Sample records for polygonum aviculare l

  1. Sensitivity of Polygonum aviculare Seeds to Light as Affected by Soil Moisture Conditions

    PubMed Central

    Batlla, Diego; Nicoletta, Marcelo; Benech-Arnold, Roberto

    2007-01-01

    Background and Aims It has been hypothesized that soil moisture conditions could affect the dormancy status of buried weed seeds, and, consequently, their sensitivity to light stimuli. In this study, an investigation is made of the effect of different soil moisture conditions during cold-induced dormancy loss on changes in the sensitivity of Polygonum aviculare seeds to light. Methods Seeds buried in pots were stored under different constant and fluctuating soil moisture environments at dormancy-releasing temperatures. Seeds were exhumed at regular intervals during storage and were exposed to different light treatments. Changes in the germination response of seeds to light treatments during storage under the different moisture environments were compared in order to determine the effect of soil moisture on the sensitivity to light of P. aviculare seeds. Key Results Seed acquisition of low-fluence responses during dormancy release was not affected by either soil moisture fluctuations or different constant soil moisture contents. On the contrary, different soil moisture environments affected seed acquisition of very low fluence responses and the capacity of seeds to germinate in the dark. Conclusions The results indicate that under field conditions, the sensitivity to light of buried weed seeds could be affected by the soil moisture environment experienced during the dormancy release season, and this could affect their emergence pattern. PMID:17430979

  2. Phytoremediation of petroleum-polluted soils: application of Polygonum aviculare and its root-associated (penetrated) fungal strains for bioremediation of petroleum-polluted soils.

    PubMed

    Mohsenzadeh, Fariba; Nasseri, Simin; Mesdaghinia, Alireza; Nabizadeh, Ramin; Zafari, Doustmorad; Khodakaramian, Gholam; Chehregani, Abdolkarim

    2010-05-01

    Petroleum-polluted soils are a common disaster in many countries. Bioremediation of oil contamination in soils is based on the stimulation of petroleum-hydrocarbon-degrading fungal and microbial communities. A field study was conducted in a petroleum-contaminated site to find petroleum-resistant plants and their root-associated fungal strains for use in bioremediation of petroleum-polluted soils. Results and observations showed that the amounts of petroleum pollution in nonvegetated soils were several times higher than in vegetated soils. Plants collected from petroleum-polluted areas were identified using morphological characters. Results indicated that seven plant species were growing on the contaminated sites: Alhaji cameleron L. (Fabaceae), Amaranthus retroflexus L. var. retroflexus (Amaranthaceae), Convolvulus arvensis L. (Convolvulaceae), Chrozophora hierosolymitana Spreg. (Euphorbiaceae), Noea mucronata L. (Boraginaceae), Poa sp. (Poaceae), and Polygonum aviculare L. (Polygonaceae). The root-associated fungi of each plant were determined and results showed the presence of 11 species that associated with and also penetrated the roots of plants growing in the polluted areas. Altenaria sp. was common to all of the plants and the others had species-specific distribution within the plants. The largest numbers of fungal species (six) were determined for P. aviculare and Poa sp. in polluted areas. However, the variation of fungal strains in the plants collected from petroleum-polluted areas was greater than for nonpolluted ones. Culture of fungi in oil-contaminated media showed that all the studied fungi were resistant to low petroleum pollution (1% v/v) and a few species, especially Fusarium species, showed resistance to higher petroleum pollution (10% v/v) and may be suitable for bioremediation in highly polluted areas. Bioremediation tests with P. aviculare, with and without fungal strains, showed that application of both the plant and its root-associated fungal

  3. An Ecological Land Survey for Fort Wainwright, Alaska,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-09-01

    Nutt. DRYOPTERIS FRAGRANS (L.) Schott ALNUS VIRIDIS Villar ssp. CRISPA (Aiton) A. Loeve & D. Loeve GYMNOCARPIUM DRYOPTERIS (L.) Newman BETULA...OCTOPETALA POLYGONUM AMYHIBIUM L. FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA Duchesne POLYGONUM AVICULARE L. GEUM PERINCISUM Rydb. POLYGONUM CONVOLVULUS L. PENTAPHYLLOIDES

  4. Uptake and transformation of phenol and chlorophenols by hairy root cultures of Daucus carota, Ipomoea batatas and Solanum aviculare.

    PubMed

    de Araujo, Brancilene Santos; Dec, Jerzy; Bollag, Jean Marc; Pletsch, Marcia

    2006-04-01

    Hairy root cultures of Daucus carota L., Ipomoea batatas L. and Solanum aviculare Forst were investigated for their susceptibility to the highly toxic pollutants phenol and chlorophenols and for the involvement of inherent peroxidases in the removal of phenols from liquid media. Roots of D. carota grew normally in medium containing 1000 micromol l(-1) of phenol, whilst normal growth of roots of I. batatas and S. aviculare was only possible at levels up to 500 micromol l(-1). In the presence of chlorophenols, normal root growth was possible only in concentrations not exceeding 50 micromol l(-1), except for I. batatas which was severely affected at all concentrations. Despite the reduction in biomass, the growth of S. aviculare cultures was sustained in medium containing up to 2000 micromol l(-1) of phenol or 2-chlorophenol, and up to 500 micromol l(-1) of 2,6-dichlorophenol. The amounts of phenol removed by the roots within 72 h of treatment were 72.7%, 90.7% and 98.6% of the initial concentration for D. carota, I. batatas and S. aviculare, respectively. For the removal of 2,6-dichlorophenol the values were, respectively, 83.0%, 57.7% and 73.1%. Phenols labelled with 14C were absorbed by the root tissues and condensed with highly polar cellular substances as well as being incorporated into the cell walls or membranes. The results suggest that S. aviculare, an ornamental plant, would be best suited for remediation trials under field conditions.

  5. Assessing Installation Ethnobotanical Resources Using Land Condition Trend Analysis (LCTA) Data: A Fort Riley, Kansas, Case Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-07-01

    Festuca arundinacea 3.3 4.0 S Fragaria virginiana 3.0 3.0 S Grindelia squarrosa 4.0 S Helianthus annuus 4.0 S Hieracium longipilum 4.0 G Hordeum...B Ceanothus serrulatus G L Asclepias verticillata S B Celastrus scandens S B Asclepias viridiflora S B Celtis occidentalis S B Asclepias viridis G...F Lythrum alatum S F Fragaria virginiana S B Lythrum califomicum S L Madura pomifera S B Polygonum aviculare S B Madia yosemitana G L Polygonum

  6. Effects of plant growth promoting bacteria and mycorrhizal on Capsicum annuum L. var. aviculare ([Dierbach] D'Arcy and Eshbaugh) germination under stressing abiotic conditions.

    PubMed

    Rueda-Puente, Edgar Omar; Murillo-Amador, Bernardo; Castellanos-Cervantes, T; García-Hernández, José Luís; Tarazòn-Herrera, Mario Antonio; Moreno Medina, Salomòn; Gerlach Barrera, Luis Ernesto

    2010-08-01

    Capsicum annuum var. aviculare to Tarahumara and Papago Indians and farmers of Sonora desert is a promising biological and commercial value as a natural resource from arid and semiarid coastal zones. Traditionally, apply synthetic fertilizers to compensate for soil nitrogen deficiency. However, indiscriminate use of these fertilizers might increase salinity. The inoculation by plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represents an alternative as potential bio fertilizer resources for salty areas. Seeds ecotypes from four areas of Sonora desert (Mazocahui, Baviacora, Arizpe, La Tortuga), in order to inoculate them with one species of PGPB and AMF. Two germination tests were carried out to study the effect of salinity, temperature regime (night/day) and inoculation with PGPB and AMF growth factors measured on germination (percentage and rate), plant height, root length, and produced biomass (fresh and dry matter). The results indicated that from four studied ecotypes, Mazocahui was the most outstanding of all, showing the highest germination under saline and non-saline conditions. However, the PGPB and AMF influenced the others variables evaluated. This study is the first step to obtain an ideal ecotype of C. a. var. aviculare, which grows in the northwest of México and promoting this type of microorganisms as an efficient and reliable biological product. Studies of the association of PGPB and AMF with the C. a. var. aviculare-Mazocahui ecotype are recommended to determine the extent to which these observations can be reproduced under field conditions. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  7. Effect of confertifolin from Polygonum hydropiper L. against dengue vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L.

    PubMed

    Maheswaran, Rajan; Ignacimuthu, Savarimuthu

    2015-06-01

    The essential oil from the leaves of Polygonum hydropiper L. (Polygonaceae) was tested against Aedes aegypti L. The LC50 values were 190.72 and 234.37 ppm against second and fourth instar larvae of A. aegypti, respectively. Confertifolin (6,6,9a-trimethy l-4,5,5a,6,7,8,9,9a-octahydronaphtho [1,2-c] furan-3 (1H)-one) was isolated from the essential oil of P. hydropiper leaves using silica gel column chromatography. The LC50 values were 2.90 and 2.96 ppm for second and fourth instar larvae of A. aegypti, respectively. At 10 ppm, the concentration of confertifolin showed ovicidal activity of 100, 100, and 77.6 % on 0-6, 6-12, and 12-18 h old eggs; the repellent activity was 323.2 min; and oviposition deterrent activity was 97.52 % and adulticidal activity was 100 % against A. aegypti. The results were statistically significant at P < 0.05 level. The results suggested that confertifolin as an effective major constituent against A. aegypti and might be considered as a potent source for the production of superior natural mosquitocides.

  8. Analysis of the Chemical, Pharmacological and Clinical Applications of Polygonum Cuspidatum

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Chenyang; Bai, Ming; Miao, Mingsan; Miao, Yanyan

    2018-01-01

    Traditional Chinese medicine Polygonum cuspidatum widely used, the larger production, and in the clinical application of more, but the role played by the role of different roles are also different. By reviewing the relevant literatures in recent years, the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Polygonum cuspidatum were sorted and summarized, and the role of Polygonum cuspidatum was analyzed, and the function of Polygonum cuspidatum was explored to find out the role of Polygonum cuspidatum in compatibility. Application law. Which can not only study the medicinal mechanism of Polygonum cuspidatum, but also provide the theoretical basis for the medicinal development, clinical treatment and comprehensive utilization of Polygonum cuspidatum.

  9. [HPLC fingerprint chromatogram of Polygonum multiflorum from Guizhou].

    PubMed

    Li, Yan; Wang, Hui-Juan; Lin, Bing; Zhao, Zhi; Zhou, Ying

    2012-12-01

    To establish the fingerprint of Polygonum multiflorum from Guizhou and provide a standard for its quality control. HPLC analysis was performed on Agillent ZABAX-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm), gradient eluted composed of acetonitrile-0.4% water solution of phosphoric acid. Column temperature was set at 25 degrees C and the flow rate was 1 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 280 nm and the analysis time was 60 min. 9 common peaks were identified. The RSD of the relative retention time and the relative peak area were less than 3% in analyzing its precision, stability and repeatability of the common peaks, and the similarity of the 16 batches of sample was more than 0.9. The method is simple and reliable, and it can provide a standard and guidance for quality control of Polygonum multiflorum.

  10. Impact of ozone on understory plants of the aspen zone

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

    Harward, M.R.; Treshow, M.

    1971-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to learn how ozone might affect the growth and reproduction of understory species of the aspen community, and thereby influence its stability and composition. Plants of 15 representative species of the aspen community were grown in chambers and fumigated 4 hours each day, 5 days per week throughout their growing seasons. These included: Achillea millifolium, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium fremontii, Cruciferae sp., Descurainia pinnata, Descurainia sp., Geranium fremontii, Isatis tinctoria, Ligusticum porteri, Lepidium virginicum, Madia glomerata, Polygonum aviculare, Polygonum douglasii, Phacelia heterophylla, Viola italica. Plants were exposed to 30 pphm, 15 pphm, ambient air reachingmore » 5-7 pphm for 2 hours per day, and filtered air. The study was repeated for 3 seasons. Ambient air caused a significant reduction of total plant weight only of Lepidium virginicum. Six species produced fruit and seeds. At 15 pphm, seed production by Madia glomerata and Polygonum douglasii was significantly reduced. At 30 pphm, seed production was also reduced in Polygonum aviculare and Lepidium virginicum. The two most significant conclusions to emerge from the study were first that several species were more sensitive to ozone than might have been suspected. Second, this sensitivity varied sufficiently that major shifts in community composition would be probable following only a year or two of exposure. More tolerant species have no doubt already become dominant over more sensitive species in natural plant communities exposed to elevated ozone concentrations. It must be stressed that the species studied did not necessarily represent the most ozone sensitive members of the community, or the most tolerant.« less

  11. Within and between species variation in response to environmental gradients in Polygonum pensylvanicum and Polygonum virginianum.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hee Sun; Zangerl, A R; Garbutt, K; Bazzaz, F A

    1986-03-01

    The responses of Polygonum pensylvanicum L., an early successional annual, and of Polygonum virginianum L., a late successional perennial, were examined along discontinuous gradients of soil moisture, light and nutrient availability. In the case of P. virginianum both individuals grown from seed and individuals grown from rhizomes were examined. The results show that variation in the response of individuals of a species of different age to environmental variation is as great as that found between the two congeneric species of different successional habitats. In general, individuals of the two species were more similar to one another in response to the resource gradients when both were started from seed, than were individuals of P. virginianum grown from seed and from rhizomes. Potential differences in stored reserves (starting capital) between rhizomes and seeds appeared to have little effect upon responses to resource availability. A number of plant characters were found to vary along the gradients in ways that were unique to the character, the gradient, and the age of the individual. These characters included aspects of leaf size, shape, and orientation, as well as whole plant architecture. Many if not all of these characters are likely to have significant effects upon the functioning of plants. The origin of this difference in response to the gradients of individuals of P. virginianum of differing age may be ontogenetic or may reflect differences in genetic composition created by recombination.

  12. Little Blue Prehistory: Archaeological Investigations at Blue Springs and Longview Lakes, Jackson County, Missouri. Volume 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-01-01

    processing is indicated by sandstone pestles and grinding stones. 17 It is uncertain exactly how these three rockshelter sites fit into a Dalton... Atlantic time (ca. 5000 B.P.) on, climatic change was minor. Major vegetation zones present on the pre-settlement landscape would thus represent basic...areas included sumac and poison ivy, persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), red cedar (Juniperus virgin - iana), knotweed (Polygonum aviculare), lambs

  13. Hexane extracts of Polygonum multiflorum improve tissue and functional outcome following focal cerebral ischemia in mice.

    PubMed

    Lee, Soo Vin; Choi, Kyung Ha; Choi, Young Whan; Hong, Jin Woo; Baek, Jin Ung; Choi, Byung Tae; Shin, Hwa Kyoung

    2014-04-01

    Polygonum multiflorum is a traditional Korean medicine that has been utilized widely in East Asian countries as a longevity agent. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Polygonum multiflorum improves hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease, neurosis and other diseases commonly associated with aging. However, scientific evidence defining the protective effects and mechanisms of Polygonum multiflorum against ischemic stroke is incomplete. In the present study, we investigated the cerebrovascular protective effects of Polygonum multiflorum against ischemic brain injury using an in vivo photothrombotic mouse model. To examine the underlying mechanism of action, we utilized an in vitro human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) culture system. Hexane extracts (HEPM), ethyl acetate extracts (EAEPM) and methanol extracts (MEPM) of Polygonum multiflorum (100 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to ischemic insult. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in C57BL/6J mice and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS KO) mice by photothrombotic cortical occlusion. We evaluated the infarct volume, as well as neurological and motor function, 24 h after ischemic brain injury. Following ischemic insult, HEPM induced a significant reduction in infarct volume and subsequent neurological deficits, compared with EAEPM and MEPM. HEPM significantly decreased infarct size and improved neurological and motor function, which was not observed in eNOS KO mice, suggesting that this cerebroprotective effect is primarily an eNOS-dependent mechanism. In vitro, HEPM effectively promoted NO production, however these effects were inhibited by the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME and the PI3K/Akt inhibitor, LY-294002. Furthermore, HEPM treatment resulted in increased phosphorylation-dependent activation of Akt and eNOS in HBMEC, suggesting that HEPM increased NO production via phosphorylation-dependent activation of Akt and eNOS. In conclusion, HEPM prevents cerebral

  14. Metabonomics study on Polygonum multiflorum induced liver toxicity in rats by GC-MS

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Yuan; Wang, Nannan; Zhang, Meiling; Diao, Tingting; Tang, Jingyue; Dai, Mingzhu; Chen, Suhong; Lin, Guanyang

    2015-01-01

    Polygonum multiflorum, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is widely used in liver and liver nourishing. Recent years, drug regulatory departments reported that Polygonum multiflorum caused serious adverse reaction in clinic, especially liver injury. In this study, we detected the changes in rat serum and liver tissue metabolites through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Mass spectrometry, partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) and other diversified techniques were used to analyze the differences among their metabolites. Compared to the control group, the serum concentrations of L-threonine and serine in water extraction groups increased. The serum concentrations of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, D-glucose and octadecanoic acid in alcohol extraction groups increased, while lactic acid decreased to a great extent. For liver tissue, compared to the control group, the concentrations of myo-inositol, oleic acid and cholesterol in water extraction groups increased, while those of hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, ribitol and butanedioic acid decreased to a great extent. The concentrations of myo-inositol, phosphoric acid, uridine, oleic acid, cholesterol and butanoic acid in alcohol extraction groups increased to a great extent, while those of hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, ribitol and butanedioic acid decreased. The results indicate that Polygonum multiflorum induces the metabolic disorders of energy metabolism, amino acid and lipid metabolism. What’s more, liver injury of alcohol extraction group was more serious than group of water extraction. PMID:26379894

  15. Traditional usages, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.: a review.

    PubMed

    Lin, Longfei; Ni, Boran; Lin, Hongmei; Zhang, Miao; Li, Xuechun; Yin, Xingbin; Qu, Changhai; Ni, Jian

    2015-01-15

    Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., which is known as Heshouwu ( in Chinese) in China. It is traditionally valued and reported for hair-blacking, liver and kidney-tonifying and anti-aging effects as well as low toxicity. The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological research and toxicology of Polygonum multiflorum, based on the scientific literature. Moreover, trends and perspectives for future investigation of this plant are discussed. It will build up a new foundation for further study on Polygonum multiflorum. A systematic review of the literature on Polygonum multiflorum was performed using several resources, including classic books on Chinese herbal medicine and various scientific databases, such as PubMed, SciFinder, the Web of Science, Science Direct, China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI). Polygonum multiflorum is widely distributed throughout the world and has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries in China. The ethnomedical uses of Polygonum multiflorum have been recorded in many provinces of China and Japan for nine species of adulterants in six families. More than 100 chemical compounds have been isolated from this plant, and the major components have been determined to be stilbenes, quinones, flavonoids and others. Crude extracts and pure compounds of this plant are used as effective agents in pre-clinical and clinical practice due to their anti-aging, anti-hyperlipidaemia, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects and to promote immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and the curing of other diseases. However, these extracts can also lead to hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and embryonic toxicity. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the main components of Polygonum multiflorum, such as 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and emodin are distributed among many organs and tissues. Therapeutic potential of Polygonum multiflorum has been

  16. Biological control of mile-a-minute weed, Polygonum perfoliatum: first release of the Chinese weevil, Rhinoncomimus latipes

    Treesearch

    Judith Hough-Goldstein

    2007-01-01

    Mile-a-minute weed (Polygonum perfoliatum L.) is an annual vine indigenous to parts of Asia, introduced into the eastern United States in the 1930s and now established throughout much of the Northeast. Infestations can cause failure of tree regeneration and may reduce native plant species in natural areas. A Chinese weevil, Rhinoncomimus...

  17. Botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential application of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb.et Zucc.: a review.

    PubMed

    Peng, Wei; Qin, Rongxin; Li, Xiaoli; Zhou, Hong

    2013-07-30

    Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonum cuspidatum), also known as Reynoutria japonica Houtt and Huzhang in China, is a traditional and popular Chinese medicinal herb. Polygonum cuspidatum with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects has been used for treatment of inflammation, favus, jaundice, scald, and hyperlipemia, etc. The present paper reviews the traditional applications as well as advances in botany, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of this plant. Finally, the tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are discussed, too. A systematic review of literature about Polygonum cuspidatum is carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science and others. Polygonum cuspidatum is widely distributed in the world and has been used as a traditional medicine for a long history in China. Over 67 compounds including quinones, stilbenes, flavonoids, counmarins and ligans have been isolated and identified from this plant. The root of this plant is used as the effective agent in pre-clinical and clinical practice for regulating lipids, anti-endotoxic shock, anti-infection and anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and other diseases in China and Japan. As an important traditional Chinese medicine, Polygonum cuspidatum has been used for treatment of hyperlipemia, inflammation, infection and cancer, etc. Because there is no enough systemic data about the chemical constituents and their pharmacological effects or toxicities, it is important to investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of this plant based on modern realization of diseases' pathophysiology. Drug target-guided and bioactivity-guided isolation and purification of the chemical constituents from this plant and subsequent evaluation of their pharmacologic effects will promote the development of new drug and make sure which

  18. ELECTROCHEMICAL FINGERPRINT STUDIES OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS RICH IN FLAVONOIDS.

    PubMed

    Konieczyński, Paweł

    2015-01-01

    The combination of a size-exclusion column (SEC) with electrochemical (voltammetric) detection at a boron-doped diamond electrode (BDDE) was applied for studying the correlations between electroactive Cu and Fe species with phenolic groups of flavonoids. For comparison with electrochemical results, SEC-HPLC-DAD detection was used. The studied plant material comprised of: Betula verrucosa Ehrh., Equisetun arvense L., Polygonum aviculare L., Viola tricolor L., Crataegus oxyacantha L., Sambucus nigra L. and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench. Based upon the results, high negative correlation was found for the chromatographic peak currents at 45 min with the sum of Cu and Fe for the aqueous extracts of Sambucus, Crataegus and Betula species, and for the peak currents at 65 min of the aqueous extracts of Sambucus, Crataegus, Helichrysum and Betula botanical species. This behavior confirms that it is mainly the flavonoids with easily oxidizable phenolic groups which are strongly influenced by the presence of Cu and Fe. Moreover, the electrochemical profiles obtained thanks to the use of HPLC hyphenated with voltammetric detection can be potentially applied for fingerprint studies of the plant materials used in medicine.

  19. Mechanistic Studies on the Use of Polygonum multiflorum for the Treatment of Hair Graying

    PubMed Central

    Han, Ming-Nuan; Lu, Jian-Mei; Zhang, Guang-Yuan; Zhao, Rong-Hua

    2015-01-01

    Polygonum multiflorum is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history in hair growth promotion and hair blackening. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect and the mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum in hair blackening. C57BL/6 mice hair fade was induced with H2O2 and used in this research. Hair pigmentogenesis promotion activities of Polygonum Multiflorum Radix (PMR, raw crude drug), Polygonum Multiflorum Radix Preparata (PMRP, processed crude drug), and their major chemical constituent TSG were investigated. The regulation effects of several cytokines and enzymes such as POMC, α-MSH, MC1R, ASIP, MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2 were investigated. PMR group gave out the most outstanding black hair among all groups with the highest contents of total melanin, α-MSH, MC1R, and TYR. Promotion of hair pigmentogenesis was slightly decreased after processing in the PMRP group. TSG as the major constituent of PMR showed weaker hair color regulation effects than both PMR and PMRP. PMR, but not PMRP, should be used to blacken hair. The α-MSH, MC1R, and TYR were the major targets in the medicinal use of PMR in hair graying. Chemical constituents other than TSG may contribute to the hair color regulation activity of PMR. PMID:26640791

  20. Feed additive production by fermentation of herb Polygonum hydropiper L. and cassava pulp with simultaneous flavonoid dissolution.

    PubMed

    Song, Zhen-Tao; Zhu, Ming-Jun

    2017-03-01

    Fermentation of herb Polygonum hydropiper L. (PHL) and cassava pulp (CP) for feed additive production with simultaneous flavonoid dissolution was investigated, and a two-stage response surface methodology (RSM) based on Plackett-Burman factorial design (PB design) was used to optimize the flavonoid dissolution and protein content. Using the screening function of PB design, four different significant factors for the two response variables were acquired: factors A (CP) and B (PHL) for the flavonoid dissolution versus factors G (inoculum size) and H (fermentation time) for protein content. Then, two RSMs were used sequentially to improve the values of the two response variables separately. The mutual corroboration of the experimental results in the present study confirmed the validity of the associated experimental design. The validation experiment showed a flavonoid dissolution rate of 94.00%, and a protein content of 18.20%, gaining an increase in 21.20% and 199.10% over the control, respectively. The present study confirms the feasibility of feed additive production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with CP and PHL and simultaneous optimization of flavonoid dissolution and protein content using a two-stage RSM. © 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  1. MICROWAVE-ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM THUNB. ROOTS.

    PubMed

    Quoc, Le Pham Tan; Muoi, Nguyen Van

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the best extraction conditions for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. root using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The raw material used was Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. root powder. Five factors such as solvent type, solvent concentrations, solvent/material ratio, extraction time and microwave power were studied; TPC and AC values were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH free radical scavenging activity measurement, respectively. In addition, studies involved assaying the HPLC test of extracts and SEM of samples. Optimal results pointed to acetone as the solvent, acetone concentration of 60%, solvent/material ratio of 40/1 (v/w), extraction time of 5 mins and microwave power of 127 W. TPC and AC obtained were approximates 44.3 ±0.13 mg GAE/g DW and 341.26 ±1.54 μmol TE/g DW, respectively. The effect of microwaving on the cell destruction of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. root was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Some phenolic compounds were determined by the HPLC method, for instance, gallic acid, catechin and resveratrol. These factors significantly affected TPC and AC. We can use acetone as a solvent with microwave-assisted extraction to achieve the best result.

  2. Unravelling the architecture of functional variability in wild populations of Polygonum viviparum L

    PubMed Central

    Boucher, Florian C.; Thuiller, Wilfried; Arnoldi, Cindy; Albert, Cécile H.; Lavergne, Sébastien

    2014-01-01

    SUMMARY Functional variability (FV) of populations can be decomposed into three main features: the individual variability of multiple traits, the strength of correlations between those traits and the main direction of these correlations, the latter two being known as ‘phenotypic integration’. Evolutionary biology has long recognized that FV in natural populations is key to determining potential evolutionary responses, but this topic has been little studied in functional ecology. Here we focus on the arctico-alpine perennial plant species Polygonum viviparum L.. We used a comprehensive sampling of seven functional traits in 29 wild populations covering the whole environmental niche of the species. The niche of the species was captured by a temperature gradient, which separated alpine stressful habitats from species-rich, competitive sub-alpine ones. We seeked to assess the relative roles of abiotic stress and biotic interactions in shaping different aspects of functional variation within and among populations, that is, the multi-trait variability, the strength of correlations between traits, and the main directions of functional trade-offs. Populations with the highest extent of functional variability were found in the warm end of the gradient whereas populations exhibiting the strongest degree of phenotypic integration were located in sites with intermediate temperatures. This could reveal both the importance of environmental filtering and population demography in structuring FV. Interestingly, we found that the main axes of multivariate functional variation were radically different within and across population. Although the proximate causes of FV structure remain uncertain, our study presents a robust methodology for the quantitative study of functional variability in connection with species’ niches. It also opens up new perspectives for the conceptual merging of intraspecific functional patterns with community ecology. PMID:24790285

  3. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of methanol extract from Polygonum minus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wahab, Noor Zarina Abd; Bunawan, Hamidun; Ibrahim, Nazlina

    2015-09-01

    A study was carried out to test the cytotoxicity and antiviral effects of methanolic extracts from the leaves and stem of Polygonum minus or kesum. Cytotoxicity tests were performed on Vero cells indicates the LC50 value for leaf extract towards the Vero cells was 875 mg/L and the LC50 value for stem extract was 95 mg/L. The LC50 values indidcate the non-cytotoxic effect of the extracts and worth for further testing. Antiviral test were carried out towards herpes simplex virus infected Vero cells using three concentration of extract which were equivalent to 1.0 LC50, 0.1 LC50 and 0.01 LC50. Three different treatments to detect antiviral activity were used. Mild antiviral activity of the stem extract was detected when cells were treated for 24 hours with plant extract before viral infection. This demonstrates the capability of the test compound to protect the cells from viral attachment and of the possible prophylactic effect of the P. minus stem methanol extract.

  4. [Simultaneous isolation and purification of gallic acid and brevifolincarboxylic acid from Polygonum capitatum by high-speed counter-current chromatography].

    PubMed

    Chen, Xinxia; Zhang, Liyan; Wan, Jinzhi; Liang, Bin; Xie, Yu

    2010-08-01

    To isolate and purify gallic acid and brevifolincarboxylic acid simultaneously by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) from a crude extract of Polygonum capitatum. The biphasic solvent system composed of ethyl acetate-n-butanol-0.44% acetic acid (3:1:5) was used at a flow rate of 2.0 mL x min(-1), while the aqueous phase was selected as the mobile phase and the apparatus was rotated at 860 r x min(-1). The effluent was detected at 272 nm. 51.5 mg of gallic acid and 5.9 mg of brevifolincarboxylic acid were separated from 1.07 g of the crude extract with the purities of 99.7% and 97.5%, respectively, while brevifolincarboxylic acid was obtained firstly from the genus Polygonum. The structures of the compounds were identified by ultraviolet spectrometry (UV), infra-red spectrometry (IR), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), time-of-flight mass spectrometry( TOF-MS), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C-NMR. This method is feasible and rapid for isolation and purification of gallice acid and brevifolincarboxylil acid.

  5. Protective Effect of Polygonum orientale L. Extracts against Clavibater michiganense subsp. sepedonicum, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Ring Rot of Potato

    PubMed Central

    Cai, Jin; Xie, Shulian; Feng, Jia; Wang, Feipeng; Xu, Qiufeng

    2013-01-01

    The Polygonum orientale L. extracts were investigated for antibacterial activity against Clavibater michiganense subsp. sepedonicum (Spieckermann & Kotthoff) Davis et al., the causal agent of a serious disease called bacterial ring rot of potato. The results showed that the leaf extracts of P. orientale had significantly (p<0.05) greater antibacterial activity against C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum than root, stem, flower extracts in vitro. According to the results of single factor experiments and L273(13) orthogonal experiments, optimum extraction conditions were A1B3C1, extraction time 6 h, temperature 80°C, solid to liquid ratio 1∶10 (g:mL). The highest (p<0.05) antibacterial activity was observed when pH was 5, excluding the effect of control. The extracts were stable under ultraviolet (UV). In vivo analysis revealed that 50 mg/mL of P. orientale leaf extracts was effective in controlling decay. Under field conditions, 50 mg/mL of P. orientale leaf extracts also improved growth parameters (whole plant length, shoot length, root length, plant fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, dry weight, and number of leaves), in the 2010 and 2011 two growing seasons. Further solvent partition assays showed that the most active compounds were in the petroleum ether fractionation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed drastic ultrastructural changes caused by petroleum ether fractionation, including bacterial deformation, electron-dense particles, formation of vacuoles and lack of cytoplasmic materials. These results indicated that P. orientale extracts have strong antibacterial activity against C. michiganense subsp. sepedonicum and a promising effect in control of bacterial ring rot of potato disease. PMID:23861908

  6. [Bencao literature investigation of Polygonum multiflorum (Heshouwu)].

    PubMed

    Liang, Li; Zheng, Jin-Sheng; Zhao, Zhong-Zhen

    2016-12-01

    Heshouwu, derived from the root of Polygonum multiflorum (=Fallopia multiflora), is widely used in the Chinese medicine market as a traditional tonic. The emergence of heshouwu material with a human shape reflects a pursuit of its supplementing effects. However, reports of Heshouwu toxicity have repeatedly surfaced in recent years, attracting widespread concern. To clarify the situation surrounding the safety and efficacy of Heshouwu, this research utilizes a systematic review of the text and illustrations in historical bencao (materia medica) literature to investigate the origin, botanical characteristics, actions and processing of Heshouwu, as well as the origin and historical evolution of Baishouwu ("white Heshouwu"). Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  7. Quantitative analysis of indigo and indigo precursors in leaves of Isatis spp. and Polygonum tinctorium.

    PubMed

    Gilbert, Kerry G; Maule, Hamish G; Rudolph, Bernd; Lewis, Mervyn; Vandenburg, Harold; Sales, Ester; Tozzi, Sabrina; Cooke, David T

    2004-01-01

    Analysis of extracts from two woad species (Isatis tinctoria and Isatis indigotica) and Polygonum tinctorium revealed that only one indigo precursor (indican) was present in Polygonum, but two precursors were found in Isatis spp. This was done using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), coupled to an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). In Isatis spp., the indigo precursors indican and a fraction representing isatan B were identified. The proportion of indican and isatan B was different between the two Isatis spp. tested. For the first time, it was possible to quantify the precursors in woad plant species, and the results were found to be in good agreement with those made from total indigo quantification using two different spectrophotometric methods or a derivatization technique.

  8. A recent review on phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum (Polygonum minus Huds.)

    PubMed Central

    Vikram, Paritala; Chiruvella, Kishore Kumar; Ripain, Ilfah Husna Abdullah; Arifullah, Mohammed

    2014-01-01

    Medicinal plants and herbal preparations are gaining renowned interest in scientific communities nowadays due to their reliable pharmacological actions and affordability to common people which makes them effective in control of various diseases. Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) locally known as kesum is an aromatic plant commonly used in Malay delicacies. The plant is having potential applications due to its high volatile oil constituents in perfumes and powerful antioxidant activity. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments including dandruff. The research has been carried out by various researchers using different in vitro and in vivo models for biological evaluations to support these claims. This review paper may help upcoming research activities on Polygonum minus by giving up to date information on the phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of kesum to a possible extent with relevant data. PMID:25182942

  9. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction, structure and antitumor activity of polysaccharide from Polygonum multiflorum.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Weili; Xue, Xiaoping; Zhang, Zhanjun

    2016-10-01

    Polygonum multiflorum is a popular Chinese herbal medicine with various pharmacological functions. In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction condition, structural characterization and antitumor activity of a polysaccharide from roots of P. multiflorum were investigated. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction condition was optimized by single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. Results showed that the maximum extraction yield (5.49%) was obtained at ultrasonic power 158W, extraction temperature 62°C, extraction time 80min and ratio of water to material 20mL/g. The obtained crude polysaccharides were further purified to afford a neutral and an acidic fraction. The structure of the main neutral polysaccharide (named PPS with molecular weight of 3.26×10(5)Da) was characterized as a linear (1→6)-α-d-glucan by gas chromatography, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, methylation analysis, 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. At the concentration of 400μg/mL, the inhibitory ratios of PPS on HepG-2 and BGC-823 cells were 53.35% and 38.58%, respectively. Results suggested this polysaccharide could be a potential natural antitumor agent. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. A new herb–drug interaction of Polygonum cuspidatum, a resveratrol‐rich nutraceutical, with carbamazepine in rats

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

    Chi, Ying-Chang; Lin, Shiuan-Pey; Hou, Yu-Chi, E-mail: hou5133@gmail.com

    2012-09-15

    Carbamazepine (CBZ), an antiepileptic with narrow therapeutic window, is a substrate of CYP 3A which metabolizes CBZ to carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZE), an active metabolite. This study investigated the acute and chronic effects of Polygonum cuspidatum (PC), a resveratrol‐rich nutraceutical, on the pharmacokinetics of CBZ in rats and the underlying mechanisms. Rats were orally administered CBZ (200 mg/kg) alone and coadministered with a single dose and the 7th dose of PC (2 g/kg) in a crossover design. The concentrations of CBZ and CBZE in serum and various tissues were determined by HPLC method. The results showed that PC significantly increased the AUC{submore » 0-t} of CBZ and CBZE, whereas the formation rate of CBZE was decreased. Tissue analysis showed that the concentrations of CBZ and CBZE in brain, liver and kidney were significantly increased by PC. Cell studies indicated that the efflux function of MRP 2 was inhibited by the serum metabolites of PC. In conclusion, PC markedly increased the systemic exposure and brain concentration of CBZ and CBZE through inhibiting the activities of CYP 3A and MRP 2. Highlights: ► Polygonum cuspidatum elevated brain carbamazepine (CBZ) levels. ► Polygonum cuspidatum inhibited the activities of CYP 3A and MRP 2. ► Coadministration of PC with CBZ may enhance efficacy or toxicity.« less

  11. Anti-inflammatory activity of Polygonum bistorta, Guaiacum officinale and Hamamelis virginiana in rats.

    PubMed

    Duwiejua, M; Zeitlin, I J; Waterman, P G; Gray, A I

    1994-04-01

    The aqueous ethanolic extracts of Polygonum bistorta L. Polygonaceae, Guaiacum officinale L. Zygophyllaceae and Hamamelis virginiana L. Hamamelidaceae were screened for anti-inflammatory activity. Administered (100 and 200 mg kg-1, p.o.) before the induction of carrageenan rat paw oedema, extracts of P. bistorta significantly suppressed both the maximal oedema response and the total oedema response (monitored as area under the time course curve). H. virginiana was inactive and G. officinale was only active at 200 mg kg-1. At 200 mg kg-1 administered before the induction of adjuvant arthritis, P. bistorta significantly inhibited both the acute and chronic phases of the adjuvant-induced rat paw swelling, while G. officinale and H. virginiana were only active against the chronic phase. Further studies on P. bistorta (100-800 mg kg-1) revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema over the dose range 100-400 mg kg-1, the E50 value being approximately 158.5 mg kg-1. The extract (200 mg kg-1), administered after the onset of the inflammatory responses reversed the course of both the carrageenan- and adjuvant-induced rat paw swelling. The results confirm that the extracts of P. bistorta, G. officinale and H. virginiana contain anti-inflammatory substances.

  12. Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract and compounds from Polygonum limbatum.

    PubMed

    Dzoyem, Jean P; Nkuete, Antoine H L; Kuete, Victor; Tala, Michel F; Wabo, Hippolyte K; Guru, Santosh K; Rajput, Vikrant S; Sharma, Akash; Tane, Pierre; Khan, Inshad A; Saxena, Anil K; Laatsch, Hartmut; Tan, Ning-Hua

    2012-05-01

    The present study was designed to investigate the antimicrobial activity and the cytotoxicity of the methanol extract (PLA) as well as fractions (PLA1-4) and compounds [cardamomin (1), (±)-polygohomoisoflavanone (2), (S)-(-)-pinostrobin (3), 2',4'-dihydroxy-3',6'-dimethoxychalcone (4), (2S)-(-)-5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavanone (5), and (2S)-(-)-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone (6)] obtained from leaves of Polygonum limbatum. The microbroth dilution was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the samples against 11 microbial strains including Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), S.epidermidis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. The sulphorhodamine B cell growth inhibition assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of the above samples on lung A549 adenocarcinoma, breast carcinoma MCF-7, prostate carcinoma PC-3, cervical carcinoma HeLa, and the acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1. The results of the MIC determination indicated that, apart from fraction PLA3, all other fractions as well as PLA and compound 3 were selectively active. MIC values were noted on 100 % of the 11 tested microorganisms for fraction PLA3, 72.7 % for PLA, fraction PLA2, and compound 4, 63.6 % for PLA1, and 54.5 % for fraction PLA4. The results of the cytotoxicity assay revealed that, except for A459 cells, more than 50 % inhibition of the proliferation was obtained with each of the tested samples on at least one of the four other cell lines. IC₅₀ values below 4 µg/mL were obtained with 1 and 4 on THP-1 cells. The overall results of the present study provided baseline information for the possible use of Polygonum limbatum as well as some of the isolated compounds for the control of cancer diseases and mostly leukemia. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  13. The antibacterial activity and action mechanism of emodin from Polygonum cuspidatum against Haemophilus parasuis in vitro.

    PubMed

    Li, Li; Song, Xu; Yin, Zhongqiong; Jia, Renyong; Li, Zhengwen; Zhou, Xun; Zou, Yuanfeng; Li, Lixia; Yin, Lizi; Yue, Guizhou; Ye, Gang; Lv, Cheng; Shi, Wenjing; Fu, Yuping

    2016-01-01

    Haemophilus parasuis is the causative agent of Glässer's disease, which leads to serious economic loss to the swine industry. Although antibiotics are widely used to control infections, outbreaks of this disease repeatedly happen. In this study, emodin from Polygonum cuspidatum showed potent inhibitory effect against H. parasuis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of emodin were 32 and 64μg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial kinetic curves indicated the antibacterial activity of emodin was in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell membrane permeability and flow cytometry assays proved that emodin could destroy cell membrane integrity and increase membrane permeability, and fluorescence spectra assay indicated emodin has influenced conformation of membrane protein. Under transmission electron microscopy, serious lesions of H. parasuis exposed to emodin (64μg/mL) were found, including irregular cell shape, plasmolysis, ruptured cell wall and membrane and cytoplasmic vacuolation. These results suggested that emodin could be used as candidate for treating Glässer's disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  14. Polygonum viviparum L. inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages through haem oxygenase-1 induction and activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Hui-Wen; Lee, Kock-Chee; Cheah, Khoot-Peng; Chang, Ming-Long; Lin, Che-Wei; Li, Joe-Sharg; Yu, Wen-Yu; Liu, E-Tung; Hu, Chien-Ming

    2013-02-01

    Polygonum viviparum L. (PV) is a member of the family Polygonaceae and is widely distributed in high-elevation areas. It is used as a folk remedy to treat inflammation-related diseases. This study was focused on the anti-inflammatory response of PV against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Treatment with PV did not cause cytotoxicity at 0-50 µg mL(-1) in RAW264.7 macrophages, and the IC(50) value was 270 µg mL(-1). PV inhibited LPS-stimulated nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG)E(2) , interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α release and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein expression. In addition, PV suppressed the LPS-induced p65 expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, which is associated with the inhibition of IκB-α degradation. These results suggest that, among mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory response, PV inhibits the production of NO and these cytokines by down-regulating iNOS and COX-2 gene expression. Furthermore, PV can induce haem oxygenase (HO)-1 protein expression through nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. A specific inhibitor of HO-1, zinc(II) protoporphyrin IX, inhibited the suppression of iNOS and COX-2 expression by PV. These results suggest that PV possesses anti-inflammatory actions in macrophages and works through a novel mechanism involving Nrf2 actions and HO-1. Thus PV could be considered for application as a potential therapeutic approach for inflammation-associated disorders. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

  15. Emodin from Polygonum multiflorum ameliorates oxidative toxicity in HT22 cells and deficits in photothrombotic ischemia.

    PubMed

    Ahn, Sung Min; Kim, Ha Neui; Kim, Yu Ri; Choi, Young Whan; Kim, Cheol Min; Shin, Hwa Kyoung; Choi, Byung Tae

    2016-07-21

    Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. has been used widely in East Asia in treatment of diseases associated with aging. Emodin, an active component from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., provides benefits for brain disturbances induced by severe cerebral injury. We investigated the neuroprotective effect of emodin from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. against glutamate-induced oxidative toxicity and cerebral ischemia. For examination of neuroprotective effects of emodin, cell viability, cytotoxicity, flow cytometry, and Western blot were performed in HT22 cells and infarct volume, behavioral tests and Western blot in a mouse model of photothrombotic ischemic stroke. Pretreatment with emodin resulted in significantly reduced glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death in HT22 cells. However, blocking of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) activity with LY294002 resulted in significantly inhibited cell survival by emodin. Exposure of glutamate-treated cells to emodin induced an increase in the level of Bcl-2 expression, whereas the expression of Bax and active caspase-3 proteins was significantly reduced. In addition, treatment with emodin resulted in increased phosphorylation of Akt and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and expression of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This expression by emodin was also significantly inhibited by blocking of PI3K activity. In a photothrombotic ischemic stroke model, treatment with emodin resulted in significantly reduced infarct volume and improved motor function. We confirmed the critical role of the expression levels of Bcl-2/Bax, active caspase-3, phosphorylated (p)Akt, p-CREB, and mature BDNF for potent neuroprotective effects of emodin in cerebral ischemia. These results suggest that emodin may afford a significant neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced apoptosis through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and subsequently enhance behavioral function in cerebral ischemia. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier

  16. Depressor effect of the young leaves of Polygonum hydropiper Linn. in high-salt induced hypertensive mice.

    PubMed

    Devarajan, Sankar; Yahiro, Eiji; Uehara, Yoshinari; Kuroda, Rieko; Hirano, Yoshio; Nagata, Kaori; Miura, Shinichiro; Saku, Keijiro; Urata, Hidenori

    2018-06-01

    A novel chymase inhibitor has been reported to have depressor effect in salt-induced hypertension. Therefore, we examined the hypothesis that chymase inhibitory dried young leaves of Polygonum hydropiper (PPH) or young leaves extract of Polygonum hydropiper (PHE) could reduce salt-induced hypertension. In this study, 8-wk old wild-type mice were allocated into three experiments and experiment I included groups, I- normal water drinking, II- high salt (2% NaCl) water (HSW) drinking, and III- HSW plus PPH (500 mg kg -1 , orally) for 12-wk. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured at baseline and weekly up to wk-12. In experiment II, mice were given HSW for 12-wk followed by 8-wk treatment with PPH plus HSW (62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg kg -1 for groups I, II, III and IV, respectively). BP and HR were measured at baseline and monthly until wk-12, following weekly for 8-wk. Experiment III comprised of four groups of mice for 12-wk HSW and 8-wk treatment with PHE plus HSW (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg kg -1 for groups I-IV, respectively). BP and HR were measured at baseline and monthly up to wk-12, following weekly for 8-wk. Significant reduction in BP and HR were observed in mice treated with PPH (500 mg kg -1 ) compared to HSW control. PPH reduced BP and HR dose dependently in hypertensive mice and the higher dose showed maximum reduction. PHE at its maximum dose (20 mg kg -1 ) significantly suppressed BP and HR. Over all, we found that the young leaves of Polygonum hydropiper suppressed salt-induced hypertension. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  17. [An ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography/linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry method coupled with a diagnostic fragment ions-searching-based strategy for rapid identification and characterization of chemical components in Polygonum cuspidatum].

    PubMed

    Pan, Zhiran; Liang, Hailong; Liang, Chabhufi; Xu, Wen

    2015-01-01

    A method for qualitative analysis of constituents in Polygonum cuspidatum by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) has been established. The methanol extract of Polygonum cuspidatumrn was separated on a Waters UPLC C18 column using acetonitrile-water (containing formic acid) eluting system and detected by LTQ-Orbitrap hybrid mass spectrometer in negative mode. The targeted components were further fragmented in LTQ and high accuracy data were acquired by Orbitrap MS. The summarized fragmentation pathways of typical reference components and a diagnostic fragment ions-searching-based strategy were used for detection and identification of the main phenolic components in Polygonum cuspidatum. Other clues such as nitrogen rule, even electron rule, degree of unsaturation rule and isotopic peak data were included for the structural elucidation as well. The whole analytical procedure was within 10 min and more than 30 components were identified or tentatively identified. This method is helpful for further phytochemical research and quality control on Polygonum cuspidatum and related preparations.

  18. Pilot scale repeated fed-batch fermentation processes of the wine yeast Dekkera bruxellensis for mass production of resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum.

    PubMed

    Kuo, Hsiao-Ping; Wang, Reuben; Lin, Yi-Sheng; Lai, Jinn-Tsyy; Lo, Yi-Chen; Huang, Shyue-Tsong

    2017-11-01

    Resveratrol has long been used as an ingredient in functional foods. Currently, Polygonum cuspidatum extract is the greatest natural source for resveratrol because of high concentrations of glycosidic-linked resveratrol. Thus, developing a cost-effective procedure to hydrolyze glucoside could substantially enhance resveratrol production from P. cuspidatum. This study selected Dekkera bruxellensis from several microorganisms based on its bioconversion and enzyme-specific activities. We demonstrated that the cells could be reused at least nine times while maintaining an average of 180.67U/L β-glucosidase activity. The average resveratrol bioconversion efficiency within five rounds of repeated usage was 108.77±0.88%. This process worked effectively when the volume was increased to 1200L, a volume at which approximately 35mgL -1 h -1 resveratrol per round was produced. This repeated fed-batch bioconversion process for resveratrol production is comparable to enzyme or cell immobilization strategies in terms of reusing cycles, but without incurring additional costs for immobilization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Green synthesis of Copper nanoparticle using ionic liquid-based extraction from Polygonum minus and their applications.

    PubMed

    Ullah, Habib; Wilfred, Cecilia Devi; Shaharun, Maizatul Shima

    2018-06-06

    The present work reports the extraction of phenolic compounds from Polygonum minus using ionic liquid as extracting solvent. In this work, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate [BMIM][HSO 4 ] was used for the extraction of bioactive compounds. Accordingly, ionic liquids based microwave-assisted extraction treatment for separating of bioactive compounds from polygonum minus was first performed in the present study. The results obtained in this work have high extraction yield in comparison with conventional solvent. UV/Vis results showed that microwave synthesis was fast, well dispersed and nanosized copper nanoparticle (CuNPs) in comparison with conventional synthesis. CuNPs was characterized by X-Rays diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive x-rays (FESEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All the instrumental analyses confirmed the particles were nanosized. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of as-synthesized CuNPs showed effective inhibitory zone against three different bacteria. The photocatalytic degradation of copper nanoparticles was studied using methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes under UV light and degraded 99.9% within short time 8 and 7 minutes.

  20. Preparation of Activated Carbon From Polygonum orientale Linn. to Remove the Phenol in Aqueous Solutions

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Jia; Shi, Shengli; Pei, Liangyu; Lv, Junping; Liu, Qi; Xie, Shulian

    2016-01-01

    Phenol components are major industry contaminants of aquatic environment. Among all practical methods for removing phenol substances from polluted water, activated carbon absorption is the most effective way. Here, we have produced low-cost activated carbon using Polygonum orientale Linn, a wide spreading species with large biomass. The phenol adsorption ability of this activated carbon was evaluated at different physico-chemical conditions. Average equilibrium time for adsorption was 120 min. The phenol adsorption ability of the P. orientale activated carbon was increased as the pH increases and reached to the max at pH 9.00. By contrast, the ionic strength had little effect on the phenol absorption. The optimum dose for phenol adsorption by the P. orientale activated carbon was 20.00 g/L. The dominant adsorption mechanism of the P. orientale activated carbon was chemisorption as its phenol adsorption kinetics matched with the pseudo-second-order kinetics. In addition, the equilibrium data were fit to the Langmuir model, with the negative standard free energy and the positive enthalpy, suggesting that adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. PMID:27741305

  1. Preparation of Activated Carbon From Polygonum orientale Linn. to Remove the Phenol in Aqueous Solutions.

    PubMed

    Feng, Jia; Shi, Shengli; Pei, Liangyu; Lv, Junping; Liu, Qi; Xie, Shulian

    2016-01-01

    Phenol components are major industry contaminants of aquatic environment. Among all practical methods for removing phenol substances from polluted water, activated carbon absorption is the most effective way. Here, we have produced low-cost activated carbon using Polygonum orientale Linn, a wide spreading species with large biomass. The phenol adsorption ability of this activated carbon was evaluated at different physico-chemical conditions. Average equilibrium time for adsorption was 120 min. The phenol adsorption ability of the P. orientale activated carbon was increased as the pH increases and reached to the max at pH 9.00. By contrast, the ionic strength had little effect on the phenol absorption. The optimum dose for phenol adsorption by the P. orientale activated carbon was 20.00 g/L. The dominant adsorption mechanism of the P. orientale activated carbon was chemisorption as its phenol adsorption kinetics matched with the pseudo-second-order kinetics. In addition, the equilibrium data were fit to the Langmuir model, with the negative standard free energy and the positive enthalpy, suggesting that adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic.

  2. [Ecology suitability of Polygonum capitatum in Guizhou province based on topographical conditions].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaobo; Zhou, Tao; Guo, Lanping; Zhu, Shoudong; Huang, Luqi

    2011-02-01

    To study ecology suitability rank dividing of Polygonum capitatum for selecting artificial planting base and high-quality industrial raw material in Guizhou province. Based on the investigation of PCB and DEM data of Guizhou province, the relationship between the gallic acid content in P. capitatum and topographical conditions was analyzed by statistical analysis. The geographic information systems (GIS)-based assessment and landscape ecological principles were applied to assess ecology suitability areas of P. capitatum in Guizhou. slope, aspect and altitude are main topographical factors that affect the content of gallic acid in P. capitatum. The gallic acid content of P. capitatum is higher in the lower altitude, shady slope and smaller slope areas. The gallic acid content is higher in the eastern areas of Guizhou province.

  3. Phenolic contents, antioxidant and anticholinesterase potentials of crude extract, subsequent fractions and crude saponins from Polygonum hydropiper L.

    PubMed

    Ayaz, Muhammad; Junaid, Muhammad; Ahmed, Jawad; Ullah, Farhat; Sadiq, Abdul; Ahmad, Sajjad; Imran, Muhammad

    2014-05-03

    We investigated Polygonum hydropiper L. (P. hydropiper) for phenolic contents, antioxidant, anticholinesterase activities, in an attempt to rationalize its use in neurological disorders. Plant crude extract (Ph.Cr), its subsequent fractions: n-hexane (Ph.Hex), chloroform (Ph.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc), n-Butanol (Ph.Bt), aqueous (Ph.Aq) and saponins (Ph.Sp) were evaluated for 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging potential. Further, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) & butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were performed using Ellman's assay. Moreover, total phenolic contents of plant extracts were determined and expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry sample (mg GAE/g dry weight). Among different fractions, Ph.Cr (90.82), Ph.Chf (178.16), Ph.EtAc (203.44) and Ph.Bt (153.61) exhibited high phenolic contents. All fractions showed concentration dependent DPPH scavenging activity, with Ph.EtAc 71.33% (IC50 15 μg/ml), Ph.Bt 71.40% (IC50 3 μg/ml) and Ph.Sp 71.40% (IC50 35 μg/ml) were most potent. The plant extracts exhibited high ABTS scavenging ability i.e. Ph.Bt (91.03%), Ph.EtAc (90.56%), Ph.Sp (90.84%), Ph.Aq (90.56%) with IC50<0.01 μg/ml. All fractions showed moderate to high AChE inhibitory activity as; Ph.Cr, 86.87% (IC50 330 μg/ml), Ph.Hex, 87.49% (IC50 35 μg/ml), Ph.Chf, 84.76% (IC50 55 μg/ml), Ph.Sp, 87.58% (IC50 108 μg/ml) and Ph.EtAc 79.95% (IC50 310 μg/ml) at 1 mg/ml). Furthermore the BChE inhibitory activity was most prominent in Ph.Hex 90.30% (IC50 40 μg/ml), Ph.Chf 85.94% (IC50 215 μg/ml), Ph.Aq 87.62% (IC50 3 μg/ml) and Ph.EtAc 81.01% (IC50 395 μg/ml) fractions. In this study, for the first time, we determined phenolic contents, isolated crude saponins, investigated antioxidant and anticholinestrase potential of P. hydropiper extracts. The results indicate that P. hydropiper is enriched with potent bioactive compounds and warrant

  4. Reproductive mode of Polygonum viviparum depends on environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tomita, Miki; Masuzawa, Takehiro

    2010-05-01

    We investigated the effects of microenvironmental conditions on the reproductive characteristics of Polygonum viviparum in the Southern Alps of Japan. We examined environmental differences and the distribution of P. viviparum at four study sites on the southeast-facing cirque of Mt Maedake. P. viviparum was found at two sites, where the humic loam layer was well developed on the soil surface. The timing of snowmelt differed considerably between these two sites. On average, the ratio of flowers to bulbils per inflorescence was low and the production of bulbils was high in the population experiencing later snowmelt. The mean maximum leaf area, number of flowers per inflorescence, and fresh weight of bulbils decreased with decreasing length of the growing season. In contrast, the number of individuals without inflorescences increased with decreasing length of the growing season. The starch content of the rhizomes of each individual was similar, regardless of the presence of flowers in the inflorescence. Within rhizomes, the starch content in the old rhizome was lower than that in the new and central portions of the rhizome. The starch content of the old rhizome was higher in individuals without inflorescences; starch appeared to be consumed for inflorescence production.

  5. Variation in Weed Seed Fate Fed to Different Holstein Cattle Groups.

    PubMed

    Rahimi, Salman; Mashhadi, Hamid Rahimian; Banadaky, Mehdi Dehghan; Mesgaran, Mohsen Beheshtian

    2016-01-01

    Weed seeds may maintain their viability when passing through the digestive tract of cattle and can be therefore dispersed by animal movement or the application of manure. Whether different cattle types of the same species can cause differential weed seed fate is largely unknown to us particularly under non-grazed systems similar to Holstein-Friesian dairy farming. We investigated the effect on the seed survival of four weed species in the digestive tracts of four groups of Holstein cattle: lactating cows, feedlot male calves, dry cows and growing heifers. The weed species used were Cuscuta campestris, Polygonum aviculare, Rumex crispus and Sorghum halepense. Cattle excretion was sampled for recovery and viability of seeds at four 24 hourly intervals after seed intake. The highest seed recovery occurred two days after seed intake in all cattle groups. Averaged over weed species, dry and lactating cows had the lowest and highest seed recovery of 36.4% and 74.4% respectively. No significant differences were observed in seed recovery of the four weed species when their seeds were fed to dry cows. Based on a power model fitted to seed viability data, the estimated time to 50% viability loss after seed intake, over all cattle groups ranged from 65 h (R. crispus) to 76 h (P. aviculare). Recovered seeds from the dung of feedlot male calves showed the highest mortality among cattle groups. Significant correlation was found between seed viability and ruminal pH (r = 0.86; P<0.05). This study shows that management programs aiming to minimize weed infestation caused by livestock should account for the variation amongst cattle groups in seed persistence. Our findings can be used as a guideline for evaluating the potential risk of the spread of weeds via the application of cattle manure.

  6. [Distribution laws of 5 compounds in rhizome and root of Polygonum cuspidate].

    PubMed

    Liu, Yao-wut; Wang, Jun; Chu, Shan-shan; Cheng, Ming-en; Fang, Cheng-wu

    2015-12-01

    To understand the distribution and accumulation rules of polydatin, resveratrol, anthraglycoside B, emodin and physicion in different tissue structure of rhizome and root of Polygonum cospidatum, the content of 5 active compounds were analyzed simultaneously by HPLC, based on plant anatomy and histochemistry. The rhizome and root consist of different tissues, with an increased diameter, the proportions of the secondary xylem and phloem have increased. Resveratrol and polydatin mainly distributed in the pith, the secondary phloem and periderm of rhizome, and the secondary phloem and periderm of the root, while emodin and anthraglycoside B concentrated in the secondary structure and pith of rhizome mostly. In different thickness of the measured samples, the total contents of 5 compounds were correspondingly higher in thinner rhizome and root than those in the coarse ones.

  7. Phenolic contents, antioxidant and anticholinesterase potentials of crude extract, subsequent fractions and crude saponins from Polygonum hydropiper L

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background We investigated Polygonum hydropiper L. (P. hydropiper) for phenolic contents, antioxidant, anticholinesterase activities, in an attempt to rationalize its use in neurological disorders. Methods Plant crude extract (Ph.Cr), its subsequent fractions: n-hexane (Ph.Hex), chloroform (Ph.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc), n-Butanol (Ph.Bt), aqueous (Ph.Aq) and saponins (Ph.Sp) were evaluated for 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging potential. Further, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) & butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were performed using Ellman's assay. Moreover, total phenolic contents of plant extracts were determined and expressed in mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry sample (mg GAE/g dry weight). Results Among different fractions, Ph.Cr (90.82), Ph.Chf (178.16), Ph.EtAc (203.44) and Ph.Bt (153.61) exhibited high phenolic contents. All fractions showed concentration dependent DPPH scavenging activity, with Ph.EtAc 71.33% (IC50 15 μg/ml), Ph.Bt 71.40% (IC50 3 μg/ml) and Ph.Sp 71.40% (IC50 35 μg/ml) were most potent. The plant extracts exhibited high ABTS scavenging ability i.e. Ph.Bt (91.03%), Ph.EtAc (90.56%), Ph.Sp (90.84%), Ph.Aq (90.56%) with IC50 < 0.01 μg/ml. All fractions showed moderate to high AChE inhibitory activity as; Ph.Cr, 86.87% (IC50 330 μg/ml), Ph.Hex, 87.49% (IC50 35 μg/ml), Ph.Chf, 84.76% (IC50 55 μg/ml), Ph.Sp, 87.58% (IC50 108 μg/ml) and Ph.EtAc 79.95% (IC50 310 μg/ml) at 1 mg/ml). Furthermore the BChE inhibitory activity was most prominent in Ph.Hex 90.30% (IC50 40 μg/ml), Ph.Chf 85.94% (IC50 215 μg/ml), Ph.Aq 87.62% (IC50 3 μg/ml) and Ph.EtAc 81.01% (IC50 395 μg/ml) fractions. Conclusions In this study, for the first time, we determined phenolic contents, isolated crude saponins, investigated antioxidant and anticholinestrase potential of P. hydropiper extracts. The results indicate that P. hydropiper

  8. Studies on the Use of Fungal Plant Pathogens for Control of Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-06-01

    species collected were mem- bers of Penicillium, Trichoderma, Rhizopus, and Aspergillus , which were iso- lated from plants growing at every sample site...8217Terra 1812’ R Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) ’Lemont’ R ’Mars’ R ’Mercury’ R ’TeBonnet’ R Polygonaceae Smartweed (Polygonum sp.) R Rub iaceae Buttonweed (Diodia

  9. Antiosteoporotic Effect of Combined Extract of Morus alba and Polygonum odoratum

    PubMed Central

    Sungkamanee, Sudarat; Thukham-mee, Wipawee

    2014-01-01

    Due to the limitation of osteoporosis therapy, the alternative therapies from natural sources have been considered. In this study, we aimed to determine the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract of Morus alba and Polygonum odoratum leaves. Ovariectomized rats, weighing 200–220 g, were orally given the combined extract at doses of 5, 150, and 300 mg·kg−1 BW for 3 months. At the end of study, blood was collected to determine serum osteocalcin, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase level. In addition, tibia bone was isolated to determine bone oxidative stress markers, cortical bone thickness, and density of osteoblast. The combined extract decreased oxidative stress and osteoclast density but increased osteoblast density and cortical thickness. The elevation of serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin was also observed. These results suggested the antiosteoporotic effect of the combined extract via the increased growth formation together with the suppression of bone resorption. However, further studies concerning chronic toxicity and the underlying mechanism are required. PMID:25478061

  10. Enhanced Production of Anthraquinones and Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activities in the Cell Suspension Cultures of Polygonum multiflorum

    PubMed Central

    Thiruvengadam, Muthu; Rekha, Kaliyaperumal; Rajakumar, Govindasamy; Lee, Taek-Jun; Kim, Seung-Hyun; Chung, Ill-Min

    2016-01-01

    Anthraquinones (AQs) and phenolic compounds are important phytochemicals that are biosynthesized in cell suspension cultures of Polygonum multiflorum. We wanted to optimize the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs), media, sucrose, l-glutamine, jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) for the production of phytochemicals and biomass accumulation in a cell suspension culture of P. multiflorum. The medium containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts and 4% sucrose supplemented with 1 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 0.5 mg/L thidiazuron, and 100 µM l-glutamine at 28 days of cell suspension culture was suitable for biomass accumulation and AQ production. Maximum biomass accumulation (12.5 and 12.35 g fresh mass (FM); 3 and 2.93 g dry mass (DM)) and AQ production (emodin 295.20 and 282 mg/g DM; physcion 421.55 and 410.25 mg/g DM) were observed using 100 µM JA and SA, respectively. JA- and SA-elicited cell cultures showed several-fold higher biomass accumulation and AQ production than the control cell cultures. Furthermore, the cell suspension cultures effectively produced 23 phenolic compounds, such as flavonols and hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. PGR-, JA-, and SA-elicited cell cultures produced a higher amount of AQs and phenolic compounds. Because of these metabolic changes, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities were high in the PGR-, JA-, and SA-elicited cell cultures. The results showed that the elicitors (JA and SA) induced the enhancement of biomass accumulation and phytochemical (AQs and phenolic compounds) production as well as biological activities in the cell suspension cultures of P. multiflorum. This optimized protocol can be developed for large-scale biomass accumulation and production of phytochemicals (AQs and phenolic compounds) from cell suspension cultures, and the phytochemicals can be used for various biological activities. PMID:27854330

  11. GC-MS analysis and gastroprotective evaluations of crude extracts, isolated saponins and essential oil from Polygonum hydropiper L.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ayaz, Muhammad; Junaid, Muhammad; Ullah, Farhat; Sadiq, Abdul; Shahid, Muhammad; Ahmad, Waqar; Ullah, Ihsan; Ahmad, Ashfaq; Syed, Nawazish-i.-Husain

    2017-08-01

    Peptic ulceration is among the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders characterized by pepsin and gastric acid mediated mucosal damage, as result of imbalance between defensive and offensive processes. The main objective of the current study was to investigate the antiulcer potentials of Polygonum hydropiper crude methanolic ectract (Ph.Cr) in aspirin induced ulcerogenesis using pylorus ligated rat model. In-vitro urease and Proteus mirabilis inhibitory potentials were evaluated using standard protocols. All fractions were analyzed using GC-MS to identify major components. The aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pylorus ligated rat model was associated with significant changes in the mean ulcer score (F5,30 = 7.141, P = 0.0002), gastric juice volume (F5,30 = 8.245, P < 0.0001), gastric juice pH (F5,30 = 5.715, P = 0.0008), free acidity (F5,30 = 4.544, P = 0.0033), total acidity (F5,30 = 2.740, P = 0.0373) and pepsin concentration (F5,30 = 2.335, P = 0.0664). Pre treatment with Ph.Cr at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg dose exhibited marked gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic effect in the aspirin induced pyloric ligation ulcerogenesis model at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg as indicated by ulcerative biochemical parameters. In urease inhibition assay, leaves essential oil (Ph.Lo), saponins (Ph.Sp) and chloroform extract (Ph.Chf) exhibited highest activities with IC50 of 90, 98 and 520 µg/ml respectively. Ph.Sp, Ph.Chf, ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc) and Ph.Cr showed MICs of 25, 30, 32.25 and 40.50 µg/ml respectively against Proteus mirabilis. Several compounds were identified in GC-MS analysis of samples. Significant in-vivo antiulcer, urease inhibitory as well as anti-proteus potentials of P. hydropiper solvent extracts, signify its potential use for the management of peptic ulcers and may provide scientific bases for the traditional uses of the plant.

  12. Review of clinical studies of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and its isolated bioactive compounds

    PubMed Central

    Bounda, Guy-Armel; Feng, YU

    2015-01-01

    Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PMT), officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is one of the most popular perennial Chinese traditional medicines known as He shou wu in China and East Asia, and as Fo-ti in North America. Mounting pharmacological studies have stressed out its key benefice for the treatment of various diseases and medical conditions such as liver injury, cancer, diabetes, alopecia, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases as well. International databases such as PubMed/Medline, Science citation Index and Google Scholar were searched for clinical studies recently published on P. multiflorum. Various clinical studies published articles were retrieved, providing information relevant to pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics analysis, sleep disorders, dyslipidemia treatment, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review is an effort to update the clinical picture of investigations ever carried on PMT and/or its isolated bio-compounds and to enlighten its therapeutic assessment. PMID:26130933

  13. [Polyketone Reaction in Biosynthetic Pathways of 2, 3, 5, 4'-Tetrahydroxy Stilhene-2-O-β-D-glucoside in Polygonum multiflorum by Biocatalysis].

    PubMed

    Lei, Lei; Xia, Wan-xia; Shao, Li; Zhao, Shu-jin

    2015-10-01

    2, 3, 5, 4'-Tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), the active ingredient of Polygonum multiflorum, its polyketone reaction in the biosynthesis pathways was studied by biocatalysis method. The substrates 4-coumaroyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA were catalyzed in vitro by the crude enzyme extracted from Polygonum multiflorum callus, then the products were verified by HPLC and LC-MS methods. And the crude enzyme was analyzed by ammonium sulfate precipitation method and SDS-PAGE. HPLC chromatogram showed the same retention time of both the product and resveratrol standards; LC-MS spectra showed that the m/z of product was 227, which was consistent with resveratrol standards under the mode of negative ion; Ammonium sulfate (AS) precipitation method showed AS of 40% - 70% had catalytic activity,and 50% - 60% was the optimum; SDS-PAGE showed protein bands were obviously different among different AS concentration between 20% - 80%, the protein band of 42 kDa was found in AS of 50% - 60%, which had the same molecular weight with stilbene synthase. The product of polyketone reaction in the biosynthesis of THSG is resveratrol rather than THSG, so it is speculated that THSG is the conversion product of resveratrol instead of the direct product of the polyketone reaction.

  14. GC-MS Analysis and Gastroprotective Evaluations of Crude Extracts, Isolated Saponins, and Essential Oil from Polygonum hydropiper L.

    PubMed Central

    Ayaz, Muhammad; Junaid, Muhammad; Ullah, Farhat; Sadiq, Abdul; Shahid, Muhammad; Ahmad, Waqar; Ullah, Ihsan; Ahmad, Ashfaq; Syed, Nawazish-i-Husain

    2017-01-01

    Peptic ulceration is among the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders characterized by pepsin and gastric acid mediated mucosal damage, as result of imbalance between defensive and offensive processes. The main objective of the current study was to investigate the antiulcer potentials of Polygonum hydropiper crude methanolic ectract (Ph.Cr) in aspirin induced ulcerogenesis using pylorus ligated rat model. In-vitro urease and Proteus mirabilis inhibitory potentials were evaluated using standard protocols. All fractions were analyzed using GC-MS to identify major components. The aspirin induced ulcerogenesis in pylorus ligated rat model was associated with significant changes in the mean ulcer score [F(5, 30) = 7.141, P = 0.0002], gastric juice volume [F(5, 30) = 8.245, P < 0.0001], gastric juice pH [F(5, 30) = 5.715, P = 0.0008], free acidity [F(5, 30) = 4.544, P = 0.0033], total acidity [F(5, 30) = 2.740, P = 0.0373], and pepsin concentration [F(5, 30) = 2.335, P = 0.0664]. Pre-treatment with Ph.Cr at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dose exhibited marked gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic effect in the aspirin induced pyloric ligation ulcerogenesis model at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg as indicated by ulcerative biochemical parameters. In urease inhibition assay, leaves essential oil (Ph.Lo), saponins (Ph.Sp), and chloroform extract (Ph.Chf) exhibited highest activities with IC50 of 90, 98, and 520 μg/ml, respectively. Ph.Sp, Ph.Chf, ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc), and Ph.Cr showed MICs of 25, 30, 32.25, and 40.50 μg/ml, respectively against P. mirabilis. Several compounds were identified in GC-MS analysis of samples. Significant in-vivo antiulcer, urease inhibitory as well as anti-proteus potentials of P. hydropiper solvent extracts, signify its potential use for the management of peptic ulcers and may provide scientific bases for the traditional uses of the plant. PMID:28824906

  15. Cloning and characterization of indole synthase (INS) and a putative tryptophan synthase α-subunit (TSA) genes from Polygonum tinctorium.

    PubMed

    Jin, Zhehao; Kim, Jin-Hee; Park, Sang Un; Kim, Soo-Un

    2016-12-01

    Two cDNAs for indole-3-glycerol phosphate lyase homolog were cloned from Polygonum tinctorium. One encoded cytosolic indole synthase possibly in indigoid synthesis, whereas the other encoded a putative tryptophan synthase α-subunit. Indigo is an old natural blue dye produced by plants such as Polygonum tinctorium. Key step in plant indigoid biosynthesis is production of indole by indole-3-glycerol phosphate lyase (IGL). Two tryptophan synthase α-subunit (TSA) homologs, PtIGL-short and -long, were isolated by RACE PCR from P. tinctorium. The genome of the plant contained two genes coding for IGL. The short and the long forms, respectively, encoded 273 and 316 amino acid residue-long proteins. The short form complemented E. coli ΔtnaA ΔtrpA mutant on tryptophan-depleted agar plate signifying production of free indole, and thus was named indole synthase gene (PtINS). The long form, either intact or without the transit peptide sequence, did not complement the mutant and was tentatively named PtTSA. PtTSA was delivered into chloroplast as predicted by 42-residue-long targeting sequence, whereas PtINS was localized in cytosol. Genomic structure analysis suggested that a TSA duplicate acquired splicing sites during the course of evolution toward PtINS so that the targeting sequence-containing pre-mRNA segment was deleted as an intron. PtINS had about two to fivefolds higher transcript level than that of PtTSA, and treatment of 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole caused the relative transcript level of PtINS over PtTSA was significantly enhanced in the plant. The results indicate participation of PtINS in indigoid production.

  16. Heavy metal and nutrient uptake in plants colonizing post-flotation copper tailings.

    PubMed

    Kasowska, Dorota; Gediga, Krzysztof; Spiak, Zofia

    2018-01-01

    Copper ore mining and processing release hazardous post-flotation wastes that are difficult for remediation. The studied tailings were extremely rich in Cu (1800 mg kg -1 ) and contaminated with Co and Mn, and contained very little available forms of P, Fe, and Zn. The plants growing in tailings were distinctly enriched in Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb, and the concentration of copper achived the critical toxicity level in shoots of Cerastium arvense and Polygonum aviculare. The redundancy analysis demonstrated significant relationship between the concentration of available forms of studied elements in substrate and the chemical composition of plant shoots. Results of the principal component analysis enabled to distinguish groups of plants which significantly differed in the pattern of element accumulation. The grass species Agrostis stolonifera and Calamagrostis epigejos growing in the tailings accumulated significantly lower amounts of Cu, but they also had the lowest levels of P, Fe, and Zn in comparison to dicotyledonous. A. stolonifera occurred to be the most suitable species for phytostabilization of the tailings with regard to its low shoot Cu content and more efficient acquisition of limiting nutrients in relation to C. epigejos. The amendments improving texture, phosphorus fertilization, and the introduction of native leguminous species were recommended for application in the phytoremediation process of the tailings.

  17. [Selective removal of tannins from Polygonum cuspidatum extracts using collagen fiber adsorbent].

    PubMed

    Li, Juan; Liao, Xuepin; Shu, Xingxu; Shi, Bi

    2010-03-01

    To investigate the selective removal of tannins from Polygonum cuspidatum extracts by using collagen fiber adsorbent, and to evaluate the adsorption and desorption performances of collagen fiber adsorbent to tannins. The adsorbent was prepared from bovine skin collagen fiber through crosslinking reaction of glutaraldehyde, and then used for the selective removal of tannins from P. cuspidatum extracts. Gelatin-turbidity method, gelatin-ultraviolet spectrometry method and HPLC were used for detection of tannins in the solutions. Ethanol-water solutions with varying concentration were used to test their desorption ability of tannins in order to choose proper desorption solution. On the basis of batch experimental results, the column adsorption and desorption tests were carried out, by using gelatin-turbidity method for detection of tannins. The collagen fiber adsorbent exhibited excellent adsorption selectivity to tannins. It was found that tannins of P. cuspidatum were completely removed, while nearly no adsorption of active components (resveratrol as representative) was found. Moreover, the collagen fiber adsorbent could be regenerated by using 30% ethanol-water solution and then reused. The collagen fiber adsorbent can be considered as a promising material for selective removal of tannins from P. cuspidatum extracts.

  18. Shampoo of kesum (Polygonum minus) leaves ethanol extract as an anti-dandruff

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hadiarti, Dini

    2017-03-01

    Formulation of shampoo has done as anti dandruff extracts from ethanol leaf kesum (Polygonum minus) the most effective way of inhibiting the growth of Pityrosporum ovale. The community of West Kalimantan utilizing kesum as medicine anti dandruff but there has been no clinical research against such activities. Kesum have been cleaned, dried and crushed, then extracted by using maceration method of ethanol 50%. Furthermore, kesum leaves were divided into four of shampoo formula by varying concentrations of kesum leaves ethanol extract 0% (negative control), 5 % (the fisrt formula), 10 % (the second formula), and 15 % (the third formula). In the next step, each formula shampoo anti dandruff will betested by setting up the media in the form of SDB (Sabouraud Dextrose Broth) and SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) as well as the microbiological tests include: culture Pityrosporum ovale, calculation of yeast Pityrosporum ovale, and test of inhibition and release of active substances. Shampoo formula of kesum leaves ethanol extract showed that is has antifungal activity towards of the fungi caused by dandruff. The best inhibitor activity has been obtained from the third formula with diameter of clear zone at 2,61 cm.

  19. Soil nitrogen patterns induced by colonization of Polygonum cuspidatum on Mt. Fuji.

    PubMed

    Hirose, T; Tateno, M

    1984-02-01

    The spatial pattern of soil nitrogen was analyzed for a patchy vegetation formed by the colonization of Polygonum cuspidatum in a volcanic "desert" on Mt. Fuji. Soils were sampled radially from the bare ground to the center of the patch, and analyses were done for bulk density, water content, soil acidity, organic matter, organic nitrogen, and ammonium and nitrate nitrogen. The soils matured with succession from the bare ground through P. cuspidatum to Miscanthus oligostachyus and Aster ageratoides sites: bulk density decreased, and water content, organic matter, organic nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen increased. Nitrate nitrogen showed the highest values at the P. cuspidatum site. Application of principal component analysis to the soil data discriminated two component factors which control the variation of soil characteristics: the first factor is related to soil formation and the second factor to nitrogen mineralization and nitrification. The effect of soil formation on nitrogen mineralization and nitrification was analyzed with a first-order kinetic model. The decreasing trends with soil formation in the ratios of mineral to organic nitrogen and of nitrate to ammonium nitrogen could be accounted for by the higher activity of immobilization by microorganisms and uptake by plants in the more mature ecosystem.

  20. Monoterpene alcohol metabolism: identification, purification, and characterization of two geraniol dehydrogenase isoenzymes from Polygonum minus leaves.

    PubMed

    Hassan, Maizom; Maarof, Nur Diyana; Ali, Zainon Mohd; Noor, Normah Mohd; Othman, Roohaida; Mori, Nobuhiro

    2012-01-01

    NADP(+)-dependent geraniol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.183) is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of geraniol to geranial. Stable, highly active cell-free extract was obtained from Polygonum minus leaves using polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, Amberlite XAD-4, glycerol, 2-mercaptoethanol, thiourea, and phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride in tricine-NaOH buffer (pH 7.5). The enzyme preparation was separated into two activity peaks, geraniol-DH I and II, by DEAE-Toyopearl 650M column chromatography at pH 7.5. Both isoenzymes were purified to homogeneity in three chromatographic steps. The geraniol-DH isoenzymes were similar in molecular mass, optimal temperature, and pH, but the isoelectric point, substrate specificity, and kinetic parameters were different. The K(m) values for geraniol of geraniol-DH I and II appeared to be 0.4 mM and 0.185 mM respectively. P. minus geraniol-DHs are unusual among geraniol-DHs in view of their thermal stability and optimal temperatures, and also their high specificity for allylic alcohols and NADP(+).

  1. Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Transactivational Effects of Chemical Components of the Roots of Polygonum multiflorum.

    PubMed

    Sun, Ya Nan; Li, Wei; Song, Seok Bean; Yan, Xi Tao; Yang, Seo Young; Kim, Young Ho

    2016-01-01

    Polygonum multiflorum is well-known as "Heshouwu" in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In Northeast Asia, it is often used as a tonic to prevent premature aging of the kidney and liver, tendons, and bones and strengthening of the lower back and knees. To research the anti-inflammatory activities of components from P. multiflorum. The compounds were isolated by a combination of silica gel and YMC R-18 column chromatography, and their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data (1D, 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry). The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds 1-15 were evaluated by luciferase reporter gene assays. Fifteen compounds (1-15) were isolated from the roots of P. multiflorum. Compounds 1-5 and 14-15 significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α-induced nuclear factor kappa B-luciferase activity, with IC50 values of 24.16-37.56 μM. Compounds 1-5 also greatly enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors transcriptional activity with EC50 values of 18.26-31.45 μM. The anthraquinone derivatives were the active components from the roots of P. multiflorum as an inhibitor on inflammation-related factors in human hepatoma cells. Therefore, we suggest that the roots of P. multiflorum can be used to treat natural inflammatory diseases. This study presented that fifteen compounds (1-15) isolated from the roots of Polygonum multiflrum exert signifiant anti inflmmatory effects by inhibiting TNF α induced NF κB activation and PPARs transcription. Abbreviation used: NF κB: Nuclear factor kappa B, PPARs: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, PPREs: Peroxisome proliferator response elements, TNF α: Tumor necrosis factor α, ESI-MS: Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, HepG2: Human hepatoma cells.

  2. Promotion effect of constituents from the root of Polygonum multiflorum on hair growth.

    PubMed

    Sun, Ya Nan; Cui, Long; Li, Wei; Yan, Xi Tao; Yang, Seo Young; Kang, Jung Il; Kang, Hee Kyoung; Kim, Young Ho

    2013-09-01

    Two new compounds, gallic acid ester of torachrysone-8-O-β-D-glucoside (1) and (E)-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-xyloside (4), along with eight known compounds (2, 3, 5-10) were isolated from a 70% ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum roots. The structures were determined by (1)H and (13)C NMR, HMQC, and HMBC spectrometry. Extracts of P. multiflorum have been reported to promote hair growth in vivo. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of isolated compounds from P. multiflorum on promoting hair growth using dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which play an important role in hair growth. When DPCs were treated with compounds (1-10) from P. multiflorum, compounds 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 increased the proliferation of DPCs compared with the control. Specifically, compound 2 (10 and 20 μM) induced a greater increase in the proliferation of DPCs than minoxidil (10 μM). Additionally, treatment of vibrissa follicles with compound 2 for 21 days increased hair-fiber length significantly. On the basis of this result, further investigation and optimization of these derivatives might help in the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of alopecia. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  3. Effects of a Proprietary Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well-Being in Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

    PubMed Central

    Udani, Jay K.; George, Annie A.; Musthapa, Mufiza; Pakdaman, Michael N.; Abas, Azreena

    2014-01-01

    Background. Physta is a proprietary product containing a freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali), which is traditionally used as an energy enhancer and aphrodisiac. We aim to evaluate a 300 mg combination of Physta and Polygonum minus, an antioxidant, with regard to sexual performance and well-being in men. Methods. Men that aged 40–65 years were screened for this 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Outcome measures included validated questionnaires that aimed to evaluate erectile function, satisfaction with intervention, sexual intercourse performance, erectile hardness, mood, and overall quality of life. Results. 12 subjects in the active group and 14 in the placebo group completed the study. Significant improvements were noted in scores for the Sexual Intercourse Attempt diary, Erection Hardness Scale, Sexual Health Inventory of Men, and Aging Male Symptom scale (P < 0.05 for all). Three adverse events were reported in the active group and four in the placebo group, none of which were attributed to study product. Laboratory evaluations, including liver and kidney function testing, showed no clinically significant abnormality. Conclusion. Supplementation for twelve weeks with Polygonum minus and the proprietary Eurycoma longifolia extract, Physta, was well tolerated and more effective than placebo in enhancing sexual performance in healthy volunteers. PMID:24550993

  4. Effects of a Proprietary Freeze-Dried Water Extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Physta) and Polygonum minus on Sexual Performance and Well-Being in Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

    PubMed

    Udani, Jay K; George, Annie A; Musthapa, Mufiza; Pakdaman, Michael N; Abas, Azreena

    2014-01-01

    Background. Physta is a proprietary product containing a freeze-dried water extract of Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali), which is traditionally used as an energy enhancer and aphrodisiac. We aim to evaluate a 300 mg combination of Physta and Polygonum minus, an antioxidant, with regard to sexual performance and well-being in men. Methods. Men that aged 40-65 years were screened for this 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Outcome measures included validated questionnaires that aimed to evaluate erectile function, satisfaction with intervention, sexual intercourse performance, erectile hardness, mood, and overall quality of life. Results. 12 subjects in the active group and 14 in the placebo group completed the study. Significant improvements were noted in scores for the Sexual Intercourse Attempt diary, Erection Hardness Scale, Sexual Health Inventory of Men, and Aging Male Symptom scale (P < 0.05 for all). Three adverse events were reported in the active group and four in the placebo group, none of which were attributed to study product. Laboratory evaluations, including liver and kidney function testing, showed no clinically significant abnormality. Conclusion. Supplementation for twelve weeks with Polygonum minus and the proprietary Eurycoma longifolia extract, Physta, was well tolerated and more effective than placebo in enhancing sexual performance in healthy volunteers.

  5. Process balance and product quality in the production of natural indigo from Polygonum tinctorium Ait. applying low-technology methods.

    PubMed

    Bechtold, T; Turcanu, A; Geissler, S; Ganglberger, E

    2002-02-01

    Indigo is the most important blue component in the class of natural dyes for cellulose and protein fibres. In the moderate European climate Polygonum tinctorium Ait. could be an interesting source for natural indigo (Vat blue 1). Following a cultivation of the plant material a simple procedure for the extraction of the indigo precursor indican was investigated with regard to crop and quality of dye obtained. The dependence of the crop on the storage conditions of the harvested plant material was investigated. The results quantify the distinct sensitivity of the fresh material to the time of storage before extraction with regard to the amount of natural indigo obtained, the photometrically determined indigo content in the product and the shade and colour depth observed in standardised dyeing experiments. A basic set of data is presented, which describes the process in terms of consumption of energy, water and chemicals and organic waste released from the extraction step.

  6. Comparative chemical profiling, cholinesterase inhibitions and anti-radicals properties of essential oils from Polygonum hydropiper L: a preliminary anti- Alzheimer's study.

    PubMed

    Ayaz, Muhammad; Junaid, Muhammad; Ullah, Farhat; Sadiq, Abdul; Khan, Mir Azam; Ahmad, Waqar; Shah, Muhammad Raza; Imran, Muhammad; Ahmad, Sajjad

    2015-11-04

    Cholinesterase inhibition is a vital target for the development of novel and mechanism based inhibitors, owing to their role in the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmitter to treat various neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Similarly, free radicals are implicated in the progression of various diseases like neurodegenerative disorders. Due to lipid solubility and potential to easily cross blood brain barrier, this study was designed to investigate the anticholinesterase and antioxidant potentials of the standardized essential oils from the leaves and flowers of Polygonum hydropiper. Essential oils from the leaves (Ph.LO) and flowers (Ph.FO) of P. hdropiper were isolated using Clevenger apparatus. Oil samples were analyzed by GC-MS to identify major components and to attribute the antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity to specific components. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory potentials of the samples were determined following Ellman's assay. Antioxidant assays were performed using 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) free radical scavenging assays. In the GC-MS analysis 141 and 122 compounds were indentified in Ph.LO and Ph.FO respectively. Caryophylene oxide (41.42 %) was the major component in Ph.FO while decahydronaphthalene (38.29 %) was prominent in Ph.LO. In AChE inhibition, Ph.LO and Ph.FO exhibited 87.00** and 79.66***% inhibitions at 1000 μg/ml with IC50 of 120 and 220 μg/ml respectively. The IC50 value for galanthamine was 15 μg/ml. In BChE inhibitory assay, Ph.LO and Ph.FO caused 82.66*** (IC50 130 μg/ml) and 77.50***% (IC50 225 μg/ml) inhibitions respectively at 1000 μg/ml concentration. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, Ph.LO and Ph.FO exhibited IC50 of 20 and 200 μg/ml respectively. The calculated IC50s were 180 & 60 μg/ml for Ph.LO, and 45 & 50 μg/ml for Ph.FO in scavenging

  7. [The toxic and protective effects of Polygonum multiflorum on normal and liver injured rats based on the symptom-based prescription theory].

    PubMed

    Pang, Jing-yao; Bai, Zhao-fang; Niu, Ming; Tu, Can; Ma, Zhi-jie; Zhao, Yan-ling; Zhao, Kui-jun; You, Yun; Wang, Jia-bo; Xiao, Xiao-he

    2015-08-01

    The dosage-efficacy/toxicity relationship of the 50% alcohol extracts of Polygonum multiflorum was comparatively investigated on either normal or CCl4-induced chronic liver injury rats, by determining the general condition, serum biochemical indices and liver histopathology, coupled with the factor analysis. The dosages were 10 and 20 g raw materials per kg body weight. Compared with the normal control group, the normal high dose group showed significant increases of the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), as well the frequent incidences of inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatic sinus enlargement and fiber stripes formation in histopathological sections. Compared with the model control group, the model low dose group showed significant declines of serum ALT, aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bile acid (TBA) (P < 0.05), as well the alleviation of vacuoles of hepatocytes, but no amelioration of the inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia; moreover, the model high dose group showed significant degeneration declines of serum HMGB-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), as well the evident alleviation of vacuoles degeneration of hepatocytes, inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis degree. The factor analysis showed that the low dosage treatment had almost neither injuring effect on the normal rats nor protective effect on the model rats; while the high dosage treatment showed observable injuring effect on the normal rats, expressed by the significant increases of the factor-1 (HMGB-1, TNF-α and IL-1β as the main contributors) and factor-2 (TBIL, ALT and TBA as the main contributors) relative to the normal control group. The liver protective effect of the high dosage treatment could be observed with the significant reduction of the factor-1, indicating the effective alleviation of the expression of

  8. Isolation and characterization of full-length putative alcohol dehydrogenase genes from polygonum minus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hamid, Nur Athirah Abd; Ismail, Ismanizan

    2013-11-01

    Polygonum minus, locally named as Kesum is an aromatic herb which is high in secondary metabolite content. Alcohol dehydrogenase is an important enzyme that catalyzes the reversible oxidation of alcohol and aldehyde with the presence of NAD(P)(H) as co-factor. The main focus of this research is to identify the gene of ADH. The total RNA was extracted from leaves of P. minus which was treated with 150 μM Jasmonic acid. Full-length cDNA sequence of ADH was isolated via rapid amplification cDNA end (RACE). Subsequently, in silico analysis was conducted on the full-length cDNA sequence and PCR was done on genomic DNA to determine the exon and intron organization. Two sequences of ADH, designated as PmADH1 and PmADH2 were successfully isolated. Both sequences have ORF of 801 bp which encode 266 aa residues. Nucleotide sequence comparison of PmADH1 and PmADH2 indicated that both sequences are highly similar at the ORF region but divergent in the 3' untranslated regions (UTR). The amino acid is differ at the 107 residue; PmADH1 contains Gly (G) residue while PmADH2 contains Cys (C) residue. The intron-exon organization pattern of both sequences are also same, with 3 introns and 4 exons. Based on in silico analysis, both sequences contain "classical" short chain alcohol dehydrogenases/reductases ((c) SDRs) conserved domain. The results suggest that both sequences are the members of short chain alcohol dehydrogenase family.

  9. Apoptosis Induction by Polygonum minus is related to antioxidant capacity, alterations in expression of apoptotic-related genes, and S-phase cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cell line.

    PubMed

    Mohd Ghazali, Mohd Alfazari; Al-Naqeb, Ghanya; Krishnan Selvarajan, Kesavanarayanan; Hazizul Hasan, Mizaton; Adam, Aishah

    2014-01-01

    Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) is a medicinal herb distributed throughout eastern Asia. The present study investigated antiproliferative effect of P. minus and its possible mechanisms. Four extracts (petroleum ether, methanol, ethyl acetate, and water) were prepared by cold maceration. Extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and antiproliferative assays; the most bioactive was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography into seven fractions (F1-F7). Antioxidant activity was measured via total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Most active fraction was tested for apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Apoptotic-related gene expression was studied by RT-PCR. Ethyl acetate extract was bioactive in initial assays. Its fraction, F7, exhibited highest antioxidant capacity (TPC; 113.16 ± 6.2 mg GAE/g extract, DPPH; EC50: 30.5 ± 3.2 μg/mL, FRAP; 1169 ± 20.3 μmol Fe (II)/mg extract) and selective antiproliferative effect (IC50: 25.75 ± 1.5 μg/mL). F7 induced apoptosis in concentration- and time-dependent manner and caused cell cycle arrest at S-phase. Upregulation of proapoptotic genes (Bax, p53, and caspase-3) and downregulation of antiapoptotic gene, Bcl-2, were observed. In conclusion, F7 was antiproliferative to HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and via antioxidative effects.

  10. Molecularly Characterized Solvent Extracts and Saponins from Polygonum hydropiper L. Show High Anti-Angiogenic, Anti-Tumor, Brine Shrimp, and Fibroblast NIH/3T3 Cell Line Cytotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Ayaz, Muhammad; Junaid, Muhammad; Ullah, Farhat; Sadiq, Abdul; Subhan, Fazal; Khan, Mir Azam; Ahmad, Waqar; Ali, Gowhar; Imran, Muhammad; Ahmad, Sajjad

    2016-01-01

    Polygonum hydropiper is used as anti-cancer and anti-rheumatic agent in folk medicine. This study was designed to investigate the anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, and cytotoxic potentials of different solvent extracts and isolated saponins. Samples were analyzed using GC, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify major and bioactive compounds. Quantitation of antiangiogenesis for the plant's samples including methanolic extract (Ph.Cr), its subsequent fractions; n-hexane (Ph.Hex), chloroform (Ph.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc), n-Butanol (Ph.Bt), aqueous (Ph.Aq), saponins (Ph.Sp) were performed using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Potato disc anti-tumor assay was performed on Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing tumor inducing plasmid. Cytotoxicity was performed against Artemia salina and mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH/3T3 cell line following contact toxicity and MTT cells viability assays, respectively. The GC–MS analysis of Ph.Cr, Ph.Hex, Ph.Chf, Ph.Bt, and Ph.EtAc identified 126, 124, 153, 131, and 164 compounds, respectively. In anti-angiogenic assay, Ph.Chf, Ph.Sp, Ph.EtAc, and Ph.Cr exhibited highest activity with IC50 of 28.65, 19.21, 88.75, and 461.53 μg/ml, respectively. In anti-tumor assay, Ph.Sp, Ph.Chf, Ph.EtAc, and Ph.Cr were most potent with IC50 of 18.39, 73.81, 217.19, and 342.53 μg/ml, respectively. In MTT cells viability assay, Ph.Chf, Ph.EtAc, Ph.Sp were most active causing 79.00, 72.50, and 71.50% cytotoxicity, respectively, at 1000 μg/ml with the LD50 of 140, 160, and 175 μg/ml, respectively. In overall study, Ph.Chf and Ph.Sp have shown overwhelming results which signifies their potentials as sources of therapeutic agents against cancer. PMID:27065865

  11. Floral development at multiple spatial scales in Polygonum jucundum (Polygonaceae), a distylous species with broadly open flowers.

    PubMed

    Huang, Lan-Jie; Fu, Wen-Long; Wang, Xiao-Fan

    2014-01-01

    Distyly, a special polymorph, has evolved in many groups of angiosperms and has attracted attention since Darwin's time. Development studies on distylous taxa have helped us to understand the evolutionary process of this polymorph, but most of these studies focus on species with narrowly tubular corolla. Here, we studied the floral development of Polygonum jucundum, a distylous species with broadly open flowers, at multiple spatial scales. Results showed that the difference in stigma height between flowers of the two morphs was caused by differences in style growth throughout the entire floral development process. The observed difference in anther heights between the two morphs was because the filaments grew faster in short-styled (SS) than in long-styled (LS) flowers in the later stages of floral development. In addition, the longer styles in LS flowers than in SS flowers was because of faster cell division in the early stages of floral development. However, SS flowers had longer filaments than LS flowers primarily because of greater cell elongation. These results indicate that floral development in P. jucundum differs from that of distylous taxa with floral tubes shown in previous studies. Further, we conclude that the presence of distyly in species with open flowers is a result of convergent evolution.

  12. Application of microscopy technique and high performance liquid chromatography for quality assessment of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu)

    PubMed Central

    Liang, Li; Zhao, Zhongzhen; Kang, Tingguo

    2014-01-01

    Background: The technique of microscopy has been applied for identification of Chinese materia medica (CMM) since decades. However, very few scientific publications report the combination of conventional microscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques for further application to quality assessment of CMM. Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the quality of the dried root tuber of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Heshouwu) and to establish the relationships between 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside, combined anthraquinone (CAQ) and quantity of clusters of calcium oxalate. Materials and Methods: In this study, microscopy and HPLC techniques were applied to assess the quality of P. multiflorum Thunb., and SPSS software was used to establish the relationship between microscopic characteristics and chemical components. Results: The results showed close and direct correlations between the quantity of clusters of calcium oxalate in P. multiflorum Thunb. and the contents of 2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside and CAQ. From these results, it can be deduced that Polygoni Multiflori Radix with a higher quantity of clusters of calcium oxalate should be of better quality. Conclusion: The established method can be helpful for evaluating the quality of CMM based upon the identification and quantitation of chemical and ergastic substance of cells. PMID:25422540

  13. Anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activity of six flavonoids isolated from Polygonum and Dorstenia species.

    PubMed

    Dzoyem, Jean Paul; Nkuete, Antoine H L; Ngameni, Barthelemy; Eloff, Jacobus N

    2017-10-01

    This study was aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory and anticholinesterase activity of six naturally occurring flavonoids: (-) pinostrobin (1), 2',4'-dihydroxy-3',6'-dimethoxychalcone (2), 6-8-diprenyleriodictyol (3), isobavachalcone (4), 4-hydroxylonchocarpin (5) and 6-prenylapigenin (6). These compounds were isolated from Dorstenia and Polygonum species used traditionally to treat pain. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by using the Griess assay and the 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity was determined with the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition was determined by the Ellman's method. At the lowest concentration tested (3.12 µg/ml), compounds 2, 3 and 4 had significant NO inhibitory activity with 90.71, 84.65 and 79.57 % inhibition respectively compared to the positive control quercetin (67.93 %). At this concentration there was no significant cytotoxicity against macrophages with 91.67, 72.86 and 70.86 % cell viability respectively, compared to 73.1 % for quercetin. Compound 4 had the most potent lipoxygenase inhibitory activity (IC 50 of 25.92 µg/ml). With the exception of (-) pinostrobin (1), all the flavonoids had selective anticholinesterase activity with IC 50 values ranging between 5.93 and 8.76 µg/ml compared to the IC 50 4.94 µg/ml of eserine the positive control. These results indicate that the studied flavonoids especially isobavachalcone are potential anti-inflammatory natural products that may have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents against inflammatory conditions and even Alzheimer's disease.

  14. Vascular plant biodiversity of the lower Coppermine River valley and vicinity (Nunavut, Canada): an annotated checklist of an Arctic flora

    PubMed Central

    Bull, Roger D.

    2017-01-01

    The Coppermine River in western Nunavut is one of Canada’s great Arctic rivers, yet its vascular plant flora is poorly known. Here, we report the results of a floristic inventory of the lower Coppermine River valley and vicinity, including Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park and the hamlet of Kugluktuk. The study area is approximately 1,200 km2, extending from the forest-tundra south of the treeline to the Arctic coast. Vascular plant floristic data are based on a review of all previous collections from the area and more than 1,200 new collections made in 2014. Results are presented in an annotated checklist, including citation of all specimens examined, comments on taxonomy and distribution, and photographs for a subset of taxa. The vascular plant flora comprises 300 species (311 taxa), a 36.6% increase from the 190 species documented by previous collections made in the area over the last century, and is considerably more diverse than other local floras on mainland Nunavut. We document 207 taxa for Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park, an important protected area for plants on mainland Nunavut. A total of 190 taxa are newly recorded for the study area. Of these, 14 taxa (13 species and one additional variety) are newly recorded for Nunavut (Allium schoenoprasum, Carex capitata, Draba lonchocarpa, Eremogone capillaris subsp. capillaris, Sabulina elegans, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Epilobium cf. anagallidifolium, Botrychium neolunaria, Botrychium tunux, Festuca altaica, Polygonum aviculare, Salix ovalifolia var. arctolitoralis, Salix ovalifolia var. ovalifolia and Stuckenia pectinata), seven species are newly recorded for mainland Nunavut (Carex gynocrates, Carex livida, Cryptogramma stelleri, Draba simmonsii, Festuca viviparoidea subsp. viviparoidea, Juncus alpinoarticulatus subsp. americanus and Salix pseudomyrsinites) and 56 range extensions are reported. The psbA-trnH and rbcL DNA sequence data were used to help identify the three Botrychium taxa recorded

  15. Apoptosis Induction by Polygonum minus Is Related to Antioxidant Capacity, Alterations in Expression of Apoptotic-Related Genes, and S-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest in HepG2 Cell Line

    PubMed Central

    Mohd Ghazali, Mohd Alfazari; Al-Naqeb, Ghanya; Krishnan Selvarajan, Kesavanarayanan; Hazizul Hasan, Mizaton; Adam, Aishah

    2014-01-01

    Polygonum minus (Polygonaceae) is a medicinal herb distributed throughout eastern Asia. The present study investigated antiproliferative effect of P. minus and its possible mechanisms. Four extracts (petroleum ether, methanol, ethyl acetate, and water) were prepared by cold maceration. Extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and antiproliferative assays; the most bioactive was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography into seven fractions (F1–F7). Antioxidant activity was measured via total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Most active fraction was tested for apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Apoptotic-related gene expression was studied by RT-PCR. Ethyl acetate extract was bioactive in initial assays. Its fraction, F7, exhibited highest antioxidant capacity (TPC; 113.16 ± 6.2 mg GAE/g extract, DPPH; EC50: 30.5 ± 3.2 μg/mL, FRAP; 1169 ± 20.3 μmol Fe (II)/mg extract) and selective antiproliferative effect (IC50: 25.75 ± 1.5 μg/mL). F7 induced apoptosis in concentration- and time-dependent manner and caused cell cycle arrest at S-phase. Upregulation of proapoptotic genes (Bax, p53, and caspase-3) and downregulation of antiapoptotic gene, Bcl-2, were observed. In conclusion, F7 was antiproliferative to HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and via antioxidative effects. PMID:24955361

  16. Scientific evaluation of medicinal plants used for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding by Avicenna.

    PubMed

    Mobli, Masumeh; Qaraaty, Marzieh; Amin, Gholamreza; Haririan, Ismaeil; Hajimahmoodi, Mannan; Rahimi, Roja

    2015-07-01

    Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the prevalent gynecological disorders that cause considerable morbidity and management of that plays an important role in protecting women's health. This review focuses on medicinal plants mentioned by Avicenna, a great Iranian philosopher and physician (A.D. 980-1037), in his book Canon for treatment of AUB. Medicinal plants mentioned in Canon for treatment of AUB were elicited and searched in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cochrane library to find studies that confirmed their efficacy. Data were collected for the years 1980-2014. The findings included 23 plants belonging to 18 families. Scientific findings have revealed that these plants control AUB through four mechanisms of action including inhibition of inflammatory process, inhibition of prostaglandins production, antiproliferative activity on human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and estrogenic activity. All of the plants exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and/or in vivo. Cuscuta chinensis and Portulaca oleracea exhibited estrogenic activity. Boswellia carteri, Lens culinaris, Myrtus communis, Polygonum aviculare, Pistacia lentiscus, and Punica granatum have revealed inhibitory activity on biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Some of the mentioned plants including: Ceratonia siliqua, Cuscuta chinensis, Cuscuta epithymum, Cydonia oblonga, Paeonia sp., Portulaca oleracea, Solanum nigrum, Rumex acetosa and Onopordum acanthium have shown antiproliferative activity on HeLa cells. Investigation of traditional Iranian medicine literatures can lead to the identification of effective natural medicines for the management of AUB; however, conclusive confirmation of the efficacy and safety of these treatments needs more evaluations.

  17. Mile-A-Minute (Pest Alert)

    Treesearch

    Denise Binion; William Jackson

    2009-01-01

    Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata (L.) H. Gross, formerly Polygonum perfoliatum, L.) is an annual vine in the Polygonaceae or Buckwheat family. It is native to eastern Asia including India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Burma, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Siberia, the Philippines, New Guinea, the Malay peninsula and the...

  18. [Recent advances in anti-aging study of 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside--a main component of Polygonum multiflorum].

    PubMed

    Li, Yi-Han; Wang, Yue-Fei; Zhu, Yan

    2016-01-01

    Aging is an inevitable process of life caused by a combination of organs and tissues events which manifests as loss of structure and function. It is accompanied with organ hypofunction, decline in defense against stress and energy metabolism, and lots of age-related diseases. Therefore, it is critical to understand the mechanism of aging, as well as to discover new drugs to slow aging. Polygonum multiflorum has long been recognized in traditional Chinese medicine as anti-aging medicine. Interestingly, its extract has been shown to prolong lifespan in drosophila and elegans. Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG), the main ingredient of P. multiflorum, shares a strong structural similarity with resveratrol, a well-known anti-aging natural product. This review summarized up-to-date literature reports and our laboratory findings on the mechanism of TSG anti-aging efficiency and function against age-related disease. It could provide reference for searching for anti-aging tradition Chinese medicine. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  19. In vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of phenolic constituents from aerial parts of Polygonum hyrcanicum

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background and the purpose of the study The early stage of diabetes mellitus type 2 is associated with postprandial hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is believed to increase the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative tissue damage. In an effort of identifying herbal drugs which may become useful in the prevention or mitigation of diabetes, biochemical activities of Polygonum hyrcanicum and its constituents were studied. Methods Hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of P. hyrcanicum were tested for α-glucosidase inhibitory, antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Active constituents were isolated and identified from the methanolic extract in an activity guided approach. Results A methanolic extract from flowering aerial parts of the plant showed notable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 15 μg/ml). Thirteen phenolic compounds involving a cinnamoylphenethyl amide, two flavans, and ten flavonols and flavonol 3-O-glycosides were subsequently isolated from the extract. All constituents showed inhibitory activities while compounds 3, 8 and 11 (IC50 = 0.3, 1.0, and 0.6 μM, respectively) were the most potent ones. The methanol extract also showed antioxidant activities in DPPH (IC50 = 76 μg/ml) and FRAP assays (1.4 mmol ferrous ion equivalent/g extract). A total phenol content of 130 mg/g of the extract was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Conclusion This study shows that P. hyrcanicum contains phenolic compounds with in vitro activity that can be useful in the context of preventing or mitigating cellular damages linked to diabetic conditions. PMID:23351720

  20. Endophytic fungal communities of Polygonum acuminatum and Aeschynomene fluminensis are influenced by soil mercury contamination

    PubMed Central

    Mello, Ivani Souza; Vendruscullo, Suzana Junges; da Silva, Gilvan Ferreira; da Cunha, Cátia Nunes; White, James Francis

    2017-01-01

    The endophytic fungal communities of Polygonum acuminatum and Aeschynomene fluminensis were examined with respect to soil mercury (Hg) contamination. Plants were collected in places with and without Hg+2 for isolation and identification of their endophytic root fungi. We evaluated frequency of colonization, number of isolates and richness, indices of diversity and similarity, functional traits (hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, indoleacetic acid, antibiosis and metal tolerance) and growth promotion of Aeschynomene fluminensis inoculated with endophytic fungi on soil with mercury. The frequency of colonization, structure and community function, as well as the abundant distribution of taxa of endophytic fungi were influenced by mercury contamination, with higher endophytic fungi in hosts in soil with mercury. The presence or absence of mercury in the soil changes the profile of the functional characteristics of the endophytic fungal community. On the other hand, tolerance of lineages to multiple metals is not associated with contamination. A. fluminensis depends on its endophytic fungi, since plants free of endophytic fungi grew less than expected due to mercury toxicity. In contrast plants containing certain endophytic fungi showed good growth in soil containing mercury, even exceeding growth of plants cultivated in soil without mercury. The data obtained confirm the hypothesis that soil contamination by mercury alters community structure of root endophytic fungi in terms of composition, abundance and species richness. The inoculation of A. fluminensis with certain strains of stress tolerant endophytic fungi contribute to colonization and establishment of the host and may be used in processes that aim to improve phytoremediation of soils with toxic concentrations of mercury. PMID:28742846

  1. Differential Gene Expression Analysis in Polygonum minus Leaf upon 24 h of Methyl Jasmonate Elicitation

    PubMed Central

    Rahnamaie-Tajadod, Reyhaneh; Loke, Kok-Keong; Goh, Hoe-Han; Noor, Normah M.

    2017-01-01

    Polygonum minus is an herbal plant that grows in Southeast Asian countries and traditionally used as medicine. This plant produces diverse secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds and their derivatives, which are known to have roles in plant abiotic and biotic stress responses. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant signaling molecule that triggers transcriptional reprogramming in secondary metabolism and activation of defense responses against many biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the effect of MeJA elicitation on the genome-wide expression profile in the leaf tissue of P. minus has not been well-studied due to the limited genetic information. Hence, we performed Illumina paired-end RNA-seq for de novo reconstruction of P. minus leaf transcriptome to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to MeJA elicitation. A total of 182,111 unique transcripts (UTs) were obtained by de novo assembly of 191.57 million paired-end clean reads using Trinity analysis pipeline. A total of 2374 UTs were identified to be significantly up-/down-regulated 24 h after MeJA treatment. These UTs comprising many genes related to plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis, defense and stress responses. To validate our sequencing results, we analyzed the expression of 21 selected DEGs by quantitative real-time PCR and found a good correlation between the two analyses. The single time-point analysis in this work not only provides a useful genomic resource for P. minus but also gives insights on molecular mechanisms of stress responses in P. minus. PMID:28220135

  2. Endophytic fungal communities of Polygonum acuminatum and Aeschynomene fluminensis are influenced by soil mercury contamination.

    PubMed

    Pietro-Souza, William; Mello, Ivani Souza; Vendruscullo, Suzana Junges; Silva, Gilvan Ferreira da; Cunha, Cátia Nunes da; White, James Francis; Soares, Marcos Antônio

    2017-01-01

    The endophytic fungal communities of Polygonum acuminatum and Aeschynomene fluminensis were examined with respect to soil mercury (Hg) contamination. Plants were collected in places with and without Hg+2 for isolation and identification of their endophytic root fungi. We evaluated frequency of colonization, number of isolates and richness, indices of diversity and similarity, functional traits (hydrolytic enzymes, siderophores, indoleacetic acid, antibiosis and metal tolerance) and growth promotion of Aeschynomene fluminensis inoculated with endophytic fungi on soil with mercury. The frequency of colonization, structure and community function, as well as the abundant distribution of taxa of endophytic fungi were influenced by mercury contamination, with higher endophytic fungi in hosts in soil with mercury. The presence or absence of mercury in the soil changes the profile of the functional characteristics of the endophytic fungal community. On the other hand, tolerance of lineages to multiple metals is not associated with contamination. A. fluminensis depends on its endophytic fungi, since plants free of endophytic fungi grew less than expected due to mercury toxicity. In contrast plants containing certain endophytic fungi showed good growth in soil containing mercury, even exceeding growth of plants cultivated in soil without mercury. The data obtained confirm the hypothesis that soil contamination by mercury alters community structure of root endophytic fungi in terms of composition, abundance and species richness. The inoculation of A. fluminensis with certain strains of stress tolerant endophytic fungi contribute to colonization and establishment of the host and may be used in processes that aim to improve phytoremediation of soils with toxic concentrations of mercury.

  3. Review of Ordinary High Water Mark Indicators for Delineating Arid Streams in the Southwestern United States

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-01-01

    water levels. For example, “hydromesic ruderals” (e.g., Xanthium strumarium , Polygonum lapathifolium, Polypogon monspeliensus) are disturbance-adapted...River, AZ Stromberg et al. (1997a) Annual herbs: Hydromesic ruderals dominant (All, HM) L HM Xanthium strumarium , Polypogon monspeliensis

  4. Screening for main components associated with the idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of a tonic herb, Polygonum multiflorum.

    PubMed

    Li, Chunyu; Niu, Ming; Bai, Zhaofang; Zhang, Congen; Zhao, Yanling; Li, Ruiyu; Tu, Can; Li, Huifang; Jing, Jing; Meng, Yakun; Ma, Zhijie; Feng, Wuwen; Tang, Jinfa; Zhu, Yun; Li, Jinjie; Shang, Xiaoya; Zou, Zhengsheng; Xiao, Xiaohe; Wang, Jiabo

    2017-06-01

    The main constituents of a typical medicinal herb, Polygonum multiflorum (Heshouwu in Chinese), that induces idiosyncratic liver injury remain unclear. Our previous work has shown that cotreatment with a nontoxic dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and therapeutic dose of Heshouwu can induce liver injury in rats, whereas the solo treatment cannot induce observable injury. In the present work, using the constituent "knock-out" and "knock-in" strategy, we found that the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of Heshouwu displayed comparable idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity to the whole extract in LPS-treated rats. Results indicated a significant elevation of plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and liver histologic changes, whereas other separated fractions failed to induce liver injury. The mixture of EA extract with other separated fractions induced comparable idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity to the whole extract in LPS-treated rats. Chemical analysis further revealed that 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy trans-stilbene-2-O-β-glucoside (trans-SG) and its cis-isomer were the two major compounds in EA extract. Furthermore, the isolated cis-, and not its trans-isomer, displayed comparable idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity to EA extract in LPS-treated rats. Higher contents of cis-SG were detected in Heshouwu liquor or preparations from actual liver intoxication patients associated with Heshouwu compared with general collected samples. In addition, plasma metabolomics analysis showed that cis-SG-disturbing enriched pathways remarkably differed from trans-SG ones in LPS-treated rats. All these results suggested that cis-SG was closely associated with the idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of Heshouwu. Considering that the cis-trans isomerization of trans-SG was mediated by ultraviolet light or sunlight, our findings serve as reference for controlling photoisomerization in drug discovery and for the clinical use of Heshouwu and stilbene-related medications.

  5. A WRKY transcription factor, PcWRKY33, from Polygonum cuspidatum reduces salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Bao, Wenqi; Wang, Xiaowei; Chen, Mo; Chai, Tuanyao; Wang, Hong

    2018-07-01

    PcWRKY33 is a transcription factor which can reduce salt tolerance by decreasing the expression of stress-related genes and increasing the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). WRKY transcription factors play important roles in the regulation of biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we report a group I WRKY gene from Polygonum cuspidatum, PcWRKY33, that encodes a nucleoprotein, which specifically binds to the W-box in the promoter of target genes to regulate their expression. The results from qPCR and promoter analysis show that expression of PcWRKY33 can be induced by various abiotic stresses, including NaCl and plant hormones. Overexpression of PcWRKY33 in Arabidopsis thaliana reduced tolerance to salt stress. More specifically, several physiological parameters (such as root length, seed germination rate, seedling survival rate, and chlorophyll concentration) of the transgenic lines were significantly lower than those of the wild type under salt stress. In addition, following exposure to salt stress, transgenic plants showed decreased expression of stress-related genes, a weakened ability to maintain Na + /K + homeostasis, decreased activities of reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) scavenging enzymes, and increased accumulation of ROS. Taken together, these results suggest that PcWRKY33 negatively regulates the salt tolerance in at least two ways: by down-regulating the induction of stress-related genes and by increasing the level of cellular ROS. In sum, our results indicate that PcWRKY33 is a group I WRKY transcription factor involved in abiotic stress regulation.

  6. Purification and Characterization of a Novel NAD(P)+-Farnesol Dehydrogenase from Polygonum minus Leaves.

    PubMed

    Ahmad-Sohdi, Nor-Ain-Shahajar; Seman-Kamarulzaman, Ahmad-Faris; Mohamed-Hussein, Zeti-Azura; Hassan, Maizom

    2015-01-01

    Juvenile hormones have attracted attention as safe and selective targets for the design and development of environmentally friendly and biorational insecticides. In the juvenile hormone III biosynthetic pathway, the enzyme farnesol dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of farnesol to farnesal. In this study, farnesol dehydrogenase was extracted from Polygonum minus leaves and purified 204-fold to apparent homogeneity by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-Toyopearl, SP-Toyopearl, and Super-Q Toyopearl, followed by three successive purifications by gel filtration chromatography on a TSK-gel GS3000SW. The enzyme is a heterodimer comprised of subunits with molecular masses of 65 kDa and 70 kDa. The optimum temperature and pH were 35°C and pH 9.5, respectively. Activity was inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents, metal-chelating agents and heavy metal ions. The enzyme utilized both NAD+ and NADP+ as coenzymes with Km values of 0.74 mM and 40 mM, respectively. Trans, trans-farnesol was the preferred substrate for the P. minus farnesol dehydrogenase. Geometrical isomers of trans, trans-farnesol, cis, trans-farnesol and cis, cis-farnesol were also oxidized by the enzyme with lower activity. The Km values for trans, trans-farnesol, cis, trans-farnesol and cis, cis-farnesol appeared to be 0.17 mM, 0.33 mM and 0.42 mM, respectively. The amino acid sequences of 4 tryptic peptides of the enzyme were analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS spectrometry, and showed no significant similarity to those of previously reported farnesol dehydrogenases. These results suggest that the purified enzyme is a novel NAD(P)+-dependent farnesol dehydrogenase. The purification and characterization established in the current study will serve as a basis to provide new information for recombinant production of the enzyme. Therefore, recombinant farnesol dehydrogenase may provide a useful molecular tool in manipulating juvenile hormone biosynthesis to generate transgenic plants for pest control.

  7. Purification and Characterization of a Novel NAD(P)+-Farnesol Dehydrogenase from Polygonum minus Leaves

    PubMed Central

    Seman-Kamarulzaman, Ahmad-Faris; Mohamed-Hussein, Zeti-Azura

    2015-01-01

    Juvenile hormones have attracted attention as safe and selective targets for the design and development of environmentally friendly and biorational insecticides. In the juvenile hormone III biosynthetic pathway, the enzyme farnesol dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of farnesol to farnesal. In this study, farnesol dehydrogenase was extracted from Polygonum minus leaves and purified 204-fold to apparent homogeneity by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-Toyopearl, SP-Toyopearl, and Super-Q Toyopearl, followed by three successive purifications by gel filtration chromatography on a TSK-gel GS3000SW. The enzyme is a heterodimer comprised of subunits with molecular masses of 65 kDa and 70 kDa. The optimum temperature and pH were 35°C and pH 9.5, respectively. Activity was inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents, metal-chelating agents and heavy metal ions. The enzyme utilized both NAD+ and NADP+ as coenzymes with K m values of 0.74 mM and 40 mM, respectively. Trans, trans-farnesol was the preferred substrate for the P. minus farnesol dehydrogenase. Geometrical isomers of trans, trans-farnesol, cis, trans-farnesol and cis, cis-farnesol were also oxidized by the enzyme with lower activity. The K m values for trans, trans-farnesol, cis, trans-farnesol and cis, cis-farnesol appeared to be 0.17 mM, 0.33 mM and 0.42 mM, respectively. The amino acid sequences of 4 tryptic peptides of the enzyme were analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS spectrometry, and showed no significant similarity to those of previously reported farnesol dehydrogenases. These results suggest that the purified enzyme is a novel NAD(P)+-dependent farnesol dehydrogenase. The purification and characterization established in the current study will serve as a basis to provide new information for recombinant production of the enzyme. Therefore, recombinant farnesol dehydrogenase may provide a useful molecular tool in manipulating juvenile hormone biosynthesis to generate transgenic plants for pest control. PMID:26600471

  8. In vitro and ex-vivo cellular antioxidant protection and cognitive enhancing effects of an extract of Polygonum minus Huds (Lineminus™) demonstrated in a Barnes Maze animal model for memory and learning

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Polygonum minus Huds.is a culinary flavouring that is common in South East Asian cuisine and as a remedy for diverse maladies ranging from indigestion to poor eyesight. The leaves of this herb have been reported to be high in antioxidants. Flavonoids which have been associated with memory, cognition and protection against neurodegeneration were found in P. minus. Method This study examined a P. minus aqueous extract (Lineminus™) for its antioxidant activity using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay, the ex vivo Cellular Antioxidant Protection of erythrocytes (CAP-e) assays and for potential anticholinesterase activity in vitro. Cognitive function and learning of Lineminus™ was evaluated using scopolamine induced cognition deficits in a Barnes maze, rodent model of cognition. Results The extract displayed in vitro antioxidant activity with a total ORAC value of 16,964 μmole TE/gram. Cellular antioxidant protection from free radical damage using the CAP-e assay, with an IC50 of 0.58 g/L for inhibition of cellular oxidative damage, was observed. The extract inhibited cholinesterase activity with an IC50 of 0.04 mg/ml with a maximum inhibition of 68%. In a rodent model of cognition using scopolamine induced cognition deficits in the Barnes maze, the extract attenuated scopolamine induced disruptions in learning at the higher dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusion These data shows that P. minus possesses antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity and demonstrated enhanced cognition in vivo. The data suggest neuroprotective properties of the extract. PMID:24886679

  9. The protective effect of juglanin on fructose-induced hepatitis by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis through TLR4 and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways in fructose-fed rats.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Guang-Yao; Yi, Yong-Xiang; Jin, Ling-Xiang; Lin, Wei; Fang, Pei-Pei; Lin, Xiu-Zheng; Zheng, Yi; Pan, Chen-Wei

    2016-07-01

    High fructose-feeding is an essential causative factor leading to the development and progression of hepatitis associated with high levels of endotoxin (LPS). Juglanin, as a natural compound extracted from the crude Polygonum aviculare, displayed inhibitory activity against inflammation response and cancer growth. However, researches about its role on anti-inflammation and apoptosis are far from available. Here, it is the first time that juglanin was administrated to investigate whether it inhibits fructose-feeding-induced hepatitis in rats and to elucidate the possible mechanism by which juglanin might recover it. Fructose-feeding rats were orally administrated with juglanin of 5, 10 and 20mg/kg for 6 weeks, respectively. Juglanin exerted prevention of fructose-feeding-stimulated increased LPS levels, accelerated alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and up-regulated inflammatory cytokines expression in serum, mainly including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), Interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 18 (IL-18). Meanwhile, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-modulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and apoptosis-related Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway are involved in the progression of hepatic injury and inflammation. And juglanin was found to suppress fructose-feeding-induced activation of these signaling pathways compared with the model group administrated only with fructose. These results indicate that juglanin represses inflammatory response and apoptosis via TLR4-regulated MAPK/NF-κB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway respectively in rats with hepatitis induced by LPS for fructose-feeding. Treatment of juglanin might be an effective therapeutic strategy for preventing hepatitis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. [Analyzing crude/processed root of Polygonum multiflorum from different habitats by UPLC fingerprint and mode identification methods].

    PubMed

    Xiao, Rong; Lin, Yan; Lei, Si-Min; Zhang, Ying; Huang, Jie; Xia, Bo-Hou; Li, Chun; Liao, Duan-Fang; Wu, Ping; Lin, Li-Mei

    2017-06-01

    To establish a content determination method for 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) of the crude/processed root of Polygonum multiflorum from different habitats in China and set up the fingerprint by using UPLC. Various samples were pretreated by macro-porous resin. Then UPLC analysis was performed on Waters ACQUITY UPLC@BEH C18 chromatographic column (2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.7 μm) at (25±5) ℃. A binary gradient elution system was composed of acetonitrile (phase A) and 0.5% acetic acid solution (phase B). Detection was performed at the wavelength of 254 nm, and the mobile flow rate was set at 0.3 mL•min⁻¹. Results showed that the yield of extraction of the 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside from root of P. multiflorum was all over 25.0% after macro-porous resin separation; an exclusive UPLC fingerprint method of the crude/processed root of P. multiflorum from different habitats was successfully set up and 17 chromatographic peaks were calibrated. Cluster analysis can not entirely distinguish the crude one from the processed one, while principal component analysis absolutely can. 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside is the composition that has largest differences in variable importance in projection (VIP) between crude and processed root of P. multiflorum. The separating method can gain high-purity 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside, and the determination method is simple, sensitive, reliable and can be used in fast identifying the crude/processed root of P. multiflorum or as a method for overall quality control of root of P. multiflorum. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  11. Mile-a-minute weed in the northeast

    Treesearch

    Larry H. McCormick; C. Fagan Johnson

    1998-01-01

    Mile-a-minute, Polygonum perfoliatum L., is an introduced weed from eastern Asia that is rapidly colonizing non-crop areas in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Since its introduction into the United States, in south-central Pennsylvania, in the 1930s, the mile-a-minute weed has spread to other regions of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New...

  12. [Construction and analysis of a forward and reverse subtractive cDNA library from leaves and stem of Polygonum sibiricum Laxm. under salt stress].

    PubMed

    Liu, Guan-Jun; Liu, Ming-Kun; Xu, Zhi-Ru; Yan, Xiu-Feng; Wei, Zhi-Gang; Yang, Chuan-Ping

    2009-04-01

    Using cDNAs prepared from the leaves and stems of Polygonum sibiricum Laxm. treated with NaHCO3 stress for 48 h as testers and cDNAs from unstressed P. sibiricum leaves and stems as drivers library, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was employed to construct a cDNA subtracted library, which contained 2 282 valid sequences including 598 ESTs in the stems forward SSH library and 490 ESTs in the stem reverse SSH library, 627 ESTs in the leaf forward SSH library and 567 in the leaf reverse SSH library. According to the functional catalogue of MIPs and the comparison of the reverse and forward SSH libraries of the stem and leaf, the responses to NaHCO3 stress were different between leaf and stem, except for the same trend in cell rescue defense and transport facilitation. The trend in the metabolism, energy, photosynthesis, protein synthesis, transcription, and signal transduction was opposite. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of 12 putative stress related genes in the NaHCO3-treated leaves and stems was different from that in the untreated leaves and stems. This indicated that different mechanisms might be responsible for reactions of leaf and stem in P. sibiricum. The results from this study are useful in understanding the molecular mechanism of saline-alkali tolerance in P. sibiricum.

  13. Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Invasive Neophyte Polygonum Cuspidatum Sieb. and Zucc. (Polygonaceae) and the Chemical Comparison of the Invasive and Native Varieties with regard to Resveratrol.

    PubMed

    Fan, Peihong; Zhang, Tao; Hostettmann, Kurt

    2013-07-01

    Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. and Zucc. has been traditionally used as a member of many anti-inflammatory polyherbal formulations, but is now a widespread invasive neophyte in Europe and America. To discuss if the invasive variety is chemically identical to the native one in traditional medicine, the different constituents of the invasive variety compared to the native variety were isolated and their anti-inflammatory activity was tested. Resveratroloside and catechin-(4α→8)-catechin, the newly found constituents in the invasive variety, have similar nitric oxide (NO) inhibition potency as that of piceid (the major constituent of P. cuspidatum), but the newly found major constituent, i.e., piceatannol glucoside, showed no apparent effect. On the other hand, as a marker, the total content of resveratrol in the methanol root extract after glucosidase hydrolysis was measured and compared between the invasive and native varieties. The total content of resveratrol measured in the root extracts of the Swiss sample was about 2.5 times less than that of the Chinese one. This study brings attention to the point that when the invasive variety of P. cuspidatum is used in traditional medicine, the chemical difference should be kept in mind.

  14. The Tissue Distribution and Urinary Excretion Study of Gallic Acid and Protocatechuic Acid after Oral Administration of Polygonum Capitatum Extract in Rats.

    PubMed

    Ma, Feng-Wei; Deng, Qing-Fang; Zhou, Xin; Gong, Xiao-Jian; Zhao, Yang; Chen, Hua-Guo; Zhao, Chao

    2016-03-24

    In the present study, we investigated the tissue distribution and urinary excretion of gallic acid (GA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) after rat oral administration of aqueous extract of Polygonum capitatum (P. capitatum, named Herba Polygoni Capitati in China). An UHPLC-MS/MS analytical method was developed and adopted for quantification of GA and PCA in different tissue homogenate and urine samples. Interestingly, we found that GA and PCA showed a relatively targeted distribution in kidney tissue after dosing 60 mg/kg P. capitatum extract (equivalent to 12 mg/kg of GA and 0.9 mg/kg of PCA). The concentrations of GA and PCA in the kidney tissue reached 1218.62 ng/g and 43.98 ng/g, respectively, at one hour after oral administration. The results helped explain the empirical use of P. capitatum for kidney diseases in folk medicine. Further studies on urinary excretion of P. capitatum extract indicated that GA and PCA followed a concentrated elimination over a 4-h period. The predominant metabolites were putatively identified to be 4-methylgallic acid (4-OMeGA) and 4-methylprotocatechuic acid (4-OMePCA) by analyzing their precursor ions and characteristic fragment ions using tandem mass spectrometry. However, the amount of unchanged GA and PCA that survived the metabolism were about 14.60% and 15.72% of the total intake, respectively, which is reported for the first time in this study.

  15. Insights into the molecular mechanisms of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb-induced liver injury: a computational systems toxicology approach.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yin-Yin; Li, Jie; Wu, Zeng-Rui; Zhang, Bo; Yang, Hong-Bin; Wang, Qin; Cai, Ying-Chun; Liu, Gui-Xia; Li, Wei-Hua; Tang, Yun

    2017-05-01

    An increasing number of cases of herb-induced liver injury (HILI) have been reported, presenting new clinical challenges. In this study, taking Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PmT) as an example, we proposed a computational systems toxicology approach to explore the molecular mechanisms of HILI. First, the chemical components of PmT were extracted from 3 main TCM databases as well as the literature related to natural products. Then, the known targets were collected through data integration, and the potential compound-target interactions (CTIs) were predicted using our substructure-drug-target network-based inference (SDTNBI) method. After screening for hepatotoxicity-related genes by assessing the symptoms of HILI, a compound-target interaction network was constructed. A scoring function, namely, Ascore, was developed to estimate the toxicity of chemicals in the liver. We conducted network analysis to determine the possible mechanisms of the biphasic effects using the analysis tools, including BiNGO, pathway enrichment, organ distribution analysis and predictions of interactions with CYP450 enzymes. Among the chemical components of PmT, 54 components with good intestinal absorption were used for analysis, and 2939 CTIs were obtained. After analyzing the mRNA expression data in the BioGPS database, 1599 CTIs and 125 targets related to liver diseases were identified. In the top 15 compounds, seven with Ascore values >3000 (emodin, quercetin, apigenin, resveratrol, gallic acid, kaempferol and luteolin) were obviously associated with hepatotoxicity. The results from the pathway enrichment analysis suggest that multiple interactions between apoptosis and metabolism may underlie PmT-induced liver injury. Many of the pathways have been verified in specific compounds, such as glutathione metabolism, cytochrome P450 metabolism, and the p53 pathway, among others. Hepatitis symptoms, the perturbation of nine bile acids and yellow or tawny urine also had corresponding pathways

  16. Evaluation of anti-oxidant capacity of root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, in comparison with roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb and Panax ginseng CA Meyer.

    PubMed

    Chan, Enoch; Wong, Cynthia Ying-Kat; Wan, Chun-Wai; Kwok, Ching-Yee; Wu, Jian-Hong; Ng, Kar-Man; So, Chi-Hang; Au, Alice Lai-Shan; Poon, Christina Chui-Wa; Seto, Sai-Wang; Kwan, Yiu-Wa; Yu, Peter Hoi-Fu; Chan, Shun-Wan

    2010-01-01

    In Chinese communities, regular consumption of Chinese-medicated diets (CMD) (usually in the form of soup) is a traditional practice to promote health and prevent disease development. The overall improvement of health conditions is believed to be correlated with the anti-oxidant potentials of these herbs. Huangqin, roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae), is one of the herbs commonly used in CMD. In this study, the anti-oxidant capacities of Huangqin extracts (water, ethanol and ether extracts) were evaluated and compared to commonly used CMD herbs, Heshouwu, roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (Polygonaceae) and Renshen (or Ginseng), roots of Panax ginseng CA Meyer (Araliaceae). The anti-oxidant capacities were measured by using both cell-free assay [ferric reducing/anti-oxidant power (FRAP)] and biological methods [2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) (AAPH)-induced haemolysis assay and H(2)O(2)-induced cell damage on H9C2 cells]. Additionally, the total phenolic content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Water extract of Huangqin has the highest anti-oxidant activities compared to the ethanol and ether extracts. A positive relationship between the anti-oxidant effects and total phenolic contents of extracts was demonstrated. This shows that Huangqin could be an effective dietary anti-oxidant that can be consumed regularly as a functional food for the prevention of oxidant/free radical-related diseases.

  17. Stilbene Glucoside, a Putative Sleep Promoting Constituent from Polygonum multiflorum Affects Sleep Homeostasis by Affecting the Activities of Lactate Dehydrogenase and Salivary Alpha Amylase.

    PubMed

    Wei, Qian; Ta, Guang; He, Wenjing; Wang, Wei; Wu, Qiucheng

    2017-01-01

    Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been used for treating insomnia for centuries. The most used CHM for insomnia was Polygonum multiflorum. However, the molecular mechanism for CHM preventing insomnia is unknown. Stilbene glucoside (THSG), an important active component of P. multiflorum, may play an important role for treating insomnia. To test the hypothesis, Kunming mice were treated with different dosages of THSG. To examine the sleep duration, a computer-controlled sleep-wake detection system was implemented. Electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) electrodes were implanted to determine sleep-wake state. RT-PCR and Western blot was used to measure the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and saliva alpha amylase. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to identify the strength of correlation between the variables. The results showed that THSG significantly prolonged the sleep time of the mice (p<0.01). THSG changed sleep profile by reducing wake and rapid eye movement (REM) period, and increasing non-REM period. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that THSG could down-regulate the levels of LDH and saliva alpha amylase (p<0.05). The level of lactate and glucose was positively related with the activity of LDH and saliva alpha amylase (p<0.05), respectively. On the other hand, the activities of LDH and amylase were negatively associated with sleep duration (p<0.05). The levels of lactate and glucose affect sleep homeostasis. Thus, THSG may prevent insomnia by regulating sleep duration via LDH and salivary alpha amylase.

  18. Optimal inductive and cultural conditions of Polygonum multiflorum transgenic hairy roots mediated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes R1601 and an analysis of their anthraquinone constituents.

    PubMed

    Huang, Bing; Lin, Huanjie; Yan, Chuanyan; Qiu, Hongyan; Qiu, Lipeng; Yu, Rongmin

    2014-01-01

    Polygonum multiflorum is an important medicinal plant. Hairy roots systems obtained by transforming plant tissues with the natural genetic engineer Agrobacterium rhizogenes can produce valuable biological active substances, which have immense potential in the pharmaceutical industry. To optimize the inductive and cultural conditions of P. multiflorum hairy roots and to identify the major active secondary metabolites in hairy roots. P. multiflorum hairy root were mediated with A. rhizogenes R1601 to induce hairy roots. Four combinations, including Murashige-Skoog (MS), 1/2 MS, B5, and White, were investigated to optimize the culture medium. MS medium was selected for the growth measurement. The qualitative and quantitative determinations of free anthraquinone in hairy roots were compared with the calli and aseptic plantlets using high-performance liquid chromatography. The inductive rates of hairy roots by leaves were higher than for any other explants. The presence of agropine in the P. multiflorum hairy roots confirmed that they were indeed transgenic. MS medium was the most suitable of the four media for hairy root growth. Meanwhile, the growth kinetics and nutrient consumption results showed that the hairy roots displayed a sigmoidal growth curve and that their optimal inoculation time was 18-21 days. The determination of the anthraquinone constituents indicated that the rhein content of the hairy roots reached 2.495 μg g(-1) and was 2.55-fold higher than that of natural plants. Transgenic hairy roots of P. multiflorum could be one of the most potent materials for industrial-scale production of bioactive anthraquinone constituents.

  19. The effect of Polygonum minus extract on cognitive and psychosocial parameters according to mood status among middle-aged women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

    PubMed Central

    Shahar, Suzana; Aziz, Ainor Farahin; Ismail, Siti Nur Arina; Yahya, Hanis Mastura; Din, Normah Che; Manaf, Zahara Abdul; Badrasawi, Manal M

    2015-01-01

    Background Polygonum minus (PM) or locally known in Malaysia, as “kesum” is rich in micronutrients and natural antioxidants. However, its beneficial effect on outcome associates with oxidative stress including cognitive function is yet to be discovered. We assessed the efficacy of PM extract (LineMinus™) on cognitive function and psychosocial status among middle-aged women in Klang Valley of Malaysia. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among 35 healthy middle-aged women was performed, and subjects were randomized to receive either 250 mg PM or placebo of 100 mg maltodextrin each were taken twice daily for 6 weeks. Subjects were assessed for neuropsychological test, psychosocial status, and anthropometric at baseline, week 3, and week 6. Biomarkers were also determined at baseline and week 6. Results The supplementation of PM showed significant intervention effect on Digit Span test (P<0.05) social functioning domain of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (P<0.05) among subjects with mood disturbance. While, among subjects with good mood, PM supplementation improved Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) for IQ verbal (P=0.016) and Full Scale IQ of WASI (P=0.004). There were no adverse effects reported for the supplementation as indicated using biomarkers, including liver function and clinical symptoms. Conclusion Supplementation of PM is safe to be consumed for 6 weeks, with potential benefits to attention, short-term memory, improved quality of life, and mood, as well as IQ. PMID:26445532

  20. Polygonum sachalinense alters the balance between capacities of regeneration and carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate in response to growth CO2 increment but not the nitrogen allocation within the photosynthetic apparatus.

    PubMed

    Akita, Risako; Kamiyama, Chiho; Hikosaka, Kouki

    2012-12-01

    The limiting step of photosynthesis changes depending on CO(2) concentration and, in theory, photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency at a respective CO(2) concentration is maximized if nitrogen is redistributed from non-limiting to limiting processes. It has been shown that some plants increase the capacity of ribulose-1,5-bisphoshate (RuBP) regeneration (evaluated as J(max) ) relative to the RuBP carboxylation capacity (evaluated as V(cmax) ) at elevated CO(2) , which is in accord with the theory. However, there is no study that tests whether this change is accompanied by redistribution of nitrogen in the photosynthetic apparatus. We raised a perennial plant, Polygonum sachalinense, at two nutrient availabilities under two CO(2) concentrations. The J(max) to V(cmax) ratio significantly changed with CO(2) increment but the nitrogen allocation among the photosynthetic apparatus did not respond to growth CO(2) . Enzymes involved in RuBP regeneration might be more activated at elevated CO(2) , leading to the higher J(max) to V(cmax) ratio. Our result suggests that nitrogen partitioning is not responsive to elevated CO(2) even in species that alters the balance between RuBP regeneration and carboxylation. Nitrogen partitioning seems to be conservative against changes in growth CO(2) concentration. Copyright © Physiologia Plantarum 2012.

  1. Anti-inflammatory effects of novel polygonum multiflorum compound via inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK and upregulating the Nrf2 pathways in LPS-stimulated microglia.

    PubMed

    Park, Sun Young; Jin, Mei Ling; Kang, Nam Jun; Park, Geuntae; Choi, Young-Whan

    2017-06-09

    The incorporation of Polygonum multiflorum into the diet can result in anti-aging effects owing to its wide range of biological and pharmaceutical properties. We investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of CRPE56IGIH isolated from P. multiflorum by focusing on its role in the induction of phase II antioxidant enzymes and the modulation of upstream signaling pathways. In microglia, CRPE56IGIH significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated nitric oxide and prostaglandin E 2 production with nonspecific cytotoxicity. CRPE56IGIH also markedly inhibited LPS-inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 protein and mRNA expression in the same manner as it inhibited nitric oxide and prostaglandin E 2 production. In the control cells, NF-κB transactivation and nuclear translocation occurred at a baseline level, which was significantly increased in response to LPS. However, pretreatment with CRPE56IGIH concentration-dependently inhibited the LPS-induced NF-κB transactivation and nuclear translocation. The phosphorylation of Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription and mitogen-activated protein kinases was markedly upregulated by LPS, but considerably and dose-dependently inhibited by pretreatment with CRPE56IGIH. Furthermore, CRPE56IGIH induced the expression of phase II antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH dehydrogenase quinone-1 (NQO-1). The activation of upstream signaling pathways, such as the Nrf2 pathway, was significantly increased following CRPE56IGIH treatment. Furthermore, the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of CRPE56IGIH was reversed by transfection of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 siRNA. Our results indicated that CRPE56IGIH isolated from P. multiflorum could be used as a natural anti-neuroinflammatory agent that induces phase II antioxidant enzymes via Nrf2 signaling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Active-oxygen scavenging activity of plant extracts.

    PubMed

    Masaki, H; Sakaki, S; Atsumi, T; Sakurai, H

    1995-01-01

    To find antioxidative compounds present in plants, 65 types of plant extract were tested using the neotetrazolium method for evidence of superoxide anion-scavenging effects and 7 plant extracts were selected for further investigation. The activity of active-oxygen scavengers such as superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygens and lipid peroxides in the 7 plant extracts (Aeseclus hippocastanum L., Hamamelis virginiana L. Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb., Quercus robur L., Rosemarinous officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L. and Sanguisorba officinalis L.) was examined in detail by both ESR spin-trapping and malondialdehyde generation. Furthermore, the active-oxygen scavenging activity of these plant extracts was evaluated using a murine dermal fibroblast culture system. Both Aeseclus hippocastanum L. and Hamamelis virginia L. were found to have strong active-oxygen scavenging activity of and protective activity against cell damage induced by active oxygen. Both Aeseclus hippocastanum L. and Hamamelis virginiana L. are proposed as potent plant extracts with potential application as anti-aging or anti-wrinkle material for the skin.

  3. Molecular characterization of the full-length L and M RNAs of Tomato yellow ring virus, a member of the genus Tospovirus.

    PubMed

    Chen, Tsung-Chi; Li, Ju-Ting; Fan, Ya-Shu; Yeh, Yi-Chun; Yeh, Shyi-Dong; Kormelink, Richard

    2013-06-01

    Tomato yellow ring virus (TYRV), first isolated from tomato in Iran, was classified as a non-approved species of the genus Tospovirus based on the characterization of its genomic S RNA. In the current study, the complete sequences of the genomic L and M RNAs of TYRV were determined and analyzed. The L RNA has 8,877 nucleotides (nt) and codes in the viral complementary (vc) strand for the putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of 2,873 amino acids (aa) (331 kDa). The RdRp of TYRV shares the highest aa sequence identity (88.7 %) with that of Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), and contains conserved motifs shared with those of the animal-infecting bunyaviruses. The M RNA contains 4,786 nt and codes in ambisense arrangement for the NSm protein of 308 aa (34.5 kDa) in viral sense, and the Gn/Gc glycoprotein precursor (GP) of 1,310 aa (128 kDa) in vc-sense. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that TYRV is closely clustered with IYSV and Polygonum ringspot virus (PolRSV). The NSm and GP of TYRV share the highest aa sequence identity with those of IYSV and PolRSV (89.9 and 80.2-86.5 %, respectively). Moreover, the GPs of TYRV, IYSV, and PolRSV share highly similar characteristics, among which an identical deduced N-terminal protease cleavage site that is distinct from all tospoviral GPs analyzed thus far. Taken together, the elucidation of the complete genome sequence and biological features of TYRV support a close ancestral relationship with IYSV and PolRSV.

  4. Potential of Polygonum cuspidatum Root as an Antidiabetic Food: Dual High-Resolution α-Glucosidase and PTP1B Inhibition Profiling Combined with HPLC-HRMS and NMR for Identification of Antidiabetic Constituents.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yong; Chen, Martin Xiaoyong; Kongstad, Kenneth Thermann; Jäger, Anna Katharina; Staerk, Dan

    2017-06-07

    The worldwide increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes has fueled an intensified search for food and herbal remedies with preventive and/or therapeutic properties. Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc. (Polygonaceae) is used as a functional food in Japan and South Korea, and it is also a well-known traditional antidiabetic herb used in China. In this study, dual high-resolution α-glucosidase and protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition profiling was used for the identification of individual antidiabetic constituents directly from the crude ethyl acetate extract and fractions of P. cuspidatum. Subsequent preparative-scale HPLC was used to isolate a series of α-glucosidase inhibitors, which after HPLC-HRMS and NMR analysis were identified as procyanidin B2 3,3″-O-digallate (3) and (-)-epicatechin gallate (5) with IC 50 values of 0.42 ± 0.02 and 0.48 ± 0.0004 μM, respectively, as well as a series of stilbene analogues with IC 50 value in the range from 6.05 ± 0.05 to 116.10 ± 2.04 μM. In addition, (trans)-emodin-physcion bianthrone (15b) and (cis)-emodin-physcion bianthrone (15c) were identified as potent PTP1B inhibitors with IC 50 values of 2.77 ± 1.23 and 7.29 ± 2.32 μM, respectively. These findings show that P. cuspidatum is a potential functional food for management of type 2 diabetes.

  5. New observations on gametogenic development and reproductive experimental tools to support seed yield improvement in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp].

    PubMed

    Salinas-Gamboa, Rigel; Johnson, Susan D; Sánchez-León, Nidia; Koltunow, Anna M G; Vielle-Calzada, Jean-Philippe

    2016-06-01

    Cowpea reproductive tools. Vigna unguiculata L. Walp. (cowpea) is recognized as a major legume food crop in Africa, but seed yields remain low in most varieties adapted to local conditions. The development of hybrid cowpea seed that could be saved after each generation, enabling significant yield increases, will require manipulation of reproductive development from a sexual to an asexual mode. To develop new technologies that could support the biotechnological manipulation of reproductive development in cowpea, we examined gametogenesis and seed formation in two transformable, African-adapted, day-length-insensitive varieties. Here, we show that these two varieties exhibit distinct morphological and phenological traits but share a common developmental sequence in terms of ovule formation and gametogenesis. We present a reproductive calendar that allows prediction of male and female gametogenesis on the basis of sporophytic parameters related to floral bud size and reproductive organ development, determining that gametogenesis occurs more rapidly in the anther than in the ovule. We also show that the mode of megagametogenesis is of the Polygonum-type and not Oenothera-type, as previously reported. Finally, we developed a whole-mount immunolocalization protocol and applied it to detect meiotic proteins in the cowpea megaspore mother cell, opening opportunities for comparing the dynamics of protein localization during male and female meiosis, as well as other reproductive events in this emerging legume model system.

  6. Effect of invader litter chemistries on soil organic matter compositions: consequences of Polygonum cuspidatum and Pueraria lobata invasions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tharayil, N.; Tamura, M.

    2012-12-01

    Carbon fixation during photosynthesis forms the precursor of all organic carbon in soil and the predominant source of energy that drives soil microbial processes; hence the molecular identity of the fixed carbon could influence the formation of soil organic matter (SOM). Due to their high resource acquisition and resource use efficiencies, some invasive plants can input disproportionately high quantities of litter that are qualitatively distinctive, and this could influence the accrual of organic carbon and overall carbon cycling in invaded habitats. Hence, we hypothesized that invasive plants with unique litter chemistries would significantly influence the overall carbon cycling in the invaded soils. We tested this hypothesis by comparing plants exhibiting recalcitrant vs. labile litter chemistries using japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) and kudzu (Pueraria lobata), respectively. Japanese knotweed produces low litter abundant in polyphenols which selectively hinders microbially mediated decomposition and re-synthesis; whereas kudzu produces low C:N, high quality litter that can stimulate microbial decomposition. Soil samples were collected at 5-cm intervals and from inside and outside 15 to 20 year old stands of the invasive species. The novelty of our study was that both of our study species were invading into soils of contrasting substrate qualities relative to the invading litter quality. The molecular composition of carbon in the soils and the degradation stage of the SOM were assessed with a biomarker approach using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the source of biomolecules (plant or microbes). Stability of SOM fractions was assessed through oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, serving as a proxy of biological degradation, followed by stable isotope analysis. Fungal communities dominated the uppermost soils under knotweed whereas kudzu litter suppressed fungal biomass in the top 10-cm. In constrast, increase in active microbial biomass C

  7. Novel NAD+-Farnesal Dehydrogenase from Polygonum minus Leaves. Purification and Characterization of Enzyme in Juvenile Hormone III Biosynthetic Pathway in Plant

    PubMed Central

    Mohamed-Hussein, Zeti-Azura; Ng, Chyan Leong

    2016-01-01

    Juvenile Hormone III is of great concern due to negative effects on major developmental and reproductive maturation in insect pests. Thus, the elucidation of enzymes involved JH III biosynthetic pathway has become increasing important in recent years. One of the enzymes in the JH III biosynthetic pathway that remains to be isolated and characterized is farnesal dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible to catalyze the oxidation of farnesal into farnesoic acid. A novel NAD+-farnesal dehydrogenase of Polygonum minus was purified (315-fold) to apparent homogeneity in five chromatographic steps. The purification procedures included Gigacap S-Toyopearl 650M, Gigacap Q-Toyopearl 650M, and AF-Blue Toyopearl 650ML, followed by TSK Gel G3000SW chromatographies. The enzyme, with isoelectric point of 6.6 is a monomeric enzyme with a molecular mass of 70 kDa. The enzyme was relatively active at 40°C, but was rapidly inactivated above 45°C. The optimal temperature and pH of the enzyme were found to be 35°C and 9.5, respectively. The enzyme activity was inhibited by sulfhydryl agent, chelating agent, and metal ion. The enzyme was highly specific for farnesal and NAD+. Other terpene aldehydes such as trans- cinnamaldehyde, citral and α- methyl cinnamaldehyde were also oxidized but in lower activity. The Km values for farnesal, citral, trans- cinnamaldehyde, α- methyl cinnamaldehyde and NAD+ were 0.13, 0.69, 0.86, 1.28 and 0.31 mM, respectively. The putative P. minus farnesal dehydrogenase that’s highly specific towards farnesal but not to aliphatic aldehydes substrates suggested that the enzyme is significantly different from other aldehyde dehydrogenases that have been reported. The MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS spectrometry further identified two peptides that share similarity to those of previously reported aldehyde dehydrogenases. In conclusion, the P. minus farnesal dehydrogenase may represent a novel plant farnesal dehydrogenase that exhibits distinctive substrate specificity

  8. Ultrastructural and cytochemical aspects of female gametophyte development in Sedum hispanicum L. (Crassulaceae).

    PubMed

    Brzezicka, Emilia; Kozieradzka-Kiszkurno, Małgorzata

    2018-01-01

    Until now, development of the female gametophyte has been investigated only in some species of Crassulaceae using a light microscope. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the process of megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in Crassulaceae in detail. To achieve this, we performed embryological studies on Sedum hispanicum L. (Crassulaceae). Cytochemical analysis detected the presence of proteins, lipids, and insoluble polysaccharides in individual cells of the gametophyte. The development of the embryo sac conforms to the monosporic or Polygonum-type in anatropous, crassinucellate, and bitegmic ovules. One megaspore mother cell initiates the process of megasporogenesis. Prior to the first meiotic division, the nucleus is centrally located within the meiocyte. Other organelles seem to be distributed evenly over the micropylar and chalazal parts during the development. Most storage reserves detected during megasporogenesis were observed in the megaspore mother cell. Three mitotic divisions within the chalazal functional megaspore resulted in the enlargement of the eight-nucleated embryo sac. In the seven-celled gametophyte, three chalazally located antipodes degenerated. A mature embryo sac was formed by the egg apparatus and central cell. When the antipodes degenerated, both synergids became organelle-rich and more active. The concentration of lipid droplets, starch grains, and proteins increased during megagametogenesis in the growing gametophyte. In the cellular embryo sac, the central cell can be distinguished by its largest accumulation. Our data confirm the hypothesis that plasmodesmata with electron-dense dome are formed during development of the female gametophyte in S. hispanicum and not just during the stages of embryogenesis. We observed these structures in megaspores and coenocytic embryo sac walls. Functions of observed plasmodesmata are discussed.

  9. Isolation of eukaryotic ribosomal proteins. Purification and characterization of 60 S ribosomal subunit proteins L3, L6, L7', L8, L10, L15, L17, L18, L19, L23', L25, L27', L28, L29, L31, L32, L34, L35, L36, L36', and L37'.

    PubMed

    Tsurugi, K; Collatz, E; Todokoro, K; Wool, I G

    1977-06-10

    The proteins of the large subunit of rat liver ribosomes were separated into seven groups by stepwise elution from carboxymethylcellulose with LiCl at pH 6.5. Twenty-one proteins (L3, L6, L7', L8, L10, L15, L17, L18, L19, L23', L25, L27', L28, L29, L31, L32, L34, L35, L36, L36', and L37') were isolated from three groups (C60, E60, and F60) by ion exchange chromatography on carboxymethycellulose and by filtration through Sephadex. The amount of protein obtained varied from 0.3 to 25 mg. Nine of the proteins (L6, L8, L18, L27', L28, L29, L34, L36, and L36') had no detectable contamination: the impurities in the others were no greater than 9%. The molecular weight of the proteins was estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate; the amino acid composition was determined.

  10. A novel flow injection spectrophotometric method using plant extracts as green reagent for the determination of doxycycline

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Palamy, Sysay; Ruengsitagoon, Wirat

    2017-01-01

    A novel flow injection spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of doxycycline in pharmaceutical preparations using iron(III) contained in extracts from plants. The assay was based on the complex formed between doxycycline and iron(III) characterized by an absorption maximum at 435 nm. The calibration graphs obtained over the doxycycline concentration range 5-250 μg mL- 1 gave correlation coefficients of 0.9979, 0.9987 and 0.9987 with the three green reagents prepared from Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (S. alata), Polygonum hydropiper L. (P. hydropiper) or Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. (D. esculentum), respectively. The relative standard deviations of the repeatability was < 2.00%. The percentage recoveries were in the range of 98.27-101.03%. Doxycycline contents obtained by this new method and by the reference methods reported in literature were in agreement at 95% confidence level with the paired t-test. The sample throughput was 36 h- 1 for each green reagent.

  11. Isolation of eukaryotic ribosomal proteins. Purification and characterization of the 60 S ribosomal subunit proteins L4, L5, L7, L9, L11, L12, L13, L21, L22, L23, L26, L27, L30, L33, L35', L37, and L39.

    PubMed

    Tsurugi, K; Collatz, E; Wool, E G; Lin, A

    1976-12-25

    The proteins of the large subunit of rat liver ribosomes were separated into seven groups by stepwise elution from carboxymethylcellulose with LiCl at pH 6.5. Seventeen proteins (L4, L5, L7, L9, L11, L12, L13, L21, L22, L23, L26, L27, L30, L33, L35', L37, and L39) were isolated from three of the groups (B60, D60, G60) by ion exchange chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose and by filtration through Sephadex. The amount of protein obtained varied from 0.5 to 15 mg. Eight of the proteins (L9, L11, L13, L21, L22, L35', L37 and L39) had no detectable contamination; the impurities in the others were no greater than 9%. The molecular weight of the proteins was estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate; the amino acid composition was determined.

  12. A meadow site classification for the Sierra Nevada, California

    Treesearch

    Raymond D. Ratliff

    1982-01-01

    This report describes 14 meadow site classes derived through techniques of agglomerative cluster analysis. The class names are: Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Poa (Kentucky bluegrass), Heleocharis/Heleocharis (ephemeral-lake), Hypericum/Polygonum/ Viola (hillside bog), Trifolium/...

  13. Phytoaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Natural Vegetation at the Municipal Wastewater Site in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

    PubMed

    Irshad, Muhammad; Ruqia, Bibi; Hussain, Zahid

    2015-01-01

    Heavy metal accumulation in crops and soils from wastewater irrigation poses a significant threat to the human health. A study was carried out to investigate the removal potential of heavy metals (HM) by native plant species, namely Cannabis sativa L., Chenopodium album L., Datura stramonium L., Sonchus asper L., Amaranthus viridus L., Oenothera rosea (LHer), Xanthium stramonium L., Polygonum macalosa L., Nasturtium officinale L. and Conyza canadensis L. growing at the municipal wastewater site in Abbottabad city, Pakistan. The HM concentrations varied among plants depending on the species. Metal concentrations across species varied in the order iron (Fe) > zinc (Zn) > chromium (Cr) > nickel (Ni) > cadmium (Cd). Majority of the species accumulated more HM in roots than shoots. Among species, the concentrations (both in roots and shoots) were in the order C. sativa > C. album > X. stramonium > C. canadensis > A. viridus > N. officinale > P. macalosa > D. stramonium > S. asper > O. rosea. No species was identified as a hyperaccumulator. All species exhibited a translocation factor (TF) less than 1. Species like C. sativa, C. album and X. stramonium gave higher (> 1) biological concentration factor (BCF) and biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) especially for Fe, Cr and Cd than other species. Higher accumulation of heavy metals in these plant species signifies the general application of these species for phytostabilization and phytoextraction of HM from polluted soils.

  14. Emodin: A Review of its Pharmacology, Toxicity and Pharmacokinetics.

    PubMed

    Dong, Xiaoxv; Fu, Jing; Yin, Xingbin; Cao, Sali; Li, Xuechun; Lin, Longfei; Ni, Jian

    2016-08-01

    Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative that occurs in many widely used Chinese medicinal herbs, such as Rheum palmatum, Polygonum cuspidatum and Polygonum multiflorum. Emodin has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years and is still present in various herbal preparations. Emerging evidence indicates that emodin possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, emodin could also lead to hepatotoxicity, kidney toxicity and reproductive toxicity, particularly in high doses and with long-term use. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that emodin has poor oral bioavailability in rats because of its extensive glucuronidation. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of emodin reported to date with an emphasis on its biological properties and mechanisms of action. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. Effects of temperature and light on the formation of chloroplast protrusions in leaf mesophyll cells of high alpine plants.

    PubMed

    Buchner, Othmar; Holzinger, Andreas; Lütz, Cornelius

    2007-11-01

    Chloroplasts of many alpine plants have the ability to form marked, stroma-filled protrusions that do not contain thylakoids. Effects of temperature and light intensity on the frequency of chloroplasts with such protrusions in leaf mesophyll cells of nine different alpine plant species (Carex curvula All., Leontodon helveticus Merat., Oxyria digyna (L.) Hill., Poa alpina L. ssp. vivipara, Polygonum viviparum L., Ranunculus glacialis L., Ranunculus alpestris L., Silene acaulis L. and Soldanella pusilla Baumg.) covering seven different families were studied. Leaves were exposed to either darkness and a stepwise increase in temperature (10-38 degrees C) or to different light intensities (500 and 2000 micromol photons m(-2) s(-1)) and a constant temperature of 10 or 30 degrees C in a special temperature-regulated chamber. A chloroplast protrusions index characterising the relative proportion of chloroplasts with protrusions was defined. Seven of the nine species showed a significant increase in chloroplast protrusions when temperature was elevated to over 20 degrees C. In contrast, the light level did not generally affect the abundance of chloroplasts with protrusions. Chloroplast protrusions lead to a dynamic enlargement of the chloroplast surface area. They do not appear to be directly connected to a distinct photosystem II (PSII) (F(v)/F(m)) status and thus seem to be involved in secondary, not primary, photosynthetic processes.

  16. Impacts of invasive riparian knotweed on litter decomposition, aquatic fungi, and macroinvertebrates

    Treesearch

    Shannon M. Claeson; Carri J. LeRoy; Jacob R. Barry; Kevin A. Kuehn

    2014-01-01

    Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum X bohemicum), the hybrid between Japanese and giant knotweed, is the most common invasive knotweed species in western North America and the most difficult to control. Invasive knotweed congeners spread aggressively along streams and establish dense monotypic stands, reducing riparian plant species diversity....

  17. A Guide to Bottomland Hardwood Restoration

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-06-01

    Lespedeza cuneata Chinese tallow Triadica sebiferum Cocklebur Xanthium spp. Coffeeweed Sesbania macrocarpa Cogongrass Imperata cylindrica Common...fennel (see small dogfennel) Eupatorium capillifolium Falsenettle (see small-spike falsenettle) Boehmeria cylindrica Fern, various species Osmunda spp...spike falsenettle (see falsenettle) Boehmeria cylindrica Smartweed Polygonum spp. Southern carpetgrass (see common carpetgrass) Axonopus affinis

  18. Sequence of the amino-terminal region of rat liver ribosomal proteins S4, S6, S8, L6, L7a, L18, L27, L30, L37, L37a, and L39.

    PubMed

    Wittmann-Liebold, B; Geissler, A W; Lin, A; Wool, I G

    1979-01-01

    The sequence of the amino-terminal region of eleven rat liver ribosomal proteins--S4, S6, S8, L6, L7a, L18, L27, L30, L37a, and L39--was determined. The analysis confirmed the homogeneity of the proteins and suggests that they are unique, since no extensive common sequences were found. The N-terminal regions of the rat liver proteins were compared with amino acid sequences in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in Escherichia coli ribosomal proteins. It seems likely that the proteins L37 from rat liver and Y55 from yeast ribosomes are homologous. It is possible that rat liver L7a or L37a or both are related to S cerevisiae Y44, although the similar sequences are at the amino-terminus of the rat liver proteins and in an internal region of Y44. A number of similarities in the sequences of rat liver and E coli ribosomal proteins have been found; however, it is not yet possible to say whether they connote a common ancestry.

  19. Trace elements content in the selected medicinal plants traditionally used for curing skin diseases by the natives of Mizoram, India.

    PubMed

    Rajan, Jay Prakash; Singh, Kshetrimayum Birla; Kumar, Sanjiv; Mishra, Raj Kumar

    2014-09-01

    To determine the trace elements content in the selected medicinal plants, namely, Eryngium foetidum L., Mimosa pudica L., Polygonum plebeium, and Prunus cerasoides D. Don traditionally used by the natives of the Mizoram, one of the north eastern states in India as their folklore medicines for curing skin diseases like eczema, leg and fingers infection, swelling and wound. A 3 MeV proton beam of proton induced X-ray emission technique, one of the most powerful techniques for its quick multi elemental trace analysis capability and high sensitivity was used to detect and characterized for trace elements. The studies revealed that six trace elements, namely, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, V, and Co detected in mg/L unit were present in varying concentrations in the selected medicinal plants with high and notable concentration of Fe, Zn, Mn and appreciable amount of the Cu, Co and V in all the plants. The results of the present study support the therapeutic usage of these medicinal plants in the traditional practices for curing skin diseases since they are found to contain appreciable amount of the Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, V and Co. Copyright © 2014 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. L1 and L2 Distance Effects in Learning L3 Dutch

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schepens, Job J.; der Slik, Frans; Hout, Roeland

    2016-01-01

    Many people speak more than two languages. How do languages acquired earlier affect the learnability of additional languages? We show that linguistic distances between speakers' first (L1) and second (L2) languages and their third (L3) language play a role. Larger distances from the L1 to the L3 and from the L2 to the L3 correlate with lower…

  1. 76 FR 9771 - SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-22

    ..., L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; SFPP, L.P.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on February 10, 2011, the SFPP, L.P. filed with the Commission a proposal to provide refunds to shippers who were not... orders dated December 8, 2006 (SFPP, L.P., 117 FERC ] 61, 285 (2007)), December 26, 2007 (SFPP, L.P., 121...

  2. Achievements in Chinese Traditional Medical Treatment of Schistosomiasis and Malaria - Communist China

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1961-08-16

    Dianthus superbus, and pien-ch’u /Polygonum avicularej. According to a report (1958) from Hunan Province, in Han-shou Hsien Huo-hsueh Sha-ch’ung... Dianthus superbus and 2S2^i,aio£ examination was negative 15 cases of early schistosomiasis. Fecai. ova * ** 8tSeHsiung-pin-san: Flowers of sulphur

  3. Evaluation of six herbicides for control of swamp smartweed [Persicaria hydropiperoides (Michx.) Small] under flooded and moist soil conditions

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Six herbicides (2,4-D, diquat, glyphosate, imazamox, imazapyr, and triclopyr) were tested for efficacy on swamp smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides Michx.) in two studies in Mississippi. In the first study in a pond, glyphosate (2.1 and 4.2 kg ai ha-1), imazapyr (0.3 and 0.5 kg ai ha-1), and tricl...

  4. 77 FR 29753 - CaterParrott Railnet, L.L.C.-Sublease and Operation Exemption-Georgia & Florida Railway, L.L.C.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-18

    ... Railnet, L.L.C.--Sublease and Operation Exemption-- Georgia & Florida Railway, L.L.C. CaterParrott Railnet, L.L.C. (CPR), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to sublease from Georgia & Florida Railway, L.L.C. (GRF) and operate approximately 43.2 miles of rail line...

  5. 77 FR 34031 - Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C., Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-08

    ... Storage, L.L.C., Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on May 21, 2012, Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C. (Petal) and Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C. (Hattiesburg... pursuant to sections 7(c) and 7(b) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), for authorization for Petal to acquire the...

  6. 76 FR 45248 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., PJM Power Providers Group v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-28

    ...-002; Docket No. EL11-20-001] PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., PJM Power Providers Group v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Supplemental Notice of Staff Technical Conference On June 13, 2011, the Commission issued... Resources Services, Inc., Maryland Public Service Commission, Monitoring Analytics, L.L.C., National Rural...

  7. Ruthenium-Nitrosyl Complexes with Glycine, l-Alanine, l-Valine, l-Proline, d-Proline, l-Serine, l-Threonine, and l-Tyrosine: Synthesis, X-ray Diffraction Structures, Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Properties, and Antiproliferative Activity

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    The reactions of [Ru(NO)Cl5]2– with glycine (Gly), l-alanine (l-Ala), l-valine (l-Val), l-proline (l-Pro), d-proline (d-Pro), l-serine (l-Ser), l-threonine (l-Thr), and l-tyrosine (l-Tyr) in n-butanol or n-propanol afforded eight new complexes (1–8) of the general formula [RuCl3(AA–H)(NO)]−, where AA = Gly, l-Ala, l-Val, l-Pro, d-Pro, l-Ser, l-Thr, and l-Tyr, respectively. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), 1H NMR, UV–visible and ATR IR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography. X-ray crystallography studies have revealed that in all cases the same isomer type (from three theoretically possible) was isolated, namely mer(Cl),trans(NO,O)-[RuCl3(AA–H)(NO)], as was also recently reported for osmium analogues with Gly, l-Pro, and d-Pro (see Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem.2013, 639, 1590–1597). Compounds 1, 4, 5, and 8 were investigated by ESI-MS with regard to their stability in aqueous solution and reactivity toward sodium ascorbate. In addition, cell culture experiments in three human cancer cell lines, namely, A549 (nonsmall cell lung carcinoma), CH1 (ovarian carcinoma), and SW480 (colon carcinoma), were performed, and the results are discussed in conjunction with the lipophilicity of compounds. PMID:24555845

  8. Relationships among L1 Print Exposure and Early L1 Literacy Skills, L2 Aptitude, and L2 Proficiency

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sparks, Richard L.; Patton, Jon; Ganschow, Leonore; Humbach, Nancy

    2012-01-01

    Authors examined the relationship between individual differences in L1 print exposure and differences in early L1 skills and later L2 aptitude, L2 proficiency, and L2 classroom achievement. Participants were administered measures of L1 word decoding, spelling, phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, receptive vocabulary, and listening…

  9. 76 FR 46793 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; PJM Power Providers Group v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-03

    ...-002; Docket No. EL11-20-001] PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; PJM Power Providers Group v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice Establishing Post-Technical Comment Period As indicated in the June 29, 2011... issues related to PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM)'s Minimum Offer Price Rule (MOPR) and resources...

  10. 77 FR 70434 - Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C., Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Offer of Settlement

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-26

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP12-464-000] Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C., Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Offer of Settlement Take notice that on November 8, 2012, Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C. (Petal) and Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C...

  11. Electrode Potentials of l-Tryptophan, l-Tyrosine, 3-Nitro-l-tyrosine, 2,3-Difluoro-l-tyrosine, and 2,3,5-Trifluoro-l-tyrosine.

    PubMed

    Mahmoudi, Leila; Kissner, Reinhard; Nauser, Thomas; Koppenol, Willem H

    2016-05-24

    Electrode potentials for aromatic amino acid radical/amino acid couples were deduced from cyclic voltammograms and pulse radiolysis experiments. The amino acids investigated were l-tryptophan, l-tyrosine, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine methyl ester, N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester, N-acetyl-2,3-difluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester, and N-acetyl-2,3,5-trifluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester. Conditional potentials were determined at pH 7.4 for all compounds listed; furthermore, Pourbaix diagrams for l-tryptophan, l-tyrosine, and N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester were obtained. Electron transfer accompanied by proton transfer is reversible, as confirmed by detailed analysis of the current waves, and because the slopes of the Pourbaix diagrams obey Nernst's law. E°'(Trp(•),H(+)/TrpH) and E°'(TyrO(•),H(+)/TyrOH) at pH 7 are 0.99 ± 0.01 and 0.97 ± 0.01 V, respectively. Pulse radiolysis studies of two dipeptides that contain both amino acids indicate a difference in E°' of approximately 0.06 V. Thus, in small peptides, we recommend values of 1.00 and 0.96 V for E°'(Trp(•),H(+)/TrpH) and E°'(TyrO(•),H(+)/TyrOH), respectively. The electrode potential of N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester is higher, while because of mesomeric stabilization of the radical, those of N-acetyl-2,3-difluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester and N-acetyl-2,3,5-trifluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester are lower than that of tyrosine. Given that the electrode potentials at pH 7 of E°'(Trp(•),H(+)/TrpH) and E°'(TyrO(•),H(+)/TyrOH) are nearly equal, they would be, in principle, interchangeable. Proton-coupled electron transfer pathways in proteins that use TrpH and TyrOH are thus nearly thermoneutral.

  12. Prehistory of the Little Blue River Valley, Western Missouri: Archaeological Investigations at Blue Springs Lake.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-01-01

    amaranths, chenopods and purslane , along with mast resources, such as acorns and hickory nuts. The restricted periods of availability of these plant...Polygonum pensylvanicum (Pensylvania smartweed) fall Portulaca mundula ( purslane ) fall Portulaca oleracea (common purslane ) fall Rorippa palustris...and Bright 1968) and the oxygen-isotope ratios of mollusk shells (Stuiver 1970), which all indicate increased salinity at the time of maximum prairie

  13. L-Dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS): a norepinephrine prodrug.

    PubMed

    Goldstein, David S

    2006-01-01

    L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS, droxydopa) is a synthetic catecholamino acid. When taken orally, L-DOPS is converted to the sympathetic neurotransmitter, norepinephrine (NE), via decarboxylation catalyzed by L-aromatic-amino-acid decarboxylase (LAAAD). Plasma L-DOPS levels peak at about 3 h, followed by a monoexponential decline with a half-time of 2 to 3 h. Plasma levels of NE and of its main neuronal metabolite, dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) peak approximately concurrently but at much lower concentrations. The relatively long half-time for disappearance of L-DOPS from plasma, compared to that of NE, explains their very different attained plasma concentrations. In patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, L-DOPS increases blood pressure and ameliorates orthostatic intolerance. Inhibition of LAAAD, such as by treatment with carbidopa, which does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, prevents the blood pressure effects of the drug, indicating that L-DOPS increases blood pressure by augmenting NE production outside the brain. Patients with pure autonomic failure (which usually entails loss of sympathetic noradrenergic nerves), and patients with multiple system atrophy (in which noradrenergic innervation remains intact) have similar plasma NE responses to L-DOPS. This suggests mainly non-neuronal production of NE from L-DOPS. L-DOPS is very effective in treatment of deficiency of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), the enzyme required for conversion of dopamine to NE in sympathetic nerves. L-DOPS holds promise for treating other much more common conditions involving decreased DBH activity or NE deficiency, such as a variety of syndromes associated with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.

  14. Method of making L-dopa from L-tyrosine

    DOEpatents

    Xun, Luying; Lee, Jang Young

    1998-01-01

    The invention is a method of making a L-dopa from L-tyrosine in the presence of an enzyme catalyst and oxygen. By starting with L-tyrosine, no variant of the L-dopa is produced and the L-dopa is stable in the presence of the enzyme catalyst. In other words, the reaction favors the L-dopa and is not reversible.

  15. Method of making L-dopa from L-tyrosine

    DOEpatents

    Xun, L.; Lee, J.Y.

    1998-11-17

    The invention is a method of making a L-dopa from L-tyrosine in the presence of an enzyme catalyst and oxygen. By starting with L-tyrosine, no variant of the L-dopa is produced and the L-dopa is stable in the presence of the enzyme catalyst. In other words, the reaction favors the L-dopa and is not reversible. 3 figs.

  16. North American crop wild relatives of temperate berries (Fragaria L., Ribes L., Rubus L., and Vaccinium L.)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The crop wild relatives of temperate berry species abound on the North American continent; >170 species are endemic in North America. The development and production of berry crops, such as strawberries (Fragaria L.), currants and gooseberries (Ribes L.), raspberries and blackberries (Rubus L.), blue...

  17. Confined Disposal Facility at Pointe Mouillee for Detroit and Rouge Rivers.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1974-03-01

    trees, bushes and flowering plants and resulting in the dominance of cattails. Much of the present boundary of the game area is intersecting irregular...AQUATIC PLANTS FLOWERING PLANTS WOODY PLANTS 181 Survey of Vegetation at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area 31 July 1972 Aquatic Plants Plants Dominants...pondweed (Potamogeton natans) x Flowering rush (Butomus ubellatus) Smartweed (Polygonum) x Duckweed (Lemna) x Wild Oatgrass (Avena) Sedge (Scirpus) Sedge

  18. Production of L-allose and D-talose from L-psicose and D-tagatose by L-ribose isomerase.

    PubMed

    Terami, Yuji; Uechi, Keiko; Nomura, Saki; Okamoto, Naoki; Morimoto, Kenji; Takata, Goro

    2015-01-01

    L-ribose isomerase (L-RI) from Cellulomonas parahominis MB426 can convert L-psicose and D-tagatose to L-allose and D-talose, respectively. Partially purified recombinant L-RI from Escherichia coli JM109 was immobilized on DIAION HPA25L resin and then utilized to produce L-allose and D-talose. Conversion reaction was performed with the reaction mixture containing 10% L-psicose or D-tagatose and immobilized L-RI at 40 °C. At equilibrium state, the yield of L-allose and D-talose was 35.0% and 13.0%, respectively. Immobilized enzyme could convert L-psicose to L-allose without remarkable decrease in the enzyme activity over 7 times use and D-tagatose to D-talose over 37 times use. After separation and concentration, the mixture solution of L-allose and D-talose was concentrated up to 70% and crystallized by keeping at 4 °C. L-Allose and d-talose crystals were collected from the syrup by filtration. The final yield was 23.0% L-allose and 7.30% D-talose that were obtained from L-psicose and D-tagatose, respectively.

  19. Tillage and residue burning affects weed populations and seed banks.

    PubMed

    Narwal, S; Sindel, B M; Jessop, R S

    2006-01-01

    An integrated weed management approach requires alternative management practices to herbicide use such as tillage, crop rotations and cultural controls to reduce soil weed seed banks. The objective of this study was to examine the value of different tillage practices and stubble burning to exhaust the seed bank of common weeds from the northern grain region of Australia. Five tillage and burning treatments were incorporated in a field experiment, at Armidale (30 degrees 30'S, 151 degrees 40'E), New South Wales, Australia in July 2004 in a randomized block design replicated four times. The trial was continued and treatments repeated in July 2005 with all the mature plants from the first year being allowed to shed seed in their respective treatment plots. The treatments were (i) no tillage (NT), (ii) chisel ploughing (CP), (iii) mould board ploughing (MBP), (iv) wheat straw burning with no tillage (SBNT) and (v) wheat straw burning with chisel ploughing (SBC). Soil samples were collected before applying treatments and before the weeds flowered to establish the seed bank status of the various weeds in the soil. Wheat was sown after the tillage treatments. Burning treatments were only initiated in the second year, one month prior to tillage treatments. The major weeds present in the seed bank before initiating the trial were Polygonum aviculare, Sonchus oleraceus and Avena fatua. Tillage promoted the germination of other weeds like Hibiscus trionum, Medicago sativa, Vicia sp. and Phalaris paradoxa later in the season in 2004 and Convolvulus erubescens emerged as a new weed in 2005. The MBP treatment in 2004 reduced the weed biomass to a significantly lower level of 55 g/m2 than the other treatments of CP (118 g/m2) and NT plots (196 g/m2) (P < 0.05). However, in 2005 SBC and MBP treatments were similar in reducing the weed biomass. In 2004, the grain yield trend of wheat was significantly different between CP and NT, and MBP and NT (P < 0.05) with maximum yield of 5898

  20. L-Cysteine halogenides: A new family of salts with an L-cysteine⋯L-cysteinium dimeric cation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghazaryan, V. V.; Minkov, V. S.; Boldyreva, E. V.; Petrosyan, A. M.

    2016-10-01

    Two L-cysteinium-halogenides with (L-cysteine···L-cysteinium) dimeric cations have been obtained, (L-Cys⋯L-Cys+)·Cl-, and (L-Cys⋯L-Cys+)·Br-. Both salts crystallize in monoclinic space group P21. Although these salts have the same dimeric cations and isotypical halogen anions, crystal packing is different. The main difference between the two salts rests in the conformation of (L-Cys⋯L-Cys+) dimeric cation, which also differs from that of the dimeric cation in the previously reported compound L-Cys+(L-Cys⋯L-Cys+)·F-·(F-⋯HF). The dimeric cation is formed by a very short O-H⋯O hydrogen bond with d(O···O) of 2.449(2) Å and 2.435(11) Å in the chloride and bromide, respectively. In addition to crystal structure analysis, Infrared and Raman spectra have been registered and discussed with a particular focus on intermolecular interactions. The L-Cys+·Br-·H2O salt with a simple L-cysteinium cation was also obtained and the crystal structure solved. It resembles its chloride analogue, L-Cys+·Cl-·H2O.

  1. L-ornithine-L-aspartate infusion efficacy in hepatic encephalopathy.

    PubMed

    Ahmad, Irfan; Khan, Anwaar A; Alam, Altaf; Dilshad, Akif; Butt, Arshad Kamal; Shafqat, Farzana; Malik, Kashif; Sarwar, Shahid

    2008-11-01

    To determine the efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate in treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from February to August 2005. Cirrhotic patients with hyperammonemia and overt hepatic encephalopathy were enrolled. Eighty patients were randomized to two treatment groups, L-ornithine-L-aspartate (20 g/d) or placebo, both dissolved in 250 mL of 5% dextrose water and infused intravenously for four hours a day for five consecutive days with 0.5 g/kg dietary protein intake at the end of daily treatment period. Outcome variables were postprandial blood ammonia and mental state grade. Adverse reactions and mortality were also determined. Both treatment groups were comparable regarding age, gender, etiology of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class, mental state grade and blood ammonia at baseline. Although, improvement occurred in both groups, there was a greater improvement in L-ornithine-L-aspartate group with regard to both variables. Four patients in the placebo group and 2 in L-ornithine-L-aspartate group died. L-ornithine-L-aspartate infusions were found to be effective in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

  2. Differential response of orthologous L,L-diaminopimelate aminotransferases (DapL) to enzyme inhibitory antibiotic lead compounds.

    PubMed

    McKinnie, Shaun M K; Rodriguez-Lopez, Eva M; Vederas, John C; Crowther, Jennifer M; Suzuki, Hironori; Dobson, Renwick C J; Leustek, Thomas; Triassi, Alexander J; Wheatley, Matthew S; Hudson, André O

    2014-01-01

    L,L-Diaminopimelate aminotransferase (DapL) is an enzyme required for the biosynthesis of meso-diaminopimelate (m-DAP) and L-lysine (Lys) in some bacteria and photosynthetic organisms. m-DAP and Lys are both involved in the synthesis of peptidoglycan (PG) and protein synthesis. DapL is found in specific eubacterial and archaeal lineages, in particular in several groups of pathogenic bacteria such as Leptospira interrogans (LiDapL), the soil/water bacterium Verrucomicrobium spinosum (VsDapL) and the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrDapL). Here we present the first comprehensive inhibition study comparing the kinetic activity of DapL orthologs using previously active small molecule inhibitors formerly identified in a screen with the DapL of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtDapL), a flowering plant. Each inhibitor is derived from one of four classes with different central structural moieties: a hydrazide, a rhodanine, a barbiturate, or a thiobarbituate functionality. The results show that all five compounds tested were effective at inhibiting the DapL orthologs. LiDapL and AtDapL showed similar patterns of inhibition across the inhibitor series, whereas the VsDapL and CrDapL inhibition patterns were different from that of LiDapL and AtDapL. CrDapL was found to be insensitive to the hydrazide (IC₅₀ >200 μM). VsDapL was found to be the most sensitive to the barbiturate and thiobarbiturate containing inhibitors (IC₅₀ ∼5 μM). Taken together, the data shows that the homologs have differing sensitivities to the inhibitors with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.7 to 250 μM. In an attempt to understand the basis for these differences the four enzymes were modeled based on the known structure of AtDapL. Overall, it was found that the enzyme active sites were conserved, although the second shell of residues close to the active site were not. We conclude from this that the altered binding patterns seen in the inhibition studies may be a consequence of the inhibitors forming

  3. 78 FR 338 - Buckeye Hammond Railroad, L.L.C.; Acquisition and Operation Exemption; Buckeye Partners, L.P.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-03

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35697] Buckeye Hammond Railroad, L.L.C.; Acquisition and Operation Exemption; Buckeye Partners, L.P. Buckeye Hammond Railroad, L.L... acquire from Buckeye Partners, L.P., a noncarrier, and to operate approximately 6,797 feet (1.29 miles) of...

  4. Reading Attitudes in L1 and L2, and Their Influence on L2 Extensive Reading

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yamashita, Junko

    2004-01-01

    This study examines the relationship between both first language (L1) and second language (L2) reading attitudes, and learners' performance in L2 extensive reading. Four reading attitude variables were identified (Comfort, Anxiety, Value, Self-perception), both in L1 and L2, according to learners' responses to a questionnaire. Results of analyses…

  5. Shore Vegetation of Lakes Oahe and Sakakawea, Mainstream Missouri River Reservoirs.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1978-04-01

    Atriplex rosea, Polygonum ramosissimum, Thlaspi arvense and Xanthium strumarium were also important on ungrazed plots and were reduced or absent on grazed... strumarium were all important on ungrazed plots, and absent on grazed plots at Minnconjou. Melilotus spp. and Thlaspi arvense were also important on ungrazed...the increase in coverage with fertilization of Chenopodium album, from 0% to 75%, and in :125 Xanthium strumarium , from 14%to 28%, Melilotus s de

  6. Cultural Resources Mitigation Along Ditch 19, Site 23DU227, Dunklin County, Missouri

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-06-01

    Graminae Grass family Ilex Holly Labiatae Mint family Leguminosae Pea family Liliaceae Lily family Polygonum Smartweed Rosaceae Rose family cf. Vitis Grape...previously, corn (Zea) and soybean crops have been rotated in the fields of this area. Leguminosae pollen, probably soybean pollen, was noted in the...control sample, although Zea pollen was not. Pollen samples from modern agricultural fields indicate that Leguminosae pollen is only rarely noted, if

  7. The effects on plasma L-arginine levels of combined oral L-citrulline and L-arginine supplementation in healthy males.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Takashi; Morita, Masahiko; Hayashi, Toshio; Kamimura, Ayako

    2017-02-01

    We investigated the effects of combining 1 g of l-citrulline and 1 g of l-arginine as oral supplementation on plasma l-arginine levels in healthy males. Oral l-citrulline plus l-arginine supplementation more efficiently increased plasma l-arginine levels than 2 g of l-citrulline or l-arginine, suggesting that oral l-citrulline and l-arginine increase plasma l-arginine levels more effectively in humans when combined.

  8. Integrating Meaning and Structure in L1-L2 and L2-L1 Translations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lim, Jung Hyun; Christianson, Kiel

    2013-01-01

    This article examined the integration of semantic and morphosyntactic information by Korean learners of English as a second language (L2). In Experiment 1, L2 learners listened to English active or passive sentences that were either plausible or implausible and translated them into Korean. A significant number of Korean translations maintained the…

  9. Plasma l-citrulline concentrations in l-arginine-supplemented healthy dogs.

    PubMed

    Flynn, K M; Kellihan, H B; Trepanier, L A

    2017-08-01

    To determine whether oral l-arginine increases plasma [l-citrulline] in dogs. Eleven healthy staff-owned dogs were used in this study. Dogs (n = 3) were given l-arginine (50mg/kg PO q8h) for 7 days, and plasma [l-arginine] and [l-citrulline] were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography at baseline (BL), steady state trough, and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after final dosing on day 7. Eleven dogs were then treated with 100mg/kg l-arginine PO q8h for 7 days, and [l-arginine] and [l-citrulline] were measured at BL, steady state trough, and at peak 4 hrs after dosing (T4 hrs). - Plasma [l-arginine] and [l-citrulline] peaked at T4 hrs on the 50mg/kg dosage. Target outcome, modeled after human study results, of a doubling of [l-arginine] and a 25-30% increase in [l-citrulline] from BL were not reached. After the 100mg/kg dosage, plasma [l-arginine] increased from a BL median of 160.1 μM (range, 100.2-231.4 μM) to a peak of 417.4 μM (206.5-807.3 μM) at T4 hrs, and plasma [l-citrulline] increased from a BL median of 87.8 μM (59.1-117.1 μM) to peak of 102.2 μM (47.4-192.6 μM) at T4 hrs. Ten of eleven dogs showed a doubling of plasma [l-arginine] and 4/11 dogs achieved 25-30% or greater increases in plasma [l-citrulline]. No adverse effects on heart rate or blood pressure were noted. - Oral l-arginine dosage of 100mg/kg q8h doubles plasma [l-arginine] in healthy dogs, but conversion to l-citrulline is quite variable. Further evaluation of this dosage regimen in dogs with pulmonary hypertension is warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Tripeptide amide L-pyroglutamyl-histidyl-L-prolineamide (L-PHP-thyrotropin-releasing hormone, TRH) promotes insulin-producing cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Luo, LuGuang; Luo, John Z Q; Jackson, Ivor

    2013-02-01

    A very small tripeptide amide L-pyroglutamyl-L-histidyl-L-prolineamide (L-PHP, Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone, TRH), was first identified in the brain hypothalamus area. Further studies found that L-PHP was expressed in pancreas. The biological role of pancreatic L-PHP is still not clear. Growing evidence indicates that L-PHP expression in the pancreas may play a pivotal role for pancreatic development in the early prenatal period. However, the role of L-PHP in adult pancreas still needs to be explored. L-PHP activation of pancreatic β cell Ca2+ flow and stimulation of β-cell insulin synthesis and release suggest that L-PHP involved in glucose metabolism may directly act on the β cell separate from any effects via the central nervous system (CNS). Knockout L-PHP animal models have shown that loss of L-PHP expression causes hyperglycemia, which cannot be reversed by administration of thyroid hormone, suggesting that the absence of L-PHP itself is the cause. L-PHP receptor type-1 has been identified in pancreas which provides a possibility for L-PHP autocrine and paracrine regulation in pancreatic function. During pancreatic damage in adult pancreas, L-PHP may protect beta cell from apoptosis and initiate its regeneration through signal pathways of growth hormone in β cells. L-PHP has recently been discovered to affect a broad array of gene expression in the pancreas including growth factor genes. Signal pathways linked between L-PHP and EGF receptor phosphorylation suggest that L-PHP may be an important factor for adult β-cell regeneration, which could involve adult stem cell differentiation. These effects suggest that L-PHP may benefit pancreatic β cells and diabetic therapy in clinic.

  11. Do L2 Writing Courses Affect the Improvement of L1 Writing Skills via Skills Transfer from L2 to L1?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gonca, Altmisdort

    2016-01-01

    This study investigates the relationship of second language (L2) writing skills proficiency with the first language (L1) writing skills, in light of the language transfer. The study aims to analyze the positive effects of L2 writing proficiency on L1 writing proficiency. Forty native Turkish-speaking university students participated in the study.…

  12. Syntheses of halogen derivatives of L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine labeled with hydrogen isotopes.

    PubMed

    Pająk, Małgorzata; Pałka, Katarzyna; Winnicka, Elżbieta; Kańska, Marianna

    2016-01-01

    Halogenated, labeled with tritium and doubly with deuterium and tritium, derivatives of L-tryptophan, i.e. 5'-bromo-[2-(3)H]-, 5'-bromo-[2-(2)H/(3)H]-, 5'-fluoro-[2-(3)H]-5'-fluoro-[2-(2)H/(3)H]-, 6'-fluoro-[2-(3)H]-, 6'-fluoro-[2-(2)H/(3)H]-L-tryptophan, as well as, L-tyrosine, i.e. 3'-fluoro-[2-(3)H]-, 3'-fluoro-[2-(2)H/(3)H]-, 3'-chloro-[2-(3)H]-, and 3'-chloro-[2-(2)H/(3)H]-L-tyrosine, and also L-phenylalanine, i.e. 2'-fluoro-[(3S)-(3)H]-, 2'-fluoro-[(3S)-(2)H/(3) H]-, 2'-chloro-[(3S)-(3)H]-, 2'-chloro-[(3S)-(2)H/(3)H]-, 4'-chloro-[(3S)-(3)H]-, and 4'-chloro-[(3S)-(2)H/(3)H]-L-phenylalanine were synthesized using enzymatic methods. Isotopomers of L-tryptophan were synthesized by coupling of halogenated indoles with S-methyl-L-cysteine carried out in deuteriated or tritiated incubation media. Labeled halogenated derivatives of L-tyrosine were obtained by the enzymatically supported exchange between halogenated L-tyrosine and isotopic water. Labeled halogenated isotopologues of L-Phe were synthesized by the enzymatic addition of ammonia to halogenated cinnamic acid. As a source of hydrogen tritiated water (HTO) and heavy water (D2O) with addition of HTO were used. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. C&S Enterprise, L.L.C.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against C & S Enterprise, L.L.C. (“Respondent”), a business located at 2454 480th Ave, Deep River, IA 52222, for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at property owned by Resp

  14. Alternaria sp. MG1, a resveratrol-producing fungus: isolation, identification, and optimal cultivation conditions for resveratrol production.

    PubMed

    Shi, Junling; Zeng, Qin; Liu, Yanlin; Pan, Zhongli

    2012-07-01

    Due to its potential in preventing or slowing the occurrence of many diseases, resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) has attracted great research interest. The objective of this study was to identify microorganisms from selected plants that produce resveratrol and to optimize the conditions for resveratrol production. Endophytes from Merlot wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot), wild Vitis (Vitis quinquangularis Rehd.), and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum Siebold & Zucc.) were isolated, and their abilities to produce resveratrol were evaluated. A total of 65 isolates were obtained and 21 produced resveratrol (6-123 μg/L) in liquid culture. The resveratrol-producing isolates belonged to seven genera, Botryosphaeria, Penicillium, Cephalosporium, Aspergillus, Geotrichum, Mucor, and Alternaria. The resveratrol-producing capability decreased or was completely lost in most isolates after three rounds of subculture. It was found that only the strain Alternaria sp. MG1 (isolated from cob of Merlot using GA1 medium) had stable and high resveratrol-producing capability in all subcultures. During liquid cultivation of Alternaria sp. MG1 in potato dextrose medium, the synthesis of resveratrol began on the first day, increased to peak levels on day 7, and then decreased sharply thereafter. Cell growth increased during cultivation and reached a stable and high level of biomass after 5 days. The best fermentation conditions for resveratrol production in liquid cultures of Alternaria sp. MG1 were an inoculum size of 6 %, a medium volume of 125 mL in a 250-mL flask, a rotation speed of 101 rpm, and a temperature of 27 °C.

  15. Phytoaccumulation of trace elements by wetland plants: 3. Uptake and accumulation of ten trace elements by twelve plant species

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

    Qian, J.H.; Zayed, A.; Zhu, Y.L.

    1999-10-01

    Interest is increasing in using wetland plants in constructed wetlands to remove toxic elements from polluted wastewater. To identify those wetland plants that hyperaccumulate trace elements, 12 plant species were tested for their efficiency to bioconcentrate 10 potentially toxic trace elements including As, b, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Se. Individual plants were grown under carefully controlled conditions and supplied with 1 mg L{sup {minus}1} of each trace element individually for 10 d. Except B, all elements accumulated to much higher concentrations in roots than in shoots. Highest shoot tissue concentrations (mg kg{sup {minus}1} DW) of themore » various trace elements were attained by the following species: umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius L.) for Mn (198) and Cr (44); water zinnia (Wedelia trilobata Hitchc.) for Cd (148) and Ni (80); smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides Michx.) for Cu (95) and Pb (64); water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) for Hg (92), As (34), and Se (39); and mare's tail (hippuris vulgaris L.) for B (1132). Whereas, the following species attained the highest root tissue concentrations (mg kg{sup {minus}1} DW); stripped rush (Baumia rubiginosa) for Mn (1683); parrot's feather (Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb.) for Cd (1426) and Ni (1077); water lettuce for Cu (1038), Hg (1217), and As (177); smartweed for Cr (2980) and Pb (1882); mare's tail for B (1277); and monkey flower (Mimulus guttatus Fisch.) for Se (384). From a phytoremediation perspective, smartweed was probably the best plant species for trace element removal from wastewater due to its faster growth and higher plant density.« less

  16. Liquid L-thyroxine versus tablet L-thyroxine in patients on L- thyroxine replacement or suppressive therapy: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Laurent, Irakoze; Tang, Siying; Astère, Manirakiza; Wang, Kan Ran; Deng, Shuhua; Xiao, Ling; Li, Qi Fu

    2018-03-23

    To compare the effectiveness of liquid L-T4 (L-thyroxine) and tablet L-T4 in patients on L-T4 replacement or suppressive therapy. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant articles. All prospective or randomized controlled studies (RCTs) comparing liquid L-T4 and tablet L-T4 in patients on L-T4 replacement or suppressive therapy were included in the analysis. Overall, the initial search of the four databases identified 1278 published studies; of these, eight studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels were significantly suppressed in patients on liquid L-T4 compared with those on tablet L-T4, in patients on L-T4 suppressive therapy with L-T4 malabsorption (Mean Difference (MD) = -2.26, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -3.59, -0.93; P = 0.0009)). However, liquid L-T4 and tablet L-T4 did not show a statistically significant difference in patients on L-T4 suppressive therapy without malabsorption (MD = 0.08, 95% CI: -0.31, 0.47; P = 0.69). TSH levels were significantly normalized in patients on liquid L-T4 compared with those on tablet L-T4, in Patients on L-T4 replacement therapy with L-T4 malabsorption (MD = -3.20, 95% CI: -5.08, -1.32; P = 0.0009). However, liquid L-T4 and tablet L-T4 did not show a statistically significant difference in patients on L-T4 replacement therapy without malabsorption (MD = 0.91, 95% CI: -0.03, 1.86; P = 0.06). Liquid L-T4 is more efficient than tablet L-T4 in patients on L-T4 replacement or suppressive therapy with malabsorption. No significant differences were observed in patients without malabsorption. Further studies should be conducted to verify these findings.

  17. Cell-wall deficient L. monocytogenes L-forms feature abrogated pathogenicity

    PubMed Central

    Schnell, Barbara; Staubli, Titu; Harris, Nicola L.; Rogler, Gerhard; Kopf, Manfred; Loessner, Martin J.; Schuppler, Markus

    2014-01-01

    Stable L-forms are cell wall-deficient bacteria which are able to multiply and propagate indefinitely, despite the absence of a rigid peptidoglycan cell wall. We investigated whether L-forms of the intracellular pathogen L. monocytogenes possibly retain pathogenicity, and if they could trigger an innate immune response. While phagocytosis of L. monocytogenes L-forms by non-activated macrophages sometimes resulted in an unexpected persistence of the bacteria in the phagocytes, they were effectively eliminated by IFN-γ preactivated or bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM). These findings were in line with the observed down-regulation of virulence factors in the cell-wall deficient L. monocytogenes. Absence of Interferon-β (IFN-β) triggering indicated inability of L-forms to escape from the phagosome into the cytosol. Moreover, abrogated cytokine response in MyD88-deficient dendritic cells (DC) challenged with L. monocytogenes L-forms suggested an exclusive TLR-dependent host response. Taken together, our data demonstrate a strong attenuation of Listeria monocytogenes L-form pathogenicity, due to diminished expression of virulence factors and innate immunity recognition, eventually resulting in elimination of L-form bacteria from phagocytes. PMID:24904838

  18. The Effects of L2 Experience on L3 Perception

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Onishi, Hiromi

    2016-01-01

    This study examines the influence of experience with a second language (L2) on the perception of phonological contrasts in a third language (L3). This study contributes to L3 phonology by examining the influence of L2 phonological perception abilities on the perception of an L3 at the beginner level. Participants were native speakers of Korean…

  19. The primary structures of ribosomal proteins L16, L23 and L33 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui.

    PubMed

    Hatakeyama, T; Hatakeyama, T; Kimura, M

    1988-11-21

    The complete amino acid sequences of ribosomal proteins L16, L23 and L33 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui were determined. The sequences were established by manual sequencing of peptides produced with several proteases as well as by cleavage with dilute HCl. Proteins L16, L23 and L33 consist of 119, 154 and 69 amino acid residues, and their molecular masses are 13,538, 16,812 and 7620 Da, respectively. The comparison of their sequences with those of ribosomal proteins from other organisms revealed that L23 and L33 are related to eubacterial ribosomal proteins from Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus, while protein L16 was found to be homologous to a eukaryotic ribosomal protein from yeast. These results provide information about the special phylogenetic position of archaebacteria.

  20. Measurement of B(D+-->K(*0)l(+)nu(l)).

    PubMed

    Brandenburg, G; Ershov, A; Kim, D Y-J; Wilson, R; Benslama, K; Eisenstein, B I; Ernst, J; Gollin, G D; Hans, R M; Karliner, I; Lowrey, N; Marsh, M A; Plager, C; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; Thaler, J J; Williams, J; Edwards, K W; Ammar, R; Besson, D; Zhao, X; Anderson, S; Frolov, V V; Kubota, Y; Lee, S J; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Smith, A; Stepaniak, C J; Urheim, J; Ahmed, S; Alam, M S; Jian, L; Saleem, M; Wappler, F; Eckhart, E; Gan, K K; Gwon, C; Hart, T; Honscheid, K; Hufnagel, D; Kagan, H; Kass, R; Pedlar, T K; Thayer, J B; Von Toerne, E; Wilksen, T; Zoeller, M M; Richichi, S J; Severini, H; Skubic, P; Dytman, S A; Nam, S; Savinov, V; Chen, S; Hinson, J W; Lee, J; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Shibata, E I; Shipsey, I P J; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Lyon, A L; Park, C S; Park, W; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Maravin, Y; Narsky, I; Stroynowski, R; Ye, J; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Bukin, K; Dambasuren, E; Mountain, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Mahmood, A H; Csorna, S E; Danko, I; Xu, Z; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; McGee, S; Bornheim, A; Lipeles, E; Pappas, S P; Shapiro, A; Sun, W M; Weinstein, A J; Masek, G; Paar, H P; Mahapatra, R; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Bebek, C; Berkelman, K; Blanc, F; Boisvert, V; Cassel, D G; Drell, P S; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hsu, L; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Magerkurth, A; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Mistry, N B; Nordberg, E; Palmer, M; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shepherd, M R; Thayer, J G; Urner, D; Valant-Spaight, B; Viehhauser, G; Warburton, A; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J

    2002-11-25

    Using 13.53 fb(-1) of CLEO data, we have measured the ratios of the branching fractions R(+)(e),R(+)(mu) and the combined branching fraction ratio R(+)(l), defined by R(+)(l)=[B(D+-->K(*0)l(+)nu(l))]/[B(D+-->K-pi(+)pi(+))]. We find R(+)(e)=0.74+/-0.04+/-0.05, R(+)(mu)=0.72+/-0.10+/-0.05, and R(+)(l)=0.74+/-0.04+/-0.05, where the first and second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The known branching fraction B(D+-->K-pi(+)pi(+)) leads to B(D+-->K(*0)e(+)nu(e))=(6.7+/-0.4+/-0.5+/-0.4)%, B(D+-->K(*0)mu(+)nu(mu))=(6.5+/-0.9+/-0.5+/-0.4)%, and B(D+-->K(*0)l(+)nu(l))=(6.7+/-0.4+/-0.5+/-0.4)%, where the third error is due to the uncertainty in B(D+-->K-pi(+)pi(+)).

  1. Revisiting Fluctuations in L2 Article Choice in L1-Korean L2-English Learners.

    PubMed

    Sarker, Bijon K; Baek, Seunghyun

    2017-04-01

    The current study investigated the distinction of L2 (second language) English article choice sensitivity in fifty-three L1-Korean L2-English learners in semantic contexts. In the context of English as a foreign language, the participants were divided into two groups based on grammatical ability as determined by their performance on a cloze test. In addition, a forced-choice elicitation test and a writing production test were administered to assess, respectively, the participants' receptive and productive article choice abilities. Regardless of grammatical ability, the results disclosed the overuse of the indefinite a in the [[Formula: see text]definite, -specific] context and the definite the in the [-definite, [Formula: see text]specific] context on the forced-choice elicitation test. In the [[Formula: see text]definite, [Formula: see text]specific] and [-definite, -specific] contexts, however, the overuse of either the indefinite a or the definite the, respectively, was less likely. Furthermore, it was revealed on the writing test that the participants more accurately used the definite the than the indefinite a, and they were also found to unreasonably omit more articles than to add or substitute articles on the writing production test. The findings across the two tests indicate that L1-Korean L2-English learners are more likely to have intrinsic difficulties transferring their L1 noun phrase (NP) knowledge to L2 NP knowledge owing to structural discrepancies and complex interfaces between L1 NPs and L2 NPs with respect to syntactic, semantic and pragmatic/discourse language subsystems.

  2. The structure of carbon nanotubes formed of graphene layers L4-8, L5-7, L3-12, L4-6-12

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shapovalova, K. E.; Belenkov, E. A.

    2017-11-01

    We geometrically calculate the optimized structure of nanotubes based on the graphene layers, using the method of molecular mechanics MM+. It was found that only the nanotubes, based on the graphene layers L4-8, L5-7, L3-12, L4-6-12, have a cylindrical form. Calculations of the sublimation energy, carried out using the semi-empirical quantum-mechanic method PM3, show that energy increases with the increase of nanotube diameters.

  3. L-fuzzy fixed points theorems for L-fuzzy mappings via βℱL-admissible pair.

    PubMed

    Rashid, Maliha; Azam, Akbar; Mehmood, Nayyar

    2014-01-01

    We define the concept of βℱL-admissible for a pair of L-fuzzy mappings and establish the existence of common L-fuzzy fixed point theorem. Our result generalizes some useful results in the literature. We provide an example to support our result.

  4. L-Fuzzy Fixed Points Theorems for L-Fuzzy Mappings via β ℱL-Admissible Pair

    PubMed Central

    Rashid, Maliha; Azam, Akbar

    2014-01-01

    We define the concept of β ℱL-admissible for a pair of L-fuzzy mappings and establish the existence of common L-fuzzy fixed point theorem. Our result generalizes some useful results in the literature. We provide an example to support our result. PMID:24688441

  5. 75 FR 40815 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-14

    ... Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing July 7, 2010. Take notice that on July 1, 2010, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) filed revised sheets to Schedule 1 of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (Operating Agreement) and the parallel provisions of Attachment K--Appendix of the PJM...

  6. 75 FR 22773 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-30

    ... Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing April 23, 2010. Take notice that on April 22, 2010, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) filed revised tariff sheets to its Schedule 1 of the Amended and Restated Operating... (Commission) March 23, 2010 Order on Compliance Filing, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., 130 FERC ] 61,230 (2010...

  7. 77 FR 34378 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-11

    ... Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint Take notice that on June 1, 2012, pursuant to section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), 16 U.S.C. 824(e), PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM) filed proposed revisions to the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of PJM Interconnection L.L.C. (Operating Agreement) to...

  8. L-leucine, L-methionine, and L-phenylalanine share a Na(+)/K (+)-dependent amino acid transporter in shrimp hepatopancreas.

    PubMed

    Duka, Ada; Ahearn, Gregory A

    2013-08-01

    Hepatopancreatic brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV), made from Atlantic White shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus), were used to characterize the transport properties of (3)H-L-leucine influx by these membrane systems and how other essential amino acids and the cations, sodium and potassium, interact with this transport system. (3)H-L-leucine uptake by BBMV was pH-sensitive and occurred against transient transmembrane concentration gradients in both Na(+)- and K(+)-containing incubation media, suggesting that either cation was capable of providing a driving force for amino acid accumulation. (3)H-L-leucine uptake in NaCl or KCl media were each three times greater in acidic pH (pH 5.5) than in alkaline pH (pH 8.5). The essential amino acid, L-methionine, at 20 mM significantly (p < 0.0001) inhibited the 2-min uptakes of 1 mM (3)H-L-leucine in both Na(+)- and K(+)-containing incubation media. The residual (3)H-L-leucine uptake in the two media were significantly greater than zero (p < 0.001), but not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05) and may represent an L-methionine- and cation-independent transport system. (3)H-L-leucine influxes in both NaCl and KCl incubation media were hyperbolic functions of [L-leucine], following the carrier-mediated Michaelis-Menten equation. In NaCl, (3)H-L-leucine influx displayed a low apparent K M (high affinity) and low apparent J max, while in KCl the transport exhibited a high apparent K M (low affinity) and high apparent J max. L-methionine or L-phenylalanine (7 and 20 mM) were competitive inhibitors of (3)H-L-leucine influxes in both NaCl and KCl media, producing a significant (p < 0.01) increase in (3)H-L-leucine influx K M, but no significant response in (3)H-L-leucine influx J max. Potassium was a competitive inhibitor of sodium co-transport with (3)H-L-leucine, significantly (p < 0.01) increasing (3)H-L-leucine influx K M in the presence of sodium, but having negligible effect on (3)H-L-leucine influx J

  9. Summer weeds as hosts for Frankliniella occidentalis and Frankliniella fusca (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and as reservoirs for tomato spotted wilt Tospovirus in North Carolina.

    PubMed

    Kahn, Noah D; Walgenbach, J F; Kennedy, G G

    2005-12-01

    spread of TSWV to winter annual weeds in fall: I. purpurea, I. hederacea, M. verticillata, A. palmeri, C. obtusifolia, R. scabra, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Polygonum pensylvanicum L., and Chenopodium album L.

  10. 76 FR 14652 - Port Barre Investments, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-17

    ... Investments, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on March 4, 2011, Port Barre Investments, L.L.C. (Bobcat) filed in Docket No. CP11-124-000 an application pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act... Investments, L.L.C., 126 FERC ] 61,240 (2009). \\2\\ Port Barre Investments, L.L.C., 130 FERC ] 62,272 (2010...

  11. l-Glutamine as a Substrate for l-Asparaginase from Serratia marcescens

    PubMed Central

    Novak, Edward K.; Phillips, Arthur W.

    1974-01-01

    l-Asparaginase from Serratia marcescens was found to hydrolyze l-glutamine at 5% of the rate of l-asparagine hydrolysis. The ratio of the two activities did not change through several stages of purification, anionic and cationic polyacrylamide disk gel electrophoresis, and partial thermal inactivation. The two activities had parallel blood clearance rates in mice. l-glutamine was found to be a competitive inhibitor of l-asparagine hydrolysis. A separate l-glutaminase enzyme free of l-asparaginase activity was separated by diethylaminoethyl-cellulose chromatography. PMID:4590479

  12. A novel mechanism of RNase L inhibition: Theiler's virus L* protein prevents 2-5A from binding to RNase L

    PubMed Central

    Drappier, Melissa; Elliott, Ruth; Zhang, Rong; Weiss, Susan R.; Silverman, Robert H.

    2018-01-01

    The OAS/RNase L pathway is one of the best-characterized effector pathways of the IFN antiviral response. It inhibits the replication of many viruses and ultimately promotes apoptosis of infected cells, contributing to the control of virus spread. However, viruses have evolved a range of escape strategies that act against different steps in the pathway. Here we unraveled a novel escape strategy involving Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) L* protein. Previously we found that L* was the first viral protein binding directly RNase L. Our current data show that L* binds the ankyrin repeats R1 and R2 of RNase L and inhibits 2’-5’ oligoadenylates (2-5A) binding to RNase L. Thereby, L* prevents dimerization and oligomerization of RNase L in response to 2-5A. Using chimeric mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) expressing TMEV L*, we showed that L* efficiently inhibits RNase L in vivo. Interestingly, those data show that L* can functionally substitute for the MHV-encoded phosphodiesterase ns2, which acts upstream of L* in the OAS/RNase L pathway, by degrading 2-5A. PMID:29652922

  13. Threshold to Transfer Writing Skills from L1 to L2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ito, Fumihiko

    2009-01-01

    Background: It has been hypothesized that L2 (second language) readers are not able to draw on their L1 (first language) reading skills for the successful development of L2 reading skills until they develop a certain proficiency in L2 because a lack of proficiency blocks transfer of L1 reading skills to the reading of L2 texts. This minimum degree…

  14. Summary and evaluation: fuel dynamics loss-of-flow experiments (tests L2, L3, and L4)

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

    Barts, E.W.; Deitrich, L.W.; Eberhart, J.G.

    1975-09-01

    Three similar experiments conducted to support the analyses of hypothetical LMFBR unprotected-loss-of-flow accidents are summarized and evaluated. The tests, designated L2, L3, and L4, provided experimental data against which accident-analysis codes could be compared, so as to guide further analysis and modeling of the initiating phases of the hypothetical accident. The tests were conducted using seven-pin bundles of mixed-oxide fuel pins in Mark-II flowing-sodium loops in the TREAT reactor. Test L2 used fresh fuel. Tests L3 and L4 used irradiated fuel pins having, respectively, ''intermediate-power'' (no central void) and ''high-power'' (fully developed central void) microstructure. 12 references. (auth)

  15. Efficiency of cardioplegic solutions containing L-arginine and L-aspartic acid.

    PubMed

    Pisarenko, O I; Shul'zhenko, V S; Studneva, I M

    2006-04-01

    In experiments on rats we studied the effects of cardioplegic solutions with L-aspartic acid or L-arginine on functional recovery and metabolism of isolated working heart after 40-min normothermal global ischemia and 30-min reperfusion. After reperfusion of the hearts preventively protected with cardioplegic solution containing L-aspartic acid or L-arginine, coronary flow decreased in comparison with the initial values. As a component of cardioplegic solution, L-arginine was less efficient in recovery of contractility and cardiac output of the hearts in comparison with L-aspartic acid. In hearts protected with L-aspartic acid, the postischemic levels of ATP and phosphocreatine were significantly higher, and the level of lactate was significantly lower than in hearts protected with L-arginine. In comparison with L-arginine, L-aspartic acid is a more efficient component of cardioplegic solution in protection of the heart from metabolic and functional damages caused by global ischemia and reperfusion.

  16. Processing of English Focal Stress by L1-English and L1-Mandarin/L2-English Speakers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Guigelaar, Ellen R.

    2017-01-01

    Late second language (L2) learners often struggle with L2 prosody, both in perception and production. This may result from first language (L1) interference or some property of how a second language functions in a late learner independent of what their L1 might be. Here we investigate prosody's role in determining information structure through…

  17. L1 French Learning of L2 Spanish Past Tenses: L1 Transfer versus Aspect and Interface Issues

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Amenós-Pons, José; Ahern, Aoife; Gujarro-Fuentes, Pedro

    2017-01-01

    This paper examines the process of acquiring L2s that are closely related to the L1 through data on how adult French speakers learning L2 Spanish in a formal setting develop knowledge and use of past tenses in this L2. We consider the role of transfer and simplification in acquiring mental representations of the L2 grammar, specifically in the…

  18. Revisiting Fluctuations in L2 Article Choice in L1-Korean L2-English Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sarker, Bijon K.; Baek, Seunghyun

    2017-01-01

    The current study investigated the distinction of L2 (second language) English article choice sensitivity in fifty-three L1-Korean L2-English learners in semantic contexts. In the context of English as a foreign language, the participants were divided into two groups based on grammatical ability as determined by their performance on a cloze test.…

  19. Multilingual Acquisition of Vowels in L1 Polish, L2 Danish and L3 English

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sypianska, Jolanta

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this paper is to determine whether all languages in the linguistic repertoire of a multilingual speaker manifest cross-linguistic influence (CLI) and establish the directions of CLI on the basis of chosen vowels from the linguistic repertoire of two groups: the Bilingual group (L1 Polish/L2 Danish) and the Multilingual group (L1…

  20. The Effects of L1 and L2 Group Discussions on L2 Reading Comprehension

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Turnbull, Blake; Evans, Moyra Sweetnam

    2017-01-01

    The aim of this study was to explore the effects of post-reading group discussions in both first (L1) and second (L2) languages on L2 reading comprehension. The participants were fifteen Japanese university students of intermediate-level English. Three cohorts read four English texts and produced individual written recalls. Group 1 (the control…

  1. L1 Explicit Instruction Can Improve L2 Online and Offline Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McManus, Kevin; Marsden, Emma

    2017-01-01

    This study investigated the effectiveness of providing L1 explicit information (EI) with practice for making more accurate and faster interpretations of L2 French "Imparfait" (IMP). Two treatments were investigated: (a) "L2-only," providing EI about the L2 with L2 interpretation practice, and (b) "L2+L1," providing…

  2. On the effects of L2 perception and of individual differences in L1 production on L2 pronunciation

    PubMed Central

    Kartushina, Natalia; Frauenfelder, Ulrich H.

    2014-01-01

    The speech of late second language (L2) learners is generally marked by an accent. The dominant theoretical perspective attributes accents to deficient L2 perception arising from a transfer of L1 phonology, which is thought to influence L2 perception and production. In this study we evaluate the explanatory role of L2 perception in L2 production and explore alternative explanations arising from the L1 phonological system, such as for example, the role of L1 production. Specifically we examine the role of an individual’s L1 productions in the production of L2 vowel contrasts. Fourteen Spanish adolescents studying French at school were assessed on their perception and production of the mid-close/mid-open contrasts, /ø-œ/ and /e-ε/, which are, respectively, acoustically distinct from Spanish sounds, or similar to them. The participants’ native productions were explored to assess (1) the variability in the production of native vowels (i.e., the compactness of vowel categories in F1/F2 acoustic space), and (2) the position of the vowels in the acoustic space. The results revealed that although poorly perceived contrasts were generally produced poorly, there was no correlation between individual performance in perception and production, and no effect of L2 perception on L2 production in mixed-effects regression analyses. This result is consistent with a growing body of psycholinguistic and neuroimaging research that suggest partial dissociations between L2 perception and production. In contrast, individual differences in the compactness and position of native vowels predicted L2 production accuracy. These results point to existence of surface transfer of individual L1 phonetic realizations to L2 space and demonstrate that pre-existing features of the native space in production partly determine how new sounds can be accommodated in that space. PMID:25414678

  3. L2 Working Memory Capacity and L2 Reading Skill.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harrington, Mike; Sawyer, Mark

    1992-01-01

    Examines the sensitivity of second-language (L2) working memory (ability to store and process information simultaneously) to differences in reading skills among advanced L2 learners. Subjects with larger L2 working memory capacities scored higher on measures of L2 reading skills, but no correlation was found between reading and passive short-term…

  4. The Relationship between L1 Fluency and L2 Fluency Development

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Derwing, Tracey M.; Munro, Murray J.; Thomson, Ronald I.; Rossiter, Marian J.

    2009-01-01

    A fundamental question in the study of second language (L2) fluency is the extent to which temporal characteristics of speakers' first language (L1) productions predict the same characteristics in the L2. A close relationship between a speaker's L1 and L2 temporal characteristics would suggest that fluency is governed by an underlying trait. This…

  5. 77 FR 74179 - Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-13

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on November 26, 2012, Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Stingray), 1100 Louisiana, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77002, filed in the above... Roney, Manager--Regulatory Affairs, Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C., 1100 Louisiana, Suite 3300...

  6. Processing Focus Structure in L1 and L2 French: L2 Proficiency Effects on ERPs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reichle, Robert V.; Birdsong, David

    2014-01-01

    This study examined the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by focus processing among first language (L1) speakers and second language (L2) learners of French. Participants read wh-questions containing explicit focus marking, followed by responses instantiating contrastive and informational focus. We hypothesized that L2 proficiency would…

  7. 76 FR 12949 - Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-09

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP11-97-000] Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application On February 22, 2011, Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C...--Regulatory Affairs, Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C., 1100 Louisiana, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77002, by...

  8. 77 FR 788 - Southern LNG Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-06

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP12-31-000] Southern LNG Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on December 15, 2011, Southern LNG Company, L.L.C... Affairs, Southern LNG Company, L.L.C., 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35209, by...

  9. 76 FR 71961 - Elba Express Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-21

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP12-11-000] Elba Express Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on October 31, 2011, Elba Express Company, L.L.C... directed to Glenn A. Sheffield, Director, Rates & Regulatory Affairs, Elba Express Company, L.L.C., 569...

  10. Purification and characterization of l,(l/d)-aminopeptidase from Guinea pig serum.

    PubMed

    Krstanović, Marina; Brgles, Marija; Halassy, Beata; Frkanec, Ruza; Vrdoljak, Anto; Branović, Karmen; Tomasić, Jelka; Benedetti, Fabio

    2006-01-01

    Mammalian sera contain enzymes that catalyze the hydrolytic degradation of peptidoglycans and molecules of related structure and are relevant for the metabolism of peptidoglycans. We now report on a novel L,(L/D)-aminopeptidase found in human and mammalian sera. The enzyme hydrolyses the pentapeptide L-Ala-D-iso-Gln-meso-DAP(omegaNH(2))-D-Ala-D-Ala yielding the free L-alanine and the respective tetrapeptide (K(M) 18 mM). L,(L/D)-aminopeptidase from guinea pig serum was highly purified in four chromatographic steps, up to 700-fold. Molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated by HPLC to be approximately 175,000. The configuration of alanine obtained by hydrolysis of the pentapeptide was determined by oxidation with L-amino acid oxidase. The amino acids sequence in the respective tetrapeptide was deduced from the results of mass spectrometry. The novel L,(L/D)-aminopeptidase also hydrolyzed alanine-4-nitroanilide (K(M)=0.6 mM) and several peptides comprising L-amino acids. Peptides containing D-amino acid at the amino end and L-Asp-L-Asp were not the substrates for this enzyme. The purified enzyme also exhibited enkephalin degrading activity, hydrolyzing enkephalins comprising L,L- and L,D-peptide bonds. The enzyme was inhibited strongly by metal chelating agents, bestatin and amastatin.

  11. Decreased serum L-arginine and L-citrulline levels in major depression.

    PubMed

    Hess, S; Baker, G; Gyenes, G; Tsuyuki, R; Newman, S; Le Melledo, Jean-Michel

    2017-11-01

    It has been suggested that endothelial dysfunction caused by a decreased endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to the consistently observed increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in physically healthy patients suffering from major depression (MD). NO is a gas synthesized from Larginine (a conditionally essential amino acid) and oxygen by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The end products of NO production include both NO and L-citrulline. NO is rapidly reduced to the anions nitrite and nitrate, classically referred to as NO metabolites. Their measurement has been used as a surrogate measurement for endothelial NO production. We and others have shown decreased levels of NO metabolites in the serum of MD patients. The mechanism of this decreased production of NO by the endothelium has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to assess serum levels of L-arginine and L-citrulline in patients with MD. Levels of L-arginine and L-citrulline were measured in 35 unmedicated physically healthy MD patients and 36 healthy controls (HCs). L-arginine and L-citrulline concentrations were significantly lower in MD patients than in healthy controls (L-arginine, 73.54 + 21.53 μmol/L and 84.89 + 25.16, p = 0.04 μmol/L and L-citrulline 31.58 + 6.05 μmol/L and 35.19 + 6.85 μmol/L, p = 0.03, respectively). The decrease in L-arginine levels in MD patients is a possible explanation for the decrease in NO metabolites in MD patients and therefore may contribute, through endothelial dysfunction, to the increased CV risk associated with MD.

  12. 77 FR 68115 - Millennium Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-15

    ...] Millennium Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on November 1, 2012, Millennium Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Millennium), One Blue Hill Plaza, Seventh Floor, P.O. Box 1565, Pearl River, New... system to the existing interconnection with Algonquin Gas Transmission, L.L.C. in Ramapo, New York and...

  13. 75 FR 51989 - Southern LNG Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-24

    ... Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application August 16, 2010. Take notice that on August 4, 2010, Southern LNG Company, L.L.C. (Southern LNG), Post Office Box 2563, Birmingham, Alabama 35202-2563, filed in the above.... Sheffield, Director--Rates and Regulatory, Southern LNG Company, L.L.C., 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501...

  14. L-serine picrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zakharov, B. A.; Ghazaryan, V. V.; Boldyreva, E. V.; Petrosyan, A. M.

    2015-11-01

    Two crystalline salts have been obtained from the system L-serine - picric acid - H2O: L-serinium picrate monohydrate (I) and tris(L-serine) bis(L-serinium) dipicrate trihydrate (II). The salt (I) crystallizes in monoclinic system (space group P21, Z = 4). Asymmetric unit of (I) contains two formula units. Carboxyl groups of both L-serinium cations form hydrogen bonds with picrate anions with O···O distances: 2.595 (6) Å and 2.638 (5) Å. The salt (II) crystallizes in orthorhombic system (space group P212121, Z = 4). Asymmetric unit of (II) contains one formula unit. Carboxyl groups of both L-serinium cations form short O-H···O hydrogen bonds with two of three zwitterionic moieties, forming two dimeric (L-serine L-serinium) cations with O···O distances: 2.485 (3) Å and 2.487 (3) Å. The infrared and Raman spectra of obtained salts are recorded and discussed.

  15. Interaction of L-alanyl-L-valine and L-valyl-L-alanine with organic vapors: thermal stability of clathrates, sorption capacity and the change in the morphology of dipeptide films.

    PubMed

    Ziganshin, Marat A; Gubina, Nadezhda S; Gerasimov, Alexander V; Gorbatchuk, Valery V; Ziganshina, Sufia A; Chuklanov, Anton P; Bukharaev, Anastas A

    2015-08-21

    The strong effect of the amino acid sequence in L-alanyl-L-valine and L-valyl-L-alanine on their sorption properties toward organic compounds and water, and the thermal stability of the inclusion compounds of these dipeptides have been found. Generally, L-valyl-L-alanine has a greater sorption capacity for the studied compounds, but the thermal stability of the L-alanyl-L-valine clathrates is higher. Unusual selectivity of L-valyl-L-alanine for vapors of few chloroalkanes was observed. The correlation between the change in the surface morphology of thin film of dipeptides and stoichiometry of their clathrates with organic compounds was found. This discovery may be used to predict the influence of vapors on the morphology of films of short-chain oligopeptides.

  16. Quantifying the Quality Difference between L1 and L2 Essays: A Rating Procedure with Bilingual Raters and L1 and L2 Benchmark Essays

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tillema, Marion; van den Bergh, Huub; Rijlaarsdam, Gert; Sanders, Ted

    2013-01-01

    It is the consensus that, as a result of the extra constraints placed on working memory, texts written in a second language (L2) are usually of lower quality than texts written in the first language (L1) by the same writer. However, no method is currently available for quantifying the quality difference between L1 and L2 texts. In the present…

  17. 76 FR 16405 - Notice of Attendance at PJM INterconnection, L.L.C., Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-23

    ... INterconnection, L.L.C., Meetings The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) hereby gives notice that members of the Commission and Commission staff may attend upcoming PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., (PJM...: Docket No. EL05-121, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Docket No. ER06-456, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Docket...

  18. L1 to Teach L2: Complexities and Contradictions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Copland, Fiona; Neokleous, Georgios

    2011-01-01

    This article uncovers the complexities and contradictions inherent in making decisions about L1 use in the English language classroom. Through an analysis of data from classrooms in a Cypriot context and from interviews with Cypriot teachers, a number of functions for L1 use are identified, as are the teachers' rationales for using L1 for…

  19. An automated and efficient conformation search of L-cysteine and L,L-cystine using the scaled hypersphere search method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kishimoto, Naoki; Waizumi, Hiroki

    2017-10-01

    Stable conformers of L-cysteine and L,L-cystine were explored using an automated and efficient conformational searching method. The Gibbs energies of the stable conformers of L-cysteine and L,L-cystine were calculated with G4 and MP2 methods, respectively, at 450, 298.15, and 150 K. By assuming thermodynamic equilibrium and the barrier energies for the conformational isomerization pathways, the estimated ratios of the stable conformers of L-cysteine were compared with those determined by microwave spectroscopy in a previous study. Equilibrium structures of 1:1 and 2:1 cystine-Fe complexes were also calculated, and the energy of insertion of Fe into the disulfide bond was obtained.

  20. Conversion of L-sorbosone to L-ascorbic acid by a NADP-dependent dehydrogenase in bean and spinach leaf. [Phaseolus vulgaris L. ; Spinacia oleracea L

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

    Loewus, M.W.; Bedgar, D.L.; Saito, Kazumi

    An NADP-dependent dehydrogenase catalyzing the conversion of L-sorbosone to L-ascorbic acid has been isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Spinacia oleracea L. and partially purified. It is stable at {minus}20{degree}C for up to 8 months. Molecular masses, as determined by gel filtration, were 21 and 29 kilodaltons for bean and spinach enzymes, respectively. K{sub m} for sorbosone were 12 {plus minus} 2 and 18 {plus minus} 2 millimolar and for NADP{sup +}, 0.14 {plus minus} 0.05 and 1.2 {plus minus} 0.5 millimolar, for bean and spinach, respectively. Lycorine, a purported inhibitor of L-ascorbic acid biosynthesis, had no effect on themore » reaction.« less

  1. Solvation thermodynamics of L-cystine, L-tyrosine, and L-leucine in aqueous-electrolyte media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roy, Sanjay; Guin, Partha Sarathi; Mahali, Kalachand; Dolui, Bijoy Krishna

    2017-12-01

    Solubilities of L-cystine, L-tyrosine, and L-leucine in aqueous NaCl media at 298.15 K have been studied. Indispensable and related solvent parameters such as molar mass, molar volume, etc., were also determined. The results are used to evaluate the standard transfer Gibbs free energy, cavity forming enthalpy of transfer, cavity forming transfer Gibbs free energy and dipole-dipole interaction effects during the course of solvation. Various weak interactions involving solute-solvent or solvent-solvent molecules were characterized in order to find their role on the solvation of these amino acids.

  2. L1 literacy affects L2 pronunciation intake and text vocalization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walton, Martin

    2005-04-01

    For both deaf and hearing learners, L1 acquisition calls on auditive, gestural and visual modes in progressive processes over longer stages imposed in strictly anatomical and social order from the earliest pre-lexical phase [Jusczyk (1993), Kuhl & Meltzoff (1996)] to ultimate literacy. By contrast, L2 learning will call on accelerating procedures but with restricted input, arbitrated by L1 literacy as can be traced in the English of French-speaking learners, whether observed in spontaneous speech or in text vocalization modes. An inventory of their predictable omissions, intrusions and substitutions at suprasegmental and syllabic levels, many of which they can actually hear while unable to vocalize in real-time, suggests that a photogenic segmentation of continuous speech into alphabetical units has eclipsed the indispensable earlier phonogenic module, filtering L2 intake and output. This competing mode analysis hypothesizes a critical effect on L2 pronunciation of L1 graphemic procedures acquired usually before puberty, informing data for any Critical Period Hypothesis or amounts of L1 activation influencing L2 accent [Flege (1997, 1998)] or any psychoacoustic French deafness with regard to English stress-timing [Dupoux (1997)]. A metaphonic model [Howell & Dean (1991)] adapted for French learners may remedially distance L1 from L2 vocalization procedures.

  3. L1 and L2 Word Recognotion in Finnish. Examining L1 Effects on L2 Processing of Morphological Complexity and Morphophonological Transparency

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vainio, Seppo; Anneli, Pajunen; Hyona, Jukka

    2014-01-01

    This study investigated the effect of the first language (L1) on the visual word recognition of inflected nouns in second language (L2) Finnish by native Russian and Chinese speakers. Case inflection is common in Russian and in Finnish but nonexistent in Chinese. Several models have been posited to describe L2 morphological processing. The unified…

  4. Complete amino acid sequences of the ribosomal proteins L25, L29 and L31 from the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui.

    PubMed

    Hatakeyama, T; Kimura, M

    1988-03-15

    Ribosomal proteins were extracted from 50S ribosomal subunits of the archaebacterium Halobacterium marismortui by decreasing the concentration of Mg2+ and K+, and the proteins were separated and purified by ion-exchange column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Ten proteins were purified to homogeneity and three of these proteins were subjected to sequence analysis. The complete amino acid sequences of the ribosomal proteins L25, L29 and L31 were established by analyses of the peptides obtained by enzymatic digestion with trypsin, Staphylococcus aureus protease, chymotrypsin and lysylendopeptidase. Proteins L25, L29 and L31 consist of 84, 115 and 95 amino acid residues with the molecular masses of 9472 Da, 12293 Da and 10418 Da respectively. A comparison of their sequences with those of other large-ribosomal-subunit proteins from other organisms revealed that protein L25 from H. marismortui is homologous to protein L23 from Escherichia coli (34.6%), Bacillus stearothermophilus (41.8%), and tobacco chloroplasts (16.3%) as well as to protein L25 from yeast (38.0%). Proteins L29 and L31 do not appear to be homologous to any other ribosomal proteins whose structures are so far known.

  5. The morphometric study of l3-L4 and L4-L5 lumbar spine in Asian population using magnetic resonance imaging: feasibility analysis for transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion.

    PubMed

    Yusof, Mohd Imran; Nadarajan, Eswaran; Abdullah, Mohd Shafie

    2014-06-15

    Cross-sectional study on the measurement of relevant magnetic resonance imaging parameters in 100 patients presented for lumbar spine assessment. To determine anatomical position of lumbar plexus and major blood vessels in relation to vertebral body and anterior edge of psoas muscle at L3-L4 and L4-L5 and to define the safe working zone for transpsoas approach for lumbar fusion. Lateral transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion has been shown to be safe and provides alternative for lumbar fusion. However, proximity of neurovascular structures may not allow a safe passage for this procedure in the Asian population. Relevant parameters were measured from axial magnetic resonance images and analyzed, including the psoas muscle and vertebrae endplate diameters, lumbar plexus and psoas muscle distance, lumbar plexus and vertebra body distance, and vena cava to the anterior vertebrae body diameters. The mean anteroposterior diameters of the right and left psoas muscle ranged from 44.0 to 58.6 mm and 44.8 to 54.0 mm, respectively. The mean anteroposterior diameters of vertebra endplate of L3, L4, and L5 were 38.2 mm, 39.3 mm, and 41.4 mm, respectively. The mean distance of posterior border of vena cava from the vertebra body was 4.5 mm at L3-L4 and 14.1 mm at L4-L5. L3-L4 fusion is feasible at both sides in both sexes; however, at L4-L5 level, the procedure is feasible only on the left side. The safe working zone for transpsoas approach to lumbar spine is significantly narrower at L4-L5 in both sexes. Anterior edge of psoas muscle can be used as a reliable guide to locate lumbar plexus within psoas muscle. N/A.

  6. 10. BOILER #16 (BUILDING L8) TO LEFT, L.P. AND H.P. ...

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

    10. BOILER #16 (BUILDING L8) TO LEFT, L.P. AND H.P. BOILER ROOMS (BUILDINGS L4 AND L2) TO RIGHT, AND STEPHENS SUBSTATION (BUILDING L6) IN BACKGROUND, FROM THE ROOF OF THE POWERHOUSE EXTENSION (BUILDING L5) - Portland General Electric Company, Station "L", 1841 Southeast Water Street, Portland, Multnomah County, OR

  7. Catabolism of L-canavanine and L-Canaline in the jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis (L. ) DC. (leguminosae)

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

    Rosenthal, G.A.; Berge, M.A.

    The metabolism of L-canavanine and its primary metabolite L-canaline was investigated in the jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC. (Leguminosae). L-(1,2,3,4-{sup 14}C)Canavanine and L-(U-{sup 14}C)canaline were synthesized from L-(U-{sup 14}C)homoserine. After 1.5 h, 35% of the administered radiolabeled canaline was converted to acetone-soluble products; this amount decreased with time to 5.3% at 12 h. This fraction was primarily responsible for respiratory loss of {sup 14}C and {sup 14}CO{sub 2}, which reached 52% of the administered canaline after 12 h. The water-soluble, neutral fraction accounted for no more than 10% of the injected canaline. The water soluble, charged materials contained 35-40%more » of the {sup 14}C at each time period; five compounds were identified within this fraction. They are homoserine, phosphohomoserine, lysine, canavanine, and canaline glyoxylate oxime. Canavanine-administered plants provided a degradation pattern remarkably similar to that of canaline-administered plants, indicating the importance of arginase-mediated hydrolysis of canavanine to canaline in the process of canavanine catabolism.« less

  8. 49 CFR 1248.3 - Carload and L.C.L. traffic defined.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 9 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Carload and L.C.L. traffic defined. 1248.3 Section 1248.3 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION... STATISTICS § 1248.3 Carload and L.C.L. traffic defined. (a) Commodity codes 01 through 422 and 44 through 462...

  9. Electrochemical properties of 316L stainless steel with culturing L929 fibroblasts

    PubMed Central

    Hiromoto, Sachiko; Hanawa, Takao

    2005-01-01

    Potentiodynamic polarization and impedance tests were carried out on 316L stainless steel with culturing murine fibroblast L929 cells to elucidate the corrosion behaviour of 316L steel with L929 cells and to understand the electrochemical interface between 316L steel and cells, respectively. Potential step test was carried out on 316L steel with type I collagen coating and culturing L929 cells to compare the effects of collagen and L929 cells. The open-circuit potential of 316L steel slightly shifted in a negative manner and passive current density increased with cells, indicating a decrease in the protective ability of passive oxide film. The pitting potential decreased with cells, indicating a decrease in the pitting corrosion resistance. In addition, a decrease in diffusivity at the interface was indicated from the decrease in the cathodic current density and the increase in the diffusion resistance parameter in the impedance test. The anodic peak current in the potential step test decreased with cells and collagen. Consequently, the corrosion resistance of 316L steel decreases with L929 cells. In addition, collagen coating would provide an environment for anodic reaction similar to that with culturing cells. PMID:16849246

  10. [Characteristics of dissolved organic carbon release under inundation from typical grass plants in the water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir area].

    PubMed

    Tan, Qiu-Xia; Zhu, Boi; Hua, Ke-Ke

    2013-08-01

    The water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) exposes in spring and summer, then, green plants especially herbaceous plants grow vigorously. In the late of September, water-level fluctuation zone of TGR goes to inundation. Meanwhile, annually accumulated biomass of plant will be submerged for decaying, resulting in organism decomposition and release a large amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This may lead to negative impacts on water environment of TGR. The typical herbaceous plants from water-level fluctuation zone were collected and inundated in the laboratory for dynamic measurements of DOC concentration of overlying water. According to the determination, the DOC release rates and fluxes have been calculated. Results showed that the release process of DOC variation fitted in a parabolic curve. The peak DOC concentrations emerge averagely in the 15th day of inundation, indicating that DOC released quickly with organism decay of herbaceous plant. The release process of DOC could be described by the logarithm equation. There are significant differences between the concentration of DOC (the maximum DOC concentration is 486.88 mg x L(-1) +/- 35.97 mg x L(-1) for Centaurea picris, the minimum is 4.18 mg x L(-1) +/- 1.07 mg x L(-1) for Echinochloacrus galli) and the release amount of DOC (the maximum is 50.54 mg x g(-1) for Centaurea picris, the minimum is 6.51 mg x g(-1) for Polygonum hydropiper) due to different characteristics of plants, especially, the values of C/N of herbaceous plants. The cumulative DOC release quantities during the whole inundation period were significantly correlated with plants' C/N values in linear equations.

  11. L1 English/L2 Spanish: Orthography-Phonology Activation without Contrasts

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shea, Christine

    2017-01-01

    We consider how orthography activates sounds that are in a noncontrastive relationship in the second language (L2) and for which only one variant exists in the first language (L1). Participants were L1 English / L2 Spanish and native Spanish listeners. Intervocalically, Spanish graphemes "b d g" correspond phonetically to stops and…

  12. DISCOVERY OF FOUR HIGH PROPER MOTION L DWARFS, INCLUDING A 10 pc L DWARF AT THE L/T TRANSITION {sup ,}

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

    Castro, Philip J.; Gizis, John E.; Harris, Hugh C.

    2013-10-20

    We discover four high proper motion L dwarfs by comparing the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) to the Two Micron All Sky Survey. WISE J140533.32+835030.5 is an L dwarf at the L/T transition with a proper motion of 0.85 ± 0.''02 yr{sup –1}, previously overlooked due to its proximity to a bright star (V ≈ 12 mag). From optical spectroscopy we find a spectral type of L8, and from moderate-resolution J band spectroscopy we find a near-infrared spectral type of L9. We find WISE J140533.32+835030.5 to have a distance of 9.7 ± 1.7 pc, bringing the number of L dwarfsmore » at the L/T transition within 10 pc from six to seven. WISE J040137.21+284951.7, WISE J040418.01+412735.6, and WISE J062442.37+662625.6 are all early L dwarfs within 25 pc, and were classified using optical and low-resolution near-infrared spectra. WISE J040418.01+412735.6 is an L2 pec (red) dwarf, a member of the class of unusually red L dwarfs. We use follow-up optical and low-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy to classify a previously discovered fifth object WISEP J060738.65+242953.4 as an (L8 Opt/L9 NIR), confirming it as an L dwarf at the L/T transition within 10 pc. WISEP J060738.65+242953.4 shows tentative CH{sub 4} in the H band, possibly the result of unresolved binarity with an early T dwarf, a scenario not supported by binary spectral template fitting. If WISEP J060738.65+242953.4 is a single object, it represents the earliest onset of CH{sub 4} in the H band of an L/T transition dwarf in the SpeX Library. As very late L dwarfs within 10 pc, WISE J140533.32+835030.5 and WISEP J060738.65+242953.4 will play a vital role in resolving outstanding issues at the L/T transition.« less

  13. L1 Use in L2 Vocabulary Learning: Facilitator or Barrier

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Liu, Jing

    2008-01-01

    Based on empirical research and qualitative analysis, this paper aims to explore the effects of L1 use on L2 vocabulary teaching. The results show that, during L2 vocabulary teaching process, the proper application of L1 can effectively facilitate the memorization of new words, and the bilingual method (both English explanation and Chinese…

  14. 76 FR 50724 - Sawgrass Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-16

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. CP11-523-000; PF10-20-000] Sawgrass Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on July 27, 2011, Sawgrass Storage, L.L.C..., filed an application in Docket No. CP11-523-000 pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA...

  15. L'Abondance du Deutérium, de l'Ultraviolet au Visible

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hébrard, Guillaume

    2000-12-01

    Dans le cadre du modèle standard du Big Bang, le deutérium est l'élément dont l'abondance primordiale est la plus sensible à la densité baryonique de l'Univers. Cet élément est uniquement créé lors de la nucléosynthèse primordiale, quelques minutes après le Big Bang ; aucune théorie standard n'en prédit actuellement d'autres sources significatives. Au contraire, étant brûlé dans les étoiles, son abondance D/H décroît au cours de l'évolution cosmique. Les mesures de D/H apportent ainsi des contraintes sur les modèles de Big Bang et d'évolution chimique des galaxies. On peut distinguer trois types de mesures de D/H: les abondances primordiale, proto-solaire et interstellaire, respectivement représentatives de l'Univers il y a environ 15 milliards d'années, 4.5 milliards d'années et à l'époque actuelle. Si l'évolution du deutérium semble qualitativement claire, les résultats concernant ces trois types d'abondance ne convergent pas pour l'instant vers trois valeurs bien définies. Les travaux entrepris durant cette thèse sont reliés à la mesure de l'abondance interstellaire du deutérium. Celle-ci s'obtient habituellement par l'observation spectroscopique en absorption des séries de Lyman de l'hydrogène et du deutérium. Ces observations se font dans le domaine ultraviolet, au moyen d'observatoires spatiaux. Les résultats présentés ici ont été obtenus avec le Télescope spatial Hubble puis le satellite FUSE, récemment mis en orbite. D'autre part, une nouvelle méthode d'observation du deutérium a été proposée, dans le domaine visible à partir de télescopes au sol. Ce travail a mené aux premières détections et à l'identification de la série de Balmer du deutérium, observée en émission dans des régions HII avec le Télescope Canada-France-Hawaii et le Very Large Telescope. On-line Thesis, Guillaume Hébrard

  16. 77 FR 23472 - Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-19

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on April 4, 2012, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Tennessee), 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, filed an application in the..., Manager, Certificates, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C., 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002...

  17. 78 FR 6313 - Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-30

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on January 14, 2013, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Tennessee), 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, filed an application in... directed to Thomas G. Joyce, Manager, Certificates, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. 1001 Louisiana...

  18. Stress-Induced Acoustic Variation in L2 and L1 Spanish Vowels.

    PubMed

    Romanelli, Sofía; Menegotto, Andrea; Smyth, Ron

    2018-05-28

    We assessed the effect of lexical stress on the duration and quality of Spanish word-final vowels /a, e, o/ produced by American English late intermediate learners of L2 Spanish, as compared to those of native L1 Argentine Spanish speakers. Participants read 54 real words ending in /a, e, o/, with either final or penultimate lexical stress, embedded in a text and a word list. We measured vowel duration and both F1 and F2 frequencies at 3 temporal points. stressed vowels were longer than unstressed vowels, in Spanish L1 and L2. L1 and L2 Spanish stressed /a/ and /e/ had higher F1 values than their unstressed counterparts. Only the L2 speakers showed evidence of rising offglides for /e/ and /o/. The L2 and L1 Spanish vowel space was compressed in the absence of stress. Lexical stress affected the vowel quality of L1 and L2 Spanish vowels. We provide an up-to-date account of the formant trajectories of Argentine River Plate Spanish word-final /a, e, o/ and offer experimental support to the claim that stress affects the quality of Spanish vowels in word-final contexts. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  19. 77 FR 8247 - Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-14

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C. Notice of Application Take notice that on February 2, 2012, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Tennessee), 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, filed an application in Docket... Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C., 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, by telephone at (713) 420...

  20. 77 FR 43277 - Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-24

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on July 6, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Tennessee), 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, filed in the above referenced... Company, L.L.C. 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or telephone (713) 420- 3299, or facsimile...

  1. Immunochemical characterization of temperature-regulated production of enterocin L50 (EntL50A and EntL50B), enterocin P, and enterocin Q by Enterococcus faecium L50.

    PubMed

    Criado, Raquel; Gutiérrez, Jorge; Martín, María; Herranz, Carmen; Hernández, Pablo E; Cintas, Luis M

    2006-12-01

    Polyclonal antibodies with specificity for enterocin L50A (EntL50A), enterocin L50B (EntL50B), and enterocin Q (EntQ) produced by Enterococcus faecium L50 have been generated by immunization of rabbits with chemically synthesized peptides derived from the C terminus of EntL50A (LR1) and EntL50B (LR2) and from the complete enterocin Q (EntQ) conjugated to the carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The sensitivity and specificity of these antibodies were evaluated by a noncompetitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCI-ELISA) and a competitive indirect ELISA (CI-ELISA). The NCI-ELISA was valuable for detecting anti-EntL50A-, anti-EntL50B-, and anti-EntQ-specific antibodies in the sera of the LR1-KLH-, LR2-KLH-, and EntQ-KLH-immunized animals, respectively. Moreover, these antibodies and those specific for enterocin P (EntP) obtained in a previous work (J. Gutiérrez, R. Criado, R. Citti, M. Martín, C. Herranz, M. F. Fernández, L. M. Cintas, and P. E. Hernández, J. Agric. Food Chem. 52:2247-2255, 2004) were used in an NCI-ELISA to detect and quantify the production of EntL50A, EntL50B, EntP, and EntQ by the multiple-bacteriocin producer E. faecium L50 grown at different temperatures (16 to 47 degrees C). Our results show that temperature has a strong influence on bacteriocin production by this strain. EntL50A and EntL50B are synthesized at 16 to 32 degrees C, but production becomes negligible when the growth temperature is above 37 degrees C, whereas EntP and EntQ are synthesized at temperatures ranging from 16 to 47 degrees C. Maximum EntL50A and EntL50B production was detected at 25 degrees C, while EntP and EntQ are maximally produced at 37 and 47 degrees C, respectively. The loss of plasmid pCIZ1 (50 kb) and/or pCIZ2 (7.4 kb), encoding EntL50A and EntL50B as well as EntQ, respectively, resulted in a significant increase in production and stability of the chromosomally encoded EntP.

  2. Assimilation of L2 vowels to L1 phonemes governs L2 learning in adulthood: a behavioral and ERP study

    PubMed Central

    Grimaldi, Mirko; Sisinni, Bianca; Gili Fivela, Barbara; Invitto, Sara; Resta, Donatella; Alku, Paavo; Brattico, Elvira

    2014-01-01

    According to the Perceptual Assimilation Model (PAM), articulatory similarity/dissimilarity between sounds of the second language (L2) and the native language (L1) governs L2 learnability in adulthood and predicts L2 sound perception by naïve listeners. We performed behavioral and neurophysiological experiments on two groups of university students at the first and fifth years of the English language curriculum and on a group of naïve listeners. Categorization and discrimination tests, as well as the mismatch negativity (MMN) brain response to L2 sound changes, showed that the discriminatory capabilities of the students did not significantly differ from those of the naïve subjects. In line with the PAM model, we extend the findings of previous behavioral studies showing that, at the neural level, classroom instruction in adulthood relies on assimilation of L2 vowels to L1 phoneme categories and does not trigger improvement in L2 phonetic discrimination. Implications for L2 classroom teaching practices are discussed. PMID:24860470

  3. 78 FR 19259 - Notice of Attendance at PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-29

    ... Interconnection, L.L.C. Meetings The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) hereby gives notice that members of the Commission and Commission staff may attend upcoming PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM... proceedings: Docket No. EL05-121, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Docket No. EL08-14, Black Oak Energy LLC, et al...

  4. 75 FR 4547 - High Island Offshore System, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-28

    ... Offshore System, L.L.C.; Notice of Application January 21, 2010. Take notice that on January 12, 2010, High Island Offshore System, L.L.C. (HIOS), 1100 Louisiana St., Houston, Texas 77002, filed in Docket No. CP10... directed to Jeff Molinaro, High Island Offshore System, L.L.C., 1100 Louisiana St., Houston, Texas 77002...

  5. 77 FR 3766 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Staff Technical Conference

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-25

    ... Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Staff Technical Conference On December 14, 2011, the Commission issued an order... Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) filing.\\1\\ Take notice that the technical conference will be held on February 14...\\ PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., 137 FERC ] 61,204 (2011) (December 14 Order). All interested parties are...

  6. 76 FR 79673 - Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-22

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application On December 9, 2011, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C... (Commission) an application under section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), as amended, and part 157 of the... Rocan, Senior Counsel, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C., 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas...

  7. Enantioselective synthesis of L-(-)-4- boronophenylalanine (L-BPA)

    DOEpatents

    Samsel, Edward G.

    1992-01-01

    A method of making substantially pure L-BPA is disclosed. The method includes the steps of reacting 4-bromobenzaldehyde with ethylene glycol to form 4-bromobenzaldehyde ethylene glycol acetal, sequentially reacting 4-bromobenzaldehyde ethyleneglycol acetal with Mg to produce the Grignard reagent and thereafter reacting with tributyl borate and then converting to an acid environment to form 4-boronobenzaldehyde, reacting 4-boronobenzaldehyde with diethanol amine to form 4-boronobenzaldehyde diethanolamine ester, condensing the 4-boronobenzaldehyde diethanolamine ester with 2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one to form an azlactone, reacting the azlactone with an alkali metal hydroxide to form z-.alpha.-benzoylamino-4-boronocinnamic acid, asymmetrically hydrogenating the z-.alpha.-benzoylamino-4-boronocinnamic acid in the presence of a catalyst of a cheltate complex of rhodium (I) with chiral bisphosphines to form L-(+)-N-benzoyl-4-boronophenylalanine, and thereafter acidifying the L-(+)-N-benzoyl-4-boronophenylalanine in an organic medium to produce L-BPA.

  8. Enantioselective synthesis of L-(-)-4- boronophenylalanine (L-BPA)

    DOEpatents

    Samsel, E.G.

    1992-10-20

    A method of making substantially pure L-BPA is disclosed. The method includes the steps of reacting 4-bromobenzaldehyde with ethylene glycol to form 4-bromobenzaldehyde ethylene glycol acetal, sequentially reacting 4-bromobenzaldehyde ethyleneglycol acetal with Mg to produce the Grignard reagent and thereafter reacting with tributyl borate and then converting to an acid environment to form 4-boronobenzaldehyde, reacting 4-boronobenzaldehyde with diethanol amine to form 4-boronobenzaldehyde diethanolamine ester, condensing the 4-boronobenzaldehyde diethanolamine ester with 2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one to form an azlactone, reacting the azlactone with an alkali metal hydroxide to form z-[alpha]-benzoylamino-4boronocinnamic acid, asymmetrically hydrogenating the z-[alpha]-benzoylamino-4-boronocinnamic acid in the presence of a catalyst of a cheltate complex of rhodium (I) with chiral bisphosphines to form L-(+)-N-benzoyl-4-boronophenylalanine, and thereafter acidifying the L-(+)-N-benzoyl-4-boronophenylalanine in an organic medium to produce L-BPA. 3 figs.

  9. Instability study for LOFT for L2-1, L2-2, and L2-3 pretest steady-state operating conditions

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

    Eide, S.A.

    The results are presented of a thermal-hydrodynamic flow instability study of the LOFT reactor for the L2-1, L2-2, and L2-3 pretest steady-state operating conditions. Comparison is made between the LOFT reactor and a typical PWR, and the effects on stability of differences in operating parameters and geometry are discussed. Results indicate that the LOFT reactor will be thermal-hydrodynamically stable for nominal and worst case operating conditions. The study supports the LOFT Experimental Safety Analyses for the L2-1, L2-2, and L2-3 tests.

  10. 76 FR 35200 - High Island Offshore System, L.L.C.; Notice of Amendment

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-16

    ... Offshore System, L.L.C.; Notice of Amendment Take notice that on June 6, 2011, High Island Offshore System, L.L.C. (HIOS), 1100 Louisiana St., Houston, Texas 77002, filed in Docket No. CP10-43-001, to amend... System, L.L.C., 1100 Louisiana St., Houston, Texas 77002, or (telephone) 713-381-2526, or [email protected

  11. 77 FR 10505 - Notice of Attendance at PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-22

    ... Interconnection, L.L.C. Meetings The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) hereby gives notice that members of the Commission and Commission staff may attend upcoming PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM..., PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Docket Nos. ER06-456, ER06-880, ER06-954, ER06-1271, EL07-57, ER07-424...

  12. L1000CDS2: LINCS L1000 characteristic direction signatures search engine.

    PubMed

    Duan, Qiaonan; Reid, St Patrick; Clark, Neil R; Wang, Zichen; Fernandez, Nicolas F; Rouillard, Andrew D; Readhead, Ben; Tritsch, Sarah R; Hodos, Rachel; Hafner, Marc; Niepel, Mario; Sorger, Peter K; Dudley, Joel T; Bavari, Sina; Panchal, Rekha G; Ma'ayan, Avi

    2016-01-01

    The library of integrated network-based cellular signatures (LINCS) L1000 data set currently comprises of over a million gene expression profiles of chemically perturbed human cell lines. Through unique several intrinsic and extrinsic benchmarking schemes, we demonstrate that processing the L1000 data with the characteristic direction (CD) method significantly improves signal to noise compared with the MODZ method currently used to compute L1000 signatures. The CD processed L1000 signatures are served through a state-of-the-art web-based search engine application called L1000CDS 2 . The L1000CDS 2 search engine provides prioritization of thousands of small-molecule signatures, and their pairwise combinations, predicted to either mimic or reverse an input gene expression signature using two methods. The L1000CDS 2 search engine also predicts drug targets for all the small molecules profiled by the L1000 assay that we processed. Targets are predicted by computing the cosine similarity between the L1000 small-molecule signatures and a large collection of signatures extracted from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) for single-gene perturbations in mammalian cells. We applied L1000CDS 2 to prioritize small molecules that are predicted to reverse expression in 670 disease signatures also extracted from GEO, and prioritized small molecules that can mimic expression of 22 endogenous ligand signatures profiled by the L1000 assay. As a case study, to further demonstrate the utility of L1000CDS 2 , we collected expression signatures from human cells infected with Ebola virus at 30, 60 and 120 min. Querying these signatures with L1000CDS 2 we identified kenpaullone, a GSK3B/CDK2 inhibitor that we show, in subsequent experiments, has a dose-dependent efficacy in inhibiting Ebola infection in vitro without causing cellular toxicity in human cell lines. In summary, the L1000CDS 2 tool can be applied in many biological and biomedical settings, while improving the extraction of

  13. L1000CDS2: LINCS L1000 characteristic direction signatures search engine

    PubMed Central

    Duan, Qiaonan; Reid, St Patrick; Clark, Neil R; Wang, Zichen; Fernandez, Nicolas F; Rouillard, Andrew D; Readhead, Ben; Tritsch, Sarah R; Hodos, Rachel; Hafner, Marc; Niepel, Mario; Sorger, Peter K; Dudley, Joel T; Bavari, Sina; Panchal, Rekha G; Ma’ayan, Avi

    2016-01-01

    The library of integrated network-based cellular signatures (LINCS) L1000 data set currently comprises of over a million gene expression profiles of chemically perturbed human cell lines. Through unique several intrinsic and extrinsic benchmarking schemes, we demonstrate that processing the L1000 data with the characteristic direction (CD) method significantly improves signal to noise compared with the MODZ method currently used to compute L1000 signatures. The CD processed L1000 signatures are served through a state-of-the-art web-based search engine application called L1000CDS2. The L1000CDS2 search engine provides prioritization of thousands of small-molecule signatures, and their pairwise combinations, predicted to either mimic or reverse an input gene expression signature using two methods. The L1000CDS2 search engine also predicts drug targets for all the small molecules profiled by the L1000 assay that we processed. Targets are predicted by computing the cosine similarity between the L1000 small-molecule signatures and a large collection of signatures extracted from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) for single-gene perturbations in mammalian cells. We applied L1000CDS2 to prioritize small molecules that are predicted to reverse expression in 670 disease signatures also extracted from GEO, and prioritized small molecules that can mimic expression of 22 endogenous ligand signatures profiled by the L1000 assay. As a case study, to further demonstrate the utility of L1000CDS2, we collected expression signatures from human cells infected with Ebola virus at 30, 60 and 120 min. Querying these signatures with L1000CDS2 we identified kenpaullone, a GSK3B/CDK2 inhibitor that we show, in subsequent experiments, has a dose-dependent efficacy in inhibiting Ebola infection in vitro without causing cellular toxicity in human cell lines. In summary, the L1000CDS2 tool can be applied in many biological and biomedical settings, while improving the extraction of knowledge

  14. L-glutamine

    MedlinePlus

    L-glutamine is used to is used to reduce the frequency of painful episodes (crises) in adults and children ... oxygen to all parts of the body). L-glutamine is in a class of medications called amino ...

  15. On the Effects of L2 on Iranian Bilinguals' L1 Writing Ability

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Agheshteh, Hessam

    2015-01-01

    While the effects of L1 on L2 have been extensively investigated, the effects of L2 on L1 have been largely ignored. The present study attempted to address this issue by investigating the effects of L2 English on Iranian Bilinguals' L1 writing ability. For this end, 61 participants, 30 bilinguals and 31 monolinguals, were assessed on an…

  16. Synthesis, spectral characterization and biological studies of some organotin(IV) complexes of L-proline, trans-hydroxy- L-proline and L-glutamine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nath, Mala; Jairath, Ruchi; Eng, George; Song, Xueqing; Kumar, Ashok

    2005-12-01

    New organotin(IV) complexes of the general formula R 3Sn(L) (where R = Me, n-Bu and HL = L-proline; R = Me, Ph and HL = trans-hydroxy- L-proline and L-glutamine) and R 2Sn(L) 2 (where R = n-Bu, Ph and HL = L-proline; R = Ph, HL = trans-hydroxy- L-proline) have been synthesized by the reaction of R nSnCl 4- n (where n = 2 or 3) with sodium salt of the amino acid (HL). n-Bu 2Sn(Pro) 2 was synthesized by the reaction of n-Bu 2SnO with L-proline under azeotropic removal of water. The bonding and coordination behavior in these complexes have been discussed on the basis of IR and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopic studies in the solid-state. Their coordination behavior in solution has been discussed with the help of multinuclear ( 1H, 13C and 119Sn) NMR spectral studies. The 119Sn Mössbauer and IR studies indicate that L-proline and trans-hydroxy- L-proline show similar coordination behavior towards organotin(IV) compounds. Pentacoordinate trigonal-bipyramidal and hexacoordinate octahedral structures, respectively, have been proposed for the tri- and diorganotin(IV) complexes of L-proline and trans-hydroxy- L-proline, in which the carboxylate group acts as bidentate group. L-Glutamine shows different coordination behavior towards organotin(IV) compounds, it acts as monoanionic bidentate ligand coordinating through carboxylate and amino group. The triorganotin(IV) complexes of L-glutamine have been proposed to have trigonal-bipyramidal environment around tin. The newly synthesized complexes have been tested for their antiinflammatory and cardiovascular activities. Their LD 50 values are >1000 mg kg -1.

  17. 78 FR 62360 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Technical Conference

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-21

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. ER13-2108-000] PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Technical Conference Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) staff... consider issues related to PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) proposed demand response plan enhancements...

  18. α-l-Arabinofuranosidase from Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Seeds

    PubMed Central

    Hata, Keishi; Tanaka, Mika; Tsumuraya, Yoichi; Hashimoto, Yohichi

    1992-01-01

    An α-l-arabinofuranosidase has been purified 1043-fold from radish (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds. The purified enzyme was a homogeneous glycoprotein consisting of a single polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 64,000 and an isoelectric point value of 4.7, as evidenced by denaturing gel electrophoresis and reversed-phase or size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography and isoelectric focusing. The enzyme characteristically catalyzes the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl α-l-arabinofuranoside and p-nitrophenyl β-d-xylopyranoside in a constant ratio (3:1) of the initial velocities at pH 4.5, whereas the corresponding α-l-arabinopyranoside and β-d-xylofuranoside are unsusceptible. The following evidence was provided to support that a single enzyme with one catalytic site was responsible for the specificity: (a) high purity of the enzyme preparation, (b) an invariable ratio of the activities toward the two substrates throughout the purification steps, (c) a parallelism of the activities in activation with bovine serum albumin and in heat inactivation of the enzyme as well as in the inhibition with heavy metal ions and sugars such as Hg2+, Ag+, l-arabino-(1→4)-lactone, and d-xylose, and (d) results of the mixed substrate kinetic analysis using the two substrates. The enzyme was shown to split off α-l-arabinofuranosyl residues in sugar beet arabinan, soybean arabinan-4-galactan, and radish seed and leaf arabinogalactan proteins. Arabinose and xylose were released by the action of the enzyme on oat-spelt xylan. Synergistic action of α-l-arabinofuranosidase and β-d-galactosidase on radish seed arabinogalactan protein resulted in the extensive degradation of the carbohydrate moiety. Images Figure 2 PMID:16652973

  19. Trehalose catabolism enzymes in L3 and L4 larvae of Anisakis simplex.

    PubMed

    Lopieńska-Biernat, E; Zółtowska, K; Rokicki, J

    2007-12-01

    The presence of trehalase and trehalose phosphorylase in L3 and L4 larvae of Anisakis simplex was demonstrated. The activity of trehalase and trehalose phosphorylase in L3 larvae was 6 and 10 times higher, respectively, than in L4 larvae. This suggests that trehalose metabolism is more important for L3 than LA larvae. Trehalases of L3 and L4 differ in their characteristics. The enzyme of L3 was present mainly in the lysosomes and cytosol, whereas in L4 the highest enzyme activity was measured in the lysosomal fraction. Trehalase activity was increased by 29% in L3 and 55% in L4 with the addition of Mg2+ (0.1 mmol). Tris inhibited trehalase in L3 larvae by 42% and in L4 by 25%. The enzymes differed in their reaction to EDTA, CaCl2, ZnCl2, and CH2ICOOH (all 0.1 mmol). High activity of trehalase from L3 larvae was measured within the pH range of 5.0 to 6.5, with an optimum pH of 6.1. The trehalase was a thermally tolerant enzyme from 25 C to 60 C. The enzyme lost half of its activity after preincubation without substrate above 75 C. The paper also discusses the similarities and differences in characteristics of trehalase from A. simplex larvae and presents the comparison to enzymes from other nematodes.

  20. Do L1 Reading Achievement and L1 Print Exposure Contribute to the Prediction of L2 Proficiency?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sparks, Richard L.; Patton, Jon; Ganschow, Leonore; Humbach, Nancy

    2012-01-01

    The study examined whether individual differences in high school first language (L1) reading achievement and print exposure would account for unique variance in second language (L2) written (word decoding, spelling, writing, reading comprehension) and oral (listening/speaking) proficiency after adjusting for the effects of early L1 literacy and…

  1. The Phonological Permeability Hypothesis: Measuring Regressive L3 Influence to Test L1 and L2 Phonological Representations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cabrelli Amaro, Jennifer Lauren

    2013-01-01

    The Phonological Permeability Hypothesis (PPH, Cabrelli Amaro & Rothman, 2010) attempts to reconcile evidence suggesting some L2 learners, however rare, attain native-like L2 phonological systems with the observation that most do not. Considering existing L2 phonology research, it is not clear that phonological differences between early and…

  2. 76 FR 47577 - Enstor Grama Ridge Storage and Transportation, L.L.C.; Enstor Katy Storage and Transportation, L...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-05

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR10-97-003; Docket No. PR10-101-003; Not Consolidated] Enstor Grama Ridge Storage and Transportation, L.L.C.; Enstor Katy Storage and Transportation, L.P.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on July 29, 2011, the applicants listed...

  3. Immunochemical Characterization of Temperature-Regulated Production of Enterocin L50 (EntL50A and EntL50B), Enterocin P, and Enterocin Q by Enterococcus faecium L50▿

    PubMed Central

    Criado, Raquel; Gutiérrez, Jorge; Martín, María; Herranz, Carmen; Hernández, Pablo E.; Cintas, Luis M.

    2006-01-01

    Polyclonal antibodies with specificity for enterocin L50A (EntL50A), enterocin L50B (EntL50B), and enterocin Q (EntQ) produced by Enterococcus faecium L50 have been generated by immunization of rabbits with chemically synthesized peptides derived from the C terminus of EntL50A (LR1) and EntL50B (LR2) and from the complete enterocin Q (EntQ) conjugated to the carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The sensitivity and specificity of these antibodies were evaluated by a noncompetitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCI-ELISA) and a competitive indirect ELISA (CI-ELISA). The NCI-ELISA was valuable for detecting anti-EntL50A-, anti-EntL50B-, and anti-EntQ-specific antibodies in the sera of the LR1-KLH-, LR2-KLH-, and EntQ-KLH-immunized animals, respectively. Moreover, these antibodies and those specific for enterocin P (EntP) obtained in a previous work (J. Gutiérrez, R. Criado, R. Citti, M. Martín, C. Herranz, M. F. Fernández, L. M. Cintas, and P. E. Hernández, J. Agric. Food Chem. 52:2247-2255, 2004) were used in an NCI-ELISA to detect and quantify the production of EntL50A, EntL50B, EntP, and EntQ by the multiple-bacteriocin producer E. faecium L50 grown at different temperatures (16 to 47°C). Our results show that temperature has a strong influence on bacteriocin production by this strain. EntL50A and EntL50B are synthesized at 16 to 32°C, but production becomes negligible when the growth temperature is above 37°C, whereas EntP and EntQ are synthesized at temperatures ranging from 16 to 47°C. Maximum EntL50A and EntL50B production was detected at 25°C, while EntP and EntQ are maximally produced at 37 and 47°C, respectively. The loss of plasmid pCIZ1 (50 kb) and/or pCIZ2 (7.4 kb), encoding EntL50A and EntL50B as well as EntQ, respectively, resulted in a significant increase in production and stability of the chromosomally encoded EntP. PMID:17056686

  4. Structural Basis for Recognition of L-lysine, L-ornithine, and L-2,4-diamino Butyric Acid by Lysine Cyclodeaminase.

    PubMed

    Min, Kyungjin; Yoon, Hye-Jin; Matsuura, Atsushi; Kim, Yong Hwan; Lee, Hyung Ho

    2018-04-30

    L-pipecolic acid is a non-protein amino acid commonly found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is a well-known precursor to numerous microbial secondary metabolites and pharmaceuticals, including anticancer agents, immunosuppressants, and several antibiotics. Lysine cyclodeaminase (LCD) catalyzes β-deamination of L-lysine into L-pipecolic acid using β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as a cofactor. Expression of a human homolog of LCD, μ-crystallin, is elevated in prostate cancer patients. To understand the structural features and catalytic mechanisms of LCD, we determined the crystal structures of Streptomyces pristinaespiralis LCD (SpLCD) in (i) a binary complex with NAD + , (ii) a ternary complex with NAD + and L-pipecolic acid, (iii) a ternary complex with NAD + and L-proline, and (iv) a ternary complex with NAD + and L-2,4-diamino butyric acid. The overall structure of SpLCD was similar to that of ornithine cyclodeaminase from Pseudomonas putida . In addition, SpLCD recognized L-lysine, L-ornithine, and L-2,4-diamino butyric acid despite differences in the active site, including differences in hydrogen bonding by Asp236, which corresponds with Asp228 from Pseudomonas putida ornithine cyclodeaminase. The substrate binding pocket of SpLCD allowed substrates smaller than lysine to bind, thus enabling binding to ornithine and L-2,4-diamino butyric acid. Our structural and biochemical data facilitate a detailed understanding of substrate and product recognition, thus providing evidence for a reaction mechanism for SpLCD. The proposed mechanism is unusual in that NAD + is initially converted into NADH and then reverted back into NAD + at a late stage of the reaction.

  5. L-Methionine Production.

    PubMed

    Shim, Jihyun; Shin, Yonguk; Lee, Imsang; Kim, So Young

    L-Methionine has been used in various industrial applications such as the production of feed and food additives and has been used as a raw material for medical supplies and drugs. It functions not only as an essential amino acid but also as a physiological effector, for example, by inhibiting fat accumulation and enhancing immune response. Producing methionine from fermentation is beneficial in that microorganisms can produce L-methionine selectively using eco-sustainable processes. Nevertheless, the fermentative method has not been used on an industrial scale because it is not competitive economically compared with chemical synthesis methods. Presented are efforts to develop suitable strains, engineered enzymes, and alternative process of producing L-methionine that overcomes problems of conventional fermentation methods. One of the alternative processes is a two-step process in which the L-methionine precursor is produced by fermentation and then converted to L-methionine by enzymes. Directed efforts toward strain development and enhanced enzyme engineering will advance industrial production of L-methionine based on fermentation.

  6. Construction of genetically engineered Candida tropicalis for conversion of l-arabinose to l-ribulose.

    PubMed

    Yeo, In-Seok; Shim, Woo-Yong; Kim, Jung Hoe

    2018-05-20

    For the biological production of l-ribulose, conversion by enzymes or resting cells has been investigated. However, expensive or concentrated substrates, an additional purification step to remove borate and the requirement for cell cultivation and harvest steps before utilization of resting cells make the production process complex and unfavorable. Microbial fermentation may help overcome these limitations. In this study, we constructed a genetically engineered Candida tropicalis strain to produce l-ribulose by fermentation with a glucose/l-arabinose mixture. For the uptake of l-arabinose as a substrate and conversion of l-arabinose to l-ribulose, two heterologous genes coding for l-arabinose transporter and l-arabinose isomerase, were constitutively expressed in C. tropicalis under the GAPDH promoter. The Arabidopsis thaliana-originated l-arabinose transporter gene (STP2)-expressing strain exhibited a high l-arabinose uptake rate of 0.103 g/g cell/h and the expression of l-arabinose isomerase from Lactobacillus sakei 23 K showed 30% of conversion (9 g/L) from 30 g/L of l-arabinose. This genetically engineered strain can be used for l-ribulose production by fermentation using mixed sugars of glucose and l-arabinose. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Direct production of L-tagatose from L-psicose by Enterobacter aerogenes 230S.

    PubMed

    Rao, Devendar; Gullapalli, Pushpakiran; Yoshihara, Akihide; Jenkinson, Sarah F; Morimoto, Kenji; Takata, Goro; Akimitsu, Kazuya; Tajima, Shigeyuki; Fleet, George W J; Izumori, Ken

    2008-11-01

    L-tagatose was produced directly from L-psicose by subjecting the same biomass suspension to microbial reduction followed by oxidation using a newly isolated bacteria Enterobacter aerogenes 230S. After various optimizations, it was observed that cells grown on xylitol have the best conversion potential. Moreover, E. aerogenes 230S converted L-psicose to L-tagatose at a faster rate in the presence of polyols such as glycerol, D-sorbitol, ribitol, L-arabitol, D-mannitol and xylitol. At 5% substrate concentration, the conversion ratio of L-psicose to L-tagatose was above 60% in the presence of glycerol. Identity of crystalline L-tagatose was confirmed by HPLC analysis, (13)C-NMR spectra, and optical rotation.

  8. Interactions in L-phenylalanine/L-leucine/L-glutamic Acid/L-proline + 2 M aqueous NaCl/2 M NaNO3 systems at different temperatures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riyazuddeen, Imran Khan; Afrin, Sadaf

    2012-12-01

    Density (ρ) and speed of sound ( u) in 2 M aqueous NaCl and 2 M NaNO3 solutions of amino acids: L-phenylalanine, L-leucine, L-glutamic acid, and L-proline have been measured for several molal concentrations of amino acids at different temperatures. The ρ and u data have been used to calculate the values of isothermal compressibility and internal pressure at different temperatures. The trends of variations of κ T and P i with an increase in molal concentration of amino acid and temperature have been discussed in terms of solute-solvent and solute-solute interactions in the systems.

  9. Immunogencity of HSA-L7/L12 (Brucella abortus ribosomal protein) in an animal model.

    PubMed

    Pakzad, Iraj; Rezaee, Abbas; Rasaee, Mohammad Javad; Tabbaraee, Bahman; Delpisheh, Ali

    2009-03-01

    The immunogenic Brucella abortus ribosomal protein L7/L12 is a promising candidate antigen for the development of subunit vaccines against brucellosis. This study was aimed to evaluate the protection of recombinant Human Serum Albumin (HAS)-L7/L12 fusion protein in Balb/c mice. The amplified L7/L12 gene was cloned in pYHSA5 vector, pYHSA5-L7/L12 construct was transformed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the expressed protein from supernatant was purified by affinity chromatography. Balb/c mice were immunized in five groups by tHSA-L7/L12 fusion protein (group 1), Brucella abortus S19 (group 2), HSA (group 3), recombinant L7/L12 (group 4), PBS (group 5). ELISA to detect antibody production, LTT test to assess antigen specific lymphocyte response were conducted prior to virulent B. abortus strain 544 challenge two weeks after the last injection. Bacterial counts from spleens of immunized mice were done four weeks after challenge. In ELISA tests, the specific antibodies exhibited a dominance of immunoglobulin IgG1 over IgG2a. In addition, the tHSA-L7/L12 fusion protein and L7/L12 elicited a strong T-cell proliferative response upon restimulation in vitro with recombinant tHSA-L7/L12 and L7/L12, suggesting the induction of a cellular immunity response in vivo. However, there was no significant difference in proliferative response of L7/L12 and tHSA-L7/L12 fusion protein (p>0.05). The L7/L12 and tHSA-L7/L12 fusion protein vaccines could also induce significant protection against challenge with the virulent strain B. abortus 544 in Balb/c mice (p< or =0.05). The tHSA-L7/L12 fusion protein, similar to L7/L12 has the ability to induce antigen specific lymphocyte proliferation, stimulate humoral immunity and engender protection.

  10. β-L-Arabinofuranosylation Conducted by 5-O-(2-pyridinecarbonyl)-L-arabinofuranosyl Trichloroacetimidate.

    PubMed

    Li, Hong-Zhan; Ding, Jie; Cheng, Chun-Ru; Chen, Yue; Liang, Xing-Yong

    2018-05-02

    We describe a β-L-arabinofuranosylation method by employing the 5-O-(2-pyridinecarbonyl)-L-arabinofuranosyl trichloroacetimidate 10 as a donor. This approach allows a wide range of acceptor substrates, especially amino acid acceptors, to be used. Stereoselective synthesis of β-(1,4)-L-arabinofuranosyl-(2S, 4R)-4-hydroxy-L-proline (β-L-Araf-L-Hyp 4 ) and its dimer is achieved readily by this method. Both the stereoselectivities and yields of the reactions are excellent. To demonstrate the utility of this methodology, the preparation of a trisaccharide in a one-pot manner was carried out. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Development of Bacteriocinogenic Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Heterologously Expressing and Secreting the Leaderless Enterocin L50 Peptides L50A and L50B from Enterococcus faecium L50▿

    PubMed Central

    Basanta, Antonio; Herranz, Carmen; Gutiérrez, Jorge; Criado, Raquel; Hernández, Pablo E.; Cintas, Luis M.

    2009-01-01

    A segregationally stable expression and secretion vector for Saccharomyces cerevisiae, named pYABD01, was constructed by cloning the yeast gene region encoding the mating pheromone α-factor 1 secretion signal (MFα1s) into the S. cerevisiae high-copy-number expression vector pYES2. The structural genes of the two leaderless peptides of enterocin L50 (EntL50A and EntL50B) from Enterococcus faecium L50 were cloned, separately (entL50A or entL50B) and together (entL50AB), into pYABD01 under the control of the galactose-inducible promoter PGAL1. The generation of recombinant S. cerevisiae strains heterologously expressing and secreting biologically active EntL50A and EntL50B demonstrates the suitability of the MFα1s-containing vector pYABD01 to direct processing and secretion of these antimicrobial peptides through the S. cerevisiae Sec system. PMID:19218405

  12. [Combined l-thyroxine and l-triiodothyronine replacement therapy in congenital hypothyroidism].

    PubMed

    Péter, Ferenc; Muzsnai, Agota

    2013-05-12

    L-thyroxine replacement therapy is the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism. Recently, several studies suggested to complete it with l-triiodothyronine in acquired hypothyroidism. To study the role of combined l-thyroxine and l-triiodothyronine therapy in special cases with congenital hypothyroidism. Data of 16 patients (age: 11.9 ± 6.3 years; mean ± SD) are presented who had high serum free thyroxine values or even above the upper limit of reference range (21.16 ± 2.5 pmol/l) together with nonsuppressed TSH levels (15.7 ± 5.7 mIU/l), and therefore received l-triiodothyronine in completion (0.18 ± 0.09 μg/kg) once a day. The combined replacement therapy resulted in a rapid improvement of the hormone parameters (TSH: 4.2 ± 3.15 mIU/l; free thyroxine: 16.55 ± 2.4 and free triiodothyronine: 7.4 ± 1.8 pmol/l). The efficiency of this combined therapy proved to be more evident (TSH: 4.33 ± 3.2 mIU/l; free thyroxine: 16.85 ± 3.1 and free triiodothyronine: 6.4 ± 0.85 pmol/l) in 10 patients treated for a longer period of time (duration of treatment: 2.9 ± 2.0 years). The dose of thyroxine substitution decreased from 2.6 ± 0.9 to 2.18 ± 0.6 μg/kg/day), the ratio of these hormones was between 5:1 and 19:1 and the quotient of free fractions was normalized (3.8 ± 0.4→2.6 ± 0.3) during the replacement therapy. According to the observation of the authors a serious disturbance of feed-back mechanism may develop in some (>5%) children with congenital hypothyroidism (increased TSH release despite elevated free thyroxine level) after normal function of the feed-back system for years. Hormone parameters of these patients improve, then become normal on combined therapy supporting the rationale for this treatment method.

  13. D-Glucosone and L-sorbosone, putative intermediates of L-ascorbic acid biosynthesis in detached bean and spinach leaves. [Phaseolus vulgaris L. ; Spinacia oleracea L

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

    Saito, Kazumi; Nick, J.A.; Loewus, F.A.

    D-(6-{sup 14}C)Glucosone that had been prepared enzymically from D-(6-{sup 14}C)glucose was used to compare relative efficiencies of these two sugars for L-ascorbic acid (AA) biosynthesis in detached bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv California small white) apices and 4-week-old spinach (Spinacia oleracea L., cv Giant Noble) leaves. At tracer concentration, {sup 14}C from glucosone was utilized by spinach leaves for AA biosynthesis much more effectively than glucose. Carbon-14 from (6-{sup 14}C)glucose underwent considerable redistribution during AA formation, whereas {sup 14}C from (6-{sup 14}C)glucosone remained almost totally in carbon 6 of AA. In other experiments with spinach leaves, L-(U-{sup 14}C)sorbosone was foundmore » to be equivalent to (6-{sup 14}C)glucose as a source of {sup 14}C for AA. In the presence of 0.1% D-glucosone, conversion of (6-{sup 14}C) glucose into labeled AA was greatly repressed. In a comparable experiment with L-sorbosone replacing D-glucosone, the effect was much less. The experiments described here give substance to the proposal that D-glucosone and L-sorbosone are putative intermediates in the conversion of D-glucose to AA in higher plants.« less

  14. Validation of a Stability-Indicating Method for Methylseleno-l-Cysteine (l-SeMC)

    PubMed Central

    Canady, Kristin; Cobb, Johnathan; Deardorff, Peter; Larson, Jami; White, Jonathan M.; Boring, Dan

    2016-01-01

    Methylseleno-l-cysteine (l-SeMC) is a naturally occurring amino acid analogue used as a general dietary supplement and is being explored as a chemopreventive agent. As a known dietary supplement, l-SeMC is not regulated as a pharmaceutical and there is a paucity of analytical methods available. To address the lack of methodology, a stability-indicating method was developed and validated to evaluate l-SeMC as both the bulk drug and formulated drug product (400 µg Se/capsule). The analytical approach presented is a simple, nonderivatization method that utilizes HPLC with ultraviolet detection at 220 nm. A C18 column with a volatile ion-pair agent and methanol mobile phase was used for the separation. The method accuracy was 99–100% from 0.05 to 0.15 mg/mL l-SeMC for the bulk drug, and 98–99% from 0.075 to 0.15 mg/mL l-SeMC for the drug product. Method precision was <1% for the bulk drug and was 3% for the drug product. The LOQ was 0.1 µg/mL l-SeMC or 0.002 µg l-SeMC on column. PMID:26199341

  15. 75 FR 8051 - Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-02-23

    ... Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Application February 12, 2010. Take notice that on January 29, 2010, Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C. (Petal), 1100 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas, 77002, filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission an abbreviated application pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), as...

  16. 75 FR 33299 - Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C.; Notice of Revised Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-11

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP10-690-002] Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C.; Notice of Revised Filing June 4, 2010. Take notice that on May 14, 2010, Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C. submitted a revised filing to its filing made on May 14, 2010, in the above referenced...

  17. Toward Independent L2 Readers: Effects of Text Adjuncts, Subject Knowledge, L1 Reading, and L2 Proficiency

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brantmeier, Cindy; Hammadou Sullivan, JoAnn; Strube, Michael

    2014-01-01

    With 97 learners in an advanced Spanish course, the study examines the effects of textual enhancement adjuncts, prior subject knowledge, first language (L1) reading ability, and second language (L2) Spanish proficiency on L2 comprehension of scientific passages. Readings included two texts with two types of embedded questions: a pause or written…

  18. L-Arginine

    MedlinePlus

    ... SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately for a short-term during pregnancy. Not enough is known about using L-arginine long-term in pregnancy or during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: L-arginine is POSSIBLY SAFE when used by ...

  19. Solving L-L Extraction Problems with Excel Spreadsheet

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Teppaitoon, Wittaya

    2016-01-01

    This work aims to demonstrate the use of Excel spreadsheets for solving L-L extraction problems. The key to solving the problems successfully is to be able to determine a tie line on the ternary diagram where the calculation must be carried out. This enables the reader to analyze the extraction process starting with a simple operation, the…

  20. L2 Effects on L1 Event Conceptualization

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bylund, Emanuel; Jarvis, Scott

    2011-01-01

    The finding that speakers of aspect languages encode event endpoints to a lesser extent than do speakers of non-aspect languages has led to the hypothesis that there is a relationship between grammatical aspect and event conceptualization (e.g., von Stutterheim and Nuse, 2003). The present study concerns L1 event conceptualization in 40 L1…

  1. 78 FR 64597 - Youngstown & Southeastern Railway Company-Operation Exemption-Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-29

    ... & Southeastern Railway Company--Operation Exemption-- Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C. Youngstown & Southeastern Railway... agent of, and in the name of, Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C. (MSLLC), three miles of contiguous track segments... verified notice of exemption filed in Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C.--Acquisition Exemption--Columbiana County...

  2. L1 Korean and L1 Mandarin L2 English Learners' Acquisition of the Count/Mass Distinction in English

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Choi, Sea Hee; Ionin, Tania; Zhu, Yeqiu

    2018-01-01

    This study investigates the second language (L2) acquisition of the English count/mass distinction by speakers of Korean and Mandarin Chinese, with a focus on the semantics of atomicity. It is hypothesized that L1-Korean and L1-Mandarin L2-English learners are influenced by atomicity in the use of the count/mass morphosyntax in English. This…

  3. Lexical statistics of competition in L2 versus L1 listening

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cutler, Anne

    2005-09-01

    Spoken-word recognition involves multiple activation of alternative word candidates and competition between these alternatives. Phonemic confusions in L2 listening increase the number of potentially active words, thus slowing word recognition by adding competitors. This study used a 70,000-word English lexicon backed by frequency statistics from a 17,900,000-word corpus to assess the competition increase resulting from two representative phonemic confusions, one vocalic (ae/E) and one consonantal (r/l), in L2 versus L1 listening. The first analysis involved word embedding. Embedded words (cat in cattle, rib in ribbon) cause competition, which phonemic confusion can increase (cat in kettle, rib in liberty). The average increase in number of embedded words was 59.6 and 48.3 temporary ambiguity. Even when no embeddings are present, multiple alternatives are possible: para- can become parrot, paradise, etc., but also pallet, palace given /r/-/l/ confusion. Phoneme confusions (vowel or consonant) in first or second position in the word approximately doubled the number of activated candidates; confusions later in the word increased activation by on average 53 third, 42 confusions significantly increase competition for L2 compared with L1 listeners.

  4. A Study of Relationships between L1 Pragmatic Transfer and L2 Proficiency

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bu, Jiemin

    2012-01-01

    Studies in interlanguage pragmatics have shown that L2 learners' proficiency has an influence on the occurrences of L1 pragmatic transfer. However, questions remain whether the relationship between L1 pragmatic transfer and L2 proficiency is positive or negative. This paper is designed to study L1 pragmatic transfer in requests made by Chinese…

  5. 78 FR 64051 - Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C.-Acquisition Exemption-Columbiana County Port Authority

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-25

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35773] Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C.--Acquisition Exemption--Columbiana County Port Authority Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C. (MSLLC), a... Exemption-- Mule Sidetracks, L.L.C., Docket No. FD 35774, by which Y&SR seeks an exemption to continue to...

  6. 75 FR 1362 - WM Renewable Energy, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-11

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. EL10-32-000, QF08-622-002] WM Renewable Energy, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing January 4, 2010. Take notice that on December 31, 2009, WM Renewable Energy, L.L.C. filed a petition for a declaratory order, pursuant to Rule 207(a)(2) of...

  7. Validation of a Stability-Indicating Method for Methylseleno-L-Cysteine (L-SeMC).

    PubMed

    Canady, Kristin; Cobb, Johnathan; Deardorff, Peter; Larson, Jami; White, Jonathan M; Boring, Dan

    2016-01-01

    Methylseleno-L-cysteine (L-SeMC) is a naturally occurring amino acid analogue used as a general dietary supplement and is being explored as a chemopreventive agent. As a known dietary supplement, L-SeMC is not regulated as a pharmaceutical and there is a paucity of analytical methods available. To address the lack of methodology, a stability-indicating method was developed and validated to evaluate L-SeMC as both the bulk drug and formulated drug product (400 µg Se/capsule). The analytical approach presented is a simple, nonderivatization method that utilizes HPLC with ultraviolet detection at 220 nm. A C18 column with a volatile ion-pair agent and methanol mobile phase was used for the separation. The method accuracy was 99-100% from 0.05 to 0.15 mg/mL L-SeMC for the bulk drug, and 98-99% from 0.075 to 0.15 mg/mL L-SeMC for the drug product. Method precision was <1% for the bulk drug and was 3% for the drug product. The LOQ was 0.1 µg/mL L-SeMC or 0.002 µg L-SeMC on column. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  8. L2 Milestone 5433: Characterization of Dynamic Behavior of AM and Conventionally Processed Stainless Steel (316L and 304L)

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

    Gray, George Thompson; Livescu, Veronica; Rigg, P. A.

    For additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic materials, the certification and qualification paradigm needs to evolve as there currently exists no broadly accepted “ASTM- or DIN-type” additive manufacturing certified process or AM-material produced specifications. Accordingly, design, manufacture, and thereafter implementation and insertion of AM materials to meet engineering applications requires detailed quantification of the constitutive (strength and damage) properties of these evolving materials, across the spectrum of metallic AM methods, in comparison/contrast to conventionally-manufactured metals and alloys. This report summarizes the 316L SS research results and presents initial results of the follow-on study of 304L SS. For the AM-316L SS investigation,more » cylindrical samples of 316L SS were produced using a LENS MR-7 laser additive manufacturing system from Optomec (Albuquerque, NM) equipped with a 1kW Yb-fiber laser. The microstructure of the AM-316L SS was characterized in both the “as-built” Additively Manufactured state and following a heat-treatment designed to obtain full recrystallization to facilitate comparison with annealed wrought 316L SS. The dynamic shock-loading-induced damage evolution and failure response of all three 316L SS materials was quantified using flyer-plate impact driven spallation experiments at peak stresses of 4.5 and 6.35 GPa. The results of these studies are reported in detail in the first section of the report. Publication of the 316L SS results in an archival journal is planned. Following on from the 316L SS completed work, initial results on a study of AM 304L SS are in progress and presented herein. Preliminary results on the structure/dynamic spallation property behavior of AM-304L SS fabricated using both the directed-energy LENS and an EOS powder-bed AM techniques in comparison to wrought 304L SS is detailed in this Level 2 Milestone report.« less

  9. Bilingual Lexical Access during L1 Sentence Reading: The Effects of L2 Knowledge, Semantic Constraint, and L1-L2 Intermixing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Titone, Debra; Libben, Maya; Mercier, Julie; Whitford, Veronica; Pivneva, Irina

    2011-01-01

    Libben and Titone (2009) recently observed that cognate facilitation and interlingual homograph interference were attenuated by increased semantic constraint during bilingual second language (L2) reading, using eye movement measures. We now investigate whether cross-language activation also occurs during first language (L1) reading as a function…

  10. L2 and L3 Ultimate Attainment: An Investigation of Two Parameters

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hermas, Abdelkader

    2014-01-01

    This study considers the upper limit of ultimate attainment in the L2 French and L3 English of trilingual learners. The learners are native speakers of Moroccan Arabic who started learning L2 French at eight and L3 English at 16. They are advanced in both languages. Four constructions representing the verb movement and null subject parameter were…

  11. L1 and L2 Spoken Word Processing: Evidence from Divided Attention Paradigm.

    PubMed

    Shafiee Nahrkhalaji, Saeedeh; Lotfi, Ahmad Reza; Koosha, Mansour

    2016-10-01

    The present study aims to reveal some facts concerning first language (L 1 ) and second language (L 2 ) spoken-word processing in unbalanced proficient bilinguals using behavioral measures. The intention here is to examine the effects of auditory repetition word priming and semantic priming in first and second languages of these bilinguals. The other goal is to explore the effects of attention manipulation on implicit retrieval of perceptual and conceptual properties of spoken L 1 and L 2 words. In so doing, the participants performed auditory word priming and semantic priming as memory tests in their L 1 and L 2 . In a half of the trials of each experiment, they carried out the memory test while simultaneously performing a secondary task in visual modality. The results revealed that effects of auditory word priming and semantic priming were present when participants processed L 1 and L 2 words in full attention condition. Attention manipulation could reduce priming magnitude in both experiments in L 2 . Moreover, L 2 word retrieval increases the reaction times and reduces accuracy on the simultaneous secondary task to protect its own accuracy and speed.

  12. 77 FR 28874 - ONEOK Rockies Midstream, L.L.C.; Notice of Redesignation of Proceeding

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-16

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP12-449-000] ONEOK Rockies Midstream, L.L.C.; Notice of Redesignation of Proceeding On April 11, 2012, ONEOK Rockies Midstream, L.L.C... Docket No. CP96-684- 001 \\1\\ to Bear Paw Energy, L.L.C. (BPE). Specifically, ORM states that its name was...

  13. Characterization of a thermostable recombinant l-rhamnose isomerase from Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis OB47 and its application for the production of l-fructose and l-rhamnulose.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ziwei; Xu, Wei; Zhang, Wenli; Zhang, Tao; Jiang, Bo; Mu, Wanmeng

    2018-04-01

    l-Hexoses are rare sugars that are important components and precursors in the synthesis of biological compounds and pharmaceutical drugs. l-Rhamnose isomerase (L-RI, EC 5.3.1.14) is an aldose-ketose isomerase that plays a significant role in the production of l-sugars. In this study, a thermostable, l-sugar-producing L-RI from the hyperthermophile Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis OB47 was characterized. The recombinant L-RI displayed maximal activity at pH 8.0 and 85 °C and was significantly activated by Co 2+ . It exhibited a relatively high thermostability, with measured half-lives of 24.75, 11.55, 4.15 and 3.30 h in the presence of Co 2+ at 70, 75, 80 and 85 °C, respectively. Specific activities of 277.6, 57.9, 13.7 and 9.6 U mg -1 were measured when l-rhamnose, l-mannose, d-allose and l-fructose were used as substrates, respectively. l-Rhamnulose was produced with conversion ratios of 44.0% and 38.6% from 25 and 50 g L -1 l-rhamnose, respectively. l-Fructose was also efficiently produced by the L-RI, with conversion ratios of 67.0% and 58.4% from 25 and 50 g L -1 l-mannose, respectively. The recombinant L-RI could effectively catalyze the formation of l-rhamnulose and l-fructose, suggesting that it was a promising candidate for industrial production of l-rhamnulose and l-fructose. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

  14. Proteomic analysis of rodent ribosomes revealed heterogeneity including ribosomal proteins L10-like, L22-like 1, and L39-like.

    PubMed

    Sugihara, Yoshihiko; Honda, Hiroki; Iida, Tomoharu; Morinaga, Takuma; Hino, Shingo; Okajima, Tetsuya; Matsuda, Tsukasa; Nadano, Daita

    2010-03-05

    Heterogeneity of ribosome structure, due to variations in ribosomal protein composition, has been shown to be of physiological significance in plants and yeast. Mammalian genomics have demonstrated numerous genes that are paralogous to genes encoding ribosomal proteins. Although the vast majority are considered to be pseudogenes, mRNA expression of a few paralogues, such as human ribosomal protein L39-like/L39-2, has been reported. In the present study, ribosomes from the liver, mammary gland, and testis of rodents were analyzed using a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis under radical-free and highly reducing conditions, and mass spectrometry. This system allowed identification of 78 ribosomal proteins and Rack1 from a single gel. The degree of heterogeneity was far less than that reported for plant and yeast ribosomes, and was in accord with published biochemical and genetic data for mammalian ribosomes. Nevertheless, an uncharacterized paralogue of ribosomal protein L22, ribosomal protein L22-like 1, was identified as a minor ribosomal component. Ribosomal proteins L10-like and L39-like, paralogues of ribosomal proteins L10 and L39, respectively, were found in ribosomes only from the testis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction yielded supportive evidence for specific expression of L10-like and L39-like in the testis. Newly synthesized L39-like is likely to be transported to the nucleolus, where ribosome biosynthesis occurs, and then incorporated into translating ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Heterogeneity of mammalian testicular ribosomes is structurally non-negligible, and may offer valuable insights into the function of the customized ribosome.

  15. Monoclonal Antibody L1Mab-13 Detected Human PD-L1 in Lung Cancers.

    PubMed

    Yamada, Shinji; Itai, Shunsuke; Nakamura, Takuro; Yanaka, Miyuki; Chang, Yao-Wen; Suzuki, Hiroyoshi; Kaneko, Mika K; Kato, Yukinari

    2018-04-01

    Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on antigen-presenting cells. It is also expressed in several tumor cells such as melanoma and lung cancer cells. A strong correlation has been reported between human PD-L1 (hPD-L1) expression in tumor cells and negative prognosis in cancer patients. Here, a novel anti-hPD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) L 1 Mab-13 (IgG 1 , kappa) was produced using a cell-based immunization and screening (CBIS) method. We investigated hPD-L1 expression in lung cancer using flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses. L 1 Mab-13 specifically reacted hPD-L1 of hPD-L1-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells and endogenous hPD-L1 of KMST-6 (human fibroblast) in flow cytometry and Western blot. Furthermore, L 1 Mab-13 reacted with lung cancer cell lines (EBC-1, Lu65, and Lu99) in flow cytometry and stained lung cancer tissues in a membrane-staining pattern in immunohistochemical analysis. These results indicate that a novel anti-hPD-L1 mAb, L 1 Mab-13, is very useful for detecting hPD-L1 of lung cancers in flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses.

  16. Antifungal activity of acetone extracts from Punica granatum L., Quercus suber L. and Vicia faba L.

    PubMed

    Akroum, S

    2017-03-01

    Human and animal mycoses become more frequent and more resistant to traditional treatments. In this work, we tested the in vitro antifungal activity of acetonic extracts of Punica granatum L., Quercus suber L. and Vicia faba L. against seven pathogen fungi and the in vivo antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The phytochemical screening was also carried out and showed that the extracts contained mainly proanthocyanidins. Other polyphenols were also present but in low quantity. The acetone extract of V. faba L. gave a good in vitro inhibition of yeasts and was the most active for treating candidiasis in mice. It decreased the percentage of mortality with only 20μg. But the in vivo antifungal activity of this extract on T. mentagrophytes was low. It only showed a small diminution of crusting and erythema after the administration of 100μg. On the contrary, the acetone extracts of P. granatum L. had a poor activity against yeasts and a better one against moulds. It gave the best in vivo antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes by healing animals with 40μg. The extract of P. granatum L. gave also an interesting in vivo antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes with an active dose of 80μg. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Differential expression of a novel gene during seed triacylglycerol accumulation in lupin species ( Lupinus angustifolius L. and L. mutabilis L.).

    PubMed

    Francki, Michael G; Whitaker, Peta; Smith, Penelope M; Atkins, Craig A

    2002-11-01

    Seed triacylglycerols (TAGs) are stored as energy reserves and extracted for various end-product uses. In lupins, seed oil content varies from 16% in Lupinus mutabilisto 8% in L. angustifolius. We have shown that TAGs rapidly accumulate during mid-stages of seed development in L. mutabilis compared to the lower seed oil species, L. angustifolius. In this study, we have targeted the key enzymes of the lipid biosynthetic pathway, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DAGAT), to determine factors regulating TAG accumulation between two lupin species. A twofold increase in ACCase activity was observed in L. mutabilis relative to L. angustifolius and correlated with rapid TAG accumulation. No difference in DAGAT activity was detected. We have identified, cloned and partially characterised a novel gene differentially expressed during TAG accumulation between L. angustifolius and L. mutabilis. The gene has some identity to the glucose dehydrogenase family previously described in barley and bacteria and the significance of its expression levels during seed development in relation to TAG accumulation is discussed. DNA sequence analysis of the promoter in both L. angustifolius and L. mutabilis identified putative matrix attachment regions and recognition sequences for transcription binding sites similar to those found in the Adh1 gene from Arabidopsis. The identical promoter regions between species indicate that differential gene expression is controlled by alternative transcription factors, accessibility to binding sites or a combination of both.

  18. Comparison of three tannases cloned from closely related lactobacillus species: L. Plantarum, L. Paraplantarum, and L. Pentosus

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Tannase (tannin acyl hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.20) specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of the galloyl ester bonds in hydrolyzable tannins to release gallic acid. The enzyme was found not only in fungal species but also many bacterial species including Lactobacillus plantarum, L. paraplantarum, and L. pentosus. Recently, we identified and expressed a tannase gene of L. plantarum, tanLpl, to show remarkable differences to characterized fungal tannases. However, little is known about genes responsible for tannase activities of L. paraplantarum and L. pentosus. We here identify the tannase genes (i.e. tanLpa and tanLpe) of the above lactobacilli species, and describe their molecular diversity among the strains as well as enzymological difference between species inclusive of L. plantarum. Results The genes encoding tannase, designated tanLpa and tanLpe, were cloned from Lactobacillus paraplantarum NSO120 and Lactobacillus pentosus 21A-3, which shared 88% and 72% amino acid identity with TanLpl, cloned from Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917T, respectively. These three enzymes could comprise a novel tannase subfamily of independent lineage, because no other tannases in the databases share significant sequence similarity with them. Each of tanLpl, tanLpa, and tanLpe was expressed in Bacillus subtilis RIK 1285 and recombinant enzymes were secreted and purified. The Km values of the enzymes on each galloyl ester were comparable; however, the kcat/Km values of TanLpa for EGCg, ECg, Cg, and GCg were markedly higher than those for TanLpl and TanLpe. Their enzymological properties were compared to reveal differences at least in substrate specificity. Conclusion Two tannase genes responsible for tannase activities of L. paraplantarum and L. pentosus were identified and characterized. TanLpl, TanLpa and TanLpe forming a phylogenetic cluster in the known bacterial tannase genes and had a limited diversity in each other. Their enzymological properties were compared to reveal

  19. Face-selective crystal growth behavior of L-aspartic acid in the presence of L-asparagine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sato, Hiroyasu; Doki, Norihito; Yoshida, Saki; Yokota, Masaaki; Shimizu, Kenji

    2016-02-01

    The kinetic mechanism of L-asparagine (L-Asn) action on L-aspartic acid (L-Asp) crystal growth, namely the face-selective effect of L-Asn on the L-Asp crystal growth rate in each direction, was examined. In the a-axis direction, the effect of L-Asn on the L-Asp crystal growth rate was small. Enhancement and inhibition of L-Asp crystal growth, and interestingly the dissolution of the L-Asp crystal face, were observed in the b-axis direction, depending on the amount of L-Asn added. In the c-axis direction, the L-Asp crystal growth rate decreased with the increase in the amount of L-Asn added, and the experimental results were well fitted with a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The study showed that there were crystal growth conditions where enhancement and inhibition, as well as inhibition and dissolution, coexisted in the presence of an additive with a structure similar to the growing crystal.

  20. 78 FR 21929 - Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR13-46-000] Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on April 1, 2013, Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C. (Hattiesburg) filed to cancel its Statement of Operating Conditions including its Tariff...

  1. 75 FR 56092 - Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-15

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR10-96-000] Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C; Notice of Filing September 8, 2010. Take notice that on September 1, 2010, Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C. (Hattiesburg) filed a revised Statement of Operating Conditions (SOC...

  2. 76 FR 20657 - Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-13

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR10-102-001] Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on April 1, 2011, Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C. (Hattiesburg) filed a revised Statement of Operating Conditions to comply with a...

  3. 76 FR 18753 - Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-05

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR11-97-000] Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on March 28, 2011, Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, L.L.C. (Jefferson Island) submitted a revised Statement of Operating Conditions (SOC) for...

  4. 76 FR 66054 - Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-25

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. CP12-4-000] Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on October 7, 2011, Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. (Southern), 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501, Birmingham, AL 35209, filed an application...

  5. L-Cysteine/D,L-homocysteine-regulated ileum motility via system L and B°(,+) transporter: Modification by inhibitors of hydrogen sulfide synthesis and dietary treatments.

    PubMed

    Yamane, Satoshi; Nomura, Ryouya; Yanagihara, Madoka; Nakamura, Hiroyuki; Fujino, Hiromichi; Matsumoto, Kenjiro; Horie, Syunji; Murayama, Toshihiko

    2015-10-05

    Previous studies including ours demonstrated that L-cysteine treatments decreased motility in gastrointestinal tissues including the ileum via hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is formed from sulfur-containing amino acids such as L-cysteine and L-homocysteine. However, the amino acid transport systems involved in L-cysteine/L-homocysteine-induced responses have not yet been elucidated in detail; therefore, we investigated these systems pharmacologically by measuring electrical stimulation (ES)-induced contractions with amino acids in mouse ileum preparations. The treatments with L-cysteine and D,L-homocysteine inhibited ES-induced contractions in ileum preparations from fasted mice, and these responses were decreased by the treatment with 2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylate (BCH), an inhibitor of systems L and B°(,+). The results obtained using ileum preparations and a model cell line (PC12 cells) with various amino acids and BCH showed that not only L-cysteine, but also aminooxyacetic acid and D,L-propargylglycine, which act as H2S synthesis inhibitors, appeared to be taken up by these preparations/cells in L and B°(,+) system-dependent manners. The L-cysteine and D,L-homocysteine responses were delayed and abolished, respectively, in ileum preparations from fed mice. Our results suggested that the regulation of ileum motility by L-cysteine and D,L-homocysteine was dependent on BCH-sensitive systems, and varied depending on feeding in mice. Therefore, the effects of aminooxyacetic acid and D,L-propargylglycine on transport systems need to be considered in pharmacological analyses. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Examination of correlation between histidine and nickel absorption by Morus L., Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Populus nigra L. using HPLC-MS and ICP-MS.

    PubMed

    Ozen, Sukran Akkus; Yaman, Mehmet

    2016-08-02

    In this study, HPLC-MS and ICP-MS methods were used for the determination of histidine and nickel in Morus L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., and Populus nigra L. leaves taken from industrial areas including Gaziantep and Bursa cities. In the determination of histidine by HPLC-MS, all of the system parameters such as flow rate of mobile phase, fragmentor potential, injection volume and column temperature were optimized and found to be 0.2 mL min(-1), 70 V, 15 µL, and 20°C, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, histidine was extracted from plant sample by distilled water at 90°C for 30 min. Concentrations of histidine as mg kg(-1) were found to be between 2-9 for Morus L., 6-13 for Robinia pseudoacacia L., and 2-10 for Populus nigra L. Concentrations of nickel were in the ranges of 5-10 mg kg(-1) for Morus L., 3-10 mg kg(-1) for Robinia pseudoacacia L., and 0.6-4 mg kg(-1) for Populus nigra L. A significant linear correlation (r = 0.78) between histidine and Ni was observed for Populus nigra L., whereas insignificant linear correlation for Robinia pseudoacacia L. (r = 0.22) were seen. Limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) were found to be 0.025 mg Ni L(-1) and 0.075 mg Ni L(-1), respectively.

  7. 75 FR 26746 - ONEOK Westex Transmission, L.L.C.; Notice of Baseline Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR10-19-000] ONEOK Westex Transmission, L.L.C.; Notice of Baseline Filing May 5, 2010. Take notice that on April 29, 2010, ONEOK Westex Transmission, L.L.C. submitted its baseline filing of its Statement of Operating Conditions for transportation...

  8. 75 FR 53688 - Southern LNG Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Technical Conference

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-01

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP10-829-000] Southern LNG Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Technical Conference August 25, 2010. Take notice that Commission Staff will... Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. On June 7, 2010, Southern LNG Company, L.L.C. (Southern LNG) filed a...

  9. Supplementation with L-Glutamine and L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine Changes Biochemical Parameters and Jejunum Morphophysiology in Type 1 Diabetic Wistar Rats

    PubMed Central

    da Rosa, Carlos Vinicius D.; Azevedo, Silvia C. S. F.; Bazotte, Roberto B.; Peralta, Rosane M.; Buttow, Nilza C.; Pedrosa, Maria Montserrat D.; de Godoi, Vilma A. F.; Natali, Maria Raquel M.

    2015-01-01

    We evaluated the effects of the supplementation with L-glutamine and glutamine dipeptide (GDP) on biochemical and morphophysiological parameters in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. For this purpose, thirty animals were distributed into six groups treated orally (gavage) during thirty days: non diabetic rats (Control) + saline, diabetic + saline; Control + L-glutamine (248 mg/kg), Diabetic + L-glutamine (248 mg/kg), Control + GDP (400 mg/kg), Diabetic + GDP (400 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and confirmed by fasting glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL. Physiological parameters, i.e., body mass, food intake, blood glucose, water intake, urine and faeces were evaluated during supplementation. After the period of supplementation, the animals were euthanized. The blood was collected for biochemical assays (fructosamine, transaminases, lipid profile, total protein, urea, ammonia). Moreover, the jejunum was excised and stored for morphophysiological assays (intestinal enzyme activity, intestinal wall morphology, crypt proliferative index, number of serotoninergic cells from the mucosa, and vipergic neurons from the submucosal tunica). The physiological parameters, protein metabolism and intestinal enzyme activity did not change with the supplementation with L-glutamine or GDP. In diabetic animals, transaminases and fructosamine improved with L-glutamine and GDP supplementations, while the lipid profile improved with L-glutamine. Furthermore, both forms of supplementation promoted changes in jejunal tunicas and wall morphometry of control and diabetic groups, but only L-glutamine promoted maintenance of serotoninergic cells and vipergic neurons populations. On the other hand, control animals showed changes that may indicate negative effects of L-glutamine. Thus, the supplementation with L-glutamine was more efficient for maintaining intestinal morphophysiology and the supplementation with GDP was more efficient to the organism as a

  10. Supplementation with L-Glutamine and L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine Changes Biochemical Parameters and Jejunum Morphophysiology in Type 1 Diabetic Wistar Rats.

    PubMed

    da Rosa, Carlos Vinicius D; Azevedo, Silvia C S F; Bazotte, Roberto B; Peralta, Rosane M; Buttow, Nilza C; Pedrosa, Maria Montserrat D; de Godoi, Vilma A F; Natali, Maria Raquel M

    2015-01-01

    We evaluated the effects of the supplementation with L-glutamine and glutamine dipeptide (GDP) on biochemical and morphophysiological parameters in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. For this purpose, thirty animals were distributed into six groups treated orally (gavage) during thirty days: non diabetic rats (Control) + saline, diabetic + saline; Control + L-glutamine (248 mg/kg), Diabetic + L-glutamine (248 mg/kg), Control + GDP (400 mg/kg), Diabetic + GDP (400 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) and confirmed by fasting glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL. Physiological parameters, i.e., body mass, food intake, blood glucose, water intake, urine and faeces were evaluated during supplementation. After the period of supplementation, the animals were euthanized. The blood was collected for biochemical assays (fructosamine, transaminases, lipid profile, total protein, urea, ammonia). Moreover, the jejunum was excised and stored for morphophysiological assays (intestinal enzyme activity, intestinal wall morphology, crypt proliferative index, number of serotoninergic cells from the mucosa, and vipergic neurons from the submucosal tunica). The physiological parameters, protein metabolism and intestinal enzyme activity did not change with the supplementation with L-glutamine or GDP. In diabetic animals, transaminases and fructosamine improved with L-glutamine and GDP supplementations, while the lipid profile improved with L-glutamine. Furthermore, both forms of supplementation promoted changes in jejunal tunicas and wall morphometry of control and diabetic groups, but only L-glutamine promoted maintenance of serotoninergic cells and vipergic neurons populations. On the other hand, control animals showed changes that may indicate negative effects of L-glutamine. Thus, the supplementation with L-glutamine was more efficient for maintaining intestinal morphophysiology and the supplementation with GDP was more efficient to the organism as a

  11. 75 FR 41855 - Enogex L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Rate Approval

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-19

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR10-52-000] Enogex L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Rate Approval July 13, 2010. Take notice that on July 1, 2010, Enogex L.L.C. (Enogex) filed pursuant to section 284.123(b)(2) of the Commission's regulations, filed a petition...

  12. 77 FR 64972 - Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-24

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on October 10, 2012, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Tennessee), 1001 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, filed in the above captioned docket an application pursuant to sections 7(b) and 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) for a...

  13. 75 FR 63452 - ONEOK Gas Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Baseline Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-15

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR11-67-001] ONEOK Gas Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Baseline Filing October 7, 2010. Take notice that on October 1, 2010, ONEOK Gas Storage, L.L.C. submitted a revised baseline filing of its Statement of Operating Conditions for services...

  14. 77 FR 2127 - Birmingham Terminal Railway, L.L.C.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Birmingham Southern...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-13

    ... Terminal Railway, L.L.C.--Acquisition and Operation Exemption--Birmingham Southern Railroad Company Birmingham Terminal Railway, L.L.C. (BHRR), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49... Exemption--Birmingham Terminal Railway, L.L.C., wherein Watco Holdings, Inc., seeks Board approval to...

  15. Synthesis of L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-threo-DOPS) with thermostabilized low-specific L-threonine aldolase from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).

    PubMed

    Balk, Sang-Ho; Yoshioka, Hideki; Yukawa, Hideaki; Harayama, Shigeaki

    2007-05-01

    Stability-enhanced mutants, H44, 11-94, 5A2-84, and F8, of L-threonine aldolase (L-TA) from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) (SCO1085) were isolated by an error-prone PCR followed by a high-throughput screening. Each of these mutant, had a single amino acid substitution: H177Y in the H44 mutant, A169T in the 11-94 mutant, D104N in the 5A2-84 mutant and Fl81 in the F8 mutant. The residual L-TA activity of the wild-type L-TA after a heat treatment for 20 min at 60 degrees C was only 10.6%. However, those in the stability-enhanced mutants were 85.7% for the H44 mutant, 58.6% for the F8 mutant, 62.1% for the 5A2-84 mutant, and 67.6% for the 11-94 mutant. Although the half-life of the wild-type L-TA at 63 degrees C was 1.3 min, those of the mutant L-TAs were longer: 14.6 min for the H44 mutant, 3.7 min for the 11-94 mutant, 5.8 min for the 5A2-84 mutant, and 5.0 min for the F8 mutant. The specific activity did not change in most of the mutants, but it was decreased by 45% in the case of mutant F8. When the aldol condensation of glycine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was studied by using whole cells of Escherichia coli containing the wild-type L-TA gene, L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L.-threo-DOPS) was successfully synthesized with a yield of 2.0 mg/ml after 20 repeated batch reactions for 100 h. However, the L-threo-DOPS synthesizing activity of the enzyme decreased with increased cycles of the batch reactions. Compared with the wild-type L-TA, H44 L-TA kept its L-threo-DOPS synthesizing activity almost constant during the 20 repeated batch reactions for 100 h, yielding 4.0 mg/ml of L-threo-DOPS. This result showed that H44 L-TA is more effective than the wild-type L-TA for the mass production of L-threo-DOPS.

  16. L1 and L2 Strategy Use in Reading Comprehension of Chinese EFL Readers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tsai, Yea-Ru; Ernst, Cheryl; Talley, Paul C.

    2010-01-01

    This study revealed the relationship between L1 (Mandarin Chinese) and L2 (English) strategy use in L2 reading comprehension by focusing on the correlation of L1 reading ability, L2 proficiency and employed reading strategies. The participants, 222 undergraduates learning English as a foreign language (EFL), were classified into skilled and…

  17. Enzymatic production of α-ketoglutaric acid from l-glutamic acid via l-glutamate oxidase.

    PubMed

    Niu, Panqing; Dong, Xiaoxiang; Wang, Yuancai; Liu, Liming

    2014-06-10

    In this study, a novel strategy for α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) production from l-glutamic acid using recombinant l-glutamate oxidase (LGOX) was developed. First, by analyzing the molecular structure characteristics of l-glutamic acid and α-KG, LGOX was found to be the best catalyst for oxidizing the amino group of l-glutamic acid to a ketonic group without the need for exogenous cofactor. Then the LGOX gene was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) in a soluble and active form, and the recombinant LGOX activity reached to a maximum value of 0.59U/mL at pH 6.5, 30°C. Finally, the maximum α-KG concentration reached 104.7g/L from 110g/L l-glutamic acid in 24h, under the following optimum conditions: 1.5U/mL LGOX, 250U/mL catalase, 3mM MnCl2, 30°C, and pH 6.5. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. 77 FR 51792 - Colorado Interstate Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-27

    ... Interstate Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on August 7, 2012, Colorado Interstate Gas Company, L.L.C. (CIG), Post Office Box 1087, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80944, filed in the above captioned docket an application pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) for a certificate of...

  19. Spectroscopic characterization of Cu(II) complex of L-phenylalanine and D, L-tryptophan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Altun, Özlen; Bilcen, Selin

    2010-02-01

    In this work, the reactions involving L-phenylalanine and D, L-tryptophan in the presence of Cu(II) ion were studied. Optimum conditions for the reactions were established as pH 7 and λ = 641 nm. When the reaction was kinetic, it was observed that the following rate formula was found as dA/ An = k dt and k = 3.2 × 10 -4 s -1, according to absorbance measurements. Using a perpetual change curve, the ratio of [Cu]/[Cu] + L-phenylalanine + [ D, L-tryptophan] was found 1:1:1. According to this result, one molecule of L-phenylalanine and one molecule of D, L-tryptophan react with one molecule Cu(II) ion.

  20. Catalyzed and Electrocatalyzed Oxidation of l-Tyrosine and l-Phenylalanine to Dopachrome by Nanozymes.

    PubMed

    Hou, Jianwen; Vázquez-González, Margarita; Fadeev, Michael; Liu, Xia; Lavi, Ronit; Willner, Itamar

    2018-06-13

    Catalyzed oxygen insertion into C-H bonds represents a continuous challenge in chemistry. Particularly, driving this process at ambient temperature and aqueous media represents a "holy grail" in catalysis. We report on the catalyzed cascade transformations of l-tyrosine or l-phenylalanine to dopachrome in the presence of l-ascorbic acid/H 2 O 2 as oxidizing mixture and CuFe-Prussian Blue-like nanoparticles, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles or Au nanoparticles as catalysts. The process involves the primary transformation of l-tyrosine to l-DOPA that is further oxidized to dopachrome. The transformation of l-phenylalanine to dopachrome in the presence of CuFe-Prussian Blue-like nanoparticles and l-ascorbic acid/H 2 O 2 involves in the first step the formation of l-tyrosine and, subsequently, the operation of the catalytic oxidation cascade of l-tyrosine to l-DOPA and dopachrome. Electron spin resonance experiments demonstrate that ascorbate radicals and hydroxyl radicals play cooperative functions in driving the different oxygen-insertion processes. In addition, the aerobic elecrocatalyzed oxidation of l-tyrosine to dopachrome in the presence of naphthoquinone-modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles and l-ascorbic acid is demonstrated. In this system, magnetic-field attraction of the naphthoquinone-modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles onto the electrode allows the quinone-mediated electrocatalyzed reduction of O 2 to H 2 O 2 (bias potential -0.5 V vs SCE). The electrogenerated H 2 O 2 is then utilized to promote the transformation of l-tyrosine to dopachrome in the presence of l-ascorbic acid and Fe 3 O 4 catalyst.

  1. 78 FR 44558 - Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-07-24

    ... Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization Take notice that on July 3, 2013, Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Stingray), 1100 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, filed in Docket... Compliance, Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C., 1100 Louisiana, Suite 3300, Houston, Texas 77002, or call (832...

  2. Effects of the Usage of l-Cysteine (l-Cys) on Human Health.

    PubMed

    Clemente Plaza, Noelia; Reig García-Galbis, Manuel; Martínez-Espinosa, Rosa María

    2018-03-03

    This review summarizes recent knowledge about the use of the amino acid l-Cysteine (l-Cys) through diet, nutritional supplements or drugs with the aim to improve human health or treat certain diseases. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and different keywords have been used to create a database of documents published between 1950 and 2017 in scientific journals in English or Spanish. A total of 60,885 primary publications were ultimately selected to compile accurate information about the use of l-Cys in medicine and nutritional therapies and to identify the reported benefits of l-Cys on human health. The number of publications about the use of l-Cys for these purposes has increased significantly during the last two decades. This increase seems to be closely related to the rise of nutraceutical industries and personalized medicine. The main evidence reporting benefits of l-Cys usage is summarized. However, the lack of accurate information and studies based on clinical trials hampers consensus among authors. Thus, the debate about the role and effectiveness of supplements/drugs containing l-Cys is still open.

  3. Metacognitive Online Reading Strategy Use: Readers' Perceptions in L1 and L2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taki, Saeed

    2016-01-01

    This study aimed to explore whether first-language (L1) readers of different language backgrounds would employ similar metacognitive online reading strategies and whether reading online in a second language (L2) could be influenced by L1 reading strategies. To this end, 52 Canadian college students as English L1 readers and 38 Iranian university…

  4. 76 FR 78640 - Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-19

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. PR12-8-000 and PR12-9-000] Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on December 9, 2011, Hattiesburg Industrial Gas Sales, L.L.C. (Hattiesburg) filed in PR12-8-000 a Statement of Operating Conditions (SOC) with...

  5. Vertical distribution and retention mechanism of nitrogen and phosphorus in soils with different macrophytes of a natural river mouth wetland.

    PubMed

    Huang, Wei; Chen, Qiuwen; Ren, Kuixiao; Chen, Kaining

    2015-03-01

    Wetland vegetation can improve water quality through several processes including direct assimilation and the indirect effects of sedimentation and mineralization. This research takes the Zhucao River mouth of Daxi reservoir as a study case to investigate the vertical distribution of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil of a natural wetland covered by different plants prior to any restoration action. There are four native emergent macrophytes (Typha latifolia L., Polygonum hydropiper L., Juncus effuses L., Phragmites communis L.) in the wetland. The total nitrogen (TN) and nitrate contents decreased with the soil depth for all vegetation types, and the mean TN and nitrate concentrations were higher in vegetative soil than in bare ground. The maximum TN concentration was found in the surface soil (0-2 cm) covered by P. communis. Ammonium decreased with the soil depth in vegetative areas, while it increased with soil depth in bare ground. The rank order of P fractions was organic P (OP) > P associated with Ca (Ca-P) > P associated with Fe/Al (Fe/Al-P). Total phosphorus (TP) and OP showed vertical profiles similar to that of TN. The mean concentrations of TP, Ca-P and Fe/Al-P were higher in vegetative soil than in bare ground. The maximum mean TP was also found in soil covered by P. communis. Loss on ignition (LOI) was significantly correlated with TN and TP (P < 0.05). Organic matter accumulation may be the main pathway to retain nitrogen and phosphorus in the wetland. Nitrogen and phosphorus sequestration in P. communis soil was the highest of the four dominant plants. The results could support the restoration of other degraded river mouth wetlands of the reservoir.

  6. Evasion of Antiviral Innate Immunity by Theiler's Virus L* Protein through Direct Inhibition of RNase L

    PubMed Central

    Sorgeloos, Frédéric; Jha, Babal Kant; Silverman, Robert H.; Michiels, Thomas

    2013-01-01

    Theiler's virus is a neurotropic picornavirus responsible for chronic infections of the central nervous system. The establishment of a persistent infection and the subsequent demyelinating disease triggered by the virus depend on the expression of L*, a viral accessory protein encoded by an alternative open reading frame of the virus. We discovered that L* potently inhibits the interferon-inducible OAS/RNase L pathway. The antagonism of RNase L by L* was particularly prominent in macrophages where baseline oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) and RNase L expression levels are elevated, but was detectable in fibroblasts after IFN pretreatment. L* mutations significantly affected Theiler's virus replication in primary macrophages derived from wild-type but not from RNase L-deficient mice. L* counteracted the OAS/RNase L pathway through direct interaction with the ankyrin domain of RNase L, resulting in the inhibition of this enzyme. Interestingly, RNase L inhibition was species-specific as Theiler's virus L* protein blocked murine RNase L but not human RNase L or RNase L of other mammals or birds. Direct RNase L inhibition by L* and species specificity were confirmed in an in vitro assay performed with purified proteins. These results demonstrate a novel viral mechanism to elude the antiviral OAS/RNase L pathway. By targeting the effector enzyme of this antiviral pathway, L* potently inhibits RNase L, underscoring the importance of this enzyme in innate immunity against Theiler's virus. PMID:23825954

  7. Design of ultraviolet wavelength and standard solution concentrations in relative response factors for simultaneous determination of multi-components with single reference standard in herbal medicines.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ting-Wen; Zhao, Chao; Fan, Yong; Qi, Lian-Wen; Li, Ping

    2015-10-10

    Single standard to determine multi-components (SSDMC) is a practical pattern for quality evaluation of herbal medicines (HMs). However, it remains challenging because of potential inconsistency of relative response factors (RRF) on different instruments. In this work, the effects of two key roles, i.e., ultraviolet (UV) wavelength and standard solution concentrations, on reproducibility of RRF were investigated. The effect of UV wavelength on reproducibility of RRF was studied by plotting the relationship of the peak area ratios (internal standard vs analyte) to wavelengths. The preferable wavelength should be set at the flat parts of the curve. Optimized 300 nm produced a 0.38% RSD for emodin/emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside on five instruments, much lower than 2.80% obtained from the maximum wavelength at 290 nm. Next, the effects of standard solution concentrations of emodin on its response factor (RF) were investigated. For one single point method, low concentration less than 49 b/k resulted in significant variations in RF. For emodin, when the concentration is higher than 7.00 μg mL(-1), a low standard deviation (SD) value at 0.13 was obtained, while lower than 7.00 μg mL(-1), a high SD at 3.71 was obtained. The developed SSDMC method was then applied to determination of target components in 10 Polygonum cuspidatum samples and showed comparable accuracy to conventional calibration methods with deviation less than 1%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Effects of a Proprietary Standardized Orthosiphon stamineus Ethanolic Leaf Extract on Enhancing Memory in Sprague Dawley Rats Possibly via Blockade of Adenosine A2A Receptors

    PubMed Central

    Choudhary, Yogendra; Choudhary, Vandana Kotak; Bommu, Praveen; Wong, Hoi Jin

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the study was to explore a propriety standardized ethanolic extract from leaves of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth in improving impairments in short-term social memory in vivo, possibly via blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR). The ethanolic extract of O. stamineus leaves showed significant in vitro binding activity of A2AR with 74% inhibition at 150 μg/ml and significant A2AR antagonist activity with 98% inhibition at 300 μg/mL. A significant adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) antagonist activity with 100% inhibition was observed at 300 μg/mL. Its effect on learning and memory was assessed via social recognition task using Sprague Dawley rats whereby the ethanolic extract of O. stamineus showed significant (p < 0.001) change in recognition index (RI) at 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg p.o and 120 mg/kg i.p., respectively, compared to the vehicle control. In comparison, the ethanolic extract of Polygonum minus aerial parts showed small change in inflexion; however, it remained insignificant in RI at 200 mg/kg p.o. Our findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of O. stamineus leaves improves memory by reversing age-related deficits in short-term social memory and the possible involvement of adenosine A1 and adenosine A2A as a target bioactivity site in the restoration of memory. PMID:26649059

  9. Characterization of Feruloyl Esterases Produced by the Four Lactobacillus Species: L. amylovorus, L. acidophilus, L. farciminis and L. fermentum, Isolated from Ensiled Corn Stover.

    PubMed

    Xu, Zhenshang; He, Huiying; Zhang, Susu; Guo, Tingting; Kong, Jian

    2017-01-01

    Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play important roles in silage fermentation, which depends on the production of sufficient organic acids to inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms. However, LAB are not able to degrade cellulose and hemicellulose. Bacteria and fibrolytic enzymes are usually used as inoculants to improve the silage quality and digestibility. In the present study, we isolated four Lactobacillus strains ( L. amylovorus CGMCC 11056, L. acidophilus CCTCC AB2010208, L. farciminis CCTCC AB2016237 and L. fermentum CCTCC AB2010204) with feruloyl esterase (FAE) activities from ensiled corn stover (CS) by a plate screening assay. The genes encoding FAEs were cloned and hetero-expressed in Escherichia coli . The optimal temperature and pH of these purified enzymes ranged from 45 to 50°C and from 7.0 to 8.0, respectively. They could hydrolyze hydroxycinnamoyl esters in a substrate-specific manner when methyl ferulate, methyl caffeate, methyl ρ-coumarate and methyl sinapinate were used as substrates. Moreover, these four FAEs were able to hydrolyze CS to release hydroxycinnamic acids. Furthermore, these strains could degrade hydroxycinnamic esters, and L. amylovorus CGMCC 11056 was the most efficient strain among these four isolates. These results provided a new target for the development of inoculants to improve silage quality and digestibility.

  10. Characterization of Feruloyl Esterases Produced by the Four Lactobacillus Species: L. amylovorus, L. acidophilus, L. farciminis and L. fermentum, Isolated from Ensiled Corn Stover

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Zhenshang; He, Huiying; Zhang, Susu; Guo, Tingting; Kong, Jian

    2017-01-01

    Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play important roles in silage fermentation, which depends on the production of sufficient organic acids to inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms. However, LAB are not able to degrade cellulose and hemicellulose. Bacteria and fibrolytic enzymes are usually used as inoculants to improve the silage quality and digestibility. In the present study, we isolated four Lactobacillus strains (L. amylovorus CGMCC 11056, L. acidophilus CCTCC AB2010208, L. farciminis CCTCC AB2016237 and L. fermentum CCTCC AB2010204) with feruloyl esterase (FAE) activities from ensiled corn stover (CS) by a plate screening assay. The genes encoding FAEs were cloned and hetero-expressed in Escherichia coli. The optimal temperature and pH of these purified enzymes ranged from 45 to 50°C and from 7.0 to 8.0, respectively. They could hydrolyze hydroxycinnamoyl esters in a substrate-specific manner when methyl ferulate, methyl caffeate, methyl ρ-coumarate and methyl sinapinate were used as substrates. Moreover, these four FAEs were able to hydrolyze CS to release hydroxycinnamic acids. Furthermore, these strains could degrade hydroxycinnamic esters, and L. amylovorus CGMCC 11056 was the most efficient strain among these four isolates. These results provided a new target for the development of inoculants to improve silage quality and digestibility. PMID:28626449

  11. The Influence of Schema and Cultural Difference on L1 and L2 Reading

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yang, Shi-sheng

    2010-01-01

    Reading in L1 shares numerous basic elements with reading in L2, and the processes also differ greatly. Intriguing questions involve whether there are two parallel cognitive processes at work, or whether there are processing strategies that accommodate both L1 and L2. This paper examines how reading in L1 is different from and similar to reading…

  12. On Taiwanese Pupils' Ability to Differentiate between English /l/ and /r/: A Study of L1/L2 Cross-Language Effects

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eika, Evelyn; Hsieh, Yining

    2017-01-01

    Students in South East Asia often struggle with English /l/ and /r/. This study therefore set out to examine how Taiwanese pupils' perception of these sounds is influenced by cross-language effects. Most Taiwanese students have Mandarin as L1 and Taiwanese as L2 or vice versa, and English as L3. A same-different discrimination experiment was…

  13. 77 FR 48149 - Columbia Gas Transmission, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-13

    ... Transmission, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization Take notice that on July 24, 2012 Columbia Gas Transmission, L.L.C. (Columbia), P.O. Box 1273, Charleston, West Virginia 25325, filed in Docket... Transmission, L.L.C., P.O. Box 1273, Charleston, West Virginia 25325, or call (304) 357-2359, or fax (304) 357...

  14. A Prerequisite to L1 Homophone Effects in L2 Spoken-Word Recognition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nakai, Satsuki; Lindsay, Shane; Ota, Mitsuhiko

    2015-01-01

    When both members of a phonemic contrast in L2 (second language) are perceptually mapped to a single phoneme in one's L1 (first language), L2 words containing a member of that contrast can spuriously activate L2 words in spoken-word recognition. For example, upon hearing cattle, Dutch speakers of English are reported to experience activation…

  15. Reinvestigation of L-tryptophan picrate: Establishment of the existence of the L-tryptophan L-tryptophanium dimeric cation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petrosyan, A. M.; Fleck, M.; Ghazaryan, V. V.

    2013-03-01

    A crystal structure redetermination of the L-tryptophan picrate crystal previously studied by Ishida et al. (Chem. Pharm. Bull. 41 (1993) 433-438) showed that it comprises L-tryptophan L-tryptophanium dimeric cation, one picrate anion and picric acid. The O⋯O distance of the O-H⋯O hydrogen bond in the dimeric cation is equal to 2.470(6) Å. The infrared spectrum of the crystal was registered and analyzed. The infrared spectrum of the crystals contains a broad absorption band centered at ca. 1170 cm-1, which is assigned to the stretching vibration of the O-H bond.

  16. L'ethique de l'environnement comme dimension transversale de l'education en sciences et en technologies: Proposition d'un modele educationnel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chavez, Milagros

    Cette these presente la trajectoire et les resultats d'une recherche dont l'objectif global est de developper un modele educationnel integrant l'ethique de l'environnement comme dimension transversale de l'education en sciences et en technologies. Face au paradigme positiviste toujours dominant dans l'enseignement des sciences, il a semble utile d'ouvrir un espace de reflexion et de proposer, sous forme d'un modele formel, une orientation pedagogique qui soit plus en resonance avec quelques-unes des preoccupations fondamentales de notre epoque: en particulier celle qui concerne la relation de humain avec son environnement et plus specifiquement, le role de la science dans le faconnement d'une telle relation, par sa contribution a la transformation des conditions de vie, au point de compromettre les equilibres naturels. En fonction de cette problematique generale, les objectifs de la recherche sont les suivants: (1) definir les elements paradigmatiques, theoriques et axiologiques du modele educationnel a construire et (2) definir ses composantes strategiques. De caractere theorico-speculatif, cette recherche a adopte la demarche de l'anasynthese, en la situant dans la perspective critique de la recherche en education. Le cadre theorique de cette these s'est construit autour de quatre concepts pivots: modele educationnel, education en sciences et en technologies, transversalite educative et ethique de l'environnement. Ces concepts ont ete clarifies a partir d'un corpus textuel, puis, sur cette base, des choix theoriques ont ete faits, a partir desquels un prototype du modele a ete elabore. Ce prototype a ensuite ete soumis a une double validation (par des experts et par une mise a l'essai), dans le but d'y apporter des ameliorations et, a partir de la, de construire un modele optimal. Ce dernier comporte deux dimensions: theorico-axiologique et strategique. La premiere s'appuie sur une conception de l'education en sciences et en technologies comme appropriation d

  17. Enzymatic Synthesis of GDP-α-l-fucofuranose by MtdL and Hyg20.

    PubMed

    Qin, Xiangjing; Xie, Yunchang; Huang, Hongbo; Chen, Qi; Ma, Junying; Li, Qinglian; Ju, Jianhua

    2018-02-16

    Two mutases, MtdL and Hyg20, are reported. Both are able to functionally drive the biosynthesis of GDP-α-l-fucofuranose. Both enzymes catalyze similar functions, catalytically enabling the bidirectional reaction between GDP-β-l-fucopyranose and GDP-α-l-fucofuranose using only divalent cations as cofactors. This realization is but one of a number of important insights into fucofuranose biosynthesis presented herein.

  18. Le continu contre l'espace

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salanskis, Jean-Michel

    Disons pour conclure que, en tout état de cause, la façon de concevoir philosophiquement le conflit du continu et de l'espace que nous avons trouvée chez Hegel n'est pas homogène avec le style et les modalités de la pensée mathématique: 1) d'une part, le lien classique, le lien de référence entre continu et espace en mathématiques n'est pas que l'espace serait premier et privé de pensée, et le continu second, venant dissoudre l'espace en apportant la qualité, l'infini et la pensée, mais tout au contraire, il consiste en ce que l'espace est fondé sur l'abîme infinitaire du continu ; 2) d'autre part, l'éventuel divorce entre l'espace et le continu dans l'aire mathématique n'est pas celui d'une réflexivité purement conceptuelle du continu avec un positivisme géométrique, n'équivaut pas à une rupture disciplinaire ; il est plutôt le symptôme de la dérive d'une herméneutique à l'égard d'une autre, au sein d'un continent juridique commun définissant la discipline (la mathématique ensembliste), cette dérive pouvant, à la limite, induire une refonte de ce sol juridique, sans que jamais il soit question pour autant de nier l'unité des mathématiques, à comprendre ici comme l'unité ultime de responsabilité de la communauté mathématique à l'égard des trois questions Qu'est-ce que l'espace?”, “Qu'est-ce que le continu?” et “Qu'est-ce que l'infini?”.

  19. Hilic MS/MS determination of amino acids in herbs of Fumaria schleicheri L., Ocimum basilicum L., and leaves of Corylus avellana L.

    PubMed

    Prokopenko, Yuliya; Jakštas, Valdas; Žvikas, Vaidotas; Georgiyants, Victoriya; Ivanauskas, Liudas

    2018-05-18

    The aim of research was to study the content of amino acids using in extracts of Fumaria schleicheri L., Ocimum basilicum L., and Corylus avellana L. by HILIC MS/MS method. Separation of amino acids in the samples was carried out with Acquity H-class UPLC system (Waters, Milford, USA) equipped with SeQuant ZIC-Hilic collumn (2.1 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) (Merck Millipore, Darmstadt, Germany). The MS/MS fragment ion chromatograms of the test solutions established the presence of 19 amino acids. The obtained results have shown that O. basilicum L. characterized the highest concentrations of different neurogenic amino acids (128.1 mg/kg), comparing with F. schleicheri L. and C. avellana L. (57.72 and 52.91 mg/kg, respectively).

  20. Recherches sur l'histoire de l'astronomie ancienne

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tannery, Paul

    2015-04-01

    Préface; 1. Ce que les Hellènes ont appelé astronomie; 2. Ce que les Hellènes ont appelé astrologie (cont.); 3. Les mathématiciens alexandrins; 4. Les postulats de l'astronomie d'après Ptlolémée et les auteurs élémentaires; 5. La sphéricité de la terre et la mesure de sa circonférence; 6. Le mouvement général des planètes; 7. Les cercles de la sphère; 8. La longueur de l'année solaire; 9. Les tables du soleil; 10. Les périodes d'Hipparque pour les mouvements lunaires; 11. Les tables de la lune; 12. Les parallaxes du soleil et de la lune; 13. Les prédictions d'éclipses; 14. La théorie des planètes; 15. Le catalogue des fixes; Appendice; Errata.

  1. L1 Use in the L2 Classroom: One Teacher's Self-Evaluation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Edstrom, Anne

    2006-01-01

    Predominant, if not exclusive, use of the target language has long been considered an important principle of second language (L2) instruction. Previous research has attempted to quantify the amount of the first language (L1) used in the classroom and has explored the purposes or functions of teachers' "lapses" into their students' L1. The present…

  2. L1-L2 Convergence in Clausal Packaging in Japanese and English

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Amanda; Gullberg, Marianne

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates L1-L2 convergence among bilinguals at an intermediate (CEFR-B2) level of L2 proficiency, focusing on the clausal packaging of Manner and Path of motion. Previous research has shown cross-linguistic differences between English and Japanese in this domain (Allen et al., 2003; Kita & Ozyurek, 2003, though note Brown &…

  3. L-Nitroargininium picrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Apreyan, R. A.; Fleck, M.; Atanesyan, A. K.; Sukiasyan, R. P.; Petrosyan, A. M.

    2015-12-01

    L-Nitroargininium picrate has been obtained from an aqueous solution containing equimolar quantities of L-nitroarginine and picric acid by slow evaporation. Single crystal was grown by evaporation method. Crystal structure was determined at room temperature. The salt crystallizes in monoclinic crystal system (space group P21). Vibrational spectra and thermal properties were studied. Second harmonic generation efficiency measured by powder method is found to be four times higher than in L-nitroarginine, which in turn is ten times more efficient than KDP (KH2PO4).

  4. High performance microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to L-dopa by Yarrowia lipolytica NRRL-143

    PubMed Central

    Ali, Sikander; Shultz, Jeffry L; Ikram-ul-Haq

    2007-01-01

    Background The 3,4-dihydroxy phenyl L-alanine (L-dopa) is a drug of choice for Parkinson's disease, controlling changes in energy metabolism enzymes of the myocardium following neurogenic injury. Aspergillus oryzae is commonly used for L-dopa production; however, potential improvements in ease of handling, growth rate and environmental impact have led to an interest in exploiting alternative yeasts. The two important elements required for L-dopa production are intracellular tyrosinases (thus pre-grown yeast cells are required for the transformation of L-tyrosine to L-dopa) and L-ascorbate, which acts as a reducing agent. Results Pre-grown cells of Yarrowia lipolytica NRRL-143 were used for the microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to L-dopa. Different diatomite concentrations (0.5–3.0 mg/ml) were added to the acidic (pH 3.5) reaction mixture. Maximum L-dopa biosynthesis (2.96 mg/ml L-dopa from 2.68 mg/ml L-tyrosine) was obtained when 2.0 mg/ml diatomite was added 15 min after the start of the reaction. After optimizing reaction time (30 min), and yeast cell concentration (2.5 mg/ml), an overall 12.5 fold higher L-dopa production rate was observed when compared to the control. Significant enhancements in Yp/s, Qs and qs over the control were observed. Conclusion Diatomite (2.0 mg/ml) addition 15 min after reaction commencement improved microbiological transformation of L-tyrosine to L-dopa (3.48 mg/ml; p ≤ 0.05) by Y. lipolytica NRRL-143. A 35% higher substrate conversion rate was achieved when compared to the control. PMID:17705832

  5. 77 FR 23321 - Kiamichi Railroad L.L.C.-Trackage Rights Exemption-WFEC Railroad Company

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-18

    ...)] Kiamichi Railroad L.L.C.--Trackage Rights Exemption--WFEC Railroad Company Pursuant to a written joint facility agreement dated January 1, 2012, WFEC Railroad Company (WFECR) has agreed to grant limited nonexclusive overhead trackage rights to Kiamichi Railroad L.L.C. (KRR), over its entire line (the Line...

  6. Genetic variation in parthenogenetic Caucasian rock lizards of the genus Lacerta (L. dahli, L. armeniaca, L. unisexualis) analyzed by DNA fingerprinting.

    PubMed

    Tokarskaya, O N; Kan, N G; Petrosyan, V G; Martirosyan, I A; Grechko, V V; Danielyan, F D; Darevsky, I S; Ryskov, A P

    2001-07-01

    Multilocus DNA fingerprinting has been used to study the variability of some mini- and microsatellite sequences in parthenogenetic species of Caucasian rock lizards of the genus Lacerta (L. dahli, L. armeniaca and L. unisexualis). We demonstrate that these clonally reproducing lizards possess species-specific DNA fingerprints with a low degree of intra- and interpopulation variation. Mean indices of similarity obtained using M13 DNA, (GACA)4 and (TCC)50 as probes were 0.962 and 0.966 in L. dahli and L. armeniaca, respectively. The mean index of similarity obtained using M 13 and GATA probes in L. unisexualis was estimated to be 0.95. However, despite the high degree of band-sharing, variable DNA fragments were revealed in all populations with the microsatellite probes. An particularly high level of variability was observed for (TCC)n microsatellites in populations of L. unisexualis. In fact TCC-derived DNA fingerprints were close to being individual-specific, with a mean index of similarity of 0.824. Fingerprint analysis of parthenogenetic families of L. armeniaca showed that all maternal fragments were inherited together by the progeny, and no differences in fingerprint patterns were observed. On the other hand, while identical DNA fingerprints were obtained from L. unisexualis families with M13 and (GATA)4 probes, use of the (TCC)50 probe revealed remarkable intrafamily variation in this species. It is assumed that the genetic heterogeneity observed in parthenogenetic populations may be explained, at least in part, by the existence of genetically unstable microsatellite loci. Our data serve to illustrate processes of spontaneous mutagenesis and the initial stages of clonal differentiation in natural populations of the lizard species studied.

  7. Characterization of the L4-L5-S1 motion segment using the stepwise reduction method.

    PubMed

    Jaramillo, Héctor Enrique; Puttlitz, Christian M; McGilvray, Kirk; García, José J

    2016-05-03

    The two aims of this study were to generate data for a more accurate calibration of finite element models including the L5-S1 segment, and to find mechanical differences between the L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments. Then, the range of motion (ROM) and facet forces for the L4-S1 segment were measured using the stepwise reduction method. This consists of sequentially testing and reducing each segment in nine stages by cutting the ligaments, facet capsules, and removing the nucleus. Five L4-S1 human segments (median: 65 years, range: 53-84 years, SD=11.0 years) were loaded under a maximum pure moment of 8Nm. The ROM was measured using stereo-photogrammetry via tracking of three markers and the facet contact forces (CF) were measured using a Tekscan system. The ROM for the L4-L5 segment and all stages showed good agreement with published data. The major differences in ROM between the L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments were found for lateral bending and all stages, for which the L4-L5 ROM was about 1.5-3 times higher than that of the L5-S1 segment, consistent with L5-S1 facet CF about 1.3 to 4 times higher than those measured for the L4-L5 segment. For the other movements and few stages, the L4-L5 ROM was significantly lower that of the L5-S1 segment. ROM and CF provide important baseline data for more accurate calibration of FE models and to understand the role that their structures play in lower lumbar spine mechanics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. L-asparaginase: a promising chemotherapeutic agent.

    PubMed

    Verma, Neelam; Kumar, Kuldeep; Kaur, Gurnoor; Anand, Sneh

    2007-01-01

    This article comprises detailed information about L-asparaginase, encompassing topics such as microbial and plant sources of L-asparaginase, treatment with L-asparaginase, mechanism of action of L-asparaginase, production, purification, properties, expression and characteristics of l-asparaginase along with information about studies on the structure of L-asparaginase. Although L-asparaginase has been reviewed by Savitri and Azmi (2003), our effort has been to include recent and updated information about the enzyme covering new aspects such as structural modification and immobilization of L-asparaginase, recombinant L-asparaginase, resistance to L-asparaginase, methods of assay of L-asparagine and L-asparaginase activity using the biosensor approach, L-asparaginase activity in soil and the factors affecting it. Also, side-effects of L-asparaginase treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been discussed in the current review. L-asparaginase has been and is still one of the most widely studied therapeutic enzymes by researchers and scientists worldwide.

  9. L-Arginine supplementation improves antioxidant defenses through L-arginine/nitric oxide pathways in exercised rats.

    PubMed

    Shan, Lingling; Wang, Bin; Gao, Guizhen; Cao, Wengen; Zhang, Yunkun

    2013-10-15

    l-Arginine (l-Arg) supplementation has been shown to enhance physical exercise capacity and delay onset of fatigue. This work investigated the potential beneficial mechanism(s) of l-Arg supplementation by examining its effect on the cellular oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways in the exercised rats. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into six groups: sedentary control; sedentary control with l-Arg treatment; endurance training (daily swimming training for 8 wk) control; endurance training with l-Arg treatment; an exhaustive exercise (one time swimming to fatigue) control; and an exhaustive exercise with l-Arg treatment. l-Arg (500 mg/kg body wt) or saline was given to rats by intragastric administration 1 h before the endurance training and the exhaustive swimming test. Expression levels and activities of the l-Arg/nitric oxide (NO) pathway components and parameters of the oxidative stress and antioxidant defense capacity were investigated in l-Arg-treated and control rats. The result show that the l-Arg supplementation completely reversed the exercise-induced activation of NO synthase and superoxide dismutase, increased l-Arg transport capacity, and increased NO and anti-superoxide anion levels. These data demonstrate that l-Arg supplementation effectively reduces the exercise-induced imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense capacity, and this modulation is likely mediated through the l-Arg/NO pathways. The findings of this study improved our understanding of how l-Arg supplementation prevents elevations of reactive oxygen species and favorably enhances the antioxidant defense capacity during physical exercise.

  10. Combined treatment of Thymus vulgaris L., Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Myrtus communis L. essential oils against Salmonella typhimurium: Optimization of antibacterial activity by mixture design methodology.

    PubMed

    Fadil, Mouhcine; Fikri-Benbrahim, Kawtar; Rachiq, Saad; Ihssane, Bouchaib; Lebrazi, Sara; Chraibi, Marwa; Haloui, Taoufik; Farah, Abdellah

    2018-05-01

    To increase the sensibility of Salmonella typhimurium strain, a mixture of Thymus vulgaris L. (T. vulgaris L.), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (R. officinalis L.) and Myrtus communis L. (M. communis L.) essential oils (EOs) was used in combined treatment by experimental design methodology (mixture design). The chemical composition of EOs was firstly identified by GC and GC/MS and their antibacterial activity was evaluated. The results of this first step have shown that thymol and borneol were the major compounds in T. vulgaris and M. communis L. EOs, respectively, while 1,8-cineole and α-pinene were found as major compounds in R. officinalis L. The same results have shown a strong antibacterial activity of T. vulgaris L. EO followed by an important power of M. communis L. EO against a moderate activity of R. officinalis L. EO. Besides, 1/20 (v/v) was the concentration giving a strain response classified as sensitive. From this concentration, the mixture design was performed and analyzed. The optimization of mixtures antibacterial activities has highlighted the synergistic effect between T. vulgaris L. and M. communis L. essential oils. A formulation comprising 55% of T. vulgaris L. and 45% of M. communis L. essential oils, respectively, can be considered for the increase of Salmonella typhimurium sensibility. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. L'effet Hall Quantique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Samson, Thomas

    Nous proposons une methode permettant d'obtenir une expression pour la conductivite de Hall de structures electroniques bidimensionnelles et nous examinons celle -ci a la limite d'une temperature nulle dans le but de verifier l'effet Hall quantique. Nous allons nous interesser essentiellement a l'effet Hall quantique entier et aux effets fractionnaires inferieurs a un. Le systeme considere est forme d'un gaz d'electrons en interaction faible avec les impuretes de l'echantillon. Le modele du gaz d'electrons consiste en un gaz bidimensionnel d'electrons sans spin expose perpendiculairement a un champ magnetique uniforme. Ce dernier est decrit par le potentiel vecteur vec{rm A} defini dans la jauge de Dingle ou jauge symetrique. Conformement au formalisme de la seconde quantification, l'hamiltonien de ce gaz est represente dans la base des etats a un-corps de Dingle |n,m> et exprime ainsi en terme des operateurs de creation et d'annihilation correspondants a_sp{ rm n m}{dag} et a _{rm n m}. Nous supposons de plus que les electrons du niveau fondamental de Dingle interagissent entre eux via le potentiel coulombien. La methode utilisee fait appel a une equation mai tresse a N-corps, de nature quantique et statistique, et verifiant le second principe de la thermodynamique. A partir de celle-ci, nous obtenons un systeme d'equations differentielles appele hierarchie d'equations quantique dont la resolution nous permet de determiner une equation a un-corps, dite de Boltzmann quantique, et dictant l'evolution de la moyenne statistique de l'operateur non-diagonal a _sp{rm n m}{dag } a_{rm n}, _{rm m}, sous l'action du champ electrique applique vec{rm E}(t). C'est sa solution Tr(p(t) a _sp{rm n m}{dag} a_{rm n},_ {rm m}), qui definit la relation de convolution entre la densite courant de Hall vec{rm J}_{rm H }(t) et le champ electrique vec {rm E}(t) dont la transformee de Laplace-Fourier du noyau nous fournit l'expression de la conductivite de Hall desiree. Pour une valeur de

  12. Contributory roles of two l-lactate dehydrogenases for l-lactic acid production in thermotolerant Bacillus coagulans.

    PubMed

    Sun, Lifan; Zhang, Caili; Lyu, Pengcheng; Wang, Yanping; Wang, Limin; Yu, Bo

    2016-11-25

    Thermotolerant Bacillus coagulans is considered to be a more promising producer for bio-chemicals, due to its capacity to withstand harsh conditions. Two L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) encoding genes (ldhL1 and ldhL2) and one D-LDH encoding gene (ldhD) were annotated from the B. coagulans DSM1 genome. Transcriptional analysis revealed that the expression of ldhL2 was undetectable while the ldhL1 transcription level was much higher than that of ldhD at all growth phases. Deletion of the ldhL2 gene revealed no difference in fermentation profile compared to the wild-type strain, while ldhL1 single deletion or ldhL1ldhL2 double deletion completely blocked L-lactic acid production. Complementation of ldhL1 in the above knockout strains restored fermentation profiles to those observed in the wild-type strain. This study demonstrates ldhL1 is crucial for L-lactic acid production and NADH balance in B. coagulans DSM1 and lays the fundamental for engineering the thermotolerant B. coagulans strain as a platform chemicals producer.

  13. 76 FR 78080 - Watco Holdings, Inc. and Watco Transportation Services, L.L.C.-Acquisition of Control Exemption...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-15

    ..., Inc. and Watco Transportation Services, L.L.C.-- Acquisition of Control Exemption--Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, L.L.C. Watco Holdings, Inc. (Watco Holdings) and Watco Transportation Services, L.L.C... Wisconsin & Southern Railroad, L.L.C., a Class II railroad. Watco intends to consummate the transaction on...

  14. The Relations among L1 (Spanish) Literacy Skills, L2 (English) Language, L2 Text Reading Fluency, and L2 Reading Comprehension for Spanish-Speaking ELL First Grade Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kim, Young-Suk

    2012-01-01

    We investigated the relations of L2 (i.e., English) oral reading fluency, silent reading fluency, word reading automaticity, oral language skills, and L1 literacy skills (i.e., Spanish) to L2 reading comprehension for Spanish-speaking English language learners in the first grade (N = 150). An analysis was conducted for the entire sample as well as…

  15. An Exploratory Study on the Role of L1 Chinese and L2 English in the Cross-Linguistic Influence in L3 French

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cai, Hansong; Cai, Luna Jing

    2015-01-01

    This research investigates cross-linguistic influence in the comprehension of L3 French past tense. A close examination was made on the L1 (Chinese) and L2 (English) transfer patterns among 20 English majors in their early acquisition of L3 French passé compose (PC). Data were collected through introspective think-aloud protocol in a comprehension…

  16. Language Interference and Language Learning Techniques Transfer in L2 and L3 Immersion Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aronin, Larissa; Toubkin, Lynne

    2002-01-01

    Examines the relationships between the first (L1), second (L2), and third (L3) language in immersion programs for Russian-speaking students in Israel. Two parallel and similar immersion programs, which were carried out for the same population, but with different target languages (L2 Hebrew and L3 English), are described. Presents tentative…

  17. 77 FR 28875 - Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-16

    ... Natural Gas System, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization Take notice that on April 30, 2012 Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. (Gulfstream), 2701 North Rocky Point Drive, Suite 1050.... Connolly, General Manager, Rates and Certificates, Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C., 5400 Westheimer...

  18. 78 FR 2990 - Bear Creek Storage Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-15

    ... Storage Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization Take notice that on December 21, 2012, Bear Creek Storage Company, L.L.C. (Bear Creek), 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 749, Birmingham... this Application should be directed to Tina Hardy, Regulatory Manager, Bear Creek Storage Company, L.L...

  19. Bayesian model of categorical effects in L1 and L2 speech perception

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kronrod, Yakov

    In this dissertation I present a model that captures categorical effects in both first language (L1) and second language (L2) speech perception. In L1 perception, categorical effects range between extremely strong for consonants to nearly continuous perception of vowels. I treat the problem of speech perception as a statistical inference problem and by quantifying categoricity I obtain a unified model of both strong and weak categorical effects. In this optimal inference mechanism, the listener uses their knowledge of categories and the acoustics of the signal to infer the intended productions of the speaker. The model splits up speech variability into meaningful category variance and perceptual noise variance. The ratio of these two variances, which I call Tau, directly correlates with the degree of categorical effects for a given phoneme or continuum. By fitting the model to behavioral data from different phonemes, I show how a single parametric quantitative variation can lead to the different degrees of categorical effects seen in perception experiments with different phonemes. In L2 perception, L1 categories have been shown to exert an effect on how L2 sounds are identified and how well the listener is able to discriminate them. Various models have been developed to relate the state of L1 categories with both the initial and eventual ability to process the L2. These models largely lacked a formalized metric to measure perceptual distance, a means of making a-priori predictions of behavior for a new contrast, and a way of describing non-discrete gradient effects. In the second part of my dissertation, I apply the same computational model that I used to unify L1 categorical effects to examining L2 perception. I show that we can use the model to make the same type of predictions as other SLA models, but also provide a quantitative framework while formalizing all measures of similarity and bias. Further, I show how using this model to consider L2 learners at

  20. Reduction of L-phenylalanine in protein hydrolysates using L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from Rhodosporidium toruloides.

    PubMed

    Castañeda, María Teresita; Adachi, Osao; Hours, Roque Alberto

    2015-10-01

    L-Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.25) from Rhodosporidium toruloides was utilized to remove L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) from different commercial protein hydrolysates. A casein acid hydrolysate (CAH, L-Phe ~2.28 %) was employed as a model substrate. t-Cinnamic acid resulting from deamination of L-Phe was extracted, analyzed at λ = 290 nm, and used for PAL activity determination. Optimum reaction conditions, optimized using successive Doehlert design, were 35 mg mL(-1) of CAH and 800 mU mL(-1) of PAL, while temperature and pH were 42 °C and 8.7, respectively. Reaction kinetics of PAL with CAH was determined under optimized conditions. Then, removal of L-Phe from CAH was tested. Results showed that more than 92 % of initial L-Phe was eliminated. Similar results were obtained with other protein hydrolysates. These findings demonstrate that PAL is a useful biocatalyst for L-Phe removal from protein hydrolysates, which can be evaluated as potential ingredients in foodstuffs for PKU patients.

  1. Raising Learners' Awareness through L1-L2 Teacher Collaboration

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gunning, Pamela; White, Joanna; Busque, Christine

    2016-01-01

    There is considerable interest in teacher collaboration across mother tongue and second language curricula. However, cross-curricular collaboration in reading strategy instruction has seldom been investigated. We report a two-year study involving collaboration between the French first language (L1) and English second language (L2) teachers in an…

  2. Effects of L-histidine depletion and L-tyrosine/L-phenylalanine depletion on sensory and motor processes in healthy volunteers

    PubMed Central

    van Ruitenbeek, P; Sambeth, A; Vermeeren, A; Young, SN; Riedel, WJ

    2009-01-01

    Background and purpose: Animal studies show that histamine plays a role in cognitive functioning and that histamine H3-receptor antagonists, which increase histaminergic function through presynaptic receptors, improve cognitive performance in models of clinical cognitive deficits. In order to test such new drugs in humans, a model for cognitive impairments induced by low histaminergic functions would be useful. Studies with histamine H1-receptor antagonists have shown limitations as a model. Here we evaluated whether depletion of L-histidine, the precursor of histamine, was effective in altering measures associated with histamine in humans and the behavioural and electrophysiological (event-related-potentials) effects. Experimental approach: Seventeen healthy volunteers completed a three-way, double-blind, crossover study with L-histidine depletion, L-tyrosine/L-phenylalanine depletion (active control) and placebo as treatments. Interactions with task manipulations in a choice reaction time task were studied. Task demands were increased using visual stimulus degradation and increased response complexity. In addition, subjective and objective measures of sedation and critical tracking task performance were assessed. Key results: Measures of sedation and critical tracking task performance were not affected by treatment. L-histidine depletion was effective and enlarged the effect of response complexity as measured with the response-locked lateralized readiness potential onset latency. Conclusions and implications: L-histidine depletion affected response- but not stimulus-related processes, in contrast to the effects of H1-receptor antagonists which were previously found to affect primarily stimulus-related processes. L-histidine depletion is promising as a model for histamine-based cognitive impairment. However, these effects need to be confirmed by further studies. PMID:19413574

  3. L2 Word Recognition: Influence of L1 Orthography on Multi-Syllabic Word Recognition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hamada, Megumi

    2017-01-01

    L2 reading research suggests that L1 orthographic experience influences L2 word recognition. Nevertheless, the findings on multi-syllabic words in English are still limited despite the fact that a vast majority of words are multi-syllabic. The study investigated whether L1 orthography influences the recognition of multi-syllabic words, focusing on…

  4. Osmotic adjustment in five tree species under elevated CO sub 2 and water stress. [Platanus occidentalis L. ; Liquidambar styraciflua L. ; Quercus rubra L. ; Acer saccharum Marsh; Liriodendron tulipifera L

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

    Tschaplinski, T.J.; Hanson, P.J.; Norby, R.J.

    1991-05-01

    Since osmotic adjustment to water stress requires carbon assimilation during stress, the stimulation of photosynthesis by elevated CO{sub 2} may enhance osmotic adjustment. Osmotic adjustment of American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) to water stress was assessed under ambient and elevated CO{sub 2} (ambient +300 {mu}L L{sup {minus}1}), with seedlings grown in 8-L pots in four open-top chambers, fitted with rain exclusion canopies. Trees were subjected to repeated water stress cycles over a six-week period. Well-watered trees were watered daily tomore » maintain a soil matric potential > {minus}0.3 MPa, whereas stressed trees were watered when soil matric potential declined to < {minus}0.9 MPa. Gas exchange and water relations were monitored at the depth of stress and after rewatering. All species displayed an increase in leaf-level water-use efficiency (net photosynthesis/transpiration). Leaves of sycamore and sweetgum displayed an adjustment in osmotic potential at saturation (pressure-volume analysis) of 0.3 MPa and 0.6 MPa, respectively. Elevated CO{sub 2} did not enhance osmotic adjustment in leaves of any of the species studied. Studies to characterize organic solute concentrations in roots are ongoing to determine if osmotic adjustment occurred in the roots.« less

  5. The Use of the L1 and the L2 in French L3: Examining Cross-Linguistic Lexemes in Multilingual Learners' Oral Production

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lindqvist, Christina

    2009-01-01

    This study investigates to what degree, and in what manner, the L1 and L2(s) influence spoken French L3. The analysis is divided in two parts. The first examines the cross-linguistic lexemes of 30 Swedish learners, divided into three groups according to previous exposure to French. The results show that proficiency in the L3 is crucial: the least…

  6. $L_{0}$ Gradient Projection.

    PubMed

    Ono, Shunsuke

    2017-04-01

    Minimizing L 0 gradient, the number of the non-zero gradients of an image, together with a quadratic data-fidelity to an input image has been recognized as a powerful edge-preserving filtering method. However, the L 0 gradient minimization has an inherent difficulty: a user-given parameter controlling the degree of flatness does not have a physical meaning since the parameter just balances the relative importance of the L 0 gradient term to the quadratic data-fidelity term. As a result, the setting of the parameter is a troublesome work in the L 0 gradient minimization. To circumvent the difficulty, we propose a new edge-preserving filtering method with a novel use of the L 0 gradient. Our method is formulated as the minimization of the quadratic data-fidelity subject to the hard constraint that the L 0 gradient is less than a user-given parameter α . This strategy is much more intuitive than the L 0 gradient minimization because the parameter α has a clear meaning: the L 0 gradient value of the output image itself, so that one can directly impose a desired degree of flatness by α . We also provide an efficient algorithm based on the so-called alternating direction method of multipliers for computing an approximate solution of the nonconvex problem, where we decompose it into two subproblems and derive closed-form solutions to them. The advantages of our method are demonstrated through extensive experiments.

  7. Reconstruction of diaminopimelic acid biosynthesis allows characterisation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase

    PubMed Central

    Usha, Veeraraghavan; Lloyd, Adrian J.; Roper, David I.; Dowson, Christopher G.; Kozlov, Guennadi; Gehring, Kalle; Chauhan, Smita; Imam, Hasan T.; Blindauer, Claudia A.; Besra, Gurdyal S.

    2016-01-01

    With the increased incidence of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis there is an urgent need for new and better anti-tubercular drugs. N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE) is a key enzyme in the succinylase pathway for the biosynthesis of meso-diaminopimelic acid (meso-DAP) and L-lysine. DapE is a zinc containing metallohydrolase which hydrolyses N-succinyl L,L diaminopimelic acid (L,L-NSDAP) to L,L-diaminopimelic acid (L,L-DAP) and succinate. M. tuberculosis DapE (MtDapE) was cloned, over-expressed and purified as an N-terminal hexahistidine ((His)6) tagged fusion containing one zinc ion per DapE monomer. We redesigned the DAP synthetic pathway to generate L,L-NSDAP and other L,L-NSDAP derivatives and have characterised MtDapE with these substrates. In contrast to its other Gram negative homologues, the MtDapE was insensitive to inhibition by L-captopril which we show is consistent with novel mycobacterial alterations in the binding site of this drug. PMID:26976706

  8. Reconstruction of diaminopimelic acid biosynthesis allows characterisation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase.

    PubMed

    Usha, Veeraraghavan; Lloyd, Adrian J; Roper, David I; Dowson, Christopher G; Kozlov, Guennadi; Gehring, Kalle; Chauhan, Smita; Imam, Hasan T; Blindauer, Claudia A; Besra, Gurdyal S

    2016-03-15

    With the increased incidence of tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis there is an urgent need for new and better anti-tubercular drugs. N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE) is a key enzyme in the succinylase pathway for the biosynthesis of meso-diaminopimelic acid (meso-DAP) and L-lysine. DapE is a zinc containing metallohydrolase which hydrolyses N-succinyl L,L diaminopimelic acid (L,L-NSDAP) to L,L-diaminopimelic acid (L,L-DAP) and succinate. M. tuberculosis DapE (MtDapE) was cloned, over-expressed and purified as an N-terminal hexahistidine ((His)6) tagged fusion containing one zinc ion per DapE monomer. We redesigned the DAP synthetic pathway to generate L,L-NSDAP and other L,L-NSDAP derivatives and have characterised MtDapE with these substrates. In contrast to its other Gram negative homologues, the MtDapE was insensitive to inhibition by L-captopril which we show is consistent with novel mycobacterial alterations in the binding site of this drug.

  9. Contributory roles of two l-lactate dehydrogenases for l-lactic acid production in thermotolerant Bacillus coagulans

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Lifan; Zhang, Caili; Lyu, Pengcheng; Wang, Yanping; Wang, Limin; Yu, Bo

    2016-01-01

    Thermotolerant Bacillus coagulans is considered to be a more promising producer for bio-chemicals, due to its capacity to withstand harsh conditions. Two L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) encoding genes (ldhL1 and ldhL2) and one D-LDH encoding gene (ldhD) were annotated from the B. coagulans DSM1 genome. Transcriptional analysis revealed that the expression of ldhL2 was undetectable while the ldhL1 transcription level was much higher than that of ldhD at all growth phases. Deletion of the ldhL2 gene revealed no difference in fermentation profile compared to the wild-type strain, while ldhL1 single deletion or ldhL1ldhL2 double deletion completely blocked L-lactic acid production. Complementation of ldhL1 in the above knockout strains restored fermentation profiles to those observed in the wild-type strain. This study demonstrates ldhL1 is crucial for L-lactic acid production and NADH balance in B. coagulans DSM1 and lays the fundamental for engineering the thermotolerant B. coagulans strain as a platform chemicals producer. PMID:27885267

  10. 76 FR 77890 - Swan Ranch Railroad, L.L.C.-Operation Exemption-Swan Industrial Park

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-14

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35574] Swan Ranch Railroad, L.L.C.--Operation Exemption--Swan Industrial Park Swan Ranch Railroad, L.L.C. (SRR),\\1\\ a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to operate, pursuant to an agreement with Cheyenne Logistics Hub, LLC (CLH), all...

  11. Measurements of Development in L2 Written Production: The Case of L2 Chinese

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jiang, Wenying

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates measures for second language (L2) writing development. A T-unit, which has been found the most satisfactory unit of analysis for measuring L2 development in English, is extended to measure L2 Chinese writing development through a cross-sectional design in this study. Data were collected from three L2 Chinese learner groups…

  12. The structure of free L11 and functional dynamics of L11 in free, L11-rRNA(58 nt) binary and L11-rRNA(58 nt)-thiostrepton ternary complexes.

    PubMed

    Lee, Donghan; Walsh, Joseph D; Yu, Ping; Markus, Michelle A; Choli-Papadopoulou, Theodora; Schwieters, Charles D; Krueger, Susan; Draper, David E; Wang, Yun-Xing

    2007-04-06

    The L11 binding site is one of the most important functional sites in the ribosome. The N-terminal domain of L11 has been implicated as a "reversible switch" in facilitating the coordinated movements associated with EF-G-driven GTP hydrolysis. The reversible switch mechanism has been hypothesized to require conformational flexibility involving re-orientation and re-positioning of the two L11 domains, and warrants a close examination of the structure and dynamics of L11. Here we report the solution structure of free L11, and relaxation studies of free L11, L11 complexed to its 58 nt RNA recognition site, and L11 in a ternary complex with the RNA and thiostrepton antibiotic. The binding site of thiostrepton on L11 was also defined by analysis of structural and dynamics data and chemical shift mapping. The conclusions of this work are as follows: first, the binding of L11 to RNA leads to sizable conformation changes in the regions flanking the linker and in the hinge area that links a beta-sheet and a 3(10)-helix-turn-helix element in the N terminus. Concurrently, the change in the relative orientation may lead to re-positioning of the N terminus, as implied by a decrease of radius of gyration from 18.5 A to 16.2 A. Second, the regions, which undergo large conformation changes, exhibit motions on milliseconds-microseconds or nanoseconds-picoseconds time scales. Third, binding of thiostrepton results in more rigid conformations near the linker (Thr71) and near its putative binding site (Leu12). Lastly, conformational changes in the putative thiostrepton binding site are implicated by the re-emergence of cross-correlation peaks in the spectrum of the ternary complex, which were missing in that of the binary complex. Our combined analysis of both the chemical shift perturbation and dynamics data clearly indicates that thiostrepton binds to a pocket involving residues in the 3(10)-helix in L11.

  13. The Structure of Free L11 and Functional Dynamics of L11 in Free, L11-rRNA(58nt) Binary and L11-rRNA(58nt)-thiostrepton Ternary Complexes

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Donghan; Walsh, Joseph D.; Yu, Ping; Markus, Michelle A.; Choli-Papadopoulou, Theodora; Schwieters, Charles D.; Krueger, Susan; Draper, David E.; Wang, Yun-Xing

    2007-01-01

    Summary The L11 binding site is one of the most important functional sites in the ribosome. The N-terminal domain of L11 has been implicated as a “reversible switch” in facilitating the coordinated movements associated with EF-G–driven GTP hydrolysis. The “reversible switch” mechanism has been hypothesized to require conformational flexibility involving re-orientation and re-positioning of the two L11 domains, and warrants a close examination of the structure and dynamics of L11. Here we report the solution structure of free L11, and relaxation studies of free L11, L11complexed to its 58 nt RNA recognition site, and L11 in a ternary complex with the RNA and thiostrepton antibiotic. The binding site of thiostrepton on L11 was also defined by analysis of structural and dynamics data and chemical shift mapping. The conclusions of this work are as follows: First, the binding of L11 to RNA leads to sizable conformation changes in the regions flanking the linker and in the hinge area that links a β-sheets and a 310-helix-turn-helix element in the N-terminus. Concurrently, the change in the relative orientation may lead to re-positioning of the N-terminus, as implied by a decrease of radius of gyration from 18.5 Å to 16.2 Å. Second, the regions, which undergo large conformation changes, exhibit motions on ms-μs or ns-ps time scales. Third, binding of thiostrepton results in more rigid conformations near the linker (Thr71) and near its putative binding site (Leu12). Lastly, conformational changes in the putative thiostrepton binding site are implicated by the re-emergence of cross-correlation peaks in the spectrum of the ternary complex, which were missing in that of the binary complex. Our combined analysis of both the chemical shift perturbation and dynamics data clearly indicates that thiostrepton binds to a pocket involving residues in the 310-helix in L11. PMID:17292917

  14. Carnation (Dianthus caryophylus L.).

    PubMed

    Nontaswatsri, Chalermsri; Fukai, Seiichi

    2006-01-01

    Carnation is a valuable crop for the cut flower industry and demand for new and improved varieties is growing. However, genetic transformation of carnations is currently limited because of a lack of efficient routine technique. In this chapter, we present an easy and effective protocol for gene transfer to carnation node explants and subsequent adventitious shoot regeneration. For high-adventitious shoot regeneration, node explants from first to third node of 5- to 8-cm long shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, containing 1.0 mg/Lthidiazuron (TDZ), 0.1 mg/L alpha-napthalenoacetic acid (NAA), 20 g/L sucrose, and 2 g/L Gellan gum for 10 d. Then the explants were cut into 8 radial segments and subcultured onto MS medium, containing 1.0 mg/L BA, 0.1 mg/L NAA, 20 g/L sucrose and 2 g/L Gellan Gum. For effective genetic transformation, 3- to 5-d precultured node explants were submerged in an Agrobacerium suspension for 10 min, then cocultivated on filter paper soaked with water and 50 microM acetosyringone (AS). After cocultivation, the explants were cut into eight radial segments and subcultured onto selection medium until transformed shoots regenerated from the explants.

  15. How Does L1 and L2 Exposure Impact L1 Performance in Bilingual Children? Evidence from Polish-English Migrants to the United Kingdom

    PubMed Central

    Haman, Ewa; Wodniecka, Zofia; Marecka, Marta; Szewczyk, Jakub; Białecka-Pikul, Marta; Otwinowska, Agnieszka; Mieszkowska, Karolina; Łuniewska, Magdalena; Kołak, Joanna; Miękisz, Aneta; Kacprzak, Agnieszka; Banasik, Natalia; Foryś-Nogala, Małgorzata

    2017-01-01

    Most studies on bilingual language development focus on children’s second language (L2). Here, we investigated first language (L1) development of Polish-English early migrant bilinguals in four domains: vocabulary, grammar, phonological processing, and discourse. We first compared Polish language skills between bilinguals and their Polish non-migrant monolingual peers, and then investigated the influence of the cumulative exposure to L1 and L2 on bilinguals’ performance. We then examined whether high exposure to L1 could possibly minimize the gap between monolinguals and bilinguals. We analyzed data from 233 typically developing children (88 bilingual and 145 monolingual) aged 4;0 to 7;5 (years;months) on six language measures in Polish: receptive vocabulary, productive vocabulary, receptive grammar, productive grammar (sentence repetition), phonological processing (non-word repetition), and discourse abilities (narration). Information about language exposure was obtained via parental questionnaires. For each language task, we analyzed the data from the subsample of bilinguals who had completed all the tasks in question and from monolinguals matched one-on-one to the bilingual group on age, SES (measured by years of mother’s education), gender, non-verbal IQ, and short-term memory. The bilingual children scored lower than monolinguals in all language domains, except discourse. The group differences were more pronounced on the productive tasks (vocabulary, grammar, and phonological processing) and moderate on the receptive tasks (vocabulary and grammar). L1 exposure correlated positively with the vocabulary size and phonological processing. Grammar scores were not related to the levels of L1 exposure, but were predicted by general cognitive abilities. L2 exposure negatively influenced productive grammar in L1, suggesting possible L2 transfer effects on L1 grammatical performance. Children’s narrative skills benefitted from exposure to two languages: both L1

  16. James L. Young | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    L. Young James Young Postdoctoral Researcher-Chemistry James.Young@nrel.gov | 303-275-4456 Orcid ID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7291-0079 Dr. James L. Young is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National -splitting photocathode," Nature Energy (2017). View all NREL publications for James L. Young.

  17. Diminished L-arginine bioavailability in hypertension.

    PubMed

    Moss, Monique B; Brunini, Tatiana M C; Soares De Moura, Roberto; Novaes Malagris, Lúcia E; Roberts, Norman B; Ellory, J Clive; Mann, Giovanni E; Mendes Ribeiro, Antônio C

    2004-10-01

    L-Arginine is the precursor of NO (nitric oxide), a key endogenous mediator involved in endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation and platelet function. Although the concentration of intracellular L-arginine is well above the Km for NO synthesis, in many cells and pathological conditions the transport of L-arginine is essential for NO production (L-arginine paradox). The present study was designed to investigate the modulation of L-arginine/NO pathway in systemic arterial hypertension. Transport of L-arginine into RBCs (red blood cells) and platelets, NOS (NO synthase) activity and amino acid profiles in plasma were analysed in hypertensive patients and in an animal model of hypertension. Influx of L-arginine into RBCs was mediated by the cationic amino acid transport systems y+ and y+L, whereas, in platelets, influx was mediated only via system y+L. Chromatographic analyses revealed higher plasma levels of L-arginine in hypertensive patients (175+/-19 micromol/l) compared with control subjects (137+/-8 micromol/l). L-Arginine transport via system y+L, but not y+, was significantly reduced in RBCs from hypertensive patients (60+/-7 micromol.l(-1).cells(-1).h(-1); n=16) compared with controls (90+/-17 micromol.l(-1).cells(-1).h(-1); n=18). In human platelets, the Vmax for L-arginine transport via system y+L was 86+/-17 pmol.10(9) cells(-1).min(-1) in controls compared with 36+/-9 pmol.10(9) cells(-1).min(-1) in hypertensive patients (n=10; P<0.05). Basal NOS activity was decreased in platelets from hypertensive patients (0.12+/-0.02 pmol/10(8) cells; n=8) compared with controls (0.22+/-0.01 pmol/10(8) cells; n=8; P<0.05). Studies with spontaneously hypertensive rats demonstrated that transport of L-arginine via system y+L was also inhibited in RBCs. Our findings provide the first evidence that hypertension is associated with an inhibition of L-arginine transport via system y+L in both humans and animals, with reduced availability of L-arginine limiting NO synthesis

  18. L-Lake macroinvertebrate community

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

    Specht, W.L.

    1996-06-01

    To characterize the present benthic macroinvertebrate community of L-Lake, Regions 5 and 7 of the reservoir were sampled in September 1995 at the same locations sampled in 1988 and 1989 during the L-Lake monitoring program. The macroinvertebrate community of 1995 is compared to that of 1988 and 1989. The species composition of L-Lake`s macroinvertebrate community has changed considerably since 1988-1989, due primarily to maturation of the reservoir ecosystem. L-Lake contains a reasonably diverse macroinvertebrate community that is capable of supporting higher trophic levels, including a diverse assemblage of fish species. The L-Lake macroinvertebrate community is similar to those of manymore » other southeastern reservoirs, and there is no indication that the macroinvertebrate community is perturbed by chemical or physical stressors.« less

  19. Discourse Connectives in L1 and L2 Argumentative Writing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hu, Chunyu; Li, Yuanyuan

    2015-01-01

    Discourse connectives (DCs) are multi-functional devices used to connect discourse segments and fulfill interpersonal levels of discourse. This study investigates the use of selected 80 DCs within 11 categories in the argumentative essays produced by L1 and L2 university students. The analysis is based on the International Corpus Network of Asian…

  20. Diastereoselective synthesis of L: -threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine by low-specific L: -threonine aldolase mutants.

    PubMed

    Gwon, Hui-Jeong; Baik, Sang-Ho

    2010-01-01

    Diastereoselectivity-enhanced mutants of L: -threonine aldolase (L: -TA) for L: -threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L: -threo-DOPS) synthesis were isolated by error-prone PCR followed by a high-throughput screening. The most improved mutant was achieved from the mutant T3-3mm2, showing a 4-fold increase over the wild-type L: -TA. When aldol condensation activity was examined using whole cells of T3-3mm2, its de was constantly maintained at 55% during the batch reactions for 80 h, yielding 3.8 mg L: -threo-DOPS/ml.

  1. Blood-based NfL

    PubMed Central

    Janelidze, Shorena; Hall, Sara; Magdalinou, Nadia; Lees, Andrew J.; Andreasson, Ulf; Norgren, Niklas; Linder, Jan; Forsgren, Lars; Constantinescu, Radu; Zetterberg, Henrik; Blennow, Kaj

    2017-01-01

    Objective: To determine if blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein can discriminate between Parkinson disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonian disorders (APD) with equally high diagnostic accuracy as CSF NfL, and can therefore improve the diagnostic workup of parkinsonian disorders. Methods: The study included 3 independent prospective cohorts: the Lund (n = 278) and London (n = 117) cohorts, comprising healthy controls and patients with PD, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), as well as an early disease cohort (n = 109) of patients with PD, PSP, MSA, or CBS with disease duration ≤3 years. Blood NfL concentration was measured using an ultrasensitive single molecule array (Simoa) method, and the diagnostic accuracy to distinguish PD from APD was investigated. Results: We found strong correlations between blood and CSF concentrations of NfL (ρ ≥ 0.73–0.84, p ≤ 0.001). Blood NfL was increased in patients with MSA, PSP, and CBS (i.e., all APD groups) when compared to patients with PD as well as healthy controls in all cohorts (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the Lund cohort, blood NfL could accurately distinguish PD from APD (area under the curve [AUC] 0.91) with similar results in both the London cohort (AUC 0.85) and the early disease cohort (AUC 0.81). Conclusions: Quantification of blood NfL concentration can be used to distinguish PD from APD. Blood-based NfL might consequently be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with parkinsonian symptoms in both primary care and specialized clinics. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that blood NfL levels discriminate between PD and APD. PMID:28179466

  2. L'astronomie dans le monde

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manfroid, J.

    2009-06-01

    L'ESA en route vers les origines de l'univers; Record de distance; Blob primordial; Novae; Expansion de l'univers; Plat ou pas?; L'eau sur Mars; Bombardement massif; M87; CoRoT; EX Lupi; Première pour ALMA; Kohoutek 4-55; Arp 194

  3. L1/L2 Differences in the Acquisition of Form-Meaning Pairings in a Second Language

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McManus, Kevin

    2015-01-01

    This paper examines the impact of L1/L2 form-meaning differences in the domain of aspect to investigate whether L2 learners are able to acquire properties of the L2 that are different from the L1. Oral data were collected from English- and German-speaking university learners of French L2 (n = 75) at two different levels of proficiency. The results…

  4. The Effects of L2 Reading Skills on L1 Reading Skills through Transfer

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Altmisdort, Gonca

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated whether transfer from L2 to L1 in reading occurs, and if so, which reading sub-skills are transferred into L1 reading. The aim is to identify the role of second language reading skills in L1 reading skills by means of transfer. In addition, the positive effects of the second language transfer to the first language in the…

  5. L-Cysteine and L-AP4 microinjections in the rat caudal ventrolateral medulla decrease arterial blood pressure.

    PubMed

    Takemoto, Yumi

    2014-12-01

    The thiol amino acid L-cysteine increases arterial blood pressure (ABP) when injected into the cerebrospinal fluid space in conscious rats, indicating a pressor response to centrally acting L-cysteine. A prior synaptic membrane binding assay suggests that L-cysteine has a strong affinity for the L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4) binding site. The central action of L-cysteine may be vial-AP4 sensitive receptors. The present study investigated cardiovascular responses to L-cysteine and L-ap4 microinjected into the autonomic area of the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) where inhibitory neurons regulate ABP via pre-sympathetic vasomotor neurons. Both the injection of L-cysteine and L-AP4 in the CVLM sites identified with L-glutamate produced the same depressor and bradycardic responses in urethane-anesthetized rats. Neither a prior antagonist microinjection of MK801 for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor nor CNQX for the non-NMDA receptor attenuated the responses to L-cysteine, but the combination of the two receptor blocking with an additional prior injection abolished the response. In contrast, either receptor blockade alone abolished the response to L-AP4, indicating distinct mechanisms between responses to L-cysteine and L-AP4 in the CVLM. The results indicate that the CVLM is a central active site for L-cysteine's cardiovascular response. Central L-cysteine's action could be independent of the L-AP4 sensitive receptors. Cardiovascular regulation may involve endogenous L-cysteine in the CVLM. Further multidisciplinary examinations are required to elaborate on L-cysteine's functional roles in the CVLM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Effects of Rhododendron maximum L. on Acer rubrum L. Seedling Establishment

    Treesearch

    Barton D. Clinton; James M. Vose

    1996-01-01

    Rhododendron maximum L. restricts regeneration of overstory species; however, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Three treatments were used to examine the effects of R. maximum germination success and survival of Acer rubrum L. under a closed overstory canopy: (1) R. maximum understory, (2)...

  7. Comparing L1 and L2 Texts and Writers in First-Year Composition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eckstein, Grant; Ferris, Dana

    2018-01-01

    Scholars have at various points discussed the needs of second language (L2) writers enrolled in "mainstream" composition courses where they are mixed with native (L1) English speakers. Other researchers have investigated the experiences of L2 writers in mainstream classes and the perceptions of their instructors about their abilities and…

  8. Enquête internationale sur l'état de l'art et l'état de la pratique en géotechnique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Acosta-Martinez, Hugo; Delage, Pierre; Nicks, Jennifer; Day, Peter

    2018-05-01

    Cet article présente une synthèse des résultats de l'enquête internationale sur l'état de l'art et l'état de la pratique en ingénierie géotechnique lancée par le Groupe présidentiel des entreprises associées et le Comité de supervision technique de la Société internationale de mécanique des sols et de géotechnique en mars 2017. Il résume également les discussions qui ont eu lieu sur le sujet durant le 19e CIMSG à Séoul, le 20 septembre 2017.

  9. Simultaneous electrochemical determination of L-cysteine and L-cysteine disulfide at carbon ionic liquid electrode.

    PubMed

    Safavi, Afsaneh; Ahmadi, Raheleh; Mahyari, Farzaneh Aghakhani

    2014-04-01

    A linear sweep voltammetric method is used for direct simultaneous determination of L-cysteine and L-cysteine disulfide (cystine) based on carbon ionic liquid electrode. With carbon ionic liquid electrode as a high performance electrode, two oxidation peaks for L-cysteine (0.62 V) and L-cysteine disulfide (1.3 V) were observed with a significant separation of about 680 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.0). The linear ranges were obtained as 1.0-450 and 5.0-700 μM and detection limits were estimated to be 0.298 and 4.258 μM for L-cysteine and L-cysteine disulfide, respectively. This composite electrode was applied for simultaneous determination of L-cysteine and L-cysteine disulfide in two real samples, artificial urine and nutrient broth. Satisfactory results were obtained which clearly indicate the applicability of the proposed electrode for simultaneous determination of these compounds in complex matrices.

  10. The Role of Multiword Building Blocks in Explaining L1-L2 Differences.

    PubMed

    Arnon, Inbal; Christiansen, Morten H

    2017-07-01

    Why are children better language learners than adults despite being worse at a range of other cognitive tasks? Here, we explore the role of multiword sequences in explaining L1-L2 differences in learning. In particular, we propose that children and adults differ in their reliance on such multiword units (MWUs) in learning, and that this difference affects learning strategies and outcomes, and leads to difficulty in learning certain grammatical relations. In the first part, we review recent findings that suggest that MWUs play a facilitative role in learning. We then discuss the implications of these findings for L1-L2 differences: We hypothesize that adults are both less likely to extract MWUs and less capable of benefiting from them in the process of learning. In the next section, we draw on psycholinguistic, developmental, and computational findings to support these predictions. We end with a discussion of the relation between this proposal and other accounts of L1-L2 difficulty. Copyright © 2017 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

  11. Interplay between the b →s l l anomalies and dark matter physics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kawamura, Junichiro; Okawa, Shohei; Omura, Yuji

    2017-10-01

    Recently, the LHCb Collaboration has reported the excesses in the b →s l l processes. One of the promising candidates for new physics to explain the anomalies is the extended Standard Model (SM) with vectorlike quarks and leptons. In that model, Yukawa couplings between the extra fermions and SM fermions are introduced, adding extra scalars. Then, the box diagrams involving the extra fields achieve the b →s l l anomalies. It has been known that the excesses require the large Yukawa couplings of leptons, so that this kind of model can be tested by studying correlations with other observables. In this paper, we consider the extra scalar to be a dark matter (DM) candidate, and investigate DM physics as well as the flavor physics and the LHC physics. The DM relic density and the direct-detection cross section are also dominantly given by the Yukawa couplings, so that we find some explicit correlations between DM physics and the flavor physics. In particular, we find the predictions of the b →s l l anomalies against the direct detection of DM.

  12. Children's Use of Requests in Chinese (L1) and English (L2): A Case Study in Taiwan

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kuo, Li-feng

    2010-01-01

    Much research on requests has been carried out among L1 Chinese adults, L1 Chinese children, L1 children, L2 adults, and L2 children, but no studies to date have simultaneously examined Chinese children's requests in Chinese (L1) and English (L2). The aim of this study is to investigate how Taiwanese elementary school children vary requests…

  13. C&S Enterprise, L.L.C. - Clean Water Act Public Notice

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against C & S Enterprise, L.L.C. (“Respondent”), a business located at 2454 480th Ave, Deep River, IA 52222, for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act at property owned by Resp

  14. 77 FR 36041 - San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L.C.-Lease Exemption-Port Authority of San Antonio

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-15

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35603] San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L.C.--Lease Exemption--Port Authority of San Antonio San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L... in Wacto Holdings, Inc.--Continuance in Control Exemption--San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L.C...

  15. 78 FR 21928 - Demand Response Coalition v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL13-57-000] Demand Response Coalition v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint Take notice that on April 3, 2013, pursuant to... Demand Response Coalition \\1\\ (Complainant) filed a formal complaint against the PJM Interconnection, L.L...

  16. Use of the Yeast Pichia pastoris as an Expression Host for Secretion of Enterocin L50, a Leaderless Two-Peptide (L50A and L50B) Bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium L50▿

    PubMed Central

    Basanta, Antonio; Gómez-Sala, Beatriz; Sánchez, Jorge; Diep, Dzung B.; Herranz, Carmen; Hernández, Pablo E.; Cintas, Luis M.

    2010-01-01

    In this work, we report the expression and secretion of the leaderless two-peptide (EntL50A and EntL50B) bacteriocin enterocin L50 from Enterococcus faecium L50 by the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris X-33. The bacteriocin structural genes entL50A and entL50B were fused to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene region encoding the mating pheromone α-factor 1 secretion signal (MFα1s) and cloned, separately and together (entL50AB), into the P. pastoris expression and secretion vector pPICZαA, which contains the methanol-inducible alcohol oxidase promoter (PAOX1) to express the fusion genes. After transfer into the yeast, the recombinant plasmids were integrated into the genome, resulting in three bacteriocinogenic yeast strains able to produce and secrete the individual bacteriocin peptides EntL50A and EntL50B separately and together. The secretion was efficiently directed by MFα1s through the Sec system, and the precursor peptides were found to be correctly processed to form mature and active bacteriocin peptides. The present work describes for the first time the heterologous expression and secretion of a two-peptide non-pediocin-like bacteriocin by a yeast. PMID:20348300

  17. Use of L1 in L2 Reading Comprehension among Tertiary ESL Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Seng, Goh Hock; Hashim, Fatimah

    2006-01-01

    This study is an attempt to provide insights into the extent of first language (L1) use while reading second language (L2) texts in a collaborative situation among tertiary ESL learners. Through the identification of reading strategies utilized by the subjects, the study is also aimed at discovering possible reasons for the use of L1 while…

  18. The Amount, Purpose, and Reasons for Using L1 in L2 Classrooms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    de la Campa, Juliane C.; Nassaji, Hossein

    2009-01-01

    This study examined the amount, the purposes, and the reasons why L1 is used in L2 classrooms. Data consist of video and audio recording of samples of two instructors' L2 classes over the course of a 12-week semester in two second-year German conversation university courses, instructor interviews, and stimulated recall sessions. Results revealed…

  19. Aspergillus niger PA2: a novel strain for extracellular biotransformation of L-tyrosine into L-DOPA.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, Pragati; Pareek, Nidhi; Dubey, Swati; Singh, Jyoti; Singh, R P

    2016-05-01

    L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine), an amino acid derivative is the most widely used drug of choice for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neurologic injuries. The present study deals with the elevated biochemical transformation of L-tyrosine to L-DOPA by Aspergillus niger PA2, a potent tyrosinase producer, isolated from decomposed food wastes. This appears to be the first report on A. niger as a notable extracellular tyrosinase producer. The extracellular tyrosinase activity produced remarkably higher levels of L-DOPA, i.e. 2.44 mg mL(-1) when the media was supplemented with 5 mg mL(-1) L-tyrosine. The optimum pH for tyrosinase production was 6.0, with the maximal L-DOPA production at the same pH. The product thus produced was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography, UV spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, that had denoted this to be L-DOPA. Kinetic parameters viz. Y p/s, Q s and Q p had further indicated the notable levels of production. Thus, Aspergillus niger PA2 could be a promising resource and may be further exploited for large-scale production of L-DOPA.

  20. 78 FR 23318 - Trust for Professional Managers and Aurora Investment Management L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-18

    ... Professional Managers and Aurora Investment Management L.L.C.; Notice of Application April 12, 2013. AGENCY...: Trust for Professional Managers (the ``Trust'') and Aurora Investment Management L.L.C. (the ``Initial... Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202; Scott M. Montpas, Esq., Aurora Investment Management L.L.C., 300 North...

  1. Genetic Control of L-a and L-(Bc) Dsrna Copy Number in Killer Systems of SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

    PubMed Central

    Ball, Steven G.; Tirtiaux, Catherine; Wickner, Reed B.

    1984-01-01

    M dsRNA in yeast encodes a toxin precursor and immunity protein, whereas L-A dsRNA encodes the 81,000-dalton major protein of the intracellular particles in which both L-A and M are found. L-(BC) dsRNA(s) are found in particles with different coat proteins. We find that M dsRNA lowers the copy number of L-A, but not L-(BC). The SKI gene products lower the copy number of L-(BC), L-A, M1 and M2. This is the first known interaction of L-(BC) with any element of the killer systems. The MAK3, MAK10 and PET18 gene products are necessary for L-A maintenance and replication, but mutations in these genes do not affect L-(BC) copy number. Mutations in MAK1, MAK4, MAK7, MAK17 and MAK24 do not detectably affect copy number of L-(BC) or L-A. PMID:17246214

  2. 77 FR 36527 - Enstor Grama Ridge Storage and Transportation, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-19

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR12-28-000] Enstor Grama Ridge Storage and Transportation, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on June 11, 2012, Enstor Grama Ridge Storage and Transportation, L.L.C. filed to revise its Statement of Operating Conditions to...

  3. 78 FR 75562 - MarkWest Pipeline Company L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Waiver

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-12

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. OR14-10-000] MarkWest Pipeline Company L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Waiver Take notice that on November 29, 2013, pursuant to... Company L.L.C. (MarkWest Pipeline) requested that the Commission grant a temporary waiver of the...

  4. TES/Aura L2 Ozone (O3) Limb V6 (TL2O3L)

    Atmospheric Science Data Center

    2018-03-01

    TES/Aura L2 Ozone (O3) Limb (TL2O3L) News:  TES News Join TES ... Project Title:  TES Discipline:  Tropospheric Composition Version:  V6 Level:  L2 Platform:  TES/Aura L2 Ozone Spatial Coverage:  27 x 23 km Limb Spatial ...

  5. [Establishment and validation of normal human L1-L5 lumbar three-dimensional finite element model].

    PubMed

    Zhu, Zhenqi; Liu, Chenjun; Wang, Jiefu; Wang, Kaifeng; Huang, Zhixin; Wang, Weida; Liu, Haiying

    2014-10-14

    To create and validate a L1-L5 lumbar three-dimensional finite element model. The L1-L5 lumbar spines of a male healthy volunteer were scanned with computed tomography (CT). And a L1-L5 lumbar three-dimensional finite element model was created with the aid of software packages of Mimics, Geomagic and Ansys. Then border conditions were set, unit type was determined, finite element mesh was divided and a model was established for loading and calculating. Average model stiffness under the conditions of flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation was calculated and compared with the outcomes of former articles for validation. A normal human L1-L5 lumbar three-dimensional finite element model was established to include 459 340 elements and 661 938 nodes. After constraining the inferior endplate of L5 vertebral body, 500 kg × m × s⁻² compressive loading was imposed averagely on the superior endplate of L1 vertebral body. Then 10 kg × m² × s⁻² moment simulating flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation were imposed on the superior endplate of L1 vertebral body. Eventually the average stiffness of all directions was calculated and it was similar to the outcomes of former articles. The L1-L5 lumbar three-dimensional finite element model is validated so that it may used with biomechanical simulation and analysis of normal or surgical models.

  6. Comparison between L-CHOP and an L-CHOP protocol with interposed treatments of CCNU and MOPP (L-CHOP-CCNU-MOPP) for lymphoma in dogs.

    PubMed

    Rassnick, K M; Bailey, D B; Malone, E K; Intile, J L; Kiselow, M A; Flory, A B; Barlow, L L; Balkman, C E; Barnard, S M; Waite, A H

    2010-12-01

    An L-CHOP protocol with interposed treatments of CCNU and MOPP (L-CHOP-CCNU-MOPP) was evaluated in 66 dogs with stages III-V lymphoma. Results were compared with a historical group of 71 dogs treated with an L-CHOP protocol. Complete remission (CR) rates (85 and 80%, respectively) did not differ significantly between protocols (P = 0.48). First CR duration for dogs treated with L-CHOP-CCNU-MOPP was significantly longer: median, 317 days; 2-year CR rate, 35% versus median, 298 days; 2-year CR rate, 13%, P = 0.05). For the L-CHOP-CCNU-MOPP protocol, dogs in substage-b had a 4.3 times greater hazard of having a relapse than dogs in substage-a (P = 0.002). Frequency of adverse chemotherapy-associated gastrointestinal effects did not differ between protocols (P = 0.77). Neutropenia (primarily after CCNU) occurred more frequently in dogs treated with L-CHOP-CCNU-MOPP (P < 0.001). In summary, the L-CHOP-CCNU-MOPP protocol showed an improved duration of first CR as compared with an L-CHOP protocol, but the relevance of this finding might be subject to clinical judgement. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  7. 76 FR 20655 - American Electric Power Service Corporation v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-13

    ... Electric Power Service Corporation v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint Take notice that on... complaint against PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (Respondent), alleging that Schedule 8.1, section D.8 to the PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. Reliability Assurance Agreement is unjust, unreasonable, and unduly...

  8. Protective effect of L-carnitine and L-arginine against busulfan-induced oligospermia in adult rat.

    PubMed

    Abd-Elrazek, A M; Ahmed-Farid, O A H

    2018-02-01

    Busulfan is an anticancer drug caused variety of adverse effects for patients with cancer. But it could cause damage to the male reproductive system as one of its adverse effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of L-carnitine and L-arginine on semen quality, oxidative stress parameters and testes cell energy after busulfan treatment. Adult male rats were divided into four groups: control (Con), busulfan (Bus), busulfan plus L-arginine (Bus + L-arg) and busulfan plus L-carnitine (Bus + L-car). After 28 days, the semen was collected from the epididymis and the testes were assessed. Sperm count, motility and velocity were measured by CASA, and smears were prepared for assessment of sperm morphology. Serum and testes supernatants were separated for DNA metabolites, oxidative stress and cell energy parameters. Testes tissues also subjected for caspase-3. The results showed significant improvement in sperm morphology, motility, velocity and count in the groups treated with L-arginine and L-carnitine and accompanied with an increase in MDA, GSSG and ATP, reduction in GSH, AMP, ADP, NO and 8-OHDG also recorded. These results are supported by caspase-3. Administration of L-arg and L-car attenuated the cytotoxic effects of busulfan by improving semen parameters, reducing oxidative stress and maintaining cell energy. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  9. 77 FR 2131 - Watco Holdings, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-Birmingham Terminal Railway, L.L.C.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-13

    ... Railroad, Inc., Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad, L.L.C., Timber Rock Railroad, L.L.C., Stillwater..., maintenance, mechanical, and personnel policies and practices of its rail carrier subsidiaries, and thereby...

  10. Synthesis and properties of poly(L-lactide)-b-poly (L-phenylalanine) hybrid copolymers.

    PubMed

    Planellas, Marc; Puiggalí, Jordi

    2014-07-29

    Hybrid materials constituted by peptides and synthetic polymers have nowadays a great interest since they can combine the properties and functions of each constitutive block, being also possible to modify the final characteristics by using different topologies. Poly(l-lactide-b-l-phenylalanine) copolymers with various block lengths were synthesized by sequential ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide and the N-carboxyanhydride of l-phenylalanine. The resulting block copolymers were characterized by NMR spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, MALDI-TOF and UV-vis, revealing the successful incorporation of the polyphenylalanine (PPhe) peptide into the previously formed poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) polymer chain. X-ray diffraction and DSC data also suggested that the copolymers were phase-separated in domains containing either crystalline PLLA or PPhe phases. A peculiar thermal behavior was also found by thermogravimetric analysis when polyphenylalanine blocks were incorporated into polylactide.

  11. 75 FR 21290 - Caledonia Energy Partners, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-23

    ... Energy Partners, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization April 16, 2010. Take notice that on April 12, 2010, Caledonia Energy Partners, L.L.C. (Caledonia), 20329 State Highway 249, Suite 400..., Houston, Texas 77070, at (281) 374-3062. Any person may, within 60 days after the issuance of the instant...

  12. 75 FR 16449 - Central Transmission, LLC v. PJM Interconnection L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-01

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL10-52-000] Central Transmission, LLC v. PJM Interconnection L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint March 26, 2010. Take notice that on March... Interconnection L.L.C. (PJM) pursuant to section 206 of the Federal Power Act (FPA), alleging that Schedule 6 of...

  13. 77 FR 36040 - Watco Holdings, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L.C.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-15

    ..., Inc.--Continuance in Control Exemption--San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L.C. Watco Holdings, Inc... Watco to continue in control of San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L.C. (SAC), upon SAC's becoming a Class... exemption in San Antonio Central Railroad, L.L.C.--Lease Exemption-- Port Authority of San Antonio, Docket...

  14. Involvement of l(-)-rhamnose in sea urchin gastrulation. Part II: α-l-Rhamnosidase.

    PubMed

    Liang, Jing; Aleksanyan, Heghush; Metzenberg, Stan; Oppenheimer, Steven B

    2016-06-01

    The sea urchin embryo is recognized as a model system to reveal developmental mechanisms involved in human health and disease. In Part I of this series, six carbohydrates were tested for their effects on gastrulation in embryos of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus. Only l-rhamnose caused dramatic increases in the numbers of unattached archenterons and exogastrulated archenterons in living, swimming embryos. It was found that at 30 h post-fertilization the l-rhamnose had an unusual inverse dose-dependent effect, with low concentrations (1-3 mM) interfering with development and higher concentrations (30 mM) having little to no effect on normal development. In this study, embryos were examined for inhibition of archenteron development after treatment with α-l-rhamnosidase, an endoglycosidase that removes terminal l-rhamnose sugars from glycans. It was observed that the enzyme had profound effects on gastrulation, an effect that could be suppressed by addition of l-rhamnose as a competitive inhibitor. The involvement of l-rhamnose-containing glycans in sea urchin gastrulation was unexpected, since there are no characterized biosynthetic pathways for rhamnose utilization in animals. It is possible there exists a novel l-rhamnose-containing glycan in sea urchins, or that the enzyme and sugar interfere with the function of rhamnose-binding lectins, which are components of the innate immune system in many vertebrate and invertebrate species.

  15. Synergistic anticancer effects of curcumin and resveratrol in Hepa1-6 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Du, Qin; Hu, Bing; An, Hong-Mei; Shen, Ke-Ping; Xu, Ling; Deng, Shan; Wei, Meng-Meng

    2013-05-01

    Hepatocellular carcinoma remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Curcuma aromatica and Polygonum cuspidatum are one of the commonly used paired-herbs for liver cancer treatment. Curcumin and resveratrol are the major anticancer constituents of Curcuma aromatica and Polygonum cuspidatum, respectively. Curcumin and resveratrol have been found to exhibit a synergistic anticancer effect in colon cancer. However, the combined effect of curcumin and resveratrol against hepatocellular carcinoma remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the combined effects of curcumin and resveratrol in hepatocellular carcinoma Hepa1-6 cells. The results showed that curcumin and resveratrol significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hepa1-6 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The combination treatment of curcumin and resveratrol elicited a synergistic antiproliferative effect in Hepa1-6 cells. The apoptosis of Hepa1-6 cells induced by the combination treatment with curcumin and resveratrol was accompanied by caspase-3, -8 and -9 activation, which was completely abrogated by a pan caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK. Combination of curcumin and resveratrol upregulated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Hepa1-6 cells. The ROS scavenger, NAC, partially attenuated the apoptosis and caspase activation induced by the combination treatment of curcumin and resveratrol. In addition, the combination of curcumin and resveratrol downregulated XIAP and survivin expression. These data suggest that the combination treatment of curcumin and resveratrol is a promising novel anticancer strategy for liver cancer. The present study also provides new insights into the effective mechanism of paired-herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.

  16. Cyclo(l-Leucyl-l-Prolyl) Produced by Achromobacter xylosoxidans Inhibits Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus parasiticus

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Pei-Sheng; Song, Yuan; Sakuno, Emi; Nakajima, Hiromitsu; Nakagawa, Hiroyuki; Yabe, Kimiko

    2004-01-01

    Aflatoxins are potent carcinogenic and toxic substances that are produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. We found that a bacterium remarkably inhibited production of norsolorinic acid, a precursor of aflatoxin, by A. parasiticus. This bacterium was identified as Achromobacter xylosoxidans based on its 16S ribosomal DNA sequence and was designated A. xylosoxidans NFRI-A1. A. xylosoxidans strains commonly showed similar inhibition. The inhibitory substance(s) was excreted into the medium and was stable after heat, acid, or alkaline treatment. Although the bacterium appeared to produce several inhibitory substances, we finally succeeded in purifying a major inhibitory substance from the culture medium using Diaion HP20 column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified inhibitory substance was identified as cyclo(l-leucyl-l-prolyl) based on physicochemical methods. The 50% inhibitory concentration for aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus SYS-4 (= NRRL2999) was 0.20 mg ml−1, as determined by the tip culture method. High concentrations (more than 6.0 mg ml−1) of cyclo(l-leucyl-l-prolyl) further inhibited fungal growth. Similar inhibitory activities were observed with cyclo(d-leucyl-d-prolyl) and cyclo(l-valyl-l-prolyl), whereas cyclo(d-prolyl-l-leucyl) and cyclo(l-prolyl-d-leucyl) showed weaker activities. Reverse transcription-PCR analyses showed that cyclo(l-leucyl-l-prolyl) repressed transcription of the aflatoxin-related genes aflR, hexB, pksL1, and dmtA. This is the first report of a cyclodipeptide that affects aflatoxin production. PMID:15574949

  17. Esophagogastric anastomosis in rats: Improved healing by BPC 157 and L-arginine, aggravated by L-NAME

    PubMed Central

    Djakovic, Zeljko; Djakovic, Ivka; Cesarec, Vedran; Madzarac, Goran; Becejac, Tomislav; Zukanovic, Goran; Drmic, Domagoj; Batelja, Lovorka; Zenko Sever, Anita; Kolenc, Danijela; Pajtak, Alen; Knez, Nikica; Japjec, Mladen; Luetic, Kresimir; Stancic-Rokotov, Dinko; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag

    2016-01-01

    AIM To cure typically life-threatening esophagogastric anastomosis in rats, lacking anastomosis healing and sphincter function rescue, in particular. METHODS Because we assume esophagogastric fistulas represent a particular NO-system disability, we attempt to identify the benefits of anti-ulcer stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, which was in trials for ulcerative colitis and currently for multiple sclerosis, in rats with esophagocutaneous fistulas. Previously, BPC 157 therapies have promoted the healing of intestinal anastomosis and fistulas, and esophagitis and gastric lesions, along with rescued sphincter function. Additionally, BPC 157 particularly interacts with the NO-system. In the 4 d after esophagogastric anastomosis creation, rats received medication (/kg intraperitoneally once daily: BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng), L-NAME (5 mg), or L-arginine (100 mg) alone and/or combined or BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng) in drinking water). For rats underwent esophagogastric anastomosis, daily assessment included progressive stomach damage (sum of the longest diameters, mm), esophagitis (scored 0-5), weak anastomosis (mL H2O before leak), low pressure in esophagus at anastomosis and in the pyloric sphincter (cm H2O), progressive weight loss (g) and mortality. Immediate effect assessed blood vessels disappearance (scored 0-5) at the stomach surface immediately after anastomosis creation. RESULTS BPC 157 (all regimens) fully counteracted the perilous disease course from the very beginning (i.e., with the BPC 157 bath, blood vessels remained present at the gastric surface after anastomosis creation) and eliminated mortality. Additionally, BPC 157 treatment in combination with L-NAME nullified any effect of L-NAME that otherwise intensified the regular course. Consistently, with worsening (with L-NAME administration) and amelioration (with L-arginine), either L-arginine amelioration prevails (attenuated esophageal and gastric lesions) or they counteract each other (L-NAME + L

  18. Esophagogastric anastomosis in rats: Improved healing by BPC 157 and L-arginine, aggravated by L-NAME.

    PubMed

    Djakovic, Zeljko; Djakovic, Ivka; Cesarec, Vedran; Madzarac, Goran; Becejac, Tomislav; Zukanovic, Goran; Drmic, Domagoj; Batelja, Lovorka; Zenko Sever, Anita; Kolenc, Danijela; Pajtak, Alen; Knez, Nikica; Japjec, Mladen; Luetic, Kresimir; Stancic-Rokotov, Dinko; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag

    2016-11-07

    To cure typically life-threatening esophagogastric anastomosis in rats, lacking anastomosis healing and sphincter function rescue, in particular. Because we assume esophagogastric fistulas represent a particular NO-system disability, we attempt to identify the benefits of anti-ulcer stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, which was in trials for ulcerative colitis and currently for multiple sclerosis, in rats with esophagocutaneous fistulas. Previously, BPC 157 therapies have promoted the healing of intestinal anastomosis and fistulas, and esophagitis and gastric lesions, along with rescued sphincter function. Additionally, BPC 157 particularly interacts with the NO-system. In the 4 d after esophagogastric anastomosis creation, rats received medication (/kg intraperitoneally once daily: BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng), L-NAME (5 mg), or L-arginine (100 mg) alone and/or combined or BPC 157 (10 μg, 10 ng) in drinking water). For rats underwent esophagogastric anastomosis, daily assessment included progressive stomach damage (sum of the longest diameters, mm), esophagitis (scored 0-5), weak anastomosis (mL H 2 O before leak), low pressure in esophagus at anastomosis and in the pyloric sphincter (cm H 2 O), progressive weight loss (g) and mortality. Immediate effect assessed blood vessels disappearance (scored 0-5) at the stomach surface immediately after anastomosis creation. BPC 157 (all regimens) fully counteracted the perilous disease course from the very beginning ( i.e ., with the BPC 157 bath, blood vessels remained present at the gastric surface after anastomosis creation) and eliminated mortality. Additionally, BPC 157 treatment in combination with L-NAME nullified any effect of L-NAME that otherwise intensified the regular course. Consistently, with worsening (with L-NAME administration) and amelioration (with L-arginine), either L-arginine amelioration prevails (attenuated esophageal and gastric lesions) or they counteract each other (L-NAME + L-arginine); with

  19. A novel formulation of L-thyroxine (L-T4) reduces the problem of L-T4 malabsorption by coffee observed with traditional tablet formulations.

    PubMed

    Vita, Roberto; Saraceno, Giovanna; Trimarchi, Francesco; Benvenga, Salvatore

    2013-02-01

    The purpose of this work is to evaluate if the coffee-associated malabsorption of tablet levothyroxine (L-T4) is reduced by soft gel capsule. We recruited 8 patients with coffee-associated L-T4 malabsorption including one hypothyroid patient. For 6 months, the patients were switched to the capsule maintaining the L-T4 daily dose. Patients took the capsule with water, having coffee 1 h later (proper habit, PH) on days 1-90, or with coffee ≤ 5 min later (improper habit, IH) on days 91-180. After 6 months, 2 patients volunteered for an acute loading test of 600 μg L-T4 (capsule) ingested with water (PH) or with coffee (IH). In the single hypothyroid patient, the post-switch TSH ranged 0.06-0.16 mU/L (PH) versus 5.8-22.4 mU/L pre-switch (PH) and 0.025-0.29 mU/L (IH) versus 26-34 mU/L pre-switch (IH). In the other 7 patients, post-switch TSH was 0.41 ± 0.46 (PH) versus 0.28 ± 0.20 pre-switch (PH) (P = 0.61) and 0.34 ± 0.30 (IH) versus 1.23 ± 1.47 pre-switch (IH) (P < 0.001). Importantly, TSH levels in PH versus IH habit did not differ post-switch (P = 0.90), but they did pre-switch (P < 0.0001). The proportions of post-switch TSH levels <0.10 mU/L with PH (33.3 %) or with IH (33.3 %) were borderline significantly greater than the corresponding pre-switch levels with PH (10.3 %) (P = 0.088) or with IH (0 %) (P = 0.0096). In the two volunteers, the L-T4 loading test showed that coffee influenced L-T4 pharmacokinetics minimally. Soft gel capsules can be used in patients who are unable/unwilling to change their IH of taking L-T4.

  20. Comparison of the Growth of Lactobacillus delbrueckii, L. paracasei and L. plantarum on Inulin in Co-culture Systems

    PubMed Central

    TAKAGI, Risa; TSUJIKAWA, Yuji; NOMOTO, Ryohei; OSAWA, Ro

    2014-01-01

    Lactobacillus delbrueckii TU-1, which apparently takes intact inulin into its cells and then degrades it intracellularly, was co-cultured in vitro with L. paracasei KTN-5, an extracellular inulin degrader; or L. plantarum 22A-3, a strain that is able to utilize fructose but not inulin; or both in order to prequalify inulin as a prebiotic agent in vivo. When L. delbrueckii TU-1 was co-cultured with L. paracasei KTN-5 on fructose or inulin, the growth of L. delbrueckii TU-1 on inulin was markedly higher than that of L. paracasei KTN-5, whereas the growth of L. delbrueckii TU-1 on fructose was much lower than that of L. paracasei KTN-5. These results suggest that L. delbrueckii TU-1 and L. paracasei KTN-5 were efficient at utilizing inulin and fructose, respectively. When L. plantarum 22A-3 was co-cultured with L. delbrueckii TU-1 on inulin, the growth of L. plantarum 22A-3 was enhanced by L. paracasei KTN-5 but not by L. delbrueckii TU-1, suggesting that the fructose moiety that L. paracasei KTN-5 released temporarily into the medium was “scavenged” by L. plantarum 22A-3. Thus, L. delbrueckii TU-1, L. paracasei KTN-5, and L. plantarum 22A-3 were then cultured altogether on inulin. The growth of L. delbrueckii TU-1 was unaffected but that of L. paracasei KTN-5 was markedly suppressed. This evidence suggests that prebiotic use of inulin supported the selective growth of intracellular inulin degraders such as L. delbrueckii rather than extracellular inulin degraders such as L. paracasei in the host microbiota. PMID:25379361

  1. Comparison of the Growth of Lactobacillus delbrueckii, L. paracasei and L. plantarum on Inulin in Co-culture Systems.

    PubMed

    Takagi, Risa; Tsujikawa, Yuji; Nomoto, Ryohei; Osawa, Ro

    2014-01-01

    Lactobacillus delbrueckii TU-1, which apparently takes intact inulin into its cells and then degrades it intracellularly, was co-cultured in vitro with L. paracasei KTN-5, an extracellular inulin degrader; or L. plantarum 22A-3, a strain that is able to utilize fructose but not inulin; or both in order to prequalify inulin as a prebiotic agent in vivo. When L. delbrueckii TU-1 was co-cultured with L. paracasei KTN-5 on fructose or inulin, the growth of L. delbrueckii TU-1 on inulin was markedly higher than that of L. paracasei KTN-5, whereas the growth of L. delbrueckii TU-1 on fructose was much lower than that of L. paracasei KTN-5. These results suggest that L. delbrueckii TU-1 and L. paracasei KTN-5 were efficient at utilizing inulin and fructose, respectively. When L. plantarum 22A-3 was co-cultured with L. delbrueckii TU-1 on inulin, the growth of L. plantarum 22A-3 was enhanced by L. paracasei KTN-5 but not by L. delbrueckii TU-1, suggesting that the fructose moiety that L. paracasei KTN-5 released temporarily into the medium was "scavenged" by L. plantarum 22A-3. Thus, L. delbrueckii TU-1, L. paracasei KTN-5, and L. plantarum 22A-3 were then cultured altogether on inulin. The growth of L. delbrueckii TU-1 was unaffected but that of L. paracasei KTN-5 was markedly suppressed. This evidence suggests that prebiotic use of inulin supported the selective growth of intracellular inulin degraders such as L. delbrueckii rather than extracellular inulin degraders such as L. paracasei in the host microbiota.

  2. Osmotic adjustment and the growth response of seven vegetable crops following water-deficit stress. [Phaseolus vulgaris L. ; Beta vulgaris L. ; Abelmoschus esculentus; Pisum sativum L. ; Capsicum annuum L. ; Spinacia oleracea L. ; Lycopersicon esculentum Mill

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

    Wullschleger, S.D.; Oosterhuis, D.M.

    Growth-chamber studies were conducted to examine the ability of seven vegetable crops- Blue Lake beam (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Detroit Dark Red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Burgundy okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) (Moench), Little Marvel pea (Pisum sativum L), California Wonder bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L), New Zealand spinach (Spinacia oleracea L), and Beefsteak tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) - to adjust osmotically in response to water-deficit stress. Water stress was imposed by withholding water for 3 days, and the adjustment of leaf and root osmotic potentials upon relief of the stress and rehydration were monitored with thermocouple psychrometers. Despite similar reductions in leafmore » water potential and stomatal conductance among the species studied reductions in lead water potential an stomatal conductance among the species, crop-specific differences were observed in leak and root osmotic adjustment. Leaf osmotic adjustment was observed for bean, pepper, and tomato following water-deficit stress. Root osmotic adjustment was significant in bean, okra, pea and tomato. Furthermore, differences in leaf and root osmotic adjustment were also observed among five tomato cultivars. Leaf osmotic adjustment was not associated with the maintenance of leaf growth following water-deficit stress, since leaf expansion of water-stressed bean and pepper, two species capable of osmotic adjustment, was similar to that of spinach, which exhibited no leaf osmotic adjustment.« less

  3. L-Phenylalanine and L-tyrosine catabolism by selected Streptomyces species

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

    Pometto, A.L. III; Crawford, D.L.

    L-Phenylalanine and L-tyrosine were completely catabolized through homogentisate by Streptomyces setonii 75Vi2 but only partially degraded by Streptomyces badius 252, Streptomyces sioyaensis P5, Streptomyces viridosporus T7A, and Streptomyces sp. strain V7. Intermediates of catabolism were confirmed by the thin-layer, gas, and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase was present in all cell extracts.

  4. L-Phenylalanine and L-tyrosine catabolism by selected Streptomyces species.

    PubMed Central

    Pometto, A L; Crawford, D L

    1985-01-01

    L-Phenylalanine and L-tyrosine were completely catabolized through homogentisate by Streptomyces setonii 75Vi2 but only partially degraded by Streptomyces badius 252, Streptomyces sioyaensis P5, Streptomyces viridosporus T7A, and Streptomyces sp. strain V7. Intermediates of catabolism were confirmed by thin-layer, gas, and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase was present in all cell extracts. PMID:3994376

  5. 38 CFR 3.953 - Pub. L. 85-56 and Pub. L. 85-857.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... privileges or benefits as a retired emergency officer of World War I, on December 31, 1958, under the laws in... 200 of the World War Veterans' Act, 1924, as amended, are protected by section 2316(b), Pub. L. 85-56... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Pub. L. 85-56 and Pub. L...

  6. A Comparison of L2 and L3 Learners' Strategy Use in School Settings

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Haukås, Åsta

    2015-01-01

    Research on third-language learning (L3) has documented that plurilingualism is an asset in many respects. Particularly relevant for this study is research showing that L3 learners use more strategies more frequently and efficiently than L2 learners. However, previous studies have mainly concentrated on L3 learners' strategy use at the university…

  7. Combination L-T3 and L-T4 therapy for hypothyroidism.

    PubMed

    Wartofsky, Leonard

    2013-10-01

    Because of the longstanding controversy regarding whether hypothyroid patients can be optimally replaced by treatment with levothyroxine (L-T4) alone, numerous studies have addressed potential benefits of combined therapy of triiodothyronine (T3) with L-T4. Results of these studies have failed to support a potential benefit of combined therapy. A strong argument for the addition of L-T3 to L-T4 monotherapy has been lacking until recent genetic studies indicated a rationale for such therapy among a small fraction of the hypothyroid patient population. Interest in this issue has focused on the importance of the deiodinases in maintaining the euthyroid state and the role of genetic polymorphisms in the deiodinase genes that would affect thyroid hormone concentrations in both blood and tissues. One such polymorphism in the D2 gene, Thr92Ala, is associated with reduced T4 to T3 activation in skeletal muscle and thyroid, linked to obesity and alterations in thyroid-pituitary feedback, and in responses to thyroid hormone treatment. Although our professional organizations continue to recommend L-T4 alone for the treatment of hypothyroidism, the possibility of a D2 gene polymorphism should be considered in patients on L-T4 monotherapy who continue to complain of fatigue in spite of dosage achieving low normal serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels. A suggestive clue to the presence of this polymorphism could be a higher than normal free T4/free T3 ratio. Clinicians could consider adding T3 as a therapeutic trial in selected patients. Future well controlled clinical trials will be required to more fully resolve the controversy.

  8. Effects of a common worldwide drink (Beer) on L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine fibrillar assemblies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banik, Debasis; Banerjee, Pavel; Sabeehuddin, Ghazi; Sarkar, Nilmoni

    2017-11-01

    In this letter, small amount of beer [0.42-2.08% (v/v)] is employed to investigate the fibril inhibition kinetics of 1 mM L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine (relevant to disease condition) using Fluorescence Lifetime imaging Microscopy (FLIM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopic (HR-TEM) techniques. Our results indicate that 1.67 and 0.42% of beer is sufficient for effective breakdown of L-Phe and L-Tyr assemblies, respectively. Quantitative information about fibril inhibition is obtained from Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopic (FCS) measurements. We have shown that the morphology of L-Phe changes to L-Tyr in presence of 2,2‧-Bipyridine-3,3‧-diol (BP(OH)2).

  9. Morphometric MRI Imaging Study of the Corridor for the Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique at L1-L5.

    PubMed

    Julian Li, Jia Xi; Mobbs, Ralph J; Phan, Kevin

    2018-03-01

    Anterior lumbar interbody fusion and lateral lumbar interbody fusion are associated with approach-related disadvantages. Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is the proposed solution, especially for upper lumbar levels. We analyzed the size and regional anatomy of the corridor used in the OLIF technique between levels L1 and L5. This is a morphometric study of 200 randomly selected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies with features of lumbar degenerative disease. On MRI, the oblique corridor was defined as the smallest distance between the psoas major muscle and aorta or inferior vena cava (or common iliac artery) and measured at the L1/L2, L2/L3, L3/L4, and L4/L5 disc levels on both the left and right on the axial images at the mid-disc level. Mean distances of the oblique corridor on the left side were L1/L2 = 18.90 mm, L2/L3 = 15.50 mm; L3/L4 = 12.75 mm, and L4/L5 = 8.92 mm; on the right side, they were L1/L2 = 14.80 mm, L2/L3 = 5.50 mm, L3/L4 = 3.00 mm, and L4/L5 = 1.46 mm. For both sides, the corridor size was not significantly affected by sex, and it increased with age and decreased at the inferior lumbar disc levels. The L1/L2 and L2/L3 levels may be obstructed by the ipsilateral kidney and renal vasculature on both sides and the liver on the right side. A left-sided OLIF approach is viable for both sexes. Oblique access to the L1/L2 and L2/L3 disc levels is feasible regardless of age, whereas the L3/L4 and L4/L5 levels may be more suitable in older patients, especially for male patients. The right-sided approach is less likely to be performed effectively. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Sparse Recovery via l1 and L1 Optimization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-11-01

    problem, with t being the descent direc- tion, obtaining ut = uxx + f − 1 µ p(u) (6) as an evolution equation. We can hope that these L1 regularized (or...implementation. He considered a wide class of second–order elliptic equations and, with Friedman [14], an extension to parabolic equa- tions. In [15, 16...obtaining an elliptic PDE, or by gradi- ent descent to obtain a parabolic PDE. Addition- ally, some PDEs can be rewritten using the L1 subgradient such as the

  11. Safety Measures of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate Supplementation in Healthy Men.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rubin, Martyn R.; Volek, Jeff S.; Gomez, Ana L.; Ratamess, Nicholas A.; French, Duncan N.; Sharman, Matthew J.; Kraemer, William J.

    2001-01-01

    Examined the effects of ingesting the dietary supplement L- CARNIPURE on liver and renal function and blood hematology among healthy men. Analysis of blood samples indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the L-CARNIPURE and placebo conditions for any variables examined, suggesting there are no safety concerns…

  12. Synthesis and Properties of Poly(l-lactide)-b-poly (l-phenylalanine) Hybrid Copolymers

    PubMed Central

    Planellas, Marc; Puiggalí, Jordi

    2014-01-01

    Hybrid materials constituted by peptides and synthetic polymers have nowadays a great interest since they can combine the properties and functions of each constitutive block, being also possible to modify the final characteristics by using different topologies. Poly(l-lactide-b-l-phenylalanine) copolymers with various block lengths were synthesized by sequential ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide and the N-carboxyanhydride of l-phenylalanine. The resulting block copolymers were characterized by NMR spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, MALDI-TOF and UV-vis, revealing the successful incorporation of the polyphenylalanine (PPhe) peptide into the previously formed poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) polymer chain. X-ray diffraction and DSC data also suggested that the copolymers were phase-separated in domains containing either crystalline PLLA or PPhe phases. A peculiar thermal behavior was also found by thermogravimetric analysis when polyphenylalanine blocks were incorporated into polylactide. PMID:25075980

  13. Cognitive Style and Reading Comprehension in L1 and L2.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vivaldo-Lima, Javier

    This paper presents the results of a research study carried out with Mexican college students to analyze the relationship between readers' cognitive styles (field dependent/independent) and their performance at different levels of written discourse processing in Spanish (L1) and English (L2). The sample for the study included 452 undergraduate…

  14. L1-CAM in cancerous tissues.

    PubMed

    Gavert, Nancy; Ben-Shmuel, Amir; Raveh, Shani; Ben-Ze'ev, Avri

    2008-11-01

    L1-cell adhesion molecule (L1-CAM) is a cell adhesion receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, known for its roles in nerve cell function. While originally believed to be present only in brain cells, in recent years L1-CAM has been detected in other tissues, and in a variety of cancer cells, including some common types of human cancer. We review the prevalence of L1-CAM in human cancer, the possible mechanisms involved in L1-CAM-mediated tumorigenesis, and cancer therapies based upon L1-CAM antibody treatment. In colon cancer cells, the L1-CAM gene was identified as a target of the Wnt/beta-catenin-TCF signaling pathway, and L1-CAM was exclusively detected at the invasive front of colon and ovarian cancer tissue. The expression of L1-CAM in normal and cancer cells enhanced tumorigenesis and conferred metastasis in colon cancer cells. Antibodies against the L1-CAM ectodomain severely inhibited the proliferation of a variety of cancer cells in culture and reduced tumor burden when injected into mice harboring cancer cells expressing L1-CAM. These results, in addition to the presence of L1-CAM on the cell surface and its restricted distribution in normal tissues, make it an ideal target for tumor therapy.

  15. L-arabinose fermenting yeast

    DOEpatents

    Zhang, Min; Singh, Arjun; Knoshaug, Eric; Franden, Mary Ann; Jarvis, Eric; Suominen, Pirkko

    2010-12-07

    An L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain is provided for the production of ethanol by introducing and expressing bacterial araA, araB and araD genes. L-arabinose transporters are also introduced into the yeast to enhance the uptake of arabinose. The yeast carries additional genomic mutations enabling it to consume L-arabinose, even as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol. Methods of producing ethanol include utilizing these modified yeast strains. ##STR00001##

  16. catena-Poly[copper(II)-mu-L-tyrosyl-L-leucinato].

    PubMed

    Baggio, Ricardo; Casado, Nieves M C; Calvo, Rafael; Rapp, Raul E; Garland, María Teresa

    2005-05-01

    In the title compound, [Cu(C15H20N2O4)]n, the copper(II) coordination is square planar. The anionic L-tyrosyl-L-leucinate ligand binds in an N,N',O-tridentate mode to one Cu(II) cation on one side and in an O-monodentate mode to a second Cu(II) cation on the other side, thus defining -Cu-O-C-O-Cu'- chains which run along the a axis. These chains are held together by a strong hydrogen bond involving the hydroxy H atom.

  17. Rapid Identification and Verification of Indirubin-Containing Medicinal Plants

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Zhigang; Tu, Yuan; Xia, Ye; Cheng, Peipei; Sun, Wei; Shi, Yuhua; Guo, Licheng; He, Haibo; Xiong, Chao; Chen, Shilin; Zhang, Xiuqiao

    2015-01-01

    Indirubin, one of the key components of medicinal plants including Isatis tinctoria, Polygonum tinctorium, and Strobilanthes cusia, possesses great medicinal efficacy in the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Due to misidentification and similar name, materials containing indirubin and their close relatives frequently fall prey to adulteration. In this study, we selected an internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) for distinguishing these indirubin-containing species from five of their usual adulterants, after assessing identification efficiency of matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ITS2 among these species. The results of genetic distances and neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree indicated that ITS2 region is a powerful DNA barcode to accurately identify these indirubin-containing species and discriminate them from their adulterants. Additionally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to verify indirubin in different organs of the above species. The results showed that indirubin had been detected in the leaves of Is. tinctoria, P. tinctorium, S. cusia, and Indigo Naturalis (made from their mixture), but not in their roots, or in the leaves of their adulterants. Therefore, this study provides a novel and rapid method to identify and verify indirubin-containing medicinal plants for effective natural treatment of CML. PMID:26089942

  18. Rapid Identification and Verification of Indirubin-Containing Medicinal Plants.

    PubMed

    Hu, Zhigang; Tu, Yuan; Xia, Ye; Cheng, Peipei; Sun, Wei; Shi, Yuhua; Guo, Licheng; He, Haibo; Xiong, Chao; Chen, Shilin; Zhang, Xiuqiao

    2015-01-01

    Indirubin, one of the key components of medicinal plants including Isatis tinctoria, Polygonum tinctorium, and Strobilanthes cusia, possesses great medicinal efficacy in the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Due to misidentification and similar name, materials containing indirubin and their close relatives frequently fall prey to adulteration. In this study, we selected an internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) for distinguishing these indirubin-containing species from five of their usual adulterants, after assessing identification efficiency of matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ITS2 among these species. The results of genetic distances and neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree indicated that ITS2 region is a powerful DNA barcode to accurately identify these indirubin-containing species and discriminate them from their adulterants. Additionally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to verify indirubin in different organs of the above species. The results showed that indirubin had been detected in the leaves of Is. tinctoria, P. tinctorium, S. cusia, and Indigo Naturalis (made from their mixture), but not in their roots, or in the leaves of their adulterants. Therefore, this study provides a novel and rapid method to identify and verify indirubin-containing medicinal plants for effective natural treatment of CML.

  19. 76 FR 35508 - Alabama Southern Railroad, L.L.C.-Temporary Trackage Rights Exemption-Norfolk Southern Railway...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-17

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35510] Alabama Southern Railroad, L.L.C.--Temporary Trackage Rights Exemption--Norfolk Southern Railway Company Norfolk Southern... grant nonexclusive overhead temporary trackage rights to Alabama Southern Railroad, L.L.C. (ABS) over a...

  20. Modeling the Global Coronal Field with Simulated Synoptic Magnetograms from Earth and the Lagrange Points L3, L4, and L5

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petrie, Gordon; Pevtsov, Alexei; Schwarz, Andrew; DeRosa, Marc

    2018-06-01

    The solar photospheric magnetic flux distribution is key to structuring the global solar corona and heliosphere. Regular full-disk photospheric magnetogram data are therefore essential to our ability to model and forecast heliospheric phenomena such as space weather. However, our spatio-temporal coverage of the photospheric field is currently limited by our single vantage point at/near Earth. In particular, the polar fields play a leading role in structuring the large-scale corona and heliosphere, but each pole is unobservable for {>} 6 months per year. Here we model the possible effect of full-disk magnetogram data from the Lagrange points L4 and L5, each extending longitude coverage by 60°. Adding data also from the more distant point L3 extends the longitudinal coverage much further. The additional vantage points also improve the visibility of the globally influential polar fields. Using a flux-transport model for the solar photospheric field, we model full-disk observations from Earth/L1, L3, L4, and L5 over a solar cycle, construct synoptic maps using a novel weighting scheme adapted for merging magnetogram data from multiple viewpoints, and compute potential-field models for the global coronal field. Each additional viewpoint brings the maps and models into closer agreement with the reference field from the flux-transport simulation, with particular improvement at polar latitudes, the main source of the fast solar wind.

  1. Investigating Trojan Asteroids at the L4/L5 Sun-Earth Lagrange Points

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    John, K. K.; Graham, L. D.; Abell, P. A.

    2015-01-01

    Investigations of Earth's Trojan asteroids will have benefits for science, exploration, and resource utilization. By sending a small spacecraft to the Sun-Earth L4 or L5 Lagrange points to investigate near-Earth objects, Earth's Trojan population can be better understood. This could lead to future missions for larger precursor spacecraft as well as human missions. The presence of objects in the Sun-Earth L4 and L5 Lagrange points has long been suspected, and in 2010 NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) detected a 300 m object. To investigate these Earth Trojan asteroid objects, it is both essential and feasible to send spacecraft to these regions. By exploring a wide field area, a small spacecraft equipped with an IR camera could hunt for Trojan asteroids and other Earth co-orbiting objects at the L4 or L5 Lagrange points in the near-term. By surveying the region, a zeroth-order approximation of the number of objects could be obtained with some rough constraints on their diameters, which may lead to the identification of potential candidates for further study. This would serve as a precursor for additional future robotic and human exploration targets. Depending on the inclination of these potential objects, they could be used as proving areas for future missions in the sense that the delta-V's to get to these targets are relatively low as compared to other rendezvous missions. They can serve as platforms for extended operations in deep space while interacting with a natural object in microgravity. Theoretically, such low inclination Earth Trojan asteroids exist. By sending a spacecraft to L4 or L5, these likely and potentially accessible targets could be identified.

  2. Cosmic Dust Catalog. Volume 15; Particles from Collectors L2036 and L2021

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Warren, J.; Watts, L.; Thomas-Keprta, K.; Wentworth , S.; Dodson , A.; Zolensky, Michael E.

    1997-01-01

    Since May 1981, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has used aircraft to collect cosmic dust (CD) particles from Earth's stratosphere. Specially designed dust collectors are prepared for flight and processed after flight in an ultraclean (Class-100) laboratory constructed for this purpose at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. Particles are individually retrieved from the collectors, examined and cataloged, and then made available to the scientific community for research. Cosmic dust thereby joins lunar samples and meteorites as an additional source of extraterrestrial materials for scientific study. This catalog summarizes preliminary observations on 468 particles retrieved from collection surfaces L2021 and L2036. These surfaces were flat plate Large Area Collectors (with a 300 cm2 surface area each) which was coated with silicone oil (dimethyl siloxane) and then flown aboard a NASA ER-2 aircraft during a series of flights that were made during January and February of 1994 (L2021) and June 7 through July 5 of 1994 (L2036). Collector L2021 was flown across the entire southern margin of the US (California to Florida), and collector L2036 was flown from California to Wallops Island, VA and on to New England. These collectors were installed in a specially constructed wing pylon which ensured that the necessary level of cleanliness was maintained between periods of active sampling. During successive periods of high altitude (20 km) cruise, the collectors were exposed in the stratosphere by barometric controls and then retracted into sealed storage container-s prior to descent. In this manner, a total of 35.8 hours of stratospheric exposure was accumulated for collector L2021, and 26 hours for collector L2036.

  3. Adhesions of extracellular surface-layer associated proteins in Lactobacillus M5-L and Q8-L.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yingchun; Xiang, Xinling; Lu, Qianhui; Zhang, Lanwei; Ma, Fang; Wang, Linlin

    2016-02-01

    Surface-layer associated proteins (SLAP) that envelop Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei M5-L and Lactobacillus casei Q8-L cell surfaces are involved in the adherence of these strain to the human intestinal cell line HT-29. To further elucidate some of the properties of these proteins, we assessed the yields and expressions of SLAP under different incubation conditions. An efficient and selective extraction of SLAP was obtained when cells of Lactobacillus were treated with 5 M LiCl at 37°C in aerobic conditions. The SLAP of Lactobacillus M5-L and Q8-L in cell extracts were visualized by SDS-PAGE and identified by Western blotting with sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide-biotin-labeled HT-29 cells as adhesion proteins. Atomic force microscopy contact imaging revealed that Lactobacillus strains M5-L and Q8-L normally display a smooth, homogeneous surface, whereas the surfaces of M5-L and Q8-L treated with 5 M LiCl were rough and more heterogeneous. Analysis of adhesion forces revealed that the initial adhesion forces of 1.41 and 1.28 nN obtained for normal Lactobacillus M5-L and Q8-L strains, respectively, decreased to 0.70 and 0.48 nN, respectively, following 5 M LiCl treatment. Finally, the dominant 45-kDa protein bands of Lactobacillus Q8-L and Lactobacillus M5-L were identified as elongation factor Tu and surface antigen, respectively, by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. l-Pyroglutamate Spontaneously Formed from l-Glutamate Inhibits Growth of the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus

    PubMed Central

    Park, Chan B.; Lee, Sun Bok; Ryu, Dewey D. Y.

    2001-01-01

    Identification of physiological and environmental factors that limit efficient growth of hyperthermophiles is important for practical application of these organisms to the production of useful enzymes or metabolites. During fed-batch cultivation of Sulfolobus solfataricus in medium containing l-glutamate, we observed formation of l-pyroglutamic acid (PGA). PGA formed spontaneously from l-glutamate under culture conditions (78°C and pH 3.0), and the PGA formation rate was much higher at an acidic or alkaline pH than at neutral pH. It was also found that PGA is a potent inhibitor of S. solfataricus growth. The cell growth rate was reduced by one-half by the presence of 5.1 mM PGA, and no growth was observed in the presence of 15.5 mM PGA. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of PGA on cell growth was alleviated by addition of l-glutamate or l-aspartate to the medium. PGA was also produced from the l-glutamate in yeast extract; the PGA content increased to 8.5% (wt/wt) after 80 h of incubation of a yeast extract solution at 78°C and pH 3.0. In medium supplemented with yeast extract, cell growth was optimal in the presence of 3.0 g of yeast extract per liter, and higher yeast extract concentrations resulted in reduced cell yields. The extents of cell growth inhibition at yeast extract concentrations above the optimal concentration were correlated with the PGA concentration in the culture broth. Although other structural analogues of l-glutamate, such as l-methionine sulfoxide, glutaric acid, succinic acid, and l-glutamic acid γ-methyl ester, also inhibited the growth of S. solfataricus, the greatest cell growth inhibition was observed with PGA. We also observed that unlike other glutamate analogues, N-acetyl-l-glutamate enhanced the growth of S. solfataricus. This compound was stable under cell culture conditions, and replacement of l-glutamate with N-acetyl-l-glutamate in the medium resulted in increased cell density. PMID:11472943

  5. 76 FR 16654 - Austin Western Railroad, L.L.C.-Lease and Operation Exemption-Capital Metropolitan Transportation...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-24

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35456] Austin Western Railroad, L.L.C.--Lease and Operation Exemption-- Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Austin Western Railroad, L.L.C. (AWRR), a Class III rail carrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under...

  6. 77 FR 61593 - North American Natural Resources, Inc. Complainant v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C, American...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-10

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL13-10-000] North American Natural Resources, Inc. Complainant v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C, American Electric Power Service...), North American Natural Resource, Inc. (NSANR) filed a formal complaint against PJM Interconnection, L.L...

  7. Ability of L-canavanine to support nitrogen metabolism in the jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis (L. ) DC

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

    Rosenthal, G.A.; Berge, M.A.; Ozinskas, A.J.

    The ability of L-canavanine, a nonprotein amino acid of certain leguminous plants, to support the nitrogen metabolism of jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis (Leguminosae), was assessed by administration of L-(guanidino-N{sup 3}-{sup 15}N)arginine, L-(guanidinooxy-N{sup 3}-{sup 15}N)canavanine, or L-(guanidinooxy-N{sup 1}-{sup 15}N)canavanine into the cotyledons of 9-day-old plants. A strikingly similar pattern of {sup 15}N assimilation into de novo synthesized amino and imino acids resulted from feeding L-(guanidino-N{sup 3}-{sup 15}N)arginine and L-(guanidinooxy-N{sup 3}-{sup 15}N)canavanine. Glutamic acid plus glutamine and alanine were the most heavily labeled of the detected compounds. Some transfer of {sup 15}N from L-(gluanidino-N{sup 3}-{sup 15}N)arginine to canavanine was noted. This maymore » occur by a transamidination reaction between L-canaline and L-arginine. L-(guanidinooxy-N{sup 1}-{sup 15}N)Canavanine also supported amino and imino acid biosynthesis in this plant, but much more alanine and less glutamic acid and glutamine were labeled. These experiments provide substantive experimental evidence for the long-reputed hypothesis that canavanine functions as a nitrogen-storing metabolite.« less

  8. Semantic Categorization of Placement Verbs in L1 and L2 Danish and Spanish

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cadierno, Teresa; Ibarretxe-Antuñano, Iraide; Hijazo-Gascón, Alberto

    2016-01-01

    This study investigates semantic categorization of the meaning of placement verbs by Danish and Spanish native speakers and two groups of intermediate second language (L2) learners (Danish learners of L2 Spanish and Spanish learners of L2 Danish). Participants described 31 video clips picturing different types of placement events. Cluster analyses…

  9. Heterophil Phagocytic Activity Stimulated by Lactobacillus salivarius L61 and L55 Supplementation in Broilers with Salmonella Infection.

    PubMed

    Sornplang, Pairat; Leelavatcharamas, Vichai; Soikum, Chaiyaporn

    2015-11-01

    Newborn chicks are susceptible to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus probiotic isolated from chicken feces on heterophil phagocytosis in broiler chicks. A total of 150 newborn broiler chicks were divided into 5 groups (30 chicks per group) as follows: group 1 (normal control), given feed and water only, group 2 (positive control) given feed, water and SE infection, group 3 (L61 treated) given feed, water, SE infection followed by Lactobacillus salivarius L61 treatment, group 4 (L55 treated) given feed, water, SE infection followed by L. salivarius L55 treatment, and group 5 given feed, water, SE infection followed by L. salivarius L61 + L55 combination treatment. After SE infection, L. salivarius treatment lasted for 7 days. The results showed that L. salivarius L61 and L. salivarius L55 treatment, either alone or combination of both, increased the survival rate after SE infection, and upregulated heterophil phagocytosis and phagocytic index (PI). Conversely, chick groups treated with Lactobacillus showed lower SE recovery rate from cecal tonsils than that of the positive control group. The PI values of the chicken group with SE infection, followed by the combination of L. salivarius L61 and L. salivarius L55 were the highest as compared to either positive control or normal control group. Two Lactobacillus strains supplementation group showed significantly (p<0.05) higher PI value at 48 h than 24 h after treatment.

  10. 77 FR 65544 - Dominion Resources Services, Inc. v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-29

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL13-12-000] Dominion Resources Services, Inc. v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint Take notice that on October 19... against PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (Respondent), alleging that the Respondent failed to properly allocate...

  11. Simultaneous detection of Legionella species and L. anisa, L. bozemanii, L. longbeachae and L. micdadei using conserved primers and multiple probes in a multiplex real-time PCR assay.

    PubMed

    Cross, Kristen E; Mercante, Jeffrey W; Benitez, Alvaro J; Brown, Ellen W; Diaz, Maureen H; Winchell, Jonas M

    2016-07-01

    Legionnaires' disease is a severe respiratory disease that is estimated to cause between 8,000 and 18,000 hospitalizations each year, though the exact burden is unknown due to under-utilization of diagnostic testing. Although Legionella pneumophila is the most common species detected in clinical cases (80-90%), other species have also been reported to cause disease. However, little is known about Legionnaires' disease caused by these non-pneumophila species. We designed a multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of all Legionella spp. and simultaneous specific identification of four clinically-relevant Legionella species, L. anisa, L. bozemanii, L. longbeachae, and L. micdadei, using 5'-hydrolysis probe real-time PCR. The analytical sensitivity for detection of nucleic acid from each target species was ≤50fg per reaction. We demonstrated the utility of this assay in spiked human sputum specimens. This assay could serve as a tool for understanding the scope and impact of non-pneumophila Legionella species in human disease. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  12. L'astronomie des Anciens

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nazé, Yaël

    2009-04-01

    Quelle que soit la civilisation à laquelle il appartient, l'être humain cherche dans le ciel des réponses aux questions qu'il se pose sur son origine, son avenir et sa finalité. Le premier mérite de ce livre est de nous rappeler que l'astronomie a commencé ainsi à travers les mythes célestes imaginés par les Anciens pour expliquer l'ordre du monde et la place qu'ils y occupaient. Mais les savoirs astronomiques passés étaient loin d'être négligeables et certainement pas limités aux seuls travaux des Grecs : c'est ce que l'auteur montre à travers une passionnante enquête, de Stonehenge à Gizeh en passant par Pékin et Mexico, fondée sur l'étude des monuments anciens et des sources écrites encore accessibles. Les tablettes mésopotamiennes, les annales chinoises, les chroniques médiévales, etc. sont en outre d'une singulière utilité pour les astronomes modernes : comment sinon remonter aux variations de la durée du jour au cours des siècles, ou percer la nature de l'explosion qui a frappé tant d'observateurs en 1054 ? Ce livre offre un voyage magnifiquement illustré à travers les âges, entre astronomie et archéologie.

  13. Absolute calibration accuracy of L4 TM and L5 TM sensor image pairs

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Chander, G.; Micijevic, E.

    2006-01-01

    The Landsat suite of satellites has collected the longest continuous archive of multispectral data of any land-observing space program. From the Landsat program's inception in 1972 to the present, the Earth science user community has benefited from a historical record of remotely sensed data. However, little attention has been paid to ensuring that the data are calibrated and comparable from mission to mission, Launched in 1982 and 1984 respectively, the Landsat 4 (L4) and Landsat 5 (L5) Thematic Mappers (TM) are the backbone of an extensive archive of moderate resolution Earth imagery. To evaluate the "current" absolute accuracy of these two sensors, image pairs from the L5 TM and L4 TM sensors were compared. The approach involves comparing image statistics derived from large common areas observed eight days apart by the two sensors. The average percent differences in reflectance estimates obtained from the L4 TM agree with those from the L5 TM to within 15 percent. Additional work to characterize the absolute differences between the two sensors over the entire mission is in progress.

  14. Characterization of an fungal l-fucokinase involved in Mortierella alpina GDP-l-fucose salvage pathway.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hongchao; Zhang, Chen; Chen, Haiqin; Yang, Qin; Zhou, Xin; Gu, Zhennan; Zhang, Hao; Chen, Wei; Chen, Yong Q

    2016-08-01

    GDP-l-fucose functions as a biological donor for fucosyltransferases, which are required for the catalysis of l-fucose to various acceptor molecules including oligosaccharides, glycoproteins and glycolipids. Mortierella alpina is one of the highest lipid-producing fungi and can biosynthesis GDP-l-fucose in the de novo pathway. Analysis of the M. alpina genome suggests that there is a gene encoding l-fucokinase (FUK) for the conversion of fucose to l-fucose-1-phosphate in the GDP-l-fucose salvage pathway, which has never been found in fungi before. This gene was characterized to explore its role in GDP-l-fucose synthesis. The yield of GDP-l-fucose is relatively higher in lipid accumulation phase (0.096 mg per g cell) than that in cell multiplication phase (0.074 mg per g cell) of M. alpina Additionally, the transcript level of FUK is up regulated by nitrogen exhaustion when M. alpina starts to accumulate lipid, highlights the functional significance of FUK in the GDP-l-fucose biosynthesis in M. alpina Gene encoding FUK was expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli and the resulting protein was purified to homogeneity. The product of FUK reaction was analyzed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Kinetic parameters and other properties of FUK were investigated. Comparative analyses between the FUK protein and other homologous proteins were performed. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report a comprehensive characterization of FUK in a fungus. Mortierella alpina could be used as an alternative source for the production of GDP-l-fucose. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  15. 77 FR 35751 - Academy Express, L.L.C.-Acquisition of the Properties of Entertainment Tours, Inc.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-14

    ... established under the laws of New Jersey. It holds authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety... following noncarriers: Academy Bus, L.L.C.; Franmar Leasing, Inc.; Franmar Logistics, Inc.; Academy Services... under Massachusetts law, also holds a FMCSA license (MC-262973) and owns Coach NE., L.L.C., a noncarrier...

  16. The use of kDNA minicircle subclass relative abundance to differentiate between Leishmania (L.) infantum and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.

    PubMed

    Ceccarelli, Marcello; Galluzzi, Luca; Diotallevi, Aurora; Andreoni, Francesca; Fowler, Hailie; Petersen, Christine; Vitale, Fabrizio; Magnani, Mauro

    2017-05-16

    Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by many Leishmania species, belonging to subgenera Leishmania (Leishmania) and Leishmania (Viannia). Several qPCR-based molecular diagnostic approaches have been reported for detection and quantification of Leishmania species. Many of these approaches use the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircles as the target sequence. These assays had potential cross-species amplification, due to sequence similarity between Leishmania species. Previous works demonstrated discrimination between L. (Leishmania) and L. (Viannia) by SYBR green-based qPCR assays designed on kDNA, followed by melting or high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis. Importantly, these approaches cannot fully distinguish L. (L.) infantum from L. (L.) amazonensis, which can coexist in the same geographical area. DNA from 18 strains/isolates of L. (L.) infantum, L. (L.) amazonensis, L. (V.) braziliensis, L. (V.) panamensis, L. (V.) guyanensis, and 62 clinical samples from L. (L.) infantum-infected dogs were amplified by a previously developed qPCR (qPCR-ML) and subjected to HRM analysis; selected PCR products were sequenced using an ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer. Based on the obtained sequences, a new SYBR-green qPCR assay (qPCR-ama) intended to amplify a minicircle subclass more abundant in L. (L.) amazonensis was designed. The qPCR-ML followed by HRM analysis did not allow discrimination between L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) infantum in 53.4% of cases. Hence, the novel SYBR green-based qPCR (qPCR-ama) has been tested. This assay achieved a detection limit of 0.1 pg of parasite DNA in samples spiked with host DNA and did not show cross amplification with Trypanosoma cruzi or host DNA. Although the qPCR-ama also amplified L. (L.) infantum strains, the C q values were dramatically increased compared to qPCR-ML. Therefore, the combined analysis of C q values from qPCR-ML and qPCR-ama allowed to distinguish L. (L.) infantum and L. (L.) amazonensis in 100% of tested samples

  17. Exploring a New Technique for Comparing Bilinguals' L1 and L2 Reading Speed

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gauvin, Hanna S.; Hulstijn, Jan H.

    2010-01-01

    Is it possible to tell whether bilinguals are able to read simple text in their two languages equally fluently? Is it thus possible to distinguish balanced bilinguals from unbalanced bilinguals with respect to reading fluency in their first language (L1) and second language (L2)? In this study, we avoided making direct comparisons between L1 and…

  18. Enhanced production of L-DOPA in cell cultures of Mucuna pruriens L. and Mucuna prurita H.

    PubMed

    Raghavendra, S; Kumar, V; Ramesh, C K; Khan, M H Moinuddin

    2012-01-01

    A comparative study on the production of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) was carried out in cell cultures of two Mucuna species by elicitor treatment and precursor feeding. The influence of elicitors and the precursor molecule on L-DOPA production, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and tyrosinase activities was also studied. Callus cultures were initiated in Mucuna pruriens L. and Mucuna prurita H. on MS medium supplemented with BAP and IAA at different concentrations. Suspension cultures were established in MS liquid medium supplemented with BAP, IAA, the elicitors methyl jasmonate, chitin and pectin or the precursor L-tyrosine at different concentrations for L-DOPA production. Compared to the controls, several-fold increases in L-DOPA concentration were observed in elicitor-treated and precursor-fed suspension cultures of both plant species. L-DOPA concentrations were comparatively higher in precursor-fed cultures than those receiving elicitor treatments. A parallel increase in tyrosinase and PPO levels was also observed. Loss of cell viability was observed at high concentrations of elicitor-treated cultures, whereas L-tyrosine did not cause any cell death. Compared to elicitor treatments, precursor feeding resulted in higher concentrations of L-DOPA production and tyrosinase activity. The efficacy of L-DOPA production was found to be higher for suspension cultures of M. pruriens compared to M. prurita in all treatments.

  19. 75 FR 12230 - Black Oak Energy, L.L.C., EPIC Merchant Energy, LP, SESCO Enterprises, LLC v. PJM Interconnection...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-15

    ... Energy, L.L.C., EPIC Merchant Energy, LP, SESCO Enterprises, LLC v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing March 8, 2010. Take notice that on March 1, 2010, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. filed a..., Order Accepting Compliance filing issued in this proceeding, Black Oak Energy, L.L.C., et al. v. PJM...

  20. Changes in N-acetylglutamate are involved in regulating urea synthesis in rats given a low gluten diet supplemented with L-lysine, L-methinone and L-threonine.

    PubMed

    Tujioka, Kazuyo; Tuchiya, Tamami; Shi, Xianglan; Ohsumi, Miho; Hayase, Kazutoshi; Yokogoshi, Hidehiko

    2009-01-01

    We have shown that urinary urea excretion decreased in rats fed a low gluten diet supplemented with dietary limiting amino acids. The purpose of present study was to determine whether the addition of dietary limiting amino acids to a low gluten diet affected the synthesis and degradation of N-acetylglutamate and regulated urea synthesis. Experiments were done on two groups of rats, given diets containing 10% gluten or 10% gluten+0.5% L-lysine, 0.2% L-threonine and 0.2% L-methionine for 10 d. The urinary excretion of urea, and the liver concentration of N-acetylglutamate, and the liver activity of N-acetylglutamate synthetase decreased with the addition of dietary L-lysine, L-threonine and L-methionine. N-Acetylglutamate concentration in the liver was closely correlated with the N-acetylglutamate synthetase activity in the liver and excretion of urea. The greater degradation of N-acetylglutamate was observed in the group fed the 10% gluten+L-lysine, L-threonine and L-methionine. The hepatic concentration of glutamate and plasma concentration of arginine were not related to the N-acetylglutamate concentration in the liver. These results suggest that the addition of limiting amino acids to the low gluten diet controls the synthesis and degradation of N-acetylglutamate in the liver and lowers urea synthesis.

  1. 77 FR 106 - Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-03

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. OR12-6-000] Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order Take notice that on December 19, 2011... Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.207(a)(2), Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company, L.L.C (Skelly-Belvieu) filed...

  2. 76 FR 12954 - PPL EnergyPlus, LLC v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-09

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL11-25-000] PPL EnergyPlus, LLC v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint Take notice that on March 2, 2011, PPL Energy... Interconnection, L.L.C. (PJM or Respondent), alleging that PJM failed to conduct its annual financial transmission...

  3. Radical-Scavenging Activity and Ferric Reducing Ability of Juniperus thurifera (L.), J. oxycedrus (L.), J. phoenicea (L.) and Tetraclinis articulata (L.)

    PubMed Central

    Kamal, Rabie; Marmouzi, Ilias; Zerrouki, Asmae; Cherrah, Yahia; Alaoui, Katim

    2016-01-01

    Objective. The aim of this work is to study and compare the antioxidant properties and phenolic contents of aqueous leaf extracts of Juniperus thurifera, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus Phoenicea, and Tetraclinis articulata from Morocco. Methods. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging ability, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Also the total phenolic and flavonoids contents of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Results. All the extracts showed interesting antioxidant activities compared to the standard antioxidants (butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), quercetin, and Trolox). The aqueous extract of Juniperus oxycedrus showed the highest antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH, TEAC, and FRAP assays with IC50 values of 17.91 ± 0.37 μg/mL, 19.80 ± 0.55 μg/mL, and 24.23 ± 0.07 μg/mL, respectively. The strong correlation observed between antioxidant capacities and their total phenolic contents indicated that phenolic compounds were a major contributor to antioxidant properties of these plants extracts. Conclusion. These results suggest that the aqueous extracts of Juniperus thurifera, Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus phoenicea, and Tetraclinis articulata can constitute a promising new source of natural compounds with antioxidants ability. PMID:27293428

  4. GhL1L1 affects cell fate specification by regulating GhPIN1-mediated auxin distribution.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jiao; Yang, Xiyan; Li, Baoqi; Chen, Lin; Min, Ling; Zhang, Xianlong

    2018-05-13

    Auxin is as an efficient initiator and regulator of cell fate during somatic embryogenesis (SE), but the molecular mechanisms and regulating networks of this process are not well understood. In this report, we analysed SE process induced by Leafy cotyledon1-like 1 (GhL1L1), a NF-YB subfamily gene specifically expressed in embryonic tissues in cotton. We also identified the target gene of GhL1L1, and its role in auxin distribution and cell fate specification during embryonic development was analysed. Overexpression of GhL1L1 accelerated embryonic cell formation, associated with an increased concentration of IAA in embryogenic calluses (ECs) and in the shoot apical meristem (SAM), corresponding to altered expression of the auxin transport gene GhPIN1. By contrast, GhL1L1-deficient explants showed retarded embryonic cell formation, and the concentration of IAA was decreased in GhL1L1-deficient ECs. Disruption of auxin distribution accelerated the specification of embryonic cell fate together with regulation of GhPIN1. Furthermore, we showed that PHOSPHATASE 2AA2 (GhPP2AA2) was activated by GhL1L1 through targeting the G-box of its promoter, hence regulating the activity of GhPIN1 protein. Our results indicate that GhL1L1 functions as a key regulator in auxin distribution to regulate cell fate specification in cotton and contribute to the understanding of the complex process of SE in plant species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  5. Lunar and Lagrangian Point L1 L2 CubeSat Communication and Navigation Considerations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schaire, Scott; Wong, Yen F.; Altunc, Serhat; Bussey, George; Shelton, Marta; Folta, Dave; Gramling, Cheryl; Celeste, Peter; Anderson, Mile; Perrotto, Trish; hide

    2017-01-01

    CubeSats have grown in sophistication to the point that relatively low-cost mission solutions could be undertaken for planetary exploration. There are unique considerations for lunar and L1/L2 CubeSat communication and navigation compared with low earth orbit CubeSats. This paper explores those considerations as they relate to the Lunar IceCube Mission. The Lunar IceCube is a CubeSat mission led by Morehead State University with participation from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Busek Company and Vermont Tech. It will search for surface water ice and other resources from a high inclination lunar orbit. Lunar IceCube is one of a select group of CubeSats designed to explore beyond low-earth orbit that will fly on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) as secondary payloads for Exploration Mission (EM) 1. Lunar IceCube and the EM-1 CubeSats will lay the groundwork for future lunar and L1/L2 CubeSat missions. This paper discusses communication and navigation needs for the Lunar IceCube mission and navigation and radiation tolerance requirements related to lunar and L1/L2 orbits. Potential CubeSat radios and antennas for such missions are investigated and compared. Ground station coverage, link analysis, and ground station solutions are also discussed. This paper will describe modifications in process for the Morehead ground station, as well as further enhancements of the Morehead ground station and NASA Near Earth Network (NEN) that are being considered. The potential NEN enhancements include upgrading current NEN Cortex receiver with Forward Error Correction (FEC) Turbo Code, providing X-band uplink capability, and adding ranging options. The benefits of ground station enhancements for CubeSats flown on NASA Exploration Missions (EM) are presented. This paper also describes how the NEN may support lunar and L1/L2 CubeSats without any enhancements. In addition, NEN is studying other initiatives to better support the CubeSat community

  6. L'astronomie dans le monde

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manfroid, J.

    2000-05-01

    L'univers est plat; Déformation de Mars; Stardust; Des sources gamma mystérieuses; La queue de la comète Hyakutake; NEAR plus près d'Eros; L'os de Cléopâtre; L'hydrogène manquant; Alignement planétaire

  7. Unusual specific heat of almost dry L-cysteine and L-cystine amino acids.

    PubMed

    Ishikawa, M S; Lima, T A; Ferreira, F F; Martinho, H S

    2015-03-01

    A detailed quantitative analysis of the specific heat in the 0.5- to 200-K temperature range for almost dry L-cysteine and its dimer, L-cystine, amino acids is presented. We report the occurrence of a sharp first-order transition at ∼76 K for L-cysteine associated with the thiol group ordering which was successfully modeled with the two-dimensional Ising model. We demonstrated that quantum rotors, two-level systems (TLS), Einstein oscillators, and acoustic phonons (the Debye model) are essential ingredients to correctly describe the overall experimental data. Our analysis pointed out the absence of the TLS contribution to the low temperature specific heat of L-cysteine. This result was similar to that found in other noncrystalline amorphous materials, e.g., amorphous silicon, low density amorphous water, and ultrastable glasses. L-cystine presented an unusual nonlinear acoustic dispersion relation ω(q)=vq0.95 and a Maxwell-Boltzmann-type distribution of tunneling barriers. The presence of Einstein oscillators with ΘE∼70 K was common in both systems and adequately modeled the boson peak contributions.

  8. 77 FR 9225 - Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc., et al. v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Organization of PJM...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-16

    ...-58-010] Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc., et al. v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Organization of PJM States, Inc., et al. v. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Filing Take notice that on February... by section 18.17.4 of the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. and...

  9. L-arabinose fermenting yeast

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

    Zhang, Min; Singh, Arjun; Suominen, Pirkko

    An L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain is provided for the production of ethanol by introducing and expressing bacterial araA, araB and araD genes. L-arabinose transporters are also introduced into the yeast to enhance the uptake of arabinose. The yeast carries additional genomic mutations enabling it to consume L-arabinose, even as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol. A yeast strain engineered to metabolize arabinose through a novel pathway is also disclosed. Methods of producing ethanol include utilizing these modified yeast strains.

  10. L-arabinose fermenting yeast

    DOEpatents

    Zhang, Min; Singh, Arjun; Suominen, Pirkko; Knoshaug, Eric; Franden, Mary Ann; Jarvis, Eric

    2014-09-23

    An L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain is provided for the production of ethanol by introducing and expressing bacterial araA, araB and araD genes. L-arabinose transporters are also introduced into the yeast to enhance the uptake of arabinose. The yeast carries additional genomic mutations enabling it to consume L-arabinose, even as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol. A yeast strain engineered to metabolize arabinose through a novel pathway is also disclosed. Methods of producing ethanol include utilizing these modified yeast strains.

  11. Optimal production of L-threo-2,3-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-threo-DOPS) on a large scale by diastereoselectivity-enhanced variant of L-threonine aldolase expressed in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Gwon, Hui-Jeong; Yoshioka, Hideki; Song, Nho-Eul; Kim, Jong-Hui; Song, Young-Ran; Jeong, Do-Youn; Baik, Sang-Ho

    2012-01-01

    This study examined the efficient production and optimal separation procedures for pure L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-threo-DOPS) from a mixture of diastereomers synthesized by whole-cell aldol condensation reaction, harboring diastereoselectivity-enhanced L-threonine aldolase in Escherichia coli JM109. The addition of the reducing agent sodium sulfite was found to stimulate the production of L-threo-DOPS without affecting the diastereoselectivity ratio, especially at the 50 mM concentration. The optimal pH for diastereoselective synthesis was 6.5. The addition of Triton X-100 also strongly affected the synthesis yield, showing the highest conversion yield at a 0.75% concentration; however, the diastereoselectivity of the L-threonine aldolase was not affected. Lowering the temperature to 10°C did not significantly affect the diastereoselectiviy without affecting the synthesis rate. At the optimized conditions, a mixture of L-threo-DOPS and L-erythro-DOPS was synthesized by diastereoselectivity-enhanced L-threonine aldolase from E. coli in a continuous process for 100 hr, yielding an average of 4.0 mg/mL of L-threo-DOPS and 60% diastereoselectivity (de), and was subjected to two steps of ion exchange chromatography. The optimum separation conditions for the resin and solvent were evaluated in which it was found that a two-step process with the ion-exchange resin Dowex 50 W × 8 and activated carbon by washing with 0.5 N acetic acid was sufficient to separate the L-threo-DOPS. By using two-step ion-exchange chromatography, synthesized high-purity L-threo-DOPS of up to 100% was purified with a yield of 71%. The remaining substrates, glycine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, were recovered successfully with a yield of 71.2%. Our results indicate this potential procedure as an economical purification process for the synthesis and purification of important L-threo-DOPS at the pharmaceutical level.

  12. Are Alphabetic Language-Derived Models of L2 Reading Relevant to L1 Logographic Background Readers?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ehrich, John Fitzgerald; Zhang, Lawrence Jun; Mu, Jon Congjun; Ehrich, Lisa Catherine

    2013-01-01

    In this paper, we argue that second language (L2) reading research, which has been informed by studies involving first language (L1) alphabetic English reading, may be less relevant to L2 readers with non-alphabetic reading backgrounds, such as Chinese readers with an L1 logographic (Chinese character) learning history. We provide both…

  13. L-tyrosine and L-DOPA as hormone-like regulators of melanocytes functions

    PubMed Central

    Slominski, Andrzej; Zmijewski, Michal; Pawelek, John

    2011-01-01

    Summary Evidence reveals that L-tyrosine and L-DOPA, besides serving as substrates and intermediates of melanogenesis, are also bioregulatory agents acting not only as inducers and positive regulators of melanogenesis but also as regulators of other cellular functions. These can be mediated through action on specific receptors or through non-receptor mediated mechanisms. The substrate induced (L-tyrosine and/or L-DOPA) melanogenic pathway would autoregulate itself as well as it would regulate the melanocyte functions through activity of its structural or regulatory proteins and through intermediates of melanogenesis and melanin itself. Dissection of regulatory and autoregulatory elements of this process may elucidate how substrate induced autoregulatory pathways have evolved from prokaryotic or simple eukaryotic organisms to complex systems in vertebrates. This could substantiate older theory proposing that receptors for amino-acid derived hormones arose from the receptors for those amino acids, and that nuclear receptors evolved from primitive intracellular receptors binding nutritional factors or metabolic intermediates. PMID:21834848

  14. Mechanism of allosteric inhibition of N-acetyl-L-glutamate synthase by L-arginine.

    PubMed

    Min, Li; Jin, Zhongmin; Caldovic, Ljubica; Morizono, Hiroki; Allewell, Norma M; Tuchman, Mendel; Shi, Dashuang

    2009-02-20

    N-Acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) catalyzes the first committed step in l-arginine biosynthesis in plants and micro-organisms and is subject to feedback inhibition by l-arginine. This study compares the crystal structures of NAGS from Neisseria gonorrhoeae (ngNAGS) in the inactive T-state with l-arginine bound and in the active R-state complexed with CoA and l-glutamate. Under all of the conditions examined, the enzyme consists of two stacked trimers. Each monomer has two domains: an amino acid kinase (AAK) domain with an AAK-like fold but lacking kinase activity and an N-acetyltransferase (NAT) domain homologous to other GCN5-related transferases. Binding of l-arginine to the AAK domain induces a global conformational change that increases the diameter of the hexamer by approximately 10 A and decreases its height by approximately 20A(.) AAK dimers move 5A outward along their 2-fold axes, and their tilt relative to the plane of the hexamer decreases by approximately 4 degrees . The NAT domains rotate approximately 109 degrees relative to AAK domains enabling new interdomain interactions. Interactions between AAK and NAT domains on different subunits also change. Local motions of several loops at the l-arginine-binding site enable the protein to close around the bound ligand, whereas several loops at the NAT active site become disordered, markedly reducing enzymatic specific activity.

  15. Reading in L2 (English) and L1 (Persian): An Investigation into Reverse Transfer of Reading Strategies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Talebi, Seyed Hassan

    2012-01-01

    This study investigates the effect of reading strategies instruction in L2 (English) on raising reading strategies awareness and use and reading ability of Iranian EFL learners in L2 (English) and L1 (Persian) as a result of transfer of reading strategies from L2 to L1. To this purpose, 120 students of intermediate and advanced English proficiency…

  16. 76 FR 77889 - Watco Holdings, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-Swan Ranch Railroad, L.L.C.

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-14

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [Docket No. FD 35575] Watco Holdings, Inc.--Continuance in Control Exemption--Swan Ranch Railroad, L.L.C. Watco Holdings, Inc. (Watco) has filed a verified notice of exemption pursuant to 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(2) to continue in control of Swan Ranch Railroad, L.L.C. (SRR), upon SRR's becoming ...

  17. A novel l-isoleucine-4′-dioxygenase and l-isoleucine dihydroxylation cascade in Pantoea ananatis

    PubMed Central

    Smirnov, Sergey V; Sokolov, Pavel M; Kotlyarova, Veronika A; Samsonova, Natalya N; Kodera, Tomohiro; Sugiyama, Masakazu; Torii, Takayoshi; Hibi, Makoto; Shimizu, Sakayu; Yokozeki, Kenzo; Ogawa, Jun

    2013-01-01

    A unique operon structure has been identified in the genomes of several plant- and insect-associated bacteria. The distinguishing feature of this operon is the presence of tandem hilA and hilB genes encoding dioxygenases belonging to the PF13640 and PF10014 (BsmA) Pfam families, respectively. The genes encoding HilA and HilB from Pantoea ananatis AJ13355 were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The culturing of E. coli cells expressing hilA (E. coli-HilA) or both hilA and hilB (E. coli-HilAB) in the presence of l-isoleucine resulted in the conversion of l-isoleucine into two novel biogenic compounds: l-4′-isoleucine and l-4,4′-dihydroxyisoleucine, respectively. In parallel, two novel enzymatic activities were detected in the crude cell lysates of the E. coli-HilA and E. coli-HilAB strains: l-isoleucine, 2-oxoglutarate: oxygen oxidoreductase (4′-hydroxylating) (HilA) and l-4′-hydroxyisoleucine, 2-oxoglutarate: oxygen oxidoreductase (4-hydroxylating) (HilB), respectively. Two hypotheses regarding the physiological significance of C-4(4′)-hydroxylation of l-isoleucine in bacteria are also discussed. According to first hypothesis, the l-isoleucine dihydroxylation cascade is involved in synthesis of dipeptide antibiotic in P. ananatis. Another unifying hypothesis is that the C-4(4′)-hydroxylation of l-isoleucine in bacteria could result in the synthesis of signal molecules belonging to two classes: 2(5H)-furanones and analogs of N-acyl homoserine lactone. PMID:23554367

  18. l-lysine production by Bacillus methanolicus: Genome-based mutational analysis and l-lysine secretion engineering.

    PubMed

    Nærdal, Ingemar; Netzer, Roman; Irla, Marta; Krog, Anne; Heggeset, Tonje Marita Bjerkan; Wendisch, Volker F; Brautaset, Trygve

    2017-02-20

    Bacillus methanolicus is a methylotrophic bacterium with an increasing interest in academic research and for biotechnological applications. This bacterium was previously applied for methanol-based production of l-glutamate, l-lysine and the five-carbon diamine cadaverine by wild type, classical mutant and recombinant strains. The genomes of two different l-lysine secreting B. methanolicus classical mutant strains, NOA2#13A52-8A66 and M168-20, were sequenced. We focused on mutational mapping in genes present in l-lysine and other relevant amino acid biosynthetic pathways, as well as in the primary cell metabolism important for precursor supply. In addition to mutations in the aspartate pathway genes dapG, lysA and hom-1, new mutational target genes like alr, proA, proB1, leuC, odhA and pdhD were identified. Surprisingly, no mutations were found in the putative l-lysine transporter gene lysE MGA3 . Inspection of the wild type B. methanolicus strain PB1 genome sequence identified two homologous putative l-lysine transporter genes, lysE PB1 and lysE2 PB1 . The biological role of these putative l-lysine transporter genes, together with the heterologous l-lysine exporter gene lysE Cg from Corynebacterium glutamicum, were therefore investigated. Our results demonstrated that the titer of secreted l-lysine in B. methanolicus was significantly increased by overexpression of lysE Cg while overexpression of lysE MGA3 , lysE PB1 and lysE2 PB1 had no measurable effect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Explaining dark matter and B decay anomalies with an L μ - L τ model

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

    Altmannshofer, Wolfgang; Gori, Stefania; Profumo, Stefano

    We present a dark sector model based on gauging the L μ - L τ symmetry that addresses anomalies in b→ sμ +μ - decays and that features a particle dark matter candidate. The dark matter particle candidate is a vector-like Dirac fermion coupled to the Z' gauge boson of the L μ - L τ symmetry. We compute the dark matter thermal relic density, its pair-annihilation cross section, and the loop-suppressed dark matter-nucleon scattering cross section, and compare our predictions with current and future experimental results. We demonstrate that after taking into account bounds from Bs meson oscillations, darkmore » matter direct detection, and the CMB, the model is highly predictive: B physics anomalies and a viable particle dark matter candidate, with a mass of ~ (5 - 23) GeV, can be accommodated only in a tightly-constrained region of parameter space, with sharp predictions for future experimental tests. The viable region of parameter space expands if the dark matter is allowed to have L μ - L τ charges that are smaller than those of the SM leptons.« less

  20. Explaining dark matter and B decay anomalies with an L μ - L τ model

    DOE PAGES

    Altmannshofer, Wolfgang; Gori, Stefania; Profumo, Stefano; ...

    2016-12-20

    We present a dark sector model based on gauging the L μ - L τ symmetry that addresses anomalies in b→ sμ +μ - decays and that features a particle dark matter candidate. The dark matter particle candidate is a vector-like Dirac fermion coupled to the Z' gauge boson of the L μ - L τ symmetry. We compute the dark matter thermal relic density, its pair-annihilation cross section, and the loop-suppressed dark matter-nucleon scattering cross section, and compare our predictions with current and future experimental results. We demonstrate that after taking into account bounds from Bs meson oscillations, darkmore » matter direct detection, and the CMB, the model is highly predictive: B physics anomalies and a viable particle dark matter candidate, with a mass of ~ (5 - 23) GeV, can be accommodated only in a tightly-constrained region of parameter space, with sharp predictions for future experimental tests. The viable region of parameter space expands if the dark matter is allowed to have L μ - L τ charges that are smaller than those of the SM leptons.« less

  1. 78 FR 21934 - El Paso Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-12

    ..., 2013, El Paso Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. (El Paso), P.O. Box 1087, Colorado Springs, CO 80944, filed..., Regulatory Affairs Department, El Paso Natural Gas Company, L.L.C., P.O. Box 1087, Colorado Springs, CO 80944...

  2. [Construction and application of prokaryotic expression system of Leptospira interrogans lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene].

    PubMed

    Luo, Dong-jiao; Yan, Jie; Mao, Ya-fei; Li, Shu-ping; Luo, Yi-hui; Li, Li-wei

    2005-01-01

    To construct lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene and its prokaryotic expression system and to determine frequencies of carrying and expression of lipL32 and lipL41 genes in L.interrogans wild strains and specific antibody levels in sera from leptospirosis patients. lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene was constructed using linking primer PCR method and the prokaryotic expression system of the fusion gene done with routine techniques. SDS-PAGE was used to examine expression of the target recombinant protein rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1. Immunogenicity of rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1 was identified by Western blot. PCR and MAT were performed to detect carrying and expression of lipL32 and lipL41 genes in 97 wild L.interrogans strains. Antibodies against products of lipL32 and lipL41 genes in serum samples from 228 leptospirosis patients were detected by ELISA method. The homogeneity of nucleotide and putative amino acid sequence of lipL32/1-lipL41/1 fusion gene were 99.9 % and 99.8 % in comparison with the reported sequences. Expression output of the target recombinant protein rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1, mainly present in inclusion body, accounted for 10 % of the total bacterial proteins. Both the rabbit antisera against rLipL32/1 and rLipL41/1 could combine to rLipL32/1-rLipL41/1. 97.9 % and 87.6 % of the L.interrogans wild strains had lipL32 and lipL41 genes, respectively. 95.9 % and 84.5 % of the wild strains were positive for MAT with titers of 1:4 - 1:128 using rabbit anti-rLipL32s or anti-rLipL41s sera, respectively. 94.7 % - 97.4 % of the patients'serum samples were positive for rLipL32s antibodies, while 78.5 % - 84.6 % of them were rLipL41s antibodies detectable. lipL32/1-jlipL41/1 fusion gene and its prokaryotic expression system were successfully constructed. The expressed fusion protein had qualified immunogenicity. Both the lipL32 and lipL41 genes are extensively carried and frequently expressed by different serogroups of L.interrogans, and their expression products exhibit cross-antigenicity.

  3. Molecular mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via anti-PD-L1 antibodies atezolizumab and durvalumab.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hyun Tae; Lee, Ju Yeon; Lim, Heejin; Lee, Sang Hyung; Moon, Yu Jeong; Pyo, Hyo Jeong; Ryu, Seong Eon; Shin, Woori; Heo, Yong-Seok

    2017-07-17

    In 2016 and 2017, monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-L1, including atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab, were approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple advanced cancers. And many other anti-PD-L1 antibodies are under clinical trials. Recently, the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with BMS-936559 and avelumab have been determined, revealing details of the antigen-antibody interactions. However, it is still unknown how atezolizumab and durvalumab specifically recognize PD-L1, although this is important for investigating novel binding sites on PD-L1 targeted by other therapeutic antibodies for the design and improvement of anti-PD-L1 agents. Here, we report the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with atezolizumab and durvalumab to elucidate the precise epitopes involved and the structural basis for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade by these antibodies. A comprehensive comparison of PD-L1 interactions with anti-PD-L1 antibodies provides a better understanding of the mechanism of PD-L1 blockade as well as new insights into the rational design of improved anti-PD-L1 therapeutics.

  4. TDRS-L Liftoff

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2014-01-23

    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket streaks through the night sky over Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, to Earth orbit. Launch was at 9:33 p.m. EST Jan. 23 during a 40-minute launch window. The TDRS-L spacecraft is the second of three new satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for NASA by expanding the lifespan of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System TDRSS fleet, which consists of eight satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The spacecraft provide tracking, telemetry, command and high-bandwidth data return services for numerous science and human exploration missions orbiting Earth. These include NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. TDRS-L has a high-performance solar panel designed for more spacecraft power to meet the growing S-band communications requirements. TDRSS is one of three NASA Space Communication and Navigation SCaN networks providing space communications to NASA’s missions. For more information more about TDRS-L, visit http://www.nasa.gov/tdrs. To learn more about SCaN, visit www.nasa.gov/scan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

  5. l-Asparaginase from Proteus vulgaris1

    PubMed Central

    Tosa, Tetsuya; Sano, Ryujiro; Yamamoto, Kozo; Nakamura, Masatoshi; Ando, Katsuko; Chibata, Ichiro

    1971-01-01

    To produce an immunologically and enzymologically new type of l-asparaginase, 108 strains of bacteria were screened for enzyme production. As a result, 13 bacteria belonging to the genera Alcaligenes, Bacterium, and Proteus were found to produce l-asparaginases in high levels. Among these l-asparaginases, partially purified l-asparaginases from B. cadaveris and P. vulgaris showed antitumor activity. A partially purified l-asparaginase preparation of P. vulgaris did not react with the antibody of Escherichia colil-asparaginase on the Ouchterlony agar plate. Culture conditions for the production of l-asparaginase by P. vulgaris were investigated in detail. The enzyme was produced in high yields when cells were grown aerobically in a medium containing sodium fumarate and corn steep liquor. The addition of glucose or ammonium ion to the medium, however, resulted in depressed production of l-asparaginase. Under the optimum conditions, 3,700 international units of l-asparaginase was obtained from 1 liter of culture medium. Images PMID:5000866

  6. Filtering of Discrete-Time Switched Neural Networks Ensuring Exponential Dissipative and $l_{2}$ - $l_{\\infty }$ Performances.

    PubMed

    Choi, Hyun Duck; Ahn, Choon Ki; Karimi, Hamid Reza; Lim, Myo Taeg

    2017-10-01

    This paper studies delay-dependent exponential dissipative and l 2 - l ∞ filtering problems for discrete-time switched neural networks (DSNNs) including time-delayed states. By introducing a novel discrete-time inequality, which is a discrete-time version of the continuous-time Wirtinger-type inequality, we establish new sets of linear matrix inequality (LMI) criteria such that discrete-time filtering error systems are exponentially stable with guaranteed performances in the exponential dissipative and l 2 - l ∞ senses. The design of the desired exponential dissipative and l 2 - l ∞ filters for DSNNs can be achieved by solving the proposed sets of LMI conditions. Via numerical simulation results, we show the validity of the desired discrete-time filter design approach.

  7. Determination of free and glucosidically-bound volatiles in plants. Two case studies: L-menthol in peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) and eugenol in clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry).

    PubMed

    Sgorbini, Barbara; Cagliero, Cecilia; Pagani, Alberto; Sganzerla, Marla; Boggia, Lorenzo; Bicchi, Carlo; Rubiolo, Patrizia

    2015-09-01

    This study arises from both the today's trend towards exploiting plant resources exhaustively, and the wide quantitative discrepancy between the amounts of commercially-valuable markers in aromatic plants and those recovered from the related essential oil. The study addresses the determination of both the qualitative composition and the exhaustive distribution of free and glucosidically-bound L-menthol in peppermint aerial parts (Mentha x piperita L., Lamiaceae) and of eugenol in dried cloves (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry, Myrtaceae), two plants known to provide widely ranging essential oil yields. The two markers were investigated in essential oils and residual hydrodistillation waters, before and after enzymatic hydrolysis. Their amounts were related to those in the headspace taken as reference. The results showed that the difference between marker compound in headspace and in essential oil amounted to 22.8% for L-menthol in peppermint, and 16.5% for eugenol in cloves. The aglycones solubilised in the residual hydrodistillation waters were 7.2% of the headspace reference amount for L-menthol, and 13.3% for eugenol, respectively representing 9.3% and 15.9% of their amounts in the essential oil. The amount of L-menthol from its glucoside in residual hydrodistillation waters was 20.6% of that in the related essential oil, while eugenol from its glucoside accounted for 7.7% of the amount in clove essential oil. The yield of L-menthol, after submitting the plant material to enzymatic hydrolysis before hydrodistillation, increased by 23.1%, and for eugenol the increase was 8.1%, compared to the amount in the respective conventional essential oils. This study also aimed to evaluate the reliability of recently-introduced techniques that are little applied, if at all, in this field. The simultaneous use of high-concentration-capacity sample preparation techniques (SBSE, and HS-SPME and in-solution SPME) to run quali-quantitative analysis without sample

  8. Similarity in L2 Phonology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barrios, Shannon L.

    2013-01-01

    Adult second language (L2) learners often experience difficulty producing and perceiving non-native phonological contrasts. Even highly proficient bilinguals, who have been exposed to an L2 for long periods of time, struggle with difficult contrasts, such as /r/-/l/ for Japanese learners of English. To account for the relative ease or difficulty…

  9. Rewiring the reductive tricarboxylic acid pathway and L-malate transport pathway of Aspergillus oryzae for overproduction of L-malate.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jingjing; Xie, Zhipeng; Shin, Hyun-Dong; Li, Jianghua; Du, Guocheng; Chen, Jian; Liu, Long

    2017-07-10

    Aspergillus oryzae finds wide application in the food, feed, and wine industries, and is an excellent cell factory platform for production of organic acids. In this work, we achieved the overproduction of L-malate by rewiring the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) pathway and L-malate transport pathway of A. oryzae NRRL 3488. First, overexpression of native pyruvate carboxylase and malate dehydrogenase in the rTCA pathway improved the L-malate titer from 26.1gL -1 to 42.3gL -1 in shake flask culture. Then, the oxaloacetate anaplerotic reaction was constructed by heterologous expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from Escherichia coli, increasing the L-malate titer to 58.5gL -1 . Next, the export of L-malate from the cytoplasm to the external medium was strengthened by overexpression of a C4-dicarboxylate transporter gene from A. oryzae and an L-malate permease gene from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, improving the L-malate titer from 58.5gL -1 to 89.5gL -1 . Lastly, guided by transcription analysis of the expression profile of key genes related to L-malate synthesis, the 6-phosphofructokinase encoded by the pfk gene was identified as a potential limiting step for L-malate synthesis. Overexpression of pfk with the strong sodM promoter increased the L-malate titer to 93.2gL -1 . The final engineered A. oryzae strain produced 165gL -1 L-malate with a productivity of 1.38gL -1 h -1 in 3-L fed-batch culture. Overall, we constructed an efficient L-malate producer by rewiring the rTCA pathway and L-malate transport pathway of A. oryzae NRRL 3488, and the engineering strategy adopted here may be useful for the construction of A. oryzae cell factories to produce other organic acids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Spinal case of the month with short perspective: How would you treat this L3-L4 synovial cyst?

    PubMed

    Epstein, Nancy E

    2018-01-01

    In this new section, Case of the Month with Short Perspective from Surgical Neurology International, we want to see how various spine surgeons would approach different spinal pathologies. In this first case, an elderly male presented with 3 years of lower back pain and progressive neurogenic claudication with bilateral radiculopathy that had exacerbated over the prior 6 months. An outside physician performed a magnetic resonance (MR) study of the lumbar spine that showed a massive synovial cyst filling the spinal canal (e.g., large bilateral cysts) at the L3-L4 level with grade I spondylolisthesis. The MR and CT studies also both demonstrated moderate L2-L3, and severe L3-L4 stenosis. Despite the massive synovial cyst filling the spinal canal at the L3-L4 level, pain management (anesthesia training) spent 3 months performing three successive epidural steroid injections accompanied by attempts at percutaneous synovial cyst aspiration/rupture. By the time the patient presented to neurosurgery, he had developed severe neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy, myelopathy, and a cauda equina syndrome. Dynamic X-rays revealed a mild grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis at the L3-L4 level without active motion, while both computed tomography (CT) and MR studies confirmed moderate stenosis stenosis/ossification of the yellow ligament at the L2-L3 level, severe stenosis at L3-L4 level with spondylolisthesis, and massive bilateral synovial cysts at the L3-L4 level filling the spinal canal. Following an L2-L4 decompressive laminectomy without fusion (note the absence of motion intraoperatively at the L3-L4 level), the patient's symptoms resolved, and he regained normal function. How would you have managed this patient?

  11. L1 Differences and L2 Similarities: Teaching Verb Tenses in English

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Collins, Laura

    2007-01-01

    In making decisions regarding the focus for grammar teaching, ESL instructors may take into consideration errors that appear to result from the influence of their students' first language(s) (L1). There is also evidence from language acquisition research suggesting that for some grammatical features, learners of different L1 backgrounds may face…

  12. Mechanism of Allosteric Inhibition of N-Acetyl-L-glutamate Synthase by L-Arginine

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

    Min, Li; Jin, Zhongmin; Caldovic, Ljubica

    2010-01-07

    N-Acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) catalyzes the first committed step in L-arginine biosynthesis in plants and micro-organisms and is subject to feedback inhibition by L-arginine. This study compares the crystal structures of NAGS from Neisseria gonorrhoeae (ngNAGS) in the inactive T-state with L-arginine bound and in the active R-state complexed with CoA and L-glutamate. Under all of the conditions examined, the enzyme consists of two stacked trimers. Each monomer has two domains: an amino acid kinase (AAK) domain with an AAK-like fold but lacking kinase activity and an N-acetyltransferase (NAT) domain homologous to other GCN5-related transferases. Binding of L-arginine to the AAKmore » domain induces a global conformational change that increases the diameter of the hexamer by {approx}10 {angstrom} and decreases its height by {approx}20{angstrom}. AAK dimers move 5{angstrom} outward along their 2-fold axes, and their tilt relative to the plane of the hexamer decreases by {approx}4{sup o}. The NAT domains rotate {approx}109{sup o} relative to AAK domains enabling new interdomain interactions. Interactions between AAK and NAT domains on different subunits also change. Local motions of several loops at the L-arginine-binding site enable the protein to close around the bound ligand, whereas several loops at the NAT active site become disordered, markedly reducing enzymatic specific activity.« less

  13. Optimization of L: -methionine feeding strategy for improving S-adenosyl-L: -methionine production by methionine adenosyltransferase overexpressed Pichia pastoris.

    PubMed

    Hu, Hui; Qian, Jiangchao; Chu, Ju; Wang, Yonghong; Zhuang, Yingping; Zhang, Siliang

    2009-07-01

    The recombinant Pichia pastoris harboring an improved methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) shuffled gene was employed to biosynthesize S-adenosyl-L: -methionine (SAM). Two L: -methionine (L: -Met) addition strategies were used to supply the precursor: the batch addition strategy (L: -Met was added separately at three time points) and the continuous feeding strategies (L: -Met was fed continuously at the rate of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively). SAM accumulation, L: -Met conversion rate, and SAM productivity with the continuous feeding strategies were all improved over the batch addition strategy, which reached 8.46 +/- 0.31 g l(-1), 41.7 +/- 1.4%, and 0.18 +/- 0.01 g l(-1) h(-1) with the best continuous feeding strategy (0.2 g l(-1) h(-1)), respectively. The bottleneck for SAM production with the low L: -Met feeding rate (0.1 g L(-1) h(-1)) was the insufficient L: -Met supply. The analysis of the key enzyme activities indicated that the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolytic pathway were reduced with the increasing L: -Met feeding rate, which decreased the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. The MAT activity also decreased as the L: -Met feeding rate rose. The reduced ATP synthesis and MAT activity were probably the reason for the low SAM accumulation when the L: -Met feeding rate reached 0.5 g l(-1) h(-1).

  14. L2 Word Recognition: Influence of L1 Orthography on Multi-syllabic Word Recognition.

    PubMed

    Hamada, Megumi

    2017-10-01

    L2 reading research suggests that L1 orthographic experience influences L2 word recognition. Nevertheless, the findings on multi-syllabic words in English are still limited despite the fact that a vast majority of words are multi-syllabic. The study investigated whether L1 orthography influences the recognition of multi-syllabic words, focusing on the position of an embedded word. The participants were Arabic ESL learners, Chinese ESL learners, and native speakers of English. The task was a word search task, in which the participants identified a target word embedded in a pseudoword at the initial, middle, or final position. The search accuracy and speed indicated that all groups showed a strong preference for the initial position. The accuracy data further indicated group differences. The Arabic group showed higher accuracy in the final than middle, while the Chinese group showed the opposite and the native speakers showed no difference between the two positions. The findings suggest that L2 multi-syllabic word recognition involves unique processes.

  15. Relationship of L1 Skills and L2 Aptitude to L2 Anxiety on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sparks, Richard L.; Patton, Jon

    2013-01-01

    The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) has been challenged on the grounds that it may also assess language learning skills. In this study, 128 students who had been administered measures of first language (L1) skills in elementary school were followed from 1st to 10th grade. Fifty-three students had completed second language (L2)…

  16. The antituberculosis antibiotic capreomycin inhibits protein synthesis by disrupting interaction between ribosomal proteins L12 and L10.

    PubMed

    Lin, Yuan; Li, Yan; Zhu, Ningyu; Han, Yanxing; Jiang, Wei; Wang, Yanchang; Si, Shuyi; Jiang, Jiandong

    2014-01-01

    Capreomycin is a second-line drug for multiple-drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). However, with increased use in clinics, the therapeutic efficiency of capreomycin is decreasing. To better understand TB resistance to capreomycin, we have done research to identify the molecular target of capreomycin. Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribosomal proteins L12 and L10 interact with each other and constitute the stalk of the 50S ribosomal subunit, which recruits initiation and elongation factors during translation. Hence, the L12-L10 interaction is considered to be essential for ribosomal function and protein synthesis. Here we provide evidence showing that capreomycin inhibits the L12-L10 interaction by using an established L12-L10 interaction assay. Overexpression of L12 and/or L10 in M. smegmatis, a species close to M. tuberculosis, increases the MIC of capreomycin. Moreover, both elongation factor G-dependent GTPase activity and ribosome-mediated protein synthesis are inhibited by capreomycin. When protein synthesis was blocked with thiostrepton, however, the bactericidal activity of capreomycin was restrained. All of these results suggest that capreomycin seems to inhibit TB by interrupting the L12-L10 interaction. This finding might provide novel clues for anti-TB drug discovery.

  17. L1CAM in human cancer.

    PubMed

    Altevogt, Peter; Doberstein, Kai; Fogel, Mina

    2016-04-01

    L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is one of the first neural adhesion molecules described with important functions in the development of the nervous system. Subsequent work discovered that L1CAM is expressed in many human cancers and is often associated with bad prognosis. This is most likely due to the motility and invasion promoting function of L1CAM. Here, we describe the path L1CAM has taken from a neural adhesion molecule to a recognized tumor antigen. We summarize the literature on L1CAM expression in cancers and pre-cancerous lesions. We focus on the genetic elements required for its re-expression and highlight preclinical studies for targeted therapy. The data suggest that L1CAM is a valuable diagnostic/prognostic marker and an attractive target for the therapy of several human cancers. © 2015 UICC.

  18. 76 FR 12224 - Autauga Northern Railroad, L.L.C.-Lease and Operation Exemption-Norfolk Southern Railway Company

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-04

    ... Railroad, L.L.C.--Lease and Operation Exemption--Norfolk Southern Railway Company Autauga Northern Railroad... acquire by lease from Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR), and operate approximately 43.62 miles of... Holdings, Inc.--Continuance in Control Exemption-- Autauga Northern Railroad, L.L.C., in which Watco...

  19. Does right lateral decubitus position change retroperitoneal oblique corridor? A radiographic evaluation from L1 to L5.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Fan; Xu, Haocheng; Yin, Bo; Tao, Hongyue; Yang, Shuo; Sun, Chi; Wang, Yitao; Yin, Jun; Shao, Minghao; Wang, Hongli; Xia, Xinlei; Ma, Xiaosheng; Lu, Feizhou; Jiang, Jianyuan

    2017-03-01

    To determine if the retroperitoneal oblique corridor will be affected by right lateral decubitus position. Forty volunteers were randomly enrolled and MRI scan was performed from L1 to L5 in supine and right lateral decubitus positions, respectively. In images across the center of each disc, O was defined as the center of a disc and A (supine) or A' (right lateral decubitus) was located in left lateral border of the aorta or the iliac artery; B (supine) or B' (right lateral decubitus) was on the anterior medial border of the psoas. The distance of AB and A'B' (Recorded as A-Ps and A-Pr, respectively) at each level was recorded and compared to each other. The relationships between A-Pr, sex, BMI and relative psoas cross-sectional area (PCSA) at each level were also evaluated. A-Pr was significantly smaller than A-Ps at L1/2, L2/3 and L3/4 (All p < 0.05); there was no significantly difference of A-Pr between all levels (p = 0.105), but L1/2 seemed to be larger than L3/4, followed by L2/3 and L4/5; A-Pr at each level was not affected by sex (All p > 0.05); linear relationships were found between A-Pr, BMI and PCSA at L1/2 and L3/4. ROC at L1/2, L2/3 and L3/4 will significantly decrease from supine to right lateral decubitus position and the reason may be due to the relaxed psoas deformation. Using MRI images in supine position for pre-operatively ROC evaluation is not accurate. Spine surgeon should also be more cautious when OLIF is performed at L4/5 where ROC is the smallest. Patients from Asia and those with strong psoas major at L1/2 and L3/4 are also associated with relatively narrow ROC.

  20. The potential of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria for the production of antineoplastic enzymes: L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase

    PubMed Central

    Shirazian, Pejman; Asad, Sedigheh; Amoozegar, Mohammad Ali

    2016-01-01

    L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase can be effectively used for the treatment of patients who suffer from accute lymphoblastic leukemia and tumor cells. Microbial sources are the best source for the bulk production of these enzymes. However, their long-term administration may cause immunological responses, so screening for new enzymes with novel properties is required. Halophilic and halotolerant bacteria with novel enzymatic characteristics can be considered as a potential source for production of enzymes with different immunological properties. In this study, L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production by halophilic bacteria isolated from Urmia salt lake was studied. Out of the 85 isolated halophilic and halotolerant bacterial strains, 16 (19 %) showed L-asparaginase activity and 3 strains (3.5 %) showed L-glutaminase activity. Strains with the highest activities were selected for further studies. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, it was shown that the selected isolates for L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production belong to the genus Bacillus and Salicola, respectively. Both enzymes were produced extracellularly. The strain with the most L-asparaginase production did not show L-glutaminase production which is medically important. The effects of key parameters including temperature, initial pH of the solution, and concentrations of glucose, asparagine or glutamine, and sodium chloride were evaluated by means of response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize enzymes production. Under the obtained optimal conditions, L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production was increased up to 1.5 (61.7 unit/mL) and 2.6 fold (46.4 unit/mL), respectively. PMID:27330530

  1. The potential of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria for the production of antineoplastic enzymes: L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase.

    PubMed

    Shirazian, Pejman; Asad, Sedigheh; Amoozegar, Mohammad Ali

    2016-01-01

    L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase can be effectively used for the treatment of patients who suffer from accute lymphoblastic leukemia and tumor cells. Microbial sources are the best source for the bulk production of these enzymes. However, their long-term administration may cause immunological responses, so screening for new enzymes with novel properties is required. Halophilic and halotolerant bacteria with novel enzymatic characteristics can be considered as a potential source for production of enzymes with different immunological properties. In this study, L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production by halophilic bacteria isolated from Urmia salt lake was studied. Out of the 85 isolated halophilic and halotolerant bacterial strains, 16 (19 %) showed L-asparaginase activity and 3 strains (3.5 %) showed L-glutaminase activity. Strains with the highest activities were selected for further studies. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, it was shown that the selected isolates for L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production belong to the genus Bacillus and Salicola, respectively. Both enzymes were produced extracellularly. The strain with the most L-asparaginase production did not show L-glutaminase production which is medically important. The effects of key parameters including temperature, initial pH of the solution, and concentrations of glucose, asparagine or glutamine, and sodium chloride were evaluated by means of response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize enzymes production. Under the obtained optimal conditions, L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase production was increased up to 1.5 (61.7 unit/mL) and 2.6 fold (46.4 unit/mL), respectively.

  2. Recombineering reveals a diverse collection of ribosomal proteins L4 and L22 that confer resistance to macrolide antibiotics

    PubMed Central

    Diner, Elie J.; Hayes, Christopher S.

    2009-01-01

    Summary Mutations in ribosomal proteins L4 and L22 confer resistance to erythromycin and other macrolide antibiotics in a variety of bacteria. L4 and L22 have elongated loops whose tips converge in the peptide exit tunnel near the macrolide binding site, and resistance mutations typically affect residues within these loops. Here, we use bacteriophage λ Red-mediated recombination, or “recombineering”, to uncover new L4 and L22 alleles that confer macrolide resistance in Escherichia coli. We randomized residues at the tips of the L4 and L22 loops using recombineered oligonucleotide libraries, and selected the mutagenized cells for erythromycin-resistant mutants. These experiments led to the identification of 341 different resistance mutations encoding 278 unique L4 and L22 proteins – the overwhelming majority of which are novel. Many resistance mutations were complex, involving multiple missense mutations, in-frame deletions, and insertions. Transfer of L4 and L22 mutations into wild-type cells by phage P1-mediated transduction demonstrated that each allele was sufficient to confer macrolide resistance. Although L4 and L22 mutants are typically resistant to most macrolides, selections carried out on different antibiotics revealed macrolide-specific resistance mutations. L22 Lys90Trp is one such allele, which confers resistance to erythromycin, but not tylosin or spiramycin. Purified L22 Lys90Trp ribosomes show reduced erythromycin binding, but have the same affinity for tylosin as wild-type ribosomes. Moreover, DMS methylation protection assays demonstrated that L22 Lys90Trp ribosomes bind tylosin more readily than erythromycin in vivo. This work underscores the exceptional functional plasticity of the L4 and L22 proteins, and highlights the utility of Red-mediated recombination in targeted genetic selections. PMID:19150357

  3. Structural alterations in rat myocardium induced by chronic l-arginine and l-NAME supplementation.

    PubMed

    Hmaid, Amal Abdussalam Ali A; Markelic, Milica; Otasevic, Vesna; Masovic, Sava; Jankovic, Aleksandra; Korac, Bato; Korac, Aleksandra

    2018-03-01

    Structural changes affecting cardiomyocyte function may contribute to the pathophysiological remodeling underlying cardiac function impairment. Recent reports have shown that endogenous nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in this process. In order to examine the role of NO in cardiomyocyte remodeling, male rats were acclimated to room temperature (22 ± 1 °C) or cold (4 ± 1 °C) and treated with 2.25% l-arginine·HCl or 0.01% l-NAME (N ω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester)·HCl for 45 days. Untreated groups served as controls. Right heart ventricles were routinely prepared for light microscopic examination. Stereological estimations of volume densities of cardiomyocytes, surrounding blood vessels and connective tissue, as well as the morphometric measurements of cardiomyocyte diameters were performed. Tissue sections were also analyzed for structural alterations. We observed that both l-arginine and l-NAME supplementation induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, regardless of ambient temperature. However, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was associated with fibrosis and extra collagen deposition only in the l-NAME treated group. Taken together, our results suggest that NO has a modulatory role in right heart ventricle remodeling by coordinating hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and fibrous tissue preventing cardiac fibrosis.

  4. Regulation of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase by L-phenylalanine and nitrogen in Neurospora crassa.

    PubMed Central

    Sikora, L A; Marzluf, G A

    1982-01-01

    Neurospora crassa possesses an inducible L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase that is expressed only when cells are derepressed for nitrogen in the presence of L-phenylalanine. Enzyme synthesis requires both induction by L-phenylalanine and simultaneous nitrogen catabolite derepression. Carbon limitation in the presence of phenylalanine does not elicit induction of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Specific induction by L-phenylalanine is required, and other amino acids completely failed to induce any lyase activity. The nit-2 gene is a major regulatory locus which is believed to mediate nitrogen catabolite repression in Neurospora. Mutants of nit-2 fail to express any phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity under conditions of derepression and induction which lead to good enzyme induction in the wild type and in nit-2 revertants. The loss of lyase activity in nit-2 mutants does not result from inducer exclusion, which suggests that the nit-2 gene product has a direct role in controlling the expression of this enzyme. Substantial amounts of the enzyme were detected in the growth medium as well as in cell extracts. Inhibitors of protein synthesis or RNA synthesis block the induction of L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, suggesting that expression of this enzyme is controlled at the level of transcription. PMID:6210688

  5. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Reduces Bleeding and Thrombocytopenia after Amputation in Rats Treated with Heparin, Warfarin, L-NAME and L-Arginine.

    PubMed

    Stupnisek, Mirjana; Kokot, Antonio; Drmic, Domagoj; Hrelec Patrlj, Masa; Zenko Sever, Anita; Kolenc, Danijela; Radic, Bozo; Suran, Jelena; Bojic, Davor; Vcev, Aleksandar; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag

    2015-01-01

    BPC 157 is a stable gastric pentadecapeptide recently implicated with a role in hemostasis. While NO is largely implicated in hemostatic mechanisms, in tail-amputation-models under heparin- and warfarin-administration, both the NO-synthase (NOS)-blocker, L-NAME (prothrombotic) and the NOS-substrate L-arginine (antithrombotic), were little investigated. Objective. To investigate the effect of L-NAME and L-arginine on hemostatic parameters, and to reveal the effects of BPC 157 on the L-NAME- and L-arginine-induced hemostatic actions under different pathological condition: tail amputation without or with anticoagulants, heparin or warfarin. Tail amputation, and/or i.v.-heparin (10 mg/kg), i.g.-warfarin (1.5 mg/kg/day for 3 days) were used in rats. Treatment includes BPC 157, L-NAME, L-arginine, per se and their combination. After (tail) amputation, with or without i.v.-heparin or i.g.-warfarin, BPC 157 (10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg, i.p., i.v. (heparin), 10 μg/kg i.g. (warfarin)) always reduced bleeding time and/or haemorrhage and counteracted thrombocytopenia. As for L-NAME and/or L-arginine, we noted: L-arginine (100 mg/kg i.p.)-rats: more bleeding, less/no thrombocytopenia; L-NAME (5 mg/kg i.p.)-rats: less bleeding (amputation only), but present thrombocytopenia; L-NAME+L-arginine-rats also exhibited thrombocytopenia: L-NAME counteracted L-arginine-increased bleeding, L-arginine did not counteract L-NAME-thrombocytopenia. All animals receiving BPC 157 in addition (BPC 157 μg+L-NAME; BPC 157 μg+L-arginine, BPC 157 μg+L-NAME+L-arginine), exhibited decreased haemorrhage and markedly counteracted thrombocytopenia. L-NAME (thrombocytopenia), L-arginine (increased haemorrhage) counteraction and BPC 157 (decreased haemorrhage, counteracted thrombocytopenia) with rescue against two different anticoagulants, implicate a BPC 157 modulatory and balancing role with rescued NO-hemostatic mechanisms.

  6. Scalable L-infinite coding of meshes.

    PubMed

    Munteanu, Adrian; Cernea, Dan C; Alecu, Alin; Cornelis, Jan; Schelkens, Peter

    2010-01-01

    The paper investigates the novel concept of local-error control in mesh geometry encoding. In contrast to traditional mesh-coding systems that use the mean-square error as target distortion metric, this paper proposes a new L-infinite mesh-coding approach, for which the target distortion metric is the L-infinite distortion. In this context, a novel wavelet-based L-infinite-constrained coding approach for meshes is proposed, which ensures that the maximum error between the vertex positions in the original and decoded meshes is lower than a given upper bound. Furthermore, the proposed system achieves scalability in L-infinite sense, that is, any decoding of the input stream will correspond to a perfectly predictable L-infinite distortion upper bound. An instantiation of the proposed L-infinite-coding approach is demonstrated for MESHGRID, which is a scalable 3D object encoding system, part of MPEG-4 AFX. In this context, the advantages of scalable L-infinite coding over L-2-oriented coding are experimentally demonstrated. One concludes that the proposed L-infinite mesh-coding approach guarantees an upper bound on the local error in the decoded mesh, it enables a fast real-time implementation of the rate allocation, and it preserves all the scalability features and animation capabilities of the employed scalable mesh codec.

  7. 78 FR 62323 - MarkWest Liberty Ethane Pipeline L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-16

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. OR14-1-000] MarkWest Liberty Ethane Pipeline L.L.C.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order Take notice that on October 3, 2013...), MarkWest Liberty Ethane Pipeline L.L.C. (MarkWest) filed a petition requesting a declaratory order...

  8. 78 FR 38309 - Northern Natural Gas Company; Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Florida Gas Transmission...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-26

    ... Natural Gas Company; Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C.; Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC; Notice of Application Take notice that on June 4, 2013, Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern), 1111 South 103rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124; on behalf of itself, Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C., and...

  9. 77 FR 28864 - Elba Express Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Amendment to Petition To Amend Order Issuing Certificate

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-16

    ... Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Amendment to Petition To Amend Order Issuing Certificate Take notice that on May 3, 2012, Elba Express Company, L.L.C. (Elba Express), located at 569 Brookwood Village, Suite 501... application may be directed to Pamela R. Donaldson, Principal Regulatory Analyst, Elba Express Company, L.L.C...

  10. 78 FR 18329 - Gulf South Pipeline Company, LP; Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Application

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-26

    ... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket Nos. CP13-96-000; PF12-21-000] Gulf South Pipeline Company, LP; Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C.; Notice of Application Take notice that on..., Texas 77046, and Petal Gas Storage, L.L.C. (Petal), 9 Greenway Plaza, Suite 2800, Houston, Texas 77046...

  11. NMR analyses of the conformations of L-isoleucine and L-valine bound to Escherichia coli isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase

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

    Kohda, D.; Kawai, G.; Yokoyama, S.

    1987-10-06

    The 400-MHz /sup 1/H NMR spectra of L-isoleucine and L-valine were measured in the presence of Escherichia coli isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleRS). Because of chemical exchange of L-isoleucine or L-valine between the free state and the IleRS-bound state, a transferred nuclear Overhauser effect (TRNOE) was observed among proton resonances of L-isoleucine or L-valine. However, in the presence of isoleucyl adenylate tightly bound to the amino acid activation site of IleRS, no TRNOE for L-isoleucine or L-valine was observed. This indicates that the observed TRNOE is due to the interaction of L-isoleucine or L-valine with the amino acid activation site of IleRS.more » The conformations of these amino acids in the amino acid activation site of IleRS were determined by the analyses of time dependences of TRNOEs and TRNOE action spectra. The IleRS-bound L-isoleucine takes the gauche/sup +/ form about the C/sub ..cap alpha../-C/sub ..beta../ bond and the trans form about the C/sub ..beta../-C/sub ..gamma../sub 1// bond. The IleRS-bound L-valine takes the guache/sup -/ form about the C/sub ..cap alpha../-C/sub ..beta../ bond. Thus, the conformation of the IleRS-bound L-valine is the same as that of IleRS-bound L-isoleucine except for the delta-methyl group. The side chain of L-isoleucine or L-valine lies in an aliphatic hydrophobic pocket of the active site of IleRS. Such hydrophobic interaction with IleRS is more significant for L-isoleucine than for L-valine. The TRNOE analysis is useful for studying the amino acid discrimination mechanism of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.« less

  12. Developmental Trends and L1 Effects in Early L2 Learners' Onset Cluster Production

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tessier, Anne-Michelle; Duncan, Tamara Sorenson; Paradis, Johanne

    2013-01-01

    This study focuses on English onset cluster production in spontaneous speech samples of 10 children aged 5;04-6;09 from Chinese and Hindi/Punjabi first language (L1) backgrounds, each with less than a year of exposure to English. The results suggest commonalities between early second language (L2) learners and both monolingual and adult L2…

  13. Enhancement of thioredoxin/glutaredoxin-mediated L-cysteine synthesis from S-sulfocysteine increases L-cysteine production in Escherichia coli

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Escherichia coli has two L-cysteine biosynthetic pathways; one is synthesized from O-acetyl L-serine (OAS) and sulfate by L-cysteine synthase (CysK), and another is produced via S-sulfocysteine (SSC) from OAS and thiosulfate by SSC synthase (CysM). SSC is converted into L-cysteine and sulfite by an uncharacterized reaction. As thioredoxins (Trx1 and Trx2) and glutaredoxins (Grx1, Grx2, Grx3, Grx4, and NrdH) are known as reductases of peptidyl disulfides, overexpression of such reductases might be a good way for improving L-cysteine production to accelerate the reduction of SSC in E. coli. Results Because the redox enzymes can reduce the disulfide that forms on proteins, we first tested whether these enzymes catalyze the reduction of SSC to L-cysteine. All His-tagged recombinant enzymes, except for Grx4, efficiently convert SSC into L-cysteine in vitro. Overexpression of Grx1 and NrdH enhanced a 15-40% increase in the E. coliL-cysteine production. On the other hand, disruption of the cysM gene cancelled the effect caused by the overexpression of Grx1 and NrdH, suggesting that its improvement was due to the efficient reduction of SSC under the fermentative conditions. Moreover, L-cysteine production in knockout mutants of the sulfite reductase genes (ΔcysI and ΔcysJ) and the L-cysteine synthase gene (ΔcysK) each decreased to about 50% of that in the wild-type strain. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in L-cysteine production between wild-type strain and gene deletion mutant of the upstream pathway of sulfite (ΔcysC or ΔcysH). These results indicate that sulfite generated from the SSC reduction is available as the sulfur source to produce additional L-cysteine molecule. It was finally found that in the E. coliL-cysteine producer that co-overexpress glutaredoxin (NrdH), sulfite reductase (CysI), and L-cysteine synthase (CysK), there was the highest amount of L-cysteine produced per cell. Conclusions In this work, we showed that Grx1 and

  14. Preliminary Design Considerations for Access and Operations in Earth-Moon L1/L2 Orbits

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Folta, David C.; Pavlak, Thomas A.; Haapala, Amanda F.; Howell, Kathleen C.

    2013-01-01

    Within the context of manned spaceflight activities, Earth-Moon libration point orbits could support lunar surface operations and serve as staging areas for future missions to near-Earth asteroids and Mars. This investigation examines preliminary design considerations including Earth-Moon L1/L2 libration point orbit selection, transfers, and stationkeeping costs associated with maintaining a spacecraft in the vicinity of L1 or L2 for a specified duration. Existing tools in multi-body trajectory design, dynamical systems theory, and orbit maintenance are leveraged in this analysis to explore end-to-end concepts for manned missions to Earth-Moon libration points.

  15. "L"-Bivariate and "L"-Multivariate Association Coefficients. Research Report. ETS RR-08-40

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kong, Nan; Lewis, Charles

    2008-01-01

    Given a system of multiple random variables, a new measure called the "L"-multivariate association coefficient is defined using (conditional) entropy. Unlike traditional correlation measures, the L-multivariate association coefficient measures the multiassociations or multirelations among the multiple variables in the given system; that…

  16. Substrate-Tuned Catalysis of the Radical S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Enzyme NosL Involved in Nosiheptide Biosynthesis.

    PubMed

    Ji, Xinjian; Li, Yongzhen; Ding, Wei; Zhang, Qi

    2015-07-27

    NosL is a radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) enzyme that converts L-Trp to 3-methyl-2-indolic acid, a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of a thiopeptide antibiotic nosiheptide. In this work we investigated NosL catalysis by using a series of Trp analogues as the molecular probes. Using a benzofuran substrate 2-amino-3-(benzofuran-3-yl)propanoic acid (ABPA), we clearly demonstrated that the 5'-deoxyadenosyl (dAdo) radical-mediated hydrogen abstraction in NosL catalysis is not from the indole nitrogen but likely from the amino group of L-Trp. Unexpectedly, the major product of ABPA is a decarboxylated compound, indicating that NosL was transformed to a novel decarboxylase by an unnatural substrate. Furthermore, we showed that, for the first time to our knowledge, the dAdo radical-mediated hydrogen abstraction can occur from an alcohol hydroxy group. Our study demonstrates the intriguing promiscuity of NosL catalysis and highlights the potential of engineering radical SAM enzymes for novel activities. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Reduces Bleeding and Thrombocytopenia after Amputation in Rats Treated with Heparin, Warfarin, L-NAME and L-Arginine

    PubMed Central

    Stupnisek, Mirjana; Kokot, Antonio; Drmic, Domagoj; Hrelec Patrlj, Masa; Zenko Sever, Anita; Kolenc, Danijela; Radic, Bozo; Suran, Jelena; Bojic, Davor; Vcev, Aleksandar; Seiwerth, Sven; Sikiric, Predrag

    2015-01-01

    Background BPC 157 is a stable gastric pentadecapeptide recently implicated with a role in hemostasis. While NO is largely implicated in hemostatic mechanisms, in tail-amputation-models under heparin- and warfarin-administration, both the NO-synthase (NOS)-blocker, L-NAME (prothrombotic) and the NOS-substrate L-arginine (antithrombotic), were little investigated. Objective. To investigate the effect of L-NAME and L-arginine on hemostatic parameters, and to reveal the effects of BPC 157 on the L-NAME- and L-arginine-induced hemostatic actions under different pathological condition: tail amputation without or with anticoagulants, heparin or warfarin. Methods Tail amputation, and/or i.v.-heparin (10 mg/kg), i.g.-warfarin (1.5 mg/kg/day for 3 days) were used in rats. Treatment includes BPC 157, L-NAME, L-arginine, per se and their combination. Results After (tail) amputation, with or without i.v.-heparin or i.g.-warfarin, BPC 157 (10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg, i.p., i.v. (heparin), 10 μg/kg i.g. (warfarin)) always reduced bleeding time and/or haemorrhage and counteracted thrombocytopenia. As for L-NAME and/or L-arginine, we noted: L-arginine (100 mg/kg i.p.)–rats: more bleeding, less/no thrombocytopenia; L-NAME (5 mg/kg i.p.)-rats: less bleeding (amputation only), but present thrombocytopenia; L-NAME+L-arginine-rats also exhibited thrombocytopenia: L-NAME counteracted L-arginine-increased bleeding, L-arginine did not counteract L-NAME-thrombocytopenia. All animals receiving BPC 157 in addition (BPC 157μg+L-NAME; BPC 157μg+L-arginine, BPC 157μg+L-NAME+L-arginine), exhibited decreased haemorrhage and markedly counteracted thrombocytopenia. Conclusions L-NAME (thrombocytopenia), L-arginine (increased haemorrhage) counteraction and BPC 157 (decreased haemorrhage, counteracted thrombocytopenia) with rescue against two different anticoagulants, implicate a BPC 157 modulatory and balancing role with rescued NO-hemostatic mechanisms. PMID:25897838

  18. Rabbit aortic endothelial dysfunction by low-density lipoprotein is attenuated by L-arginine, L-ascorbate and pyridoxine

    PubMed Central

    Ji, Yong; Han, Yi; Diao, Jianxin; Huang, Yan; Chen, Qi; Ferro, Albert

    2003-01-01

    We investigated the relative effectiveness of L-arginine, L-ascorbate and pyridoxine in preventing the impairment of endothelium-mediated vasorelaxation induced by native low-density lipoprotein (nLDL) from healthy subjects, oxidised LDL (oxLDL, formed by oxidation of nLDL) or nLDL from type II diabetic patients (dLDL). Rabbit aortic rings were exposed to nLDL, dLDL or oxLDL (50–200 mg protein l−1), or corresponding vehicle, following which they were constricted with noradrenaline 10−6 M; concentration–relaxation curves were determined to acetylcholine (ACh), A23187, or sodium nitroprusside (NP), in the absence or presence of L-arginine (10−5–10−3 M), L-ascorbate (10−5–10−3 M) and pyridoxine (0.5–2.0 mM). nLDL, dLDL and oxLDL all inhibited relaxant responses to ACh and A23187, but not to NP, in a concentration-dependent manner (oxLDL>dLDL>nLDL). In the presence of all LDL preparations, L-arginine, L-ascorbate or pyridoxine each improved ACh and A23187 responses, although none completely normalised endothelium-dependent relaxations. The maximal effect of L-arginine occurred at 10−4 M. The combination of L-arginine 10−4 M, L-ascorbate 10−5 M and pyridoxine 2.0 mM was equally effective as L-arginine 10−4 M alone. Our results confirm that nLDL, dLDL and oxLDL exert inhibitory effects on endothelium dependent, but not endothelium independent, relaxation of rabbit aorta. ACh and A23187 responses in the presence of any LDL species can be ameliorated by supplementation with L-arginine, L-ascorbate or pyridoxine, either singly or in combination, with no agent or combination proving superior to L-arginine alone. Nevertheless, ACh and A23187 responses are not completely normalised with such supplements, suggesting that there also exists a component of LDL-induced inhibition of endothelium-mediated vasorelaxation that is independent of the nitric oxide system. PMID:14597596

  19. Structural, vibrational and thermal studies of a new nonlinear optical material: L-asparagine-L-tartaric acid.

    PubMed

    Moovendaran, K; Srinivasan, Bikshandarkoil R; Kalyana Sundar, J; Martin Britto Dhas, S A; Natarajan, S

    2012-06-15

    Crystals of a new nonlinear optical (NLO) material, viz., L-asparagine-L-tartaric acid (LALT) (1) were grown by slow evaporation of an aqueous solution containing equimolar concentrations of L-asparagine and L-tartaric acid. The structure of the title compound which crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric monoclinic space group P2(1) consists of a molecule of L-asparagine and a molecule of free l-tartaric acid both of which are interlinked by three varieties of H-bonding interactions namely O-H···O, N-H···O and C-H···O. The UV-Vis-NIR spectrum of 1 reveals its transparent nature while the vibrational spectra confirm the presence of the functional groups in 1. The thermal stability and second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency of 1 were investigated. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Asymmetric light transmission based on coupling between photonic crystal waveguides and L1/L3 cavity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Jinqiannan; Chai, Hongyu; Yu, Zhongyuan; Cheng, Xiang; Ye, Han; Liu, Yumin

    2017-09-01

    A compact design of all-optical diode with mode conversion function based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide and an L1 or L3 cavity is theoretically investigated. The proposed photonic crystal structures comprise a triangular arrangement of air holes embedded in a silicon substrate. Asymmetric light propagation is achieved via the spatial mode match/mismatch in the coupling region. The simulations show that at each cavity's resonance frequency, the transmission efficiency of the structure with the L1 and L3 cavities reach 79% and 73%, while the corresponding unidirectionalities are 46 and 37 dB, respectively. The functional frequency can be controlled by simply adjusting the radii of specific air holes in the L1 and L3 cavities. The proposed structure can be used as a frequency filter, a beam splitter and has potential applications in all-optical integrated circuits.