ablauforganisation, der Spaltung von Produktion und Dienstleistung oder der Spaltung von Planung und Ausführung. Ein wirkungsvoller Ansatz zur Überwindung solcher Spaltungen ist eine Art Versöhnungsmuster: die Polare Organisation. Wesentliche Elemente dieser Organisationsform sind ihr Netzwerkcharakter, kooperatives Zusammenwirken, eine hohe Kommunikationsintensität und eine polare Koppelung der kommunizierenden Partner oder - in abstrahierter Form - die organisierte Balance erfolgskritischer Gegensätze, wie Kosten und Qualität.

Validity of Prostate Health Index and Percentage of [-2] Pro-Prostate-Specific Antigen as Novel Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer: Omani Tertiary Hospitals Experience

PubMed Central

Al Saidi, Safana S.; Al Riyami, Nafila B.; Al Marhoon, Mohammed S.; Al Saraf, Mohammed S.; Al Busaidi, Salim S.; Bayoumi, Riad; Mula-Abed, Waad-Allah S.

2017-01-01

Objectives Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in older men. The Ministry of Health Oman Cancer Incidence Registry 2013 lists cancer of the prostate as the first most common cancer in males. Therefore, early detection is important and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is widely used as an established laboratory test. However, despite its wide use, its value in screening, particularly in asymptomatic males, is controversial when considering the risks and benefits of early detection. Methods This prospective, observational study included 136 males (67.0±8.9 years; range 45–90) who were scheduled for a prostate biopsy in two different tertiary care teaching hospitals in Oman: the Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Blood specimens from these patients were collected at the same setting before obtaining a prostatic biopsy. Three PSA markers (total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), and [-2]proPSA (p2PSA)) were measured and the Prostate Health Index (phi) calculated. The histopathological report of the prostatic biopsy for each patient was obtained from the histopathology laboratory of the concerned hospital along with clinical and laboratory data through the hospital information system. Results Phi has the highest validity markers compared with other prostate markers, with a sensitivity of 82.1%, specificity of 80.6%, and area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.81 at a cutoff of 41.9. The other prostatic markers showed sensitivities and specificities of 78.6% and 25.9% for tPSA; 35.7% and 92.6% for %fPSA; and 64.3% and 82.4% for %p2PSA, respectively. The AUCs at the best cutoff values were 0.67 at 10.1 µg/L for tPSA; 0.70 at 11.6% for %fPSA; and 0.55 at 1.4% for %p2PSA. An association between phi values and aggressiveness of prostate malignancy was noted. Of the 28 patients with prostate cancer, 22 patients had tPSA > 4 µg/L. However, no patient had phi in the low-risk category, and five, six, and 17 patients had phi in the moderate-, high-, and very high-risk categories, respectively. Conclusions Phi outperforms tPSA and fPSA when used alone or in combination, and appears to be more accurate than both markers in excluding prostate cancer before biopsy. Use of this biomarker helps clinicians to avoid unnecessary biopsies, particularly in patients with gray-zone tPSA level. Phi is the strongest marker that correlates proportionally with Gleason Score; therefore, it is also useful in predicting the aggressiveness of the disease. This is the first reported experience for the use of p2PSA and phi in Oman, the Middle East, and North Africa. PMID:28804579

Betriebsführung multimodaler Energiesysteme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackensen, Reinhard

Die Transformation des Energiesystems von einer zentral geprägten, unidirektional orientierten und in unterschiedliche Sektoren separierten Struktur hin zu einer umfassenden, multimodalen, dezentralen und flexiblen Erzeuger- und Verbraucherlandschaft findet auf verschiedenen Ebenen statt. Randbedingung bei dieser Umwälzung ist immer die Einhaltung der Teilziele Versorgungssicherheit, Wirtschaftlichkeit und Effizienz. Im Einzelnen schlägt sich diese Transformation in einer Diversifizierung der Akteurslandschaft durch die Mechanismen des Unbundling nieder. Weiterhin finden eine Dezentralisierung der Erzeugerlandschaft und damit eine Substitution von mehrheitlich fossil betriebener Großkraftwerkstechnologie durch eine Vielzahl dezentraler Erzeuger mit zumeist regenerativem Charakter statt. Dieser Wandel hat im Wesentlichen zwei Hauptkonsequenzen. Zum einen ergeben sich durch dezentrale, flächige Verteilung der Erzeuger neue Anforderungen an den Energieaustausch, bspw. aus der Erweiterung der Stromnetze für einen bidirektionalen Energieaustausch, zum anderen werden Abstimmungsmechanismen erforderlich, welche die fluktuierende Einspeisung derart mit dem Verbrauch in Waage hält, dass sowohl elektrische Netzrestriktionen, die Qualität der Versorgung und Aspekte der Energieeffizienz und damit der Wirtschaftlichkeit berücksichtigt werden. Mögliche Antworten auf die mit dieser Betrachtung einhergehenden Fragen liegen in der Konzeption eines multimodalen Energiesystems, also in der Gesamtbetrachtung der Sektoren Strom, Wärme und Verkehr. Dieses Kapitel soll Mechanismen darlegen und Wege aufzeigen, wie eine solche Konzeption gestaltet werden kann und wie solche komplexen Systeme in der Praxis betrieben werden können.

Study of {chi}{sub cj} Decays at BES III

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

Zhong, J.

2010-08-05

In spring 2009 BES III has taken its first large data sample on the {psi}(2S) resonance. More than 1{center_dot}10{sup 8} {psi}(2S) decays have been recorded. First results on the analyses {chi}{sub cJ{yields}{pi}}{sup 0{pi}0}, {chi}{sub cj{yields}{eta}{eta}} and {chi}{sub cj{yields}{phi}{phi}} are presented. The decay mode {chi}{sub c1{yields}{phi}{phi}} has been observed for the first time. The results presented in this document are preliminary.

Anisotropic singularities in modified gravity models

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

Figueiro, Michele Ferraz; Saa, Alberto; Departamento de Matematica Aplicada, IMECC-UNICAMP, C.P. 6065, 13083-859 Campinas, SP

2009-09-15

We show that the common singularities present in generic modified gravity models governed by actions of the type S={integral}d{sup 4}x{radical}(-g)f(R,{phi},X), with X=-(1/2)g{sup ab}{partial_derivative}{sub a}{phi}{partial_derivative}{sub b}{phi}, are essentially the same anisotropic instabilities associated to the hypersurface F({phi})=0 in the case of a nonminimal coupling of the type F({phi})R, enlightening the physical origin of such singularities that typically arise in rather complex and cumbersome inhomogeneous perturbation analyses. We show, moreover, that such anisotropic instabilities typically give rise to dynamically unavoidable singularities, precluding completely the possibility of having physically viable models for which the hypersurface ({partial_derivative}f/{partial_derivative}R)=0 is attained. Some examples are explicitly discussed.

RNA secondary structures of the bacteriophage phi6 packaging regions.

PubMed

Pirttimaa, M J; Bamford, D H

2000-06-01

Bacteriophage phi6 genome consists of three segments of double-stranded RNA. During maturation, single-stranded copies of these segments are packaged into preformed polymerase complex particles. Only phi6 RNA is packaged, and each particle contains only one copy of each segment. An in vitro packaging and replication assay has been developed for phi6, and the packaging signals (pac sites) have been mapped to the 5' ends of the RNA segments. In this study, we propose secondary structure models for the pac sites of phi6 single-stranded RNA segments. Our models accommodate data from structure-specific chemical modifications, free energy minimizations, and phylogenetic comparisons. Previously reported pac site deletion studies are also discussed. Each pac site possesses a unique architecture, that, however, contains common structural elements.

The Contradiction Between the Measurement Theory of Quantum Mechanics and the Theory that the Velocity of Any Particle Can Not be Larger than the Velocity of Light

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shen, Y.; Shen, Z. J.; Shen, G. T.; Yang, B. C.

1996-01-01

By the measurement theory of quantum mechanics and the method of Fourier transform,we proved that the wave function psi(x,y,z,t)= (8/((2(pi)(2L(exp (1/2)))(exp 3))(Phi(L,t,x)Phi(L,t,y)Phi(L,t,z)). According to the theory that the velocity of any particle can not be larger than the velocity of light and the Born interpretation, when absolute value of delta greater than (ct+ L),Phi(L,t,delta) = 0. But according to the calculation, we proved that for some delta, even if absolute value of delta is greater than (ct+L), Phi(L,t,delta) is not equal to 0.

Do radiology and other health care presentations posted on the Internet contain accessible protected health information?

PubMed

Weadock, William J; Londy, Frank J; Ellis, James H; Goldman, Edward B

2008-10-01

To determine the prevalence of protected health information (PHI) in PowerPoint presentations available for downloading from the Internet. No institutional review board approval was needed for this project, which involved no patient subjects. Two Google searches, each limited to PowerPoint files, were performed by using the criteria "Cardiac CT" and "Magnetic Resonance Imaging." The first 100 hits of each search were downloaded from the source Web site. The presentations were examined for the PHI contained on any images, links, or notes pages. Two hundred presentations were evaluated. There were 143 presentations with images, image links, or notes, and 52 (36%) of these contained PHI. There were 129 presentations containing radiologic images; 51 (40%) of these contained PHI, and 31 (24%) showed the patient's name. At least 132 (66%) of the 200 presentations originated from the United States. Thirty-five (37%) of 94 presentations with images, image links, or notes contained PHI. Eighty-six U.S. presentations contained radiologic images; 34 (40%) of these contained PHI, and 19 (22%) showed the patient's name. Online or other distributions of PowerPoint presentations that contain radiologic images often contain PHI, and this may violate laws, including the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. (c) RSNA, 2008.

Unimodular Gravity and General Relativity UV divergent contributions to the scattering of massive scalar particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez-Martin, S.; Martin, C. P.

2018-01-01

We work out the one-loop and order κ2 mphi2 UV divergent contributions, coming from Unimodular Gravity and General Relativity, to the S matrix element of the scattering process phi + phi→ phi + phi in a λ phi4 theory with mass mphi. We show that both Unimodular Gravity and General Relativity give rise to the same UV divergent contributions in Dimensional Regularization. This seems to be at odds with the known result that in a multiplicative MS dimensional regularization scheme the General Relativity corrections, in the de Donder gauge, to the beta function, βλ, of the λ coupling do not vanish, whereas the Unimodular Gravity corrections, in a certain gauge, do vanish. Actually, by comparing the UV divergent contributions calculated in this paper with those which give rise to the non-vanishing gravitational corrections to βλ, one readily concludes that the UV divergent contributions that yield the just mentioned non-vanishing gravitational corrections to βλ do not contribute to the UV divergent behaviour of the S matrix element of phi + phi→ phi + phi. This shows that any physical consequence—such as the existence of asymptotic freedom due to gravitational interactions—drawn from the value of βλ is not physically meaningful.

Attractor scenarios and superluminal signals in k-essence cosmology

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

Kang, Jin U; Arnold Sommerfeld Center, Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Theresienstrasse 37, 80333 Munich; Vanchurin, Vitaly

Cosmological scenarios with k-essence are invoked in order to explain the observed late-time acceleration of the Universe. These scenarios avoid the need for fine-tuned initial conditions (the 'coincidence problem') because of the attractorlike dynamics of the k-essence field {phi}. It was recently shown that all k-essence scenarios with Lagrangians p=L(X){phi}{sup -2}, where X{identical_to}(1/2){phi}{sub ,{mu}}{phi}{sup ,{mu}}, necessarily involve an epoch where perturbations of {phi} propagate faster than light (the 'no-go theorem'). We carry out a comprehensive study of attractorlike cosmological solutions ('trackers') involving a k-essence scalar field {phi} and another matter component. The result of this study is a complete classificationmore » of k-essence Lagrangians that admit asymptotically stable tracking solutions, among all Lagrangians of the form p=K({phi})L(X). Using this classification, we select the class of models that describe the late-time acceleration and avoid the coincidence problem through the tracking mechanism. An analogous 'no-go theorem' still holds for this class of models, indicating the existence of a superluminal epoch. In the context of k-essence cosmology, the superluminal epoch does not lead to causality violations. We discuss the implications of superluminal signal propagation for possible causality violations in Lorentz-invariant field theories.« less

The structure of premixed particle-cloud flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seshadri, K.; Berlad, A. L.; Tangirala, V.

1992-01-01

The structure of premixed flames propagating in combustible systems, containing uniformly distributed volatile fuel particles, in an oxidizing gas mixture, is analyzed. It is presumed that the fuel particles vaporize first to yield a gaseous fuel of known chemical structure, which is subsequently oxidized in the gas phase. The analysis is performed in the asymptotic limit, where the value of the characteristic Zeldovich number, based on the gas-phase oxidation of the gaseous fuel is large, and for values of phi(u) greater than or equal to 1.0, where phi(u) is the equivalence ratio based on the fuel available in the fuel particles. The structure of the flame is presumed to consist of a preheat vaporization zone where the rate of the gas-phase chemical reaction is small, a reaction zone where convection and the rate of vaporization of the fuel particles are small and a convection zone where diffusive terms in the conservation equations are small. For given values phi(u) the analysis yields results for the burning velocity and phi(g) where phi(g) is the effective equivalence ratio in the reaction zone. The analysis shows that even though phi(u) greater than or equal to 1.0, for certain cases the calculated value of phi(g) is less than unity. This prediction is in agreement with experimental observations.

Human umbilical cord blood-derived f-macrophages retain pluripotentiality after thrombopoietin expansion

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

Zhao Yong; Mazzone, Theodore

2005-11-01

We have previously characterized a new type of stem cell from human peripheral blood, termed fibroblast-like macrophage (f-M{phi}). Here, using umbilical cord blood as a source, we identified cells with similar characteristics including expression of surface markers (CD14, CD34, CD45, CD117, and CD163), phagocytosis, and proliferative capacity. Further, thrombopoietin (TPO) significantly stimulated the proliferation of cord blood-derived f-M{phi} (CB f-M{phi}) at low dosage without inducing a megakaryocytic phenotype. Additional experiments demonstrated that TPO-expanded cord blood-derived f-M{phi} (TCB f-M{phi}) retained their surface markers and differentiation ability. Treatment with vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) gave rise to endothelial-like cells, expressing Flt-1,more » Flk-1, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), CD31, acetylated low density lipoprotein internalization, and the ability to form endothelial-like cell chains. In the presence of lipopolyssacharide (LPS) and 25 mM glucose, the TCB f-M{phi} differentiated to express insulin mRNA, C-peptide, and insulin. In vitro functional analysis demonstrated that these insulin-positive cells could release insulin in response to glucose and other secretagogues. These findings demonstrate a potential use of CB f-M{phi} and may lead to develop new therapeutic strategy for treating dominant disease.« less

The Caulobacter crescentus phage phiCbK: genomics of a canonical phage

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The bacterium Caulobacter crescentus is a popular model for the study of cell cycle regulation and senescence. The large prolate siphophage phiCbK has been an important tool in C. crescentus biology, and has been studied in its own right as a model for viral morphogenesis. Although a system of some interest, to date little genomic information is available on phiCbK or its relatives. Results Five novel phiCbK-like C. crescentus bacteriophages, CcrMagneto, CcrSwift, CcrKarma, CcrRogue and CcrColossus, were isolated from the environment. The genomes of phage phiCbK and these five environmental phage isolates were obtained by 454 pyrosequencing. The phiCbK-like phage genomes range in size from 205 kb encoding 318 proteins (phiCbK) to 280 kb encoding 448 proteins (CcrColossus), and were found to contain nonpermuted terminal redundancies of 10 to 17 kb. A novel method of terminal ligation was developed to map genomic termini, which confirmed termini predicted by coverage analysis. This suggests that sequence coverage discontinuities may be useable as predictors of genomic termini in phage genomes. Genomic modules encoding virion morphogenesis, lysis and DNA replication proteins were identified. The phiCbK-like phages were also found to encode a number of intriguing proteins; all contain a clearly T7-like DNA polymerase, and five of the six encode a possible homolog of the C. crescentus cell cycle regulator GcrA, which may allow the phage to alter the host cell’s replicative state. The structural proteome of phage phiCbK was determined, identifying the portal, major and minor capsid proteins, the tail tape measure and possible tail fiber proteins. All six phage genomes are clearly related; phiCbK, CcrMagneto, CcrSwift, CcrKarma and CcrRogue form a group related at the DNA level, while CcrColossus is more diverged but retains significant similarity at the protein level. Conclusions Due to their lack of any apparent relationship to other described phages, this group is proposed as the founding cohort of a new phage type, the phiCbK-like phages. This work will serve as a foundation for future studies on morphogenesis, infection and phage-host interactions in C. crescentus. PMID:23050599

Genomics of Three New Bacteriophages Useful in the Biocontrol of Salmonella

PubMed Central

Bardina, Carlota; Colom, Joan; Spricigo, Denis A.; Otero, Jennifer; Sánchez-Osuna, Miquel; Cortés, Pilar; Llagostera, Montserrat

2016-01-01

Non-typhoid Salmonella is the principal pathogen related to food-borne diseases throughout the world. Widespread antibiotic resistance has adversely affected human health and has encouraged the search for alternative antimicrobial agents. The advances in bacteriophage therapy highlight their use in controlling a broad spectrum of food-borne pathogens. One requirement for the use of bacteriophages as antibacterials is the characterization of their genomes. In this work, complete genome sequencing and molecular analyses were carried out for three new virulent Salmonella-specific bacteriophages (UAB_Phi20, UAB_Phi78, and UAB_Phi87) able to infect a broad range of Salmonella strains. Sequence analysis of the genomes of UAB_Phi20, UAB_Phi78, and UAB_Phi87 bacteriophages did not evidence the presence of known virulence-associated and antibiotic resistance genes, and potential immunoreactive food allergens. The UAB_Phi20 genome comprised 41,809 base pairs with 80 open reading frames (ORFs); 24 of them with assigned function. Genome sequence showed a high homology of UAB_Phi20 with Salmonella bacteriophage P22 and other P22likeviruses genus of the Podoviridae family, including ST64T and ST104. The DNA of UAB_Phi78 contained 44,110 bp including direct terminal repeats (DTR) of 179 bp and 58 putative ORFs were predicted and 20 were assigned function. This bacteriophage was assigned to the SP6likeviruses genus of the Podoviridae family based on its high similarity not only with SP6 but also with the K1-5, K1E, and K1F bacteriophages, all of which infect Escherichia coli. The UAB_Phi87 genome sequence consisted of 87,669 bp with terminal direct repeats of 608 bp; although 148 ORFs were identified, putative functions could be assigned to only 29 of them. Sequence comparisons revealed the mosaic structure of UAB_Phi87 and its high similarity with bacteriophages Felix O1 and wV8 of E. coli with respect to genetic content and functional organization. Phylogenetic analysis of large terminase subunits confirms their packaging strategies and grouping to the different phage genus type. All these studies are necessary for the development and the use of an efficient cocktail with commercial applications in bacteriophage therapy against Salmonella. PMID:27148229

Einsatz und Wirksamkeit von Systemtherapien bei Erwachsenen mit schwerer Neurodermitis: Erste Ergebnisse des deutschen Neurodermitis-Registers TREATgermany.

PubMed

Schmitt, Jochen; Abraham, Susanne; Trautmann, Freya; Stephan, Victoria; Fölster-Holst, Regina; Homey, Bernhard; Bieber, Thomas; Novak, Natalija; Sticherling, Michael; Augustin, Matthias; Kleinheinz, Andreas; Elsner, Peter; Weidinger, Stephan; Werfel, Thomas

2017-01-01

Versorgungsregister dienen der Erfassung des Einsatzes und der Wirksamkeit von Therapien unter realen Versorgungsbedingungen und sind als Basis einer evidenzbasierten Gesundheitsversorgung unverzichtbar. Das deutsche Neurodermitis-Register TREATgermany wurde als weltweit erstes Register für Patienten mit schwerer Neurodermitis 2011 initiiert. Erwachsene mit schwerer Neurodermitis (aktuelle/frühere antientzündliche Systemtherapie und/oder objektiver SCORAD ≥ 40) werden über einen Zeitraum von 24 Monaten prospektiv beobachtet. Anhand validierter Erhebungsinstrumente werden die klinische Erkrankungsschwere (EASI, SCORAD), Lebensqualität (DLQI), Symptome, globale Erkrankungsschwere sowie die Patientenzufriedenheit erfasst und die durchgeführten Therapien dokumentiert. Die vorliegende Analyse beschreibt die Charakteristika, Therapiewahl und Wirksamkeit der eingesetzten antiinflammatorischen Systemtherapien der bis Oktober 2014 eingeschlossenen Patienten. An fünf Zentren wurden insgesamt 78 Patienten (Durchschnittsalter 39 Jahre, 61 % männlich) eingeschlossen. Bei den Patienten besteht eine hohe Inanspruchnahme ambulanter und stationärer Leistungen. Ciclosporin war das am häufigsten eingesetzte Systemtherapeutikum und zeigte die höchste klinische Effektivität (EASI-50-Ansprechrate 51 %; EASI-75-Ansprechrate 34 % nach zwölfwöchiger Therapie). Azathioprin, Methotrexat (MTX), Prednisolon oral, Mycophenolat, Alitretinoin und Leflunomid wurden ebenfalls bei einzelnen Patienten eingesetzt. Die vorliegende Registerauswertung gibt wichtige Hinweise zur derzeitigen Versorgung von Erwachsenen mit schwerer Neurodermitis in Deutschland, dokumentiert die hohe Erkrankungslast, den Nutzen vorhandener Therapien und den Bedarf an weiteren, effektiven und in der Langzeitanwendung sicheren Therapieoptionen. © 2017 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Molekulare Diagnostik von Hautinfektionen am Paraffinmaterial - Übersicht und interdisziplinärer Konsensus.

PubMed

Sunderkötter, Cord; Becker, Karsten; Kutzner, Heinz; Meyer, Thomas; Blödorn-Schlicht, Norbert; Reischl, Udo; Nenoff, Pietro; Geißdörfer, Walter; Gräser, Yvonne; Herrmann, Mathias; Kühn, Joachim; Bogdan, Christian

2018-02-01

Nukleinsäure-Amplifikations-Techniken (NAT), wie die PCR, sind hochsensitiv sowie selektiv und stellen in der mikrobiologischen Diagnostik wertvolle Ergänzungen zur kulturellen Anzucht und Serologie dar. Sie bergen aber gerade bei formalinfixiertem und in Paraffin eingebettetem Gewebe ein Risiko für sowohl falsch negative als auch falsch positive Resultate, welches nicht immer richtig eingeschätzt wird. Daher haben Vertreter der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie (DGHM) und der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG) einen Konsensus in Form einer Übersichtsarbeit erarbeitet, wann eine NAT am Paraffinschnitt angezeigt und sinnvoll ist und welche Punkte dabei in der Präanalytik und Befundinterpretation beachtet werden müssen. Da bei Verdacht auf eine Infektion grundsätzlich Nativgewebe genutzt werden soll, ist die PCR am Paraffinschnitt ein Sonderfall, wenn beispielsweise bei erst nachträglichaufgekommenem Verdacht auf eine Infektion kein Nativmaterial zur Verfügung steht und nicht mehr gewonnen werden kann. Mögliche Indikationen sind der histologisch erhobene Verdacht auf eine Leishmaniose, eine Infektion durch Bartonellen oder Rickettsien, oder ein Ecthyma contagiosum. Nicht sinnvoll ist oder kritisch gesehen wird eine NAT am Paraffinschnitt zum Beispiel bei Infektionen mit Mykobakterien oder RNA-Viren. Die Konstellation für eine NAT aus Paraffingewebe sollte jeweils benannt werden, die erforderliche Prä-Analytik, die jeweiligen Grenzen des Verfahrens und die diagnostischen Alternativen bekannt sein. Der PCR-Befund sollte entsprechend kommentiert werden, um Fehleinschätzungen zu vermeiden. © 2018 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Spirituelles Wohlbefinden und Coping bei Sklerodermie, Lupus erythematodes und malignem Melanom.

PubMed

Pilch, Michaela; Scharf, Sabina Nadine; Lukanz, Martin; Wutte, Nora Johanna; Fink-Puches, Regina; Glawischnig-Goschnik, Monika; Unterrainer, Human-Friedrich; Aberer, Elisabeth

2016-07-01

Religiös-spirituelles Wohlbefinden ist verbunden mit höherer Vitalität und verminderter Depressionsneigung. In unserer Studie untersuchten wir die Strategien zur Krankheitsbewältigung und die Rolle von Religiosität-Spiritualität (R-S) zur Verbesserung des subjektiven Wohlbefindens. 149 Patienten (107 Frauen), 44 mit systemischer Sklerodermie (SKL), 48 mit Lupus erythematodes (LE) und 57 mit malignem Melanom (MM), Stadium I-II, wurden mittels eines selbstentwickelten Fragebogens zum subjektiven Wohlbefinden, zu den mit der Erkrankung einhergehenden Umständen sowie mit dem Multidimensionalen Inventar (MI-RSB) zu R-S befragt. LE-Patienten sind zum Zeitpunkt der Diagnosestellung stärker belastet als SKL- und MM-Patienten. SKL- und LE-Patienten können erst nach Jahren die Erkrankung akzeptieren. Der Gesamtscore des religiös-spirituellen Befindens liegt bei LE-Patienten signifikant unter dem Wert der Normalbevölkerung. Fotosensitivität und Gelenksschmerzen sind bei LE-Patienten negativ assoziiert mit der Fähigkeit Vergeben zu können. SKL-Patienten mit Gesichtsveränderungen und Lungenbeteiligung zeigen höhere allgemeine Religiosität. MM-Patienten haben höhere Werte für transzendente Hoffnung. Vorträge über die Krankheit und psychologische Betreuung sind die wichtigsten Bedürfnisse von Patienten mit SKL, LE und MM an ihre Betreuer. Religiös-spirituelle Angebote zur Krankheitsverarbeitung scheinen derzeit eine untergeordnete Rolle zu spielen, könnten aber eine wichtige Ressource sein, der man in Zukunft mehr Aufmerksamkeit schenken sollte. © 2016 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A study of roll attractor and wing rock of delta wings at high angles of attack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niranjana, T.; Rao, D. M.; Pamadi, Bandu N.

1993-01-01

Wing rock is a high angle of attack dynamic phenomenon of limited cycle motion predominantly in roll. The wing rock is one of the limitations to combat effectiveness of the fighter aircraft. Roll Attractor is the steady state or equilibrium trim angle (phi(sub trim)) attained by the free-to-roll model, held at some angle of attack, and released form rest at a given initial roll (bank) angle (phi(sub O)). Multiple roll attractors are attained at different trim angles depending on initial roll angle. The test facility (Vigyan's low speed wind tunnel) and experimental work is presented here along with mathematical modelling of roll attractor phenomenon and analysis and comparison of predictions with experimental data.

Korrespondenzfragen zwischen Energiesystem und Telekommunikation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehmann, Heiko

Telekommunikationsnetze und Stromnetze weisen viele Gemeinsamkeiten auf - sowohl hinsichtlich allgemeiner topologischer und hierarchischer Eigenschaften, als auch betreffs der konkreten Technoökonomie unter Regulierungsbedingungen. Das folgende Kapitel analysiert diese Eigenschaften und gibt Antworten auf die Frage, wie die wechselseitige Verkopplung beider, jeweils systemabdeckender Infrastrukturen zu einem Treiber der Energiewende in entwickelten Volkswirtschaften werden kann.

Doktor Johannes Häringshauser - Was seine Bücher über ihn erzählen.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feola, Vittoria

2009-06-01

Die Bibliothek des Dr. Johannes Häringshauser (1603-1642) weist ihren Besitzer als Arzt und Gelehrten mit großem geistigen Horizont aus. Hervorzuheben ist sein Interesse für Astronomie und Astrologie. Neben Werken, die unmittelbar mit seinen Studien in Wien und Padua und den Erfordernissen eines Arztes in Zusammenhang zu bringen sind (Klassiker der Heilkunde genauso wie aktuelle medizinische Publikationen), wird in seiner Büchersammlung eine reiche Palette an Themen abgedeckt: Theologie, Philosophie, Philologie, Politik, Geschichte und Länderkunde.

Tissue Engineering in der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bücheler, Markus; Bootz, Friedrich

Tissue Engineering ist eine Schlüsseltechnologie für den Gewebeersatz der Zukunft. Am Beispiel der Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie werden klinisch etablierte Gewebeersatzmethoden und aktuelle Entwicklungen des Tissue Engineering gegenübergestellt. Die Besonderheiten der zu ersetzenden Gewebe im Kopf- und Halsbereich erfordert vielfältige Ersatzverfahren. Im klinischen Alltag werden heute vor allem autogene Transplantate und Implantate für den Gewebeersatz verwendet [1]. In vitro hergestellte Gewebe werden abgesehen von Einzelanwendungen zur Zeit noch nicht am Patienten eingesetzt.

Himmelsfotografie MIT Schmidt-Teleskopen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marx, Siegfried; Pfau, Werner

Auf dem Höhepunkt der Verbreitung und astronomischen Anwendung von Schmidt-Teleskopen legen S. Marx und W. Pfau einen reich illustrierten Bildband zu diesem Fernrohrtyp vor. Der thematische Bogen reicht von der Teleskoptechnik und ihrer Geschichte über das Leben von Berhard Schmidt bis zu den schönsten, hier in hervorragender Qualität wiedergegebenen Himmelsaufnahmen und ihrer wissenschaftlichen Interpretation. Praktische Hinweise zu eigener fotografischer Tätigkeit und ein Glossar machen das Buch nützlich für jeden Liebhaber der Himmelskunde.

Grundlagen der Nachrichtenübertragung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plaßmann, Wilfried

Die Nachrichtentechnik hat die Aufgabe, Nachrichten auszutauschen. Nachrichten sind z. B. Fragen, Beobachtungen und Befehle. Unter dem Begriff Nachrichtenübertragung wird hier die elektrische Nachrichtenübertragung verstanden, denn zur Übermittlung von Nachrichten werden Spannungen und Ströme sowie elektrische und magnetische Felder eingesetzt. Die Übertragung beginnt mit der Nachrichtenquelle, die die Nachrichten aussendet, und endet mit der Nachrichtensenke, die sie empfängt. Zwischen beiden liegt das elektrische Nachrichtenübertragungssystem, dessen Funktionseinheiten dargestellt sind und erläutert werden.

[Use of [-2] pro PSA and phi index for early detection of prostate cancer: a prospective of 452 patients].

PubMed

Houlgatte, A; Vincendeau, S; Desfemmes, F; Ramirez, J; Benoist, N; Bensalah, K; Durand, X

2012-05-01

Early detection of prostate cancer (Pca) is a real challenge to reduce morbidity and mortality while avoiding over-diagnosis and over-treatment. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) is characterized by its imperfections justifying the evaluation of new serum or urinary specific markers allowing a better selection of patients at risk of developing aggressive Pca. To compare the value of -2pro PSA and phi index to total and free PSA. Serum sampled from 452 patients from two university centers were used to determine levels of PSA before performing biopsies. The patients were included in this study based on the PSA serum concentration between 1.6 ng/mL and 8 ng/mL according to the WHO international standard. All biopsies were performed according to a standardized protocol consisting of 12 cores or more. Sera were analyzed centrally in one of the two institutions with on a single analyzer. Sera from 243 prostate cancer and 208 negative biopsies patients have been taken into account. Sera were analyzed blinded for total PSA, free PSA and [-2] proPSA using Access(®) immunoassay method from Beckman Coulter. The Prostate Health Index (phi) was calculated using the formula phi=([-2] proPSA/fPSA)×sqrt (PSA). The median value of the phi index is significantly (P>0.0001) higher for patients with cancer (phi=65.8) compared to patients with negative biopsies (phi=40.6). At a given sensitivity, the phi index significantly increases the specificity of detection of prostate cancer compared to other markers. The phi index currently appears as the best predictor of prostate cancer for patients with a total PSA between 1.6 and 8 ng/mL according to the WHO standard. The improvement in specificity of the phi index over tPSA could reduce significantly the numbers of unnecessary biopsies. Whether this new biomarker could be an indicator of aggressive prostate cancer remains to be confirmed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Integrated information in discrete dynamical systems: motivation and theoretical framework.

PubMed

Balduzzi, David; Tononi, Giulio

2008-06-13

This paper introduces a time- and state-dependent measure of integrated information, phi, which captures the repertoire of causal states available to a system as a whole. Specifically, phi quantifies how much information is generated (uncertainty is reduced) when a system enters a particular state through causal interactions among its elements, above and beyond the information generated independently by its parts. Such mathematical characterization is motivated by the observation that integrated information captures two key phenomenological properties of consciousness: (i) there is a large repertoire of conscious experiences so that, when one particular experience occurs, it generates a large amount of information by ruling out all the others; and (ii) this information is integrated, in that each experience appears as a whole that cannot be decomposed into independent parts. This paper extends previous work on stationary systems and applies integrated information to discrete networks as a function of their dynamics and causal architecture. An analysis of basic examples indicates the following: (i) phi varies depending on the state entered by a network, being higher if active and inactive elements are balanced and lower if the network is inactive or hyperactive. (ii) phi varies for systems with identical or similar surface dynamics depending on the underlying causal architecture, being low for systems that merely copy or replay activity states. (iii) phi varies as a function of network architecture. High phi values can be obtained by architectures that conjoin functional specialization with functional integration. Strictly modular and homogeneous systems cannot generate high phi because the former lack integration, whereas the latter lack information. Feedforward and lattice architectures are capable of generating high phi but are inefficient. (iv) In Hopfield networks, phi is low for attractor states and neutral states, but increases if the networks are optimized to achieve tension between local and global interactions. These basic examples appear to match well against neurobiological evidence concerning the neural substrates of consciousness. More generally, phi appears to be a useful metric to characterize the capacity of any physical system to integrate information.

Gebändigtes Knallgas: Brennstoffzellen im mobilen und stationären Einsatz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waidhas, Manfred; Landes, Harald

2001-07-01

Die Brennstoffzelle hat aus technischer Sicht einen hohen Stand erreicht. Die PEMFC konnte ihre Zuverlässigkeit in einer Reihe von Nischenanwendungen, aber auch in Form erster mobiler und dezentraler Prototypen beweisen. Die SOFC und die MCFC konnten bereits in Anlagen von 100 kW und mehr in Erprobung gehen. Um jedoch wirtschaftlich konkur-renzfähig zu den etablierten Technologien der mobilen und dezentralen Energiewandlung zu werden, muss noch eine drastische Kostenreduktion sowohl beim Brennstoffzellen-Stack als auch bei den zu seinem Betrieb notwendigen Hilfsaggregaten erreicht werden. Für Fahrzeugantriebe muss außerdem eine Antwort auf die noch offene Treibstofffrage (Infrastruktur, H2-Erzeugung und H2-Speicherung) gefunden werden.

Luftqualität

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, Martin G.; Klemp, Dieter; Wahner, Andreas

Die Qualität der Luft beeinflusst in besonderer Weise die menschliche Gesundheit und hat auch Auswirkungen auf die Landwirtschaft und Ökosysteme. Viele Luftschadstoffe absorbieren oder streuen zudem die Sonnen- oder Wärmestrahlung und sind daher klimawirksam. Luftchemische Prozesse hängen, ebenso wie die Emissionen, von klimatischen Faktoren wie Sonneneinstrahlung, Temperatur und Niederschlag ab. Deshalb ist zu erwarten, dass die projizierten Klimaänderungen für Deutschland auch die Luftschadstoffkonzentrationen beeinflussen werden, auch wenn dieser Zusammenhang noch nicht gut erforscht ist. Dieses Kapitel vermittelt einen Überblick über die Zusammenhänge und weist zumindest qualitativ auf mögliche künftige Entwicklungen hin. Im Vordergrund stehen die Entwicklungen bei Feinstaub und Ozon.

Neuausrichtung und Konsolidierung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grohmann, Heinz

Mit der Wahl von Wolfgang Wetzel zum Vorsitzenden der Deutschen Statistischen Gesellschaft im Jahre 1972 begann eine 32jährige Ära, in der die praktische und die theoretische Statistik in einem ausgewogenen Verhältnis gepflegt wurden. Ein regelmäßiger vierjähriger Wechsel im Vorsitz stärkte die Gemeinschaft und die praktische wie die wissenschaftliche Arbeit gleichermaßen. Die jährlichen Hauptversammlungen behandelten gesellschaftlich aktuelle wie zukunftsorientierte Themen, und die Ausschüsse sowie weitere Veranstaltungen gaben Gelegenheit zur Förderung und Pflege einer Vielzahl von Arbeitsgebieten der Statistik. Darüber wird nicht nur in diesem Kapitel, sondern auch in den Teilen II und III des Bandes berichtet.

Magnetoseed - Vasculäres Tissue Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perea Saavedra, Héctor; Methe, Heiko; Wintermantel, Erich

Gegenwärtig sind kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen, allen voran die Arteriosklerose koronarer und zerebraler Gefäße, Ursache für 38% aller Todesfälle in Nordamerika und häufigste Todesursache europäischer Männer < 65 Jahre und zweithäufigste Todesursache bei Frauen [4]. Es wird prognostiziert, dass innerhalb der nächsten 10-15 Jahre kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen und deren Komplikationen weltweit die häufigste Todesursache stellen werden. Dies ist zum einen Folge der ansteigenden Prävalenz kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen in Osteuropa und zunehmend auch in den Entwicklungsländern, zum anderen Folge der kontinuierlich ansteigenden Inzidenz von Übergewicht und Diabetes mellitus in den westlichen Ländern.

Disease registries on the nationwide health information network.

PubMed

Russler, Daniel

2011-05-01

Donation by individuals of their protected health information (PHI) for evidence-based research potentially benefits all individuals with disease through improved understandings of disease patterns. In the future, a better understanding of how disease features combine into unique patterns of disease will generate new disease classifications, supporting greater specificity in health management techniques. However, without large numbers of people who donate their PHI to disease registries designed for research, it is difficult for researchers to discover the existence of complex patterns or to create more specific evidence-based management techniques. In order to identify new opportunities in disease registry design, an analysis of the current stage of maturity of the newly created U.S. Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN) related to large-scale consumer donation of PHI is presented. Utilizing a use-case analysis methodology, the consumer-centric designs of the policies and technologies created for the NwHIN were examined for the potential to support consumer donations of PHI to research. The NwHIN design has placed the enforcement point for the policy-based release of PHI over the Internet into a specialized gateway accessible to consumer authorization. However, current NwHIN policies leave the final decision regarding release of PHI for research to the health care providers rather than to the consumers themselves. Should disease registries designed for research be established on the NwHIN, consumers might then directly authorize the donation of their PHI to these disease registries. However, under current NwHIN policies, consumer authorization does not guarantee release of PHI by health providers. © 2011 Diabetes Technology Society.

Viral dynamics in primary HIV-1 infection. Karolinska Institutet Primary HIV Infection Study Group.

PubMed

Lindbäck, S; Karlsson, A C; Mittler, J; Blaxhult, A; Carlsson, M; Briheim, G; Sönnerborg, A; Gaines, H

2000-10-20

To study the natural course of viremia during primary HIV infection (PHI). Eight patients were followed from a median of 5 days from the onset of PHI illness. Plasma HIV-1 RNA levels were measured frequently and the results were fitted to mathematical models. HIV-1 RNA levels were also monitored in nine patients given two reverse transcriptase inhibitors and a protease inhibitor after a median of 7 days from the onset of PHI illness. HIV-1 RNA appeared in the blood during the week preceding onset of PHI illness and increased rapidly during the first viremic phase, reaching a peak at a mean of 7 days after onset of illness. This was followed by a phase of rapidly decreasing levels of HIV-1 RNA to an average of 21 days after onset. Viral density continued to decline thereafter but at a 5- to 50-fold lower rate; a steady-state level was reached at a median of 2 months after onset of PHI. Peak viral density levels correlated significantly with levels measured between days 50 and 600. Initiation of antiretroviral treatment during PHI resulted in rapidly declining levels to below 50 copies/mL. This study demonstrates the kinetic phases of viremia during PHI and indicates two new contributions to the natural history of HIV-1 infection: PHI peak levels correlate with steady-state levels and HIV-1 RNA declines biphasically; an initial rapid decay is usually followed by a slow decay, which is similar to the initial changes seen with antiviral treatment.

Von Start-ups lernen - Methoden und Entwicklungsprozesse, die Jungunternehmen erfolgreich machen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böhme, Eckhart

Die Start-up-Bewegung bringt beständig sog. Disruptoren hervor, die jede Branche betreffen und so gut wie keinen Lebensbereich auslassen. Diese Jungunternehmen, insbesondere aus der Softwarebranche, verfügen zwar nicht über Ressourcen wie etablierte Unternehmen, sie sind jedoch agil, "hungrig", können frei von "Ballast" agieren und treiben die Digitalisierung aller Branchen voran. Aber auch Start-ups können nicht einfach ungetestete Ideen in erfolgreiche Produkte oder Dienstleistungen umwandeln und ihren Erfolg dem Zufall überlassen. Erfolgreiche Jungunternehmen folgen vielmehr einem strukturierten Prozess, um marktgetestete Nutzenversprechen und Geschäftsmodelle zu entwickeln. Zunehmend adaptieren etablierte Unternehmen innovative Entwicklungsprozesse und Methoden. Die Fragestellung für Energieversorgungsunternehmen (EVUs) lautet, welche Methoden, Werkzeuge und Entwicklungsprozesse, die heute bei vielen Start-ups eingesetzt werden, sie aufgreifen können, um das Unternehmen gegenüber Disruptoren robust zu machen?

Heart rate variability and short duration spaceflight: relationship to post-flight orthostatic intolerance

PubMed Central

Blaber, Andrew P; Bondar, Roberta L; Kassam, Mahmood S

2004-01-01

Background Upon return from space many astronauts experience symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. Research has implicated altered autonomic cardiovascular regulation due to spaceflight with further evidence to suggest that there might be pre-flight autonomic indicators of post-flight orthostatic intolerance. We used heart rate variability (HRV) to determine whether autonomic regulation of the heart in astronauts who did or did not experience post-flight orthostatic intolerance was different pre-flight and/or was differentially affected by short duration (8 – 16 days) spaceflight. HRV data from ten-minute stand tests collected from the 29 astronauts 10 days pre-flight, on landing day and three days post-flight were analysed using coarse graining spectral analysis. From the total power (PTOT), the harmonic component was extracted and divided into high (PHI: >0.15 Hz) and low (PLO: = 0.15 Hz) frequency power regions. Given the distribution of autonomic nervous system activity with frequency at the sinus node, PHI/PTOT was used as an indicator of parasympathetic activity; PLO/PTOT as an indicator of sympathetic activity; and, PLO/PHI as an estimate of sympathovagal balance. Results Twenty-one astronauts were classified as finishers, and eight as non-finishers, based on their ability to remain standing for 10 minutes on landing day. Pre-flight, non-finishers had a higher supine PHI/PTOT than finishers. Supine PHI/PTOT was the same pre-flight and on landing day in the finishers; whereas, in the non-finishers it was reduced. The ratio PLO/PHI was lower in non-finishers compared to finishers and was unaffected by spaceflight. Pre-flight, both finishers and non-finishers had similar supine values of PLO/PTOT, which increased from supine to stand. Following spaceflight, only the finishers had an increase in PLO/PTOT from supine to stand. Conclusions Both finishers and non-finishers had an increase in sympathetic activity with stand on pre-flight, yet only finishers retained this response on landing day. Non-finishers also had lower sympathovagal balance and higher pre-flight supine parasympathetic activity than finishers. These results suggest pre-flight autonomic status and post-flight impairment in autonomic control of the heart may contribute to orthostatic intolerance. The mechanism by which higher pre-flight parasympathetic activity might contribute to post-flight orthostatic intolerance is not understood and requires further investigation. PMID:15113425

Aufgaben und Zielsetzungen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Jürgen

Die technisch orientierte Betriebswirtschaft unterstützt den Techniker und Ingenieur bei der Planung und Realisierung wirtschaftlicher Prozesse (Fertigungsprozesse, Entwicklungsprozesse im F+E-Bereich, Vertriebsprozesse, Beschaffungsprozesse),

Observation of phiK. pi. decay of the K/sup 0/(2060)

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

Torres, S.; Ficenec, J.R.; Mikocki, S.

We have studied inclusive pN..-->..K-/sup +/K/sup -/K/sup +/K/sup -/X final states at 400 GeV/c and present here evidence for K/sup *//sup 0/(2060)..-->..phiK/sup +-/..pi../sup minus-or-plus/ and phiK-italic/sup *//sup 0/(890). .AE

TÜV - Zertifizierungen in der Life Science Branche

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaff, Peter; Gerbl-Rieger, Susanne; Kloth, Sabine; Schübel, Christian; Daxenberger, Andreas; Engler, Claus

Life Sciences [1] (Lebenswissenschaften) sind ein globales Innovationsfeld mit Anwendungen der Bio- und Medizinwissenschaften, der Pharma-, Chemie-, Kosmetik- und Lebensmittelindustrie. Diese Branche zeichnet sich durch eine stark interdisziplinäre Ausrichtung aus, mit Anwendung wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse und Einsatz von Ausgangsstoffen aus der modernen Biologie, Chemie und Humanmedizin sowie gezielter marktwirtschaftlich orientierter Arbeit.

Early Detection | Division of Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

[[{"fid":"171","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Early Detection Research Group Homepage Logo","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Early Detection Research Group Homepage Logo","field_folder[und]":"15"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Early

Characterization of a new ViI-like Erwinia amylovora bacteriophage phiEa2809.

PubMed

Lagonenko, Alexander L; Sadovskaya, Olga; Valentovich, Leonid N; Evtushenkov, Anatoly N

2015-04-01

Erwinia amylovora is a Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacteria causing fire blight disease in many Rosaceae species. A novel E. amylovora bacteriophage, phiEa2809, was isolated from symptomless apple leaf sample collected in Belarus. This phage was also able to infect Pantoea agglomerans strains. The genome of phiEa2809 is a double-stranded linear DNA 162,160 bp in length, including 145 ORFs and one tRNA gene. The phiEa2809 genomic sequence is similar to the genomes of the Serratia plymutica phage MAM1, Shigella phage AG-3, Dickeya phage vB DsoM LIMEstone1 and Salmonella phage ViI and lacks similarity to described E. amylovora phage genomes. Based on virion morphology (an icosahedral head, long contractile tail) and genome structure, phiEa2809 was classified as a member of Myoviridae, ViI-like bacteriophages group. PhiEa2809 is the firstly characterized ViI-like bacteriophage able to lyse E. amylovora. © FEMS 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Increased intracellular pH is necessary for adult epithelial and embryonic stem cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Azimova, Dinara R.

2016-01-01

Despite extensive knowledge about the transcriptional regulation of stem cell differentiation, less is known about the role of dynamic cytosolic cues. We report that an increase in intracellular pH (pHi) is necessary for the efficient differentiation of Drosophila adult follicle stem cells (FSCs) and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We show that pHi increases with differentiation from FSCs to prefollicle cells (pFCs) and follicle cells. Loss of the Drosophila Na+–H+ exchanger DNhe2 lowers pHi in differentiating cells, impairs pFC differentiation, disrupts germarium morphology, and decreases fecundity. In contrast, increasing pHi promotes excess pFC cell differentiation toward a polar/stalk cell fate through suppressing Hedgehog pathway activity. Increased pHi also occurs with mESC differentiation and, when prevented, attenuates spontaneous differentiation of naive cells, as determined by expression of microRNA clusters and stage-specific markers. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized role of pHi dynamics for the differentiation of two distinct types of stem cell lineages, which opens new directions for understanding conserved regulatory mechanisms. PMID:27821494

Tsunami survivors' perspectives on vulnerability and vulnerability reduction: evidence from Koh Phi Phi Don and Khao Lak, Thailand.

PubMed

Steckley, Marylynn; Doberstein, Brent

2011-07-01

This paper presents the results of primary research with 40 survivors of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in two communities: Khao Lak (n=20) and Koh Phi Phi Don (n=20), Thailand. It traces tsunami survivors' perceptions of vulnerability, determines whether residents felt that the tsunami affected different communities differently, identifies the populations and sub-community groups that survivors distinguished as being more vulnerable than others, highlights community-generated ideas about vulnerability reduction, and pinpoints a range of additional vulnerability reduction actions. Tsunami survivors most consistently identified the 'most vulnerable' community sub-populations as women, children, the elderly, foreigners, and the poor. In Khao Lak, however, respondents added 'Burmese migrants' to this list, whereas in Koh Phi Phi Don, they added 'Thai Muslims'. Results suggest that the two case study communities, both small, coastal, tourism-dominated communities no more than 100 kilometres apart, have differing vulnerable sub-groups and environmental vulnerabilities, requiring different post-disaster vulnerability reduction efforts. © 2011 The Author(s). Disasters © Overseas Development Institute, 2011.

Wie verstehen Schülerinnen und Schüler den Begriff der Unendlichkeit?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schimmöller, Tabea

Wie Hilbert bereits feststellte, wirkt die Idee der Unendlichkeit, wie keine andere, schon seit Zeiten sehr anregend und fruchtbar auf den Verstand und bewegt das Gemüt der Menschen. Der Begriff der Unendlichkeit bedarf aber auch, wie kein anderer, der Aufklärung, denn mit ihm eröffnet sich ein weites Feld, welches nicht nur aus vielen verschiedenen Definitionen besteht, sondern auch aus völlig unterschiedlichen Disziplinen. Physiker suchen immer dringender nach einer "Theorie für Alles" oder einer "Weltformel", Kosmologen beschäftigen sich unter anderem mit der Ewigkeit des Universums, Theologen interessiert eher die Unendlichkeit Gottes, Philosophen diskutieren unter anderem Grenzfragen zwischen Naturwissenschaft und Philosophie und die Mathematiker versuchen den Paradoxien des Unendlichen einen Sinn zu geben. Und so wird ersichtlich, dass nichts abstrakter ist als das Unendliche: Obwohl die Unendlichkeit für die unterschiedlichsten Wissenschaften von großer Bedeutung ist, "[ist] in der Wirklichkeit das Unendliche nirgends zu finden, [egal] was für Erfahrungen und Beobachtungen und welcherlei Wissenschaft wir auch heranziehen".

Darwinische Kulturtheorie - Evolutionistische und "evolutionistische`` Theorien sozialen Wandels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antweiler, Christoph

Evolutionistische Argumentationen außerhalb der Biologie sind weit verbreitet. Wenn sie vertreten werden, heißt das mitnichten, dass sie notwendigerweise von darwinischen Argumenten geprägt sind. Wenn man Evolution und Kultur aus explizit darwinischer Perspektive zusammen bringt, bedeutet das noch lange nicht unbedingt Soziobiologie. Und es bedeutet sicherlich nicht Sozialdarwinismus. Dieser Beitrag soll einen Überblick der so genannten evolutionären Ansätze bzw. evolutionistischen Ansätze zu menschlichen Gesellschaften bzw. Kulturen geben. Es soll gezeigt werden, was in den Ansätzen analytisch zu trennen ist und was synthetisch zusammen gehört. Mein Beitrag ist nicht wissenschaftsgeschichtlich angelegt, sondern systematisch ausgerichtet und hat zwei Schwerpunkte (Antweiler 2008; Antweiler 2009b). Zum einen geht es um kausale Zusammenhänge von organischer Evolution und gesellschaftlichem Wandel. Auf der anderen Seite werden Analogien zwischen biotischer und kultureller Evolution erläutert, die als spezifische Ähnlichkeiten dieser beiden als grundsätzlich verschieden gesehenen Prozesse aufgefasst werden. Dadurch wird die Frage aufgeworfen, ob die Evolution von Organismen einerseits und die Transformation von Gesellschaften bzw. Kulturen andererseits, spezielle Fälle eines allgemeinen Modells von Evolution darstellen.

Frühe Stresserfahrungen und Krankheitsvulnerabilität

PubMed Central

Entringer, Sonja; Buss, Claudia; Heim, Christine

2016-01-01

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Das stetig wachsende Forschungsgebiet der “Frühe[n] Programmierung von Krankheit und Gesundheit” untersucht, inwieweit die individuelle Vulnerabilität für die Entstehung verschiedenster Erkrankungen über die Lebensspanne bereits während der frühen Entwicklung beeinflusst wird. Ziele der Arbeit In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit werden das Konzept der frühen Programmierung von Krankheitsvulnerabilität erläutert sowie Befunde zu den Folgen frühkindlicher Traumatisierung und pränataler Stressexposition zusammenfassend dargestellt. Es werden außerdem biologische Mechanismen diskutiert, die das erhöhte Krankheitsrisiko nach lebensgeschichtlich früher Stresserfahrungen vermitteln. Die Möglichkeit der transgenerationalen Transmission frühkindlicher Erfahrungen an die nächste Generation und die zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen dieser Übertragung werden ebenfalls vorgestellt. Fazit Die Befundlage zu Stresserfahrungen im frühen Leben und der Entstehung von psychischen und körperlichen Störungen über die Lebensspanne wächst stetig. Die Mechanismen werden derzeit weiter bis hin zur molekularbiologischen und epigenetischen Ebene erforscht. Hier ergeben sich ganz neue Perspektiven, welche die Präzision klinischer Diagnostik und den Erfolg von Interventionen erheblich verbessern könnten. Momentan existiert jedoch noch ein erheblicher Mangel an Translation zwischen diesen Forschungserkenntnissen und deren Anwendung in der klinischen Versorgung. PMID:27604117

Gravitino-overproduction problem in an inflationary universe

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

Kawasaki, Masahiro; Takahashi, Fuminobu; Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg

We show that the gravitino-overproduction problem is prevalent among inflation models in supergravity. An inflaton field {phi} generically acquires (effective) nonvanishing auxiliary field G{sub {phi}}{sup (eff)}, if the Kaehler potential is nonminimal. The inflaton field then decays into a pair of the gravitinos. We extensively study the cosmological constraints on G{sub {phi}}{sup (eff)} for a wide range of the gravitino mass. For many inflation models we explicitly estimate G{sub {phi}}{sup (eff)}, and show that the gravitino-overproduction problem severely constrains the inflation models, unless such an interaction as K={kappa}/2 vertical bar {phi}|{sup 2}z{sup 2}+H.c. is suppressed (here z is the fieldmore » responsible for the supersymmetry breaking). We find that many of them are already excluded or on the verge of, if {kappa}{approx}O(1)« less

Big Biology: Supersizing Science During the Emergence of the 21st Century

PubMed Central

Vermeulen, Niki

2017-01-01

Ist Biologie das jüngste Mitglied in der Familie von Big Science? Die vermehrte Zusammenarbeit in der biologischen Forschung wurde in der Folge des Human Genome Project zwar zum Gegenstand hitziger Diskussionen, aber Debatten und Reflexionen blieben meist im Polemischen verhaftet und zeigten eine begrenzte Wertschätzung für die Vielfalt und Erklärungskraft des Konzepts von Big Science. Zur gleichen Zeit haben Wissenschafts- und Technikforscher/innen in ihren Beschreibungen des Wandels der Forschungslandschaft die Verwendung des Begriffs Big Science gemieden. Dieser interdisziplinäre Artikel kombiniert eine begriffliche Analyse des Konzepts von Big Science mit unterschiedlichen Daten und Ideen aus einer Multimethodenuntersuchung mehrerer großer Forschungsprojekte in der Biologie. Ziel ist es, ein empirisch fundiertes, nuanciertes und analytisch nützliches Verständnis von Big Biology zu entwickeln und die normativen Debatten mit ihren einfachen Dichotomien und rhetorischen Positionen hinter sich zu lassen. Zwar kann das Konzept von Big Science als eine Mode in der Wissenschaftspolitik gesehen werden – inzwischen vielleicht sogar als ein altmodisches Konzept –, doch lautet meine innovative Argumentation, dass dessen analytische Verwendung unsere Aufmerksamkeit auf die Ausweitung der Zusammenarbeit in den Biowissenschaften lenkt. Die Analyse von Big Biology zeigt Unterschiede zu Big Physics und anderen Formen von Big Science, namentlich in den Mustern der Forschungsorganisation, der verwendeten Technologien und der gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhänge, in denen sie tätig ist. So können Reflexionen über Big Science, Big Biology und ihre Beziehungen zur Wissensproduktion die jüngsten Behauptungen über grundlegende Veränderungen in der Life Science-Forschung in einen historischen Kontext stellen. PMID:27215209

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

Chakraborty, Bipasha; Davies, C. T. H.; Donald, G. C.

Here, we compare correlators for pseudoscalar and vector mesons made from valence strange quarks using the clover quark and highly improved staggered quark (HISQ) formalisms in full lattice QCD. We use fully nonperturbative methods to normalise vector and axial vector current operators made from HISQ quarks, clover quarks and from combining HISQ and clover fields. This allows us to test expectations for the renormalisation factors based on perturbative QCD, with implications for the error budget of lattice QCD calculations of the matrix elements of clover-staggeredmore » $b$-light weak currents, as well as further HISQ calculations of the hadronic vacuum polarisation. We also compare the approach to the (same) continuum limit in clover and HISQ formalisms for the mass and decay constant of the $$\\phi$$ meson. Our final results for these parameters, using single-meson correlators and neglecting quark-line disconnected diagrams are: $$m_{\\phi} =$$ 1.023(5) GeV and $$f_{\\phi} = $$ 0.238(3) GeV in good agreement with experiment. These results come from calculations in the HISQ formalism using gluon fields that include the effect of $u$, $d$, $s$ and $c$ quarks in the sea with three lattice spacing values and $$m_{u/d}$$ values going down to the physical point.« less

Focusers of obliquely incident laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goncharskiy, A. V.; Danilov, V. A.; Popov, V. V.; Prokhorov, A. M.; Sisakyan, I. N.; Sayfer, V. A.; Stepanov, V. V.

1984-08-01

Focusing obliquely incident laser radiation along a given line in space with a given intensity distribution is treated as a problem of synthesizing a mirror surface. The intricate shape of such a surface, characterized by a function z= z (u,v) in the approximation of geometrical optics, is determined from the equation phi (u,v,z) - phi O(u,v,z)=O, which expresses that the incident field and the reflected field have identical eikonals. Further calculations are facilitated by replacing continuous mirror with a more easily manufactured piecewise continuous one. The problem is solved for the simple case of a plane incident wave with a typical iconal phi O(u,v,z)= -z cos0 at a large angle to a focus mirror in the z-plane region. Mirrors constructed on the basis of the theoretical solution were tested in an experiment with a CO2 laser. A light beam with Gaussian intensity distribution was, upon incidence at a 45 deg angle, focused into a circle or into an ellipse with uniform intensity distribution. Improvements in amplitudinal masking and selective tanning technology should reduce energy losses at the surface which results in efficient laser focusing mirrors.

A de-identifier for medical discharge summaries.

PubMed

Uzuner, Ozlem; Sibanda, Tawanda C; Luo, Yuan; Szolovits, Peter

2008-01-01

Clinical records contain significant medical information that can be useful to researchers in various disciplines. However, these records also contain personal health information (PHI) whose presence limits the use of the records outside of hospitals. The goal of de-identification is to remove all PHI from clinical records. This is a challenging task because many records contain foreign and misspelled PHI; they also contain PHI that are ambiguous with non-PHI. These complications are compounded by the linguistic characteristics of clinical records. For example, medical discharge summaries, which are studied in this paper, are characterized by fragmented, incomplete utterances and domain-specific language; they cannot be fully processed by tools designed for lay language. In this paper, we show that we can de-identify medical discharge summaries using a de-identifier, Stat De-id, based on support vector machines and local context (F-measure=97% on PHI). Our representation of local context aids de-identification even when PHI include out-of-vocabulary words and even when PHI are ambiguous with non-PHI within the same corpus. Comparison of Stat De-id with a rule-based approach shows that local context contributes more to de-identification than dictionaries combined with hand-tailored heuristics (F-measure=85%). Comparison with two well-known named entity recognition (NER) systems, SNoW (F-measure=94%) and IdentiFinder (F-measure=36%), on five representative corpora show that when the language of documents is fragmented, a system with a relatively thorough representation of local context can be a more effective de-identifier than systems that combine (relatively simpler) local context with global context. Comparison with a Conditional Random Field De-identifier (CRFD), which utilizes global context in addition to the local context of Stat De-id, confirms this finding (F-measure=88%) and establishes that strengthening the representation of local context may be more beneficial for de-identification than complementing local with global context.

The organization of human epidermis: functional epidermal units and phi proportionality.

PubMed

Hoath, Steven B; Leahy, D G

2003-12-01

The concept that mammalian epidermis is structurally organized into functional epidermal units has been proposed on the basis of stratum corneum (SC) architecture, proliferation kinetics, melanocyte:keratinocyte ratios (1:36), and, more recently, Langerhans cell: epidermal cell ratios (1:53). This article examines the concept of functional epidermal units in human skin in which the maintenance of phi (1.618034) proportionality provides a central organizing principle. The following empirical measurements were used: 75,346 nucleated epidermal cells per mm2, 1394 Langerhans cells per mm2, 1999 melanocytes per mm2, 16 (SC) layers, 900-microm2 corneocyte surface area, 17,778 corneocytes per mm2, 14-d (SC) turnover time, and 93,124 per mm2 total epidermal cells. Given these empirical data: (1) the number of corneocytes is a mean proportional between the sum of the Langerhans cell + melanocyte populations and the number of epidermal cells, 3393/17,778-17,778/93,124; (2) the ratio of nucleated epidermal cells over corneocytes is phi proportional, 75,346/17,778 approximately phi3; (3) assuming similar 14-d turnover times for the (SC) and Malpighian epidermis, the number of corneocytes results from subtraction of a cellular fraction equal to approximately 2/phi2 x the number of living cells, 75,436 - (2/phi2 x 75,346) approximately 17,778; and (4) if total epidermal turnover time equals (SC) turnover time x the ratio of living/dead cells, then compartmental turnover times are unequal (14 d for (SC) to 45.3 d for nucleated epidermis approximately 1/2phi) and cellular replacement rates are 52.9 corneocytes/69.3 keratinocytes per mm2 per h approximately 2/phi2. These empirically derived equivalences provide logicomathematical support for the presence of functional epidermal units in human skin. Validation of a phi proportional unit architecture in human epidermis will be important for tissue engineering of skin and the design of instruments for skin measurement.

Functional characterization of intracellular pH regulators responsible for acid extrusion in human radial artery smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Lee, Chung-Yi; Tsai, Yi-Ting; Chang, Chung-Yi; Chang, Yi-Yu; Cheng, Tzu-Hurng; Tsai, Chien-Sung; Loh, Shih-Hurng

2014-10-31

Intracellular pH (pHi) is a critical factor influencing many important cellular functions. Acid extrusion carriers such as an Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger (NHE) Na⁺/HCO₃⁻ cotransporter (NBC) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) can be activated when cells are in an acidic condition (pHi < 7.1). Human radial artery smooth muscle cells (HRASMC) is an important conduit in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, such far, the pHi regulators have not been characterized in HRASMCs. We therefore investigated the mechanism of pHi recovery from intracellular acidosis and alkalosis, induced by NH₄Cl-prepulse and Na-acetate-prepulse, respectively, using intracellular 2',7'-bis(2-carboxethyl)-5(6)- carboxy-fluorescein (BCECF)-fluorescence in HRASMCs. Cultured HRASMCs were derived from the segments of human radial artery that were obtained from patients undergoing bypass grafting. The resting pHi is 7.22 ± 0.03 and 7.17 ± 0.02 for HEPES- (nominally HCO₃⁻-free) and CO₂/HCO₃⁻- buffered solution, respectively. In HEPES-buffered solution, a pHi recovery from induced intracellular acidosis could be blocked completely by 30 μM HOE 694 (3-methylsulfonyl-4-piperidinobenzoyl, guanidine hydrochloride) a specific NHE inhibitor, or by removing [Na⁺]₀. In 3% CO₂/HCO₃⁻-buffered solution, HOE 694 slowed the pHi recovery from the induced intracellular acidosis only, while adding together with DIDS (a specific NBC inhibitor) or removal of [Na⁺]₀ entirely inhibited the acid extrusion. Moreover, α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (CHC; a specific blocker of MCT) blocked the lactate-induced pHi changes. In conclusion, we demonstrate, for the first time, that 3 different pHi regulators responsible for acid extruding, i.e. NHE and NBC, and MCT, are functionally co-existed in cultured HRASMCs.

A De-identifier for Medical Discharge Summaries1

PubMed Central

Uzuner, Özlem; Sibanda, Tawanda C.; Luo, Yuan; Szolovits, Peter

2008-01-01

Objective Clinical records contain significant medical information that can be useful to researchers in various disciplines. However, these records also contain personal health information (PHI) whose presence limits the use of the records outside of hospitals. The goal of de-identification is to remove all PHI from clinical records. This is a challenging task because many records contain foreign and misspelled PHI; they also contain PHI that are ambiguous with non-PHI. These complications are compounded by the linguistic characteristics of clinical records. For example, medical discharge summaries, which are studied in this paper, are characterized by fragmented, incomplete utterances and domain-specific language; they cannot be fully processed by tools designed for lay language. Methods and Results In this paper, we show that we can de-identify medical discharge summaries using a de-identifier, Stat De-id, based on support vector machines and local context (F-measure = 97% on PHI). Our representation of local context aids de-identification even when PHI include out-of-vocabulary words and even when PHI are ambiguous with non-PHI within the same corpus. Comparison of Stat De-id with a rule-based approach shows that local context contributes more to de-identification than dictionaries combined with hand-tailored heuristics (F-measure = 85%). Comparison with two well-known named entity recognition (NER) systems, SNoW (F-measure = 94%) and IdentiFinder (F-measure = 36%), on five representative corpora show that when the language of documents is fragmented, a system with a relatively thorough representation of local context can be a more effective de-identifier than systems that combine (relatively simpler) local context with global context. Comparison with a Conditional Random Field De-identifier (CRFD), which utilizes global context in addition to the local context of Stat De-id, confirms this finding (F-measure = 88%) and establishes that strengthening the representation of local context may be more beneficial for de-identification than complementing local with global context. PMID:18053696

Biogas Laminar Burning Velocity and Flammability Characteristics in Spark Ignited Premix Combustion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anggono, Willyanto; Wardana, I. N. G.; Lawes, M.; Hughes, K. J.; Wahyudi, Slamet; Hamidi, Nurkholis; Hayakawa, Akihiro

2013-04-01

Spherically expanding flames propagating at constant pressure were employed to determine the laminar burning velocity and flammability characteristics of biogas-air mixtures in premixed combustion to uncover the fundamental flame propagation characteristics of a new alternative and renewable fuel. The results are compared with those from a methane-air flame. Biogas is a sustainable and renewable fuel that is produced in digestion facilities. The composition of biogas discussed in this paper consists of 66.4% methane, 30.6% carbon dioxide and 3% nitrogen. Burning velocity was measured at various equivalence ratios (phi) using a photographic technique in a high pressure fan-stirred bomb, the initial condition being at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The flame for methane-air mixtures propagates from phi=0.6 till phi=1.3. The flame at phi >= 1.4 does not propagate because the combustion reaction is quenched by the larger mass of fuel. At phi<=0.5, it does not propagate as well since the heat of reaction is insufficient to burn the mixtures. The flame for biogas-air mixtures propagates in a narrower range, that is from phi=0.6 to phi=1.2. Different from the methane flame, the biogas flame does not propagate at phi>=1.3 because the heat absorbed by inhibitors strengthens the quenching effect by the larger mass of fuel. As in the methane flame, the biogas flame at phi<=0.5 does not propagate. This shows that the effect of inhibitors in extremely lean mixtures is small. Compared to a methane-air mixture, the flammability characteristic (flammable region) of biogas becomes narrower in the presence of inhibitors (carbon dioxide and nitrogen) and the presence of inhibitors causes a reduction in the laminar burning velocity. The inhibitor gases work more effectively at rich mixtures because the rich biogas-air mixtures have a higher fraction of carbon dioxide and nitrogen components compared to the lean biogas-air mixtures.

The pH dependence of cocaine interaction with cardiac sodium channels.

PubMed

Crumb, W J; Clarkson, C W

1995-09-01

Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence implicating cocaine block of cardiac sodium channels as a putative mechanism for cocaine-induced arrhythmias and sudden death. Cocaine also has been shown to cause seizures which can result in respiratory and/or metabolic acidosis. In this study we investigated how changes in both internal pH (pHi) and external pH (pHo) over the range of 6.6 to 9.2 modify the sodium channel blocking properties of cocaine in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes by using the whole-cell variant of the patch clamp technique. Use-dependent block produced by a train of 1-sec pulses to -20 mV was not affected by changes in pHi, but both the amplitude and time constant for approaching steady-state block were significantly affected by changes in pHo. Characterization of the time course of cocaine binding during a depolarizing pulse indicated that the kinetics of drug interaction with inactivated channels were independent of pHi, but were significantly affected by changes in pHo. The rate of recovery from channel block at a holding potential of -140 mV also was independent of pHi, but strongly dependent on pHo, with the unblocking time constant decreasing exponentially as pHo was increased. The results of this study indicate that cocaine's effect on cardiac sodium channels can be modulated significantly by changes in pHo, and provide further support for previously poorly tested assumptions of the modulated receptor hypothesis.

Complete Genome Sequences of Two Novel Staphylococcus aureus Podoviruses of Potential Therapeutic Use, vB_SauP_phiAGO1.3 and vB_SauP_phiAGO1.9

PubMed Central

Gozdek, Agnieszka; Głowacka-Rutkowska, Aleksandra; Gawor, Jan; Empel, Joanna; Gromadka, Robert

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Here, we report the genome sequences of two Staphylococcus aureus phages belonging to the family Podoviridae and subfamily Picovirinae, vB_SauP_phiAGO1.3 and vB_SauP_phiAGO1.9, which were isolated from Warsaw sewage. Analysis of their genomes provides valuable information about the diversity of phages belonging to the genus Rosenblumvirus and their genes that undergo evolutionary adaptation to cells of different host strains. PMID:29700131

Complete Genome Sequences of Two Novel Staphylococcus aureus Podoviruses of Potential Therapeutic Use, vB_SauP_phiAGO1.3 and vB_SauP_phiAGO1.9.

PubMed

Gozdek, Agnieszka; Głowacka-Rutkowska, Aleksandra; Gawor, Jan; Empel, Joanna; Gromadka, Robert; Łobocka, Małgorzata B

2018-04-26

Here, we report the genome sequences of two Staphylococcus aureus phages belonging to the family Podoviridae and subfamily Picovirinae , vB_SauP_phiAGO1.3 and vB_SauP_phiAGO1.9, which were isolated from Warsaw sewage. Analysis of their genomes provides valuable information about the diversity of phages belonging to the genus Rosenblumvirus and their genes that undergo evolutionary adaptation to cells of different host strains. Copyright © 2018 Gozdek et al.

The effect of extracellular weak acids and bases on the intracellular buffering power of snail neurones.

PubMed Central

Szatkowski, M S

1989-01-01

1. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured in snail neurones using pH-sensitive glass microelectrodes. The influence of externally applied weak acids and bases on the total intracellular buffering power (beta T) was investigated by monitoring the pHi changes caused by the intracellular ionophoretic injection of HCl. 2. In the absence of weak acids or bases a reduction in the extracellular HEPES concentration had no effect on pHi or on beta T. It did, however, reduce slightly the rate of pHi recovery following HCl injection. 3. The presence of CO2 greatly increased beta T. However, as predicted for an open buffer system, the contributions to intracellular buffering by CO2 (beta CO2) decreased as pHi decreased. 4. When added to the superfusate, procaine, 4-aminopyridine, trimethylamine and NH4Cl (1-10 mM) all increased steady-state pHi. Procaine was fastest at increasing pHi and 4-aminopyridine the slowest. All four of these weak bases increased beta T. 5. The intracellular buffering action by these weak bases varied. HCl injection in the presence of procaine usually resulted in steady-state pHi changes with no pHi transients. In the presence of the other three weak bases HCl injections resulted in intracellular acidifications which were followed by pHi recovery-like transients. However, these were not blocked by SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) or by CaCl2 and I thus conclude that these transients were as a result of slow or incomplete intracellular buffering by the weak bases. 6. In many cells there was a good correlation between the measured contributions to intracellular buffering by the weak bases (beta base) and those predicted assuming a simple two-compartment open system. In all cases, as predicted, beta base increased as pHi decreased. 7. I found a clear relationship between the concentration of external buffer (HEPES) and the rate at which weak bases, applied to the superfusate, were able to increase pHi. The greater the extracellular buffer concentration the greater was the speed of intracellular alkalinization. 8. Lowering the extracellular buffer concentration reduced the efficiency of intracellular buffering by weak bases in response to an intracellular acid load. HCl injection in the presence of weak base caused a larger initial intracellular acidification if the extracellular HEPES concentration was reduced. 9. In conclusion, both weak acids and weak bases can make very large, pHi-dependent contributions to intracellular buffering by way of open buffer systems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:2555474

A pyruvate-proton symport and an H+-ATPase regulate the intracellular pH of Trypanosoma brucei at different stages of its life cycle.

PubMed

Vanderheyden, N; Wong, J; Docampo, R

2000-02-15

Regulation of intracellular pH (pH(i)) and H(+) efflux were investigated in Trypanosoma brucei bloodstream and procyclic trypomastigotes using the fluorescent dyes 2', 7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) acetoxymethyl ester and free BCECF respectively. pH(i) in bloodstream and procyclic trypomastigotes was 7.47+/-0.06 and 7. 53+/-0.07 respectively. Differences in the mechanisms for the regulation of pH(i) were noted between bloodstream and procyclic forms. Procyclic trypomastigotes maintained their pH(i) at neutral over a wide range of external pH values from 6 to 8, and in the absence of K(+) or Na(+). The H(+)-ATPase inhibitors N, N'-dicyclohexylcarbodi-imide (DCCD), diethylstilboestrol and N-ethylmaleimide substantially decreased the steady-state pH(i) and inhibited its recovery from acidification. The rate of H(+) efflux in these forms was determined to be 62+/-6.5 nmol/min per mg of protein, and was substantially decreased by H(+)-ATPase inhibitors. The data support the presence of an H(+)-ATPase as the major regulator of pH(i) in procyclic trypomastigotes. In contrast, bloodstream trypomastigotes were unable to maintain a neutral pH under acidic conditions, and their steady-state pH(i) and recovery from acidification were unaffected by H(+)-ATPase inhibitors, except for DCCD (100 microM). Their steady-state pH(i) was markedly decreased in glucose-free buffer or by >/=10 mM pyruvate, whereas procyclic trypomastigotes were unaffected by similar treatments. The rate of H(+) efflux in bloodstream trypomastigotes was 534+/-38 nmol/min per mg of protein, and was decreased in the absence of glucose and by the addition of pyruvate or DCCD. Pyruvate efflux in these forms was calculated to be 499+/-34 nmol/min per mg of protein, and was significantly inhibited by DCCD, 4, 4'-di-isothiocyanatodihydrostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid and alpha-cyanohydroxycinnamic acid. The pyruvate analogues beta-hydroxypyruvate, 3-bromopyruvate, 3-oxoglutarate, oxaloacetate, 3-oxoisovalerate and 3-oxoisohexanoate significantly decreased pH(i), as well as proton and pyruvate efflux, whereas lactate had only a small effect, and no effect was observed with citrate or fumarate. The inhibition by pyruvate analogues of pyruvate efflux, proton efflux and acidification of pH(i) supports the hypothesis that pyruvate efflux is accompanied by proton efflux and that this is the major pH(i) control mechanism in bloodstream forms. Inhibition by H(+)-ATPase inhibitors of residual H(+) efflux in the absence of glucose or in the presence of high extracellular pyruvate indicates a minor role for H(+)-ATPase(s) in control of pH(i) in bloodstream forms.

A survey of reimbursement practices of private health insurance companies for pharmaceuticals not covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme 2008.

PubMed

Lingaratnam, Senthil M; Kirsa, Sue W; Mellor, James D; Jackson, John; Crellin, Wallace; Fitzsimons, Michael; Zalcberg, John R

2011-05-01

To describe the current practices and policy of Australian private health insurance (PHI) companies with respect to cover for pharmaceuticals not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). A 2008 review of web-published policy statements for top-level hospital and comprehensive general treatment insurance, and survey of reimbursement practices by way of questionnaire, of 31 Australian-registered, open-membership PHI companies. Description of the level of pharmaceutical cover and important considerations identified by PHI companies for funding non-PBS pharmaceuticals through benefit entitlements or ex-gratia payments. Nine of thirty-one PHI companies (29%) provided responses accounting for ~60% market share of PHI. The majority of smaller PHI firms either declined participation or did not respond. The maximum limits offered for non-PBS pharmaceuticals, under comprehensive general treatment insurance, varied significantly and typically did not adequately cover high-cost pharmaceuticals. Some companies occasionally offered ex-gratia payments (or discretionary payments in excess of the policyholder's entitlement benefits) for high cost-pharmaceuticals. Factors considered important in their decision to approve or reject ex-gratia requests were provided. All results were de-identified. There is little consistency across PHI companies in the manner in which they handle requests for high-cost pharmaceuticals in excess of the defined benefit limits. Such information and processes are not transparent to consumers.

Electroweak vacuum instability and renormalized Higgs field vacuum fluctuations in the inflationary universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohri, Kazunori; Matsui, Hiroki

2017-08-01

In this work, we investigated the electroweak vacuum instability during or after inflation. In the inflationary Universe, i.e., de Sitter space, the vacuum field fluctuations < δ phi 2 > enlarge in proportion to the Hubble scale H2. Therefore, the large inflationary vacuum fluctuations of the Higgs field < δ phi 2 > are potentially catastrophic to trigger the vacuum transition to the negative-energy Planck-scale vacuum state and cause an immediate collapse of the Universe. However, the vacuum field fluctuations < δ phi 2 >, i.e., the vacuum expectation values have an ultraviolet divergence, and therefore a renormalization is necessary to estimate the physical effects of the vacuum transition. Thus, in this paper, we revisit the electroweak vacuum instability from the perspective of quantum field theory (QFT) in curved space-time, and discuss the dynamical behavior of the homogeneous Higgs field phi determined by the effective potential V eff( phi ) in curved space-time and the renormalized vacuum fluctuations < δ phi 2 >ren via adiabatic regularization and point-splitting regularization. We simply suppose that the Higgs field only couples the gravity via the non-minimal Higgs-gravity coupling ξ(μ). In this scenario, the electroweak vacuum stability is inevitably threatened by the dynamical behavior of the homogeneous Higgs field phi, or the formations of AdS domains or bubbles unless the Hubble scale is small enough H< ΛI .

Elevated intracellular pH appears in aged oocytes and causes oocyte aneuploidy associated with the loss of cohesion in mice

PubMed Central

Cheng, Jin-Mei; Li, Jian; Tang, Ji-Xin; Chen, Su-Ren; Deng, Shou-Long; Jin, Cheng; Zhang, Yan; Wang, Xiu-Xia; Zhou, Chen-Xi; Liu, Yi-Xun

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Increases in the aneuploidy rate caused by the deterioration of cohesion with increasing maternal age have been well documented. However, the molecular mechanism for the loss of cohesion in aged oocytes remains unknown. In this study, we found that intracellular pH (pHi) was elevated in aged oocytes, which might disturb the structure of the cohesin ring to induce aneuploidy. We observed for the first time that full-grown germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes displayed an increase in pHi with advancing age in CD1 mice. Furthermore, during the in vitro oocyte maturation process, the pHi was maintained at a high level, up to ∼7.6, in 12-month-old mice. Normal pHi is necessary to maintain protein localization and function. Thus, we put forward a hypothesis that the elevated oocyte pHi might be related to the loss of cohesion and the increased aneuploidy in aged mice. Through the in vitro alkalinization treatment of young oocytes, we observed that the increased pHi caused an increase in the aneuploidy rate and the sister inter-kinetochore (iKT) distance associated with the strength of cohesion and caused a decline in the cohesin subunit SMC3 protein level. Young oocytes with elevated pHi exhibited substantially the increase in chromosome misalignment. PMID:27472084

Characterization of Natronobacterium magadii phage phi Ch1, a unique archaeal phage containing DNA and RNA.

PubMed

Witte, A; Baranyi, U; Klein, R; Sulzner, M; Luo, C; Wanner, G; Krüger, D H; Lubitz, W

1997-02-01

A novel archaeal bacteriophage, phi Ch1, was isolated from a haloalkalophilic archaeon Natronobacterium magadii upon spontaneous lysis. The phage-cured strain N. magadii(L13) was used to demonstrate infectivity of phage phi Ch1. The turbid-plaque morphology and the fact that N. magadii cells isolated from plaques were able to produce phage indicated that phi Ch1 is a temperate phage. The phage morphology resembles other members of Myoviridae-infecting Halobacterium species. In solution below 2M NaCl, the phage lost its morphological stability and infectivity. One- and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE of phage particles revealed at least four major and five minor proteins with molecular masses ranging from 15 to 80 kDa and acidic isoelectric points. Southern blot analysis of chromosomal DNA of a lysogenic N. magadii strain showed that phi Ch1 exists as a chromosomally integrated prophage. The phage particles contain both double-stranded, linear DNA (approx. 55 kbp) as well as several RNA species (80-700 nucleotides). Hybridization of labelled RNA fragments to total DNA from N. magadii and phi Ch1 showed that the virion-associated RNA is host encoded. Part of the phage DNA population is modified and restriction analysis revealed evidence for adenine methylation. Phage phi Ch1 is the first virus described for the genus natronobacterium, and the first phage containing DNA and RNA in mature phage particles.

SimPhy: Phylogenomic Simulation of Gene, Locus, and Species Trees

PubMed Central

Mallo, Diego; De Oliveira Martins, Leonardo; Posada, David

2016-01-01

We present a fast and flexible software package—SimPhy—for the simulation of multiple gene families evolving under incomplete lineage sorting, gene duplication and loss, horizontal gene transfer—all three potentially leading to species tree/gene tree discordance—and gene conversion. SimPhy implements a hierarchical phylogenetic model in which the evolution of species, locus, and gene trees is governed by global and local parameters (e.g., genome-wide, species-specific, locus-specific), that can be fixed or be sampled from a priori statistical distributions. SimPhy also incorporates comprehensive models of substitution rate variation among lineages (uncorrelated relaxed clocks) and the capability of simulating partitioned nucleotide, codon, and protein multilocus sequence alignments under a plethora of substitution models using the program INDELible. We validate SimPhy's output using theoretical expectations and other programs, and show that it scales extremely well with complex models and/or large trees, being an order of magnitude faster than the most similar program (DLCoal-Sim). In addition, we demonstrate how SimPhy can be useful to understand interactions among different evolutionary processes, conducting a simulation study to characterize the systematic overestimation of the duplication time when using standard reconciliation methods. SimPhy is available at https://github.com/adamallo/SimPhy, where users can find the source code, precompiled executables, a detailed manual and example cases. PMID:26526427

Detonation propagation in a high loss configuration

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

Jackson, Scott I; Shepherd, Joseph E

2009-01-01

This work presents an experimental study of detonation wave propagation in tubes with inner diameters (ID) comparable to the mixture cell size. Propane-oxygen mixtures were used in two test section tubes with inner diameters of 1.27 mm and 6.35 mm. For both test sections, the initial pressure of stoichiometric mixtures was varied to determine the effect on detonation propagation. For the 6.35 mm tube, the equivalence ratio {phi} (where the mixture was {phi} C{sub 3}H{sub 8} + 50{sub 2}) was also varied. Detonations were found to propagate in mixtures with cell sizes as large as five times the diameter ofmore » the tube. However, under these conditions, significant losses were observed, resulting in wave propagation velocities as slow as 40% of the CJ velocity U{sub CJ}. A review of relevant literature is presented, followed by experimental details and data. Observed velocity deficits are predicted using models that account for boundary layer growth inside detonation waves.« less

Data Science Bowl Launched to Improve Lung Cancer Screening | Division of Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

[[{"fid":"2078","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Data Science Bowl Logo","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Data Science Bowl Logo","field_folder[und]":"76"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Data Science Bowl

Direct Calculation of Short Circuit Reactance, Winding Strength, and Inherent Forms of Output Transformers (Direkte Berechung der Kurzschlussreaktanzen, Wicklungskraefte und Eigenformen von Leistungstransformatoren)

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

die elektrische Leitfiihigkeit a,. und die relative Permeabilitat Yrn auf. In die Leiter sind harmonisch von der Zeit abhdngige Str ~me eingeprligt, die...Zusammengefasst werden die Beziehungen (5.15) dann durch Mit den Maschen- und Knotengleichungen sind die Abhdngigkeiten der Str ~ime und Span- nungen...besteht aus t Spalten und kennzeichnet die Tore, an denen Str ~me eingeprdgt sind. Daher ist sie gemdl3 [TnT] J,,,5, wenn in Tor bein Strom eingepriigt ist

Erfassung tribologischer Zusammenhänge und Erkenntnisse in einer Datenbank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gold, Peter Werner; Jacobs, Georg; Loos, J.; Rombach, Volker; Kurutas, Savas; Fröde, Astrid

Die Datenbank enthält die tribologischen und stofflichen Daten, die innerhalb des Sonderforschungsbereichs 442 ermittelt wurden. Sie wird genutzt, um Informationen über die Eigenschaften von Schmierstoffen und Werkstoffverbunden, sowie über Prüfstände und Versuchsergebnisse zu erhalten. Diese Wissensbasis kann dazu beitragen, ökologisch verträgliche Tribosysteme mit Hilfe der Auswerte-Systeme (Module) auszulegen. Dabei handelt es sich um Berechnungswerkzeuge und Expertenwissen z. B. in Bezug auf die Auswahl von Schichtsystemen. Eine nähere Beschreibung der Auswerte-Systeme kann den folgenden Abschnitten entnommen werden.

Quantitative Analyse und Visualisierung der Herzfunktionen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauer, Anne; Schwarz, Tobias; Engel, Nicole; Seitel, Mathias; Kenngott, Hannes; Mohrhardt, Carsten; Loßnitzer, Dirk; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Katus, Hugo A.; Meinzer, Hans-Peter

Die computergestützte bildbasierte Analyse der Herzfunktionen ist mittlerweile Standard in der Kardiologie. Die verfügbaren Produkte erfordern meist ein hohes Maß an Benutzerinteraktion und somit einen erhöhten Zeitaufwand. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Ansatz vorgestellt, der dem Kardiologen eine größtenteils automatische Analyse der Herzfunktionen mittels MRT-Bilddaten ermöglicht und damit Zeitersparnis schafft. Hierbei werden alle relevanten herzphysiologsichen Parameter berechnet und mithilfe von Diagrammen und Graphen visualisiert. Diese Berechnungen werden evaluiert, indem die ermittelten Werte mit manuell vermessenen verglichen werden. Der hierbei berechnete mittlere Fehler liegt mit 2,85 mm für die Wanddicke und 1,61 mm für die Wanddickenzunahme immer noch im Bereich einer Pixelgrösse der verwendeten Bilder.

XML-basierte Produkt- und Prozessdaten für die Leittechnik-Projektierung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schleipen, Miriam

Für die Überwachung und Steuerung hochkomplexer Produktionsprozesse werden Prozessleitsysteme eingesetzt. Ständige Veränderungen zwingen Produktionsbetriebe wandlungsfähig zu sein. Entsprechend muss auch die Technik diese Flexibilität unterstützen. Jede Veränderung des Produktionsprozesses muss eingeplant, die Anlagen neu konfiguriert und projektiert werden. Dabei müssen auch neue Prozessbilder für die Bedien- und Steuerungssysteme erstellt werden. Am Fraunhofer IITB wurde ein Engineering-Framework entwickelt, das das Leitsystem automatisch projektiert und die zugehörige Prozessvisualisierung generiert. In diesem Beitrag wird das Modul vorgestellt, dass die Prozessabbilder erstellt. Neben der Visualisierung von Anlagen werden auch laufende Prozesse und bearbeitete Produkte dargestellt. So können beispielsweise Identsysteme mit der Leittechnik gekoppelt werden.

Akne.

PubMed

Degitz, Klaus; Ochsendorf, Falk

2017-07-01

Akne ist eine chronische Erkrankung mit hoher Prävalenz unter Jugendlichen. Pathogenetische Hauptfaktoren (und ihre klinischen Korrelate) sind gesteigerte Talgproduktion (Seborrhoe), follikuläre Hyperkeratose (Komedonen) und perifollikuläre Entzündungsvorgänge (Papulopusteln). Die Krankheit wird von endogenen (Androgene, IGF-1, neuroendokrine Faktoren) und exogenen (Propionibacterium acnes, Diät, mechanische Irritation, Inhaltsstoffe medizinischer oder kosmetischer Externa) Einflüssen moduliert. Akne geht mit zum Teil hoher Morbidität einher und kann bereits bei leichter Ausprägung eine erhebliche Verschlechterung der Lebensqualität bewirken. Zu Therapie stehen wirksame topische und systemische Behandlungsverfahren zur Verfügung. Eine optimale Behandlung erfordert eine stadiengerechtes Management und kontinuierliche ärztliche Begleitung der Patienten über den erforderlichen Behandlungszeitraum. © 2017 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

77 FR 5087 - Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-01

....: FAA-2011-1233 Petitioner: PHI Air Medical, LLC Section of 14 CFR Affected: 14 CFR Sec. Sec. 135.293, 135.297, 135.299, and 135.343 Description of Relief Sought: PHI Air Medical, LLC requests an exemption to permit Air Medical to use pilots previously qualified under PHI, Inc.'s part 119 air carrier...

Mutant Screen Distinguishes between Residues Necessary for Light-Signal Perception and Signal Transfer by Phytochrome B

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The phytochromes (phyA to phyE) are a major plant photoreceptor family that regulate a diversity of developmental processes in response to light. The N-terminal 651–amino acid domain of phyB (N651), which binds an open tetrapyrrole chromophore, acts to perceive and transduce regulatory light signals...

Commensurability effects in one-dimensional Anderson localization: Anomalies in eigenfunction statistics

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

Kravtsov, V.E., E-mail: kravtsov@ictp.it; Landau Institute for Theoretical Physics, 2 Kosygina st., 117940 Moscow; Yudson, V.I., E-mail: yudson@isan.troitsk.ru

Highlights: > Statistics of normalized eigenfunctions in one-dimensional Anderson localization at E = 0 is studied. > Moments of inverse participation ratio are calculated. > Equation for generating function is derived at E = 0. > An exact solution for generating function at E = 0 is obtained. > Relation of the generating function to the phase distribution function is established. - Abstract: The one-dimensional (1d) Anderson model (AM), i.e. a tight-binding chain with random uncorrelated on-site energies, has statistical anomalies at any rational point f=(2a)/({lambda}{sub E}) , where a is the lattice constant and {lambda}{sub E} is the demore » Broglie wavelength. We develop a regular approach to anomalous statistics of normalized eigenfunctions {psi}(r) at such commensurability points. The approach is based on an exact integral transfer-matrix equation for a generating function {Phi}{sub r}(u, {phi}) (u and {phi} have a meaning of the squared amplitude and phase of eigenfunctions, r is the position of the observation point). This generating function can be used to compute local statistics of eigenfunctions of 1d AM at any disorder and to address the problem of higher-order anomalies at f=p/q with q > 2. The descender of the generating function P{sub r}({phi}){identical_to}{Phi}{sub r}(u=0,{phi}) is shown to be the distribution function of phase which determines the Lyapunov exponent and the local density of states. In the leading order in the small disorder we derived a second-order partial differential equation for the r-independent ('zero-mode') component {Phi}(u, {phi}) at the E = 0 (f=1/2 ) anomaly. This equation is nonseparable in variables u and {phi}. Yet, we show that due to a hidden symmetry, it is integrable and we construct an exact solution for {Phi}(u, {phi}) explicitly in quadratures. Using this solution we computed moments I{sub m} = N< vertical bar {psi} vertical bar {sup 2m}> (m {>=} 1) for a chain of the length N {yields} {infinity} and found an essential difference between their m-behavior in the center-of-band anomaly and for energies outside this anomaly. Outside the anomaly the 'extrinsic' localization length defined from the Lyapunov exponent coincides with that defined from the inverse participation ratio ('intrinsic' localization length). This is not the case at the E = 0 anomaly where the extrinsic localization length is smaller than the intrinsic one. At E = 0 one also observes an anomalous enhancement of large moments compatible with existence of yet another, much smaller characteristic length scale.« less

Using Relative Improvement over Chance (RIOC) to Examine Agreement between Tests: Three Case Examples Using Studies of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cairney, John; Streiner, David L.

2011-01-01

Although statistics such as kappa and phi are commonly used to assess agreement between tests, in situations where the base rate of a disorder in a population is low or high, these statistics tend to underestimate actual agreement. This can occur even if the tests are good and the classification of subjects is adequate. Relative improvement over…

(Quasi)-convexification of Barta's (multi-extrema) bounding theorem: Inf_x\\big(\\ssty\\frac{H\\Phi(x)}{\\Phi(x)} \\big) \\le E_gr \\le Sup_x \\big(\\ssty\\frac{H\\Phi(x)}{\\Phi(x)} \\big)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handy, C. R.

2006-03-01

There has been renewed interest in the exploitation of Barta's configuration space theorem (BCST) (Barta 1937 C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 204 472) which bounds the ground-state energy, Inf_x\\big({{H\\Phi(x)}\\over {\\Phi(x)}} \\big ) \\leq E_gr \\leq Sup_x \\big({{H\\Phi(x)}\\over {\\Phi(x)}}\\big) , by using any Φ lying within the space of positive, bounded, and sufficiently smooth functions, {\\cal C} . Mouchet's (Mouchet 2005 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 38 1039) BCST analysis is based on gradient optimization (GO). However, it overlooks significant difficulties: (i) appearance of multi-extrema; (ii) inefficiency of GO for stiff (singular perturbation/strong coupling) problems; (iii) the nonexistence of a systematic procedure for arbitrarily improving the bounds within {\\cal C} . These deficiencies can be corrected by transforming BCST into a moments' representation equivalent, and exploiting a generalization of the eigenvalue moment method (EMM), within the context of the well-known generalized eigenvalue problem (GEP), as developed here. EMM is an alternative eigenenergy bounding, variational procedure, overlooked by Mouchet, which also exploits the positivity of the desired physical solution. Furthermore, it is applicable to Hermitian and non-Hermitian systems with complex-number quantization parameters (Handy and Bessis 1985 Phys. Rev. Lett. 55 931, Handy et al 1988 Phys. Rev. Lett. 60 253, Handy 2001 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 34 5065, Handy et al 2002 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 35 6359). Our analysis exploits various quasi-convexity/concavity theorems common to the GEP representation. We outline the general theory, and present some illustrative examples.

Prostate health index (PHI) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) predictive models for prostate cancer in the Chinese population and the role of digital rectal examination-estimated prostate volume.

PubMed

Chiu, Peter K F; Roobol, Monique J; Teoh, Jeremy Y; Lee, Wai-Man; Yip, Siu-Ying; Hou, See-Ming; Bangma, Chris H; Ng, Chi-Fai

2016-10-01

To investigate PSA- and PHI (prostate health index)-based models for prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) and the feasibility of using DRE-estimated prostate volume (DRE-PV) in the models. This study included 569 Chinese men with PSA 4-10 ng/mL and non-suspicious DRE with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) 10-core prostate biopsies performed between April 2008 and July 2015. DRE-PV was estimated using 3 pre-defined classes: 25, 40, or 60 ml. The performance of PSA-based and PHI-based predictive models including age, DRE-PV, and TRUS prostate volume (TRUS-PV) was analyzed using logistic regression and area under the receiver operating curves (AUC), in both the whole cohort and the screening age group of 55-75. PCa and high-grade PCa (HGPCa) was diagnosed in 10.9 % (62/569) and 2.8 % (16/569) men, respectively. The performance of DRE-PV-based models was similar to TRUS-PV-based models. In the age group 55-75, the AUCs for PCa of PSA alone, PSA with DRE-PV and age, PHI alone, PHI with DRE-PV and age, and PHI with TRUS-PV and age were 0.54, 0.71, 0.76, 0.78, and 0.78, respectively. The corresponding AUCs for HGPCa were higher (0.60, 0.70, 0.85, 0.83, and 0.83). At 10 and 20 % risk threshold for PCa, 38.4 and 55.4 % biopsies could be avoided in the PHI-based model, respectively. PHI had better performance over PSA-based models and could reduce unnecessary biopsies. A DRE-assessed PV can replace TRUS-assessed PV in multivariate prediction models to facilitate clinical use.

Electron cryo-tomographic structure of cystovirus phi 12.

PubMed

Hu, Guo-Bin; Wei, Hui; Rice, William J; Stokes, David L; Gottlieb, Paul

2008-03-01

Bacteriophage phi 12 is a member of the Cystoviridae virus family and contains a genome consisting of three segments of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). This virus family contains eight identified members, of which four have been classified in regard to their complete genomic sequence and encoded viral proteins. A phospholipid envelope that contains the integral proteins P6, P9, P10, and P13 surrounds the viral particles. In species phi 6, host infection requires binding of a multimeric P3 complex to type IV pili. In species varphi8, phi 12, and phi 13, the attachment apparatus is a heteromeric protein assembly that utilizes the rough lipopolysaccharide (rlps) as a receptor. In phi 8 the protein components are designated P3a and P3b while in species phi 12 proteins P3a and P3c have been identified in the complex. The phospholipid envelope of the cystoviruses surrounds a nucleocapsid (NC) composed of two shells. The outer shell is composed of protein P8 with a T=13 icosahedral lattice while the primary component of the inner shell is a dodecahedral frame composed of dimeric protein P1. For the current study, the 3D architecture of the intact phi 12 virus was obtained by electron cryo-tomography. The nucleocapsid appears to be centered within the membrane envelope and possibly attached to it by bridging structures. Two types of densities were observed protruding from the membrane envelope. The densities of the first type were elongated, running parallel, and closely associated to the envelope outer surface. In contrast, the second density was positioned about 12 nm above the envelope connected to it by a flexible low-density stem. This second structure formed a torroidal structure termed "the donut" and appears to inhibit BHT-induced viral envelope fusion.

Restoration of prostaglandin E2-producing splenic macrophages in sup 89 Sr-treated mice with bone marrow from Corynebacterium parvum primed donors

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

Shibata, Y.

1989-05-01

Administration of Corynebacterium parvum (CP), 56 mg/kg ip to CBA/J mice effected the induction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) producing macrophages (M phi) in the bone marrow and the spleen. Maximal release of PGE2 from M phi cultured in vitro with calcium ionophore A23187 for 2 h was reached by marrow M phi removed on 5 days after CP (450 ng/mg cell protein), and by splenic M phi 9 days after CP (400 ng/mg). Neither M phi population, however, yielded more than 6.0 ng/mg leukotriene C4. To assess ontogenic relationships mice were depleted of bone marrow and blood monocytes by ivmore » injection of the bone-seeking isotope, 89Sr. CP was given at several points before or after bone marrow cell depletion. PGE2 production by splenic M phi harvested on day 9 after CP was profoundly impaired when CP was administered either concurrently with or 3 days after 89Sr. When CP was administered 1, 3, 5, and 7 days before 89Sr, however, the induction of PGE2-producing M phi in the spleen was unaffected. To determine whether bone marrow cells from CP-injected donors can restore PGE2-producing splenic M phi (PGSM) in 89Sr-mice, recipient mice which had and had not received CP 3 days after 89Sr were transfused with 5 x 10(6) syngeneic bone marrow cells from donor mice prepared at varying intervals after CP administration. The results clearly indicate the capacity of bone marrow cells harvested on either day 1 or 2 following CP to restore PGSM in CP-primed, but not unprimed, recipients.« less

Dissecting Phosphite-Induced Priming in Arabidopsis Infected with Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis1[W

PubMed Central

Massoud, Kamal; Barchietto, Thierry; Le Rudulier, Thomas; Pallandre, Laurane; Didierlaurent, Laure; Garmier, Marie; Ambard-Bretteville, Françoise; Seng, Jean-Marc; Saindrenan, Patrick

2012-01-01

Phosphite (Phi), a phloem-mobile oxyanion of phosphorous acid (H3PO3), protects plants against diseases caused by oomycetes. Its mode of action is unclear, as evidence indicates both direct antibiotic effects on pathogens as well as inhibition through enhanced plant defense responses, and its target(s) in the plants is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the biotrophic oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) exhibits an unusual biphasic dose-dependent response to Phi after inoculation of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), with characteristics of indirect activity at low doses (10 mm or less) and direct inhibition at high doses (50 mm or greater). The effect of low doses of Phi on Hpa infection was nullified in salicylic acid (SA)-defective plants (sid2-1, NahG) and in a mutant impaired in SA signaling (npr1-1). Compromised jasmonate (jar1-1) and ethylene (ein2-1) signaling or abscisic acid (aba1-5) biosynthesis, reactive oxygen generation (atrbohD), or accumulation of the phytoalexins camalexin (pad3-1) and scopoletin (f6′h1-1) did not affect Phi activity. Low doses of Phi primed the accumulation of SA and Pathogenesis-Related protein1 transcripts and mobilized two essential components of basal resistance, Enhanced Disease Susceptibility1 and Phytoalexin Deficient4, following pathogen challenge. Compared with inoculated, Phi-untreated plants, the gene expression, accumulation, and phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase MPK4, a negative regulator of SA-dependent defenses, were reduced in plants treated with low doses of Phi. We propose that Phi negatively regulates MPK4, thus priming SA-dependent defense responses following Hpa infection. PMID:22408091

Intracellular pH imaging in cancer cells in vitro and tumors in vivo using the new genetically encoded sensor SypHer2.

PubMed

Shirmanova, Marina V; Druzhkova, Irina N; Lukina, Maria M; Matlashov, Mikhail E; Belousov, Vsevolod V; Snopova, Ludmila B; Prodanetz, Natalia N; Dudenkova, Varvara V; Lukyanov, Sergey A; Zagaynova, Elena V

2015-09-01

Measuring intracellular pH (pHi) in tumors is essential for the monitoring of cancer progression and the response of cancer cells to various treatments. The purpose of the study was to develop a method for pHi mapping in living cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo, using the novel genetically encoded indicator, SypHer2. A HeLa Kyoto cell line stably expressing SypHer2 in the cytoplasm was used, to perform ratiometric (dual excitation) imaging of the probe in cell culture, in 3D tumor spheroids and in tumor xenografts in living mice. Using SypHer2, pHi was demonstrated to be 7.34±0.11 in monolayer HeLa cells in vitro under standard cultivation conditions. An increasing pHi gradient from the center to the periphery of the spheroids was displayed. We obtained fluorescence ratio maps for HeLa tumors in vivo and ex vivo. Comparison of the map with the pathomorphology and with hypoxia staining of the tumors revealed a correspondence of the zones with higher pHi to the necrotic and hypoxic areas. Our results demonstrate that pHi imaging with the genetically encoded pHi indicator, SypHer2, can be a valuable tool for evaluating tumor progression in xenograft models. We have demonstrated, for the first time, the possibility of using the genetically encoded sensor SypHer2 for ratiometric pH imaging in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo. SypHer2 shows great promise as an instrument for pHi monitoring able to provide high accuracy and spatiotemporal resolution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transcriptome Profiling of Tiller Buds Provides New Insights into PhyB Regulation of Tillering and Indeterminate Growth in Sorghum1

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Phytochrome B (phyB) enables plants to modify shoot branching or tillering in response to varying light intensities and ratios of red and far-red light caused by shading and neighbor proximity. Tillering is inhibited in sorghum genotypes that lack phytochrome B (58M, phyB-1) until after floral initiation. The growth of tiller buds in the first leaf axil of wild-type (100M, PHYB) and phyB-1 sorghum genotypes is similar until 6 d after planting when buds of phyB-1 arrest growth, while wild-type buds continue growing and develop into tillers. Transcriptome analysis at this early stage of bud development identified numerous genes that were up to 50-fold differentially expressed in wild-type/phyB-1 buds. Up-regulation of terminal flower1, GA2oxidase, and TPPI could protect axillary meristems in phyB-1 from precocious floral induction and decrease bud sensitivity to sugar signals. After bud growth arrest in phyB-1, expression of dormancy-associated genes such as DRM1, GT1, AF1, and CKX1 increased and ENOD93, ACCoxidase, ARR3/6/9, CGA1, and SHY2 decreased. Continued bud outgrowth in wild-type was correlated with increased expression of genes encoding a SWEET transporter and cell wall invertases. The SWEET transporter may facilitate Suc unloading from the phloem to the apoplast where cell wall invertases generate monosaccharides for uptake and utilization to sustain bud outgrowth. Elevated expression of these genes was correlated with higher levels of cytokinin/sugar signaling in growing buds of wild-type plants. PMID:26893475

Safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a booster dose of the 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) in Malian children.

PubMed

Dicko, Alassane; Santara, Gaoussou; Mahamar, Almahamoudou; Sidibe, Youssoufa; Barry, Amadou; Dicko, Yahia; Diallo, Aminata; Dolo, Amagana; Doumbo, Ogobara; Shafi, Fakrudeen; François, Nancy; Strezova, Ana; Borys, Dorota; Schuerman, Lode

2013-02-01

Primary vaccination with the 10-valent pneumococcal non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) was previously shown to be immunogenic and well tolerated in Malian children. Data on booster vaccination with a fourth consecutive dose of PHiD-CV are available for Europe, Asia and Latin America but are lacking for Africa. The present study evaluated further the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a fourth consecutive (booster) dose of PHiD-CV. Low incidences of AEs with grade 3 intensity (2.1% of subjects) were observed. There were no reports of large swelling reactions and serious adverse events. One month post-booster vaccination, for each vaccine pneumococcal serotype, at least 97.8% of subjects had antibody concentrations ≥ 0.2 μg/ml, and at least 97.1% of subjects had opsonophagocytic activity ≥ 8. From pre- to post-booster, a 12.3-fold increase in anti-protein D geometric mean concentration was observed. This phase III, open-label study was conducted in Ouelessebougou, Mali, between November 2009 and June 2010. The study population consisted of Malian children previously primed (3 doses) with PHiD-CV in study NCT00678301 receiving a fourth consecutive (booster) dose of PHiD-CV in the second year of life. The incidences of adverse events (AEs) with grade 3 intensity (primary objective) or of any intensity (secondary objective), and the immunogenicity (secondary objective) of the PHiD-CV booster dose were assessed. A booster dose of PHiD-CV was well tolerated when administered to Malian children in the second year of life and was highly immunogenic for all 10 vaccine pneumococcal serotypes and NTHi protein D. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00985465).

Flow cytometric kinetic assay of the activity of Na+/H+ antiporter in mammalian cells.

PubMed

Dolz, María; O'Connor, José-Enrique; Lequerica, Juan L

2004-10-01

The Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) of mammalian cells is an integral membrane protein that extrudes H(+) ion in exchange for extracellular Na(+) and plays a crucial role in the regulation of intracellular pH (pHi). Thus, when pHi is lowered, NHE extrudes protons at a rate depending of pHi that can be expressed as pH units/s. To abolish the activity of other cellular pH-restoring systems, cells were incubated in bicarbonate-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium buffered with HEPES. Flow cytometry was used to determine pHi with 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester or 5-(and-6)-carboxy SNARF-1 acetoxymethyl ester acetate, and the appropriate fluorescence ratios were measured. The calibration of fluorescence ratios versus pHi was established by using ionophore nigericin. The activity of NHE was calculated by a kinetic flow cytometric assay as the slope at time 0 of the best-fit curve of pHi recovery versus time after intracellular acidification with a pulse of exogenous sodium propionate. The kinetic method allowed determination of the pHi-dependent activity of NHE in cell lines and primary cell cultures. NHE activity values were demonstrated to be up to 0.016 pH units/s within the pHi range of 7.3 to 6.3. The inhibition of NHE activity by the specific inhibitor ethyl isopropyl amiloride was easily detected by this method. The assay conditions can be used to relate variations in pHi with the activity of NHE and provide a standardized method to compare between different cells, inhibitors, models of ischemia by acidification, and other relevant experimental or clinical situations.

The extent to which the public health 'war on obesity' reflects the ethical values and principles of critical health promotion: a multimedia critical discourse analysis.

PubMed

O'Hara, Lily; Taylor, Jane; Barnes, Margaret

2015-12-01

The discipline of health promotion is responsible for implementing strategies within weight-related public health initiatives (WR-PHI). It is imperative that such initiatives be subjected to critical analysis through a health promotion ethics lens to help ensure ethical health promotion practice. Multimedia critical discourse analysis was used to examine the claims, values, assumptions, power relationships and ideologies within Australian WR-PHI. The Health Promotion Values and Principles Continuum was used as a heuristic to evaluate the extent to which the WR-PHI reflected the ethical values of critical health promotion: active participation of people in the initiative; respect for personal autonomy; beneficence; non-maleficence; and strong evidential and theoretical basis for practice. Ten initiatives were analysed. There was some discourse about the need for participation of people in the WR-PHI, but people were routinely labelled as 'target groups' requiring 'intervention'. Strong evidence of a coercive and paternalistic discourse about choice was identified, with minimal attention to respect for personal autonomy. There was significant emphasis on the beneficiaries of the WR-PHI but minimal attention to the health benefits, and nothing about the potential for harm. Discourse about the evidence of need was objectivist, and there was no discussion about the theoretical foundations of the WR-PHI. The WR-PHI were not reflective of the ethical values and principles of critical health promotion. So what? Health promotion researchers and practitioners engaged in WR-PHI should critically reflect on the extent to which they are consistent with the ethical aspects of critical health promotion practice.

An Evaluation of Personal Health Information Remnants in Second-Hand Personal Computer Disk Drives

PubMed Central

Neri, Emilio; Jonker, Elizabeth

2007-01-01

Background The public is concerned about the privacy of their health information, especially as more of it is collected, stored, and exchanged electronically. But we do not know the extent of leakage of personal health information (PHI) from data custodians. One form of data leakage is through computer equipment that is sold, donated, lost, or stolen from health care facilities or individuals who work at these facilities. Previous studies have shown that it is possible to get sensitive personal information (PI) from second-hand disk drives. However, there have been no studies investigating the leakage of PHI in this way. Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which PHI can be obtained from second-hand computer disk drives. Methods A list of Canadian vendors selling second-hand computer equipment was constructed, and we systematically went through the shuffled list and attempted to purchase used disk drives from the vendors. Sixty functional disk drives were purchased and analyzed for data remnants containing PHI using computer forensic tools. Results It was possible to recover PI from 65% (95% CI: 52%-76%) of the drives. In total, 10% (95% CI: 5%-20%) had PHI on people other than the owner(s) of the drive, and 8% (95% CI: 7%-24%) had PHI on the owner(s) of the drive. Some of the PHI included very sensitive mental health information on a large number of people. Conclusions There is a strong need for health care data custodians to either encrypt all computers that can hold PHI on their clients or patients, including those used by employees and subcontractors in their homes, or to ensure that their computers are destroyed rather than finding a second life in the used computer market. PMID:17942386

Effects of supplementary private health insurance on physician visits in Korea.

PubMed

Kang, Sungwook; You, Chang Hoon; Kwon, Young Dae; Oh, Eun-Hwan

2009-12-01

The coverage of social health insurance has remained limited, despite it being compulsory in Korea. Accordingly, Koreans have come to rely upon supplementary private health insurance (PHI) to cover their medical costs. We examined the effects of supplementary PHI on physician visits in Korea. This study used individual data from 11,043 respondents who participated in the Korean Labor and Income Panel Survey in 2001. We conducted a single probit model to identify the relationship between PHI and physician visits, with adjustment for the following covariates: demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health status, and health-related behavior. Finally, we performed a bivariate probit model to examine the true effect of PHI on physician visits, with adjustment for the above covariates plus unobservable covariates that might affect not only physician visit, but also the purchase of PHI. We found that about 38% of all respondents had one or more private health plans. Forty-five percent of all respondents visited one or more physicians, and 49% of those who were privately insured had physician visits compared with 42% of the uninsured. The single probit model showed that those with PHI were about 14 percentage points more likely to visit physicians than those who do not have PHI. However, this distinction disappears in the bivariate probit model. This result might have been a consequence of the nature of private health plans in Korea. Private insurance companies pay a fixed amount directly to their enrollees in case of illness/injury, and the individuals are responsible subsequently for purchasing their own healthcare services. This study demonstrated the potential of Korean PHI to address the problem of moral hazard. These results serve as a reference for policy makers when considering how to finance healthcare services, as well as to contain healthcare expenditure.

Observation of a peaking structure in the $$J/\\psi \\phi$$ mass spectrum from $$B^{\\pm} \\to J/\\psi \\phi K^{\\pm}$$ decays

DOE PAGES

Chatrchyan, Serguei

2014-05-22

A peaking structure in the J/psi phi mass spectrum near threshold is observed in B(+/-) to J/psi phi K(+/-) decays, produced in pp collisions at sqrt(s) = 7 TeV collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The data sample, selected on the basis of the dimuon decay mode of the J/psi, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 5.2 inverse femtobarns. Fitting the structure to an S-wave relativistic Breit-Wigner lineshape above a three-body phase-space nonresonant component gives a signal statistical significance exceeding five standard deviations. The fitted mass and width values are m = 4148.0 +- 2.4 (stat.) +- 6.3more » (syst.) MeV and Gamma = 28 +15 -11 (stat.) +- 19 (syst.) MeV, respectively. Evidence for an additional peaking structure at higher J/psi phi mass is also reported.« less

Modular assembly of chimeric phi29 packaging RNAs that support DNA packaging.

PubMed

Fang, Yun; Shu, Dan; Xiao, Feng; Guo, Peixuan; Qin, Peter Z

2008-08-08

The bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor is a protein/RNA complex that can produce strong force to condense the linear-double-stranded DNA genome into a pre-formed protein capsid. The RNA component, called the packaging RNA (pRNA), utilizes magnesium-dependent inter-molecular base-pairing interactions to form ring-shaped complexes. The pRNA is a class of non-coding RNA, interacting with phi29 motor proteins to enable DNA packaging. Here, we report a two-piece chimeric pRNA construct that is fully competent in interacting with partner pRNA to form ring-shaped complexes, in packaging DNA via the motor, and in assembling infectious phi29 virions in vitro. This is the first example of a fully functional pRNA assembled using two non-covalently interacting fragments. The results support the notion of modular pRNA architecture in the phi29 packaging motor.

PhySortR: a fast, flexible tool for sorting phylogenetic trees in R.

PubMed

Stephens, Timothy G; Bhattacharya, Debashish; Ragan, Mark A; Chan, Cheong Xin

2016-01-01

A frequent bottleneck in interpreting phylogenomic output is the need to screen often thousands of trees for features of interest, particularly robust clades of specific taxa, as evidence of monophyletic relationship and/or reticulated evolution. Here we present PhySortR, a fast, flexible R package for classifying phylogenetic trees. Unlike existing utilities, PhySortR allows for identification of both exclusive and non-exclusive clades uniting the target taxa based on tip labels (i.e., leaves) on a tree, with customisable options to assess clades within the context of the whole tree. Using simulated and empirical datasets, we demonstrate the potential and scalability of PhySortR in analysis of thousands of phylogenetic trees without a priori assumption of tree-rooting, and in yielding readily interpretable trees that unambiguously satisfy the query. PhySortR is a command-line tool that is freely available and easily automatable.

Modular assembly of chimeric phi29 packaging RNAs that support DNA packaging

PubMed Central

Fang, Yun; Shu, Dan; Xiao, Feng; Guo, Peixuan; Qin, Peter Z.

2008-01-01

The bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor is a protein/RNA complex that can produce strong force to condense the linear-double stranded DNA genome into a pre-formed protein capsid. The RNA component, called the packaging RNA (pRNA), utilizes magnesium-dependent intermolecular base-pairing interactions to form ring-shaped complexes. The pRNA is a class of non-coding RNA, interacting with phi29 motor proteins to enable DNA packaging. Here, we report a 2-piece chimeric pRNA construct that is fully competent in interacting with partner pRNA to form ring-shaped complexes, in packaging DNA via the motor, and in assembling infectious phi29 virions in vitro. This is the first example of a fully functional pRNA assembled using two non-covalently interacting fragments. The results support the notion of modular pRNA architecture in the phi29 packaging motor. PMID:18514064

DelPhi web server v2: incorporating atomic-style geometrical figures into the computational protocol.

PubMed

Smith, Nicholas; Witham, Shawn; Sarkar, Subhra; Zhang, Jie; Li, Lin; Li, Chuan; Alexov, Emil

2012-06-15

A new edition of the DelPhi web server, DelPhi web server v2, is released to include atomic presentation of geometrical figures. These geometrical objects can be used to model nano-size objects together with real biological macromolecules. The position and size of the object can be manipulated by the user in real time until desired results are achieved. The server fixes structural defects, adds hydrogen atoms and calculates electrostatic energies and the corresponding electrostatic potential and ionic distributions. The web server follows a client-server architecture built on PHP and HTML and utilizes DelPhi software. The computation is carried out on supercomputer cluster and results are given back to the user via http protocol, including the ability to visualize the structure and corresponding electrostatic potential via Jmol implementation. The DelPhi web server is available from http://compbio.clemson.edu/delphi_webserver.

[COPD und Klangtherapie: Pilotstudie zur Wirksamkeit einer Behandlung mit Körpertambura bei COPD-Patienten].

PubMed

Hartwig, Bernhard; Schmidt, Stefan; Hartwig, Isabella

2016-01-01

Hintergrund: Erkrankungen der Atemorgane treten mit steigendem Alter öfter auf, nehmen weltweit zu und sind häufige Ursachen für Morbidität und Mortalität. In dieser Pilotstudie wurde der Frage nachgegangen, ob eine einmalige 10-minütige Behandlung mit einer Körpertambura eine signifikante und effektive Verbesserung der Lungenfunktion von Patienten mit chronisch-obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung (COPD; GOLD-Stadium A oder B) erbringen kann. Patienten und Methoden: 54 Probanden konnten je zur Hälfte in eine Behandlungsgruppe (Körpertambura) und eine aktive Kontrollgruppe (Atemtherapie) randomisiert werden. Eine Bestimmung der Lungenfunktionsmessparameter «Einsekundenkapazität» (FEV1) und «inspiratorische Vitalkapazität» (IVC) zu den Zeitpunkten T1 (Baseline), T2 (direkt nach Behandlung) und als Follow-up etwa 3 Wochen nach T1 (T3). Ergebnisse: Die Behandlungsgruppe zeigte sich der Kontrollgruppe in beiden Werten signifikant überlegen. Die Zeit-×-Gruppe-Interaktion (Varianzanalyse) ergab p = 0,001 (FEV1) bzw. p = 0,04 (IVC). Die Behandlungsgruppe zeigte bei beiden Werten eine Verbesserung von klinischer Relevanz. Schlussfolgerung: Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Klangbehandlung mittels einer Körpertambura - neben den schulmedizinischen, leitliniengerechten Therapien - eine zusätzliche, nebenwirkungsarme, aber durchaus klinisch wirksame Option für die Behandlung von COPD-Patienten darstellen kann, um deren Lebensqualität zu stabilisieren und zu verbessern. © 2016 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

Prä- und perioperative Aspekte der Versorgung dermatochirurgischer Patienten.

PubMed

Müller, Cornelia S L; Hubner, Wakiko; Thieme-Ruffing, Sigrid; Pföhler, Claudia; Vogt, Thomas; Volk, Thomas; Gärtner, Barbara C; Bialas, Patric

2017-02-01

Die Dermatochirurgie nimmt hinsichtlich vieler Punkte eine Sonderstellung unter den operativen Fächern ein. Hierzu gehört in erster Linie die Tatsache, dass bis auf wenige Ausnahmen fast alle Eingriffe traditionell in Lokal- bzw. Regionalanästhesie und oft auch in räumlich-infrastruktureller Trennung von den großen Zentral-Operationssälen stattfinden können. Die peri- und postoperative Überwachung obliegt dabei dem dermatochirurgischen Operationsteam. Das sui generis kleinere OP-Team hat somit eine ganze Reihe perioperativer Notwendigkeiten zu beachten, um die sich in den "großen" chirurgischen Fächern eine Vielzahl verschiedener beteiligter Fachgruppen gemeinsam kümmern. Hierzu gehören neben Hygieneaspekten, Kenntnissen in der Überwachung der Patienten sowie dem Aspekt der surgical site infections auch Fragen zur postoperativen Schmerztherapie sowie detailliertes pharmakologisches Wissen über die zur Anwendung kommenden Lokalanästhetika und das Handling der damit assoziierten toxischen und allergischen Reaktionen. Eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit und Verantwortung für den Patienten ist notwendig und erfordert die Erarbeitung und Umsetzung qualitätsorientierter und evidenzbasierter Handlungsanweisungen, die im dermatochirurgischen OP-Setting meist weit über das eigentliche Fach hinausgehen. Ziel dieses Weiterbildungsartikels soll die komprimierte Darstellung der genannten fachübergreifenden Standpunkte bezüglich der wichtigsten perioperativen Aspekte sein. © 2017 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Aufbau und Belastung tribologischer Systeme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schumacher, Jan; Murrenhoff, Hubertus

Die Tribologie ist laut DIN 50323 die Wissenschaft und Technik von aufeinander einwirkenden Oberflächen in Relativbewegung. Es werden die Teilgebiete Reibung, Verschleiß und Schmierung von ihr behandelt.

Tabellenanhang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krieger, Hanno

Wichtiger Hinweis: Die Korrektur- und Umrechnungsfaktoren für die verschiedenen Dosimetrieaufgaben in diesem Tabellenanhang sind vom Autor mit Sorgfalt recherchiert und zusammengestellt. Der Anwender wird darauf hingewiesen, dass er für die Beschaffung und Überprüfung der Richtigkeit der Dosimetriefaktoren selbst die Verantwortung trägt, zumal je nach Normung und internationaler Festlegung von Zeit zu Zeit mit Änderungen zu rechnen ist.

Aus Wirtschaft und Betrieb. Biomasse: Gewinnung und Verarbeitung mit Profilschal-maschinen

Treesearch

P. Koch

1977-01-01

1963 wurden in den Südstaaten der USA nur 30% der oberund unterirdischen Biomasse der geernteten sog. Southern pines für Schnittholz und Zellstoff verwertet bzw. als getrockneies, gehobletes und abgelängtes Schnittholz oder als Kraftpapier verkauft. Keine der zusammen mit den Kiefern vorkommenden Laubholzarten wurde bisher in nennenswertem Umfan verwertet. Auch heute...

Arzt und Hobby-Astronom in stürmischen Zeiten Der Büchernachlass des Doktor Johannes Häringshauser, Viertelsmedicus in Mistelbach (1630-1641) in der Melker Stiftsbibliothek.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davison, Giles; Glaßner, Gottfried

2009-06-01

Auf der Suche nach astronomischer Literatur stieß Giles Davison in der Melker Stiftsbibliothek auf den Namen "Doctor Johannes Häringshauser“ als Besitzer seltener und interessanter astronomischer Werke u.a. von Johannes Regiomontan, Georg von Peuerbach, Michael Mästlin, Johannes Kepler und Daniel Sennert. Weitere in den Jahren 2007-2009 durchgeführte Nachforschungen ergaben, dass es sich um den von 1630-1641 in Mistelbach, Niederösterreich, als Landschaftsarzt tätigen Vater des Melker Konventualen und Bibliothekars Sigismund Häringshauser (1631-1698) handelt. Er wurde 1603 als Sohn des aus Magdeburg stammenden Apothekers Johannes Häringshauser geboren und starb 1642 in Mistelbach. Johannes Häringshauser Sen. bekleidete von 1613-1640 eine Reihe wichtiger Ämter in der Wiener Stadtregierung und starb 1647. Der Studienaufenthalt von Dr. Johannes Häringshauser Jun. in Padua (1624-1626) dürfte das Interesse für Astronomie geweckt haben, das sich in seiner in die Bestände der Melker Stiftsbibliothek eingegangenen Privatbibliothek widerspiegelt. Der Großteil der 10 dem Fachbereich der Astronomie und Astrologie zuzuweisenden Titel wurde von ihm in den Jahren 1636 und 1637 erworben.

Sticktechnologie für medizinische Textilien und Tissue Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karamuk, Erdal; Mayer, Jörg; Wintermantel, Erich

Textile Strukturen werden in grossem Ausmass als medizinische Implantate eingesetzt, um Weich- und Hartgewebe zu unterstützen oder zu ersetzen. Im Tissue Engineering gewinnen sie an Bedeutung als scaffolds, um biologische Gewebe in vitro zu züchten für anschliessende Implantation oder extrakorporale Anwendungen. Textilien sind gewöhnlich anisotrope zweidimensionale Strukturen mit hoher Steifigkeit in der Ebene und geringer Biegesteifigkeit. Durch eine Vielzahl textiler Prozesse und durch entsprechende Wahl des Fasermaterials ist es möglich, Oberfläche, Porosität und mechanische Anisotropie in hohem Masse zu variieren. Wegen ihrer einzigartigen strukturellen und mechanischen Eigenschaften können faserbasierte Materialien in weitem Masse biologischem Gewebe nachgeahmt werden [1]. Gesticke erweitern das Feld von technischen und besonders medizinischen Textilien, denn sie vereinen sehr hohe strukturelle Variabilität mit der Möglichkeit, mechanische Eigenschaften in einem grossen Bereich einzustellen, um so die mechanischen Anforderungen des Empfängergewebes zu erfüllen (Abb. 42.1).

Zahlen und Rechenvorgänge auf unterschiedlichen Abstraktionsniveaus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rödler, Klaus

"Das Verständnis geht langsam vor sich!" Diesen wichtigen Satz hörte ich bei einem Vortrag von Martin Lowsky. Auf die hier behandelte Fragestellung übertragen heißt das: Was eine Zahl ist und wie ich sie im Rechenvorgang einsetzen und interpretieren kann, das erschließt sich erst allmählich. Die Zahl des Rechenanfängers ist nicht dieselbe wie die des kompetenten Rechners und es ist nicht die Zahl des Lehrers oder der Lehrerin. Die Zahlen sind nur auf der Oberfläche der Worte und Zeichen gleich. Im Innern, im Verständnis, sind sie völlig verschieden! Ich glaube, dass die Missachtung dieser Divergenz dazu führt, dass manche Kinder in für den Lehrer und Lehrerin nicht nachvollziehbaren Routinen stecken bleiben, einfachste Informationen nicht wirklich integrieren. Die auf beiden Seiten wachsende Verunsicherung durch die nicht erkannte und daher nicht kommunizierbare Diskrepanz im inneren Zahlkonzept stört den allmählichen Aufbau strukturierter Zahlvorstellungen.

"Das Konkrete ist das Abstrakte, an das man sich schließlich gewöhnt hat." (Laurent Schwartz) Über den Ablauf des mathematischen Verstehens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowsky, Martin

Die im Titel genannte Aussage findet sich in den Lebenserinnerungen von Laurent Schwartz (1915-2002), einem der fruchtbarsten Mathematiker, Mitglied der Gruppe Bourbaki. Im Original lautet die Aussage: "un objet concret est un objet abstrait auquel on a fini par s'habituer." Schwartz erläutert sie am Beispiel des Integrals über {e^{-1/2{x^2}}} , das den Wert Wurzel aus 2π hat und in dem sich also die Zahlen e und π verknüpfen. Was Schwartz aber vor allem ausdrücken will, ist dies: Das mathematische Verständnisd geht langsam vor sich und es bedarf der Anstrengung. "Es ist eine Frage der Zeit und der Energie", sagt Schwartz, und gerade dies mache es so schwer, die höhere Mathematik unter das Volk zu bringen. Das Lernen und Lehren von Mathematik laufe eben mühevoll und langsam ab.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Italian Adaptation of the Test of Inferential and Creative Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Faraci, Palmira; Hell, Benedikt; Schuler, Heinz

2016-01-01

This article describes the psychometric properties of the Italian adaptation of the "Analyse des Schlussfolgernden und Kreativen Denkens" (ASK; Test of Inferential and Creative Thinking) for measuring inferential and creative thinking. The study aimed to (a) supply evidence for the factorial structure of the instrument, (b) describe its…

Einsatz molekularer Methoden für Starterkulturen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehrmann, Matthias A.; Pavlovic, Melanie

Unter Starterkulturen versteht man Mikroorganismen (Bakterien, Hefen, Pilze), die pflanzlichen bzw. tierischen Rohstoffen zur gezielten Veränderung ihrer chemischen Zusammensetzung zugesetzt werden. Sie dienen im Wesentlichen der Aromabildung, der Strukturveränderung und der Konservierung der Lebensmittel und werden aufgrund spezieller, funktioneller Eigenschaften selektiert. Die Zugabe von Starterkulturen erfolgt in der Regel in relativ hohen Keimzahlen in Form von Rein- oder Mischkulturen. Die zum Einsatz kommenden Mikroorganismen sind ebenso zahlreich wie die daraus resultierenden Produkte und reichen von der Fermentation von Milchprodukten, Fleisch und Gemüse durch Milchsäurebakterien über die Essigsäureherstellung bis hin zum Einsatz von Hefen in der Brau- und Weinindustrie. Hieraus ergibt sich auch eine zunehmende Bedeutung schneller und zuverlässiger Methoden zur taxonomischen Identifizierung, aber auch zur Charakterisierung des genetischen Potenzials der jeweiligen Starterkulturen.

elecTUM: Umsetzung der eLearning-Strategie der Technischen Universität München

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathmayer, Sabine; Gergintchev, Ivan

An der TUM wurde ein umfassendes und integriertes eLearning-Konzept umgesetzt, welches Präsenzstudium und eLearning in allen Leistungsbereichen der Universität miteinander verzahnt. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt lag dabei in der Schaffung einer effizienten und wettbewerbsfähigen integrierten eLearning Infrastruktur in Hinblick auf die noch weiter steigenden Studienanfängerzahlen ab dem Jahr 2011 sowie die Umsetzung von eBologna. Die Etablierung einer hochschulweiten Lernplattform stellte eine wesentliche Basis für die Umsetzung der eLearning-Strategie dar. Die wissenschaftliche und wirtschaftliche Anschlussfähigkeit im Hinblick auf eine Verwertung der Projektergebnisse wurde durch die aktive Beteiligung an einer Vielzahl hochschulübergreifender Arbeitskreise, Fachtagungen und Kooperationen, vor allem über Organisations- und Dienstleistungsmodelle sowie innovative technische Entwicklungen, sichergestellt.

Tourismus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matzarakis, Andreas; Lohmann, Martin

Für den Tourismus haben Klima und Wetter eine große Relevanz: als Treiber des Verhaltens wie auch als Angebotsfaktor. Wetter und Klima sind demnach sowohl Bestandteil des touristischen Angebotes als auch limitierende Faktoren des Tourismus und Steuergrößen für die touristische Nachfrage. Insofern liegt es nahe, dass dieser Sektor vom Klimawandel betroffen sein wird. Der Tourismus ist aber auch ein Faktor, der seinerseits erheblich auf das Klima und den Klimawandel zurückwirkt. Dabei ist der Klimawandel aber nur einer von vielen voneinander abhängig erscheinenden Einflussfaktoren, denen der Sektor "Tourismus" ausgesetzt ist. Das heißt, es handelt sich um ein komplexes Wirkungsgefüge. Das Kapitel widmet sich den Klimawandelfolgen im Tourismus und macht diese beispielhaft an den Regionen "Küsten" sowie "Mittel- und Hochgebirge" fest, um Anpassungsmöglichkeiten anzufügen.

A FORTRAN technique for correlating a circular environmental variable with a linear physiological variable in the sugar maple.

PubMed

Pease, J M; Morselli, M F

1987-01-01

This paper deals with a computer program adapted to a statistical method for analyzing an unlimited quantity of binary recorded data of an independent circular variable (e.g. wind direction), and a linear variable (e.g. maple sap flow volume). Circular variables cannot be statistically analyzed with linear methods, unless they have been transformed. The program calculates a critical quantity, the acrophase angle (PHI, phi o). The technique is adapted from original mathematics [1] and is written in Fortran 77 for easier conversion between computer networks. Correlation analysis can be performed following the program or regression which, because of the circular nature of the independent variable, becomes periodic regression. The technique was tested on a file of approximately 4050 data pairs.

Philosophic Heuristic Instruction (PHI)--III.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coole, Walter A.

This publication contains a course outline, syllabus, and self-study units finished and partly tested in the Open Classroom, an auto-tutorial learning laboratory at Skagit Valley College (Washington). This self-contained course in elementary formal logic is designed for use in conjunction with Kalish and Montague's "Logic--Techniques of…

A Study of the Relationship between Student Placement Test Scores and Final Grades in Physics 121 at Pima College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iadevaia, David G.

A study was conducted at Pima Community College to determine the relationship between the final grade received by students in an introductory, algebra-based physics course (PHY 121) and their scores on the reading, writing, and mathematics portions of the college's nonmandatory assessment test. Between 1983 and 1988, 639 students obtained a final…

Lytic activity of the virion-associated peptidoglycan hydrolase HydH5 of staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage vB_SauS-phiIPLA88

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage vB_SauS-phiIPLA88 (phiIPLA88) contains a virion-associated muralytic enzyme (HydH5) encoded by orf58, which is located in the morphogenetic module. Comparative bioinformatic analysis revealed that HydH5 significantly resembled other peptidoglycan hydrolases encode...

Expression and GTP sensitivity of peptide histidine isoleucine high-affinity-binding sites in rat.

PubMed

Debaigt, Colin; Meunier, Annie-Claire; Goursaud, Stephanie; Montoni, Alicia; Pineau, Nicolas; Couvineau, Alain; Laburthe, Marc; Muller, Jean-Marc; Janet, Thierry

2006-07-01

High-affinity-binding sites for the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) analogs peptide histidine/isoleucine-amide (PHI)/carboxyterminal methionine instead of isoleucine (PHM) are expressed in numerous tissues in the body but the nature of their receptors remains to be elucidated. The data presented indicate that PHI discriminated a high-affinity guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-insensitive-binding subtype that represented the totality of the PHI-binding sites in newborn rat tissues but was differentially expressed in adult animals. The GTP-insensitive PHI/PHM-binding sites were also observed in CHO cells over expressing the VPAC2 but not the VPAC1 VIP receptor.

Chameleon scalar fields in relativistic gravitational backgrounds

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

Tsujikawa, Shinji; Tamaki, Takashi; Tavakol, Reza, E-mail: shinji@rs.kagu.tus.ac.jp, E-mail: tamaki@gravity.phys.waseda.ac.jp, E-mail: r.tavakol@qmul.ac.uk

2009-05-15

We study the field profile of a scalar field {phi} that couples to a matter fluid (dubbed a chameleon field) in the relativistic gravitational background of a spherically symmetric spacetime. Employing a linear expansion in terms of the gravitational potential {Phi}{sub c} at the surface of a compact object with a constant density, we derive the thin-shell field profile both inside and outside the object, as well as the resulting effective coupling with matter, analytically. We also carry out numerical simulations for the class of inverse power-law potentials V({phi}) = M{sup 4+n}{phi}{sup -n} by employing the information provided by ourmore » analytical solutions to set the boundary conditions around the centre of the object and show that thin-shell solutions in fact exist if the gravitational potential {Phi}{sub c} is smaller than 0.3, which marginally covers the case of neutron stars. Thus the chameleon mechanism is present in the relativistic gravitational backgrounds, capable of reducing the effective coupling. Since thin-shell solutions are sensitive to the choice of boundary conditions, our analytic field profile is very helpful to provide appropriate boundary conditions for {Phi}{sub c}{approx}« less

Amelioration of Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats Pretreated with Phycobiliproteins of Arthrospira (Spirulina) Maxima.

PubMed

Guzmán-Gómez, Oscar; García-Rodríguez, Rosa Virginia; Quevedo-Corona, Lucía; Pérez-Pastén-Borja, Ricardo; Rivero-Ramírez, Nora Lilia; Ríos-Castro, Emmanuel; Pérez-Gutiérrez, Salud; Pérez-Ramos, Julia; Chamorro-Cevallos, Germán Alberto

2018-06-13

Phycobiliproteins of Arthrospira ( Spirulina ) maxima have attracted attention because of their potential therapeutic antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to assess the possible antiulcerogenic activity of these phycobiliproteins (ExPhy) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. To explore the possible mechanisms of action, we examined antioxidant defense enzymes (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase), as well as the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and the histopathological changes in the gastric mucosa. Intragastric administration of ExPhy (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly lowered the ulcer index value compared to the ulcer control group ( p < 0.05). The greatest protection was provided by the concentration of 400 mg/kg. The histological study supported the observed gastroprotective activity of ExPhy, showing a reduced inflammatory response. Moreover, the alcohol-induced decrease in stomach antioxidant enzyme activity found in the ulcer control group was prevented by ExPhy pretreatment. Furthermore, ExPhy reversed the ethanol-induced increase in lipid peroxidation. In summary, the antiulcerogenic potential of ExPhy may be due, at least in part, to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mechanisms of inactivation of bacteriophage phiX174 and its DNA in aerosols by ozone and ozonized cyclohexene.

PubMed Central

de Mik, G.; de Groot, I.

1977-01-01

The mechanisms of inactivation of aerosolized bacteriophage phiX174 in atmospheres containing ozone, cyclohexene, or ozonized cyclohexene were studied by using 32P-labelled phage. The inactivation of the aerosolized phage in clear air or in air containing cyclohexene is due to damage of the protein coat since the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from the inactivated phage retains its biological activity. Inactivation of the phage in air containing ozonized cyclohexene is due both to protein and DNA damage. Sucrose gradient analysis shows that aerosolized inactivated phiX174 releases unbroken DNA. In contrast, the DNA from phage phiX174 inactivated by ozonized cyclohexene is broken. The inactivation of aerosolized phage phiX174-DNA was studied in the same atmospheres using 32P-labelled DNA. phiX174-DNA aerosolized in clear air or air containing cyclohexene at 75% r.h. is inactivated by a factor of 2 in 30 min. The inactivated DNA is broken. Ozone as well as ozonized cyclohexene inactivates KNA very fast causing breaks in the molecule. This is in contrast with the intact bacteriophage in which ozone does not produce breaks in the DNA. PMID:265342

On absolutely continuous weakly mixing cocycles over irrational rotations

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

Rozhdestvenskii, A V

2003-06-30

A weakly mixing cocycle over a rotation {alpha} is a measurable function {phi}:S{sup 1}{yields}S{sup 1}, where S{sup 1}={l_brace}z element of C:|z|=1{r_brace}, such that the equation {phi}{sup n}(z)=c (h(exp(2{pi}i{alpha})z))/(h(z))for almost all z; (*) has no measurable solutions h( {center_dot} ):S{sup 1}{yields}S{sup 1} for any n element of Z{l_brace}0{r_brace} and c element of C, |c|=1. If the irrational number {alpha} has bounded convergents in its continued fraction expansion and a function M(y) increases more slowly than y ln{sup 1/2}y, then it is proved that there exists a weakly mixing cocycle of the form {phi}(exp(2{pi}ix))=exp(2{pi}i{phi}-tilde(x)), where {phi}-tilde:T{yields}R belongs to the class W{sup 1}(M(L)(T)).more » In addition, it is shown that equation (*) (and also the corresponding additive cohomological equation) is soluble for {phi}-tilde element of W{sup 1}(L log{sub +}{sup 1/2}L(T))« less

Public-private sector interactions and the demand for supplementary health insurance in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Bíró, Anikó; Hellowell, Mark

2016-07-01

We examine the demand for private health insurance (PHI) in the United Kingdom and relate this to changes in the supply of public and private healthcare. Using a novel collection of administrative, private sector and survey data, we re-assess the relationships between the quality and availability of public and private sector inpatient care, and the demand for PHI. We find that PHI coverage in the United Kingdom is positively related to the median of the region- and year-specific public sector waiting times. We find that PHI prevalence ceteris paribus increases with being self-employed and employed, while it decreases with having financial difficulties. In addition, we highlight the complexities of inter-sectoral relations and their impact on PHI demand. Within a region, we find that an increase in private healthcare supply is associated with a decrease in public sector waiting times, implying lower PHI demand. This may be explained by the usage of private facilities by NHS commissioners. These results have important implications for policymakers interested in the role of private healthcare supply in enhancing the availability of and equitable access to acute inpatient care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Model-Dependent Constraint on Quark Total Angular Momentum Based on the Transverse Target-spin Asymmetry Measured in Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering at HERMES

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

Nowak, Wolf-Dieter

Results are reported on the transverse target-spin asymmetry (TTSA) associated with deeply virtual Compton scattering on the proton. The data have been accumulated in the years 2002-2004 by the HERMES experiment at DESY, in which the HERA 27.6 GeV e+ beam scattered on a transversely polarized hydrogen target. Two azimuthal amplitudes of the TTSA appearing to LO in 1/Q and {alpha}s, A{sub UT}{sup sin({phi}-{phi}{sub S})cos{phi}} and A{sub UT}{sup cos({phi} -{phi}{sub S})sin{phi}}, are given as a function of -t,xB,Q2 in the kinematic range |t| < 0.7 GeV2, 0.03 < xB < 0.35 and 1 < Q2 < 10 GeV2. The firstmore » amplitude is found to be sensitive to the generalized parton distribution (GPD) E of the proton, which can be parameterized in a GPD model through quark total angular momentum Jq(q = u, d). Within the context of this model, a constraint in the (Ju,Jd) plane is obtained from HERMES TTSA data.« less

Evaluating the Use of Monocytes with a Degradable Polyurethane for Vascular Tissue Regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Battiston, Kyle Giovanni

Monocytes are one of the first cell types present following the implantation of a biomaterial or tissue engineered construct. Depending on the monocyte activation state supported by the biomaterial, monocytes and their derived macrophages (MDMs) can act as positive contributors to tissue regeneration and wound healing, or conversely promote a chronic inflammatory response that leads to fibrous encapsulation and implant rejection. A degradable polar hydrophobic iconic polyurethane (D-PHI) has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory monocyte/macrophage response compared to tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), a substrate routinely used for in vitro culture of cells, as well as poly(lactide- co-glycolide) (PLGA), a standard synthetic biodegradable biomaterial in the tissue engineering field. D-PHI has also shown properties suitable for use in a vascular tissue engineering context. In order to understand the mechanism through which D-PHI attenuates pro-inflammatory monocyte response, this thesis investigated the ability of D-PHI to modulate interactions with adsorbed serum proteins and the properties of D-PHI that were important for this activity. D-PHI was shown to regulate protein adsorption in a manner that produced divergent monocyte responses compared to TCPS and PLGA when coated with the serum proteins alpha2-macroglobulin or immunoglobulin G (IgG). In the case of IgG, D-PHI was shown to reduce pro-inflammatory binding site exposure as a function of the material's polar, hydrophobic, and ionic character. Due to the favourable monocyte activation state supported by D-PHI, and the importance of monocytes/macrophages in regulating the response of tissue-specific cell types in vivo, the ability of a D-PHI-stimulated monocyte/macrophage activation state to contribute to modulating the response of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in a vascular tissue engineering context was investigated. D-PHI- stimulated monocytes promoted VSMC growth and migration through biomolecule release. Coupling monocyte-VSMC co-culture with biomechanical strain further enhanced these effects, while also promoting extracellular matrix deposition (collagen I, collagen III, and elastin) and enhancing the mechanical properties of VSMC-monocyte seeded tissue constructs. This thesis identifies the use of biomaterials with immunomodulatory capacity to harness the stimulatory potential of MDMs and contribute to tissue engineering strategies in vitro. This latter work in turn has contributed to identifying aspects of biomaterial design that can contribute to supporting desirable monocyte-biomaterial interactions that can facilitate this process.

Evaluation of the Intel Xeon Phi Co-processor to accelerate the sensitivity map calculation for PET imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, T.; Rodrigue, P.

2015-07-01

We aim to evaluate the Intel Xeon Phi coprocessor for acceleration of 3D Positron Emission Tomography (PET) image reconstruction. We focus on the sensitivity map calculation as one computational intensive part of PET image reconstruction, since it is a promising candidate for acceleration with the Many Integrated Core (MIC) architecture of the Xeon Phi. The computation of the voxels in the field of view (FoV) can be done in parallel and the 103 to 104 samples needed to calculate the detection probability of each voxel can take advantage of vectorization. We use the ray tracing kernels of the Embree project to calculate the hit points of the sample rays with the detector and in a second step the sum of the radiological path taking into account attenuation is determined. The core components are implemented using the Intel single instruction multiple data compiler (ISPC) to enable a portable implementation showing efficient vectorization either on the Xeon Phi and the Host platform. On the Xeon Phi, the calculation of the radiological path is also implemented in hardware specific intrinsic instructions (so-called `intrinsics') to allow manually-optimized vectorization. For parallelization either OpenMP and ISPC tasking (based on pthreads) are evaluated.Our implementation achieved a scalability factor of 0.90 on the Xeon Phi coprocessor (model 5110P) with 60 cores at 1 GHz. Only minor differences were found between parallelization with OpenMP and the ISPC tasking feature. The implementation using intrinsics was found to be about 12% faster than the portable ISPC version. With this version, a speedup of 1.43 was achieved on the Xeon Phi coprocessor compared to the host system (HP SL250s Gen8) equipped with two Xeon (E5-2670) CPUs, with 8 cores at 2.6 to 3.3 GHz each. Using a second Xeon Phi card the speedup could be further increased to 2.77. No significant differences were found between the results of the different Xeon Phi and the Host implementations. The examination showed that a reasonable speedup of sensitivity map calculation could be achieved on the Xeon Phi either by a portable or a hardware specific implementation.

Mittelwert- und Arbeitstaktsynchrone Simulation von Dieselmotoren

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahn, Sebastian

Getrieben durch die immer restriktiveren Anforderungen an das Emissions- und Verbrauchsverhalten moderner Verbrennungsmotoren steigt die Komplexität von Motormanagementsystemen mit jeder Modellgeneration an. Damit geht nicht nur eine Zunahme des Softwareumfangs von Steuergeräten sondern zugleich ein deutlicher Anstieg des Applikations-, Vermessungs- und Testaufwandes einher. Zur Effizienzsteigerung des Software- und Funktionsentwicklungsprozesses haben sich daher in der Automobilindustrie sowie in Forschungsinstituten verschiedene modell- und simulationsbasierte Methoden wie die Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) Simulation, die Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) Simulation, das Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) sowie die Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) Simulation etabliert.

Grundlagen und Grundbegriffe der Messtechnik

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plaßmann, Wilfried

Es ist eine wesentliche Aufgabe der Messtechnik, technische Vorgänge quantitativ zu erfassen und anhand der gemessenen Größen Funktionsabläufe zu steuern. Als Beispiel sei ein Kraftwerk zur Energieerzeugung genannt, bei dem nur über die Messung von Temperaturen, Leistungen, Drücken und anderen Größen Aussagen über den momentanen Zustand möglich sind und bei Abweichungen vom Sollwert geeignete Eingriffe in das System erfolgen können. Damit eine eindeutige Kommunikation möglich wird, sind die in der Messtechnik verwendeten Begriffe, Messverfahren und Maßeinheiten in entsprechenden Normen oder Vorschriften festgelegt.

BoLA class I polymorphism and in vitro immune response to M. bovis antigens.

PubMed

Longeri, M; Polli, M; Ponti, W; Zanotti, M

1993-01-12

From a sample of 119 Friesian calves, serologically typed for BoLA class I, 47 subjects were chosen expressing 9 different MHC types (A6, A6.9, A10, A11, A14, A15, A30, W16, M103) with the same age and reared in the same farm conditions. The animals were s.c. injected with a water in oil suspension of killed M. bovis and the treatment was repeated two days later. Before the treatment and 21 days later, calves were bled and on PBM (peripheral blood mononuclear leucocytes) were performed the following tests: 1. Lymphocyte Stimulation with bovine and avian PPDs (Purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium, respectively). 2. Phagocytic activity towards M. bovis. 3. Class II molecules expression on cell surface. 4. Percentage of leucocyte populations and subpopulations. In the in vitro Lymphocyte Stimulation test, all the animals and classes were responders. Animals bearing A10 BoLA class I presented c.p.m. (counts per minute) and index values higher than the other cattle; these values were significantly positively related both to bovine and avian PPDs (P < .01). By variance analysis A14 BoLA type showed a slight positive significant correlation with more efficient phagocytic activity. BoLA class I type did not seem to significantly affect percentage of class II positive cells and leucocyte percentages on PBM. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Der BoLA Klasse I Polymorphismus und in vitro immunologische Antwort gegen die Antigene von M. bovis Aus einer Stichprobe von 119 für BoLA Klasse I serologisch typisierten Friesian Kälber, wurden 47 Subjekte ausgewählt, die 9 verschiedene MHC Typen ausdrückten (A6, A6.9, A10, A11, A14, A15, A30, W16, M103). Alle waren gleich alt und in gleichen Haltungsbedingungen. Die Tiere wurden mit einer Wasser-in-Ol Suspension abgetöteter M. bovis subkutan injiziert und die Behandlung nach zwei Tagen wiederholt. Vor und 21 Tage nach Behandlung wurden die folgenden Tests ausgeführt: 1. Lymphozyten-Stimulationstest mit bovinen und Geflügel PPDs. 2. Phagozyten Aktivität gegen M. bovis. 3. Zeil-Oberflächen, Expression der Klasse II Moleküle. 4. Anteile der Lymphozyten Populationen und Subpopulationen. Im in vitro Lymphozyten-Stimulationstest waren alle Tiere und Klassen responder. Tiere mit A10 BoLA I zeigten höhere c.p.m. und Indexwerte als die anderen; diese Werte waren in signifikant positiver Beziehung mit der PPD von M. bovis und auch mit M. avium (P < .01). BoLA Typ A14 zeigte leicht signifikant positive Korrelation mit wirksamerer Phagozyten Aktivität. BoLA Klasse I Typ scheint nicht den Prozentsatz der positiven Zellen der Klasse II und der Leukozyten der PBM signifikant zu beeinflussen. RESUMEN: Polimorfismo de BoLA clase I y immunidad a los antigenos del M. bovis Se escojeron 47 novillos dentro de un grupo de 119 animales que segun analisis previamente hecha tenian BoLA de clase I. Estos 47 novillos fueron escojidos de manera que tuvieran 9 distintos tipos de MHC (A6, A6.9, A10, A11, A14, A15, A30, W16, M103), la misma edad, las mismas condiciones de cria. Estos animales fueron inoculados subcutaneo con M. bovis matados en una suspension oleosa y la misma inoculacion fue repetida una secunda vez despues de dos dias. Por cada animal se tomaron muestras de sangre antes y 21 dias despues de la inoculacion de arriba. Las muestras de sangre fueron pruebaoas con: 1. Stimulacion Lymhocitaria con PPD bovina y avicola. 2. Actividad phagocitaria a M. bovis. 3. Expresion sobre la superficie celular de moleculas de clase II. 4. Porcentaje de poblaciones y de subpob-laciones de leucocitos. Todos los animales y todos los tipos de MHC dieron respuestas positivas en las pruebas de Stimulacion Lymphocitaria. Los animales que tenian la BoLA A10 presentaron valores de c.p.m. y indices mas altos de los demas animales. Estos valores se encontraron significativamente y positivamente relacionados sea a la PPD bovina que a la PPD avicola. Por medio de la analisis de varianzas se encontro que el tipo BoLA A14 muestraba una correlacion significativa y algo positiva con una mejor actividad fagocitaria. Los tipos de clase BoLA I no parecieron que influenzaran de manera appreciable el porcentaje de positividad por la clase II y el porcentaje de leucocitos en la sangre PBM. 1993 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Wirkstoffe, Medikamente und Mathematische Bildverarbeitung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Günter J.; Lorenz, Dirk A.; Maaß, Peter; Preckel, Hartwig; Trede, Dennis

Die Entwicklung neuer Medikamente ist langwierig und teuer. Der erste Schritt ist hierbei die Suche nach neuen Wirkstoffkandidaten, die für die Behandlung bislang schwer therapierbarer Krankheiten geeignet sind. Hierfür stehen der Pharma- und Biotechnologieindustrie riesige Substanzbibliotheken zur Verfügung. In diesen Bibliotheken werden die unterschiedlichsten Substanzen gesammelt, die entweder synthetisch hergestellt oder aus Pilzen, Bakterienkulturen und anderen Lebewesen gewonnen werden können.

Characterization of a T7-like lytic bacteriophage (phiSG-JL2) of Salmonella enterica serovar gallinarum biovar gallinarum.

PubMed

Kwon, Hyuk-Joon; Cho, Sun-Hee; Kim, Tae-Eun; Won, Yong-Jin; Jeong, Jihye; Park, Se Chang; Kim, Jae-Hong; Yoo, Han-Sang; Park, Yong-Ho; Kim, Sun-Joong

2008-11-01

PhiSG-JL2 is a newly discovered lytic bacteriophage infecting Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum but is nonlytic to a rough vaccine strain of serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum (SG-9R), S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and S. enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum. The phiSG-JL2 genome is 38,815 bp in length (GC content, 50.9%; 230-bp-long direct terminal repeats), and 55 putative genes may be transcribed from the same strand. Functions were assigned to 30 genes based on high amino acid similarity to known proteins. Most of the expected proteins except tail fiber (31.9%) and the overall organization of the genomes were similar to those of yersiniophage phiYeO3-12. phiSG-JL2 could be classified as a new T7-like virus and represents the first serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum phage genome to be sequenced. On the basis of intraspecific ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide changes (Pi[a]/Pi[s]), gene 2 encoding the host RNA polymerase inhibitor displayed Darwinian positive selection. Pretreatment of chickens with phiSG-JL2 before intratracheal challenge with wild-type serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum protected most birds from fowl typhoid. Therefore, phiSG-JL2 may be useful for the differentiation of serovar Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum from other Salmonella serotypes, prophylactic application in fowl typhoid control, and understanding of the vertical evolution of T7-like viruses.

Critical role for NHE1 in intracellular pH regulation in pancreatic acinar cells.

PubMed

Brown, David A; Melvin, James E; Yule, David I

2003-11-01

The primary function of pancreatic acinar cells is to secrete digestive enzymes together with a NaCl-rich primary fluid which is later greatly supplemented and modified by the pancreatic duct. A Na+/H+ exchanger(s) [NHE(s)] is proposed to be integral in the process of fluid secretion both in terms of the transcellular flux of Na+ and intracellular pH (pHi) regulation. Multiple NHE isoforms have been identified in pancreatic tissue, but little is known about their individual functions in acinar cells. The Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride completely blocked pHi recovery after an NH4Cl-induced acid challenge, confirming a general role for NHE in pHi regulation. The targeted disruption of the Nhe1 gene also completely abolished pHi recovery from an acid load in pancreatic acini in both HCO3--containing and HCO3--free solutions. In contrast, the disruption of either Nhe2 or Nhe3 had no effect on pHi recovery. In addition, NHE1 activity was upregulated in response to muscarinic stimulation in wild-type mice but not in NHE1-deficient mice. Fluctuations in pHi could potentially have major effects on Ca2+ signaling following secretagogue stimulation; however, the targeted disruption of Nhe1 was found to have no significant effect on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. These data demonstrate that NHE1 is the major regulator of pHi in both resting and muscarinic agonist-stimulated pancreatic acinar cells.

Predicting prostate biopsy outcome: prostate health index (phi) and prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) are useful biomarkers.

PubMed

Ferro, Matteo; Bruzzese, Dario; Perdonà, Sisto; Mazzarella, Claudia; Marino, Ada; Sorrentino, Alessandra; Di Carlo, Angelina; Autorino, Riccardo; Di Lorenzo, Giuseppe; Buonerba, Carlo; Altieri, Vincenzo; Mariano, Angela; Macchia, Vincenzo; Terracciano, Daniela

2012-08-16

Indication for prostate biopsy is presently mainly based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum levels and digital-rectal examination (DRE). In view of the unsatisfactory accuracy of these two diagnostic exams, research has focused on novel markers to improve pre-biopsy prostate cancer detection, such as phi and PCA3. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of phi and PCA3 for prostate cancer using biopsy as gold standard. Phi index (Beckman coulter immunoassay), PCA3 score (Progensa PCA3 assay) and other established biomarkers (tPSA, fPSA and %fPSA) were assessed before a 18-core prostate biopsy in a group of 251 subjects at their first biopsy. Values of %p2PSA and phi were significantly higher in patients with PCa compared with PCa-negative group (p<0.001) and also compared with high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) (p<0.001). PCA3 score values were significantly higher in PCa compared with PCa-negative subjects (p<0.001) and in HGPIN vs PCa-negative patients (p<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that %p2PSA, phi and PCA3 are predictive of malignancy. In conclusion, %p2PSA, phi and PCA3 may predict a diagnosis of PCa in men undergoing their first prostate biopsy. PCA3 score is more useful in discriminating between HGPIN and non-cancer. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A structural model of anti-anti-[sigma] inhibition by a two-component receiver domain: the PhyR stress response regulator

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

Herrou, Julien; Foreman, Robert; Fiebig, Aretha

2012-05-09

PhyR is a hybrid stress regulator conserved in {alpha}-proteobacteria that contains an N-terminal {sigma}-like (SL) domain and a C-terminal receiver domain. Phosphorylation of the receiver domain is known to promote binding of the SL domain to an anti-{sigma} factor. PhyR thus functions as an anti-anti-{sigma} factor in its phosphorylated state. We present genetic evidence that Caulobacter crescentus PhyR is a phosphorylation-dependent stress regulator that functions in the same pathway as {sigma}{sup T} and its anti-{sigma} factor, NepR. Additionally, we report the X-ray crystal structure of PhyR at 1.25 {angstrom} resolution, which provides insight into the mechanism of anti-anti-{sigma} regulation. Directmore » intramolecular contact between the PhyR receiver and SL domains spans regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4}, likely serving to stabilize the SL domain in a closed conformation. The molecular surface of the receiver domain contacting the SL domain is the structural equivalent of {alpha}4-{beta}5-{alpha}5, which is known to undergo dynamic conformational change upon phosphorylation in a diverse range of receiver proteins. We propose a structural model of PhyR regulation in which receiver phosphorylation destabilizes the intramolecular interaction between SL and receiver domains, thereby permitting regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4} in the SL domain to open about a flexible connector loop and bind anti-{sigma} factor.« less

A structural model of anti-anti-[sigma];#963; inhibition by a two-component receiver domain: the PhyR stress response regulator

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

Herrou, Julien; Foreman, Robert; Fiebig, Aretha

2012-03-30

PhyR is a hybrid stress regulator conserved in {alpha}-proteobacteria that contains an N-terminal {sigma}-like (SL) domain and a C-terminal receiver domain. Phosphorylation of the receiver domain is known to promote binding of the SL domain to an anti-{sigma} factor. PhyR thus functions as an anti-anti-{sigma} factor in its phosphorylated state. We present genetic evidence that Caulobacter crescentus PhyR is a phosphorylation-dependent stress regulator that functions in the same pathway as {sigma}{sup T} and its anti-{sigma} factor, NepR. Additionally, we report the X-ray crystal structure of PhyR at 1.25 {angstrom} resolution, which provides insight into the mechanism of anti-anti-{sigma} regulation. Directmore » intramolecular contact between the PhyR receiver and SL domains spans regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4}, likely serving to stabilize the SL domain in a closed conformation. The molecular surface of the receiver domain contacting the SL domain is the structural equivalent of {alpha}4-{beta}5-{alpha}5, which is known to undergo dynamic conformational change upon phosphorylation in a diverse range of receiver proteins. We propose a structural model of PhyR regulation in which receiver phosphorylation destabilizes the intramolecular interaction between SL and receiver domains, thereby permitting regions {sigma}{sub 2} and {sigma}{sub 4} in the SL domain to open about a flexible connector loop and bind anti-{sigma} factor.« less

Accurate Quantitative Sensing of Intracellular pH based on Self-ratiometric Upconversion Luminescent Nanoprobe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cuixia; Zuo, Jing; Zhang, Li; Chang, Yulei; Zhang, Youlin; Tu, Langping; Liu, Xiaomin; Xue, Bin; Li, Qiqing; Zhao, Huiying; Zhang, Hong; Kong, Xianggui

2016-12-01

Accurate quantitation of intracellular pH (pHi) is of great importance in revealing the cellular activities and early warning of diseases. A series of fluorescence-based nano-bioprobes composed of different nanoparticles or/and dye pairs have already been developed for pHi sensing. Till now, biological auto-fluorescence background upon UV-Vis excitation and severe photo-bleaching of dyes are the two main factors impeding the accurate quantitative detection of pHi. Herein, we have developed a self-ratiometric luminescence nanoprobe based on förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) for probing pHi, in which pH-sensitive fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were served as energy acceptor and donor, respectively. Under 980 nm excitation, upconversion emission bands at 475 nm and 645 nm of NaYF4:Yb3+, Tm3+ UCNPs were used as pHi response and self-ratiometric reference signal, respectively. This direct quantitative sensing approach has circumvented the traditional software-based subsequent processing of images which may lead to relatively large uncertainty of the results. Due to efficient FRET and fluorescence background free, a highly-sensitive and accurate sensing has been achieved, featured by 3.56 per unit change in pHi value 3.0-7.0 with deviation less than 0.43. This approach shall facilitate the researches in pHi related areas and development of the intracellular drug delivery systems.

Netzformen und VDE-Bestimmungen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernstein, Herbert

Der Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) hat eine Reihe von Vorschriften ausgearbeitet, die dem Schutz von Leben und Sachen beim Umgang mit elektrischer Energie dienen. Besonders wichtig sind die in den VDE-Bestimmungen 0100 und 0411 festgelegten Vorschriften.

Mechanik

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steffen, Horst

Elektrotechnik und Mechanik verknüpfen sich zunehmend, z. B. bei der Konstruktion von Maschinen. Als Beispiel sei ein Roboter genannt, dessen Bewegungsabläufe elektrisch gespeichert sind und über elektrische Antriebe ausgeführt werden. Bei der Bewegung eines massebehafteten Roboterarmes kommen u. a. Begriffe wie Geschwindigkeit, Beschleunigung, Bewegung im Koordinatensystem und Energie bewegter Massen zum Tragen. Dieses Kapitel erfasst die grundlegenden Gesetze der Mechanik. Behandelt werden folgende Themen: Kinematik des Massenpunktes (Geschwindigkeit, Beschleunigung, Freier Fall, Senkrechter Wurf); Zusammengesetzte Bewegungen (Schiefer Wurf, Kreisbewegung); Dynamik; Newtonsche Axiome; Kraft; Zerlegung und Zusammensetzung von Kräften; Impuls; Impulserhaltungssatz; Arbeit; Leistung; Wirkungsgrad; Energie; Stoß (elastisch und unelastisch); Rotation (Drehmoment, Schwerpunkt, Drehimpuls, Trägheitsmoment, Rotationsenergie); Gravitation; Elastische Verformung fester Körper; Mechanik der ruhenden Flüssigkeiten und Gase (Druck, Kompressibilität); Hydrostatischer Druck; Schweredruck in Gasen (Auftrieb); Hydrodynamik (Kontinuitätsgleichung, Bernoulli-Gleichung).

Intelligente Messsysteme - Mehrwert für unterschiedliche Stufen der Wertschöpfung

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deppe, Benjamin

Die Veränderung der Energiewirtschaft schreitet kontinuierlich voran - und wird mit Gesetz zur Digitalisierung der Energiewende nicht abgeschlossen sein. Vielmehr steigen die Innovationsgeschwindigkeit und die Erwartungshaltung der Kunden. Dieses Kapitel beschreibt, wie intelligente Messsysteme die Basis für neue Möglichkeiten schaffen und wie sich diese Veränderungen auf die Wertschöpfung auswirken. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf dem Wandel der einzelnen Wertschöpfungsstufen im Verlauf der Liberalisierung des Messwesens und dem seit dem 02.09.2016 verbindlichen Messstellenbetriebsgesetzes. Der Beitrag zeigt auf, wie sich bisher getrennte Wertschöpfungsstufen nunmehr direkt berühren und miteinander interagieren. Deutlich wird dadurch, wie Informationen zu Mehrwert führen können - aber auch, welche Fragen noch zu beantworten sind und welche Hürden es zu überwinden gilt.

Energiewende 4.0 - Chancen, Erfolgsfaktoren, Herausforderungen, Barrieren für Stadtwerke und Verteilnetzbetreiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieger, Volker; Weber, Sven

Energiewende und Digitalisierung transformieren die Energiewirtschaft in noch nicht da gewesenem Maße. Durch den Wandel des linearen, vertikalen Geschäftsmodells in ein horizontales und vernetztes entstehen neue Geschäftsmodelle, in die vermehrt neue Anbieter aus anderen Branchen und Start-ups eintreten. Auf Basis langjähriger Beratungserfahrung erläutern die Autoren die zukünftige Geschäftslogik der Energiewelt 4.0. Anhand von Beispielen aus anderen Branchen zeigen sie dabei wesentliche Handlungsfelder speziell für regionale Energieunternehmen auf. Um in der neuen Energiewelt relevant zu bleiben, müssen Energieversorger ihre Kunden in den Fokus rücken, sich für Partnerschaften öffnen, in die Leistungsfähigkeit ihrer Infrastruktur investieren und v. a. einen Kulturwandel hin zu mehr Agilität und Offenheit vollführen.

Environmental Acoustic Considerations for Passive Detection of Maritime Targets by Hydrophones in a Deep Ocean Trench

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

Science and Technology. Available: http://cmst.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/ products / actup_v2_2l_installation_user_guide.pdf (accessed 2 June 2010...noisecurve112(:,6)); %% Intergrating Noise Level Trench A n2=0; Itot=0; phi_t=atan(D1/L1); m=1; while (phi(m,1)>phi_t) m=m+1; end

Mucosal safety of PHI-443 and stampidine as a combination microbicide to prevent genital transmission of HIV-1.

PubMed

D'Cruz, Osmond J; Uckun, Fatih M

2007-10-01

To investigate the in vitro and in vivo mucosal safety of a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor (PHI-443) and a nucleoside analogue RT inhibitor (stampidine)-based anti-HIV microbicide either alone or in combination. In vitro and in vivo studies using three-dimensional vaginal epithelia integrating Langerhans cells and 16 New Zealand White rabbits, respectively. Research laboratory. Rabbits in groups of four were exposed intravaginally to a gel with and without 1% PHI-443, 1% stampidine, or 1% PHI-443 plus 1% stampidine for 14 days. Cytokine/chemokine release by three-dimensional co-cultures in the presence and absence of PHI-443 or stampidine. Histologic scoring of vaginal tissue for mucosal toxicity at 24 hours after dosing. Simultaneous evaluation of levels of 10 cytokines (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-13, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, and interferon-gamma) and 6 chemokines (epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78, interleukin-8, monocyte/macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-3 alpha, interferon-inducible protein-10, and regulated upon activation of normal T-cell expressed and secreted) in culture media by a multiplexed chemiluminescence-based immunoassay. In the rabbit model, repeated intravaginal administration of PHI-443 plus stampidine via a gel formulation at concentrations nearly 2,000 and 10,000 times higher than their respective in vitro anti-HIV IC(50) values did not result in vaginal irritation. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines secreted by multilayered human genital epithelia integrating Langerhans cells were unaffected by prolonged exposure to PHI-443 or stampidine. The combination of PHI-443 and stampidine was noncytotoxic to vaginal epithelial cells, nonirritating to vaginal mucosa, and did not induce the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by co-cultures of human genital epithelia and Langerhans cells. These attributes are particularly useful for the clinical development of PHI-443 and stampidine as a combination microbicide and as a prophylactic anti-HIV agent to curb genital transmission of HIV-1 by semen.

List-mode PET image reconstruction for motion correction using the Intel XEON PHI co-processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryder, W. J.; Angelis, G. I.; Bashar, R.; Gillam, J. E.; Fulton, R.; Meikle, S.

2014-03-01

List-mode image reconstruction with motion correction is computationally expensive, as it requires projection of hundreds of millions of rays through a 3D array. To decrease reconstruction time it is possible to use symmetric multiprocessing computers or graphics processing units. The former can have high financial costs, while the latter can require refactoring of algorithms. The Xeon Phi is a new co-processor card with a Many Integrated Core architecture that can run 4 multiple-instruction, multiple data threads per core with each thread having a 512-bit single instruction, multiple data vector register. Thus, it is possible to run in the region of 220 threads simultaneously. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Xeon Phi co-processor card is a viable alternative to an x86 Linux server for accelerating List-mode PET image reconstruction for motion correction. An existing list-mode image reconstruction algorithm with motion correction was ported to run on the Xeon Phi coprocessor with the multi-threading implemented using pthreads. There were no differences between images reconstructed using the Phi co-processor card and images reconstructed using the same algorithm run on a Linux server. However, it was found that the reconstruction runtimes were 3 times greater for the Phi than the server. A new version of the image reconstruction algorithm was developed in C++ using OpenMP for mutli-threading and the Phi runtimes decreased to 1.67 times that of the host Linux server. Data transfer from the host to co-processor card was found to be a rate-limiting step; this needs to be carefully considered in order to maximize runtime speeds. When considering the purchase price of a Linux workstation with Xeon Phi co-processor card and top of the range Linux server, the former is a cost-effective computation resource for list-mode image reconstruction. A multi-Phi workstation could be a viable alternative to cluster computers at a lower cost for medical imaging applications.

The East-German Research Landscape in Transition. Part C. Research at East-German Universities

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-10

Software-Systemlosungen fUr Aufgaben der Qualit ~ tssicherung und Pr~zisionsmeBtechnik. Beratung zur automatisierten ProzeBsteuerung und rechnergestUtzten... Qualit ~ tssicherung Beratung zu Schnittstellenproblemen und zur Lichtzeichentechnik Beratung zu Auswahl und Einsatz von metrischen Bi...49 (351) 463-2786 with seventeen institutes. C45.wp-09 05 MAR 93 #4350 DEPARTMENT FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING. WATER- AND FOREST TECHNOLOGY Fakult~t fUr Bau

Phänomenologische Grundlagen der Wärmelehre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heintze, Joachim

Die Physik der Wärme lässt sich auf zweierlei Weise formulieren: Einmal als Mechanik eines Systems, das eine enorm große Zahl von Teilchen enthält (statistische Mechanik), und einmal mit Hilfe von ad hoc eingeführten Größen, den sogenannten Zustandsgrößen, die geeignet sind, das Verhalten eines solchen Systems zu beschreiben, ohne dass man die Teilchen selbst und ihre Bewegungen betrachten muss (Thermodynamik). Wir werden beide Ansätze in ihrer einfachsten und anschaulichsten Ausprägung in Kap. 5 (kinetische Gastheorie) bzw. in Kap. 8 (Grundbegriffe der Thermodynamik) behandeln. Obgleich sich die volle Durchführung des Programms als begrifflich und mathematisch recht schwierig erweist - die Vorlesung "Thermodynamik und Statistik" steht gewöhnlich am Ende der Kursvorlesungen über theoretische Physik - werden wir doch auf der Grundlage der Kap. 5 und 8 eine Menge über die Physik der Wärme lernen können. Den Ausgangspunkt der Wärmelehre bilden jedoch allemal die Naturerscheinungen, die wir hier in Kap. 4 behandeln wollen: Wärme, Kälte, Temperaturausgleich. Wir werden untersuchen, wie man diese Begriffe quantifizieren kann, und was bei der Erwärmung oder Abkühlung eines Körpers vor sich geht. Dabei werden wir auf den I. und II. Hauptsatz der Wärmelehre stoßen.

Digitalisierung und Energie 4.0 - Wie schaffen wir die digitale Energiewende?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irlbeck, Maximilian

Die digitale Energiewende verändert nachhaltig die Systeme der "alten" Energiewelt. Ein Zusammenwachsen verschiedener Domänen im Energiesystem, die durch digitale Technologie möglich wird, birgt enorme Herausforderungen, ist aber notwendig, um die Energiewende und ihre Ziele zu meistern. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Wirkung der Digitalisierung auf das Energiesystem, listet Charakteristika der digitalen Energiewende auf und schildert für verschiedene Domänen mögliche Zielvorstellungen, die durch digitale Technologie umsetzbar sind. Am Ende erläutert der Beitrag Handlungsschritte, die auf dem Weg zu einem erneuerbaren Energiesystem gegangen werden sollten und zeigt Probleme und Risiken einer Fehlentwicklung auf.

Integriertes Informationsmanagement am KIT Was bleibt? Was kommt?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labitzke, Sebastian; Nussbaumer, Martin; Hartenstein, Hannes; Juling, Wilfried

Der Beitrag beschreibt wesentliche seit dem Jahr 2005 an der Universität Karlsruhe bzw. am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie erzielte Ergebnisse in Bezug auf technische und organisatorische Integration für das Informationsmanagement. Insbesondere stehen die Portaldienste und das Identitätsmanagement im Fokus der technischen Innovation. Daneben werden zwei organisatorische Innovationen vorgestellt, die sich dediziert Fragestellungen zur IT-Governance und IT-Compliance widmen. Abschließend werden erzielte Schlüsselerfahrungen diskutiert, die im Zuge des Aufbaus eines integrierten Informationsmanagements gemacht wurden. Ausblickend wollen wir einen Bezug zu den allgegenwärtigen Problemstellungen und verbundenen Herausforderungen derartiger Vorhaben aufzeigen - Herausforderungen, die waren, sind und bleiben werden.

„Überholen ohne einzuholen“ Die Entwicklung von Technologien für übermorgen in Kernenergie und Mikroelektronik der DDR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barkleit, Gerhard

Dem nuklearen Patt zwischen Ostblock und westlichem Staatenbündnis ist es nach weitgehend übereinstimmender Auffassung von Politik und Wissenschaft zu danken, dass der "Kalte Krieg" in der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts nicht zum weltumfassenden Flächenbrand eskalierte. An der raschen Herstellung dieses Patts waren zwei Dresdner Physiker maßgeblich beteiligt, deren einer im Manhattan-Projekt in den USA gearbeitet hatte und später in England der Spionage für die Sowjetunion und des Verrats des Know-how der Atombombe überführt wurde.

PERFORMANCE TESTING OF AIR CLEANING PRODUCTS

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discuses the application of the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program for products that clean ventilation air to the problem of protecting buildings from chemical and biological attack. This program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency und...

DNA methylase activity as a marker for the presence of a family of phage-like elements conferring efflux-mediated macrolide resistance in streptococci.

PubMed

Figueiredo, T A; Aguiar, S I; Melo-Cristino, J; Ramirez, M

2006-11-01

Recently, two related chimeric genetic elements (Tn1207.3 and Phi10394.4) were shown to carry the macrolide efflux gene mef in Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci [GAS]). The dissemination of elements belonging to the Tn1207.3/Phi10394.4 family in recent isolates of GAS, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus agalactiae recovered in Portugal was surveyed. In total, 149 GAS, 18 S. pneumoniae, 4 S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, and 5 S. agalactiae isolates from infections, presenting the M phenotype of macrolide resistance and containing the mef gene, were screened for the presence of Tn1207.3/Phi10394.4 by PCR targeting open reading frames (ORFs) specific for these related elements. All the GAS isolates tested and one of the S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis isolates carried Tn1207.3. However, neither of these elements was found in the isolates of the other streptococcal species. It was also noted that the DNAs of the isolates carrying Tn1207.3 were resistant to cleavage by the endonuclease SmaI. Cloning and expression of ORF12 of Tn1207.3 in Escherichia coli showed that it encoded a methyltransferase that rendered DNA refractory to cleavage by SmaI (M.Spy10394I). Using this characteristic as a marker for the presence of the Tn1207.3/Phi10394.4 family, we reviewed the literature and concluded that these genetic elements are widely distributed among tetracycline-susceptible GAS isolates presenting the M phenotype from diverse geographic origins and may have played an important role in the dissemination of macrolide resistance in this species.

Prospective study of clinician-entered research data in the Emergency Department using an Internet-based system after the HIPAA Privacy Rule

PubMed Central

Kline, Jeffrey A; Johnson, Charles L; Webb, William B; Runyon, Michael S

2004-01-01

Background Design and test the reliability of a web-based system for multicenter, real-time collection of data in the emergency department (ED), under waiver of authorization, in compliance with HIPAA. Methods This was a phase I, two-hospital study of patients undergoing evaluation for possible pulmonary embolism. Data were collected by on-duty clinicians on an HTML data collection form (prospective e-form), populated using either a personal digital assistant (PDA) or personal computer (PC). Data forms were uploaded to a central, offsite server using secure socket protocol transfer. Each form was assigned a unique identifier, and all PHI data were encrypted, but were password-accessible by authorized research personnel to complete a follow-up e-form. Results From April 15, 2003-April 15 2004, 1022 prospective e-forms and 605 follow-up e-forms were uploaded. Complexities of PDA use compelled clinicians to use PCs in the ED for data entry for most forms. No data were lost and server log query revealed no unauthorized entry. Prospectively obtained PHI data, encrypted upon server upload, were successfully decrypted using password-protected access to allow follow-up without difficulty in 605 cases. Non-PHI data from prospective and follow-up forms were available to the study investigators via standard file transfer protocol. Conclusions Data can be accurately collected from on-duty clinicians in the ED using real-time, PC-Internet data entry in compliance with the Privacy Rule. Deidentification-reidentification of PHI was successfully accomplished by a password-protected encryption-deencryption mechanism to permit follow-up by approved research personnel. PMID:15479471

Schönheit und andere Provokationen - Eine neue evolutionsbiologische Theorie der Kunst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junker, Thomas

Die Evolution hat viele spektakuläre Phänomene hervorgebracht - von der Eleganz des Vogelflugs über die gigantischen Körper der Dinosaurier und die farbenprächtige Vielfalt der Korallenriffe bis hin zu ihrem jüngsten Geniestreich - der menschlichen Kunst. Die schönen Künste - Malerei, Bildhauerei und Architektur, Theater, Tanz, Oper und Filmkunst, Musik und Literatur - Produkte der Evolution? Diese Vorstellung mutet vielen Menschen fremd an, aber wie könnte es anders sein? Denn wenn Charles Darwin recht hat, dann sind nicht nur die körperlichen Merkmale der Menschen als Antworten auf die Erfordernisse des Lebens entstanden, sondern auch ihre geistigen Fähigkeiten und Verhaltensweisen. Im Jahr 1859 hatte er auf den letzten Seiten seines berühmten Buches über die Entstehung der Arten eine kühne Prophezeiung gemacht: Durch die Evolutionstheorie werde es "zu einer bemerkenswerten Revolution in der Naturwissenschaft kommen […]. Die Psychologie wird auf die neue Grundlage gestellt, dass jede geistige Kraft und Fähigkeit notwendigerweise durch graduelle Übergänge erworben wird“ (Darwin 1859, S. 484, 488; Junker 2008).

Berry phase and entanglement of three qubits in a new Yang-Baxter system

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

Hu Taotao; Xue Kang; Wu Chunfeng

2009-08-15

In this paper we construct a new 8x8M matrix from the 4x4M matrix, where M/M is the image of the braid group representation. The 8x8M matrix and the 4x4M matrix both satisfy extraspecial 2-group algebra relations. By Yang-Baxteration approach, we derive a unitary R({theta},{phi}) matrix from the M matrix with parameters {phi} and {theta}. Three-qubit entangled states can be generated by using the R({theta},{phi}) matrix. A Hamiltonian for three qubits is constructed from the unitary R({theta},{phi}) matrix. We then study the entanglement and Berry phase of the Yang-Baxter system.

Vectorization for Molecular Dynamics on Intel Xeon Phi Corpocessors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Hongsuk

2014-03-01

Many modern processors are capable of exploiting data-level parallelism through the use of single instruction multiple data (SIMD) execution. The new Intel Xeon Phi coprocessor supports 512 bit vector registers for the high performance computing. In this paper, we have developed a hierarchical parallelization scheme for accelerated molecular dynamics simulations with the Terfoff potentials for covalent bond solid crystals on Intel Xeon Phi coprocessor systems. The scheme exploits multi-level parallelism computing. We combine thread-level parallelism using a tightly coupled thread-level and task-level parallelism with 512-bit vector register. The simulation results show that the parallel performance of SIMD implementations on Xeon Phi is apparently superior to their x86 CPU architecture.

Energetic distributions of interface states Dit(phi sub s) of MOS transistors in extension of Kuhn's quasistatic C(V)-method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krautschneider, W.; Wagemann, H. G.

1983-10-01

Kuhn's quasi-static C(V)-method has been extended to MOS transistors by considering the capacitances of the source and drain p-n junctions additionally to the MOS varactor circuit model. The width of the space charge layers w(phi sub s) is calculated as a function of the surface potential phi sub s and applied to the MOS capacitance as a function of the gate voltage. Capacitance behavior for different channel length is presented as a model and compared to measurement results and evaluations of energetic distributions of interface states Dit(phi sub s) for MOS transistor and MOS varactor on the same chip.

GST ( phi) gene from Macrophyte Lemna minor is involved in cadmium exposure responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shihua; Chen, Xin; Dou, Weihong; Wang, Liang; Yin, Haibo; Guo, Shanli

2016-03-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, including ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase, are the most commonly used biomarkers in assessing an organisms' response to many biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we cloned an 866 bp GST ( phi) gene in Lemna minor and investigated its characteristics, expression and enzymatic activities under 75 μmol/L cadmium concentrations in comparison with other ROS scavengers. GST ( phi) gene expression patterns were similar to those of other scavengers of ROS. This suggests that GST ( phi) might be involved in responding to heavy metal (cadmium) stress and that its expression level could be used as a bio-indicator in monitoring cadmium pollution.

Ultra low thermal expansion, highly thermal shock resistant ceramic

DOEpatents

Limaye, Santosh Y.

1996-01-01

Three families of ceramic compositions having the given formula: .phi..sub.1+X Zr.sub.4 P.sub.6-2X Si.sub.2X O.sub.24, .phi..sub.1+X Zr.sub.4-2X Y.sub.2X P.sub.6 O.sub.24 and .phi..sub.1+X Zr.sub.4-X Y.sub.X P.sub.6-2X Si.sub.X O.sub.24 wherein .phi. is either Strontium or Barium and X has a value from about 0.2 to about 0.8 have been disclosed. Ceramics formed from these compositions exhibit very low, generally near neutral, thermal expansion over a wide range of elevated temperatures.

75 FR 31734 - Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE (Type Certificate Previously Held by BURKHART GROB Luft- und...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-04

... manufacturer has received a report of a failed canopy jettison test, during a regular maintenance check. The... jettison test, during a regular maintenance check. The investigation revealed that a cable shroud of the... Information Grob Aircraft AG has issued Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-164, dated July 21, 2009. The actions...

Temperate bacteriophage {phi}O18P from an Aeromonas media isolate: Characterization and complete genome sequence

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

Beilstein, Frauke; Dreiseikelmann, Brigitte

2008-03-30

A group of 74 Aeromonas isolates from surface water of three ponds in Bielefeld, Germany was screened for prophage induction after UV irradiation. The phage {phi}O18P was induced from the Aeromonas media isolate O18. {phi}O18P belongs to the Myoviridae phage family. The complete nucleotide sequence of the double stranded DNA genome of bacteriophage {phi}O18P consists of 33,985 bp. The genome has 5' protruding cohesive ends of 16 bases. On the {phi}O18P genome 46 open reading frames (orfs) were identified which are organized in the modules integration and regulation, replication, head, packaging, tail and lysis. Additionally the phage DNA includes amore » methylase gene. Comparison of the genome architecture with those of other bacteriophages revealed significant similarities to the P2 phage family and especially to the prophages of Aeromonas salmonicida and the Vibrio cholerae phage K139.« less

Structural Conservation of the Myoviridae Phage Tail Sheath Protein Fold

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

Aksyuk, Anastasia A.; Kurochkina, Lidia P.; Fokine, Andrei

2012-02-21

Bacteriophage phiKZ is a giant phage that infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a human pathogen. The phiKZ virion consists of a 1450 {angstrom} diameter icosahedral head and a 2000 {angstrom}-long contractile tail. The structure of the whole virus was previously reported, showing that its tail organization in the extended state is similar to the well-studied Myovirus bacteriophage T4 tail. The crystal structure of a tail sheath protein fragment of phiKZ was determined to 2.4 {angstrom} resolution. Furthermore, crystal structures of two prophage tail sheath proteins were determined to 1.9 and 3.3 {angstrom} resolution. Despite low sequence identity between these proteins, all ofmore » these structures have a similar fold. The crystal structure of the phiKZ tail sheath protein has been fitted into cryo-electron-microscopy reconstructions of the extended tail sheath and of a polysheath. The structural rearrangement of the phiKZ tail sheath contraction was found to be similar to that of phage T4.« less

Intramolecular co-action of two independent photosensory modules in the fern phytochrome 3.

PubMed

Kanegae, Takeshi

2015-01-01

Fern phytochrome3/neochrome1 (phy3/neo1) is a chimeric photoreceptor composed of a phytochrome-chromophore binding domain and an almost full-length phototropin. phy3 thus contains two different light-sensing modules; a red/far-red light receptor phytochrome and a blue light receptor phototropin. phy3 induces both red light- and blue light-dependent phototropism in phototropin-deficient Arabidopsis thaliana (phot1 phot2) seedlings. The red-light response is dependent on the phytochrome module of phy3, and the blue-light response is dependent on the phototropin module. We recently showed that both the phototropin-sensing module and the phytochrome-sensing module mediate the blue light-dependent phototropic response. Particularly under low-light conditions, these two light-sensing modules cooperate to induce the blue light-dependent phototropic response. This intramolecular co-action of two independent light-sensing modules in phy3 enhances light sensitivity, and perhaps allowed ferns to adapt to the low-light canopy conditions present in angiosperm forests.

Far side Helioseismology with Solar Orbiter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Appourchaux, T.; Birch, A.; Gizon, L. C.; Löptien, B.; Schou, J.; Solanki, S. K.; del Toro Iniesta, J. C.; Gandorfer, A.; Hirzberger, J.; Alvarez-Herrero, A.; Woch, J. G.; Schmidt, W.

2016-12-01

The Solar Orbiter mission, to be launched in October 2018, will carry a suite of remote sensing and in-situ instruments, including the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI). PHI will deliver high-cadence images of the Sun in intensity and Doppler velocity suitable for carrying out novel helioseismic studies. The orbit of the Solar Orbiter spacecraft will reach a solar latitude up to 34 degrees by the end of the extended mission and thus will enable the first local helioseismology studies of the polar regions. The full range of Earth-Sun-spacecraft angles provided by the orbit will enable helioseismology from two vantage points by combining PHI with another instrument: stereoscopic helioseismology will allow the study of the deep solar interior and a better understanding of the physics of solar oscillations in both quiet Sun and sunspots. In this paper we will review the helioseismic objectives achievable with PHI, and will also give a short status report of the development of the Flight Model of PHI.

Relative evolutionary rate inference in HyPhy with LEISR.

PubMed

Spielman, Stephanie J; Kosakovsky Pond, Sergei L

2018-01-01

We introduce LEISR (Likehood Estimation of Individual Site Rates, pronounced "laser"), a tool to infer relative evolutionary rates from protein and nucleotide data, implemented in HyPhy. LEISR is based on the popular Rate4Site (Pupko et al., 2002) approach for inferring relative site-wise evolutionary rates, primarily from protein data. We extend the original method for more general use in several key ways: (i) we increase the support for nucleotide data with additional models, (ii) we allow for datasets of arbitrary size, (iii) we support analysis of site-partitioned datasets to correct for the presence of recombination breakpoints, (iv) we produce rate estimates at all sites rather than at just a subset of sites, and (v) we implemented LEISR as MPI-enabled to support rapid, high-throughput analysis. LEISR is available in HyPhy starting with version 2.3.8, and it is accessible as an option in the HyPhy analysis menu ("Relative evolutionary rate inference"), which calls the HyPhy batchfile LEISR.bf.

[Isolation, idetification and anti-HIV-1 integrase activity of culturable endophytic fungi from Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomis younghusbandii Mukerjee].

PubMed

Zhang, Da-Wei; Zhao, Ming-Ming; Chen, Juan; Li, Chao; Guo, Shun-Xing

2013-05-01

A total of 52 endophytic fungi were isolated from roots and stems of Tibetan medicinal plant Phlomis younghusbandii Mukerjee. These fungal isolates were molecularly identified based on ITS sequnces and 28S sequences distributed to 12 genera, including Phoma, Chaetosphaeronema, Fusarium and Leptosphaeria, etc. Among them, the dominant genus was Phoma. Extracts of all strains were evaluated for anti-HIV-1 integrase activity by using soluable integrase expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The results showed that seven samples from five fungal endophytes PHY-24, PHY-38, PHY-40, PHY-51, PHY-53, which belonged to genus Chaetosphaeronema, inhibited strand transfer reaction catalyzed by HIV-1 integrase with IC50 values, of 6.60, 5.20, 2.86, 7.86, 4.47, 4.56 and 3.23 microg x mL(-1) respectively. In conclusion, the endophytic fungi of Phlomis younghusbandii Mukerjee are valuable for further screening anti-HIV-1 integrase agents.

DelPhi Web Server: A comprehensive online suite for electrostatic calculations of biological macromolecules and their complexes

PubMed Central

Sarkar, Subhra; Witham, Shawn; Zhang, Jie; Zhenirovskyy, Maxim; Rocchia, Walter; Alexov, Emil

2011-01-01

Here we report a web server, the DelPhi web server, which utilizes DelPhi program to calculate electrostatic energies and the corresponding electrostatic potential and ionic distributions, and dielectric map. The server provides extra services to fix structural defects, as missing atoms in the structural file and allows for generation of missing hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen placement and the corresponding DelPhi calculations can be done with user selected force field parameters being either Charmm22, Amber98 or OPLS. Upon completion of the calculations, the user is given option to download fixed and protonated structural file, together with the parameter and Delphi output files for further analysis. Utilizing Jmol viewer, the user can see the corresponding structural file, to manipulate it and to change the presentation. In addition, if the potential map is requested to be calculated, the potential can be mapped onto the molecule surface. The DelPhi web server is available from http://compbio.clemson.edu/delphi_webserver. PMID:24683424

Photoassociation dynamics driven by a modulated two-color laser field

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

Zhang Wei; Zhao Zeyu; Xie Ting

2011-11-15

Photoassociation (PA) dynamics of ultracold cesium atoms steered by a modulated two-color laser field E(t)=E{sub 0}f(t)cos((2{pi}/T{sub p})-{phi})cos({omega}{sub L}t) is investigated theoretically by numerically solving the time-dependent Schroedinger equation. The PA dynamics is sensitive to the phase of envelope (POE) {phi} and the period of the envelope T{sub p}, which indicates that it can be controlled by varying POE {phi} and period T{sub p}. Moreover, we introduce the time- and frequency-resolved spectrum to illustrate how the POE {phi} and the period T{sub p} influence the intensity distribution of the modulated laser pulse and hence change the time-dependent population distribution of photoassociatedmore » molecules. When the Gaussian envelope contains a few oscillations, the PA efficiency is also dependent on POE {phi}. The modulated two-color laser field is available in the current experiment based on laser mode-lock technology.« less

Isolation and characterization of a bacteriophage phiEap-2 infecting multidrug resistant Enterobacter aerogenes

PubMed Central

Li, Erna; Wei, Xiao; Ma, Yanyan; Yin, Zhe; Li, Huan; Lin, Weishi; Wang, Xuesong; Li, Chao; Shen, Zhiqiang; Zhao, Ruixiang; Yang, Huiying; Jiang, Aimin; Yang, Wenhui; Yuan, Jing; Zhao, Xiangna

2016-01-01

Enterobacter aerogenes (Enterobacteriaceae) is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes hospital-acquired pneumonia, bacteremia, and urinary tract infections. Recently, multidrug-resistant E. aerogenes have been a public health problem. To develop an effective antimicrobial agent, bacteriophage phiEap-2 was isolated from sewage and its genome was sequenced because of its ability to lyse the multidrug-resistant clinical E. aerogenes strain 3-SP. Morphological observations suggested that the phage belongs to the Siphoviridae family. Comparative genome analysis revealed that phage phiEap-2 is related to the Salmonella phage FSL SP-031 (KC139518). All of the structural gene products (except capsid protein) encoded by phiEap-2 had orthologous gene products in FSL SP-031 and Serratia phage Eta (KC460990). Here, we report the complete genome sequence of phiEap-2 and major findings from the genomic analysis. Knowledge of this phage might be helpful for developing therapeutic strategies against E. aerogenes. PMID:27320081

Isolation and characterization of a bacteriophage phiEap-2 infecting multidrug resistant Enterobacter aerogenes.

PubMed

Li, Erna; Wei, Xiao; Ma, Yanyan; Yin, Zhe; Li, Huan; Lin, Weishi; Wang, Xuesong; Li, Chao; Shen, Zhiqiang; Zhao, Ruixiang; Yang, Huiying; Jiang, Aimin; Yang, Wenhui; Yuan, Jing; Zhao, Xiangna

2016-06-20

Enterobacter aerogenes (Enterobacteriaceae) is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes hospital-acquired pneumonia, bacteremia, and urinary tract infections. Recently, multidrug-resistant E. aerogenes have been a public health problem. To develop an effective antimicrobial agent, bacteriophage phiEap-2 was isolated from sewage and its genome was sequenced because of its ability to lyse the multidrug-resistant clinical E. aerogenes strain 3-SP. Morphological observations suggested that the phage belongs to the Siphoviridae family. Comparative genome analysis revealed that phage phiEap-2 is related to the Salmonella phage FSL SP-031 (KC139518). All of the structural gene products (except capsid protein) encoded by phiEap-2 had orthologous gene products in FSL SP-031 and Serratia phage Eta (KC460990). Here, we report the complete genome sequence of phiEap-2 and major findings from the genomic analysis. Knowledge of this phage might be helpful for developing therapeutic strategies against E. aerogenes.

Biokompatible Implantate und Neuentwicklungen in der Gynäkologie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Volker R.; Kiechle, Marion

Für den Einsatz in der Gynäkologie stehen heute eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher, biokompatibler Materialien und Implantate zur Verfügung. Auf eine Auswahl soll hier näher eingegangen werden, die die verschiedenen Materialien und Bauweisen repräsentieren. So sind Brustimplantate seit fast vier Jahrzehnten im Gebrauch für die Brustvergrösserung und den Brustwiederaufbau. Material, Bauweisen und medizinische Aspekte einschliesslich der kontroversen Diskussion um Silikon werden im folgenden erläutert. Neuere Entwicklungen von Verhütungstechniken für permanente Sterilisation wie den Filshie ClipTM für transabdominalen und den STOPTM für intraluminalen Verschluss der Eileiter oder die intrauterin plazierte Hormonspirale MirenaTM für zeitlich begrenzte Verhütung werden beschrieben. Eine neue Perspektive zur Verhinderung postoperativer intraabdominaler Adhäsionen stellt Spray-GelTM, ein Zweikomponenten Hydrogel aus Polyethylenglykol, dar.

Energy as a Service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pell, Wolfgang

Energie wird zum Gebrauchsgegenstand, zur Commodity und rückt doch in den Blickpunkt der Aufmerksamkeit. Volkswirtschaftliche, politische, gesellschaftliche und betriebswirtschaftliche Ansprüche lassen Services rund um die Energieversorgung (Energy-related Services) entstehen. Convenience Services, die den Ansprüchen der Konsumenten gerecht werden, wie Visualisierung von (dezentraler) Energieerzeugung und -verbrauch auf Basis digitaler Smart Meter, die den analogen Ferraris-Zähler ersetzen, sowie optimierter Energieeinsatz halten in Haushalten als digitalisierten Standorten (Smart Sites) Einzug. Energieoptimierung auf Basis des Paradigmas "Verbrauch folgt Erzeugung" stellt Nachfrageflexibilität industrieller Prozesse (Demand Response) als Energie-Effizienz-Faktor in den Vordergrund und lässt Services wie ihre Vermarktung als Regelenergie zur Stabilisierung der Netzfrequenz entstehen. Ein Innovation Action Plan liefert einen Ausblick, wohin die Integration neuer Technologien, die Steigerung der Kundennähe und die Entwicklung neuer Geschäftsmodelle die Energiewirtschaft führen kann. Mit Eco-Home und Power-Pool werden zwei konkrete Beispiele für Energy as a Service vorgestellt.

Bildanalyse in Medizin und Biologie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Athelogou, Maria; Schönmeyer, Ralf; Schmidt, Günther; Schäpe, Arno; Baatz, Martin; Binnig, Gerd

Heutzutage sind bildgebende Verfahren aus medizinischen Untersuchungen nicht mehr wegzudenken. Diverse Methoden - basierend auf dem Einsatz von Ultraschallwellen, Röntgenstrahlung, Magnetfeldern oder Lichtstrahlen - werden dabei spezifisch eingesetzt und liefern umfangreiches Datenmaterial über den Körper und sein Inneres. Anhand von Mikroskopieaufnahmen aus Biopsien können darüber hinaus Daten über die morphologische Eigenschaften von Körpergeweben gewonnen werden. Aus der Analyse all dieser unterschiedlichen Arten von Informationen und unter Konsultation weiterer klinischer Untersuchungen aus diversen medizinischen Disziplinen kann unter Berücksichtigung von Anamnesedaten ein "Gesamtbild“ des Gesundheitszustands eines Patienten erstellt werden. Durch die Flut der erzeugten Bilddaten kommt der Bildverarbeitung im Allgemeinen und der Bildanalyse im Besonderen eine immer wichtigere Rolle zu. Gerade im Bereich der Diagnoseunterstützung, der Therapieplanung und der bildgeführten Chirurgie bilden sie Schlüsseltechnologien, die den Forschritt nicht nur auf diesen Gebieten maßgeblich vorantreiben.

Integriertes Informationsmanagement an der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster - Das Projekt MIRO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogl, Raimund; Gildhorn, Antje; Labitzke, Jörg; Wibberg, Michael

An der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster (WWU) wurde bereits 1996 ein tragfähiges, kooperativ ausgerichtetes System der IT-Governance im Zusammenspiel zentraler und dezentraler IT-Leistungserbringer etabliert. Um den Anforderungen an ein integriertes Informationsmanagement im Überlappungsfeld von Information, Kommunikation und Medien (IKM) durch das Zusammenspiel der zentralen Einrichtungen Universitätsverwaltung (UniV), Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek (ULB) und Zentrum für Informationsverarbeitung (ZIV) gerecht zu werden, wurde 2003 der IKM-Service institutionalisiert. In diesem Rahmen wurde das Projekt Münster Information System for Research and Organization (MIRO) entwickelt, das als Leistungszentrum für Forschungsinformation von der DFG gefördert wird. Die bisherigen Projekterfahrungen, erreichten Ziele und verbleibenden Aufgaben werden dargestellt. Im Projektverlauf haben sich insbesondere die etablierten IT-Governance und Versorgungs-Strukturen sowie die Unterstützung der Hochschulleitung als essentielle Erfolgskriterien erwiesen.

Proposed Space Flight Experiment Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

The primary thrust for this plan is to develop design tools and fundamental understanding that are timely and consistent with the goal of the various exploration initiatives. The plan will utilize ISS facilities, such as the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) and the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG). A preliminary flow schematic of Two-Phase Flow Facility (T(phi)FFy) which would utilize FIR is shown in Figure 3. MSG can be utilized to use the Boiling eXperiment Facility (BXF) and Contact Line Dynamics Experiment (CLiDE) Facility. The T(phi)FFy system would have multiple test sections whereby different configurations of heat exchangers could be used to study boiling and condensation phenomena. The test sections would be instrumented for pressure drop, void fraction, heat fluxes, temperatures, high-speed imaging and other diagnostics. Besides a high-speed data acquisition system with a large data storage capability, telemetry could be used to update control and test parameters and download limited amounts of data. In addition, there would be multiple accumulators that could be used to investigate system stability and fluid management issues. The system could accommodate adiabatic tests through either the space station nitrogen supply or have an experiment-specific compressor to pressurize a sufficient amount of air or other non-condensable gas for reuse as the supply bottle is depleted.

Role of phytochromes A and B in the regulation of cell death and acclimatory responses to UV stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Rusaczonek, Anna; Czarnocka, Weronika; Kacprzak, Sylwia; Witoń, Damian; Ślesak, Ireneusz; Szechyńska-Hebda, Magdalena; Gawroński, Piotr; Karpiński, Stanisław

2015-01-01

Plants coordinate their responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses in order to optimize their developmental and acclimatory programmes. The ultimate response to an excessive amount of stress is local induction of cell death mechanisms. The death of certain cells can help to maintain tissue homeostasis and enable nutrient remobilization, thus increasing the survival chances of the whole organism in unfavourable environmental conditions. UV radiation is one of the environmental factors that negatively affects the photosynthetic process and triggers cell death. The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible role of the red/far-red light photoreceptors phytochrome A (phyA) and phytochrome B (phyB) and their interrelations during acclimatory responses to UV stress. We showed that UV-C treatment caused a disturbance in photosystem II and a deregulation of photosynthetic pigment content and antioxidant enzymes activities, followed by increased cell mortality rate in phyB and phyAB null mutants. We also propose a regulatory role of phyA and phyB in CO2 assimilation, non-photochemical quenching, reactive oxygen species accumulation and salicylic acid content. Taken together, our results suggest a novel role of phytochromes as putative regulators of cell death and acclimatory responses to UV. PMID:26385378

The response of growth and patulin production of postharvest pathogen Penicillium expansum to exogenous potassium phosphite treatment.

PubMed

Lai, Tongfei; Wang, Ying; Fan, Yaya; Zhou, Yingying; Bao, Ying; Zhou, Ting

2017-03-06

In this study, the effects of exogenous potassium phosphite (Phi) on growth and patulin production of postharvest pathogen Penicillium expansum were assessed. The results indicated that P. expansum under 5mmol/L Phi stress presented obvious development retardation, yield reduction of patulin and lower infectivity to apple fruit. Meanwhile, expression analysis of 15 genes related to patulin biosynthesis suggested that Phi mainly affected the early steps of patulin synthetic route at transcriptional level. Furthermore, a global view of proteome and transcriptome alteration of P. expansum spores during 6h of Phi stress was evaluated by iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) and RNA-seq (RNA sequencing) approaches. A total of 582 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired, most of which participated in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, genetic information processing and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Finally, 39 overlapped candidates were screened out through correlational analysis between iTRAQ and RNA-seq datasets. These findings will afford more precise and directional clues to explore the inhibitory mechanism of Phi on growth and patulin biosynthesis of P. expansum, and be beneficial to develop effective controlling approaches based on Phi. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Pathogen-Host Interactions database (PHI-base): additions and future developments

PubMed Central

Urban, Martin; Pant, Rashmi; Raghunath, Arathi; Irvine, Alistair G.; Pedro, Helder; Hammond-Kosack, Kim E.

2015-01-01

Rapidly evolving pathogens cause a diverse array of diseases and epidemics that threaten crop yield, food security as well as human, animal and ecosystem health. To combat infection greater comparative knowledge is required on the pathogenic process in multiple species. The Pathogen-Host Interactions database (PHI-base) catalogues experimentally verified pathogenicity, virulence and effector genes from bacterial, fungal and protist pathogens. Mutant phenotypes are associated with gene information. The included pathogens infect a wide range of hosts including humans, animals, plants, insects, fish and other fungi. The current version, PHI-base 3.6, available at http://www.phi-base.org, stores information on 2875 genes, 4102 interactions, 110 host species, 160 pathogenic species (103 plant, 3 fungal and 54 animal infecting species) and 181 diseases drawn from 1243 references. Phenotypic and gene function information has been obtained by manual curation of the peer-reviewed literature. A controlled vocabulary consisting of nine high-level phenotype terms permits comparisons and data analysis across the taxonomic space. PHI-base phenotypes were mapped via their associated gene information to reference genomes available in Ensembl Genomes. Virulence genes and hotspots can be visualized directly in genome browsers. Future plans for PHI-base include development of tools facilitating community-led curation and inclusion of the corresponding host target(s). PMID:25414340

Cosmic Ray Flux in the Presence of a Neutral Background

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Thomas L.; Lodhi, Arfin; Diaz, Abel

2007-01-01

The study of cosmic rays (CRs) is a very mature subject developed around the concept of radiative particle flux phi as a mono-variant function of energy E, that is phi = phi(E). This is based on the notion of the cosmos as being filled with cosmic radiation in the form of a collisionless exosphere of plasma. Neutrals, however, are likewise ubiquitous in space and planetary trapped-radiation belts. It will be shown that in the presence of a neutral background of density rho, flux phi is actually bivariant in energy E and rho, creating a surface phi(E,rho). This is an intrinsic property of charged-particle flux, that flux is not merely a function of E but is dependent upon density rho when a background of neutrals is present. The effect is produced by multiple scattering of charged particles off neutral and ionized atoms along with ionization loss where charged and neutral populations interact. For the harder portion of CR spectra, flux is mono-variant but at nonrelativistic energies (below approx, 350 MeV) it becomes sensitive to the presence of neutral backgrounds. The dependence of phi(E,rho) upon background neutrals is helpful in discussing the anomalous CR (ACR) flux made up of ionized components of the heliospheric neutral atmosphere.

Structural changes in the cytoplasmic pore of the Kir1.1 channel during pHi-gating probed by FRET.

PubMed

Lee, Jay-Ron; Shieh, Ru-Chi

2009-03-06

Kir1.1 channels are important in maintaining K+ homeostasis in the kidney. Intracellular acidification reversibly closes the Kir1.1 channel and thus decreases K+ secretion. In this study, we used Foster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to determine whether the conformation of the cytoplasmic pore changes in response to intracellular pH (pHi)-gating in Kir1.1 channels fused with enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP) and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) (ECFP-Kir1.1-EYFP). Because the fluorescence intensities of ECFP and EYFP were affected at pHi < 7.4 where pHi-gating occurs in the ECFP-Kir1.1-EYFP construct, we examined the FRET efficiencies of an ECFP-S219R-EYFP mutant, which is completed closed at pHi 7.4 and open at pHi 10.0. FRET efficiency was increased from 25% to 40% when the pHi was decreased from 10.0 to 7.4. These results suggest that the conformation of the cytoplasmic pore in the Kir1.1 channel changes in response to pHi gating such that the N- and C-termini move apart from each other at pHi 7.4, when the channel is open.

PHI in the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Fuchsova, Radka; Topolcan, Ondrej; Windrichova, Jindra; Hora, Milan; Dolejsova, Olga; Pecen, Ladislav; Kasik, Petr; Novak, Jaroslav; Casova, Miroslava; Smejkal, Jiri

2015-09-01

To evaluate changes in the serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), %free PSA and -2proPSA biomarkers, and prostate health index (PHI) in the diagnostic algorithm of early prostate cancer. The Immunoanalytical Laboratory of the University Hospital in Pilsen examined sera from 263 patients being treated at the Hospital's Urology Department with suspected prostate cancer who had undergone biopsies and were divided into a benign and malignant group. The monitored biomarkers were measured using chemiluminescence. All statistical analyses were calculated using the SAS software. We found statistically significantly increased levels of -2proPSA, PHI and PSA and decreased levels of %freePSA in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by prostate biopsy vs. patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (median values: -2proPSA: 16 vs. 21 ng/l, PHI: 35 vs. 62, total PSA: 7.2 vs. 7.7 μg/l and %free PSA: 16.7 vs. 11.7%). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed the best performance for PHI compared to other markers. The assessment of -2proPSA and the calculation of PHI appear to be of great benefit for a more accurate differential diagnosis of benign hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Regulation of intracellular pH in the rabbit cortical collecting tubule.

PubMed Central

Weiner, I D; Hamm, L L

1990-01-01

The cortical collecting tubule (CCT) is an important nephron segment for Na+, K+, water and acid-base transport. Differential loading characteristics of the pH sensitive dye 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5(and-6)carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and basolateral Cl- removal were used to identify and study intracellular pH (pHi) regulation in each of three cell types involved in this transport. Both principal cells and beta-intercalated cells were found to have a basolateral Na+/H+ exchanger based on the Na+ and amiloride sensitivity of pHi recovery from acid loads. Intercalated cells demonstrated abrupt pHi changes with basolateral Cl- removal. alpha-intercalated cells alkalinized; beta-intercalated cells acidified. In the beta-intercalated cells, luminal Cl- removal blocked changes in pHi in response to changes in luminal HCO3- or peritubular Cl-, providing direct evidence for a luminal Cl-/HCO3- exchanger. In principal cells, brief removal of either peritubular or luminal Cl- resulted in no change in pHi; however, return of peritubular Cl- after prolonged removal resulted in a rapid fall in pHi consistent with a basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger, which may be relatively inactive under baseline conditions. Therefore, Cl-/HCO3- exchange is present in all three cell types but varies in location and activity. PMID:2153152

Attenuation of Phosphate Starvation Responses by Phosphite in Arabidopsis1

PubMed Central

Ticconi, Carla A.; Delatorre, Carla A.; Abel, Steffen

2001-01-01

When inorganic phosphate is limiting, Arabidopsis has the facultative ability to metabolize exogenous nucleic acid substrates, which we utilized previously to identify insensitive phosphate starvation response mutants in a conditional genetic screen. In this study, we examined the effect of the phosphate analog, phosphite (Phi), on molecular and morphological responses to phosphate starvation. Phi significantly inhibited plant growth on phosphate-sufficient (2 mm) and nucleic acid-containing (2 mm phosphorus) media at concentrations higher than 2.5 mm. However, with respect to suppressing typical responses to phosphate limitation, Phi effects were very similar to those of phosphate. Phosphate starvation responses, which we examined and found to be almost identically affected by both anions, included changes in: (a) the root-to-shoot ratio; (b) root hair formation; (c) anthocyanin accumulation; (d) the activities of phosphate starvation-inducible nucleolytic enzymes, including ribonuclease, phosphodiesterase, and acid phosphatase; and (e) steady-state mRNA levels of phosphate starvation-inducible genes. It is important that induction of primary auxin response genes by indole-3-acetic acid in the presence of growth-inhibitory Phi concentrations suggests that Phi selectively inhibits phosphate starvation responses. Thus, the use of Phi may allow further dissection of phosphate signaling by genetic selection for constitutive phosphate starvation response mutants on media containing organophosphates as the only source of phosphorus. PMID:11706178

The Arabidopsis SRR1 gene mediates phyB signaling and is required for normal circadian clock function

PubMed Central

Staiger, Dorothee; Allenbach, Laure; Salathia, Neeraj; Fiechter, Vincent; Davis, Seth J.; Millar, Andrew J.; Chory, Joanne; Fankhauser, Christian

2003-01-01

Plants possess several photoreceptors to sense the light environment. In Arabidopsis cryptochromes and phytochromes play roles in photomorphogenesis and in the light input pathways that synchronize the circadian clock with the external world. We have identified SRR1 (sensitivity to red light reduced), a gene that plays an important role in phytochrome B (phyB)-mediated light signaling. The recessive srr1 null allele and phyB mutants display a number of similar phenotypes indicating that SRR1 is required for normal phyB signaling. Genetic analysis suggests that SRR1 works both in the phyB pathway but also independently of phyB. srr1 mutants are affected in multiple outputs of the circadian clock in continuous light conditions, including leaf movement and expression of the clock components, CCA1 and TOC1. Clock-regulated gene expression is also impaired during day–night cycles and in constant darkness. The circadian phenotypes of srr1 mutants in all three conditions suggest that SRR1 activity is required for normal oscillator function. The SRR1 gene was identified and shown to code for a protein conserved in numerous eukaryotes including mammals and flies, implicating a conserved role for this protein in both the animal and plant kingdoms. PMID:12533513

Egg sialoglycans increase intracellular pH and potentiate the acrosome reaction of sea urchin sperm.

PubMed

Hirohashi, Noritaka; Vacquier, Victor D

2002-03-08

Sea urchin egg jelly (EJ) triggers sperm acrosome reaction (AR), an exocytotic event required for membrane fusion of the gametes. Purified fucose sulfate polymer (FSP) in EJ is one inducer of the AR. Binding of FSP to its receptor regulates opening of two distinct calcium channels and also elevates intracellular pH (pH(i)). EJ also contains sialic acid-rich glycans (sialoglycans (SG)) that were isolated by beta-elimination followed by DEAE chromatography. In the presence of limiting amounts of FSP, the SG fraction markedly potentiates the AR; however, by itself SG has no activity. The SG fraction increases the pH(i) of sperm without increasing intracellular Ca(2+). The SG-induced increase in pH(i) is not blocked by nifedipine or high K(+), whereas the FSP-induced pH(i) increase is sensitive to both these agents. Treatment of the SG fraction with neuraminidase or mild metaperiodate that specifically cleaves the glycerol side chain of sialic acid abolishes the AR potentiation and ability of SG to elevate pH(i). These data are the first to show that there are at least two pathways to induce sperm pH(i) increase and that egg surface sialic acid plays a role in triggering the sperm AR.

Intracellular pH of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis following exposure to antimicrobial compounds monitored at the single cell level.

PubMed

Gaggìa, Francesca; Nielsen, Dennis Sandris; Biavati, Bruno; Siegumfeldt, Henrik

2010-07-31

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiologic agent of Johne's disease; moreover, it seems to be implicated in the development of Crohn's disease in humans. In the present study, fluorescence ratio imaging microscopy (FRIM) was used to assess changes in intracellular pH (pH(i)) of one strain of MAP after exposure to nisin and neutralized cell-free supernatants (NCSs) from five bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with known probiotic properties. The evaluation of pH(i) by FRIM provides information about the physiological state of bacterial cells, bypassing the long and problematic incubations needed for methods relying upon growth of MAP such as determination of colony forming units. The FRIM results showed that both nisin and the cell-free supernatant from Lactobacillus plantarum PCA 236 affected the pH(i) of MAP within a few hours. However, monitoring the population for 24h revealed the presence of a subpopulation of cells probably resistant to the antimicrobial compounds tested. Use of nisin and bacteriocin-producing LAB strains could lead to new intervention strategies for the control of MAP based on in vivo application of probiotic cultures as feed additives at farm level. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.