Logistics for the implementation of lead-free solders on electronic assemblies

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

Vianco, P.T.; Artaki, I.

1993-12-31

The prospects of legislative and regulatory action aimed at taxing, restricting or banning lead-bearing materials from manufactured products has prompted the electronics community to examine the implementation of lead-free solders to replace currently used lead-containing alloys in the manufacture of electronic devices and assemblies. The logistics for changing the well established ``tin-lead solder technology`` require not only the selection of new compositions but also the qualification of different surface finishes and manufacturing processes. The meniscometer/wetting balance technique was used to evaluate the wettability of several candidate lead-free solders as well as to establish windows on processing parameters so as tomore » facilitate prototype manufacturing. Electroplated and electroless 100Sn coatings, as well as organic preservatives, were also examined as potential alternative finishes for device leads and terminations as well as circuit board conductor surfaces to replace traditional tin-lead layers. Sandia National Laboratories and AT&T have implemented a program to qualify the manufacturing feasibility of surface mount prototype circuit boards using several commercial lead-free solders by infrared reflow technology.« less

Imp2, the PSTPIP homolog in fission yeast, affects sensitivity to the immunosuppressant FK506 and membrane trafficking in fission yeast

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

Kita, Ayako; Higa, Mari; Doi, Akira

Cytokinesis is a highly ordered process that divides one cell into two cells, which is functionally linked to the dynamic remodeling of the plasma membrane coordinately with various events such as membrane trafficking. Calcineurin is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein phosphatase, which regulates multiple biological functions, such as membrane trafficking and cytokinesis. Here, we isolated imp2-c3, a mutant allele of the imp2{sup +} gene, encoding a homolog of the mouse PSTPIP1 (proline-serine-threonine phosphatase interacting protein 1), using a genetic screen for mutations that are synthetically lethal with calcineurin deletion in fission yeast. The imp2-c3 mutants showed a defect in cytokinesis withmore » multi-septated phenotypes, which was further enhanced upon treatment with the calcineurin inhibitor FK506. Notably, electron micrographs revealed that the imp2-c3 mutant cells accumulated aberrant multi-lamella Golgi structures and putative post-Golgi secretory vesicles, and exhibited fragmented vacuoles in addition to thickened septa. Consistently, imp2-c3 mutants showed a reduced secretion of acid phosphatase and defects in vacuole fusion. The imp2-c3 mutant cells exhibited a weakened cell wall, similar to the membrane trafficking mutants identified in the same genetic screen such as ypt3-i5. These findings implicate the PSTPIP1 homolog Imp2 in Golgi/vacuole function, thereby affecting various cellular processes, including cytokinesis and cell integrity. - Highlights: • We isolated imp2-c3, in a synthetic lethal screen with calcineurin in fission yeast. • The imp2{sup +} gene encodes a component of the actin contractile ring similar to Cdc15. • The imp2-c3 mutants showed defects in cytokinesis, which were exacerbated by FK506. • The imp2-c3 mutants were defective in membrane trafficking and cell wall integrity. • Our study revealed a novel role for Imp2 in the Golgi/vacuolar membrane trafficking.« less

Chinese and Vietnamese strains of HP-PRRSV cause different pathogenic outcomes in United States high health swine

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An infectious clone of a highly pathogenic PRRSV strain from Vietnam (rSRV07) was prepared, analyzed and compared to Chinese highly pathogenic PRRSV rJXwn06 and US Type 2 prototype VR-2332 in order to examine the effects of virus phenotype and genotype on growth in MARC-145 cells, as well as the imp...

Reduction and analysis of data from the plasma wave instruments on the IMP-6 and IMP-8 spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurnett, D. A.; Anderson, R. R.

1983-01-01

The primary data reduction effort during the reporting period was to process summary plots of the IMP 8 plasma wave data and to submit these data to the National Space Science Data Center. Features of the electrostatic noise are compared with simultaneous observations of the magnetic field, plasma and energetic electrons. Spectral characteristics of the noise and the results of this comparison both suggest that in its high frequency part at least the noise does not belong to normal modes of plasma waves but represents either quasi-thermal noise in the non-Maxwellian plasma or artificial noise generated by spacecraft interaction with the medium.

Quaternary pulse position modulation electronics for free-space laser communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budinger, J. M.; Kerslake, S. D.; Nagy, L. A.; Shalkhauser, M. J.; Soni, N. J.; Cauley, M. A.; Mohamed, J. H.; Stover, J. B.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Lizanich, P. J.

1991-01-01

The development of a high data-rate communications electronic subsystem for future application in free-space, direct-detection laser communications is described. The dual channel subsystem uses quaternary pulse position modulation (GPPM) and operates at a throughput of 650 megabits per second. Transmitting functions described include source data multiplexing, channel data multiplexing, and QPPM symbol encoding. Implementation of a prototype version in discrete gallium arsenide logic, radiofrequency components, and microstrip circuitry is presented.

Quaternary pulse position modulation electronics for free-space laser communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budinger, J. M.; Kerslake, S. D.; Nagy, L. A.; Shalkhauser, M. J.; Soni, N. J.; Cauley, M. A.; Mohamed, J. H.; Stover, J. B.; Romanofsky, R. R.; Lizanich, P. J.

1991-01-01

The development of a high data-rate communications electronic subsystem for future application in free-space, direct-detection laser communications is described. The dual channel subsystem uses quaternary pulse position modulation (QPPM) and operates at a throughput of 650 megabits per second. Transmitting functions described include source data multiplexing, channel data multiplexing, and QPPM symbol encoding. Implementation of a prototype version in discrete gallium arsenide logic, radiofrequency components, and microstrip circuitry is presented.

Naval Science & Technology: Enabling the Future Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

corn for disruptive technologies Laser Cooling Spintronics Bz 1st U.S. Intel satellite GRAB Semiconductors GaAs, GaN, SiC GPS...Payoff • Innovative and game-changing • Approved by Corporate Board • Delivers prototype Innovative Naval Prototypes (5-10 Year) Disruptive ... Technologies Free Electron Laser Integrated Topside EM Railgun Sea Base Enablers Tactical Satellite Large Displacement UUV AACUS Directed

PREFACE: XXVIII International Conference on Photonic, Electronic and Atomic Collisions (ICPEAC 2013)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Guoqing; Cai, Xiaohong; Ding, Dajun; Ma, Xinwen; Zhao, Yongtao

2014-04-01

The 28th International Conference on Photonic, Electronic and Atomic Collisions (XXVIII ICPEAC) was held by the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMP) on 24-30 July, 2013 in Lanzhou, China. The 444 conference participants came from 37 countries and/or regions. Five plenary lectures, more than 80 progress reports and special reports had been arranged according to the decision of the ICPEAC International General Committee. Meanwhile, more than 650 abstracts were selected as poster presentations. Before the conference, three highly distinguished scientists, Professor Joachim Burgdöorfer, Professor Hossein Sadeghpour and Professor Yasunori Yamazaki, presented tutorial lectures with the support of the IMP Branch of Youth Innovation Promotion Association, CAS (IMP-YIPA). During the conference, Professor Jianwei Pan from University of Sciences and Technology in China presented an enlightening public lecture on quantum communication. Furthermore, 2013 IUPAP Young Scientist Prize was awarded to Dr T Jahnke from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Germany. The Sheldon Datz Prize for an Outstanding Young Scientist Attending ICPEAC was awarded to Dr Diogo Almeida from University of Fribourg of Switzerland. As a biannual academic conference, ICPEAC is one of the most important international conferences on atomic and molecular physics. The topic of the conference covers the recent progresses in photonic, electronic, atomic, ionic, molecular, cluster collisions with matter. With a history back to 1958, ICPEAC came to China for the very first time. IMP has been preparing the conference six years before, ever since the ICPEAC International General Committee made the decision to hold the XXVIII ICPEAC in Lanzhou. This proceedings includes the papers of the two plenary lectures, 40 progress reports, 17 special reports and 337 posters, which were reviewed and revised according to the comments of the referees. The Local Organizing Committee would like to express its great appreciation to National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), IMP, and IMP-YIPA for financial support, to Fangfang Ruan, Qiang Liang, Dacheng Zhang, Shukai Tian, Yuyu Wang, Wenping Zhu, Wei Liang, Mingwu Zhang, Haibo Yuan, Shan Sha, Jieru Ren, Jie Yang and Zhenhai Chen for their contributions to the organization, and to the volunteer group from Lanzhou University, the High School Attached Northwest Normal University and IMP for their excellent volunteer work. The Local Organizing Committee would like to thank all of the participants and the authors of the proceedings for their supports and contributions to the conference. Guoqing Xiao Director of Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Animal-vegetal polarity in the plasma membrane of a molluscan egg: a quantitative freeze-fracture study.

PubMed

Speksnijder, J E; Mulder, M M; Dohmen, M R; Hage, W J; Bluemink, J G

1985-03-01

Using freeze-fracture electron microscopy, the numerical particle distribution in the fertilized Nassarius egg plasma membrane has been analyzed in four areas at different positions along the animal-vegetal axis of the egg. These areas can be distinguished by distinct microvilli patterns and differences in microvilli densities. In all areas, more IMPs (intramembrane particles) are present on the P face than on the corresponding E face. The ratio of the number of IMPs present on E and P face is similar in all areas (0.48-0.55) except for the most animal part of the vegetal hemisphere, where relatively more IMPs remain attached to the exterior half of the fractured membrane (E/P ratio = 0.88). The IMP density at the vegetal pole of the egg is considerably higher than in the animal hemisphere and in the animal part of the vegetal hemisphere. This difference is due to an increased number of IMPs in all size classes (4-18 nm). In the area adjacent to the vegetal pole the density of particles is also higher than in the two more animal areas, but here the difference is exclusively due to the smaller IMP size classes (4-8 nm). Statistical analysis of our data reveals that the area adjacent to the vegetal pole patch is significantly different from the other areas with respect to the distribution of the IMPs over the different IMP size classes. These results demonstrate the polar organization of the Nassarius egg plasma membrane. The possible role of this surface heterogeneity in the spatial organization of the egg cell and the later embryo is discussed.

Evaluation of umami taste in mushroom extracts by chemical analysis, sensory evaluation, and an electronic tongue system.

PubMed

Phat, Chanvorleak; Moon, BoKyung; Lee, Chan

2016-02-01

Seventeen edible mushrooms commercially available in Korea were analysed for their umami taste compounds (5'-nucleotides: AMP, GMP, IMP, UMP, XMP; free amino acids: aspartic, glutamic acid) and subjected to human sensory evaluation and electronic tongue measurements. Amanita virgineoides featured the highest total 5'-nucleotide content (36.9 ± 1.50 mg/g), while monosodium glutamate-like components (42.4 ± 6.90 mg/g) were highest in Agaricus bisporus. The equivalent umami concentration (EUC) ranged from 1.51 ± 0.42 to 3890 ± 833 mg MSG/g dry weight; most mushrooms exhibited a high umami taste. Pleurotus ostreatus scored the highest in the human sensory evaluation, while Flammulina velutipes obtained the maximum score in the electronic tongue measurement. The EUC and the sensory score from the electronic tongue test were highly correlated, and also showed significant correlation with the human sensory evaluation score. These results suggest that the electronic tongue is suitable to determine the characteristic umami taste of mushrooms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrafast above-threshold dynamics of the radical anion of a prototypical quinone electron-acceptor.

PubMed

Horke, Daniel A; Li, Quansong; Blancafort, Lluís; Verlet, Jan R R

2013-08-01

Quinones feature prominently as electron acceptors in nature. Their electron-transfer reactions are often highly exergonic, for which Marcus theory predicts reduced electron-transfer rates because of a free-energy barrier that occurs in the inverted region. However, the electron-transfer kinetics that involve quinones can appear barrierless. Here, we consider the intrinsic properties of the para-benzoquinone radical anion, which serves as the prototypical electron-transfer reaction product involving a quinone-based acceptor. Using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, we show that excitation at 400 and 480 nm yields excited states that are unbound with respect to electron loss. These excited states are shown to decay on a sub-40 fs timescale through a series of conical intersections with lower-lying excited states, ultimately to form the ground anionic state and avoid autodetachment. From an isolated electron-acceptor perspective, this ultrafast stabilization mechanism accounts for the ability of para-benzoquinone to capture and retain electrons.

Pharmacodynamics of Imipenem in Combination with β-Lactamase Inhibitor MK7655 in a Murine Thigh Model

PubMed Central

Mavridou, Eleftheria; Melchers, Ria J. B.; van Mil, Anita C. H. A. M.; Mangin, E.; Motyl, Mary R.

2014-01-01

MK7655 is a newly developed beta-lactamase inhibitor of class A and class C carbapenemases. Pharmacokinetics (PK) of imipenem-cilastatin (IMP/C) and MK7655 were determined for intraperitoneal doses of 4 mg/kg to 128 mg/kg of body weight. MIC and pharmacodynamics (PD) studies of MK7655 were performed against several beta-lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains to determine its effect in vitro and in vivo. Neutropenic mice were infected in each thigh 2 h before treatment with an inoculum of approximately 5 × 106 CFU. They were treated with IMP/C alone (every 2 hours [q2h], various doses) or in combination with MK7655 in either a dose fractionation study or q2h for 24 h and sacrificed for CFU determinations. IMP/MK7655 decreased MICs regarding IMP MIC. The PK profiles of IMP/C and MK7655 were linear over the dosing range studied and comparable with volumes of distribution (V) of 0.434 and 0.544 liter/kg and half-lives (t1/2) of 0.24 and 0.25 h, respectively. Protein binding of MK7655 was 20%. A sigmoidal maximum effect (Emax) model was fit to the PK/PD index responses. The effect of the inhibitor was not related to the maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax)/MIC, and model fits for T>MIC and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC were comparable (R2 of 0.7 and 0.75), but there appeared to be no significant relationship of effect with dose frequency. Escalating doses of MK7655 and IMP/C showed that the AUC of MK7655 required for a static effect was dependent on the dose of IMP/C and the MIC of the strain, with a mean area under the concentration-time curve for the free, unbound fraction of the drug (fAUC) of 26.0 mg · h/liter. MK7655 shows significant activity in vivo and results in efficacy of IMP/C in otherwise resistant strains. The exposure-response relationships found can serve as a basis for establishing dosing regimens in humans. PMID:25403667

A Front-End Electronics Prototype Based on Gigabit Ethernet for the ATLAS Small-Strip Thin Gap Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Kun; Lu, Houbing; Wang, Xu; Li, Feng; Wang, Xinxin; Geng, Tianru; Yang, Hang; Liu, Shengquan; Han, Liang; Jin, Ge

2017-06-01

A front-end electronics prototype for the ATLAS small-strip Thin Gap Chamber (sTGC) based on gigabit Ethernet has been developed. The prototype is designed to read out signals of pads, wires, and strips of the sTGC detector. The prototype includes two VMM2 chips developed to read out the signals of the sTGC, a Xilinx Kintex-7 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) used for the VMM2 configuration and the events storage, and a gigabit Ethernet transceiver PHY chip for interfacing with a computer. The VMM2 chip is designed for the readout of the Micromegas detector and sTGC detector, which is composed of 64 linear front-end channels. Each channel integrates a charge-sensitive amplifier, a shaper, several analog-to-digital converters, and other digital functions. For a bunch-crossing interval of 25 ns, events are continuously read out by the FPGA and forwarded to the computer. The interface between the computer and the prototype has been measured to reach an error-free rate of 900 Mb/s, therefore making a very effective use of the available bandwidth. Additionally, the computer can control several prototypes of this kind simultaneously via the Ethernet interface. At present, the prototype will be used for the sTGC performance test. The features of the prototype are described in detail.

QPPM receiver for free-space laser communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Budinger, J. M.; Mohamed, J. H.; Nagy, L. A.; Lizanich, P. J.; Mortensen, D. J.

1994-01-01

A prototype receiver developed at NASA Lewis Research Center for direct detection and demodulation of quaternary pulse position modulated (QPPM) optical carriers is described. The receiver enables dual-channel communications at 325-Megabits per second (Mbps) per channel. The optical components of the prototype receiver are briefly described. The electronic components, comprising the analog signal conditioning, slot clock recovery, matched filter and maximum likelihood data recovery circuits are described in more detail. A novel digital symbol clock recovery technique is presented as an alternative to conventional analog methods. Simulated link degradations including noise and pointing-error induced amplitude variations are applied. The bit-error-rate performance of the electronic portion of the prototype receiver under varying optical signal-to-noise power ratios is found to be within 1.5-dB of theory. Implementation of the receiver as a hybrid of analog and digital application specific integrated circuits is planned.

Initial Usability Testing of a Hand-Held Electronic Logbook Prototype for the Human Research Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berman, Andrea H.; Whitmore, Mihriban

1996-01-01

The Apple(R) Newton(TM) MessagePad 110 was flown aboard the KC-135 reduced gravity aircraft for microgravity usability testing. The Newton served as the initial hand-held electronic logbook prototype for the International Space Station (ISS) Human Research Facility (HRF). Subjects performed three different tasks with the Newton: (1) using the stylus to tap on different sections of the screen in order to launch an application and to select options within it; (2) using the stylus to write, and; (3) correcting handwriting recognition errors in a handwriting-intensive application. Subjects rated handwriting in microgravity 'Borderline' and had great difficulties finding a way in which to adequately restrain themselves at the lower body in order to have their hands free for the Newton. Handwriting recognition was rated 'Unacceptable,' but this issue is hardware-related and not unique to the microgravity environment. It is suggested that the restraint and handwriting issues are related and require further joint research with the current Handheld Electronic Logbook prototype: the Norand Pen*key Model #6300.

Inverse mirror plasma experimental device (IMPED) - a magnetized linear plasma device for wave studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bose, Sayak; Chattopadhyay, P. K.; Ghosh, J.; Sengupta, S.; Saxena, Y. C.; Pal, R.

2015-04-01

In a quasineutral plasma, electrons undergo collective oscillations, known as plasma oscillations, when perturbed locally. The oscillations propagate due to finite temperature effects. However, the wave can lose the phase coherence between constituting oscillators in an inhomogeneous plasma (phase mixing) because of the dependence of plasma oscillation frequency on plasma density. The longitudinal electric field associated with the wave may be used to accelerate electrons to high energies by exciting large amplitude wave. However when the maximum amplitude of the wave is reached that plasma can sustain, the wave breaks. The phenomena of wave breaking and phase mixing have applications in plasma heating and particle acceleration. For detailed experimental investigation of these phenomena a new device, inverse mirror plasma experimental device (IMPED), has been designed and fabricated. The detailed considerations taken before designing the device, so that different aspects of these phenomena can be studied in a controlled manner, are described. Specifications of different components of the IMPED machine and their flexibility aspects in upgrading, if necessary, are discussed. Initial results meeting the prerequisite condition of the plasma for such study, such as a quiescent, collisionless and uniform plasma, are presented. The machine produces δnnoise/n <= 1%, Luniform ~ 120 cm at argon filling pressure of ~10-4 mbar and axial magnetic field of B = 1090 G.

A contact-free respiration monitor for smart bed and ambulatory monitoring applications.

PubMed

Hart, Adam; Tallevi, Kevin; Wickland, David; Kearney, Robert E; Cafazzo, Joseph A

2010-01-01

The development of a contact-free respiration monitor has a broad range of clinical applications in the home and hospital setting. Current approaches suffer from a variety of problems including unreliability, low sensitivity, and high cost. This work describes a novel approach to contact-free respiration monitoring that addresses these shortcomings by employing a highly sensitive capacitance sensor to detect variations in capacitive coupling caused by breathing. A prototype system consisting of a synthetic-metallic pad, sensor electronics, and iPhone interface was built and its performance compared experimentally to the gold standard technique (Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography) on both a healthy volunteer and SimMan robotic mannequin. The prototype sensor effectively captured respiratory movements over breathing rates of 5-55 bpm; achieving an average spectral correlation of 0.88 (CI: 0.86-0.90) and 0.95 (CI: 0.95-0.96) to the gold standard using the SimMan and healthy volunteer respectively.

Analysis of low-marbled Hanwoo cow meat aged with different dry-aging methods

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyun Jung; Choe, Juhui; Kim, Kwan Tae; Oh, Jungmin; Lee, Da Gyeom; Kwon, Ki Moon; Choi, Yang Il; Jo, Cheorun

2017-01-01

Objective Different dry-aging methods [traditional dry-aging (TD), simplified dry-aging (SD), and SD in an aging bag (SDB)] were compared to investigate the possible use of SD and/or SDB in practical situations. Methods Sirloins from 48 Hanwoo cows were frozen (Control, 2 days postmortem) or dry-aged for 28 days using the different aging methods and analyzed for chemical composition, total aerobic bacterial count, shear force, inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) and free amino acid content, and sensory properties. Results The difference in chemical composition, total aerobic bacterial count, shear force, IMP, and total free amino acid content were negligible among the 3 dry-aged groups. The SD and SDB showed statistically similar tenderness, flavor, and overall acceptability relative to TD. However, SDB had a relatively higher saleable yield. Conclusion Both SD and SDB can successfully substitute for TD. However, SDB would be the best option for simplified dry-aging of low-marbled beef with a relatively high saleable yield. PMID:28728384

Analysis of low-marbled Hanwoo cow meat aged with different dry-aging methods.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Jung; Choe, Juhui; Kim, Kwan Tae; Oh, Jungmin; Lee, Da Gyeom; Kwon, Ki Moon; Choi, Yang Il; Jo, Cheorun

2017-12-01

Different dry-aging methods [traditional dry-aging (TD), simplified dry-aging (SD), and SD in an aging bag (SDB)] were compared to investigate the possible use of SD and/or SDB in practical situations. Sirloins from 48 Hanwoo cows were frozen (Control, 2 days postmortem) or dry-aged for 28 days using the different aging methods and analyzed for chemical composition, total aerobic bacterial count, shear force, inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) and free amino acid content, and sensory properties. The difference in chemical composition, total aerobic bacterial count, shear force, IMP, and total free amino acid content were negligible among the 3 dry-aged groups. The SD and SDB showed statistically similar tenderness, flavor, and overall acceptability relative to TD. However, SDB had a relatively higher saleable yield. Both SD and SDB can successfully substitute for TD. However, SDB would be the best option for simplified dry-aging of low-marbled beef with a relatively high saleable yield.

Energetic electron anisotropies in the magnetotail - Identification of open and closed field lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, D. N.; Stone, E. C.

1976-01-01

Unidirectional anisotropies in the energetic electron fluxes (E greater than or equal to about 200 keV) have been observed in the earth's magnetotail with the Caltech Electron/Isotope Spectrometer on IMP-8. The anisotropies occur during periods of enhanced fluxes and provide essential information on the topology (open or closed) of the magnetotail field lines which are associated with recently identified acceleration regions.

Identification, Characterization, and Quantification of Impurities of Safinamide Mesilate: Process-Related Impurities and Degradation Products.

PubMed

Zou, Liang; Sun, Lili; Zhang, Hui; Hui, Wenkai; Zou, Qiaogen; Zhu, Zheying

2017-07-01

The characterization of process-related impurities and degradation products of safinamide mesilate (SAFM) in bulk drug and a stability-indicating HPLC method for the separation and quantification of all the impurities were investigated. Four process-related impurities (Imp-B, Imp-C, Imp-D, and Imp-E) were found in the SAFM bulk drug. Five degradation products (Imp-A, Imp-C, Imp-D, Imp-E, and Imp-F) were observed in SAFM under oxidative conditions. Imp-C, Imp-D, and Imp-E were also degradation products and process-related impurities. Remarkably, one new compound, identified as (S)-2-[4-(3-fluoro-benzyloxy) benzamido] propanamide (i.e., Imp-D), is being reported here as an impurity for the first time. Furthermore, the structures of the aforementioned impurities were characterized and confirmed via IR, NMR, and MS techniques, and the most probable formation mechanisms of all impurities proposed according to the synthesis route. Optimum separation was achieved on an Inertsil ODS-3 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), using 0.1% formic acid in water (pH adjusted to 5.0) and acetonitrile as the mobile phase in gradient mode. The proposed method was found to be stability-indicating, precise, linear, accurate, sensitive, and robust for the quantitation of SAFM and its process-related substances, including its degradation products.

Status and test report on the LANL-Boeing APLE/HPO flying-wire beam-profile monitor. Status report

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

Wilke, M.; Barlow, D.; Fortgang, C.

1994-07-01

The High-Power Oscillator (HPO) demonstration of the Average Power Laser Experiment (APLE) is a collaboration by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Boeing to demonstrate a 10 kW average power, 10 {mu}m free electron laser (FEL). As part of the collaboration, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is responsible for many of the electron beam diagnostics in the linac, transport, and laser sections. Because of the high duty factor and power of the electron beam, special diagnostics are required. This report describes the flying wire diagnostic required to monitor the beam profile during high-power, high-duty operation. The authors describe the diagnostic andmore » prototype tests on the Los Alamos APLE Prototype Experiment (APEX) FEL. They also describe the current status of the flying wires being built for APLE.« less

Oncofetal protein IMP3, a new cancer biomarker.

PubMed

Gong, Yuna; Woda, Bruce A; Jiang, Zhong

2014-05-01

IMP3 is a member of a family of RNA-binding proteins that consists of IMP1, IMP2 and IMP3. These proteins contain 2 RNA recognition motifs and 4 K-homology domains that allow them to bind RNAs strongly and specifically. IMP3 is an oncofetal protein involved in embryogenesis and its expression is associated with a number of malignant neoplasms. IMP3 is associated with aggressive and advanced cancers and is specifically expressed in malignant tumors but is not found in adjacent benign tissues. Moreover, in vitro studies have shown that IMP3 promotes tumor cell proliferation, adhesion, and invasion. This review focuses on the studies of IMP3 expression in different cancers and emphasizes the potential utility of IMP3 in routine surgical pathology practice. We also discuss IMP3 as a prognostic biomarker for cancer patients' outcomes.

Assembling, cleaning, and testing a unique prototype open-ended cylindrical penning trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marble, Kassie; Shidling, Praveen; Melconian, Dan

2016-09-01

A new experimental beamline containing a prototype cylindrical penning trap has recently been constructed at the Cyclotron Laboratory at Texas A&M University. The new beamline will enable precision experiments that enhance our understanding of the limits on non-SM processes in the weak interaction through the measurement of the β- ν correlation parameter for T = 2 ,0+ ->0+ supper allowed β-delayed proton emitters. The prototype TAMU TRAP consists of an open-ended cylindrical penning trap of diameter of 90 mm with gold-plated electrodes of oxygen free high conductivity copper to prevent oxidation. The trap's electric quadrupole field is provided by a SHIP TRAPS RF electronic circuit to the four segmented electrodes at the center of the trap while the trap's 7 Tesla radial magnetic field is provided by an Agilent 210 ASR magnet. A discussion of the assembly of the prototype TAMU TRAP, construction of the RF electronic circuit, the experimental set up and alignment of the beamline will be presented. The method used to test the prototype penning trap using an ion source, Faraday cups, and Micro Chanel Plate (MCP) detectors will also be discussed. Work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under Grant No. DE-FG02-11ER41747 and the National Science Foundation.

IMP-29, a Novel IMP-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Jeannot, Katy; Poirel, Laurent; Robert-Nicoud, Marjorie; Cholley, Pascal; Nordmann, Patrice

2012-01-01

Analysis of two clonally related multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates led to the identification of a novel IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase. IMP-29 was significantly different from the other IMP variants (the closest variant being IMP-5 with 93% amino acid identity). The blaIMP-29 gene cassette was carried by a class 1 integron in strain 10.298, while in strain 10.266 it was located in a rearranged DNA region on a 30-kb conjugative plasmid. Biochemical analysis confirmed that IMP-29 efficiently hydrolyzed carbapenems. PMID:22290960

IMP3 expression is associated with poor outcome and epigenetic deregulation in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Gao, Yuanyuan; Yang, Michelle; Jiang, Zhong; Woda, Bruce A; Mercurio, Arthur M; Qin, Jianjie; Huang, Xinli; Zhang, Feng

2014-06-01

IMP3 is a fetal protein not expressed in normal adult tissues. IMP3 is an oncoprotein and a useful biomarker for a variety of malignancies and is associated with reduced overall survival of a number of them. IMP3 expression and its prognostic value for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have not been well investigated. The molecular mechanism underlying IMP3 expression in human cancer cells remains to be elucidated. Here we investigated IMP3 expression in ICC and adjacent nonneoplastic liver in 72 unifocal primary ICCs from a single institute by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. IMP3 was specifically expressed in cancer cells but not in the surrounding normal tissue, and 59 (82%) of 72 ICCs were IMP3 positive by immunohistochemistry. Among 35 cases with lymphovascular invasion, 26 (74%) showed IMP3 positivity in lymph node metastases. IMP3 expression was significantly correlated with tumor size, pathological grade, metastasis, and clinical stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an inverse correlation between IMP3 expression and overall survival rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that IMP3 was the only risk factor associated with survival. To further explore the mechanism of IMP3 expression in cancers, we identified 2 CpG islands at IMP3 proximal promoter. Interestingly, the IMP3 promoter was almost completely demethylated in ICCs in contrast to densely methylated promoter in normal liver tissues. IMP3 expression is a useful biomarker for ICCs and can provide an independent prognostic value for patients with ICC. To our knoweldge, this is the first direct evidence of epigenetic deregulation of IMP3 in human cancer. Copyright © 2014 The Auhtors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

IGF2BP2/IMP2-Deficient mice resist obesity through enhanced translation of Ucp1 mRNA and Other mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins.

PubMed

Dai, Ning; Zhao, Liping; Wrighting, Diedra; Krämer, Dana; Majithia, Amit; Wang, Yanqun; Cracan, Valentin; Borges-Rivera, Diego; Mootha, Vamsi K; Nahrendorf, Matthias; Thorburn, David R; Minichiello, Liliana; Altshuler, David; Avruch, Joseph

2015-04-07

Although variants in the IGF2BP2/IMP2 gene confer risk for type 2 diabetes, IMP2, an RNA binding protein, is not known to regulate metabolism. Imp2(-/-) mice gain less lean mass after weaning and have increased lifespan. Imp2(-/-) mice are highly resistant to diet-induced obesity and fatty liver and display superior glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, increased energy expenditure, and better defense of core temperature on cold exposure. Imp2(-/-) brown fat and Imp2(-/-) brown adipocytes differentiated in vitro contain more UCP1 polypeptide than Imp2(+/+) despite similar levels of Ucp1 mRNA; the Imp2(-/-)adipocytes also exhibit greater uncoupled oxygen consumption. IMP2 binds the mRNAs encoding Ucp1 and other mitochondrial components, and most exhibit increased translational efficiency in the absence of IMP2. In vitro IMP2 inhibits translation of mRNAs bearing the Ucp1 untranslated segments. Thus IMP2 limits longevity and regulates nutrient and energy metabolism in the mouse by controlling the translation of its client mRNAs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Global Molecular Epidemiology of IMP-Producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PubMed

Matsumura, Yasufumi; Peirano, Gisele; Motyl, Mary R; Adams, Mark D; Chen, Liang; Kreiswirth, Barry; DeVinney, Rebekah; Pitout, Johann D D

2017-04-01

International data on the molecular epidemiology of Enterobacteriaceae with IMP carbapenemases are lacking. We performed short-read (Illumina) whole-genome sequencing on a global collection of 38 IMP-producing clinical Enterobacteriaceae (2008 to 2014). IMP-producing Enterobacteriaceae (7 varieties within 11 class 1 integrons) were mainly present in the South Pacific and Asia. Specific bla IMP -containing integrons (In809 with bla IMP-4 , In722 with bla IMP-6 , and In687 with bla IMP-14 ) were circulating among different bacteria in countries such as Australia, Japan, and Thailand. In1312 with bla IMP-1 was present in Klebsiella pneumoniae from Japan and Citrobacter freundii from Brazil. Klebsiella pneumoniae ( n = 22) was the most common species; clonal complex 14 (CC14) from Philippines and Japan was the most common clone and contained In1310 with bla IMP-26 and In1321 with bla IMP-6 The Enterobacter cloacae complex ( n = 9) consisted of Enterobacter hormaechei and E. cloacae cluster III. CC78 (from Taiwan) containing In73 with bla IMP-8 was the most common clone among the E. cloacae complex. This study highlights the importance of surveillance programs using the latest molecular techniques for providing insight into the characteristics and global distribution of Enterobacteriaceae with bla IMP genes. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Global Molecular Epidemiology of IMP-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

PubMed Central

Peirano, Gisele; Motyl, Mary R.; Adams, Mark D.; Chen, Liang; Kreiswirth, Barry; DeVinney, Rebekah

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT International data on the molecular epidemiology of Enterobacteriaceae with IMP carbapenemases are lacking. We performed short-read (Illumina) whole-genome sequencing on a global collection of 38 IMP-producing clinical Enterobacteriaceae (2008 to 2014). IMP-producing Enterobacteriaceae (7 varieties within 11 class 1 integrons) were mainly present in the South Pacific and Asia. Specific blaIMP-containing integrons (In809 with blaIMP-4, In722 with blaIMP-6, and In687 with blaIMP-14) were circulating among different bacteria in countries such as Australia, Japan, and Thailand. In1312 with blaIMP-1 was present in Klebsiella pneumoniae from Japan and Citrobacter freundii from Brazil. Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 22) was the most common species; clonal complex 14 (CC14) from Philippines and Japan was the most common clone and contained In1310 with blaIMP-26 and In1321 with blaIMP-6. The Enterobacter cloacae complex (n = 9) consisted of Enterobacter hormaechei and E. cloacae cluster III. CC78 (from Taiwan) containing In73 with blaIMP-8 was the most common clone among the E. cloacae complex. This study highlights the importance of surveillance programs using the latest molecular techniques for providing insight into the characteristics and global distribution of Enterobacteriaceae with blaIMP genes. PMID:28167555

Cortical regions involved in the generation of musical structures during improvisation in pianists.

PubMed

Bengtsson, Sara L; Csíkszentmihályi, Mihály; Ullén, Fredrik

2007-05-01

Studies on simple pseudorandom motor and cognitive tasks have shown that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and rostral premotor areas are involved in free response selection. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate whether these brain regions are also involved in free generation of responses in a more complex creative behavior: musical improvisation. Eleven professional pianists participated in the study. In one condition, Improvise, the pianist improvised on the basis of a visually displayed melody. In the control condition, Reproduce, the participant reproduced his previous improvisation from memory. Participants were able to reproduce their improvisations with a high level of accuracy, and the contrast Improvise versus Reproduce was thus essentially matched in terms of motor output and sensory feedback. However, the Improvise condition required storage in memory of the improvisation. We therefore also included a condition FreeImp, where the pianist improvised but was instructed not to memorize his performance. To locate brain regions involved in musical creation, we investigated the activations in the Improvise-Reproduce contrast that were also present in FreeImp contrasted with a baseline rest condition. Activated brain regions included the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the presupplementary motor area, the rostral portion of the dorsal premotor cortex, and the left posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus. We suggest that these regions are part of a network involved in musical creation, and discuss their possible functional roles.

A novel facile method of labeling octreotide with (18)F-fluorine.

PubMed

Laverman, Peter; McBride, William J; Sharkey, Robert M; Eek, Annemarie; Joosten, Lieke; Oyen, Wim J G; Goldenberg, David M; Boerman, Otto C

2010-03-01

Several methods have been developed to label peptides with (18)F. However, in general these are laborious and require a multistep synthesis. We present a facile method based on the chelation of (18)F-aluminum fluoride (Al(18)F) by 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA). The method is characterized by the labeling of NOTA-octreotide (NOTA-d-Phe-cyclo[Cys-Phe-d-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys]-Throl (MH(+) 1305) [IMP466]) with (18)F. Octreotide was conjugated with the NOTA chelate and labeled with (18)F in a 2-step, 1-pot method. The labeling procedure was optimized with regard to the labeling buffer, peptide, and aluminum concentration. Radiochemical yield, specific activity, in vitro stability, and receptor affinity were determined. Biodistribution of (18)F-IMP466 was studied in AR42J tumor-bearing mice and compared with that of (68)Ga-labeled IMP466. In addition, small-animal PET/CT images were acquired. IMP466 was labeled with Al(18)F in a single step with 50% yield. The labeled product was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography to remove unbound Al(18)F and unlabeled peptide. The radiolabeling, including purification, was performed in 45 min. The specific activity was 45,000 GBq/mmol, and the peptide was stable in serum for 4 h at 37 degrees C. Labeling was performed at pH 4.1 in sodium citrate, sodium acetate, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, and 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid buffer and was optimal in sodium acetate buffer. The apparent 50% inhibitory concentration of the (19)F-labeled IMP466 determined on AR42J cells was 3.6 nM. Biodistribution studies at 2 h after injection showed a high tumor uptake of (18)F-IMP466 (28.3 +/- 5.2 percentage injected dose per gram [%ID/g]; tumor-to-blood ratio, 300 +/- 90), which could be blocked by an excess of unlabeled peptide (8.6 +/- 0.7 %ID/g), indicating that the accumulation in the tumor was receptor-mediated. Biodistribution of (68)Ga-IMP466 was similar to that of (18)F-IMP466. (18)F-IMP466 was stable in vivo, because bone uptake was only 0.4 +/- 0.2 %ID/g, whereas free Al(18)F accumulated rapidly in the bone (36.9 +/- 5.0 %ID/g at 2 h after injection). Small-animal PET/CT scans showed excellent tumor delineation and high preferential accumulation in the tumor. NOTA-octreotide could be labeled rapidly and efficiently with (18)F using a 2-step, 1-pot method. The compound was stable in vivo and showed rapid accretion in somatostatin receptor subtype 2-expressing AR42J tumors in nude mice. This method can be used to label other NOTA-conjugated compounds with (18)F.

Free Electron Laser Analysis For the Innovative Navy Prototype

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

important measure of electron beam quality is transverse emittance, which is the product of the RMS width and the angular spread of the beam, as measured...respect to s . This is possible because the electron’s position in s is uniquely defined for any given time by s = vst ≈ ct , therefore d 2 dt 2...Longitudinal emittance (keV ps) 70 dgog Beam energy spread (%) 0.37 dthetax Beam angular spread, x rms (mrad) 0.17 dthetay Beam angular spread, y rms (mrad

Formation and trapping of free radicals in irradiated purines: EPR and ENDOR of hypoxanthine derivatives studied as single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokdemir, Sibel

Four different derivatives of hypoxanthine (hypoxanthine-HCl·H 2O, Na+·Inosine-·2.5H 2O, sodium inosine monophosphate, and calcium inosine monophosphate) were irradiated in the form of single crystals with the objective of identifying the radical products. To do so, magnetic resonance methods (EPR, ENDOR experiments and EPR spectrum simulations) were used to study radical products in crystals following x-irradiation at ˜10 K without warming, and under conditions of controlled warming. Also, computational chemistry methods were used in combination with the experimental methods to assist in identifying the radical products. Immediately following irradiation at 10 K, at least three different radicals were observed for hypoxanthine·HCl·H2O. R5.1 was identified at the product of electron addition followed by protonation of the parent at N3. R5.2 was identified as the product of electron loss followed by deprotonation at N7, and R5.3 was tentatively identified as the product of electron gain followed by protonation at 06. On warming to room temperature, three new radicals were observed: R6.1 and R6.3 were the products of net H addition to C8 and C2 respectively, while R6.2 was the product of OH addition to C8. At least four different radical products of Na+·Inosine - were detected immediately after irradiation at 10 K. R7.1 was identified as the electron-loss product of the parent hypoxanthine base, and R7.2 was identified as the product of net H-abstraction from C5 ' of the sugar. R7.3 and R7.4 were tentatively identified as the products of net H-addition to 06 (probably via electron addition followed by protonation), and the (doubly-negative) product of electron-gain, respectively. R7.5, the C8-H addition radical, was the only product detected on warming sodium inosine crystals to room temperature. Because the ENDOR spectra from sodium IMP irradiated at 10K were complex, it was possible to identify only two radicals. R8.1 was identified as the purine base electron-abstraction product, and R8.2 was identified as the 06 hydrogen-addition product. ENDOR spectra could be obtained from calcium IMP only at a few orientations. Thus, all radical identifications in this system are based on EPR spectrum simulations using likely radical structures based on results from other hypoxanthine-based systems.

Molecular and epidemiological characterization of IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacter cloacae in a Large tertiary care hospital in Japan.

PubMed

Hayakawa, Kayoko; Miyoshi-Akiyama, Tohru; Kirikae, Teruo; Nagamatsu, Maki; Shimada, Kayo; Mezaki, Kazuhisa; Sugiki, Yuko; Kuroda, Emi; Kubota, Shiho; Takeshita, Nozomi; Kutsuna, Satoshi; Tojo, Masayoshi; Ohmagari, Norio

2014-06-01

IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase enzymes have been reported in different geographical areas and in various Gram-negative bacteria. However, the risk factors and epidemiology pertaining to IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacter cloacae (IMP-producing E. cloacae) have not been systematically evaluated. We conducted a retrospective, matched case-control study of patients from whom IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates were obtained, in addition to performing thorough molecular analyses of the clinically obtained IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates. Unique cases with IMP-producing E. cloacae isolation were included. Patients with IMP-producing E. cloacae were matched to uninfected controls at a ratio of 1 to 3. Fifteen IMP-producing E. cloacae cases were identified, with five of the isolates being obtained from blood, and they were matched to 45 uninfected controls. All (100%) patients from whom IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates were obtained had indwelling devices at the time of isolation, compared with one (2.2%) uninfected control. Independent predictors for isolation of IMP-producing E. cloacae were identified as cephalosporin exposure and invasive procedures within 3 months. Although in-hospital mortality rates were similar between cases and controls (14.3% versus 13.3%), the in-hospital mortality of patients with IMP-producing E. cloacae-caused bacteremia was significantly higher (40%) than the rate in controls. IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates were frequently positive for other resistance determinants. The MICs of meropenem and imipenem were not elevated; 10 (67%) and 12 (80%) of the 15 IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates had a MIC of ≤ 1 μg/ml. A phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship among the IMP-producing E. cloacae samples. Indwelling devices, exposure to cephalosporin, and a history of invasive procedures were associated with isolation of IMP-producing E. cloacae. Screening for carbapenemase production is important in order to apply appropriate clinical management and infection control measures. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Brain imaging with sup 123 I-IMP-SPECT in migraine between attacks

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

Schlake, H.P.; Boettger, I.G.G.; Grotemeyer, K.H.

1989-06-01

{sup 123}I-IMP-SPECT brain imaging was performed in patients with classic migraine (n = 5) and migraine accompagnee (n = 18) during the headache-free interval. A regional reduction of tracer uptake into brain was observed in all patients with migraine accompagnee, while in patients with classic migraine only one case showed an area of decreased activity. The most marked alteration was found in a patient with persisting neurological symptoms (complicated migraine). In most cases the areas of decreased tracer uptake corresponded to headache localization as well as to topography of neurologic symptoms during migraine attacks. It may be concluded that migrainemore » attacks occur in connection with exacerbations of preexisting changes of cerebral autoregulation due to endogenous or exogenous factors.« less

Nuclear import of Nkx2-2 is mediated by multiple pathways

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

Lin, Wenbo; Xu, PengPeng; Guo, YingYing

Nkx2-2 homeoprotein is essential for the development of the central nervous system and pancreas. Although the nuclear localization signals of Nkx2-2 have been identified, the responsible transport receptor is still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that imp α1 not only interacts with Nkx2-2 but also transports it into the nucleus in vitro by acting together with imp β1. However, the nuclear import of Nkx2-2 in cells was not inhibited in response to knockdown expression of endogenous imp β1 or over-expression of Bimax2. Furthermore, imp β1 and imp 13, but not imp 4, directly interact with Nkx2-2 and are capable of transporting Nkx2-2more » in an in vitro import assay. By GST pull-down assay, we demonstrate that mutation of NLS1 or NLS2 has no effect on interaction with imp α1 or imp 13, but significantly reduced binding to imp β1. Thus, the nuclear import of Nkx2-2 is mediated not only by the classical import pathway but also directly by imp β1 or imp 13.« less

A catalogue of solar cosmic ray events: IMPS 4 and 5, May 1967 - December 1972. [analysis of data acquired during operation of Explorer 34 and 41 satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanhollebeke, M. A.; Wang, J. R.; Mcdonald, F. B.

1974-01-01

This catalogue of solar cosmic ray events has been prepared for the use of solar physicists and other interested scientists. It contains some 185 solar particle events detected by the Goddard Space Flight Center Cosmic Ray Experiments on IMP's IV and V (Explorer 34 and 41) for the period May 1967 - December 1972. The data is presented in the form of hourly averages for three proton energy intervals - 0.9 - 1.6 MeV; 6 - 20 MeV and 20 - 80 MeV. In addition the time histories of .5 - 1.1 MeV electrons are shown on a separate scale. To assist in the identification of related solar events, the onset time of the electron event is indicated. The details of the instrumentation and detector techniques are described. Further descriptions of data reduction procedure and on the time-history plots are given.

Intramyocardial pressure gradients in working and nonworking isolated cat hearts.

PubMed

Mihailescu, L S; Abel, F L

1994-03-01

This study presents an improved method for the measurement of intramyocardial pressure (IMP) using the servo-nulling mechanism. Glass micropipettes (20-24 microns OD) were used as transducers, coated to increase their mechanical resistance to breakage, and placed inside the left ventricular wall with a micropipette holder and manipulator. IMP was measured at the base of the left ventricle in working and nonworking isolated cat hearts that were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer. In working hearts a transmural gradient of systolic IMP oriented from endocardium toward the epicardium was found; the endocardial values for systolic IMP were slightly higher than systolic left ventricular pressure (LVP), by 11-18%. Increases in afterload induced increases in IMP, without changing the systolic IMP-to-LVP ratio. In nonworking hearts with drained left ventricles, the systolic transmural gradient for IMP described for working hearts persisted, but at lower values, and was directly dependent on coronary perfusion pressure. Systolic IMP-to-LVP ratios were always > 1. The diastolic IMP of both working and nonworking hearts exhibited irregular transmural gradients. Our results support the view that generated systolic IMP is largely independent of LVP development.

Insight into stereochemistry of a new IMP allelic variant (IMP-55) metallo-β-lactamase identified in a clinical strain of Acinetobacter baumannii.

PubMed

Shakibaie, Mohammad Reza; Azizi, Omid; Shahcheraghi, Fereshteh

2017-07-01

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) such as IMPs are broad-spectrum β-lactamases that inactivate virtually all β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems. In this study, we investigated the hydrolytic activity, phylogenetic relationship, three dimensional (3D) structure including zinc binding motif of a new IMP variant (IMP-55) identified in a clinical strain of Acinetobacter baumannii (AB). AB strain 56 was isolated from an adult ICU of a teaching hospital in Kerman, Iran. It exhibited MIC 32μg/ml to imipenem and showed MBL activity. Hydrolytic property of the MBL enzyme was measured phenotypically. Presence of bla IMP gene encoded by class 1 integrons was detected by PCR-sequencing. Phylogenetic tree of IMP protein was constructed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) and 3D model including zinc binding motif was predicted by bioinformatics softwares. Analysis of IMP sequence led to the identification of a novel IMP-type designated as IMP-55 (GenBank: KU299753.1; UniprotKB: A0A0S2MTX2). Impact in term of hydrolytic activity compared to the closest variants suggested efficient imipenem hydrolysis by this enzyme. Evolutionary distance matrix assessment indicated that IMP-55 protein is not closely related to other A. baumannii IMPs, however, shared 98% homology with Escherichia coli IMP-30 (UniprotKB: A0A0C5PJR0) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa IMP-1 (UniprotKB: Q19KT1). It consisted of five α-helices, ten β-sheets and six loops. A monovalent zinc ion attached to core of enzyme via His95, His97, His157 and Cys176. Multiple amino acid sequence alignments and mutational trajectory with reported IMPs showed 4 amino acid substitutions at positions 12(Phe→Ile), 31(Asp→Glu), 172(Leu→Phe) and 185(Asn→Lys). We suggest that the pleiotropic effect of mutations due to frequent administration of imipenem is responsible for emergence of new IMP variant in our hospitals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Description of IMP-31, a novel metallo-β-lactamase found in an ST235 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain in Western Germany.

PubMed

Pfennigwerth, Niels; Geis, Gabriele; Gatermann, Sören G; Kaase, Martin

2015-07-01

The objective of this study was to characterize a novel IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) found in an MDR clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The P. aeruginosa isolate NRZ-00156 was recovered from an inguinal swab from a patient hospitalized in Western Germany and showed high MICs of carbapenems. MBL production was analysed by Etest for MBLs, an EDTA combined disc test and an EDTA bioassay. Typing of the isolate was performed by MLST. Genetic characterization of the new blaIMP gene was performed by sequencing the PCR products. A phylogenetic tree was constructed. The novel blaIMP gene was expressed in Escherichia coli TOP10 and the enzyme was subjected to biochemical characterization. The P. aeruginosa isolate NRZ-00156 expressed the ST235 allelic profile and was resistant to all the β-lactams tested except aztreonam. The isolate was positive for MBL production and harboured a new IMP allele, blaIMP-31, located on a disrupted class I integron [also carrying the blaOXA-35, aac(6')-Ib, aac(3)-Ic and aphA15 genes]. Its closest relative was IMP-35, with 96.7% amino acid identity. Expression of blaIMP-31 demonstrated that E. coli TOP10 producing IMP-31 had elevated resistance to all the β-lactams tested except aztreonam. Kinetic data were obtained for both IMP-31 and IMP-1. In comparison with IMP-1, IMP-31 showed weaker hydrolytic activity against all the β-lactams tested, which resulted from lower kcat values. The characterization of the new IMP-type gene blaIMP-31 from an ST235 P. aeruginosa isolate indicates an ongoing spread of highly divergent IMP-type carbapenemases in clinical P. aeruginosa strains and highlights the continuous need for the prevention of nosocomial infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Strong plasma turbulence in the earth's electron foreshock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, P. A.; Newman, D. L.

1991-01-01

A quantitative model is developed to account for the distribution in magnitude and location of the intense plasma waves observed in the earth's electron foreshock given the observed rms levels of waves. In this model, nonlinear strong-turbulence effects cause solitonlike coherent wave packets to form and decouple from incoherent background beam-excited weak turbulence, after which they convect downstream with the solar wind while collapsing to scales as short as 100 m and fields as high as 2 V/m. The existence of waves with energy densities above the strong-turbulence wave-collapse threshold is inferred from observations from IMP 6 and ISEE 1 and quantitative agreement is found between the predicted distribution of fields in an ensemble of such wave packets and the actual field distribution observed in situ by IMP 6. Predictions for the polarization of plasma waves and the bandwidth of ion-sound waves are also consistent with the observations. It is shown that strong-turbulence effects must be incorporated in any comprehensive theory of the propagation and evolution of electron beams in the foreshock. Previous arguments against the existence of strong turbulence in the foreshock are refuted.

Ion acoustic waves in the solar wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurnett, D. A.; Frank, L. A.

1978-01-01

Plasma wave measurements on the Helios 1 and 2 spacecraft have revealed the occurrence of electric field turbulence in the solar wind at frequencies between the electron and ion plasma frequencies. Wavelength measurements with the Imp 6 spacecraft now provide strong evidence that these waves are shortwavelength ion acoustic waves which are Doppler-shifted upward in frequency by the motion of the solar wind. Comparison of the Helios results with measurements from the earth-orbiting Imp 6 and 8 spacecraft shows that the ion acoustic wave turbulence detected in interplanetary space has characteristics essentially identical to those of bursts of electrostatic turbulence generated by protons streaming into the solar wind from the earth's bow shock. In a few cases, enhanced ion acoustic wave intensities have been observed in direct association with abrupt increases in the anisotropy of the solar wind electron distribution. This relationship strongly suggests that the ion acoustic waves detected by Helios far from the earth are produced by an electron heat flux instability, as was suggested by Forslund. Possible related mechanisms which could explain the generation of ion acoustic waves by protons streaming into the solar wind from the earth's bow shock are also considered.

Ultrasonic measurements of surface defects on flexible circuits using high-frequency focused polymer transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagle, Sanat; Habib, Anowarul; Melandsø, Frank

2017-07-01

High-frequency transducers made from a layer-by-layer deposition method are investigated as transducers for ultrasonic imaging. Prototypes of adhesive-free transducers with four active elements were made on a high-performance poly(ether imide) substrate with precision milled spherical cavities used to produce focused ultrasonic beams. The transducer prototypes were characterized using a pulse-echo experimental setup in a water tank using a glass plate as a reflector. Then, transducer was used in a three-dimensional ultrasonic scanning tank, to produce high-resolution ultrasonic images of flexible electronic circuits with the aim to detect defects in the outermost cover layer.

Evaluation of haloalkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms with potential application in the effluent treatment of the petroleum industry.

PubMed

Olguín-Lora, P; Le Borgne, S; Castorena-Cortés, G; Roldán-Carrillo, T; Zapata-Peñasco, I; Reyes-Avila, J; Alcántara-Pérez, S

2011-02-01

Haloalkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing mixed cultures for the treatment of alkaline-saline effluents containing sulfide were characterized and evaluated. The mixed cultures (IMP-PB, IMP-XO and IMP-TL) were obtained from Mexican alkaline soils collected in Puebla (PB), Xochimilco (XO) and Tlahuac (TL), respectively. The Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis (RISA) revealed bacteria related to Thioalkalibacterium and Thioalkalivibrio in IMP-XO and IMP-PB mixed cultures. Halomonas strains were detected in IMP-XO and IMP-TL. In addition, an uncultured Bacteroides bacterium was present in IMP-TL. Mixed cultures were evaluated at different pH and NaCl concentrations at 30°C. IMP-PB and IMP-TL expressed thiosulfate-oxidizing activity in the 7.5-10.5 pH range, whereas IMP-XO presented its maximal activity with 19.0 mg O₂ g (protein)⁻¹ min⁻¹, at pH 10.6; it was not affected by NaCl concentrations up to 1.7 M. In continuous culture, IMP-XO showed a growth rate of 15 day⁻¹, productivity of 433.4 mg(protein) l⁻¹ day⁻¹ and haloalkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing activity was also detected up to 170 mM by means of N-methyl-diethanolamine (MDEA). Saline-alkaline soil samples are potential sources of haloalkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and the mixed cultures could be applied in the treatment of inorganic sulfur compounds in petroleum industry effluents under alkaline-saline conditions.

A study of density measurements in hypersonic helium tunnels using an electron beam fluorescence technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honaker, W. C.; Hunter, W. W., Jr.; Woods, W. C.

1979-01-01

A series of experiments have been conducted at Langley Research Center to determine the feasibility of using electron-beam fluorescence to measure the free-stream static density of gaseous helium flow over a wide range of conditions. These experiments were conducted in the Langley hypersonic helium tunnel facility and its 3-inch prototype. Measurements were made for a range of stagnation pressures and temperatures and produced free-stream number densities of 1.53 x 10 to the 23rd to 1.25 x 10 to the 24th molecules/cu m and static temperatures from 2 K to 80 K. The results showed the collision quenching cross section to be 4.4 x 10 to the -15th sq cm at 1 K and to have a weak temperature dependence of T to the 1/6. With knowledge of these two values, the free-stream number density can be measured quite accurately.

Method To Identify Specific Inhibiutors Of Imp Dehydrogenase

DOEpatents

Collart, Frank R.; Huberman, Eliezer

2000-11-28

This invention relates to methods to identify specific inhibitors of the purine nucleotide synthesis enzyme, IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH). IMPDH is an essential enzyme found in all free-living organisms from humans to bacteria and is an important therapeutic target. The invention allows the identification of specific inhibitors of any IMPDH enzyme which can be expressed in a functional form in a recombinant host cell. A variety of eukaryotic or prokaryotic host systems commonly used for the expression of recombinant proteins are suitable for the practice of the invention. The methods are amenable to high throughput systems for the screening of inhibitors generated by combinatorial chemistry or other methods such as antisense molecule production. Utilization of exogenous guanosine as a control component of the methods allows for the identification of inhibitors specific for IMPDH rather than other causes of decreased cell proliferation.

Intramuscular pressures for monitoring different tasks and muscle conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sejersted, O. M.; Hargens, A. R.

1995-01-01

Intramuscular fluid pressure (IMP) can easily be measured in man and animals. It follows the law of Laplace which means that it is determined by the tension of the muscle fibers, the recording depth and by fiber geometry (fiber curvature or pennation angle). Thick, bulging muscles create high IMPs (up to 1000 mmHg) and force transmission to tendons becomes inefficient. High resting or postexercise IMPs are indicative of a compartment syndrome due to muscle swelling within a low-compliance osseofascial boundary. IMP increases linearly with force (torque) independent of the mode or speed of contraction (isometric, eccentric, concentric). IMP is also a much better predictor of muscle force than the EMG signal. During prolonged low-force isometric contractions, cyclic variations in IMP are seen. Since IMP influences muscle blood flow through the muscle pump, autoregulating vascular elements, and compression of the intramuscular vasculature, alterations in IMP have important implications for muscle function.

Beam test results of STS prototype modules for the future accelerator experiments FAIR/CBM and NICA/MPD projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kharlamov, Petr; Dementev, Dmitrii; Shitenkov, Mikhail

2017-10-01

High-energy heavy-ion collision experiments provide the unique possibility to create and investigate extreme states of strongly-interacted matter and address the fundamental aspects of QCD. The experimental investigation the QCD phase diagram would be a major breakthrough in our understanding of the properties of nuclear matter. The reconstruction of the charged particles created in the nuclear collisions, including the determination of their momenta, is the central detection task in high-energy heavy-ion experiments. It is taken up by the Silicon Tracking System in CBM@FAIR and by Inner Tracker in MPD@NICA currently under development. These experiments requires very fast and radiation hard detectors, a novel data read-out and analysis concept including free streaming front-end electronics. Thermal and beam tests of prototype detector modules for these tracking systems showed the stability of sensors and readout electronics operation.

Leg intramuscular pressures during locomotion in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ballard, R. E.; Watenpaugh, D. E.; Breit, G. A.; Murthy, G.; Holley, D. C.; Hargens, A. R.

1998-01-01

To assess the usefulness of intramuscular pressure (IMP) measurement for studying muscle function during gait, IMP was recorded in the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles of 10 volunteers during treadmill walking and running by using transducer-tipped catheters. Soleus IMP exhibited single peaks during late-stance phase of walking [181 +/- 69 (SE) mmHg] and running (269 +/- 95 mmHg). Tibialis anterior IMP showed a biphasic response, with the largest peak (90 +/- 15 mmHg during walking and 151 +/- 25 mmHg during running) occurring shortly after heel strike. IMP magnitude increased with gait speed in both muscles. Linear regression of soleus IMP against ankle joint torque obtained by a dynamometer produced linear relationships (n = 2, r = 0.97 for both). Application of these relationships to IMP data yielded estimated peak soleus moment contributions of 0.95-1.65 N . m/kg during walking, and 1.43-2.70 N . m/kg during running. Phasic elevations of IMP during exercise are probably generated by local muscle tissue deformations due to muscle force development. Thus profiles of IMP provide a direct, reproducible index of muscle function during locomotion in humans.

Palm Power Free-Piston Stirling Engine Control Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiter, Douglas E.; Holliday, Ezekiel

2007-01-01

A prototype 35We, JP-8 fueled, soldier-wearable power system for the DARPA Palm Power program has been developed and tested by Sunpower. A hermetically-sealed 42We Sunpower Free-Piston Stirling Engine (FPSE) with integral linear alternator is the prime mover for this system. To maximize system efficiency over a broad range of output power, a non-dissipative, highly efficient electronic control system which modulates engine output power by varying piston stroke and converts the AC output voltage of the FPSE into 28Vdc for the Palm Power end user, has been designed and demonstrated as an integral component of the Palm Power system. This paper reviews the current status and progress made in developing the control electronics for the Palm Power system, in addition to describing the operation and demonstrated performance of the engine controller in the context of the current JP-8 fueled Palm Power system.

Optical absorption in degenerately doped semiconductors: Mott transition or Mahan excitons?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schleife, André.; Rödl, Claudia; Hannewald, Karsten; Bechstedt, Friedhelm

2012-02-01

In the exploration of material properties, parameter-free calculations are a modern, sophisticated complement to cutting-edge experimental techniques. Ab-initio calculations are now capable of providing a deep understanding of the interesting physics underlying the electronic structure and optical absorption, e.g., of the transparent conductive oxides. Due to electron doping, these materials are conductive even though they have wide fundamental band gaps. The degenerate electron gas in the lowest conduction-band states drastically modifies the Coulomb interaction between the electrons and, hence, the optical properties close to the absorption edge. We describe these effects by developing an ab-initio technique which captures also the Pauli blocking and the Fermi-edge singularity at the optical absorption onset, that occur in addition to quasiparticle and excitonic effects. We answer the question whether free carriers induce an excitonic Mott transition or trigger the evolution of Wannier-Mott excitons into Mahan excitons. The prototypical n-type zinc oxide is studied as an example.

Thermal Imaging for Assessment of Electron-Beam Free Form Fabrication (EBF(sup 3)) Additive Manufacturing Welds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zalameda, Joseph N.; Burke, Eric R.; Hafley, Robert A.; Taminger, Karen M.; Domack, Christopher S.; Brewer, Amy R.; Martin, Richard E.

2013-01-01

Additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing field where 3-dimensional parts can be produced layer by layer. NASA s electron beam free-form fabrication (EBF(sup 3)) technology is being evaluated to manufacture metallic parts in a space environment. The benefits of EBF(sup 3) technology are weight savings to support space missions, rapid prototyping in a zero gravity environment, and improved vehicle readiness. The EBF(sup 3) system is composed of 3 main components: electron beam gun, multi-axis position system, and metallic wire feeder. The electron beam is used to melt the wire and the multi-axis positioning system is used to build the part layer by layer. To insure a quality weld, a near infrared (NIR) camera is used to image the melt pool and solidification areas. This paper describes the calibration and application of a NIR camera for temperature measurement. In addition, image processing techniques are presented for weld assessment metrics.

Motility screen identifies Drosophila IGF-II mRNA-binding protein--zipcode-binding protein acting in oogenesis and synaptogenesis.

PubMed

Boylan, Kristin L M; Mische, Sarah; Li, Mingang; Marqués, Guillermo; Morin, Xavier; Chia, William; Hays, Thomas S

2008-02-01

The localization of specific mRNAs can establish local protein gradients that generate and control the development of cellular asymmetries. While all evidence underscores the importance of the cytoskeleton in the transport and localization of RNAs, we have limited knowledge of how these events are regulated. Using a visual screen for motile proteins in a collection of GFP protein trap lines, we identified the Drosophila IGF-II mRNA-binding protein (Imp), an ortholog of Xenopus Vg1 RNA binding protein and chicken zipcode-binding protein. In Drosophila, Imp is part of a large, RNase-sensitive complex that is enriched in two polarized cell types, the developing oocyte and the neuron. Using time-lapse confocal microscopy, we establish that both dynein and kinesin contribute to the transport of GFP-Imp particles, and that regulation of transport in egg chambers appears to differ from that in neurons. In Drosophila, loss-of-function Imp mutations are zygotic lethal, and mutants die late as pharate adults. Imp has a function in Drosophila oogenesis that is not essential, as well as functions that are essential during embryogenesis and later development. Germline clones of Imp mutations do not block maternal mRNA localization or oocyte development, but overexpression of a specific Imp isoform disrupts dorsal/ventral polarity. We report here that loss-of-function Imp mutations, as well as Imp overexpression, can alter synaptic terminal growth. Our data show that Imp is transported to the neuromuscular junction, where it may modulate the translation of mRNA targets. In oocytes, where Imp function is not essential, we implicate a specific Imp domain in the establishment of dorsoventral polarity.

IMP series report/bibliography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

King, J. H.

1971-01-01

The main characteristics of the IMP spacecraft and experiments are considered and the scientific knowledge gained is presented in the form of abstracts of scientific papers using IMP data. Spacecraft characteristics, including temporal and spatial coverages, are presented followed by an annotated bibliography. Experiments conducted on all IMP's (including prelaunch IMP's H and J) are described. Figures are presented showing the time histories, through the end of 1970, of magnetic field, plasma, and energetic particle experiments.

A latest developed all permanent magnet ECRIS for atomic physics research at IMP

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

Sun, L.T.; Zhao, H.W.; Zhang, Z.M.

2006-03-15

Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion sources have been used for atomic physics research for a long time. With the development of atomic physics research in the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP), additional high performance experimental facilities are required. A 300 kV high voltage (HV) platform has been under construction since 2003, and an all permanent magnet ECR ion source is supposed to be put on the platform. Lanzhou all permanent magnet ECR ion source No. 2 (LAPECR2) is a latest developed all permanent magnet ECRIS. It is a 900 kg weight and null-set 650 mmx562 mm outer dimension (magnetic body)more » ion source. The injection magnetic field of the source is 1.28 T and the extraction magnetic field is 1.07 T. This source is designed to be running at 14.5 GHz. The high magnetic field inside the plasma chamber enables the source to give good performances at 14.5 GHz. LAPECR2 source is now under commissioning in IMP. In this article, the typical parameters of the source LAPECR2 are listed, and the typical results of the preliminary commissioning are presented.« less

Impurities near an antiferromagnetic-singlet quantum critical point

DOE PAGES

Mendes-Santos, T.; Costa, N. C.; Batrouni, G.; ...

2017-02-15

Heavy-fermion systems and other strongly correlated electron materials often exhibit a competition between antiferromagnetic (AF) and singlet ground states. We examine the effect of impurities in the vicinity of such an AF-singlet quantum critical point (QCP), through an appropriately defined “impurity susceptibility” χimp, using exact quantum Monte Carlo simulations. Our key finding is a connection within a single calculational framework between AF domains induced on the singlet side of the transition and the behavior of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation rate 1/T1. Furthermore, we show that local NMR measurements provide a diagnostic for the location of the QCP, whichmore » agrees remarkably well with the vanishing of the AF order parameter and large values of χimp.« less

Disordered nuclear pasta, magnetic field decay, and crust cooling in neutron stars.

PubMed

Horowitz, C J; Berry, D K; Briggs, C M; Caplan, M E; Cumming, A; Schneider, A S

2015-01-23

Nuclear pasta, with nonspherical shapes, is expected near the base of the crust in neutron stars. Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of pasta show long lived topological defects that could increase electron scattering and reduce both the thermal and electrical conductivities. We model a possible low-conductivity pasta layer by increasing an impurity parameter Q_{imp}. Predictions of light curves for the low-mass x-ray binary MXB 1659-29, assuming a large Q_{imp}, find continued late time cooling that is consistent with Chandra observations. The electrical and thermal conductivities are likely related. Therefore, observations of late time crust cooling can provide insight on the electrical conductivity and the possible decay of neutron star magnetic fields (assuming these are supported by currents in the crust).

Experimental Study of Sound Waves in Sandy Sediment

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-05-01

parameter model ) and measurements (using a reflection ratio technique) includes derivations and measurements of acoustic imped- ances, effective densities...22 2.9 Model Used to Find Acoustic Impedance of Biot Medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2.10 Free Body Diagram of...38] derived the complex reflection coefficient of plane acoustic waves from a poro-elastic sediment half-space. The boundary condition model is

MIG1-dependent and MIG1-independent regulation of GAL gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: role of Imp2p.

PubMed

Alberti, Adriana; Lodi, Tiziana; Ferrero, Iliana; Donnini, Claudia

2003-10-15

Imp2p (Yil154c) is a transcriptional activator involved in glucose derepression of the maltose, galactose and raffinose utilization pathways and in resistance to thermal, oxidative or osmotic stress. We analysed the role of Imp2 in the regulation of GAL genes. Imp2 was shown to have a positive effect on glucose derepression of Leloir pathway genes and their activator gene GAL4. The effect of Imp2 on galactose metabolism was shown to be partially dependent on Mig1p. The Mig1-independent role depends on Nrg1p. However, disruption of both MIG1 and NRG1 only partially relieves the glucose repression of GAL genes in the Deltaimp2 mutant, indicating that Imp2 must also have other function(s). Moreover, the interaction between IMP2 and GAL6/BLH1, a recently isolated gene involved in the regulation of GAL genes that shares with Imp2 the ability to protect cells from the glycopeptide bleomycin, was also analysed. The results suggest a major role of Imp2 in a GAL6-independent pathway. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Structure of Importin-α from a Filamentous Fungus in Complex with a Classical Nuclear Localization Signal.

PubMed

Bernardes, Natalia E; Takeda, Agnes A S; Dreyer, Thiago R; Freitas, Fernanda Z; Bertolini, Maria Célia; Fontes, Marcos R M

2015-01-01

Neurospora crassa is a filamentous fungus that has been extensively studied as a model organism for eukaryotic biology, providing fundamental insights into cellular processes such as cell signaling, growth and differentiation. To advance in the study of this multicellular organism, an understanding of the specific mechanisms for protein transport into the cell nucleus is essential. Importin-α (Imp-α) is the receptor for cargo proteins that contain specific nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that play a key role in the classical nuclear import pathway. Structures of Imp-α from different organisms (yeast, rice, mouse, and human) have been determined, revealing that this receptor possesses a conserved structural scaffold. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the Impα mechanism of action may vary significantly for different organisms or for different isoforms from the same organism. Therefore, structural, functional, and biophysical characterization of different Impα proteins is necessary to understand the selectivity of nuclear transport. Here, we determined the first crystal structure of an Impα from a filamentous fungus which is also the highest resolution Impα structure already solved to date (1.75 Å). In addition, we performed calorimetric analysis to determine the affinity and thermodynamic parameters of the interaction between Imp-α and the classical SV40 NLS peptide. The comparison of these data with previous studies on Impα proteins led us to demonstrate that N. crassa Imp-α possess specific features that are distinct from mammalian Imp-α but exhibit important similarities to rice Imp-α, particularly at the minor NLS binding site.

Lipid-protein nanodiscs promote in vitro folding of transmembrane domains of multi-helical and multimeric membrane proteins.

PubMed

Shenkarev, Zakhar O; Lyukmanova, Ekaterina N; Butenko, Ivan O; Petrovskaya, Lada E; Paramonov, Alexander S; Shulepko, Mikhail A; Nekrasova, Oksana V; Kirpichnikov, Mikhail P; Arseniev, Alexander S

2013-02-01

Production of helical integral membrane proteins (IMPs) in a folded state is a necessary prerequisite for their functional and structural studies. In many cases large-scale expression of IMPs in cell-based and cell-free systems results in misfolded proteins, which should be refolded in vitro. Here using examples of the bacteriorhodopsin ESR from Exiguobacterium sibiricum and full-length homotetrameric K(+) channel KcsA from Streptomyces lividans we found that the efficient in vitro folding of the transmembrane domains of the polytopic and multimeric IMPs could be achieved during the protein encapsulation into the reconstructed high-density lipoprotein particles, also known as lipid-protein nanodiscs. In this case the self-assembly of the IMP/nanodisc complexes from a mixture containing apolipoprotein, lipids and the partially denatured protein solubilized in a harsh detergent induces the folding of the transmembrane domains. The obtained folding yields showed significant dependence on the properties of lipids used for nanodisc formation. The largest recovery of the spectroscopically active ESR (~60%) from the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was achieved in the nanodiscs containing anionic saturated lipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPG) and was approximately twice lower in the zwitterionic DMPC lipid. The reassembly of tetrameric KcsA from the acid-dissociated monomer solubilized in SDS was the most efficient (~80%) in the nanodiscs containing zwitterionic unsaturated lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC). The charged and saturated lipids provided lower tetramer quantities, and the lowest yield (<20%) was observed in DMPC. The overall yield of the ESR and KcsA folding was mainly restricted by the efficiency of the protein encapsulation into the nanodiscs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Magnetic flux in modeled magnetic clouds at 1 AU and some specific comparisons to associated photospheric flux

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lepping, R. P.; Szabo, A.; DeForest, C. E.; Thompson, B. J.

1997-01-01

In order to better understand the solar origins of magnetic clouds, statistical distributions of the estimated axial magnetic flux of 30 magnetic clouds at 1 AU, separated according to their occurrence during the solar cycle, were obtained and a comparison was made of the magnetic flux of a magnetic cloud to the aggregate flux of apparently associated photospheric magnetic flux tubes, for some specific cases. The 30 magnetic clouds comprise 12 cases from WIND, and the remainder from IMP-8, earlier IMPs, the International Sun-Earth Explorer (ISEE) 3 and HELIOS. The total magnetic flux along the cloud axis was estimated using a constant alpha, cylindrical, force-free flux rope model to determine cloud diameter and axial magentic field strength. The distribution of magentic fluxes for the 30 clouds is shown to be in the form of a skewed Gaussian.

[Expression of IMP3 in osteosarcoma and its clinical significance].

PubMed

Li, Kang-hua; Huang, Yue-ping; Zhang, Jun; Li, Guo-jun; Li, Si-hong

2009-05-01

To analyze the expressional variability of IMP3 between osteosarcoma and osteochondroma and explore its clinical significance. Paraffin sections from 68 patients with osteosarcoma and 20 patients with osteochondroma were examined for the expression of IMP3 by SP immunohistochemistry. The negative, weak positive, moderate positive and strong positive expression rates of IMP3 in 68 patients with osteosarcoma were 4.41% (3/68), 22.06% (15/68), 22.74% (19/68), 45.59% (31/68), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in 20 cases of osteochondroma tissues (P<0.01). The positive expression of IMP3 in osteosarcoma was negative correlation with the 3-year survival rate of osteosarcoma patients after the operation (P<0.01). The results suggest that IMP3 plays important roles in the tumorigenesis, progress and prognosis of osteosarcoma, and the expression of IMP3 may be an important feature of osteosarcoma.

Evaluating skeletal muscle electromechanical delay with intramuscular pressure.

PubMed

Go, Shanette A; Litchy, William J; Evertz, Loribeth Q; Kaufman, Kenton R

2018-06-08

Intramuscular pressure (IMP) is the fluid pressure generated within skeletal muscle and directly reflects individual muscle tension. The purpose of this study was to assess the development of force, IMP, and electromyography (EMG) in the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle during ramped isometric contractions and evaluate electromechanical delay (EMD). Force, EMG, and IMP were simultaneously measured during ramped isometric contractions in eight young, healthy human subjects. The EMD between the onset of force and EMG activity (Δt-EMG force) and the onset of IMP and EMG activity (Δt EMG-IMP) were calculated. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the mean force-EMG EMD (36 ± 31 ms) and the mean IMP-EMG EMD (3 ± 21 ms). IMP reflects changes in muscle tension due to the contractile muscle elements. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experiences of intervertebral motion palpation in osteopathic practice - A qualitative interview study among Swedish osteopaths.

PubMed

Sposato, Niklas S; Bjerså, Kristofer

2017-01-01

Assessment in manual therapy includes quantitative and qualitative procedures, and intervertebral motion palpation (IMP) is one of the core assessment methods in osteopathic practice. The aim of this study was to explore osteopathic practitioners' experiences of clinical decision-making and IMP as a diagnostic tool for planning and evaluation of osteopathic interventions. The study was conducted with semi-structured interviews that included eight informants. Content analysis was used as the analytical procedure. In total, three categories emerged from the analysis: strategic decision-making, diagnostic usability of IMP, and treatment applicability of IMP. The study indicated that IMP was considered relevant and was given particular importance in cases where IMP findings confirmed clinical information attained from other stages in the diagnostic process as a whole. However, IMP findings were experienced as less important if they were not correlated to other findings. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

IMP2, a nuclear gene controlling the mitochondrial dependence of galactose, maltose and raffinose utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Donnini, C; Lodi, T; Ferrero, I; Puglisi, P P

1992-02-01

The IMP2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is involved in the nucleo-mitochondrial control of maltose, galactose and raffinose utilization as shown by the inability of imp2 mutants to grow on these carbon sources in respiratory-deficient conditions or in the presence of ethidium bromide and erythromycin. The negative phenotype cannot be scored in the presence of inhibitors of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, indicating that the role of the mitochondria in the utilization of the above-mentioned carbon sources in imp2 mutants is not at the energetical level. Mutations in the IMP2 gene also confer many phenotypic alterations in respiratory-sufficient conditions, e.g. leaky phenotype on oxidizable carbon sources, sensitivity to heat shock and sporulation deficiency. The IMP2 gene has been cloned, sequenced and disrupted. The phenotype of null imp2 mutants is indistinguishable from that of the originally isolated mutant.

Intramuscular Pressure Measurement During Locomotion in Humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ballard, Ricard E.

1996-01-01

To assess the usefulness of intramuscular pressure (IMP) measurement for studying muscle function during gait, IMP was recorded in the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles of ten volunteers during, treadmill walking, and running using transducer-tipped catheters. Soleus IMP exhibited single peaks during late-stance phase of walking (181 +/- 69 mmHg, mean +/- S.E.) and running (269 +/- 95 mmHg). Tibialis anterior IMP showed a biphasic response, with the largest peak (90 +/- 15 mmHg during walking and 151 +/- 25 mmHg during running) occurring shortly after heel strike. IMP magnitude increased with gait speed in both muscles. Linear regression of soleus IMP against ankle joint torque obtained by a dynamometer in two subjects produced linear relationships (r = 0.97). Application of these relationships to IMP data yielded estimated peak soleus moment contributions of 0.95-165 Nm/Kg during walking, and 1.43-2.70 Nm/Kg during running. IMP results from local muscle tissue deformations caused by muscle force development and thus, provides a direct, practical index of muscle function during locomotion in humans.

Prototype electronic stethoscope vs. conventional stethoscope for auscultation of heart sounds.

PubMed

Kelmenson, Daniel A; Heath, Janae K; Ball, Stephanie A; Kaafarani, Haytham M A; Baker, Elisabeth M; Yeh, Daniel D; Bittner, Edward A; Eikermann, Matthias; Lee, Jarone

2014-08-01

In an effort to decrease the spread of hospital-acquired infections, many hospitals currently use disposable plastic stethoscopes in patient rooms. As an alternative, this study examines a prototype electronic stethoscope that does not break the isolation barrier between clinician and patient and may also improve the diagnostic accuracy of the stethoscope exam. This study aimed to investigate whether the new prototype electronic stethoscope improved auscultation of heart sounds compared to the standard conventional isolation stethoscope. In a controlled, non-blinded, cross-over study, clinicians were randomized to identify heart sounds with both the prototype electronic stethoscope and a conventional stethoscope. The primary outcome was the score on a 10-question heart sound identification test. In total, 41 clinicians completed the study. Subjects performed significantly better in the identification of heart sounds when using the prototype electronic stethoscope (median = 9 [7-10] vs. 8 [6-9] points, p value <0.0001). Subjects also significantly preferred the prototype electronic stethoscope. Clinicians using a new prototype electronic stethoscope achieved greater accuracy in identification of heart sounds and also universally favoured the new device, compared to the conventional stethoscope.

Management of Patients With Pancreatic Cysts: Analysis of Possible False-Negative Cases of Malignancy.

PubMed

Kowalski, Thomas; Siddiqui, Ali; Loren, David; Mertz, Howard R; Mallat, Damien; Haddad, Nadim; Malhotra, Nidhi; Sadowski, Brett; Lybik, Mark J; Patel, Sandeep N; Okoh, Emuejevoke; Rosenkranz, Laura; Karasik, Michael; Golioto, Michael; Linder, Jeffrey; Catalano, Marc F; Al-Haddad, Mohammad A

2016-09-01

To examine the utility of integrated molecular pathology (IMP) in managing surveillance of pancreatic cysts based on outcomes and analysis of false negatives (FNs) from a previously published cohort (n=492). In endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of cyst fluid lacking malignant cytology, IMP demonstrated better risk stratification for malignancy at approximately 3 years' follow-up than International Consensus Guideline (Fukuoka) 2012 management recommendations in such cases. Patient outcomes and clinical features of Fukuoka and IMP FN cases were reviewed. Practical guidance for appropriate surveillance intervals and surgery decisions using IMP were derived from follow-up data, considering EUS-FNA sampling limitations and high-risk clinical circumstances observed. Surveillance intervals for patients based on IMP predictive value were compared with those of Fukuoka. Outcomes at follow-up for IMP low-risk diagnoses supported surveillance every 2 to 3 years, independent of cyst size, when EUS-FNA sampling limitations or high-risk clinical circumstances were absent. In 10 of 11 patients with FN IMP diagnoses (2% of cohort), EUS-FNA sampling limitations existed; Fukuoka identified high risk in 9 of 11 cases. In 4 of 6 FN cases by Fukuoka (1% of cohort), IMP identified high risk. Overall, 55% of cases had possible sampling limitations and 37% had high-risk clinical circumstances. Outcomes support more cautious management in such cases when using IMP. Adjunct use of IMP can provide evidence for relaxed surveillance of patients with benign cysts that meet Fukuoka criteria for closer observation or surgery. Although infrequent, FN results with IMP can be associated with EUS-FNA sampling limitations or high-risk clinical circumstances.

Intramuscular Pressure of Tibialis Anterior Reflects Ankle Torque but Does Not Follow Joint Angle-Torque Relationship.

PubMed

Ateş, Filiz; Davies, Brenda L; Chopra, Swati; Coleman-Wood, Krista; Litchy, William J; Kaufman, Kenton R

2018-01-01

Intramuscular pressure (IMP) is the hydrostatic fluid pressure that is directly related to muscle force production. Electromechanical delay (EMD) provides a link between mechanical and electrophysiological quantities and IMP has potential to detect local electromechanical changes. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship of IMP with the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) activity at different ankle positions. We hypothesized that (1) the TA IMP and the surface EMG (sEMG) and fine-wire EMG (fwEMG) correlate to ankle joint torque, (2) the isometric force of TA increases at increased muscle lengths, which were imposed by a change in ankle angle and IMP follows the length-tension relationship characteristics, and (3) the electromechanical delay (EMD) is greater than the EMD of IMP during isometric contractions. Fourteen healthy adults [7 female; mean ( SD ) age = 26.9 (4.2) years old with 25.9 (5.5) kg/m 2 body mass index] performed (i) three isometric dorsiflexion (DF) maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and (ii) three isometric DF ramp contractions from 0 to 80% MVC at rate of 15% MVC/second at DF, Neutral, and plantarflexion (PF) positions. Ankle torque, IMP, TA fwEMG, and TA sEMG were measured simultaneously. The IMP, fwEMG, and sEMG were significantly correlated to the ankle torque during ramp contractions at each ankle position tested. This suggests that IMP captures in vivo mechanical properties of active muscles. The ankle torque changed significantly at different ankle positions however, the IMP did not reflect the change. This is explained with the opposing effects of higher compartmental pressure at DF in contrast to the increased force at PF position. Additionally, the onset of IMP activity is found to be significantly earlier than the onset of force which indicates that IMP can be designed to detect muscular changes in the course of neuromuscular diseases impairing electromechanical transmission.

Incorporation of a recombinant Eimeria maxima IMP1 antigen into nanoparticles confers protective immunity against E. Maxima challenge infection.

PubMed

Jenkins, Mark C; Stevens, Laura; O'Brien, Celia; Parker, Carolyn; Miska, Katrzyna; Konjufca, Vjollca

2018-02-14

The purpose of this study was to determine if conjugating a recombinant Eimeria maxima protein, namely EmaxIMP1, into 20 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (NP) could improve the level of protective immunity against E. maxima challenge infection. Recombinant EmaxIMP1 was expressed in Escherichia coli as a poly-His fusion protein, purified by NiNTA chromatography, and conjugated to 20 nm polystyrene NP (NP-EmaxIMP1). NP-EMaxIMP1 or control non-recombinant (NP-NR) protein were delivered per os to newly-hatched broiler chicks with subsequent booster immunizations at 3 and 21 days of age. In battery cage studies (n = 4), chickens immunized with NP-EMaxIMP1 displayed complete protection as measured by weight gain (WG) against E. maxima challenge compared to chickens immunized with NP-NR. WG in the NP-EMaxIMP1-immunized groups was identical to WG in chickens that were not infected with E. maxima infected chickens. In floor pen studies (n = 2), chickens immunized with NP-EMaxIMP1 displayed partial protection as measured by WG against E. maxima challenge compared to chickens immunized with NP-NR. In order to understand the basis for immune stimulation, newly-hatched chicks were inoculated per os with NP-EMaxIMP1 or NP-NR protein, and the small intestine, bursa, and spleen, were examined for NP localization at 1 h and 6 h post-inoculation. Within 1 h, both NP-EMaxIMP1 and NP-NR were observed in all 3 tissues. An increase was observed in the level of NP-EmaxIMP1 and NP-NR in all tissues at 6 h post-inoculation. These data indicate that 20 nm NP-EmaxIMP1 or NP-NR reached deeper tissues within hours of oral inoculation and elicited complete to partial immunity against E. maxima challenge infection. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Development and validation of a selective, sensitive and stability indicating UPLC-MS/MS method for rapid, simultaneous determination of six process related impurities in darunavir drug substance.

PubMed

A, Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy; Yusop, Zulkifli; Jaafar, Jafariah; Aris, Azmi B; Majid, Zaiton A; Umar, Khalid; Talib, Juhaizah

2016-09-05

In this study a sensitive and selective gradient reverse phase UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of six process related impurities viz., Imp-I, Imp-II, Imp-III, Imp-IV, Imp-V and Imp-VI in darunavir. The chromatographic separation was performed on Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (50 mm×2.1mm, 1.7μm) column using gradient elution of acetonitrile-methanol (80:20, v/v) and 5.0mM ammonium acetate containing 0.01% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.4mL/min. Both negative and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) modes were operated simultaneously using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for the quantification of all six impurities in darunavir. The developed method was fully validated following ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, robustness and sample solution stability. The method was able to quantitate Imp-I, Imp-IV, Imp-V at 0.3ppm and Imp-II, Imp-III, and Imp-VI at 0.2ppm with respect to 5.0mg/mL of darunavir. The calibration curves showed good linearity over the concentration range of LOQ to 250% for all six impurities. The correlation coefficient obtained was >0.9989 in all the cases. The accuracy of the method lies between 89.90% and 104.60% for all six impurities. Finally, the method has been successfully applied for three formulation batches of darunavir to determine the above mentioned impurities, however no impurity was found beyond the LOQ. This method is a good quality control tool for the trace level quantification of six process related impurities in darunavir during its synthesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Degradation-Free Spectrometers for Solar EUV Measurements: A Progress Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wieman, S. R.; Judge, D. L.; Didkovsky, L. V.

2009-12-01

Solar EUV observations will be made using two new degradation-free EUV spectrometers on a sounding rocket flight scheduled for Summer 2010. The two instruments, a rare gas photoionization-based Optics-Free Spectrometer (OFS) and a Dual Grating Spectrometer (DGS), are filter-free and optics-free. OFS can measure the solar EUV spectrum with a spectral resolution comparable to that of grating-based EUV spectrometers. The DGS is designed to provide solar irradiance at Lyman-alpha and He II to overlap EUV observations from SOHO/SEM and SDO/EVE. Electronic and mechanical designs for the flight prototype instruments and results of tests performed with the instruments in the laboratory are reported. The spectrometers are being developed and demonstrated as part of the Degradation Free Spectrometers (DFS) project under NASA’s Low Cost Access to Space (LCAS) program and are supported by NASA Grant NNX08BA12G.

Media Effects on Electronic Systems in the High Latitude Region

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-01

oval and auroral electron densities. Essentially the ICED model is still based on a set of coefficients, but these are modified by other inputs. There...and larger. At the distance of the Earth’s orbit the speed of the solar wind is usually between 200 and 700 or 800 km s -1 , on which is superimposed a...magnetometer on IMP-I (the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform), an eccentric orbit satellite with apogee at 32 RE Although the solar wind flows out almost

40 CFR 86.1370-2007 - Not-To-Exceed test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... regeneration event where regeneration is pending (state 1). (iii) If either N0 or N12 are zero, then RF cannot... absolute intake manifold pressure (IMP) for the corresponding IMP: ER06oc00.009 Where: P = absolute intake... absolute intake manifold pressure (IMP) for the corresponding IMP: ER06oc00.010 Where: P = absolute intake...

40 CFR 86.1370-2007 - Not-To-Exceed test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... regeneration event where regeneration is pending (state 1). (iii) If either N0 or N12 are zero, then RF cannot... absolute intake manifold pressure (IMP) for the corresponding IMP: ER06oc00.009 Where: P = absolute intake... absolute intake manifold pressure (IMP) for the corresponding IMP: ER06oc00.010 Where: P = absolute intake...

40 CFR 86.1370 - Not-To-Exceed test procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... event where regeneration is pending (state 1). (iii) If either N0 or N12 are zero, then RF cannot be... absolute intake manifold pressure (IMP) for the corresponding IMP: ER06oc00.009 Where: P = absolute intake... absolute intake manifold pressure (IMP) for the corresponding IMP: ER06oc00.010 Where: P = absolute intake...

Effects of RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Histone Methyltransferases on the Sex-Specific mRNA Expression of Imp in the Silkworm Bombyx mori

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Masataka G.; Ito, Haruka; Aoki, Fugaku

2014-01-01

Sexual differentiation in Bombyx mori is controlled by sex-specific splicing of Bmdsx, which results in the omission of exons 3 and 4 in a male-specific manner. In B. mori, insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (Imp) is a male-specific factor involved in male-specific splicing of Bmdsx. Male-specific Imp mRNA results from the male-specific inclusion of exon 8. To verify the link between histone methylation and alternative RNA processing in Imp, we examined the effects of RNAi-mediated knockdown of several histone methyltransferases on the sex-specific mRNA expression of Imp. As a result, male-specific expression of Imp mRNA was completely abolished when expression of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L was repressed to <10% of that in control males. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR analysis revealed a higher distribution of H3K79me2 in normal males than in normal females across Imp. RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) processivity assays indicated that RNAi knockdown of DOT1L in males caused a twofold decrease in RNAP II processivity compared to that in control males, with almost equivalent levels to those observed in normal females. Inhibition of RNAP II-mediated elongation in male cells repressed the male-specific splicing of Imp. Our data suggest the possibility that H3K79me2 accumulation along Imp is associated with the male-specific alternative processing of Imp mRNA that results from increased RNAP II processivity. PMID:24758924

The first 3':5'-cyclic nucleotide-amino acid complex: L-His-cIMP.

PubMed

Slepokura, Katarzyna

2012-08-01

In the crystal structure of the L-His-cIMP complex, i.e. L-histidinium inosine 3':5'-cyclic phosphate [systematic name: 5-(2-amino-2-carboxyethyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium 7-hydroxy-2-oxo-6-(6-oxo-6,9-dihydro-1H-purin-9-yl)-4a,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4H-1,3,5,2λ(5)-furo[3,2-d][1,3,2λ(5)]dioxaphosphinin-2-olate], C(6)H(10)N(3)O(2)(+)·C(10)H(10)N(4)O(7)P(-), the Hoogsteen edge of the hypoxanthine (Hyp) base of cIMP and the Hyp face are engaged in specific amino acid-nucleotide (His···cIMP) recognition, i.e. by abutting edge-to-edge and by π-π stacking, respectively. The Watson-Crick edge of Hyp and the cIMP phosphate group play a role in nonspecific His···cIMP contacts. The interactions between the cIMP anions (anti/C3'-endo/trans-gauche/chair conformers) are realized mainly between riboses and phosphate groups. The results for this L-His-cIMP complex, compared with those for the previously reported solvated L-His-IMP crystal structure, indicate a different nature of amino acid-nucleotide recognition and interactions upon the 3':5'-cyclization of the nucleotide phosphate group.

Differential expression of IMP3 between male and female mature teratomas--immunohistochemical evidence of malignant nature.

PubMed

Goodman, Steven; Zhang, Liping; Cheng, Liang; Jiang, Zhong

2014-10-01

Ovarian mature teratoma is a benign tumour, whereas mature teratoma in adult testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) is considered to be a malignant tumour. IMP3, an oncofetal protein, plays an important role in embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. IMP3 has been demonstrated to be a malignant biomarker that is mainly expressed in malignant neoplasms rather than benign tissues. The aim of this study was to analyse IMP3 expression in germ cell tumours, and compare its expression between male and female teratomas. One hundred and seventy-eight cases (62 TGCTs, 52 ovarian teratomas, 27 metastatic testicular teratomas, and 37 cases of normal testicular tissue) obtained from the archives of two large academic medical centres were examined for IMP3 expression. Of the 62 TGCTs, 30 had mature teratoma components. IMP3 expression was present in 100% (30/30) of testicular mature teratoma components, and in 96% (26/27) of metastatic testicular teratomas. Other TGCT components also expressed IMP3 in 99% of cases (78/79). IMP3 expression was negative in all female mature teratomas. We describe for the first time an immunostaining marker that has differential expression in male and female mature teratomas, indicating that their pathogenesis differs. High expression of IMP3 in adult mature testicular teratomas supports their malignant nature. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Importin-β modulates the permeability of the nuclear pore complex in a Ran-dependent manner

PubMed Central

Lowe, Alan R; Tang, Jeffrey H; Yassif, Jaime; Graf, Michael; Huang, William YC; Groves, Jay T; Weis, Karsten; Liphardt, Jan T

2015-01-01

Soluble karyopherins of the importin-β (impβ) family use RanGTP to transport cargos directionally through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Whether impβ or RanGTP regulate the permeability of the NPC itself has been unknown. In this study, we identify a stable pool of impβ at the NPC. A subpopulation of this pool is rapidly turned-over by RanGTP, likely at Nup153. Impβ, but not transportin-1 (TRN1), alters the pore's permeability in a Ran-dependent manner, suggesting that impβ is a functional component of the NPC. Upon reduction of Nup153 levels, inert cargos more readily equilibrate across the NPC yet active transport is impaired. When purified impβ or TRN1 are mixed with Nup153 in vitro, higher-order, multivalent complexes form. RanGTP dissolves the impβ•Nup153 complexes but not those of TRN1•Nup153. We propose that impβ and Nup153 interact at the NPC's nuclear face to form a Ran-regulated mesh that modulates NPC permeability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04052.001 PMID:25748139

Piwi Nuclear Localization and Its Regulatory Mechanism in Drosophila Ovarian Somatic Cells.

PubMed

Yashiro, Ryu; Murota, Yukiko; Nishida, Kazumichi M; Yamashiro, Haruna; Fujii, Kaede; Ogai, Asuka; Yamanaka, Soichiro; Negishi, Lumi; Siomi, Haruhiko; Siomi, Mikiko C

2018-06-19

In Drosophila ovarian somatic cells (OSCs), Piwi represses transposons transcriptionally to maintain genome integrity. Piwi nuclear localization requires the N terminus and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) loading of Piwi. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we show that Importinα (Impα) plays a pivotal role in Piwi nuclear localization and that Piwi has a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). Impα2 and Impα3 are highly expressed in OSCs, whereas Impα1 is the least expressed. Loss of Impα2 or Impα3 forces Piwi to be cytoplasmic, which is rectified by overexpression of any Impα members. Extension of Piwi-NLS with an additional Piwi-NLS leads Piwi to be imported to the nucleus in a piRNA-independent manner, whereas replacement of Piwi-NLS with SV40-NLS fails. Limited proteolysis analysis suggests that piRNA loading onto Piwi triggers conformational change, exposing the N terminus to the environment. These results suggest that Piwi autoregulates its nuclear localization by exposing the NLS to Impα upon piRNA loading. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intramuscular pressure and electromyography as indexes of force during isokinetic exercise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aratow, M.; Ballard, R. E.; Grenshaw, A. G.; Styf, J.; Watenpaugh, D. E.; Kahan, N. J.; Hargens, A. R.

1993-01-01

A direct method for measuring force production of specific muscles during dynamic exercise is presently unavailable. Previous studies indicate that both intramuscular pressure (IMP) and electromyography (EMG) correlate linearly with muscle contraction force during isometric exercise. The objective of this study was to compare IMP and EMG as linear assessors of muscle contraction force during dynamic exercise. IMP and surface EMG activity were recorded during concentric and eccentric isokinetic plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint from the tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles of nine male volunteers. Ankle torque was measured using a dynamometer, and IMP was measured via catheterization. IMP exhibited better linear correlation than EMG with ankle joint torque during concentric contractions of the SOL and the TA, as well as during eccentric contractions. IMP provides a better index of muscle contraction force than EMG during concentric and eccentric exercise through the entire range of torque. IMP reflects intrinsic mechanical properties of individual muscles, such as length-tension relationships, which EMG is unable to assess.

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

Kaur, Gurpreet; Ly-Huynh, Jennifer D.; Jans, David A., E-mail: David.Jans@monash.edu

Highlights: • High intracellular calcium inhibits Impα/β1- or Impβ1-dependent nuclear protein import. • The effect of Ca{sup 2+} on nuclear import does not relate to changes in the nuclear pore. • High intracellular calcium can result in mislocalisation of Impβ1, Ran and RCC1. - Abstract: We previously showed that increased intracellular calcium can modulate Importin (Imp)β1-dependent nuclear import of SRY-related chromatin remodeling proteins. Here we extend this work to show for the first time that high intracellular calcium inhibits Impα/β1- or Impβ1-dependent nuclear protein import generally. The basis of this relates to the mislocalisation of the transport factors Impβ1 andmore » Ran, which show significantly higher nuclear localization in contrast to various other factors, and RCC1, which shows altered subnuclear localisation. The results here establish for the first time that intracellular calcium modulates conventional nuclear import through direct effects on the nuclear transport machinery.« less

Ras-sensitive IMP modulation of the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade through KSR1.

PubMed

Matheny, Sharon A; White, Michael A

2006-01-01

The E3 ubiquitin ligase IMP (impedes mitogenic signal propagation) was isolated as a novel Ras effector that negatively regulates ERK1/2 activation. Current evidence suggests that IMP limits the functional assembly of Raf/MEK complexes by inactivation of the KSR1 adaptor/scaffold protein. Interaction with Ras-GTP stimulates IMP autoubiquitination to relieve limitations on KSR function. The elevated sensitivity of IMP-depleted cells to ERK1/2 pathway activation suggests IMP acts as a signal threshold regulator by imposing reversible restrictions on the assembly of functional Raf/MEK/ERK kinase modules. These observations challenge commonly held concepts of signal transmission by Ras to the MAPK pathway and provide evidence for the role of amplitude modulation in tuning cellular responses to ERK1/2 pathway engagement. Here we describe details of the methods, including RNA interference, ubiquitin ligase assays, and protein complex analysis, that can be used to display the Ras-sensitive contribution of IMP to KSR-dependent modulation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.

Trajectories of the ribosome as a Brownian nanomachine

DOE PAGES

Dashti, Ali; Schwander, Peter; Langlois, Robert; ...

2014-11-24

In a Brownian machine, there is a tiny device buffeted by the random motions of molecules in the environment, is capable of exploiting these thermal motions for many of the conformational changes in its work cycle. Such machines are now thought to be ubiquitous, with the ribosome, a molecular machine responsible for protein synthesis, increasingly regarded as prototypical. We present a new analytical approach capable of determining the free-energy landscape and the continuous trajectories of molecular machines from a large number of snapshots obtained by cryogenic electron microscopy. We demonstrate this approach in the context of experimental cryogenic electron microscopemore » images of a large ensemble of nontranslating ribosomes purified from yeast cells. The free-energy landscape is seen to contain a closed path of low energy, along which the ribosome exhibits conformational changes known to be associated with the elongation cycle. This approach allows model-free quantitative analysis of the degrees of freedom and the energy landscape underlying continuous conformational changes in nanomachines, including those important for biological function.« less

Increased IMP dehydrogenase gene expression in solid tumor tissues and tumor cell lines

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

Collart, F.R.; Chubb, C.B.; Mirkin, B.L.

1992-07-10

IMP dehydrogenase, a regulatory enzyme of guanine nucleotide biosynthesis, may play a role in cell proliferation and malignancy. To assess this possibility, we examined IMP dehydrogenase expression in a series of human solid tumor tissues and tumor cell lines in comparison with their normal counterparts. Increased IMP dehydrogenase gene expression was observed in brain tumors relative to normal brain tissue and in sarcoma cells relative to normal fibroblasts. Similarly, in several B- and T-lymphoid leukemia cell lines, elevated levels of IMP dehydrogenase mRNA and cellular enzyme were observed in comparison with the levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes. These results aremore » consistent with an association between increased IMP dehydrogenase expression and either enhanced cell proliferation or malignant transformation.« less

Signaling threshold regulation by the Ras effector IMP.

PubMed

Matheny, Sharon A; White, Michael A

2009-04-24

The Ras effector and E3 ligase family member IMP (impedes mitogenic signal propagation) acts as a steady-state resistor within the Raf-MEK-ERK kinase module. IMP concentrations are directly regulated by Ras, through induction of autoubiquitination, to permit productive Raf-MEK complex assembly. Inhibition of Raf-MEK pathway activation by IMP occurs through the inactivation of KSR, a scaffold/adapter protein that couples activated Raf to its substrate MEK1. The capacity of IMP to inhibit signal propagation through Raf to MEK is, in part, a consequence of disrupting KSR1 homo-oligomerization and c-Raf-B-Raf hetero-oligomerization. These observations suggest that IMP functions as a threshold modulator, controlling sensitivity of the cascade to stimulus by directly limiting the assembly of functional KSR1-dependent Raf-MEK complexes.

Adaption of a corrector module to the IMP dynamics program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The corrector module of the RAEIOS program and the IMP dynamics computer program were combined to achieve a date-fitting capability with the more general spacecraft dynamics models of the IMP program. The IMP dynamics program presents models of spacecraft dynamics for satellites with long, flexible booms. The properties of the corrector are discussed and a description is presented of the performance criteria and search logic for parameter estimation. A description is also given of the modifications made to add the corrector to the IMP program. This includes subroutine descriptions, common definitions, definition of input, and a description of output.

Effect of two non-synonymous ecto-5'-nucleotidase variants on the genetic architecture of inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) and its degradation products in Japanese Black beef.

PubMed

Uemoto, Yoshinobu; Ohtake, Tsuyoshi; Sasago, Nanae; Takeda, Masayuki; Abe, Tsuyoshi; Sakuma, Hironori; Kojima, Takatoshi; Sasaki, Shinji

2017-11-13

Umami is a Japanese term for the fifth basic taste and is an important sensory property of beef palatability. Inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) contributes to umami taste in beef. Thus, the overall change in concentration of IMP and its degradation products can potentially affect the beef palatability. In this study, we investigated the genetic architecture of IMP and its degradation products in Japanese Black beef. First, we performed genome-wide association study (GWAS), candidate gene analysis, and functional analysis to detect the causal variants that affect IMP, inosine, and hypoxanthine. Second, we evaluated the allele frequencies in the different breeds, the contribution of genetic variance, and the effect on other economical traits using the detected variants. A total of 574 Japanese Black cattle were genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip and were then used for GWAS. The results of GWAS showed that the genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on BTA9 were detected for IMP, inosine, and hypoxanthine. The ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E) gene, which encodes the enzyme NT5E for the extracellular degradation of IMP to inosine, was located near the significant region on BTA9. The results of candidate gene analysis and functional analysis showed that two non-synonymous SNPs (c.1318C > T and c.1475 T > A) in NT5E affected the amount of IMP and its degradation products in beef by regulating the enzymatic activity of NT5E. The Q haplotype showed a positive effect on IMP and a negative effect on the enzymatic activity of NT5E in IMP degradation. The two SNPs were under perfect linkage disequilibrium in five different breeds, and different haplotype frequencies were seen among breeds. The two SNPs contribute to about half of the total genetic variance in IMP, and the results of genetic relationship between IMP and its degradation products showed that NT5E affected the overall concentration balance of IMP and its degradation products. In addition, the SNPs in NT5E did not have an unfavorable effect on the other economical traits. Based on all the above findings taken together, two non-synonymous SNPs in NT5E would be useful for improving IMP and its degradation products by marker-assisted selection in Japanese Black cattle.

PAL-XFEL cavity beam position monitor pick-up design and beam test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sojeong; Park, Young Jung; Kim, Changbum; Kim, Seung Hwan; Shin, Dong Cheol; Han, Jang-Hui; Ko, In Soo

2016-08-01

As an X-ray Free Electron Laser, PAL-XFEL is about to start beam commissioning. X-band cavity beam position monitor (BPM) is used in the PAL-XFEL undulator beam line. Prototypes of cavity BPM pick-up were designed and fabricated to test the RF characteristics. Also, the beam test of a cavity BPM pick-up was done in the Injector Test Facility (ITF). In the beam test, the raw signal properties of the cavity BPM pick-up were measured at a 200 pC bunch charge. According to the RF test and beam test results, the prototype cavity BPM pick-up design was confirmed to meet the requirements of the PAL-XFEL cavity BPM system.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy using a self-seeded soft X-ray free-electron laser

DOE PAGES

Kroll, Thomas; Kern, Jan; Kubin, Markus; ...

2016-09-19

X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) enable unprecedented new ways to study the electronic structure and dynamics of transition metal systems. L-edge absorption spectroscopy is a powerful technique for such studies and the feasibility of this method at XFELs for solutions and solids has been demonstrated. But, the required x-ray bandwidth is an order of magnitude narrower than that of self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE), and additional monochromatization is needed. We compare L-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of a prototypical transition metal system based on monochromatizing the SASE radiation of the linac coherent light source (LCLS) with a new technique based onmore » self-seeding of LCLS. We demonstrate how L-edge XAS can be performed using the self-seeding scheme without the need of an additional beam line monochromator. Lastly, we show how the spectral shape and pulse energy depend on the undulator setup and how this affects the x-ray spectroscopy measurements.« less

European X-Ray Free Electron Laser (EXFEL): local implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romaniuk, Ryszard S.

2013-10-01

European X-Ray FEL - free electron laser is under construction in DESY Hamburg. It is scheduled to be operational at 2015/16 at a cost more than 1 billion Euro. The laser uses SASE method to generate x-ray light. It is propelled by an electron linac of 17,5GeV energy and more than 2km in length. The linac uses superconducting SRF TESLA technology working at 1,3 GHz in frequency. The prototype of EXFEL is FLASH Laser (200 m in length), where the "proof of principle" was checked, and from the technologies were transferred to the bigger machine. The project was stared in the nineties by building a TTF Laboratory -Tesla Test Facility. The EXFEL laser is a child of a much bigger teraelectronovolt collider project TESLA (now abandoned in Germany but undertaken by international community in a form the ILC). A number of experts and young researchers from Poland participate in the design, construction and research of the FLASH and EXFEL lasers.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy using a self-seeded soft X-ray free-electron laser

PubMed Central

Kroll, Thomas; Kern, Jan; Kubin, Markus; Ratner, Daniel; Gul, Sheraz; Fuller, Franklin D.; Löchel, Heike; Krzywinski, Jacek; Lutman, Alberto; Ding, Yuantao; Dakovski, Georgi L.; Moeller, Stefan; Turner, Joshua J.; Alonso-Mori, Roberto; Nordlund, Dennis L.; Rehanek, Jens; Weniger, Christian; Firsov, Alexander; Brzhezinskaya, Maria; Chatterjee, Ruchira; Lassalle-Kaiser, Benedikt; Sierra, Raymond G.; Laksmono, Hartawan; Hill, Ethan; Borovik, Andrew; Erko, Alexei; Föhlisch, Alexander; Mitzner, Rolf; Yachandra, Vittal K.; Yano, Junko; Wernet, Philippe; Bergmann, Uwe

2016-01-01

X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) enable unprecedented new ways to study the electronic structure and dynamics of transition metal systems. L-edge absorption spectroscopy is a powerful technique for such studies and the feasibility of this method at XFELs for solutions and solids has been demonstrated. However, the required x-ray bandwidth is an order of magnitude narrower than that of self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE), and additional monochromatization is needed. Here we compare L-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of a prototypical transition metal system based on monochromatizing the SASE radiation of the linac coherent light source (LCLS) with a new technique based on self-seeding of LCLS. We demonstrate how L-edge XAS can be performed using the self-seeding scheme without the need of an additional beam line monochromator. We show how the spectral shape and pulse energy depend on the undulator setup and how this affects the x-ray spectroscopy measurements. PMID:27828320

An Alternative Thiol-Reactive Dye to Analyze Ligand Interactions with the Chemokine Receptor CXCR2 Using a New Thermal Shift Assay Format.

PubMed

Bergsdorf, Christian; Fiez-Vandal, Cédric; Sykes, David A; Bernet, Pascal; Aussenac, Sonia; Charlton, Steven J; Schopfer, Ulrich; Ottl, Johannes; Duckely, Myriam

2016-03-01

Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) play an important role in many cellular events and are involved in numerous pathological processes. Therefore, understanding the structure and function of IMPs is a crucial prerequisite to enable successful targeting of these proteins with low molecular weight (LMW) ligands early on in the discovery process. To optimize IMP purification/crystallization and to identify/characterize LMW ligand-target interactions, robust, reliable, high-throughput, and sensitive biophysical methods are needed. Here, we describe a differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) screening method using the thiol-reactive BODIPY FL-cystine dye to monitor thermal unfolding of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), CXCR2. To validate this method, the seven-transmembrane protein CXCR2 was analyzed with a set of well-characterized antagonists. This study showed that the new DSF assay assessed reliably the stability of CXCR2 in a 384-well format. The analysis of 14 ligands with a potency range over 4 log units demonstrated the detection/characterization of LMW ligands binding to the membrane protein target. Furthermore, DSF results cross-validated with the label-free differential static light scattering (DSLS) thermal denaturation method. These results underline the potential of the BODIPY assay format as a general tool to investigate membrane proteins and their interaction partners. © 2015 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

An Eimeria vaccine candidate based on Eimeria tenella immune mapped protein 1 and the TLR-5 agonist Salmonella typhimurium FliC flagellin

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

Yin, Guangwen; Qin, Mei; Liu, Xianyong

Highlights: •We found a new protective protein – (IMPI) in Eimeria tenella. •EtIMP1-flagellin fusion protein is an effective immunogen against Eimeria infection. •Flagellin can be as an apicomplexan parasite vaccine adjuvant in chickens. -- Abstract: Immune mapped protein-1 (IMP1) is a new protective protein in apicomplexan parasites, and exits in Eimeria tenella. But its structure and immunogenicity in E. tenella are still unknown. In this study, IMPI in E. tenella was predicted to be a membrane protein. To evaluate immunogenicity of IMPI in E. tenella, a chimeric subunit vaccine consisting of E. tenella IMP1 (EtIMP1) and a molecular adjuvant (amore » truncated flagellin, FliC) was constructed and over-expressed in Escherichia coli and its efficacy against E. tenella infection was evaluated. Three-week-old AA broiler chickens were vaccinated with the recombinant EtIMP1-truncated FliC without adjuvant or EtIMP1 with Freund’s Complete Adjuvant. Immunization of chickens with the recombinant EtIMP1-truncated FliC fusion protein resulted in stronger cellular immune responses than immunization with only recombinant EtIMP1 with adjuvant. The clinical effect of the EtIMP1-truncated FliC without adjuvant was also greater than that of the EtIMP1 with adjuvant, which was evidenced by the differences between the two groups in body weight gain, oocyst output and caecal lesions of E. tenella-challenged chickens. The results suggested that the EtIMP1-flagellin fusion protein can be used as an effective immunogen in the development of subunit vaccines against Eimeria infection. This is the first demonstration of antigen-specific protective immunity against avian coccidiosis using a recombinant flagellin as an apicomplexan parasite vaccine adjuvant in chickens.« less

Activating PXR by Imperatorin Attenuates Dextran Sulphate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice.

PubMed

Liu, Meijing; Zhang, Guohui; Zheng, Chunge; Song, Meng; Liu, Fangle; Huang, Xiaotao; Bai, Shasha; Huang, Xinan; Lin, Chaozhan; Zhu, Chenchen; Hu, Yingjie; Mi, Suiqing; Liu, Changhui

2018-06-26

The activation of human pregnane X receptor (PXR) has potential therapeutic uses for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Imperatorin (IMP), a naturally-occurring coumarin, is the main bioactive ingredient of Angelica dahurica Radix, which is regularly used to treat the common cold and intestinal disorders. However, there are no data on the protective effects of IMP against IBD. The effects of IMP on PXR-modulated cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) expression were assessed using a PXR transactivation assay, a mammalian two-hybrid assay, a competitive ligand-binding assay, analysis of CYP3A4 mRNA and protein expression levels, and measurement of CYP3A4 activity using a cell-based reporter gene assay and in vitro model. The inhibitory effects of IMP on NF-κB activity was evaluated by a reporter assay and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. The anti-IBD effects of IMP were investigated in a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Colon inflammatory cytokines were assessed by ELISA. IMP activated CYP3A4 promoter activity, recruited steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1) to the ligand-binding domain of PXR, and increased the expression and activity of CYP3A4. However, PXR knockdown substantially reduced PXR-mediated CYP3A4 expression. Furthermore, IMP-mediated PXR activation suppressed NF-κB nuclear translocation and downregulated lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory gene expression. Nevertheless, PXR knockdown partially reduced the IMP-mediated inhibition of NF-κB. IMP ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by PXR/NF-κB signalling. IMP serves as a PXR agonist to attenuate DSS-induced colitis by the suppression of the NF-κB-mediated proinflammatory response in a PXR/NF-κB- dependent manner. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Oligomerization of uridine phosphorimidazolides on montmorillonite: a model for the prebiotic synthesis of RNA on minerals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ding, P. Z.; Kawamura, K.; Ferris, J. P.

1996-01-01

The 5'-phosphorimidazolide of uridine reacts on Na(+)-montmorillonite 22A in aqueous solution to give oligomers as long as 7 mers. The maximum chain length increases to 9 mers and the overall oligomer yield increases when 9:1 ImpU, A5' ppA mixtures react under the same conditions. The oligomer yield and maximum chain length decreases with the structure of the added pyrophosphate in the order A5' ppA > A5' ppU > U5' ppU. Structure analysis of individual oligomer fractions was performed by selective enzymatic hydrolyses followed by HPLC analysis of the products. The regioselectivity for 3',5'-bond formation is 80-90% in the 9:1 ImpU, A5' ppA reaction, a percentage comparable to that observed in the 9:1 ImpA, A5' ppA reaction. Oligomerization of ImpU is inhibited by addition of dA5' ppdA, and MeppA. No oligomers containing A5' ppU were products of the 9:1 ImpU,A5' ppA reaction, a finding consistent with the simple addition of the ImpU to the A5' ppA and not the rearrangement of an ImpU-A5' ppA adduct. Concentrations of lysine or arginine which were close to that of the ImpU did not inhibit oligomer formation. Treatment of Na(+)-montmorillonite with 1 M arginine yielded arginine-montmorillonite, an amino acid-mineral adduct which did not catalyze ImpU oligomerization. Neither the 4-9 mers formed in the 9:1 ImpU, A5' ppA reaction nor the 4-9 mers formed by the base hydrolysis of poly(U) served as templates for the formation of oligo(A)s.

A rare gas optics-free absolute photon flux and energy analyzer to provide absolute photoionization rates of inflowing interstellar neutrals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Judge, Darrell L.

1994-01-01

A prototype spectrometer has been developed for space applications requiring long term absolute EUV photon flux measurements. The energy spectrum of the incoming photons is transformed directly into an electron energy spectrum by taking advantage of the photoelectric effect in one of several rare gases at low pressures. Using an electron energy spectrometer, followed by an electron multiplier detector, pulses due to individual electrons are counted. The overall efficiency of this process can be made essentially independent of gain drifts in the signal path, and the secular degradation of optical components which is often a problem in other techniques is avoided. A very important feature of this approach is its freedom from the problem of overlapping spectral orders that plagues grating EUV spectrometers. An instrument with these features has not been flown before, but is essential to further advances in our understanding of solar EUV flux dynamics, and the coupled dynamics of terrestrial and planetary atmospheres. The detailed characteristics of this optics-free spectrometer are presented in the publications section.

A rare gas optics-free absolute photon flux and energy analyzer for solar and planetary observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Judge, Darrell L.

1994-01-01

We have developed a prototype spectrometer for space applications requiring long term absolute EUV photon flux measurements. In this recently developed spectrometer, the energy spectrum of the incoming photons is transformed directly into an electron energy spectrum by taking advantage of the photoelectric effect in one of several rare gases at low pressures. Using an electron energy spectrometer, followed by an electron multiplier detector, pulses due to individual electrons are counted. The overall efficiency of this process can be made essentially independent of gain drifts in the signal path, and the secular degradation of optical components which is often a problem in other techniques is avoided. A very important feature of this approach is its freedom from the problem of overlapping spectral orders that plagues grating EUV spectrometers. An instrument with these features has not been flown before, but is essential to further advances in our understanding of solar EUV flux dynamics, and the coupled dynamics of terrestrial and planetary atmospheres. The detailed characteristics of this optics-free spectrometer are presented in the publications section.

Single-site properties of U impurities doped in La2Zn17 (abstract)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, H.; Anzai, K.; Takagi, S.

1997-04-01

Thermodynamic and transport properties of heavy Fermion (HF) U compounds show similar behavior to HF Ce compounds. Although most of the magnetic properties of HF Ce compounds can be qualitatively understood on the basis of the impurity Kondo model, no such consensus for HF U compounds has been reached. In addition to this, the single-site properties of U impurities are not understood so well, in contrast to the case of Ce impurities. Recent works for dilute U systems reported new features as are not seen in dilute Ce systems. We have investigated a dilute-U2Zn17 system of (La1-zUz)2Zn17 in order to reveal the single U ion site properties of this system by preparing single crystals. The impurity contributions to various physical quantities such as ρimp(T), χimp(T), and Cimp(T) can be scaled by the U concentration between z=0.025 and 0.05, and the system is considered as in the dilute limit still for z=0.05. The electrical resistivity shows the typical impurity-Kondo upturn at low temperatures. The electronic specific-heat coefficient is strongly enhanced (γimp≈1.5 J/K2 mole U) and about 4 times as large as that for dense U2Zn17. Suppressions of the Kondo effect by the magnetic field are seen in γimp(H) and magnetoresistance. The relatively large anisotropy in χimp(T) indicates an existence of the crystal field. These features of this system will be explained in terms of the Kondo effect in the presence of the crystal field.

An Experimental Design Approach for Impurity Profiling of Valacyclovir-Related Products by RP-HPLC

PubMed Central

Katakam, Prakash; Dey, Baishakhi; Hwisa, Nagiat T; Assaleh, Fathi H; Chandu, Babu R; Singla, Rajeev K; Mitra, Analava

2014-01-01

Abstract Impurity profiling has become an important phase of pharmaceutical research where both spectroscopic and chromatographic methods find applications. The analytical methodology needs to be very sensitive, specific, and precise which will separate and determine the impurity of interest at the 0.1% level. Current research reports a validated RP-HPLC method to detect and separate valacyclovir-related impurities (Imp-E and Imp-G) using the Box-Behnken design approach of response surface methodology. A gradient mobile phase (buffer: acetonitrile as mobile phase A and acetonitrile: methanol as mobile phase B) was used. Linearity was found in the concentration range of 50–150 μg/mL. The mean recovery of impurities was 99.9% and 103.2%, respectively. The %RSD for the peak areas of Imp-E and Imp-G were 0.9 and 0.1, respectively. No blank interferences at the retention times of the impurities suggest the specificity of the method. The LOD values were 0.0024 μg/mL for Imp-E and 0.04 μg/mL for Imp-G and the LOQ values were obtained as 0.0082 μg/mL and 0.136 μg/mL, respectively, for the impurities. The S/N ratios in both cases were within the specification limits. Proper peak shapes and satisfactory resolution with good retention times suggested the suitability of the method for impurity profiling of valacyclovir-related drug substances. PMID:25853072

Characteristics and management of Enterobacteriaceae harboring IMP-4 or IMP-8 carbapenemase in a tertiary hospital.

PubMed

Pang, Feng; Jia, Xiu-Qin; Song, Zhen-Zhu; Li, Yan-Hua; Wang, Bin; Zhao, Qi-Gang; Wang, Chuan-Xin; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Le-Xin

2016-03-01

The emergence of Enterobacteriaceae harboring IMP-4 or IMP-8 carbapenemases is rare. We report an occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae harboring IMP-4 or IMP-8 carbapenemases in a Chinese tertiary care hospital from November 2010 to December 2012. The clinical characteristics of 30 patients were described. The genetic relationship of isolates was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Carbapenemases were detected by modified Hodge test (MHT) and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Amplicons were sequenced and blasted to determine the genotype. Most infected patients were from intensive care unit and had complex and serious underlying illnesses requiring mechanical ventilation. PFGE revealed that Klebsiella pneumoniae showed two major PFGE types. Two Klebsiella oxytoca had an indistinguishable PFGE pattern, while four Enterobacter cloacae were different strains. The sequencing studies showed Enterobacteriaceae harboring IMP-4 or IMP-8 carbapenemase in the 23 infected patients. The majority of patients had infections with the carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) strain, most were successfully treated with a range of antibiotics and discharged. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion to screen for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae strains. Rapid identification of these strains and implementation of stringent procedures are the key to prevent major outbreaks in a hospital setting.

Atomistic three-dimensional coherent x-ray imaging of nonbiological systems

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

Ho, Phay J.; Knight, Chris; Tegze, Miklos

We computationally study the resolution limits for three-dimensional coherent x-ray diffractive imaging of heavy, nonbiological systems using Ar clusters as a prototype. We treat electronic and nuclear dynamics on an equal footing and remove the frozen-lattice approximation often used in electronic damage studies. We explore the achievable resolution as a function of pulse parameters (fluence level, pulse duration, and photon energy) and particle size. The contribution of combined lattice and electron dynamics is not negligible even for 2 fs pulses, and the Compton scattering is less deleterious than in biological systems for atomic-scale imaging. Although free-electron scattering represents a significantmore » background, we find that recovery of the original structure is in principle possible with 3 angstrom resolution for particles of 11 nm diameter.« less

Atomistic three-dimensional coherent x-ray imaging of nonbiological systems

DOE PAGES

Ho, Phay J.; Knight, Chris; Tegze, Miklos; ...

2016-12-12

We computationally study the resolution limits for three-dimensional coherent x-ray diffractive imaging of heavy, nonbiological systems using Ar clusters as a prototype. We treat electronic and nuclear dynamics on an equal footing and remove the frozen-lattice approximation often used in electronic damage studies. We explore the achievable resolution as a function of pulse parameters (fluence level, pulse duration, and photon energy) and particle size. The contribution of combined lattice and electron dynamics is not negligible even for 2 fs pulses, and the Compton scattering is less deleterious than in biological systems for atomic-scale imaging. Although free-electron scattering represents a significantmore » background, we find that recovery of the original structure is in principle possible with 3 angstrom resolution for particles of 11 nm diameter.« less

Hyper-dependence of breast cancer cell types on the nuclear transporter Importin β1.

PubMed

Kuusisto, Henna V; Jans, David A

2015-08-01

We previously reported that overexpression of members of the Importin (Imp) superfamily of nuclear transporters results in increased nuclear trafficking through conventional transport pathways in tumour cells. Here we show for the first time that the extent of overexpression of Impβ1 correlates with disease state in the MCF10 human breast tumour progression system. Excitingly, we find that targeting Impβ1 activity through siRNA is >30 times more efficient in decreasing the viability of malignant ductal carcinoma cells compared to isogenic non-transformed counterparts, and is highly potent and tumour selective at subnanomolar concentrations. Tumour cell selectivity of the siRNA effects was unique to Impβ1 and not other Imps, with flow cytometric analysis showing >60% increased cell death compared to controls concomitant with reduced nuclear import efficiency as indicated by confocal microscopic analysis. This hypersensitivity of malignant cell types to Impβ1 knockdown raises the exciting possibility of anti-cancer therapies targeted at Impβ1. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Imipenem Treatment Induces Expression of Important Genes and Phenotypes in a Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolate.

PubMed

Dhabaan, Ghulam Nasser; AbuBakar, Sazaly; Cerqueira, Gustavo Maia; Al-Haroni, Mohammed; Pang, Sui Ping; Hassan, Hamimah

2015-12-14

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a notorious multidrug-resistant pathogen, and development of novel control measures is of the utmost importance. Understanding the factors that play a role in drug resistance may contribute to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Pili are essential for A. baumannii adherence to and biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces as well as virulence. In the present study, we found that biofilm formation was significantly induced in an imipenem-resistant (Imp(r)) strain treated with a subinhibitory concentration of antibiotic compared to that in an untreated control and an imipenem-susceptible (Imp(s)) isolate. Using microarray and quantitative PCR analyses, we observed that several genes responsible for the synthesis of type IV pili were significantly upregulated in the Imp(r) but not in the Imp(s) isolate. Notably, this finding is corroborated by an increase in the motility of the Imp(r) strain. Our results suggest that the ability to overproduce colonization factors in response to imipenem treatment confers biological advantage to A. baumannii and may contribute to clinical success. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

IMP3 Expression in Borderline Tumors of the Ovary.

PubMed

El-Balat, Ahmed; Sänger, Nicole; Karn, Thomas; Becker, Sven; Holtrich, Uwe; Muallem, Zelal; Arsenic, Ruza

2017-02-01

Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) have a less aggressive behavior than invasive epithelial ovarian tumors. Still some patients relapse or succumb to disease. Molecular markers that reliably predict prognosis are lacking. Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein (IMP3) has been suggested as a prognostic marker in colorectal, hepatocellular, and ovarian clear-cell carcinomas. We analyzed the expression of IMP3 by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 140 BOT and its association with histopathological features. We found no association of IMP3 expression with patients' age, FIGO stage, microinvasion, and presence of implants. In contrast, IMP3 expression correlated to mucinous subtype of BOTs (42.2% vs. 9.5% among other subtypes) (p<0.001). IMP3 expression was found to be associated with the presence of in situ carcinoma in MBOT, but not in other subtypes (p=0.021). Expression of IMP3 in BOT is associated with the mucinous subtype and may serve as an early indicator for the development of malignant features. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Accessible switching of electronic defect type in SrTi O3 via biaxial strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Yen-Ting; Youssef, Mostafa; Sun, Lixin; Van Vliet, Krystyn J.; Yildiz, Bilge

2018-05-01

Elastic strain is used widely to alter the mobility of free electronic carriers in semiconductors, but a predictive relationship between elastic lattice strain and the extent of charge localization of electronic defects is still underdeveloped. Here we considered SrTi O3 , a prototypical perovskite as a model functional oxide for thin film electronic devices and nonvolatile memories. We assessed the effects of biaxial strain on the stability of electronic defects at finite temperature by combining density functional theory (DFT) and quasiharmonic approximation (QHA) calculations. We constructed a predominance diagram for free electrons and small electron polarons in this material, as a function of biaxial strain and temperature. We found that biaxial tensile strain in SrTi O3 can stabilize the small polaron, leading to a thermally activated and slower electronic transport, consistent with prior experimental observations on SrTi O3 and distinct from our prior theoretical assessment of the response of SrTi O3 to hydrostatic stress. These findings also resolved apparent conflicts between prior atomistic simulations and conductivity experiments for biaxially strained SrTi O3 thin films. Our computational approach can be extended to other functional oxides, and for the case of SrTi O3 our findings provide concrete guidance for conditions under which strain engineering can shift the electronic defect type and concentration to modulate electronic transport in thin films.

Mature DIABLO/Smac Is Produced by the IMP Protease Complex on the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane

PubMed Central

Burri, Lena; Strahm, Yvan; Hawkins, Christine J.; Gentle, Ian E.; Puryer, Michelle A.; Verhagen, Anne; Callus, Bernard; Vaux, David; Lithgow, Trevor

2005-01-01

DIABLO/Smac is a mitochondrial protein that can promote apoptosis by promoting the release and activation of caspases. To do so, DIABLO/Smac must first be processed by a mitochondrial protease and then released into the cytosol, and we show this in an intact cellular system. We propose that the precursor form of DIABLO/Smac enters the mitochondria through a stop-transfer pathway and is processed to its active form by the inner membrane peptidase (IMP) complex. Catalytic subunits of the mammalian IMP complex were identified based on sequence conservation and functional complementation, and the novel sequence motif RX5P in Imp1 and NX5S in Imp2 distinguish the two catalytic subunits. DIABLO/Smac is one of only a few specific proteins identified as substrates for the IMP complex in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. PMID:15814844

The development of a room temperature electron cyclotron resonance ion source (Lanzhou electron cyclotron resonance ion source No. 4) with evaporative cooling technology at Institute of Modern Physics

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

Lu, W., E-mail: luwang@impcas.ac.cn; Sun, L. T.; Qian, C.

2015-04-15

LECR4 (Lanzhou electron cyclotron resonance ion source No. 4) has been successfully constructed at IMP and has also been connected with the Low Energy Beam Transport (LEBT) and Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) systems. These source magnet coils are cooled through evaporative cooling technology, which is the first attempt with an ECR ion source in the world. The maximum mirror field is 2.5 T (with iron plug) and the effective plasma chamber volume is 1.2 l. It was designed to be operated at 18 GHz and aimed to produce intense multiple charge state heavy ion beams for the linear injector projectmore » SSC-Linac at IMP. In February 2014, the first analyzed beam at 18 GHz was extracted. During about three months’ commissioning, some outstanding results have been achieved, such as 1.97 emA of O{sup 6+}, 1.7 emA of Ar{sup 8+}, 1.07 emA of Ar{sup 9+}, and 118 euA of Bi{sup 28+}. The source has also successfully delivered O{sup 5+} and Ar{sup 8+} ion beams for RFQ commissioning in April 2014. This paper will give a brief overview of the design of LECR4. Then, the latest results of this source at 18 GHz will be presented.« less

Simple and exact approach to the electronic polarization effect on the solvation free energy: formulation for quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical system and its applications to aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hideaki; Omi, Atsushi; Morita, Akihiro; Matubayasi, Nobuyuki

2012-06-07

We present a simple and exact numerical approach to compute the free energy contribution δμ in solvation due to the electron density polarization and fluctuation of a quantum-mechanical solute in the quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) simulation combined with the theory of the energy representation (QM/MM-ER). Since the electron density fluctuation is responsible for the many-body QM-MM interactions, the standard version of the energy representation method cannot be applied directly. Instead of decomposing the QM-MM polarization energy into the pairwise additive and non-additive contributions, we take sum of the polarization energies in the QM-MM interaction and adopt it as a new energy coordinate for the method of energy representation. Then, it is demonstrated that the free energy δμ can be exactly formulated in terms of the energy distribution functions for the solution and reference systems with respect to this energy coordinate. The benchmark tests were performed to examine the numerical efficiency of the method with respect to the changes in the individual properties of the solvent and the solute. Explicitly, we computed the solvation free energy of a QM water molecule in ambient and supercritical water, and also the free-energy change associated with the isomerization reaction of glycine from neutral to zwitterionic structure in aqueous solution. In all the systems examined, it was demonstrated that the computed free energy δμ agrees with the experimental value, irrespective of the choice of the reference electron density of the QM solute. The present method was also applied to a prototype reaction of adenosine 5'-triphosphate hydrolysis where the effect of the electron density fluctuation is substantial due to the excess charge. It was demonstrated that the experimental free energy of the reaction has been accurately reproduced with the present approach.

Optical Absorption in Degenerately Doped Semiconductors: Mott Transition or Mahan Excitons?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schleife, André; Rödl, Claudia; Fuchs, Frank; Hannewald, Karsten; Bechstedt, Friedhelm

2011-12-01

Electron doping turns semiconductors conductive even when they have wide fundamental band gaps. The degenerate electron gas in the lowest conduction-band states, e.g., of a transparent conducting oxide, drastically modifies the Coulomb interaction between the electrons and, hence, the optical properties close to the absorption edge. We describe these effects by developing an ab initio technique which captures also the Pauli blocking and the Fermi-edge singularity at the optical-absorption onset, that occur in addition to quasiparticle and excitonic effects. We answer the question whether free carriers induce an excitonic Mott transition or trigger the evolution of Wannier-Mott excitons into Mahan excitons. The prototypical n-type zinc oxide is studied as an example.

Free-electron gas at charged domain walls in insulating BaTiO3

PubMed Central

Sluka, Tomas; Tagantsev, Alexander K.; Bednyakov, Petr; Setter, Nava

2013-01-01

Hetero interfaces between metal-oxides display pronounced phenomena such as semiconductor-metal transitions, magnetoresistance, the quantum hall effect and superconductivity. Similar effects at compositionally homogeneous interfaces including ferroic domain walls are expected. Unlike hetero interfaces, domain walls can be created, displaced, annihilated and recreated inside a functioning device. Theory predicts the existence of 'strongly' charged domain walls that break polarization continuity, but are stable and conduct steadily through a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas. Here we show this phenomenon experimentally in charged domain walls of the prototypical ferroelectric BaTiO3. Their steady metallic-type conductivity, 109 times that of the parent matrix, evidence the presence of stable degenerate electron gas, thus adding mobility to functional interfaces. PMID:23651996

Light Harvesting for Organic Photovoltaics

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The field of organic photovoltaics has developed rapidly over the last 2 decades, and small solar cells with power conversion efficiencies of 13% have been demonstrated. Light absorbed in the organic layers forms tightly bound excitons that are split into free electrons and holes using heterojunctions of electron donor and acceptor materials, which are then extracted at electrodes to give useful electrical power. This review gives a concise description of the fundamental processes in photovoltaic devices, with the main emphasis on the characterization of energy transfer and its role in dictating device architecture, including multilayer planar heterojunctions, and on the factors that impact free carrier generation from dissociated excitons. We briefly discuss harvesting of triplet excitons, which now attracts substantial interest when used in conjunction with singlet fission. Finally, we introduce the techniques used by researchers for characterization and engineering of bulk heterojunctions to realize large photocurrents, and examine the formed morphology in three prototypical blends. PMID:27951633

Estimation and harvesting of human heat power for wearable electronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dziurdzia, P.; Brzozowski, I.; Bratek, P.; Gelmuda, W.; Kos, A.

2016-01-01

The paper deals with the issue of self-powered wearable electronic devices that are capable of harvesting free available energy dissipated by the user in the form of human heat. The free energy source is intended to be used as a secondary power source supporting primary battery in a sensor bracelet. The main scope of the article is a presentation of the concept for a measuring setup used to quantitative estimation of heat power sources in different locations over the human body area. The crucial role in the measurements of the human heat plays a thermoelectric module working in the open circuit mode. The results obtained during practical tests are confronted with the requirements of the dedicated thermoelectric generator. A prototype design of a human warmth energy harvester with an ultra-low power DC-DC converter based on the LTC3108 circuit is analysed.

Time-dependent broken-symmetry density functional theory simulation of the optical response of entangled paramagnetic defects: Color centers in lithium fluoride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janesko, Benjamin G.

2018-02-01

Parameter-free atomistic simulations of entangled solid-state paramagnetic defects may aid in the rational design of devices for quantum information science. This work applies time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) embedded-cluster simulations to a prototype entangled-defect system, namely two adjacent singlet-coupled F color centers in lithium fluoride. TDDFT calculations accurately reproduce the experimental visible absorption of both isolated and coupled F centers. The most accurate results are obtained by combining spin symmetry breaking to simulate strong correlation, a large fraction of exact (Hartree-Fock-like) exchange to minimize the defect electrons' self-interaction error, and a standard semilocal approximation for dynamical correlations between the defect electrons and the surrounding ionic lattice. These results motivate application of two-reference correlated ab initio approximations to the M-center, and application of TDDFT in parameter-free simulations of more complex entangled paramagnetic defect architectures.

Piperacillin-tazobactam vs. imipenem-cilastatin as empirical therapy in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients with febrile neutropenia.

PubMed

Jing, Yu; Li, Jian; Yuan, Lei; Zhao, Xiaoli; Wang, Quanshun; Yu, Li; Zhou, Daobin; Huang, Wenrong

2016-03-01

This randomized, dual-center study compared the efficacy and safety of piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) and imipenem-cilastatin (IMP) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients with febrile neutropenia. HSCT recipients with febrile neutropenia were randomized into two groups receiving either PTZ or IMP as initial empiric antibiotic. Endpoints were defervescence rate after empiric antibiotic for 48 h, success at end of therapy, and side effects. Defervescence within 48 h after empiric antibiotic was observed in 46 patients with PTZ (75.4%) and 59 patients with IMP (95.2%) (p = 0.002). Ten patients (10/46) in the PTZ group and two patients (2/59) in the IMP group switched empiric antibiotics due to recurrent fever (p = 0.005). Success of initial antibiotic with modification was achieved in 34 patients with PTZ (55.7%) and 53 patients with IMP (85.5%) at the end of therapy (p = 0.001). To treat the bacteremia, seven of 10 patients in the PTZ group and one of eight patients in the IMP group needed to switch the empiric antibiotic (p = 0.025). Compared with PTZ, IMP had more gastrointestinal adverse events (p = 0.045). This study demonstrates that IMP had better efficacy than PTZ as an empiric antibiotic for febrile neutropenia in the HSCT setting, but with more gastrointestinal side reactions. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Local requirement of the Drosophila insulin binding protein imp-L2 in coordinating developmental progression with nutritional conditions.

PubMed

Sarraf-Zadeh, Ladan; Christen, Stefan; Sauer, Uwe; Cognigni, Paola; Miguel-Aliaga, Irene; Stocker, Hugo; Köhler, Katja; Hafen, Ernst

2013-09-01

In Drosophila, growth takes place during the larval stages until the formation of the pupa. Starvation delays pupariation to allow prolonged feeding, ensuring that the animal reaches an appropriate size to form a fertile adult. Pupariation is induced by a peak of the steroid hormone ecdysone produced by the prothoracic gland (PG) after larvae have reached a certain body mass. Local downregulation of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) activity in the PG interferes with ecdysone production, indicating that IIS activity in the PG couples the nutritional state to development. However, the underlying mechanism is not well understood. In this study we show that the secreted Imaginal morphogenesis protein-Late 2 (Imp-L2), a growth inhibitor in Drosophila, is involved in this process. Imp-L2 inhibits the activity of the Drosophila insulin-like peptides by direct binding and is expressed by specific cells in the brain, the ring gland, the gut and the fat body. We demonstrate that Imp-L2 is required to regulate and adapt developmental timing to nutritional conditions by regulating IIS activity in the PG. Increasing Imp-L2 expression at its endogenous sites using an Imp-L2-Gal4 driver delays pupariation, while Imp-L2 mutants exhibit a slight acceleration of development. These effects are strongly enhanced by starvation and are accompanied by massive alterations of ecdysone production resulting most likely from increased Imp-L2 production by neurons directly contacting the PG and not from elevated Imp-L2 levels in the hemolymph. Taken together our results suggest that Imp-L2-expressing neurons sense the nutritional state of Drosophila larvae and coordinate dietary information and ecdysone production to adjust developmental timing under starvation conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

cIMP synthesized by sGC as a mediator of hypoxic contraction of coronary arteries.

PubMed

Chen, Zhengju; Zhang, Xu; Ying, Lei; Dou, Dou; Li, Yanhui; Bai, Yun; Liu, Juan; Liu, Limei; Feng, Han; Yu, Xiaoxing; Leung, Susan Wai-Sum; Vanhoutte, Paul M; Gao, Yuansheng

2014-08-01

cGMP is considered the only mediator synthesized by soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in response to nitric oxide (NO). However, purified sGC can synthesize several other cyclic nucleotides, including inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cIMP). The present study was designed to determine the role of cIMP in hypoxic contractions of isolated porcine coronary arteries. Vascular responses were examined by measuring isometric tension. Cyclic nucleotides were assayed by HPLC tandem mass spectroscopy. Rho kinase (ROCK) activity was determined by measuring the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 using Western blot analysis and an ELISA kit. The level of cIMP, but not that of cGMP, was elevated by hypoxia in arteries with, but not in those without, endothelium [except if treated with diethylenetriamine (DETA) NONOate]; the increases in cIMP were inhibited by the sGC inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Hypoxia (Po2: 25-30 mmHg) augmented contractions of arteries with and without endothelium if treated with DETA NONOate; these hypoxic contractions were blocked by ODQ. In arteries without endothelium, hypoxic augmentation of contraction was also obtained with exogenous cIMP. In arteries with endothelium, hypoxic augmentation of contraction was further enhanced by inosine 5'-triphosphate, the precursor for cIMP. The augmentation of contraction caused by hypoxia or cIMP was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 at Thr(853), which was prevented by the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632. ROCK activity in the supernatant of isolated arteries was stimulated by cIMP in a concentration-dependent fashion. These results demonstrate that cIMP synthesized by sGC is the likely mediator of hypoxic augmentation of coronary vasoconstriction, in part by activating ROCK. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Imp and Syp RNA-binding proteins govern decommissioning of Drosophila neural stem cells

PubMed Central

Yang, Ching-Po; Samuels, Tamsin J.; Huang, Yaling; Yang, Lu; Ish-Horowicz, David; Davis, Ilan

2017-01-01

The termination of the proliferation of Drosophila neural stem cells, also known as neuroblasts (NBs), requires a ‘decommissioning’ phase that is controlled in a lineage-specific manner. Most NBs, with the exception of those of the mushroom body (MB), are decommissioned by the ecdysone receptor and mediator complex, causing them to shrink during metamorphosis, followed by nuclear accumulation of Prospero and cell cycle exit. Here, we demonstrate that the levels of Imp and Syp RNA-binding proteins regulate NB decommissioning. Descending Imp and ascending Syp expression have been shown to regulate neuronal temporal fate. We show that Imp levels decline slower in the MB than in other central brain NBs. MB NBs continue to express Imp into pupation, and the presence of Imp prevents decommissioning partly by inhibiting the mediator complex. Late-larval induction of transgenic Imp prevents many non-MB NBs from decommissioning in early pupae. Moreover, the presence of abundant Syp in aged NBs permits Prospero accumulation that, in turn, promotes cell cycle exit. Together, our results reveal that progeny temporal fate and progenitor decommissioning are co-regulated in protracted neuronal lineages. PMID:28851709

IMP-27, a Unique Metallo-β-Lactamase Identified in Geographically Distinct Isolates of Proteus mirabilis.

PubMed

Dixon, Nyssa; Fowler, Randal C; Yoshizumi, A; Horiyama, Tsukasa; Ishii, Y; Harrison, Lucas; Geyer, Chelsie N; Moland, Ellen Smith; Thomson, Kenneth; Hanson, Nancy D

2016-10-01

A novel metallo-β-lactamase gene, blaIMP-27, was identified in unrelated Proteus mirabilis isolates from two geographically distinct locations in the United States. Both isolates harbor blaIMP-27 as part of the first gene cassette in a class 2 integron. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated susceptibility to aztreonam, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftazidime but resistance to ertapenem. However, hydrolysis assays indicated that ceftazidime was a substrate for IMP-27. Copyright © 2016 Dixon et al.

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

Shirasaka, Y.; Ito, M.; Okuno, T.

Sequential {sup 123}I-N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine (IMP) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed in 2 patients with acute infantile hemiplegia. In both patients, low uptake of IMP was detected in the targeted abnormal hemisphere. The {sup 123}I-IMP-SPECT findings indicative of a pathologic condition persisted even when the clinical findings and electroencephalographic abnormalities improved. Because of its sensitivity, noninvasiveness, and accurate reflection of the cerebral blood flow distribution, {sup 123}I-IMP-SPECT is useful in the examination of acute infantile hemiplegia and in the evaluation of prognosis.

Cell-free synthetic biology for in vitro prototype engineering.

PubMed

Moore, Simon J; MacDonald, James T; Freemont, Paul S

2017-06-15

Cell-free transcription-translation is an expanding field in synthetic biology as a rapid prototyping platform for blueprinting the design of synthetic biological devices. Exemplar efforts include translation of prototype designs into medical test kits for on-site identification of viruses (Zika and Ebola), while gene circuit cascades can be tested, debugged and re-designed within rapid turnover times. Coupled with mathematical modelling, this discipline lends itself towards the precision engineering of new synthetic life. The next stages of cell-free look set to unlock new microbial hosts that remain slow to engineer and unsuited to rapid iterative design cycles. It is hoped that the development of such systems will provide new tools to aid the transition from cell-free prototype designs to functioning synthetic genetic circuits and engineered natural product pathways in living cells. © 2017 The Author(s).

Cell-free synthetic biology for in vitro prototype engineering

PubMed Central

Moore, Simon J.; MacDonald, James T.

2017-01-01

Cell-free transcription–translation is an expanding field in synthetic biology as a rapid prototyping platform for blueprinting the design of synthetic biological devices. Exemplar efforts include translation of prototype designs into medical test kits for on-site identification of viruses (Zika and Ebola), while gene circuit cascades can be tested, debugged and re-designed within rapid turnover times. Coupled with mathematical modelling, this discipline lends itself towards the precision engineering of new synthetic life. The next stages of cell-free look set to unlock new microbial hosts that remain slow to engineer and unsuited to rapid iterative design cycles. It is hoped that the development of such systems will provide new tools to aid the transition from cell-free prototype designs to functioning synthetic genetic circuits and engineered natural product pathways in living cells. PMID:28620040

Elucidating the Role of Residue 67 in IMP-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase Evolution.

PubMed

LaCuran, Alecander E; Pegg, Kevin M; Liu, Eleanor M; Bethel, Christopher R; Ai, Ni; Welsh, William J; Bonomo, Robert A; Oelschlaeger, Peter

2015-12-01

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is ever changing and adapting, as once-novel β-lactam antibiotics are losing their efficacy, primarily due to the production of β-lactamases. Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) efficiently inactivate a broad range of β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, and are often coexpressed with other antibacterial resistance factors. The rapid dissemination of MBLs and lack of novel antibacterials pose an imminent threat to global health. In an effort to better counter these resistance-conferring β-lactamases, an investigation of their natural evolution and resulting substrate specificity was employed. In this study, we elucidated the effects of different amino acid substitutions at position 67 in IMP-type MBLs on the ability to hydrolyze and confer resistance to a range of β-lactam antibiotics. Wild-type β-lactamases IMP-1 and IMP-10 and mutants IMP-1-V67A and IMP-1-V67I were characterized biophysically and biochemically, and MICs for Escherichia coli cells expressing these enzymes were determined. We found that all variants exhibited catalytic efficiencies (kcat/Km) equal to or higher than that of IMP-1 against all tested β-lactams except penicillins, against which IMP-1 and IMP-1-V67I showed the highest kcat/Km values. The substrate-specific effects of the different amino acid substitutions at position 67 are discussed in light of their side chain structures and possible interactions with the substrates. Docking calculations were employed to investigate interactions between different side chains and an inhibitor used as a β-lactam surrogate. The differences in binding affinities determined experimentally and computationally seem to be governed by hydrophobic interactions between residue 67 and the inhibitor and, by inference, the β-lactam substrates. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Characterization of the Eimeria maxima sporozoite surface protein IMP1.

PubMed

Jenkins, M C; Fetterer, R; Miska, K; Tuo, W; Kwok, O; Dubey, J P

2015-07-30

The purpose of this study was to characterize Eimeria maxima immune-mapped protein 1 (IMP1) that is hypothesized to play a role in eliciting protective immunity against E. maxima infection in chickens. RT-PCR analysis of RNA from unsporulated and sporulating E. maxima oocysts revealed highest transcription levels at 6-12h of sporulation with a considerable downregulation thereafter. Alignment of IMP1 coding sequence from Houghton, Weybridge, and APU-1 strains of E. maxima revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms that in some instances led to amino acid changes in the encoded protein sequence. The E. maxima (APU-1) IMP1 cDNA sequence was cloned and expressed in 2 different polyHis Escherichia coli expression vectors. Regardless of expression vector, recombinant E. maxima IMP1 (rEmaxIMP1) was fairly unstable in non-denaturing buffer, which is consistent with stability analysis of the primary amino acid sequence. Antisera specific for rEmaxIMP1 identified a single 72 kDa protein or a 61 kDa protein by non-reducing or reducing SDS-PAGE/immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence staining with anti-rEmaxIMP1, revealed intense surface staining of E. maxima sporozoites, with negligible staining of merozoite stages. Immuno-histochemical staining of E. maxima-infected chicken intestinal tissue revealed staining of E. maxima developmental stages in the lamnia propia and crypts at both 24 and 48 h post-infection, and negligible staining thereafter. The expression of IMP1 during early stages of in vivo development and its location on the sporozoite surface may explain in part the immunoprotective effect of this protein against E. maxima infection. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Hypoxic Vasospasm Mediated by cIMP: When Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Turns Bad.

PubMed

Gao, Yuansheng; Chen, Zhengju; Leung, Susan W S; Vanhoutte, Paul M

2015-06-01

In a number of isolated blood vessel types, hypoxia causes an acute contraction that is dependent on the presence of nitric oxide and activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase. It is more pronounced when the preparations are constricted and is therefore termed hypoxic augmentation of vasoconstriction. This hypoxic response is accompanied by increases in the intracellular level of inosine 5'-triphosphate and in the synthesis of inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cIMP) by soluble guanylyl cyclase. The administration of exogenous cIMP or inosine 5'-triphosphate causes augmented vasoconstriction to hypoxia. Furthermore, the vasoconstriction evoked by hypoxia and cIMP is associated with increased activity of Rho kinase (ROCK), indicating that cIMP may mediate the hypoxic effect by sensitizing the myofilaments to Ca through ROCK. Hypoxia is implicated in exaggerated vasoconstriction in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and stroke. The newly found role of cIMP may help to identify unique therapeutic targets for certain cardiovascular disorders.

Reflex test reminders in required cancer synoptic templates decrease order entry error: An analysis of mismatch repair immunohistochemical orders to screen for Lynch syndrome.

PubMed

Kilgore, Mark R; McIlwain, Carrie A; Schmidt, Rodney A; Norquist, Barbara M; Swisher, Elizabeth M; Garcia, Rochelle L; Rendi, Mara H

2016-01-01

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common extracolonic malignant neoplasm associated with Lynch syndrome (LS). LS is caused by autosomal dominant germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Screening for LS in EC is often evaluated by loss of immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of DNA MMR enzymes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 (MMR IHC). In July 2013, our clinicians asked that we screen all EC in patients ≤60 for loss of MMR IHC expression. Despite this policy, several cases were not screened or screening was delayed. We implemented an informatics-based approach to ensure that all women who met criteria would have timely screening. Reports are created in PowerPath (Sunquest Information Systems, Tucson, AZ) with custom synoptic templates. We implemented an algorithm on March 6, 2014 requiring pathologists to address MMR IHC in patients ≤60 with EC before sign out (S/O). Pathologists must answer these questions: is patient ≤60 (yes/no), if yes, follow-up questions (IHC done previously, ordered with addendum to follow, results included in report, N/A, or not ordered), if not ordered, one must explain. We analyzed cases from July 18, 2013 to August 31, 2016 preimplementation (PreImp) and postimplementation (PostImp) that met criteria. Data analysis was performed using the standard data package included with GraphPad Prism ® 7.00 (GraphPad Software, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). There were 147 patients who met criteria (29 PreImp and 118 PostImp). IHC was ordered in a more complete and timely fashion PostImp than PreImp. PreImp, 4/29 (13.8%) cases did not get any IHC, but PostImp, only 4/118 (3.39%) were missed ( P = 0.0448). Of cases with IHC ordered, 60.0% (15/25) were ordered before or at S/O PreImp versus 91.2% (104/114) PostImp ( P = 0.0004). Relative to day of S/O, the mean days of order delay were longer and more variable PreImp versus PostImp (12.9 ± 40.7 vs. -0.660 ± 1.15; P = 0.0227), with the average being before S/O PostImp. This algorithm ensures MMR IHC ordering in women ≤60 with EC and can be applied to similar scenarios. Ancillary tests for management are increasing, especially genetic and molecular-based methods. The burden of managing orders and results remains with the pathologist and relying on human intervention alone is ineffective. Ordering IHC before or at S/O prevents oversight and the additional work of retrospective ordering and reporting.

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Infant Motor Profile.

PubMed

Heineman, Kirsten R; Middelburg, Karin J; Bos, Arend F; Eidhof, Lieke; La Bastide-Van Gemert, Sacha; Van Den Heuvel, Edwin R; Hadders-Algra, Mijna

2013-06-01

The Infant Motor Profile (IMP) is a qualitative assessment of motor behaviour in infancy. It consists of five domains: movement variation, variability, fluency, symmetry, and performance. The aim of this study was to assess interobserver reliability and concurrent validity of the IMP with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and an age-specific neurological examination. Fifty-nine preterm infants (25 females, 34 males; median gestational age 29.7wks, median birthweight 1285g) and 146 term infants (74 females, 72 males; median gestational age 40.1wks, birthweight 3500g) were included. Assessments were performed at corrected ages of 4, 6, 10, 12, and 18 months and consisted of the IMP, AIMS, and an age-specific neurological examination. Interobserver reliability was investigated on a sample of 25 video recordings. Non-parametric statistics were used to analyse the data. Interobserver reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.95). At all ages, AIMS scores correlated weakly to fairly with total IMP scores (Spearman's ρ 0.36-0.55), but moderately to strongly with scores on the performance domain of the IMP (Spearman's ρ 0.47-0.84). A clear relation was found between total IMP score and outcome of the neurological examination (Kruskal-Wallis p<0.001 at all ages). Interobserver reliability of the IMP is good. Concurrent validity with the AIMS is best for the IMP performance domain. Concurrent validity with age-specific neurological examination is very good. © The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology © 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Characterization of Protein Detergent Complexes by NMR, Light Scattering, and Analytical Ultracentrifugation

PubMed Central

Maslennikov, Innokentiy; Krupa, Martin; Dickson, Christopher; Esquivies, Luis; Blain, Katherine; Kefala, Georgia; Choe, Senyon; Kwiatkowski, Witek

2009-01-01

Bottlenecks in expression, solubilization, purification and crystallization hamper the structural study of integral membrane proteins (IMPs). Successful crystallization is critically dependent on the purity, stability and oligomeric homogeneity of an IMP sample. These characteristics are in turn strongly influenced by the type and concentration of the detergents used in IMP preparation. By utilizing the techniques and analytical tools we earlier developed for the characterization of protein-detergent complexes (PDCs) (Maslennikov et al., 2007), we demonstrate that for successful protein extraction from E. coli membrane fractions, the solubilizing detergent associates preferentially to IMPs rather than to membrane lipids. Notably, this result is contrary to the generally accepted mechanism of detergent-mediated IMP solubilization. We find that for one particular member of the family of proteins studied (E. coli receptor kinases, which is purified in mixed multimeric states and oligomerizes through its transmembrane region), the protein oligomeric composition is largely unaffected by a 10-fold increase in protein concentration, by alteration of micelle properties through addition of other detergents to the PDC sample, or by a 20-fold variation in the detergent concentration used for solubilization of the IMP from the membrane. We observed that the conditions used for expression of the IMP, which impact protein density in the membrane, has the greatest influence on the IMP oligomeric structure. Finally, we argue that for concentrating PDCs smaller than 30 kDa, stirred concentration cells are less prone to over-concentration of detergent and are therefore more effective than centrifugal ultrafiltration devices. PMID:19214777

Micro-scale NMR Experiments for Monitoring the Optimization of Membrane Protein Solutions for Structural Biology.

PubMed

Horst, Reto; Wüthrich, Kurt

2015-07-20

Reconstitution of integral membrane proteins (IMP) in aqueous solutions of detergent micelles has been extensively used in structural biology, using either X-ray crystallography or NMR in solution. Further progress could be achieved by establishing a rational basis for the selection of detergent and buffer conditions, since the stringent bottleneck that slows down the structural biology of IMPs is the preparation of diffracting crystals or concentrated solutions of stable isotope labeled IMPs. Here, we describe procedures to monitor the quality of aqueous solutions of [ 2 H, 15 N]-labeled IMPs reconstituted in detergent micelles. This approach has been developed for studies of β-barrel IMPs, where it was successfully applied for numerous NMR structure determinations, and it has also been adapted for use with α-helical IMPs, in particular GPCRs, in guiding crystallization trials and optimizing samples for NMR studies (Horst et al ., 2013). 2D [ 15 N, 1 H]-correlation maps are used as "fingerprints" to assess the foldedness of the IMP in solution. For promising samples, these "inexpensive" data are then supplemented with measurements of the translational and rotational diffusion coefficients, which give information on the shape and size of the IMP/detergent mixed micelles. Using microcoil equipment for these NMR experiments enables data collection with only micrograms of protein and detergent. This makes serial screens of variable solution conditions viable, enabling the optimization of parameters such as the detergent concentration, sample temperature, pH and the composition of the buffer.

Development approach to an enterprise-wide medication reconciliation tool in a free-standing pediatric hospital with commercial best-of-breed systems.

PubMed

Yu, Feliciano B; Leising, Scott; Turner, Scott

2007-10-11

Medication reconciliation is essential to providing a safer patient environment during transitions of care in the clinical setting. Current solutions include a mixed-bag of paper and electronic processes. Best-of-breed health information systems architecture poses a specific challenge to organizations that have limited software development resources. Using readily available service-oriented technology, a prototype for an integrated medication reconciliation tool is developed for use in an academic pediatric hospital with commercial systems.

Observations of the ratio of low-energy cosmic-ray positrons and electrons during solar quiet times

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurford, G. J.; Mewaldt, R. A.; Stone, E. C.; Vogt, R. E.

1974-01-01

Simultaneous observations of the quiet-time interplanetary positron and electron spectra between 0.16 and 1.6 MeV are reported. The measurements were made in selected time intervals between October 1, 1972 and February 1, 1973 with the Caltech Electron/Isotope Spectrometer on the IMP-7 satellite. The detector system consists of a stack of 11 silicon surface-barrier detectors surrounded by a plastic scintillator anti-coincidence cup. The method of e+ identification and possible background effects are discussed and upper limits to the 0.16 to 1.6 MeV quiet-time positron flux are reported. During this period positrons amounted to less than 20% of the total 0.16 to 1.6 MeV electron flux.

IMP 7 (Explorer 47) trajectory, September 26, 1972 to September 25, 1978

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Milligan, Pamela A.; Lazarus, Alan J.

1988-01-01

The trajectory plots for IMP 7 (Explorer 47) are contained. For each orbit the trajectory is shown in five panels on two pages; each panel is a different representation or projection. The trajectory parameters were obtained from the multi-coordinate ephemeris (MCE) tapes supplied to IMP experimenters by the IMP project. The plots on the right hand pages use a geocentric, solar-ecliptic coordinate system. Distances are in units of earth radii. The plots on the left hand pages use geocentric, solar magnetospheric coordinates with distances in earth radii.

Imp2 regulates GBM progression by activating IGF2/PI3K/Akt pathway.

PubMed

Mu, Qingchun; Wang, Lijun; Yu, Fengbo; Gao, Haijun; Lei, Ting; Li, Peiwen; Liu, Pengfei; Zheng, Xu; Hu, Xitong; Chen, Yong; Jiang, Zhenfeng; Sayari, Arash J; Shen, Jia; Huang, Haiyan

2015-01-01

Glioblastomas multiforme (GBM) are the most frequently occurring malignant brain cancers. Treatment for GBM consists of surgical resection and subsequent adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite this, GBM patient survival is limited to 12-15 months, and researchers are continually trying to develop improved therapy options. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (Imp2) is known to be upregulated in many cancers and is known to regulate the signaling activity of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). However, relatively little is known about its role in malignant development of GBM. In this study, we first found Imp2 is upregulated in GBM tissues by using clinical samples and public database search. Studies with loss and gain of Imp2 expression in in vitro GBM cell culture system demonstrated the role of Imp2 in promoting GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, our results show that Imp2 regulates the activity of IGF2, which further activates PI3K/Akt signaling, thereby to promote GBM malignancy. Inhibition of Imp2 was also found to sensitize GBM to temozolomide treatment. These observations add to the current knowledge of GBM biology, and may prove useful in development of more effective GBM therapy.

Imp2 regulates GBM progression by activating IGF2/PI3K/Akt pathway

PubMed Central

Mu, Qingchun; Wang, Lijun; Yu, Fengbo; Gao, Haijun; Lei, Ting; Li, Peiwen; Liu, Pengfei; Zheng, Xu; Hu, Xitong; Chen, Yong; Jiang, Zhenfeng; Sayari, Arash J; Shen, Jia; Huang, Haiyan

2015-01-01

Glioblastomas multiforme (GBM) are the most frequently occurring malignant brain cancers. Treatment for GBM consists of surgical resection and subsequent adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite this, GBM patient survival is limited to 12–15 months, and researchers are continually trying to develop improved therapy options. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (Imp2) is known to be upregulated in many cancers and is known to regulate the signaling activity of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2). However, relatively little is known about its role in malignant development of GBM. In this study, we first found Imp2 is upregulated in GBM tissues by using clinical samples and public database search. Studies with loss and gain of Imp2 expression in in vitro GBM cell culture system demonstrated the role of Imp2 in promoting GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, our results show that Imp2 regulates the activity of IGF2, which further activates PI3K/Akt signaling, thereby to promote GBM malignancy. Inhibition of Imp2 was also found to sensitize GBM to temozolomide treatment. These observations add to the current knowledge of GBM biology, and may prove useful in development of more effective GBM therapy. PMID:25719943

IMP3 can predict aggressive behaviour of lung adenocarcinoma

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Lung cancer most often presents as an inoperable tumour and the diagnosis is usually performed on a small biopsy/cytology specimen. In the group of non small cell lung cancer - not otherwise specified, adenocarcinoma phenotype can be determined immunohistochemically using TTF-1 and Napsin A. Expression of oncofetal protein IMP3 in human cancer is associated with poor differentiation and aggressive behaviour. In the present study expression of IMP3 was correlated with expression of TTF-1 and Napsin A, histological subtype and clinical stage of lung adenocarcinoma. We were interested whether distant metastases are associated with IMP3 overexpression, regardless of the histologic subtype of adenocarcinoma. Methods In retrospective study, consecutive series of 105 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed from 2006 to 2009 in Clinical Hospital Center Split, Croatia, were analysed. Clinical data were collected from the Pulmology Department and time of death from the Mortality Registry. Paraffin blocks of bronchoscopic biopsies were collected from the Institute of Pathology and 15 cases excluded from the analysis due to insufficient material. Expression of IMP3, Napsin A and TTF-1 were analysed by indirect enzyme immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed and P values less than 0.05 considered significant. Results Of 90 patients, 71 (78%) were males and 19 (22%) females. Median age for males was 61.5 years (min-max 43–83) and for females 61 years (min-max 44–86). Pleural effusion was found in 15 (16.6%) and distant metastases in 45 (50%) cases. According to histological subtypes, there were 34 acinar, 2 lepidic, 2 papillary and 52 solid subtypes. IMP3 overexpression was found in 63 cases (70%) and was correlated with solid subtype (P = 0.002) and negative/weak Napsin A expression (P = 0.004). Strong Napsin A expression correlated with TTF-1 expression (P = 0.003) and lower histological grades (P = 0.031). Patients with IMP3 overexpression more often had distant metastases than patients with negative IMP3, 55.5% versus 33.3% (P = 0.033). Non solid subtypes with IMP3 overexpression developed distant metastasis more common than non solid subtypes with negative IMP3, 72% versus 35% (P = 0.028). Conclusions Expression of IMP3 correlates with solid subtype and with distant metastases regardless of histological subtype of lung adenocarcinoma. Virtual slides http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1966211581795258 Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Das Lungenkarzinom kommt meistens als nicht resektabler Tumor vor und die Diagnose kann nur in kleinen Biopsaten oder zytologisch gestellt werden. In der Gruppe der nicht kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinome kann der nicht anders spezifizierte Adenokarzinom Phänotyp mit Hilfe der Antikörper TTF-1 und Napsin A diagnostiziert werden. Die Expression des onkoföetalen Proteins IMP3 ist bei humanen Karzinomen mit agressivem Verhalten und metastatischem Potential verbunden. In dieser Studie korreliert die Expression von IMP3 mit TTF-1, Napsin A, histologischem Typ und klinischem Staging des Lungenkarzinoms. Wir waren daran interessiert, ob Fernmetastasen mit IMP3 Überexpression assoziiert sind, unabhängig von der histologischen Subtyp von Adenokarzinom. Methode In der retrospektiven Studie wurden die von 2006 bis 2009 im Klinischem Krankenhaus Split, Kroatien diagnostizerte Adenokarzinome der Lunge von 105 Patienten analysiert. Die klinischen Daten stammten aus der Abteilung für Pulmologie und im Falle des Todes vom Todesregister. Die Paraffinblöcke der primären Lungenbiopsate dieser Patienten wurden im Institut für Pathologie mit der indirekter Enzym - Immunohistochemie mittels Kombination der Antikörper gegen IMP3, Napsin A und TTF1 untersucht. 15 Fälle aus der Analyse aufgrund unzureichender Material ausgeschlossen. Es wurde eine statistische Untersuchung durchgeführt und Werte weniger als 0.05 P wurden als statistisch signifikant bezeichnet. Ergebnisse Von 90 Patienten mit Lungencarcinom waren 71 (78%) mänlich, durchschnittliches Alter war für Männer 61.5 Jahre (min-max 43–83) und 61 Jahre für Frauen (min-max 44–86). Pleurale Effusionen fand man in 15 Fällen (16.6%) und Fernmetastasen in 45 (50%) Fällen. Histologische Sybtypen waren: 2 lepidic Karzinome, 34 azinäre Karzinome, 2 papilläre und 52 solide Karzinome. IMP3 war exprimiert in 63 Fälle (70%). Positive IMP3 Expression war mit solidem Typ (P = 0.002) und negativer Napsin A Expression (P = 0.004) assoziert. Napsin A Expression war mit niedrigem Gradus (P = 0.031) und positiver TTF-1 Expression (P = 0.003) assoziert. Patienten mit IMP3 Überexpression öfter hatten Fernmetastasen als Patienten mit negativen IMP3, 55.5% versus 33.3% (P = 0.033). Non solide Subtyp mit IMP3 Überexpression entwickelten Fernmetastasen Meer häufiger als nicht festem Subtyp mit negativen IMP3, 72% versus 35% (P = 0.028). Schlussworte Die Expression von IMP3 ist mit negaativer Expression von Napsin A, solidem Subtyp und Metastasen verbunden und hat praktische predictive Werte in der pathologischen Diagnose des Adenokarzinoms der Lunge. Die Expression von IMP3 korreliert mit soliden Subtyp und mit Fernmetastasen unabhängig von histologische Subtyp Lungenadenokarzinom. PMID:23190601

A predictive theory of charge separation in organic photovoltaics interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troisi, Alessandro; Liu, Tao; Caruso, Domenico; Cheung, David L.; McMahon, David P.

2012-09-01

The key process in organic photovoltaics cells is the separation of an exciton, close to the donor/acceptor interface into a free hole (in the donor) and a free electron (in the acceptor). In an efficient solar cell, the majority of absorbed photons generate such hole-electron pairs but it is not clear why such a charge separation process is so efficient in some blends (for example in the blend formed by poly(3- hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and a C60 derivative (PCBM)) and how can one design better OPV materials. The electronic and geometric structure of the prototypical polymer:fullerene interface (P3HT:PCBM) is investigated theoretically using a combination of classical and quantum simulation methods. It is shown that the electronic structure of P3HT in contact with PCBM is significantly altered compared to bulk P3HT. Due to the additional free volume of the interface, P3HT chains close to PCBM are more disordered and, consequently, they are characterized by an increased band gap. Excitons and holes are therefore repelled by the interface. This provides a possible explanation of the low recombination efficiency and supports the direct formation of "quasi-free" charge separated species at the interface. This idea is further explored here by using a more general system-independent model Hamiltonian. The long range exciton dissociation rate is computed as a function of the exciton distance from the interface and the average dissociation distance is evaluated by comparing this rate with the exciton migration rate with a kinetic model. The phenomenological model shows that also in a generic interface the direct formation if quasi-free charges is extremely likely.

Dimensions of disinhibited personality and their relation with alcohol use and problems

PubMed Central

Gunn, Rachel L.; Finn, Peter R.; Endres, Michael J.; Gerst, Kyle R.; Spinola, Suzanne

2013-01-01

Although alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have been associated with different aspects of disinhibited personality and antisociality, less is known about the specific relationships among different domains of disinhibited personality, antisociality, alcohol use, and alcohol problems. The current study was designed to address three goals, (i) to provide evidence of a three-factor model of disinhibited personality (comprised of impulsivity [IMP], risk taking/ low harm avoidance [RTHA], excitement seeking [ES]), (ii) to test hypotheses regarding the association between each dimension and alcohol use and problems, and (iii) to test the hypothesis that antisociality (social deviance proneness [SDP]) accounts for the direct association between IMP and alcohol problems, while ES is directly related to alcohol use. Measures of disinhibited personality IMP, RTHA, ES and SDP and alcohol use and problems were assessed in a sample of young adults (N=474), which included a high proportion of individuals with AUDs. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a three-factor model of disinhibited personality reflecting IMP, RTHA, and ES. A structural equation model (SEM) showed that IMP was specifically associated with alcohol problems, while ES was specifically associated with alcohol use. In a second SEM, SDP accounted for the majority of the variance in alcohol problems associated with IMP. The results suggest aspects of IMP associated with SDP represent a direct vulnerability to alcohol problems. In addition, the results suggest that ES reflects a specific vulnerability to excessive alcohol use, which is then associated with alcohol problems, while RTHA is not specifically associated with alcohol use or problems when controlling for IMP and ES. PMID:23588138

Parallel algorithms for islanded microgrid with photovoltaic and energy storage systems planning optimization problem: Material selection and quantity demand optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yang; Liu, Chun; Huang, Yuehui; Wang, Tieqiang; Sun, Chenjun; Yuan, Yue; Zhang, Xinsong; Wu, Shuyun

2017-02-01

With the development of roof photovoltaic power (PV) generation technology and the increasingly urgent need to improve supply reliability levels in remote areas, islanded microgrid with photovoltaic and energy storage systems (IMPE) is developing rapidly. The high costs of photovoltaic panel material and energy storage battery material have become the primary factors that hinder the development of IMPE. The advantages and disadvantages of different types of photovoltaic panel materials and energy storage battery materials are analyzed in this paper, and guidance is provided on material selection for IMPE planners. The time sequential simulation method is applied to optimize material demands of the IMPE. The model is solved by parallel algorithms that are provided by a commercial solver named CPLEX. Finally, to verify the model, an actual IMPE is selected as a case system. Simulation results on the case system indicate that the optimization model and corresponding algorithm is feasible. Guidance for material selection and quantity demand for IMPEs in remote areas is provided by this method.

IMP improves water-holding capacity, physical and sensory properties of heat-induced gels from porcine meat.

PubMed

Nakamura, Yukinobu; Migita, Koshiro; Okitani, Akihiro; Matsuishi, Masanori

2014-05-01

Water-holding capacity (WHC) of heat-induced pork gels was examined. The heat-induced gels were obtained from meat homogenates prepared by adding nine volumes of 0.3-0.5 mol/L NaCl solutions containing 9-36 mmol/L disodium inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP) or 9 mmol/L tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (KPP) to minced pork. IMP at 36 mmol/L enhanced the WHC to the same level as attained by KPP. Physical and sensory properties of heat-induced gels were also examined. The heat-induced gels were prepared from porcine meat homogenates containing 0.3 mol/L NaCl and 9-36 mmol/L IMP or 9 mmol/L KPP. IMP at 36 mmol/L enhanced the values of hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and springiness, measured with a Tensipresser, and several organoleptic scores to the same level as the score attained by KPP. Thus, it is concluded that IMP is expected to be a practical substitute for pyrophosphates to improve the quality of sausages. © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Affinity of guanosine derivatives for polycytidylate revisited

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanavarioti, A.; Hurley, T. B.; Baird, E. E.

1995-01-01

Evidence is presented for complexation of guanosine 5'-monophosphate 2-methylimidazolide (2-MeImpG) with polycytidylate (poly(C)) at pH 8.0 and 23 degrees C in the presence of 1.0 M NaCl2 and 0.2 M MgCl2 in water. The association of 2-MeImpG with poly(C) was investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy as well as by monitoring the kinetics of the nucleophilic substitution reaction of the imidazole moiety by amines. The results of both methods are consistent with moderately strong poly(C) 2-MeImpG complexation and the spectrophotometric measurements allowed the construction of a binding isotherm with a concentration of 2-MeImpG equal to 5.55 +/- 0.15 mM at half occupancy. UV spectroscopy was employed to establish the binding of other guanosine derivatives on poly(C). These derivatives are guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'GMP), guanosine 5'-monophosphate imidazolide (ImpG), and guanosine 5'-monophosphate morpholidate (morpG). Within experimental error these guanosine derivatives exhibit the same affinity for poly(C) as 2-MeImpG.

Linac coherent light source (LCLS) undulator RF BPM system.

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

Lill, R.; Waldschmidt, G.; Morrison, L.

2006-01-01

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) will be the world's first x-ray free-electron laser (FEL) when it becomes operational in 2009. The LCLS is currently in the construction phase. The beam position monitor (BPM) system planned for the LCLS undulator will incorporate a high-resolution X-band cavity BPM system described in this paper. The BPM system will provide high-resolution measurements of the electron beam trajectory on a pulse-to-pulse basis and over many shots. The X-band cavity BPM size, simple fabrication, and high resolution make it an ideal choice for LCLS beam position detection. We will discuss the system specifications, design, andmore » prototype test results.« less

Linac Coherent Light Source Undulator RF BPM System

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

Lill, R.M.; Morrison, L.H.; Waldschmidt, G.J.

2007-04-17

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) will be the world's first x-ray free-electron laser (FEL) when it becomes operational in 2009. The LCLS is currently in the construction phase. The beam position monitor (BPM) system planned for the LCLS undulator will incorporate a high-resolution X-band cavity BPM system described in this paper. The BPM system will provide high-resolution measurements of the electron beam trajectory on a pulse-to-pulse basis and over many shots. The X-band cavity BPM size, simple fabrication, and high resolution make it an ideal choice for LCLS beam position detection. We will discuss the system specifications, design, andmore » prototype test results.« less

Dominance of IMP-4-Producing Enterobacter cloacae among Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Australia

PubMed Central

Townell, Nicola; Nimmo, Graeme R.; George, Narelle M.; Robson, Jennifer; Vohra, Renu; Davis, Louise; Heney, Claire; Paterson, David L.

2015-01-01

The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has been increasing worldwide. blaIMP has been reported to be the predominant carbapenemase-encoding gene within Enterobacteriaceae in Australia. However, there are limited data currently available on CPE from Queensland, Australia. A total of 58 CPE isolates were isolated between July 2009 and March 2014 from Queensland hospitals. The clonality of isolates was determined by Diversilab repetitive sequence-based PCR. The isolates were investigated for the resistance mechanisms carbapenemase, extended-spectrum β-lactamase, and AmpC β-lactamase and for aminoglycoside resistance and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes by PCR. The plasmid types associated with carbapenemase-encoding genes were characterized. The majority of the CPE were Enterobacter cloacae (n = 29). The majority of Queensland CPE isolates were IMP producers and comprised 11 species (n = 48). Nine NDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae were identified. One NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate coproduced OXA-48. One K. pneumoniae isolate was an OXA-181 producer. The incidence of IMP producers increased significantly in 2013. blaIMP-4 was found in all IMP-producing isolates. blaTEM, qnrB, and aacA4 were common among IMP-4 producers. The HI2 (67%) and L/M (21%) replicons were associated with blaIMP-4. All HI2 plasmids were of sequence type 1 (ST1). All but one of the NDM producers possessed blaCTX-M-15. The 16S rRNA methylase genes found among NDM producers were armA, rmtB, rmtC, and rmtF. The substantial increase in the prevalence of CPE in Queensland has been associated mainly with the emergence E. cloacae strains possessing HI2 plasmids carrying blaIMP-4 over the past 2 years. The importation of NDM producers and/or OXA-48-like producers in patients also contributed to the increased emergence of CPE. PMID:25918153

What does the brain of children with developmental dyslexia tell us about reading improvement? ERP evidence from an intervention study

PubMed Central

Hasko, Sandra; Groth, Katarina; Bruder, Jennifer; Bartling, Jürgen; Schulte-Körne, Gerd

2014-01-01

Intervention is key to managing developmental dyslexia (DD), but not all children with DD benefit from treatment. Some children improve (improvers, IMP), whereas others do not improve (non-improvers, NIMP). Neurobiological differences between IMP and NIMP have been suggested, but studies comparing IMP and NIMP in childhood are missing. The present study examined whether ERP patterns change with treatment and differ between IMP and NIMP. We investigated the ERPs of 28 children with DD and 25 control children (CON) while performing a phonological lexical decision (PLD) task before and after a 6-month intervention. After intervention children with DD were divided into IMP (n = 11) and NIMP (n = 17). In the PLD–task children were visually presented with words, pseudohomophones, pseudowords, and false fonts and had to decide whether the presented stimulus sounded like an existing German word or not. Prior to intervention IMP showed higher N300 amplitudes over fronto-temporal electrodes compared to NIMP and CON and N400 amplitudes were attenuated in both IMP and NIMP compared to CON. After intervention N300 amplitudes of IMP were comparable to those of CON and NIMP. This suggests that the N300, which has been related to phonological access of orthographic stimuli and integration of orthographic and phonological representations, might index a compensatory mechanism or precursor that facilitates reading improvement. The N400, which is thought to reflect grapheme-phoneme conversion or the access to the orthographic lexicon increased in IMP from pre to post and was comparable to CON after intervention. Correlations between N300 amplitudes pre, growth in reading ability and N400 amplitudes post indicated that higher N300 amplitudes might be important for reading improvement and increase in N400 amplitudes. The results suggest that children with DD, showing the same cognitive profile might differ regarding their neuronal profile which could further influence reading improvement. PMID:25018723

Front-end Electronics for Unattended Measurement (FEUM). Prototype Test Plan

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

Conrad, Ryan C.; Morris, Scott J.; Smith, Leon E.

2015-09-16

The IAEA has requested that PNNL perform an initial set of tests on front-end electronics for unattended measurement (FEUM) prototypes. The FEUM prototype test plan details the tests to be performed, the criteria for evaluation, and the procedures used to execute the tests.

The Infant Motor Profile: a standardized and qualitative method to assess motor behaviour in infancy.

PubMed

Heineman, Kirsten R; Bos, Arend F; Hadders-Algra, Mijna

2008-04-01

A reliable and valid instrument to assess neuromotor condition in infancy is a prerequisite for early detection of developmental motor disorders. We developed a video-based assessment of motor behaviour, the Infant Motor Profile (IMP), to evaluate motor abilities, movement variability, ability to select motor strategies, movement symmetry, and fluency. The IMP consists of 80 items and is applicable in children from 3 to 18 months. The present study aimed to test intra- and interobserver reliability and concurrent validity of the IMP with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and Touwen neurological examination. The study group consisted of 40 low-risk term (median gestational age [GA] 40 wks, range 38-42 wks) and 40 high-risk preterm infants (median GA 29.6 wks, range 26-33 wks) with corrected ages 4 to 18 months (31 females, 49 males). Intra- and interobserver agreement of the IMP were satisfactory (Spearman's rho=0.9). Concurrent validity of IMP and AIMS was good (Spearman's rho=0.8, p<0.005). The IMP was able to differentiate between infants with normal neurological condition, simple minor neurological dysfunction (MND), complex MND, and abnormal neurological condition (p<0.005). This means that the IMP may be a promising tool to evaluate neurological integrity during infancy, a suggestion that needs confirmation by means of assessment of larger groups of infants with heterogeneous neurological conditions.

A free-piston Stirling cryocooler using metal diaphragms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caughley, Alan; Sellier, Mathieu; Gschwendtner, Michael; Tucker, Alan

2016-12-01

A novel concept for a free-piston Stirling cryocooler has been proposed. The concept uses a pair of metal diaphragms to seal and suspend the displacer of a free-piston Stirling cryocooler. The diaphragms allow the displacer to move without rubbing or moving seals, potentially resulting in a long-life mechanism. When coupled to a metal diaphragm pressure wave generator, the system produces a complete Stirling cryocooler with no rubbing parts in the working gas space. Initial modelling of this concept using the Sage modelling tool indicates the potential for a useful cryocooler. A proof-of-concept prototype was constructed and achieved cryogenic temperatures. A second prototype was designed and constructed using the experience gained from the first. The prototype produced 29 W of cooling at 77 K and reached a no-load temperature of 56 K. Sage predicted the macroscopic behaviour of the prototype well but did not provide sufficient insights to improve performance significantly. This paper presents details of the development, modelling and testing of the proof-of-concept prototype and a second, improved prototype.

The origin of incipient ferroelectricity in lead telluride

DOE PAGES

Jiang, M. P.; Trigo, M.; Savić, I.; ...

2016-07-22

The interactions between electrons and lattice vibrations are fundamental to materials behaviour. In the case of group IV–VI, V and related materials, these interactions are strong, and the materials exist near electronic and structural phase transitions. The prototypical example is PbTe whose incipient ferroelectric behaviour has been recently associated with large phonon anharmonicity and thermoelectricity. Here we show that it is primarily electron-phonon coupling involving electron states near the band edges that leads to the ferroelectric instability in PbTe. Using a combination of nonequilibrium lattice dynamics measurements and first principles calculations, we find that photoexcitation reduces the Peierls-like electronic instabilitymore » and reinforces the paraelectric state. This weakens the long-range forces along the cubic direction tied to resonant bonding and low lattice thermal conductivity. Lastly, our results demonstrate how free-electron-laser-based ultrafast X-ray scattering can be utilized to shed light on the microscopic mechanisms that determine materials properties.« less

Accumulation of I-123 IMP in hepatic cell adenoma

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

Suto, Yuji; Kodama, Fumiko; Kato, Takashi

1995-07-01

I-123 IMP is now widely used as a radioactive material for cerebral blood flow scintigraphy. It is also known that this substance will accumulate in certain types of tumors. The authors present a case of a 47-year-old woman who showed accumulation of I-123 IMP in hepatic cell adenoma. 6 refs., 3 figs.

Co-Pt core-shell nanostructured catalyst prepared by selective chemical vapor pulse deposition of Pt on Co as a cathode in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

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

Seo, Sang-Joon; Chung, Ho-Kyoon; Yoo, Ji-Beom

2014-01-15

A new type of PtCo/C catalyst for use as a cathode in polymer electrolyte fuel cells was prepared by selective chemical vapor pulse deposition (CVPD) of Pt on the surface of Co. The activity of the prepared catalyst for oxygen reduction was higher than that of a catalyst prepared by sequential impregnation (IMP) with the two metallic components. This catalytic activity difference occurs because the former catalyst has smaller Pt crystallites that produce stronger Pt-Co interactions and have a larger Pt surface area. Consequently, the CVPD catalyst has a great number of Co particles that are in close contact withmore » the added Pt. The Pt surface was also electronically modified by interactions with Co, which were stronger in the CVPD catalyst than in the IMP catalyst, as indicated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry measurements of the catalysts.« less

Low frequency spectra of type III solar radio bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, R. R.

1978-01-01

Flux density spectra have been determined for 91 simple type III solar bursts observed by the Goddard Space Flight Center radio astronomy experiment on the IMP-6 spacecraft during 1971 and 1972. Spectral peaks were found to occur at frequencies ranging from 44 kHz up to 2500 kHz. Half of the bursts peaked between 250 kHz and 900 kHz, corresponding to emission at solar distances of about 0.3 to 0.1 AU. Maximum burst flux density sometimes exceeds 10 to the -14th W/sq m/Hz. The primary factor controlling the spectral peak frequency of these bursts appears to be a variation in intrinsic power radiated by the source as the exciter moves outward from the sun, rather than radio propagation effects between the source and IMP-6. Thus, a burst spectrum strongly reflects the evolution of the properties of the exciting electron beam, and according to current theory, beam deceleration could help account for the observations.

Electromagnetic and electrostatic emissions at the cusp-magnetosphere interface during substorms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curtis, S. A.; Fairfield, D. H.; Wu, C. S.

1979-01-01

Strongly peaked electrostatic emissions near 10.0 kHz and electromagnetic emissions near 0.56 kHz have been observed by the VLF wave detector on board Imp 6 on crossings from the earth's magnetosphere into the polar cusp during the occurrence of large magnetospheric substorms. The electrostatic emissions were observed to be closely confined to the cusp-magnetosphere interface. The electromagnetic emissions were of somewhat broader spatial extent and were seen on higher-latitude field lines within the cusp. Using these plasma wave observations and additional information provided by plasma, magnetometer and particle measurements made simultaneously on Imp 6, theories are constructed to explain each of the two classes of emission. The electromagnetic waves are modeled as whistlers, and the electrostatic waves as electron-cyclotron harmonics. The resulting growth rates predict power spectra similar to those observed for both emission classes. The electrostatic waves may play a significant role via enhanced diffusion in the relaxation of the sharp substorm time cusp-magnetosphere boundary to a more diffuse quiet time boundary.

Dissemination of genetically related IMP-6-producing multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235 in South Korea.

PubMed

Yoo, Jung Sik; Yang, Ji Woo; Kim, Hye Mee; Byeon, Jeongheum; Kim, Hwa Su; Yoo, Jae Il; Chung, Gyung Tae; Lee, Yeong Seon

2012-04-01

The present study aimed to describe the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from non-tertiary care hospitals and geriatric hospitals in South Korea. Of the 644 isolates, 224 were carbapenem-resistant, amongst which 41 (18.3%) were MBL-producers and the major MBL type was IMP-6 (35 isolates). IMP-6-producing isolates were multidrug-resistant and showed higher minimum inhibitory concentrations for meropenem than imipenem. All of the IMP-6-producing isolates had class 1 integrons with amplification sizes of 4.5 kb/5.5 kb (34 isolates) or 3.0 kb (1 isolate); 4.5 kb/5.5 kb integrons had bla(IMP-6)-qac-aacA4-bla(OXA-1)-aadA1 (5.5 kb) and aadB-cmlA-bla(OXA-10)-aadA1 (4.5 kb). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis indicated that all IMP-6-producing P. aeruginosa from various geographic areas had nearly identical patterns with >85% similarity. All IMP-6-producing isolates showed high genetic similarity to those obtained from tertiary care hospitals and had the same integron type, indicating the spread of these strains to the three types of hospitals nationwide. These data show the wide spreading of clonally related IMP-6-producing P. aeruginosa (sequence type 235) through tertiary, non-tertiary and geriatric hospitals in South Korea. Continuous monitoring and thorough infection control should be performed in all types of hospitals to prevent further spreading of MBL-producing P. aeruginosa. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Exquisite Modulation of the Active Site of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii Adenylosuccinate Synthetase in Forward Reaction Complexes.

PubMed

Karnawat, Vishakha; Mehrotra, Sonali; Balaram, Hemalatha; Puranik, Mrinalini

2016-05-03

In enzymes that conduct complex reactions involving several substrates and chemical transformations, the active site must reorganize at each step to complement the transition state of that chemical step. Adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSS) utilizes a molecule each of guanosine 5'-monophosphate (GTP) and aspartate to convert inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) into succinyl adenosine 5'-monophosphate (sAMP) through several kinetic intermediates. Here we followed catalysis by ADSS through high-resolution vibrational spectral fingerprints of each substrate and intermediate involved in the forward reaction. Vibrational spectra show differential ligand distortion at each step of catalysis, and band positions of substrates are influenced by binding of cosubstrates. We found that the bound IMP is distorted toward its N1-deprotonated form even in the absence of any other ligands. Several specific interactions between GTP and active-site amino acid residues result in large Raman shifts and contribute substantially to intrinsic binding energy. When both IMP and GTP are simultaneously bound to ADSS, IMP is converted into an intermediate 6-phosphoryl inosine 5'-monophosphate (6-pIMP). The 6-pIMP·ADSS complex was found to be stable upon binding of the third ligand, hadacidin (HDA), an analogue of l-aspartate. We find that in the absence of HDA, 6-pIMP is quickly released from ADSS, is unstable in solution, and converts back into IMP. HDA allosterically stabilizes ADSS through local conformational rearrangements. We captured this complex and determined the spectra and structure of 6-pIMP in its enzyme-bound state. These results provide important insights into the exquisite tuning of active-site interactions with changing substrate at each kinetic step of catalysis.

An injury mortality prediction based on the anatomic injury scale

PubMed Central

Wang, Muding; Wu, Dan; Qiu, Wusi; Wang, Weimi; Zeng, Yunji; Shen, Yi

2017-01-01

Abstract To determine whether the injury mortality prediction (IMP) statistically outperforms the trauma mortality prediction model (TMPM) as a predictor of mortality. The TMPM is currently the best trauma score method, which is based on the anatomic injury. Its ability of mortality prediction is superior to the injury severity score (ISS) and to the new injury severity score (NISS). However, despite its statistical significance, the predictive power of TMPM needs to be further improved. Retrospective cohort study is based on the data of 1,148,359 injured patients in the National Trauma Data Bank hospitalized from 2010 to 2011. Sixty percent of the data was used to derive an empiric measure of severity of different Abbreviated Injury Scale predot codes by taking the weighted average death probabilities of trauma patients. Twenty percent of the data was used to create computing method of the IMP model. The remaining 20% of the data was used to evaluate the statistical performance of IMP and then be compared with the TMPM and the single worst injury by examining area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the Hosmer–Lemeshow (HL) statistic, and the Akaike information criterion. IMP exhibits significantly both better discrimination (ROC-IMP, 0.903 [0.899–0.907] and ROC-TMPM, 0.890 [0.886–0.895]) and calibration (HL-IMP, 9.9 [4.4–14.7] and HL-TMPM, 197 [143–248]) compared with TMPM. All models show slight changes after the extension of age, gender, and mechanism of injury, but the extended IMP still dominated TMPM in every performance. The IMP has slight improvement in discrimination and calibration compared with the TMPM and can accurately predict mortality. Therefore, we consider it as a new feasible scoring method in trauma research. PMID:28858124

Digital mapping of the Mars Pathfinder landing site: Design, acquisition, and derivation of cartographic products for science applications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gaddis, L.R.; Kirk, R.L.; Johnson, J. R.; Soderblom, L.A.; Ward, A.W.; Barrett, J.; Becker, K.; Decker, T.; Blue, J.; Cook, D.; Eliason, E.; Hare, T.; Howington-Kraus, E.; Isbell, C.; Lee, E.M.; Redding, B.; Sucharski, R.; Sucharski, T.; Smith, P.H.; Britt, D.T.

1999-01-01

The Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) acquired more than 16,000 images and provided panoramic views of the surface of Mars at the Mars Pathfinder landing site in Ares Vallis. This paper describes the stereoscopic, multispectral IMP imaging sequences and focuses on their use for digital mapping of the landing site and for deriving cartographic products to support science applications of these data. Two-dimensional cartographic processing of IMP data, as performed via techniques and specialized software developed for ISIS (the U.S.Geological Survey image processing software package), is emphasized. Cartographic processing of IMP data includes ingestion, radiometric correction, establishment of geometric control, coregistration of multiple bands, reprojection, and mosaicking. Photogrammetric processing, an integral part of this cartographic work which utilizes the three-dimensional character of the IMP data, supplements standard processing with geometric control and topographic information [Kirk et al., this issue]. Both cartographic and photogrammetric processing are required for producing seamless image mosaics and for coregistering the multispectral IMP data. Final, controlled IMP cartographic products include spectral cubes, panoramic (360?? azimuthal coverage) and planimetric (top view) maps, and topographic data, to be archived on four CD-ROM volumes. Uncontrolled and semicontrolled versions of these products were used to support geologic characterization of the landing site during the nominal and extended missions. Controlled products have allowed determination of the topography of the landing site and environs out to ???60 m, and these data have been used to unravel the history of large- and small-scale geologic processes which shaped the observed landing site. We conclude by summarizing several lessons learned from cartographic processing of IMP data. Copyright 1999 by the American Geophysical Union.

Development and Testing of a Prototype Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Power System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2009-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has developed and tested a prototype 2 kW DC grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) power system at the Center. The PV system has generated in excess of 6700 kWh since operation commenced in July 2006. The PV system is providing power to the GRC grid for use by all. Operation of the prototype PV system has been completely trouble free. A grid-tied PV power system is connected directly to the utility distribution grid. Facility power can be obtained from the utility system as normal. The PV system is synchronized with the utility system to provide power for the facility, and excess power is provided to the utility. The project transfers space technology to terrestrial use via nontraditional partners. GRC personnel glean valuable experience with PV power systems that are directly applicable to various space power systems, and provide valuable space program test data. PV power systems help to reduce harmful emissions and reduce the Nation s dependence on fossil fuels. Power generated by the PV system reduces the GRC utility demand, and the surplus power aids the community. Present global energy concerns reinforce the need for the development of alternative energy systems. Modern PV panels are readily available, reliable, efficient, and economical with a life expectancy of at least 25 years. Modern electronics has been the enabling technology behind grid-tied power systems, making them safe, reliable, efficient, and economical with a life expectancy of at least 25 years. Based upon the success of the prototype PV system, additional PV power system expansion at GRC is under consideration. The prototype grid-tied PV power system was successfully designed and developed which served to validate the basic principles described, and the theoretical work that was performed. The report concludes that grid-tied photovoltaic power systems are reliable, maintenance free, long life power systems, and are of significant value to NASA and the community.

Prototype electron lens set-up for the Tevatron beam-beam compensation

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

Crawford, C.; Saewert, G.; Santucci, J.

1999-05-17

A prototype "electron lens" for the Tevatron beam-beam compensation project is commissioned at Fermilab. We de-scribe the set-up, report results of the first tests of the elec-tron beam, and discuss future plans.

The evaluation of a number of prototypes for the free-tip rotor constant-moment controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, L. A.

1986-01-01

The development of several prototypes of a constant moment controller, a critical component of the free-tip rotor (FTR) concept, is described. Also presented are the experimental results of a whirl test designed to select a final controller configuration to be included in a future wind-tunnel test of this innovative rotor system. A brief explanation of the FTR concept and its history are included. The paper documents the controller design constraints, each prototype's operating principle, the evaluation test, and the individual prototype test results. A recommended design is identified, along with the selection rationale.

Visualization of RNA–protein interactions in living cells: FMRP and IMP1 interact on mRNAs

PubMed Central

Rackham, Oliver; Brown, Chris M

2004-01-01

Protein expression depends significantly on the stability, translation efficiency and localization of mRNA. These qualities are largely dictated by the RNA-binding proteins associated with an mRNA. Here, we report a method to visualize and localize RNA–protein interactions in living mammalian cells. Using this method, we found that the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) isoform 18 and the human zipcode-binding protein 1 ortholog IMP1, an RNA transport factor, were present on common mRNAs. These interactions occurred predominantly in the cytoplasm, in granular structures. In addition, FMRP and IMP1 interacted independently of RNA. Tethering of FMRP to an mRNA caused IMP1 to be recruited to the same mRNA and resulted in granule formation. The intimate association of FMRP and IMP1 suggests a link between mRNA transport and translational repression in mammalian cells. PMID:15282548

IMp: The customizable LEGO(®) Pinned Insect Manipulator.

PubMed

Dupont, Steen; Price, Benjamin; Blagoderov, Vladimir

2015-01-01

We present a pinned insect manipulator (IMp) constructed of LEGO® building bricks with two axes of movement and two axes of rotation. In addition we present three variants of the IMp to emphasise the modular design, which facilitates resizing to meet the full range of pinned insect specimens, is fully customizable, collapsible, affordable and does not require specialist tools or knowledge to assemble.

Construct Validity of the Infant Motor Profile: Relation with Prenatal, Perinatal, and Neonatal Risk Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heineman, Kirsten R.; La Bastide-Van Gemert, Sacha; Fidler, Vaclav; Middelburg, Karin J.; Bos, Arend F.; Hadders-Algra, Mijna

2010-01-01

Aim: The Infant Motor Profile (IMP) is a qualitative assessment of motor behaviour of infants aged 3 to 18 months. The aim of this study was to investigate construct validity of the IMP through the relation of IMP scores with prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal variables, including the presence of brain pathology indicated by neonatal ultrasound…

Incorporation of a recombinant Eimeria maxima IMP1 antigen into nanoparticles confers protective immunity against E. maxima challenge infection

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The purpose of this study was to determine if incorporating a recombinant Eimeria maxima protein, namely rEmaxIMP1, into gold nanoparticles (NP) could improve the level of protective immunity against E. maxima challenge infection. Recombinant EmaxIMP1 was expressed in Escherchia coli as a poly-His f...

A network of heterochronic genes including Imp1 regulates temporal changes in stem cell properties

PubMed Central

Nishino, Jinsuke; Kim, Sunjung; Zhu, Yuan; Zhu, Hao; Morrison, Sean J

2013-01-01

Stem cell properties change over time to match the changing growth and regeneration demands of tissues. We showed previously that adult forebrain stem cell function declines during aging because of increased expression of let-7 microRNAs, evolutionarily conserved heterochronic genes that reduce HMGA2 expression. Here we asked whether let-7 targets also regulate changes between fetal and adult stem cells. We found a second let-7 target, the RNA binding protein IMP1, that is expressed by fetal, but not adult, neural stem cells. IMP1 expression was promoted by Wnt signaling and Lin28a expression and opposed by let-7 microRNAs. Imp1-deficient neural stem cells were prematurely depleted in the dorsal telencephalon due to accelerated differentiation, impairing pallial expansion. IMP1 post-transcriptionally inhibited the expression of differentiation-associated genes while promoting the expression of self-renewal genes, including Hmga2. A network of heterochronic gene products including Lin28a, let-7, IMP1, and HMGA2 thus regulates temporal changes in stem cell properties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00924.001 PMID:24192035

Impaired expression of importin/karyopherin {beta}1 leads to post-implantation lethality

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

Miura, Katsutaka; Yoshinobu, Kumiko; Imaizumi, Takashi

2006-03-03

Importin {beta}1 (Imp{beta})/karyopherin {beta}1 (Kpnb1) mediates the nuclear import of a large variety of substrates. This study aimed to investigate the requirement for the Kpnb1 gene in mouse development, using a gene trap line, B6-CB-Ayu8108 {sup GtgeoIMEG} (Ayu8108 {sup geo}), in which the trap vector was inserted into the promoter region of the Kpnb1 gene, but in reverse orientation of the Kpnb1 gene. Ayu8108 {sup geo/geo} homozygous embryos could develop to the blastocyst stage, but died before embryonic day 5.5, and expression of the Kpnb1 gene in homozygous blastocysts was undetectable. We also replaced the {beta}geo gene with Imp{beta} cDNAmore » through Cre-mediated recombination to rescue Imp{beta} expression. Homozygous mice for the rescued allele Ayu8108 {sup Imp{beta}}{sup /Imp{beta}} were born and developed normally. These results demonstrated that the cause of post-implantation lethality of Ayu8108 {sup geo/geo} homozygous embryos was impaired expression of the Kpnb1 gene, indicating indispensable roles of Imp{beta}1 in early development of mice.« less

Luteal phase bleeding after IVF cycles: comparison between progesterone vaginal gel and intramuscular progesterone and correlation with pregnancy outcomes

PubMed Central

Jabara, Sami; Barnhart, Kurt; Schertz, Joan C; Patrizio, Pasquale

2009-01-01

Background: To compare luteal phase bleeding and pregnancy outcomes in normogonadotropic patients receiving progesterone vaginal gel (PVG) or intramuscular progesterone (IMP) injections. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data from 270 patients (292 cycles) undergoing day-3 fresh embryo transfer were analyzed. PVG, 90 mg daily (170 cycles) or IMP, 50 mg daily (122 cycles) began at egg retrieval. Results: Luteal phase bleeding was significantly more common in the PVG than the IMP group. No significant differences were observed in biochemical pregnancy or spontaneous abortion rates between the two groups. Patients who bled before the pregnancy test had significantly lower total and clinical pregnancy rates than non-bleeders. Total and ongoing pregnancy/delivery rates were higher in the PVG than IMP group, but did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion: Luteal phase bleeding was more common in the PVG group than the IMP group, but pregnancy was successful in more patients in the PVG group. Luteal phase bleeding is prevented or delayed during IMP treatment, but patients who bled before the pregnancy test, whether using the gel or injected progesterone, had significantly reduced pregnancy rates compared with non-bleeders. PMID:20485581

IMP3 Stabilization of WNT5B mRNA Facilitates TAZ Activation in Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Samanta, Sanjoy; Guru, Santosh; Elaimy, Ameer L; Amante, John J; Ou, Jianhong; Yu, Jun; Zhu, Lihua J; Mercurio, Arthur M

2018-05-29

Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is an oncofetal protein associated with many aggressive cancers and implicated in the function of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs). The mechanisms involved, however, are poorly understood. We observed that IMP3 facilitates the activation of TAZ, a transcriptional co-activator of Hippo signaling that is necessary for the function of breast CSCs. The mechanism by which IMP3 activates TAZ involves both mRNA stability and transcriptional regulation. IMP3 stabilizes the mRNA of an alternative WNT ligand (WNT5B) indirectly by repressing miR145-5p, which targets WNT5B, resulting in TAZ activation by alternative WNT signaling. IMP3 also facilitates the transcription of SLUG, which is necessary for TAZ nuclear localization and activation, by a mechanism that is also mediated by WNT5B. These results demonstrate that TAZ can be regulated by an mRNA-binding protein and that this regulation involves the integration of Hippo and alternative WNT-signaling pathways. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Direct observations of low-energy solar electrons associated with a type 3 solar radio burst

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frank, L. A.; Gurnett, D. A.

1972-01-01

On 6 April 1971 a solar X-ray flare and a type 3 solar radio noise burst were observed with instrumentation on the eccentric-orbiting satellite IMP 6. The type 3 solar radio noise burst was detected down to a frequency of 31 kHz. A highly anisotropic packet of low-energy solar electron intensities arrived at the satellite approximately 6000 seconds after the onset of the solar flare. This packet of solar electron intensities was observed for 4200 seconds. Maximum differential intensities of the solar electrons were in the energy range of one to several keV. The frequency drift rate of the type 3 radio noise at frequencies below 178 kHz also indicated an average particle speed corresponding to that of a 3-keV electron. The simultaneous observations of these solar electron intensities and of the type 3 solar radio burst are presented, and their interrelationships are explored.

Wind and IMP 8 Solar Wind, Magnetosheath and Shock Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The purpose of this project was to provide the community access to magnetosheath data near Earth. We provided 27 years of IMP 8 magnetosheath proton velocities, densities, and temperatures with our best (usually 1-min.) time resolution. IMP 8 crosses the magnetosheath twice each 125 day orbit, and we provided magnetosheath data for the roughly 27 years of data for which magnetometer data are also available (which are needed to reliably pick boundaries). We provided this 27 years of IMP 8 magnetosheath data to the NSSDC; this data is now integrated with the IMP 8 solar wind data with flags indicating whether each data point is in the solar wind, magnetosheath, or at the boundary between the two regions. The plasma speed, density, and temperature are provided for each magnetosheath point. These data are also available on the MIT web site ftp://space .mit.edu/pub/plasma/imp/www/imp.html. We provide ASCII time-ordered rows of data giving the observation time, the spacecraft position in GSE, the velocity is GSE, the density and temperature for protons. We also have analyzed and archived on our web site the Wind magnetosheath plasma parameters. These consist of ascii files of the proton and alpha densities, speeds, and thermal speeds. These data are available at ftp://space.mit.edu/pub/plasma/wind/sheath These are the two products promised in the work statement and they have been completed in full.

Empirical therapies among adults hospitalized for community-acquired upper urinary tract infections: A decision-tree analysis of mortality, costs, and resistance.

PubMed

Parienti, J J; Lucet, J C; Lefort, A; Armand-Lefèvre, L; Wolff, M; Caron, F; Cattoir, V; Yazdanpanah, Y

2015-09-01

Poor outcomes occur when patients with serious infections receive antibiotics to which the organisms are resistant. Decision trees simulated in-hospital mortality, costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per life year saved, and carbapenem resistance according to 3 empirical antibiotic strategies among adults hospitalized for community-acquired (CA) upper urinary tract infections (UTIs): ceftriaxone (CRO) plus gentamicin (GM) in the intensive care unit (ICU), imipenem (IMP), and individualized choice (IMP or CRO) based on clinical risk factors for CA- extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL). The estimated prevalence of CA-ESBL on admission was 5% (range, 1.3%-17.6%); 3% and 97% were admitted to the ICU and medical ward (MW), respectively. In the ICU, CRO plus GM was dominated; IMP was cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio: €4,400 per life year saved compared with individualized choice). In the MW, IMP had no impact on mortality and was less costly (-€142 per patient vs CRO, -€38 vs individualized choice). The dominance of IMP was consistent in sensitivity analyses. Compared with CRO, colonization by carbapenem-resistant pathogens increased by an odds ratio of 4.5 in the IMP strategy. Among the ICU patients, empirical IMP therapy reduces mortality at an acceptable cost. Among MW patients, individualized choice or CRO is preferred to limit carbapenem resistance at a reasonable cost. Copyright © 2015 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An outer membrane protein (OmpA) of Escherichia coli K-12 undergoes a conformational change during export.

PubMed

Freudl, R; Schwarz, H; Stierhof, Y D; Gamon, K; Hindennach, I; Henning, U

1986-08-25

Pulse-chase experiments were performed to follow the export of the Escherichia coli outer membrane protein OmpA. Besides the pro-OmpA protein, which carries a 21-residue signal sequence, three species of ompA gene products were distinguishable. One probably represented an incomplete nascent chain, another the mature protein in the outer membrane, and the third, designated imp-OmpA (immature processed), a protein which was already processed but apparently was still associated with the plasma membrane. The pro- and imp-OmpA proteins could be characterized more fully by using a strain overproducing the ompA gene products; pro- and imp-OmpA accumulated in large amounts. It could be shown that the imp- and pro-OmpA proteins differ markedly in conformation from the OmpA protein. The imp-OmpA, but not the pro-OmpA, underwent a conformational change and gained phage receptor activity upon addition of lipopolysaccharide. Utilizing a difference in detergent solubility between the two polypeptides and employing immunoelectron microscopy, it could be demonstrated that the pro-OmpA protein accumulated in the cytoplasm while the imp-OmpA was present in the periplasmic space. The results suggest that the pro-OmpA protein, bound to the plasma membrane, is processed, and the resulting imp-OmpA, still associated with the plasma membrane, recognizes the lipid A moiety of the lipopolysaccharide. The resulting conformational change may then force the protein into the outer membrane.

GeneImp: Fast Imputation to Large Reference Panels Using Genotype Likelihoods from Ultralow Coverage Sequencing

PubMed Central

Spiliopoulou, Athina; Colombo, Marco; Orchard, Peter; Agakov, Felix; McKeigue, Paul

2017-01-01

We address the task of genotype imputation to a dense reference panel given genotype likelihoods computed from ultralow coverage sequencing as inputs. In this setting, the data have a high-level of missingness or uncertainty, and are thus more amenable to a probabilistic representation. Most existing imputation algorithms are not well suited for this situation, as they rely on prephasing for computational efficiency, and, without definite genotype calls, the prephasing task becomes computationally expensive. We describe GeneImp, a program for genotype imputation that does not require prephasing and is computationally tractable for whole-genome imputation. GeneImp does not explicitly model recombination, instead it capitalizes on the existence of large reference panels—comprising thousands of reference haplotypes—and assumes that the reference haplotypes can adequately represent the target haplotypes over short regions unaltered. We validate GeneImp based on data from ultralow coverage sequencing (0.5×), and compare its performance to the most recent version of BEAGLE that can perform this task. We show that GeneImp achieves imputation quality very close to that of BEAGLE, using one to two orders of magnitude less time, without an increase in memory complexity. Therefore, GeneImp is the first practical choice for whole-genome imputation to a dense reference panel when prephasing cannot be applied, for instance, in datasets produced via ultralow coverage sequencing. A related future application for GeneImp is whole-genome imputation based on the off-target reads from deep whole-exome sequencing. PMID:28348060

Cardiac gating with a pulse oximeter for dual-energy imaging.

PubMed

Shkumat, N A; Siewerdsen, J H; Dhanantwari, A C; Williams, D B; Paul, N S; Yorkston, J; Van Metter, R

2008-11-07

The development and evaluation of a prototype cardiac gating system for double-shot dual-energy (DE) imaging is described. By acquiring both low- and high-kVp images during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle (diastole), heart misalignment between images can be reduced, thereby decreasing the magnitude of cardiac motion artifacts. For this initial implementation, a fingertip pulse oximeter was employed to measure the peripheral pulse waveform ('plethysmogram'), offering potential logistic, cost and workflow advantages compared to an electrocardiogram. A gating method was developed that accommodates temporal delays due to physiological pulse propagation, oximeter waveform processing and the imaging system (software, filter-wheel, anti-scatter Bucky-grid and flat-panel detector). Modeling the diastolic period allowed the calculation of an implemented delay, t(imp), required to trigger correctly during diastole at any patient heart rate (HR). The model suggests a triggering scheme characterized by two HR regimes, separated by a threshold, HR(thresh). For rates at or below HR(thresh), sufficient time exists to expose on the same heartbeat as the plethysmogram pulse [t(imp)(HR) = 0]. Above HR(thresh), a characteristic t(imp)(HR) delays exposure to the subsequent heartbeat, accounting for all fixed and variable system delays. Performance was evaluated in terms of accuracy and precision of diastole-trigger coincidence and quantitative evaluation of artifact severity in gated and ungated DE images. Initial implementation indicated 85% accuracy in diastole-trigger coincidence. Through the identification of an improved HR estimation method (modified temporal smoothing of the oximeter waveform), trigger accuracy of 100% could be achieved with improved precision. To quantify the effect of the gating system on DE image quality, human observer tests were conducted to measure the magnitude of cardiac artifact under conditions of successful and unsuccessful diastolic gating. Six observers independently measured the artifact in 111 patient DE images. The data indicate that successful diastolic gating results in a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the magnitude of cardiac motion artifact, with residual artifact attributed primarily to gross patient motion.

IMp: The customizable LEGO® Pinned Insect Manipulator

PubMed Central

Dupont, Steen; Price, Benjamin; Blagoderov, Vladimir

2015-01-01

Abstract We present a pinned insect manipulator (IMp) constructed of LEGO® building bricks with two axes of movement and two axes of rotation. In addition we present three variants of the IMp to emphasise the modular design, which facilitates resizing to meet the full range of pinned insect specimens, is fully customizable, collapsible, affordable and does not require specialist tools or knowledge to assemble. PMID:25685035

Dynamic hydraulic fluid stimulation regulated intramedullary pressure.

PubMed

Hu, Minyi; Serra-Hsu, Frederick; Bethel, Neville; Lin, Liangjun; Ferreri, Suzanne; Cheng, Jiqi; Qin, Yi-Xian

2013-11-01

Physical signals within the bone, i.e. generated from mechanical loading, have the potential to initiate skeletal adaptation. Strong evidence has pointed to bone fluid flow (BFF) as a media between an external load and the bone cells, in which altered velocity and pressure can ultimately initiate the mechanotransduction and the remodeling process within the bone. Load-induced BFF can be altered by factors such as intramedullary pressure (ImP) and/or bone matrix strain, mediating bone adaptation. Previous studies have shown that BFF induced by ImP alone, with minimum bone strain, can initiate bone remodeling. However, identifying induced ImP dynamics and bone strain factor in vivo using a non-invasive method still remains challenging. To apply ImP as a means for alteration of BFF, it was hypothesized that non-invasive dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS) can induce local ImP with minimal bone strain to potentially elicit osteogenic adaptive responses via bone-muscle coupling. The goal of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects on local and distant ImP and strain in response to a range of loading frequencies using DHS. Simultaneous femoral and tibial ImP and bone strain values were measured in three 15-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats during DHS loading on the tibia with frequencies of 1Hz to 10Hz. DHS showed noticeable effects on ImP induction in the stimulated tibia in a nonlinear fashion in response to DHS over the range of loading frequencies, where they peaked at 2Hz. DHS at various loading frequencies generated minimal bone strain in the tibiae. Maximal bone strain measured at all loading frequencies was less than 8με. No detectable induction of ImP or bone strain was observed in the femur. This study suggested that oscillatory DHS may regulate the local fluid dynamics with minimal mechanical strain in the bone, which serves critically in bone adaptation. These results clearly implied DHS's potential as an effective, non-invasive intervention for osteopenia and osteoporosis treatments. © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Young Lunar Volcanic Features: How Did They Form?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elder, Catherine; Hayne, Paul O.; Donaldson Hanna, Kerri; Bandfield, Joshua; Ghent, Rebecca; Williams, Jean-Pierre; Paige, David A.

2016-10-01

Irregular mare patches (IMPs) on the Moon are younger than 100 Myr [1, 2], but their formation mechanism is unknown. Previous work has suggested caldera collapse [3], explosive outgassing [2], pyroclastic eruptions [4], basaltic lava flows [1, 5], and regolith drainage into graben [6]. Here we present observations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Diviner thermal radiometer of the four largest IMPs. These observations suggest that the surfaces of the IMPs are on average only slightly rockier than the surrounding regolith. The nighttime cooling curves of the IMPs and the surrounding regolith do not intersect, which suggests that there is no layering in the top 5-10 cm of the IMPs. We also measure the thermal inertia (parameterized through the "H-parameter" [7]) of the IMPs. We find that the thermal inertia of Sosigenes is higher than that of the surrounding regolith (probably due to mass wasting), the thermal inertia of Cauchy-5 and Maskelyne is not significantly different from the surrounding regolith, and the thermal inertia of the largest smooth mound in Ina is significantly lower than the surrounding regolith. Only some IMPs are in topographic depressions or associated with graben, so neither caldera collapse nor drainage into graben can explain the formation of all IMPs. It is unlikely that basaltic lava flows would lead to a thermal inertia lower than that of lunar regolith. Therefore, of the formation mechanisms proposed to date, pyroclastic eruptions or another type of explosive outgassing [e.g. 2] possibly accompanied by basaltic lava flows or drainage into graben best explain the available observations of IMPs.[1] Braden, S. et al. (2014) Nature Geo 7, 787-791. [2] Schultz, P. H. et al. (2006) Nature 444, 184-186. [3] El-Baz, F. (1973) Apollo 17: Preliminary Science Report 330, 30-13. [4] Carter, L. B. et al. (2013) LPSC 44, 2146. [5] Garry, W. B. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H31. [6] Qiao, L. et al. (2002) LPSC 47, 2002. [7] Vasavada, A. R. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H18.Part of this work was performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Oligonucleotide synthesis catalyzed by the Zn/2+/ ion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawai, H.; Orgel, L. E.

1975-01-01

Results of experiments are reported in which Zn(2+) ion catalyzed the formation of oligonucleotides from nucleoside phosphorimidazolides in aqueous solution, even in the absence of a template. Specifically, the imidazolides (ImpU or ImpA) polymerized to form ImpApA, and pApA, pApApA, and pApApApA, or the analogous uracil compounds. In addition, the expected hydrolysis products of the hydrolysis of ImpA were formed (pA, imidazole). Judging from the ratio of pA(n) over pA (with and without zinc ion), this ion increased the efficiency of phosphodiester-bond formation by up to 10 times. Possible mechanisms for the reaction are tentatively proposed.

Development of DRAGON electron cyclotron resonance ion source at Institute of Modern Physics

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

Lu, W.; Lin, S. H.; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049

2012-02-15

A new room temperature electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source, DRAGON, is under construction at IMP. DRAGON is designed to operate at microwaves of frequencies of 14.5-18 GHz. Its axial solenoid coils are cooled with evaporative medium to provide an axial magnetic mirror field of 2.5 T at the injection and 1.4 T at the extraction, respectively. In comparison to other conventional room temperature ECR ion sources, DRAGON has so far the largest bore plasma chamber of inner diameter of 126 mm with maximum radial fields of 1.4-1.5 T produced by a non-Halbach permanent sextupole magnet.

Desktop Nanofabrication with Massively Multiplexed Beam Pen Lithography

PubMed Central

Liao, Xing; Brown, Keith A.; Schmucker, Abrin L.; Liu, Guoliang; He, Shu; Shim, Wooyoung; Mirkin, Chad A.

2013-01-01

The development of a lithographic method that can rapidly define nanoscale features across centimeter-scale surfaces has been a long standing goal of the nanotechnology community. If such a ‘desktop nanofab’ could be implemented in a low-cost format, it would bring the possibility of point-of-use nanofabrication for rapidly prototyping diverse functional structures. Here we report the development of a new tool that is capable of writing arbitrary patterns composed of diffraction-unlimited features over square centimeter areas that are in registry with existing patterns and nanostructures. Importantly, this instrument is based on components that are inexpensive compared to the combination of state-of-the-art nanofabrication tools that approach its capabilities. This tool can be used to prototype functional electronic devices in a mask-free fashion in addition to providing a unique platform for performing high throughput nano- to macroscale photochemistry with relevance to biology and medicine. PMID:23868336

Desktop nanofabrication with massively multiplexed beam pen lithography.

PubMed

Liao, Xing; Brown, Keith A; Schmucker, Abrin L; Liu, Guoliang; He, Shu; Shim, Wooyoung; Mirkin, Chad A

2013-01-01

The development of a lithographic method that can rapidly define nanoscale features across centimetre-scale surfaces has been a long-standing goal for the nanotechnology community. If such a 'desktop nanofab' could be implemented in a low-cost format, it would bring the possibility of point-of-use nanofabrication for rapidly prototyping diverse functional structures. Here we report the development of a new tool that is capable of writing arbitrary patterns composed of diffraction-unlimited features over square centimetre areas that are in registry with existing patterns and nanostructures. Importantly, this instrument is based on components that are inexpensive compared with the combination of state-of-the-art nanofabrication tools that approach its capabilities. This tool can be used to prototype functional electronic devices in a mask-free fashion in addition to providing a unique platform for performing high-throughput nano- to macroscale photochemistry with relevance to biology and medicine.

Effects of interfacial charge and the particle size of titanate nanotube-supported Pt nanoparticles on the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, Tsai-Chin; Lee, Hsin-Yi; Li, Pei-Hua; Chao, Jiunn-Hsing; Lin, Chiu-Hsun

2013-03-01

The oxidation state and size of Pt nanoparticles attached to alkali metal titanate nanotubes (MTNTs=M2Ti3O7, M = Li+, Na+, K+, Cs+) via ion exchange (indicated by the added label ‘-IE’) and wet impregnation (indicated by the added label ‘-IMP’) methods varied systematically with the cation of the MTNTs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the binding energy of Pt was reduced to a low value when the support was changed from LiTNTs to CsTNTs, yielding a Ptδ- oxidation state. Thus, a space charge layer (SCL) was constructed at the interface between the Pt particle and MTNT support; the former carried the negative charge, and the alkali cation and proton in the hydroxyl group of the latter carried the positive charge. Due to a higher M/Ti atomic ratio in MTNTs, a higher electron density accumulated on Pt particles in Pt/MTNTs-IMP than on those in Pt/MTNTs-IE. Sub-ambient temperature temperature-programmed reduction and transmission electron microscopy revealed that because of the difference in reducibility of PtOx/MTNTs, the mean Pt particle size followed the order Pt/CsTNTs > Pt/KTNTs > Pt/NaTNTs > Pt/LiTNTs and Pt/MTNTs-IMP > Pt/MTNTs-IE. DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy) showed that owing to its interaction with SCL, cinnamaldehyde adsorbed on Pt mainly through the C=C bond at the Pt-MTNT interfaces, and the small Pt particles in Pt/LiTNTs adsorbed three times more cinnamaldehyde than those in Pt/CsTNTs. Due to the competition between the adsorption of cinnamaldehyde and C=C activation, Pt/KTNT-IMP is the most active Pt/MTNT catalysts, achieving a conversion of 100% in the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde at 2 atm and 313 K. The carbonyl stretching of adsorbed cinnamaldehyde was almost unperturbed by adsorption (at 1705 cm-1), suggesting that Ptδ- and the π electrons in the carbonyl group repel each other, so the CH=O group points upward and away from the Pt surface, preventing it from being hydrogenated and causing Pt/MTNTs to exhibit high 3-phenyl propionaldehyde selectivities of 75-80%.

Hemimegalencephaly: Clinical, EEG, neuroimaging, and IMP-SPECT correlation

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

Konkol, R.J.; Maister, B.H.; Wells, R.G.

1990-11-01

Iofetamine-single photon emission computed tomography (IMP-SPECT) was performed on 2 girls (5 1/2 and 6 years of age) with histories of intractable seizures, developmental delay, and unilateral hemiparesis secondary to hemimegalencephaly. Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed frequent focal discharges in 1 patient, while a nearly continuous burst suppression pattern over the malformed hemisphere was recorded in the other. IMP-SPECT demonstrated a good correlation with neuroimaging studies. In spite of the different EEG patterns, which had been proposed to predict contrasting clinical outcomes, both IMP-SPECT scans disclosed a similar decrease in tracer uptake in the malformed hemisphere. These results are consistent with themore » pattern of decreased tracer uptake found in other interictal studies of focal seizures without cerebral malformations. In view of recent recommendations for hemispherectomy in these patients, we suggest that the IMP-SPECT scan be used to compliment EEG as a method to define the extent of abnormality which may be more relevant to long-term prognosis than EEG alone.« less

Interface Message Processors for the ARPA Computer Network

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-04-01

Pluribus IMP construction and checkout; sizeable changes to the i*4P message-processing algorithms: and Satellite IMP issues. The IMP message...extremely low cost modification design. We have begun to consider changes to the MLC design which would enable the MLC to suppress continuous breaks...existing authentication mechanisms need not make these changes . 2.7 Other Topics During the first quarter BBN constructed an environmental test chamber

IDC Integrated Master Plan.

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

Clifford, David J.; Harris, James M.

2014-12-01

This is the IDC Re-Engineering Phase 2 project Integrated Master Plan (IMP). The IMP presents the major accomplishments planned over time to re-engineer the IDC system. The IMP and the associate Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) are used for planning, scheduling, executing, and tracking the project technical work efforts. REVISIONS Version Date Author/Team Revision Description Authorized by V1.0 12/2014 IDC Re- engineering Project Team Initial delivery M. Harris

Distinct Signaling Roles of cIMP, cCMP, and cUMP.

PubMed

Seifert, Roland

2016-10-04

The cyclic purine nucleotide cIMP and the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cCMP and cUMP are emerging second messengers. These cNMPs show different biological effects, but the molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this issue of Structure, Ng et al. (2016) provide structural evidence for distinct interactions of cIMP, cCMP, and cUMP with ion channels. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

IMP-1 and a Novel Metallo-β-Lactamase, VIM-6, in Fluorescent Pseudomonads Isolated in Singapore

PubMed Central

Koh, Tse Hsien; Wang, Grace Chee Yeng; Sng, Li-Hwei

2004-01-01

Four carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas spp. were isolated from patients in Singapore. One Pseudomonas putida isolate contained a blaIMP-1 identical to that first described in Japan. The sequence of a variant blaIMP-1 in Pseudomonas fluorescens contained four silent mutations compared with the original sequence. The remaining P. putida isolates contained blaVIM-6, a novel VIM gene variant. PMID:15155248

[Simultaneous determination of sivelestat and its metabolite XW-IMP-A in human plasma using HPLC-MS/MS].

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Dai, Xiao-jian; Zhang, Yi-fan; Zhong, Da-fang; Wu, Yu-lin; Chen, Xiao-yan

2015-10-01

A simple and rapid method was developed based on high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine sivelestat and its metabolite XW-IMP-A in human plasma. After a simple protein precipitation, the samples and internal standards were analyzed on a C18 column by a gradient elution program. The mobile phase consisted of 30% acetonitrile in methanol and 5 mmol · L(-1) ammonium acetate at a flow rate of 0.7 mL · min(-1). The mass spectrometric data was collected in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM) in the negative electrospray ionization. The standard curves were linear in the range of 10.0-15,000 ng · mL(-1) for sivelestat, and 2.50-1000 ng · mL(-1) for XW-IMP-A. The low limits of quantitation were identified at 10.0 and 2.50 ng · mL for sivelestat and XW-IMP-A, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precision were within 11.3% and 13.1% for sivelestat and XW-IMP-A, and accuracy was 0.3% and 0.6% for sivelestat and XW-IMP-A, within the acceptable limits across all concentrations. The method was successfully validated in the pharmacokinetic study of sivelestat in healthy Chinese volunteers.

3-DIMENSIONAL Optoelectronic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnamoorthy, Ashok Venketaraman

This thesis covers the design, analysis, optimization, and implementation of optoelectronic (N,M,F) networks. (N,M,F) networks are generic space-division networks that are well suited to implementation using optoelectronic integrated circuits and free-space optical interconnects. An (N,M,F) networks consists of N input channels each having a fanout F_{rm o}, M output channels each having a fanin F_{rm i}, and Log_{rm K}(N/F) stages of K x K switches. The functionality of the fanout, switching, and fanin stages depends on the specific application. Three applications of optoelectronic (N,M,F) networks are considered. The first is an optoelectronic (N,1,1) content -addressable memory system that achieves associative recall on two-dimensional images retrieved from a parallel-access optical memory. The design and simulation of the associative memory are discussed, and an experimental emulation of a prototype system using images from a parallel-readout optical disk is presented. The system design provides superior performance to existing electronic content-addressable memory chips in terms of capacity and search rate, and uses readily available optical disk and VLSI technologies. Next, a scalable optoelectronic (N,M,F) neural network that uses free-space holographic optical interconnects is presented. The neural architecture minimizes the number of optical transmitters needed, and provides accurate electronic fanin with low signal skew, and dendritic-type fan-in processing capability in a compact layout. Optimal data-encoding methods and circuit techniques are discussed. The implementation of an prototype optoelectronic neural system, and its application to a simple recognition task is demonstrated. Finally, the design, analysis, and optimization of a (N,N,F) self-routing, packet-switched multistage interconnection network is described. The network is suitable for parallel computing and broadband switching applications. The tradeoff between optical and electronic interconnects is examined quantitatively by varying the electronic switch size K. The performance of the (N,N,F) network versus the fanning parameter F, is also analyzed. It is shown that the optoelectronic (N,N,F) networks provide a range of performance-cost alternatives, and offer superior performance-per-cost to fully electronic switching networks and to previous networks designs.

I-123 amphetamine vs Xe-133 SPECT: A comparative study in patients with unilateral Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD)

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

Buell, U.; Krappel, W.; Schmiedek, P.

1985-05-01

SPECT may be used to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) by X) Xe-133 gas and a rotating four detector array system or by I) I-123 amphetamine (IMP) and a rotating gamma camera. Results of X) and I) were compared to find out an optimum time frame wherein cerebral IMP distribution reflects rCBF, using Xe-133 as reference. In 20 patients (pts) with strictly unilateral CFD, X) and I) were performed within 48 hrs. X) was used to establish interhemispherical ratios (R) of rCBF (diseased-to-normal hemisphere) from both, hemispherical (half) slices (S, at 6-8 and 10-12 cm above OML, 2 SRmore » per pt) and standardized areas (A, 6 AR per S). I) was done with a dual head gamma camera at (2) 13-27, (2) 33-47 min and (3) 5.5. hrs after injection of 180 MBq IMP-123 (p,5n). After reconstruction, identical S of X) and I) were evaluated by a ROI computer program. For comparison, values of SR and AR were subtracted from l.000 and pronounced CVD was selected by thresholds for XE-R (>.11 and >.14). In pronounced CVD, IMP(2)SR was significantly different from Xe SR. AR showed a low correlation, too. At 5.5 hrs, IMP 3 did represent rCBF at least. However, excellent congruence was found at IMP 1 (13-27 min pi.) The authors conclude that in CVED cerebral IMP uptake and distribution represent rCBF only during the first 30 min after injection.« less

Mechanics of the fast-start: muscle function and the role of intramuscular pressure in the escape behavior of amia calva and polypterus palmas

PubMed

Westneat; Hale; Mchenry; Long

1998-11-01

The fast-start escape response is a rapid, powerful body motion used to generate high accelerations of the body in virtually all fishes. Although the neurobiology and behavior of the fast-start are often studied, the patterns of muscle activity and muscle force production during escape are less well understood. We studied the fast-starts of two basal actinopterygian fishes (Amia calva and Polypterus palmas) to investigate the functional morphology of the fast-start and the role of intramuscular pressure (IMP) in escape behavior. Our goals were to determine whether IMP increases during fast starts, to look for associations between muscle activity and elevated IMP, and to determine the functional role of IMP in the mechanics of the escape response. We simultaneously recorded the kinematics, muscle activity patterns and IMP of four A. calva and three P. palmas during the escape response. Both species generated high IMPs of up to 90 kPa (nearly 1 atmosphere) above ambient during the fast-start. The two species showed similar pressure magnitudes but had significantly different motor patterns and escape performance. Stage 1 of the fast-start was generated by simultaneous contraction of locomotor muscle on both sides of the body, although electromyogram amplitudes on the contralateral (convex) side of the fish were significantly lower than on the ipsilateral (concave) side. Simultaneous recordings of IMP, escape motion and muscle activity suggest that pressure change is caused by the contraction and radial swelling of cone-shaped myomeres. We develop a model of IMP production that incorporates myomere geometry, the concept of constant-volume muscular hydrostats, the relationship between fiber angle and muscle force, and the forces that muscle fibers produce. The timing profile of pressure change, behavior and muscle action indicates that elevated muscle pressure is a mechanism of stiffening the body and functions in force transmission during the escape response.

The Impact of Cognitive Impairment in Dementia on Self-Care Domains in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Search and Narrative Review.

PubMed

Santos, Tamsin; Lovell, Janaka; Shiell, Kerrie; Johnson, Marilyn; Ibrahim, Joseph E

2018-04-29

Self-management is integral to effective chronic disease management. Cognitive impairments (CogImp) associated with dementia have not previously been reviewed in diabetes mellitus (DM) self-care. (i) Whether CogImp associated with dementia impact self-care. (ii) Whether specific CogImp affects key DM self-care processes. A systematic literature search with a narrative review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This review examined studies published from January, 2000 to February, 2016 describing the relationship between cognition and DM self-care domains in community dwelling older adults with dementia/CogImp. Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Decrements in all self-care domains were associated with CogImp. Problem solving was related to reduced disease knowledge (OR 0.87, 95% CI=0.49-1.55), resulting in poorer glycemic control. Decision-making impairments manifested as difficulties in adjusting insulin doses, leading to more hospital admissions. People without CogImp were better able to find/utilize resources by adhering to recommended management (OR 1.03, 95% CI=1.02-1.05). A lack of interaction with health care providers was demonstrated through reduced receipt of important routine investigation including eye examinations (ARR=0.85, 95% CI=0.85-0.86), HbA1c testing (ARR=0.96, 95% CI=0.96-0.97) and LDL-C testing (ARR=0.91, 95% CI=0.901-0.914). People without CogImp had better clinic attendance (OR 2.17, 95% CI=1.30-3.70). Action taking deficits were apparent through less self-testing of blood sugar levels (20.2% vs 24.4%, p=0.1) resulting in poorer glycemic control, self-care and more frequent micro/macrovascular complications. Persons with diabetes and CogImp, particularly in domains of learning, memory and executive function, were significantly impaired in all self-care tasks. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Identification, synthesis and structural characterization of process related and degradation impurities of acrivastine and validation of HPLC method.

PubMed

Kumar, Ajay; Devineni, Subba Rao; Dubey, Shailender Kumar; Kumar, Pradeep; Srivastava, Vishal; Ambulgekar, Girish; Jain, Mohit; Gupta, Dharmendra Kumar; Singh, Gurmeet; Kumar, Rajesh; Hiriyanna, S G; Kumar, Pramod

2016-10-17

Four impurities (Imp-I-IV) were detected using gradient HPLC method in few laboratory batches of acrivastine in the level of 0.03-0.12% and three impurities (Imp-I-III) were found to be known and one (Imp-IV) was unknown. In forced degradation study, the drug is degraded into four degradation products under oxidation and photolytic conditions. Two impurities (Imp-III and -IV) were concurred with process related impurities whereas Imp-V and -VI were identified as new degradation impurities. Based on LC-ESI/MS n study, the chemical structures of new impurities were presumed as 1-[(2E)-3-(4-methylphenyl)-3-{6-[(1E)-3-oxobut-1-en-1-yl]pyridin-2-yl}prop-2-en-1-yl]pyrrolidin-1-ium-1-olate (Imp-IV), 1-{[3-(4-methylphenyl)-3-{6-[(1E)-3-oxobut-1-en-1-yl]pyridin-2-yl}oxiran-2-yl]methyl}pyrrolidin-1-ium-1-olate (Imp-V) and 2-[2-(4-methylphenyl)-3-[(1-oxidopyrrolidin-1-ium-1-yl)methyl]oxiran-2-yl]-6-[(1E)-3-oxobut-1-en-1-yl]pyridin-1-ium-1-olate (Imp-VI), and confirmed by their synthesis followed by spectroscopic analysis, IR, NMR ( 1 H, 13 C) and mass. An efficient and selective high-performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and resolved well the drug related substances on a Phenomenex Gemini C-18 (250×4.6mm, particle size 5μm) column. The mobile phase was composed of sodium dihydrogen phosphate (10mM) and methanol, temperature at 25°C, and a PDA detector set at 254nm used for detection. The method was validated with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and sensitivity and satisfactory results were achieved. Identification, synthesis, characterization of impurities and method validation were first reported in this paper. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electronics for a highly segmented electromagnetic calorimeter prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fehlker, D.; Alme, J.; van den Brink, A.; de Haas, A. P.; Nooren, G.-J.; Reicher, M.; Röhrich, D.; Rossewij, M.; Ullaland, K.; Yang, S.

2013-03-01

A prototype of a highly segmented electromagnetic calorimeter has been developed. The detector tower is made of 24 layers of PHASE2/MIMOSA23 silicon sensors sandwiched between tungsten plates, with 4 sensors per layer, a total of 96 MIMOSA sensors, resulting in 39 MPixels for the complete prototype detector tower. The paper focuses on the electronics of this calorimeter prototype. Two detector readout and control systems are used, each containing two Spartan 6 and one Virtex 6 FPGA, running embedded Linux, each system serving 12 detector layers. In 550 ms a total of 4 Gbytes of data is read from the detector, stored in memory on the electronics and then shipped to the DAQ system via Gigabit ethernet.

Performance of a reentrant cavity beam position monitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, Claire; Luong, Michel; Chel, Stéphane; Napoly, Olivier; Novo, Jorge; Roudier, Dominique; Rouvière, Nelly; Baboi, Nicoleta; Mildner, Nils; Nölle, Dirk

2008-08-01

The beam-based alignment and feedback systems, essential operations for the future colliders, require high resolution beam position monitors (BPMs). In the framework of the European CARE/SRF program, a reentrant cavity BPM with its associated electronics was developed by the CEA/DSM/Irfu in collaboration with DESY. The design, the fabrication, and the beam test of this monitor are detailed within this paper. This BPM is designed to be inserted in a cryomodule, work at cryogenic temperature in a clean environment. It has achieved a resolution better than 10μm and has the possibility to perform bunch to bunch measurements for the x-ray free electron laser (X-FEL) and the International Linear Collider (ILC). Its other features are a small size of the rf cavity, a large aperture (78 mm), and an excellent linearity. A first prototype of a reentrant cavity BPM was installed in the free electron laser in Hamburg (FLASH), at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) and demonstrated its operation at cryogenic temperature inside a cryomodule. The second, installed, also, in the FLASH linac to be tested with beam, measured a resolution of approximately 4μm over a dynamic range ±5mm in single bunch.

Cytotoxic and pro-oxidative effects of Imperata cylindrica aerial part ethyl acetate extract in colorectal cancer in vitro.

PubMed

Kwok, Amy Ho Yan; Wang, Yan; Ho, Wing Shing

2016-05-15

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer. Its global incidence and mortality have been on the rise. Recent strategy of therapies has involved the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-selective inhibitors. Aerial parts of Imperata cylindrical L. Raeusch (IMP) have been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional Chinese medicine. Asarachidonate acid cascadeis often involved in inflammation-related malignancy and IMP is an anti-inflammatory agent, hence it is hypothesized that IMP aerial part ethyl acetate extract exerts cytotoxic effects on colorectal cancer cells in vitro. The HT-29 adenocarcinoma cell line was used to elucidate its pro-apoptotic activities. Flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy were performed to assess cell cycle arrest and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mRNA and hormone levels of arachidonate acid pathways were studied via quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA. The 50% growth inhibitory effect (GI50) of the IMP extract on HT-29 was measured with a value of 14.5 µg/ml. Immuno-blot and caspase-3/7 activity assay showed the pro-apoptotic effect of IMP on the activation of caspase cascade. G2/M arrest was observed via flow cytometry. The ROS activity was modulated by the IMP extraction a concentration-dependent manner in HT-29 cells. The IMP extract increased PGE2 and PGF2α levels qRT-PCR revealed that transcripts of rate-limiting PGE2- and PGF2α-biosynthetic enzymes - COX-1, mPGES1 and AKR1C3 were notably up-regulated. Among the prostanoid receptors, EP1 and FP transcripts were up-regulated while EP4 transcripts decreased. The findings suggest that the proliferative effect of PGE2, which is generally believed to associate with heightened DNA synthesis and cross-talk with MAPK pathways, is likely triggered by the pro-apoptotic or -oxidative effects exerted by IMP extract in HT-29 cells. Concurring with this notion, indomethacin (COX-1/2-inhibitor) was demonstrated to potentiate the cytotoxic effect of IMP extract (GI50 ≦ 10.8 µg/ml). The results show that the cytotoxic effect of IMP extract predominates over the influence of proliferative prostanoids released by challenged colorectal cancer cells, and may present a potential source for development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

IMP-8. Volume 2: Scientific section. [Bibliography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Results of the analysis of the IMP-8 data, which was collected during the first six and one-half years after launch of the IMP-8 spacecraft are presented. The plasma wave experiment data were processed and are available in an easily accessible summary form. These data continue to provide a valuable source for comparative studies with plasma wave experiments on other spacecraft operating in the solar wind and within the Earth's magnetosphere.

Emery-Kivelson solution of the two-channel Kondo problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Anirvan M.; Georges, Antoine

1994-04-01

We consider the two-channel Kondo model in the Emery-Kivelson approach, and calculate the total susceptibility enhancement due to the impurity χimp=χ-χbulk. We find that χimp exactly vanishes at the solvable point, in a completely analogous way to the singular part of the specific heat Cimp. A perturbative calculation around the solvable point yields the generic behavior χimp~log(1/T), Cimp~T logT and the known universal value of the Wilson ratio RW=8/3. From this calculation, the Kondo temperature can be identified and is found to behave as the inverse square of the perturbation parameter. The small-field, zero-temperature behavior χimp~log(1/h) is also recovered.

Photodissociation dynamics and spectroscopy of free radical combustion intermediates

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

Osborn, David Lewis

1996-12-01

The photodissociation spectroscopy and dynamics of free radicals is studied by the technique of fast beam photofragment translational spectroscopy. Photodetachment of internally cold, mass-selected negative ions produces a clean source of radicals, which are subsequently dissociated and detected. The photofragment yield as a function of photon energy is obtained, mapping out the dissociative and predissociative electronic states of the radical. In addition, the photodissociation dynamics, product branching ratios, and bond energies are probed at fixed photon energies by measuring the translational energy, P(E T), and angular distribution of the recoiling fragments using a time- and position-sensitive detector. Ab initio calculationsmore » are combined with dynamical and statistical models to interpret the observed data. The photodissociation of three prototypical hydrocarbon combustion intermediates forms the core of this work.« less

Inter-Fullerene Electronic Coupling Controls the Efficiency of Photoinduced Charge Generation in Organic Bulk Heterojunctions

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

Larson, Bryon W.; Reid, Obadiah G.; Coffey, David C.

2016-09-26

Photoinduced charge generation (PCG) dynamics are notoriously difficult to correlate with specific molecular properties in device relevant polymer:fullerene organic photovoltaic blend films due to the highly complex nature of the solid state blend morphology. Here, this study uses six judiciously selected trifluoromethylfullerenes blended with the prototypical polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) and measure the PCG dynamics in 50 fs-500 ns time scales with time-resolved microwave conductivity and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The isomeric purity and thorough chemical characterization of the fullerenes used in this study allow for a detailed correlation between molecular properties, driving force, local intermolecular electronic coupling and, ultimately, the efficiencymore » of PCG yield. The findings show that the molecular design of the fullerene not only determines inter-fullerene electronic coupling, but also influences the decay dynamics of free holes in the donor phase even when the polymer microstructure remains unchanged.« less

The effect of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) on tenderness, microstructure and chemical-physical index of duck breast meat.

PubMed

Wang, Daoying; Deng, Shaoying; Zhang, Muhan; Geng, Zhiming; Sun, Chong; Bian, Huan; Xu, Weimin; Zhu, Yongzhi; Liu, Fang; Wu, Haihong

2016-03-30

Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) is often used in meat and poultry soups as a flavor enhancer (flavor modifier), or as food additives for specific nutritional purposes. Our previous research as well as evidence from others showed that actomyosin could be dissociated into myosin and actin by AMP in extracted muscle solution. However, there is no report available on the application of AMP to dissociate actomyosin and to improve meat tenderness. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of AMP on duck meat tenderness and other quality traits and to explore the mechanism of the action of AMP on meat tenderness. Duck breast muscle was treated with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 mmol L(-1) AMP at 5 °C for 10 h and examined for shear force, microstructure, actomyosin dissociation, myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), pH, water content, cooking loss, CIE* color (L*, a*, b*), inosine monophosphate (IMP) and free amino acid (FAA) contents. Results showed that shear force, cooking loss, L* and b* of the muscles significantly decreased after AMP treatment (P < 0.05); actomyosin dissociation, MFI, pH, water content, fiber diameter, sarcomere length, IMP and ammonia significantly increased (P < 0.05); no significant change in a* or other FAA content was observed (P > 0.05), and muscle shrinkage in transverse and longitudinal directions were restrained after AMP treatment. The results suggest that AMP could notably improve meat tenderness, and this effect was probably mainly through increasing muscle pH, promoting actomyosin dissociation and disrupting the Z-line; meanwhile, the conversion of AMP to IMP may contribute to the flavor of meat. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Limiting concentrations of activated mononucleotides necessary for poly(C)-directed elongation of oligoguanylates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanavarioti, A.; Chang, S.; Alberas, D. J.

1990-01-01

Selected imidazolide-activated nucleotides have been subjected to hydrolysis under conditions similar to those that favor their template-directed oligomerization. Rate constants of hydrolysis of the P-N bond in guanosine 5'-monophosphate 2-methylimidazolide (2-MeImpG) and in guanosine 5'-monophosphate imidazolide (ImpG), kh, have been determined in the presence/absence of magnesium ion as a function of temperature and polycytidylate [poly(C)] concentration. Using the rate constant of hydrolysis of 2-MeImpG and the rate constant of elongation, i.e., the reaction of an oligoguanylate with 2-MeImpG in the presence of poly(C) acting as template, the limiting concentration of 2-MeImpG necessary for oligonucleotide elongation to compete with hydrolysis can be calculated. The limiting concentration is defined as the initial concentration of monomer that results in its equal consumption by hydrolysis and by elongation. These limiting concentrations of 2-MeImpG are found to be 1.7 mM at 37 degrees C and 0.36 mM at 1 degrees C. Boundary conditions in the form of limiting concentration of activated nucleotide may be used to evaluate a prebiotic model for chemical synthesis of biopolymers. For instance, the limiting concentration of monomer can be used as a basis of comparison among catalytic, but nonenzymatic, RNA-type systems. We also determined the rate constant of dimerization of 2-MeImpG, k2 = 0.45 +/- 0.06 M-1 h-1 in the absence of poly(C), and 0.45 +/- 0.06 less than or equal to k2 less than or equal to 0.97 +/- 0.13 M-1 h-1 in its presence at 37 degrees C and pH 7.95.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).

Antibiotic resistance pattern and evaluation of metallo-beta lactamase genes (VIM and IMP) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains producing MBL enzyme, isolated from patients with secondary immunodeficiency

PubMed Central

Shirani, Kiana; Ataei, Behrouz; Roshandel, Fardad

2016-01-01

Background: One of the most common causes of hospital-acquired secondary infections in hospitalized patients is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of IMP and VIM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (carbapenem resistant and producer MBL enzyme) in patients with secondary immunodeficiency. Materials and Methods: In a cross sectional study, 96 patients with secondary immunodeficiency hospitalized in the Al-Zahra hospital were selected. Carbapenem resistant strains isolated and modified Hodge test was performed in order to confirm the presence of the metallo carbapenemase enzyme. Under the standard conditions they were sent to the central laboratory for investigating nosocomial infection Multiplex PCR. Results: Of 96 samples 28.1% were IMP positive, 5.2% VIM positive and 3.1% both VIM and IMP positive. The prevalence of multidrug resistance in the IMP and/or VIM negative samples was 29%, while all 5 VIM positive samples have had multidrug resistance. Also the prevalence of multi-drug resistance in IMP positive samples were 96.3% and in IMP and VIM positive samples were 100%. According to Fisher’s test, the prevalence of multi-drug resistance based on gene expression has significant difference (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that, a significant percentage of patients with secondary immunodeficiency that suffer nosocomial infections with multidrug resistance, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are probably MBL-producing gene positive. Therefore the cause of infection should be considered in the hospital care system to identify their features, the presence of genes involved in the development of multi-drug resistance and antibiotic therapy. PMID:27563634

Functional analysis of sex-determination genes by gene silencing with LNA-DNA gapmers in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

PubMed

Sakai, Hiroki; Sakaguchi, Honami; Aoki, Fugaku; Suzuki, Masataka G

2015-08-01

The sexual fate of B. mori is determined genetically; ZW, female and ZZ, male. Recently, we successfully identified a strong candidate gene at the top of the sex determination cascade in B. mori. This gene was termed Feminizer (Fem) and revealed to be a source of Fem-piRNA. Further, we found that B. mori doublesex (Bmdsx) splicing was markedly altered to produce the male-type isoform when a Fem-piRNA inhibitor was injected into ZW embryos. Moreover, knockdown of Masculinizer (Masc), a Fem-piRNA target gene, altered to produce the female-type isoform of Bmdsx in male embryos. However, it remains unclear as to whether Masc directly regulates the sex-specific expression of Bmdsx. In previous studies, we determined that the male-specific isoform of the Bombyx homolog of IGF-II mRNA-binding protein (Imp(M)) was involved in the male-specific splicing of Bmdsx. In an attempt to clarify the genetic relationship between Fem, Masc, Imp(M), and Bmdsx, knockdown experiments were performed. Knockdown of Fem shifted into male-type Bmdsx, Imp(M) and Masc in female embryos. Knockdown of Masc led to the production of the female-type Bmdsx and a dramatic reduction in Imp(M) expression in male embryos. Knockdown of Imp(M) shifted Bmdsx splice mode from the male-type into the female-type. Our results suggest that: (1) Fem reduces Masc expression, (2) Masc dramatically induces Imp(M) expression, and (3) Imp(M) shifting Bmdsx splice mode from the female-type into the male-type. Based on these findings, we propose a possible genetic cascade regulating sex determination in B. mori. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intramuscular pressure: A better tool than EMG to optimize exercise for long-duration space flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hargens, A. R.; Ballard, R. E.; Aratow, M.; Crenshaw, A.; Styf, J.; Kahan, N.; Watenpaugh, D. E.

1992-01-01

A serious problem experienced by astronauts during long-duration space flight is muscle atrophy. In order to develop countermeasures for this problem, a simple method for monitoring in vivo function of specific muscles is needed. Previous studies document that both intramuscular pressure (IMP) and electromyography (EMG) provide quantitative indices of muscle contraction force during isometric exercise. However, at present there are no data available concerning the usefulness of IMP versus EMG during dynamic exercise. Methods: IMP (Myopress catheter) and surface EMG activity were measured continuously and simultaneously in the tibalis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles of 9 normal male volunteers (28-54 years). These parameters were recorded during both concentric and eccentric exercises which consisted of plantarflexon and dorsiflexon of the ankle joint. A Lido Active Isokinetic Dynamometer concurrently recorded ankle joint torque and position. Results: Intramuscular pressure correlated linearly with contraction force for both SOL (r exp 2 = 0.037) and TA (R exp 2 = 0.716 and r exp 2 = 0.802, respectively). During eccentric exercises, SOL and TA IMP also correlated linearly with contraction force (r(exp 2) = 0.883 and r(exp 2) = 0.904 respectively), but SOL and TA EMG correlated poorly with force (r(exp 2) = 0.489 and r(exp 2) = 0.702 respectively). Conclusion: IMP measurement provides a better index of muscle contraction force than EMG during concentric and eccentric exercise. IMP reflects intrinsic mechanical properties of individual muscles, such as length tension relationships. Although invasive, IMP provides a more powerful tool and EMG for developing exercise hardware and protocols for astronauts exposed to long-duration space flight.

IMP dehydrogenase. II. Purification and properties of the enzyme from Yoshida sarcoma ascites tumor cells.

PubMed

Okada, M; Shimura, K; Shiraki, H; Nakagawa, H

1983-11-01

The preceding paper showed that IMP dehydrogenase [IMP:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.1.14] tended to form a precipitable complex(es) through ionic and hydrophobic interactions. On the basis of these observations, a method was developed for purification of IMP dehydrogenase from Yoshida sarcoma ascites cells. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified preparation (1.19 U/mg protein) appeared homogeneous and its minimum molecular weight was estimated to be 68K daltons. Amino acid analyses indicated a subunit molecular weight of 68,042. Molecular sieve chromatography in the presence of 10% (NH4)2SO4 showed that the molecular weight of the native enzyme was 127K daltons. These values indicate that the native enzyme is composed of two identical subunits. However, the purified enzyme gave 4 protein bands on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under non-denaturing conditions, and appeared as a single fraction in the vicinity of the void volume on Ultrogel AcA 34 column chromatography at low salt concentration, indicating that its molecular weight exceeded 200K daltons. These findings indicate that the enzyme tends to aggregate owing to its own physicochemical characteristics. The Km values for IMP and NAD were calculated to be 12 and 25 microM, respectively, and the Ki values for XMP, GMP, and AMP to be 109, 130, and 854 microM, respectively. The purified enzyme showed full activity in the presence of K+, and K+ could be partially replaced by Na+. PCMB inactivated the enzyme, but the activity was completely restored by the addition of DTT. Cl-IMP also inactivated the enzyme and IMP prevented this inactivation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibiotic resistance pattern and evaluation of metallo-beta lactamase genes (VIM and IMP) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains producing MBL enzyme, isolated from patients with secondary immunodeficiency.

PubMed

Shirani, Kiana; Ataei, Behrouz; Roshandel, Fardad

2016-01-01

One of the most common causes of hospital-acquired secondary infections in hospitalized patients is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of IMP and VIM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (carbapenem resistant and producer MBL enzyme) in patients with secondary immunodeficiency. In a cross sectional study, 96 patients with secondary immunodeficiency hospitalized in the Al-Zahra hospital were selected. Carbapenem resistant strains isolated and modified Hodge test was performed in order to confirm the presence of the metallo carbapenemase enzyme. Under the standard conditions they were sent to the central laboratory for investigating nosocomial infection Multiplex PCR. Of 96 samples 28.1% were IMP positive, 5.2% VIM positive and 3.1% both VIM and IMP positive. The prevalence of multidrug resistance in the IMP and/or VIM negative samples was 29%, while all 5 VIM positive samples have had multidrug resistance. Also the prevalence of multi-drug resistance in IMP positive samples were 96.3% and in IMP and VIM positive samples were 100%. According to Fisher's test, the prevalence of multi-drug resistance based on gene expression has significant difference (P < 0.001). Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that, a significant percentage of patients with secondary immunodeficiency that suffer nosocomial infections with multidrug resistance, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are probably MBL-producing gene positive. Therefore the cause of infection should be considered in the hospital care system to identify their features, the presence of genes involved in the development of multi-drug resistance and antibiotic therapy.

Interactions Measurement Payload for Shuttle (IMPS) Definition Phase Study.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-15

7 -AS5 222 INTERACTIONS MEASUREMENT PAYLOAD FOR SHUTTLE (IMPS) 1/3 DEFINITION PHASE STUDY(U) JET PROPULSION LAB PASADENA CA G C HILL 15 DEC 84 JPL-D...OF FUNDING NOS. PROGRAM PROJECT TASK WORK UNIT ELEMENT NO. NO NO. NO. S 11 TITLE fnciude Security Classficalion Interactions Measure 63410F 1822 01...block number, d tor Shuttle The Interactions Measurement Payload for hyttle (IMPS) project will study interactions between large space vehicles, such as

Integrated Micro-Power System (IMPS) Development at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilt, David; Hepp, Aloysius; Moran, Matt; Jenkins, Phillip; Scheiman, David; Raffaelle, Ryne

2003-01-01

Glenn Research Center (GRC) has a long history of energy related technology developments for large space related power systems, including photovoltaics, thermo-mechanical energy conversion, electrochemical energy storage. mechanical energy storage, power management and distribution and power system design. Recently, many of these technologies have begun to be adapted for small, distributed power system applications or Integrated Micro-Power Systems (IMPS). This paper will describe the IMPS component and system demonstration efforts to date.

Evaluation of Etest MBL for Detection of blaIMP-1 and blaVIM-2 Allele-Positive Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp.

PubMed Central

Lee, Kyungwon; Yong, Dongeun; Yum, Jong Hwa; Lim, Yong Sik; Bolmström, Anne; Qwärnström, Anette; Karlsson, Åsa; Chong, Yunsop

2005-01-01

The Etest MBL (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) correctly differentiated all 57 isolates of Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the blaIMP-1 allele and 135 of 137 (98.5%) Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. isolates with the blaVIM-2 allele. The Etest MBL was reliable for detecting the IMP-1- and VIM-2-producing Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates. PMID:15695713

Development of selective medium for IMP-type carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in stool specimens.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Norihisa; Kawahara, Ryuji; Akeda, Yukihiro; Shanmugakani, Rathina Kumar; Yoshida, Hisao; Hagiya, Hideharu; Hara, Naohiro; Nishi, Isao; Yukawa, Satomi; Asada, Rumiko; Sasaki, Yumi; Maeda, Kazuhiro; Sakamoto, Noriko; Hamada, Shigeyuki; Tomono, Kazunori

2017-03-24

Identification of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in faecal specimens is challenging. This fact is particularly critical because low-level carbapenem-resistant organisms such as IMP-producing CPE are most prevalent in Japan. We developed a modified selective medium more suitable for IMP-type CPE. Fifteen reference CPE strains producing different types of β-lactamases were used to evaluate the commercially available CHROMagar KPC and chromID CARBA as well as the newly prepared MC-ECC medium (CHROMagar ECC supplemented with meropenem, cloxacillin, and ZnSO 4 ) and M-ECC medium (CHROMagar ECC supplemented with meropenem and ZnSO 4 ). A total of 1035 clinical samples were then examined to detect CPE using chromID CARBA and M-ECC medium. All tested strains producing NDM-, KPC-, and OXA-48-carbapenemases were successfully cultured in the media employed. Although most of the IMP-positive strains did not grow in CHROMagar KPC, chromID CARBA, or MC-ECC, all tested strains grew on M-ECC. When faecal samples were applied to the media, M-ECC medium allowed the best growth of IMP-type CPE with a significantly higher sensitivity (99.3%) than that of chromID CARBA (13.9%). M-ECC medium was determined as the most favourable selective medium for the detection of IMP-type CPE as well as other types of CPE.

Prototypes and system test stands for the Phase 1 upgrade of the CMS pixel detector

DOE PAGES

Hasegawa, S.

2016-04-23

The CMS pixel phase-1 upgrade project replaces the current pixel detector with an upgraded system with faster readout electronics during the extended year-end technical stop of 2016/2017. New electronics prototypes for the system have been developed, and tests in a realistic environment for a comprehensive evaluation are needed. A full readout test stand with either the same hardware as used in the current CMS pixel detector or the latest prototypes of upgrade electronics has been built. The setup enables the observation and investigation of a jitter increase in the data line associated with trigger rate increases. This effect is duemore » to the way in which the clock and trigger distribution is implemented in CMS. A new prototype of the electronics with a PLL based on a voltage controlled quartz crystal oscillator (QPLL), which works as jitter filter, in the clock distribution path was produced. With the test stand, it was confirmed that the jitter increase is not seen with the prototype, and also good performance was confirmed at the expected detector operation temperature ($-$20 °C).« less

Inosine-5'-monophosphate is a candidate agent to resolve rigor mortis of skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Matsuishi, Masanori; Tsuji, Mariko; Yamaguchi, Megumi; Kitamura, Natsumi; Tanaka, Sachi; Nakamura, Yukinobu; Okitani, Akihiro

2016-11-01

The object of the present study was to reveal the action of inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP) toward myofibrils in postmortem muscles. IMP solubilized isolated actomyosin within a narrow range of KCl concentration, 0.19-0.20 mol/L, because of the dissociation of actomyosin into actin and myosin, but it did not solubilize the proteins in myofibrils with 0.2 mol/L KCl. However, IMP could solubilize both proteins in myofibrils with 0.2 mol/L KCl in the presence of 1 m mol/L pyrophosphate or 1.0-3.3 m mol/L adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP). Thus, we presumed that pyrophosphate and ADP released thin filaments composed of actin, and thick filaments composed of myosin from restraints of myofibrils, and then both filaments were solubilized through the IMP-induced dissociation of actomyosin. Thus, we concluded that IMP is a candidate agent to resolve rigor mortis because of its ability to break the association between thick and thin filaments. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Detection of VIM- and IMP-type Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Patients in Two Hospitals in Tehran

PubMed Central

Davoodi, Saba; Boroumand, Mohammad Ali; Sepehriseresht, Saeed; Pourgholi, Leila

2015-01-01

Background Acinetobacter baumannii, is an opportunistic pathogen and is responsible for numerous nosocomial infections. In recent years, this microorganism has been resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. One of the most important mechanisms of resistance in this microorganism is production of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs). Objectives The aim of this study was to detect VIM- and IMP-type metallo-beta-lactamase genes in Acinetobacter baumanniiisolates from patients in two Hospitals in Tehran. Materials and Methods 104 isolates were tested using the PCR method for the identification of VIM- and IMP-type genes. Results vim1, vim2, imp1 and imp2 genes were detected in 6.7%, 41.7%, 50% and 1.7% of the isolates from Tehran Heart Center, and in 29.5%, 38.6%, 4.5% and 4.5% of the isolates from Shahid Mutahhari Hospital respectively. Discussions Our analysis revealed that the majority of the isolates had at least one of these genes, indicating that MBLs production is an important resistance mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii. PMID:28959283

Hybrid modelling of a high-power X-ray attenuator plasma.

PubMed

Martín Ortega, Álvaro; Lacoste, Ana; Minea, Tiberiu

2018-05-01

X-ray gas attenuators act as stress-free high-pass filters for synchrotron and free-electron laser beamlines to reduce the heat load in downstream optical elements without affecting other properties of the X-ray beam. The absorption of the X-ray beam triggers a cascade of processes that ionize and heat up the gas locally, changing its density and therefore the X-ray absorption. Aiming to understand and predict the behaviour of the gas attenuator in terms of efficiency versus gas pressure, a hybrid model has been developed, combining three approaches: an analytical description of the X-ray absorption; Monte Carlo for the electron thermalization; and a fluid treatment for the electron diffusion, recombination and excited-states relaxation. The model was applied to an argon-filled attenuator prototype built and tested at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, at a pressure of 200 mbar and assuming stationary conditions. The results of the model showed that the electron population thermalizes within a few nanoseconds after the X-ray pulse arrival and it occurs just around the X-ray beam path, recombining in the bulk of the gas rather than diffusing to the attenuator walls. The gas temperature along the beam path reached 850 K for 770 W of incident power and 182 W m -1 of absorbed power. Around 70% of the absorbed power is released as visible and UV radiation rather than as heat to the gas. Comparison of the power absorption with the experiment showed an overall agreement both with the plasma radial profile and power absorption trend, the latter within an error smaller than 20%. This model can be used for the design and operation of synchrotron gas attenuators and as a base for a time-dependent model for free-electron laser attenuators.

Exciton dispersion in molecular solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cudazzo, Pierluigi; Sottile, Francesco; Rubio, Angel; Gatti, Matteo

2015-03-01

The investigation of the exciton dispersion (i.e. the exciton energy dependence as a function of the momentum carried by the electron-hole pair) is a powerful approach to identify the exciton character, ranging from the strongly localised Frenkel to the delocalised Wannier-Mott limiting cases. We illustrate this possibility at the example of four prototypical molecular solids (picene, pentacene, tetracene and coronene) on the basis of the parameter-free solution of the many-body Bethe-Salpeter equation. We discuss the mixing between Frenkel and charge-transfer excitons and the origin of their Davydov splitting in the framework of many-body perturbation theory and establish a link with model approaches based on molecular states. Finally, we show how the interplay between the electronic band dispersion and the exchange electron-hole interaction plays a fundamental role in setting the nature of the exciton. This analysis has a general validity holding also for other systems in which the electron wavefunctions are strongly localized, as in strongly correlated insulators.

Oligomerization reactions of ribonucleotides - The reaction of the 5'-phosphorimidazolide of adenosine with diadenosine pyrophosphate on montmorillonite and other minerals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferris, James P.; Ertem, Gozen

1993-01-01

The overall regiospecificity of the 3',5'-phosphodiester bond formation is shown to be increased from 64 to 83 percent when a 9:1 ratio of ImpA to A5'ppA instead of ImpA alone is reacted in the presence of Na(+)-montmorillonite. The major factor in the regiospecificity increase is the formation of 3',5'-linked A5'ppA3'pA and A5'pp-A3'pA3'pA. The results obtained show that ImpA reacts more readily with A5'ppA than it does with another ImpA molecule and that A5'ppA plays a central role in directing the formation of 3',5'-phosphodiester bonds.

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

Kita, Shota, E-mail: happiest3.7@gmail.com; Ueno, Toshiyuki; Yamada, Sotoshi

We develop high power magnetostrictive vibration power generator for battery-free wireless electronics. The generator is based on a cantilever of parallel beam structure consisting of coil-wound Galfenol and stainless plates with permanent magnet for bias. Oscillating force exerted on the tip bends the cantilever in vibration yields stress variation of Galfenol plate, which causes flux variation and generates voltage on coil due to the law of induction. This generator has advantages over conventional, such as piezoelectric or moving magnet types, in the point of high efficiency, highly robust, and low electrical impedance. Our concern is the improvement of energy conversionmore » efficiency dependent on the dimension. Especially, force factor, the conversion ratio of the electromotive force (voltage) on the tip velocity in vibration, has an important role in energy conversion process. First, the theoretical value of the force factor is formulated and then the validity was verified by experiments, where we compare four types of prototype with parameters of the dimension using 7.0 × 1.5 × 50 mm beams of Galfenol with 1606-turn wound coil. In addition, the energy conversion efficiency of the prototypes depending on load resistance was measured. The most efficient prototype exhibits the maximum instantaneous power of 0.73 W and energy of 4.7 mJ at a free vibration of frequency of 202 Hz in the case of applied force is 25 N. Further, it was found that energy conversion efficiency depends not only on the force factor but also on the damping (mechanical loss) of the vibration.« less

Improvement of force factor of magnetostrictive vibration power generator for high efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kita, Shota; Ueno, Toshiyuki; Yamada, Sotoshi

2015-05-01

We develop high power magnetostrictive vibration power generator for battery-free wireless electronics. The generator is based on a cantilever of parallel beam structure consisting of coil-wound Galfenol and stainless plates with permanent magnet for bias. Oscillating force exerted on the tip bends the cantilever in vibration yields stress variation of Galfenol plate, which causes flux variation and generates voltage on coil due to the law of induction. This generator has advantages over conventional, such as piezoelectric or moving magnet types, in the point of high efficiency, highly robust, and low electrical impedance. Our concern is the improvement of energy conversion efficiency dependent on the dimension. Especially, force factor, the conversion ratio of the electromotive force (voltage) on the tip velocity in vibration, has an important role in energy conversion process. First, the theoretical value of the force factor is formulated and then the validity was verified by experiments, where we compare four types of prototype with parameters of the dimension using 7.0 × 1.5 × 50 mm beams of Galfenol with 1606-turn wound coil. In addition, the energy conversion efficiency of the prototypes depending on load resistance was measured. The most efficient prototype exhibits the maximum instantaneous power of 0.73 W and energy of 4.7 mJ at a free vibration of frequency of 202 Hz in the case of applied force is 25 N. Further, it was found that energy conversion efficiency depends not only on the force factor but also on the damping (mechanical loss) of the vibration.

Measurements on the gas desorption yield of the oxygen-free copper irradiated with low-energy Xe10+ and O+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Z. Q.; Li, P.; Yang, J. C.; Yuan, Y. J.; Xie, W. J.; Zheng, W. H.; Liu, X. J.; Chang, J. J.; Luo, C.; Meng, J.; Wang, J. C.; Wang, Y. M.; Yin, Y.; Chai, Z.

2017-10-01

Heavy ion beam lost on the accelerator vacuum wall will release quantity of gas molecules and make the vacuum system deteriorate seriously. This phenomenon is called dynamic vacuum effect, observed at CERN, GSI and BNL, leading to the decrease of beam lifetime when increasing beam intensity. Heavy ion-induced gas desorption, which results in dynamic vacuum effect, becomes one of the most important problems for future accelerators proposed to operate with intermediate charge state beams. In order to investigate the mechanism of this effect and find the solution method for the IMP future project High Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF), which is designed to extract 1 × 1011 uranium particles with intermediate charge state per cycle, two dedicated experiment setups have been installed at the beam line of the CSR and the 320 kV HV platform respectively. Recently, experiment was performed at the 320 kV HV platform to study effective gas desorption with oxygen-free copper target irradiated with continuous Xe10+ beam and O+ beam in low energy regime. Gas desorption yield in this energy regime was calculated and the link between gas desorption and electronic energy loss in Cu target was proved. These results will be used to support simulations about dynamic vacuum effect and optimizations about efficiency of collimators to be installed in the HIAF main synchrotron BRing, and will also provide guidance for future gas desorption measurements in high energy regime.

Development of 3000 m Subsea Blowout Preventer Experimental Prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Baoping; Liu, Yonghong; Huang, Zhiqian; Ma, Yunpeng; Zhao, Yubin

2017-12-01

A subsea blowout preventer experimental prototype is developed to meet the requirement of training operators, and the prototype consists of hydraulic control system, electronic control system and small-sized blowout preventer stack. Both the hydraulic control system and the electronic system are dual-mode redundant systems. Each system works independently and is switchable when there are any malfunctions. And it significantly improves the operation reliability of the equipment.

High-Fidelity 3D-Nanoprinting via Focused Electron Beams: Computer-Aided Design (3BID)

DOE PAGES

Fowlkes, Jason D.; Winkler, Robert; Lewis, Brett B.; ...

2018-02-14

Currently, there are few techniques that allow true 3D-printing on the nanoscale. The most promising candidate to fill this void is focused electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID), a resist-free, nanofabrication compatible, direct-write method. The basic working principles of a computer-aided design (CAD) program (3BID) enabling 3D-FEBID is presented and simultaneously released for download. The 3BID capability significantly expands the currently limited toolbox for 3D-nanoprinting, providing access to geometries for optoelectronic, plasmonic, and nanomagnetic applications that were previously unattainable due to the lack of a suitable method for synthesis. In conclusion, the CAD approach supplants trial and error toward more precise/accurate FEBID requiredmore » for real applications/device prototyping.« less

High-Fidelity 3D-Nanoprinting via Focused Electron Beams: Computer-Aided Design (3BID)

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

Fowlkes, Jason D.; Winkler, Robert; Lewis, Brett B.

Currently, there are few techniques that allow true 3D-printing on the nanoscale. The most promising candidate to fill this void is focused electron-beam-induced deposition (FEBID), a resist-free, nanofabrication compatible, direct-write method. The basic working principles of a computer-aided design (CAD) program (3BID) enabling 3D-FEBID is presented and simultaneously released for download. The 3BID capability significantly expands the currently limited toolbox for 3D-nanoprinting, providing access to geometries for optoelectronic, plasmonic, and nanomagnetic applications that were previously unattainable due to the lack of a suitable method for synthesis. In conclusion, the CAD approach supplants trial and error toward more precise/accurate FEBID requiredmore » for real applications/device prototyping.« less

Prototyping Instruments for Chemical Laboratory Using Inexpensive Electronic Modules.

PubMed

Urban, Pawel L

2018-05-15

Open-source electronics and programming can augment chemical and biomedical research. Currently, chemists can choose from a broad range of low-cost universal electronic modules (microcontroller boards and single-board computers) and use them to assemble working prototypes of scientific tools to address specific experimental problems and to support daily research work. The learning time can be as short as a few hours, and the required budget is often as low as 50 USD. Prototyping instruments using low-cost electronic modules gives chemists enormous flexibility to design and construct customized instrumentation, which can reduce the delays caused by limited access to high-end commercial platforms. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Interactions measurement payload for Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guidice, D. A.; Pike, C. P.

1985-01-01

The Interactions Measurement Payload for Shuttle (IMPS) consisted of engineering experiments to determine the effects of the space environment on projected Air Force space systems. Measurements by IMPS on a polar-orbit Shuttle flight will lead to detailed knowledge of the interaction of the low-altitude polar-auroral environment on materials, equipment and technologies to be used in future large, high-power space systems. The results from the IMPS measurements will provide direct input to MIL-STD design guidelines and test standards that properly account for space-environment effects.

First-Principles Investigations of Lead-Free Formamidinium Based Hybrid Perovskites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murat, Altynbek; Schwingenschlögl, Udo

2015-03-01

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells have recently emerged as the next-generation photovoltaic technology. Most of the research work has been focused on the prototype MAPbI3 perovskite (MA = Methylammonium = CH3NH3+) and its analogues that have lead to power conversion efficiencies in excess of 15%. Despite the huge success, these materials are still non-optimal in terms of optical absorption where the bandgaps are greater than 1.6 eV as well as the toxicology issue of lead. Thus, investigation and development of lead-free perovskites with bandgaps closer to optimal, allowing greater spectral absorption, is of great interest. In this work, we perform first principles calculations to study the structural, optical, and electronic properties of new derivatives of MAPbI3 in which the organic MA cation is replaced by other organic amines of similar size such as Formamidinium (FA) and/or the Pb cation replaced by similar elements such as Sn. In particular, we investigate the role and effect of FA and Pb cations on the electronic and optical properties and analyze to which extend the bandgaps can be tuned.

Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMF)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Peter H.

1994-01-01

The IMP camera is a near-surface sensing experiment with many capabilities beyond those normally associated with an imager. It is fully pointable in both elevation and azimuth with a protected, stowed position looking straight down. Stereo separation is provided with two optical paths; each has a 12-position filter wheel. The primary function of the camera, strongly tied to mission success, is to take a color panorama of the surrounding terrain. IMP requires approximately 120 images to give a complete downward hemisphere from the deployed position. IMP provides the geologist, and everyone else, a view of the local morphology with millimeter-tometer-scale resolution over a broad area. In addition to the general morphology of the scale, IMP has a large compliment of specially chosen filters to aid in both the identification of the mineral types and their degree of weathering.

Lessons Learned from the Design, Certification, and Operation of the Space Shuttle Integrated Main Propulsion System (IMPS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martinez, Hugo E.; Albright, John D.; D'Amico, Stephen J.; Brewer, John M.; Melcher, John C., IV

2011-01-01

The Space Shuttle Integrated Main Propulsion System (IMPS) consists of the External Tank (ET), Orbiter Main Propulsion System (MPS), and Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs). The IMPS is tasked with the storage, conditioning, distribution, and combustion of cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LO2) propellants to provide first and second stage thrust for achieving orbital velocity. The design, certification, and operation of the associated IMPS hardware have produced many lessons learned over the course of the Space Shuttle Program (SSP). A subset of these items will be discussed in this paper for consideration when designing, building, and operating future spacecraft propulsion systems. This paper will focus on lessons learned related to Orbiter MPS and is the first of a planned series to address the subject matter.

Characterizing Intermediate-Mass, Pre-Main-Sequence Stars via X-Ray Emision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haze Nunez, Evan; Povich, Matthew Samuel; Binder, Breanna Arlene; Broos, Patrick; Townsley, Leisa K.

2018-01-01

The X-ray emission from intermediate-mass, pre-main-sequence stars (IMPS) can provide useful constraints on the ages of very young (${<}5$~Myr) massive star forming regions. IMPS have masses between 2 and 8 $M_{\\odot}$ and are getting power from the gravitational contraction of the star. Main-sequence late-B and A-type stars are not expected to be strong X-ray emitters, because they lack the both strong winds of more massive stars and the magneto-coronal activity of lower-mass stars. There is, however, mounting evidence that IMPS are powerful intrinsic x-ray emitters during their convection-dominated early evolution, before the development and rapid growth of a radiation zone. We present our prime candidates for intrinsic, coronal X-ray emission from IMPS identified in the Chandra Carina Complex Project. The Carina massive star-forming complex is of special interest due to the wide variation of star formation stages within the region. Candidate IMPS were identified using infrared spectral energy distribution (SED) models. X-ray properties, including thermal plasma temperatures and absorption-corrected fluxes, were derived from XSPEC fits performed using absorption ($N_{H}$) constrained by the extinction values returned by the infrared SED fits. We find that IMPS have systematically higher X-ray luminosities compared to their lower-mass cousins, the TTauri stars.This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under grant CAREER-1454334 and by NASA through Chandra Award 18200040.

Emergence of Imipenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates from Egypt Coharboring VIM and IMP Carbapenemases.

PubMed

El-Domany, Ramadan Ahmed; Emara, Mohamed; El-Magd, Mohammed A; Moustafa, Walaa H; Abdeltwab, Nesma M

2017-09-01

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important human pathogen and the leading cause of nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa is characterized by massive intrinsic resistance to a multiple classes of antibiotics with carbapenems being the most potent inhibitor of P. aeruginosa and considered the first choice for its treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate novel mechanisms of resistance of P. aeruginosa to carbapenems for achieving successful therapy. A total of 114 P. aeruginosa isolates from two university hospitals in Egypt were recruited in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that 50 isolates (43.8%) exhibited multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype, of them 14 isolates (12.2%) were imipenem (IPM)-resistant. Of these 14 isolates, 13 isolates (11.4%) exhibited the metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) phenotype. MBLs encoding genes, VIM and IMP, were identified by PCR. PCR results revealed that four isolates harbored the VIM gene alone, one isolate harbored IMP gene alone, and four isolates harbored both genes. The correct size of PCR products of VIM and IMP genes (390 and 188 bp, respectively) were sequenced to confirm results of PCR and to look for any possible polymorphism among MBL genes of tested isolates. Data analysis of these sequences showed 100% identity of nucleotide sequences of MBL genes among tested Egyptian patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IMP carbapenemase-encoding gene in Africa and the first detection of the emergence of P. aeruginosa coproducing VIM and IMP genes in Egypt.

Long-Lived Pure Electron Plasma in Ring Trap-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saitoh, Haruhiko; Yoshida, Zensho; Morikawa, Junji; Watanabe, Sho; Yano, Yoshihisa; Suzuki, Junko

The Ring Trap-1 (RT-1) experiment succeeded in producing a long-lived (of the order 102 s), stable, non-neutral (pure electron) plasma. Electrons are confined by a magnetospheric dipole field. To eliminate a loss channel of the plasmas caused by support structures, a superconducting coil was magnetically levitated. This coil levitation drastically improved the confinement properties of the electron plasma compared to previous Prototype-Ring Trap (Proto-RT) experiments.

[Development of an electronic device to organize medications and promote treatment adherence].

PubMed

Vieira, Liliana Batista; Ramos, Celso de Ávila; Castello, Matheus de Barros; Nascimento, Lorenzo Couto do

2016-04-01

This article describes the development of an electronic prototype to organize medications - the Electronic System for Personal and Controlled Use of Medications (Sistema Eletrônico de Uso Personalizado e Controlado de Medicamentos, SUPERMED). The prototype includes a drawer containing 1 month's supply of medicines, sound and visual medication timers, and a memory card for recording the times when the box was opened/closed (scheduled and unscheduled). This information is later transferred to a computer. Evolutionary prototyping was used to develop SUPERMED with the Arduino platform and C programming. To read alarm and box opening/closing data, software was developed in Java. Once the alarms are programmed (ideally by a health care professional), no additional adjustments are required by the patient. The prototype was tested during 31 days by the developers, with satisfactory functioning. The system seems adequate to organize medications and facilitate adherence to treatment. New studies will be carried out to validate and improve the prototype.

Increased skin permeation efficiency of imperatorin via charged ultradeformable lipid vesicles for transdermal delivery

PubMed Central

Lin, Hongwei; Xie, Qingchun; Huang, Xin; Ban, Junfeng; Wang, Bo; Wei, Xing

2018-01-01

Aim The aim of this work was to develop a novel vesicular carrier, ultradeformable liposomes (UDLs), to expand the applications of the Chinese herbal medicine, imperatorin (IMP), and increase its transdermal delivery. Methods In this study, we prepared IMP-loaded UDLs using the thin-film hydration method and evaluated their encapsulation efficiency, vesicle deformability, skin permeation, and the amounts accumulated in different depths of the skin in vitro. The influence of different charged surfactants on the properties of the UDLs was also investigated. Results The results showed that the UDLs containing cationic surfactants had high entrapment efficiency (60.32%±2.82%), an acceptable particle size (82.4±0.65 nm), high elasticity, and prolonged drug release. The penetration rate of IMP in cationic-UDLs was 3.45-fold greater than that of IMP suspension, which was the highest value among the vesicular carriers. UDLs modified with cationic surfactant also showed higher fluorescence intensity in deeper regions of the epidermis. Conclusion The results of our study suggest that cationic surfactant-modified UDLs could increase the transdermal flux, prolong the release of the drug, and serve as an effective dermal delivery system for IMP. PMID:29467573

Oligomerization reactions of ribonucleotides - The reaction of the 5'-phosphorimidazolide of nucleosides on montmorillonite and other minerals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferris, James P.; Ertem, Gozen

1992-01-01

The reaction of ImpA in the presence of Na(+)-montmorillonite 22A or Na(+)-Volclay in aqueous, pH 8 solution gives a 50-60 percent yield of dimers and trimers (pA)2 and (pA)3. The ratio of 3',5'-phosphodiester bond formation is twice as great as 2',5'-bond formation. The reaction requires the presence of Mg2+ and is inhibited by 0.4 M imidazole. N-methylimidazole enhances the rate of the reaction but does not cause major changes in yield or product composition. Higher yields were obtained when Li+- or Ca2+-montmorillonites were used in place of Na+-montmorillonite. Little or no phosphodiester bond formation was observed with Mg2+- or Al3+-montmorillonite. Montmorillonites other than 22A and Volclay exhibited litle or no catalysis. In addittion, little or no catalysis was exhibited in ferrugenous smectite, nontronite, allophane, imogolite or sepiolite. Oligomers were also formed by the reaction of ImpG, 2-methylImpG, ImpC and ImpU in the presence of Na+-montmorillonite. The pyrimidine nucleotides gave significantly lower yields of oligomers.

Increased skin permeation efficiency of imperatorin via charged ultradeformable lipid vesicles for transdermal delivery.

PubMed

Lin, Hongwei; Xie, Qingchun; Huang, Xin; Ban, Junfeng; Wang, Bo; Wei, Xing; Chen, Yanzhong; Lu, Zhufen

2018-01-01

The aim of this work was to develop a novel vesicular carrier, ultradeformable liposomes (UDLs), to expand the applications of the Chinese herbal medicine, imperatorin (IMP), and increase its transdermal delivery. In this study, we prepared IMP-loaded UDLs using the thin-film hydration method and evaluated their encapsulation efficiency, vesicle deformability, skin permeation, and the amounts accumulated in different depths of the skin in vitro. The influence of different charged surfactants on the properties of the UDLs was also investigated. The results showed that the UDLs containing cationic surfactants had high entrapment efficiency (60.32%±2.82%), an acceptable particle size (82.4±0.65 nm), high elasticity, and prolonged drug release. The penetration rate of IMP in cationic-UDLs was 3.45-fold greater than that of IMP suspension, which was the highest value among the vesicular carriers. UDLs modified with cationic surfactant also showed higher fluorescence intensity in deeper regions of the epidermis. The results of our study suggest that cationic surfactant-modified UDLs could increase the transdermal flux, prolong the release of the drug, and serve as an effective dermal delivery system for IMP.

Ras regulates assembly of mitogenic signalling complexes through the effector protein IMP.

PubMed

Matheny, Sharon A; Chen, Chiyuan; Kortum, Robert L; Razidlo, Gina L; Lewis, Robert E; White, Michael A

2004-01-15

The signal transduction cascade comprising Raf, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK) and MAP kinase is a Ras effector pathway that mediates diverse cellular responses to environmental cues and contributes to Ras-dependent oncogenic transformation. Here we report that the Ras effector protein Impedes Mitogenic signal Propagation (IMP) modulates sensitivity of the MAP kinase cascade to stimulus-dependent activation by limiting functional assembly of the core enzymatic components through the inactivation of KSR, a scaffold/adaptor protein that couples activated Raf to its substrate MEK. IMP is a Ras-responsive E3 ubiquitin ligase that, on activation of Ras, is modified by auto-polyubiquitination, which releases the inhibition of Raf-MEK complex formation. Thus, Ras activates the MAP kinase cascade through simultaneous dual effector interactions: induction of Raf kinase activity and derepression of Raf-MEK complex formation. IMP depletion results in increased stimulus-dependent MEK activation without alterations in the timing or duration of the response. These observations suggest that IMP functions as a threshold modulator, controlling sensitivity of the cascade to stimulus and providing a mechanism to allow adaptive behaviour of the cascade in chronic or complex signalling environments.

10 CFR 32.101 - Schedule B-prototype tests for luminous safety devices for use in aircraft.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Schedule B-prototype tests for luminous safety devices for... thermometer. (d) Shock test. The device shall be dropped upon a concrete or iron surface in a 3-foot free gravitational fall, or shall be subjected to equivalent treatment in a test device simulating such a free fall...

Mesostructured platinum-free anode and carbon-free cathode catalysts for durable proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

PubMed

Cui, Xiangzhi; Shi, Jianlin; Wang, Yongxia; Chen, Yu; Zhang, Lingxia; Hua, Zile

2014-01-01

As one of the most important clean energy sources, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been a topic of extensive research focus for decades. Unfortunately, several critical technique obstacles, such as the high cost of platinum electrode catalysts, performance degradation due to the CO poisoning of the platinum anode, and carbon corrosion by oxygen in the cathode, have greatly impeded its commercial development. A prototype of a single PEMFC catalyzed by a mesostructured platinum-free WO3/C anode and a mesostructured carbon-free Pt/WC cathode catalysts is reported herein. The prototype cell exhibited 93% power output of a standard PEMFC using commercial Pt/C catalysts at 50 and 70 °C, and more importantly, CO poisoning-free and carbon corrosion-resistant characters of the anode and cathode, respectively. Consequently, the prototype cell demonstrated considerably enhanced cell operation durability. The mesostructured electrode catalysts are therefore highly promising in the future development and application of PEMFCs. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Development of a Bacillus subtilis cell-free transcription-translation system for prototyping regulatory elements.

PubMed

Kelwick, Richard; Webb, Alexander J; MacDonald, James T; Freemont, Paul S

2016-11-01

Cell-free transcription-translation systems were originally applied towards in vitro protein production. More recently, synthetic biology is enabling these systems to be used within a systematic design context for prototyping DNA regulatory elements, genetic logic circuits and biosynthetic pathways. The Gram-positive soil bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, is an established model organism of industrial importance. To this end, we developed several B. subtilis-based cell-free systems. Our improved B. subtilis WB800N-based system was capable of producing 0.8µM GFP, which gave a ~72x fold-improvement when compared with a B. subtilis 168 cell-free system. Our improved system was applied towards the prototyping of a B. subtilis promoter library in which we engineered several promoters, derived from the wild-type P grac (σA) promoter, that display a range of comparable in vitro and in vivo transcriptional activities. Additionally, we demonstrate the cell-free characterisation of an inducible expression system, and the activity of a model enzyme - renilla luciferase. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predominance of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates carrying blaIMP and blaVIM metallo-β-lactamases in a major hospital in Costa Rica.

PubMed

Toval, Francisco; Guzmán-Marte, Anel; Madriz, Vivian; Somogyi, Teresita; Rodríguez, César; García, Fernando

2015-01-01

This study aimed to assess the molecular basis of the resistance to carbapenems in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from a tertiary-level health facility in San José, Costa Rica. A total of 198 non-duplicated isolates were evaluated for their susceptibility to β-lactams, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. The production of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), the presence of MBL encoding genes (blaIMP, blaVIM and blaGIM-1) and the occurrence of these genes within class 1 integrons were investigated. In addition, an ERIC2 PCR fingerprinting method was used to elucidate the distribution of the detected MBL genes within the strain collection. Of the 198 isolates tested, 125 (63.1 %) were categorized as carbapenem-resistant. The majority (88.8 %) of the carbapemen-resistant isolates also showed resistance to ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin and gatifloxacin. Among the carbapenem-resistant isolates, 102 (81.6 %) showed MBL activity. Strikingly, both blaIMP and blaVIM genes were simultaneously detected in most (94.1 %) of the 102 MBL producers. Five carbapenem-resistant MBL producers were positive only for blaIMP genes. Almost 70 % of the isolates examined harboured the intI1 gene, accompanied by the sul1 and qacEΔ1 genes in 136 (99 %) and 122 (89 %) isolates, respectively. The majority (94.4 %) of the carbapenem-resistant isolates carried the intI1 gene, in contrast to 26 % of the carbapenem-susceptible isolates. Ninety-three out of 96 (96.9 %) isolates carrying both blaIMP and blaVIM genes also harboured the intI1, sul1 and qacEΔ1 genes. Gene cassettes from carbapenem-susceptible and MBL-negative carbapenem-resistant isolates encoded aminoglycoside-resistance enzymes (aadA2, aadA4 and aadA6) as well as orfD and qacF genes. RAPD analysis distributed 126 of the isolates in 29 clusters. Eighty of the 90 blaIMP (+) blaVIM (+) isolates were sorted into 16 different clusters, suggesting that the blaIMP and blaVIM genes detected were located within a genetic element capable of lateral transfer. Carbapenem-resistant MBL-positive isolates were recovered from almost all hospital wards and were over-represented in samples obtained from the surgical emergency and intensive care therapy units. Remarkably, three carbapenem-resistant isolates, exhibiting MBL activity and carrying both blaIMP and blaVIM genes, were recovered from outpatients. Sequence analysis of both bla genes in various isolates revealed that they correspond to the alleles blaIMP-18 and blaVIM-2. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the combination of two metallo-β-lactamases encoded by the blaIMP-18 and blaVIM-2 genes in P. aeruginosa. © 2015 The Authors.

Prototype Control System for Compensation of Superconducting Cavities Detuning Using Piezoelectric Actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Przygoda, K.; Piotrowski, A.; Jablonski, G.; Makowski, D.; Pozniak, T.; Napieralski, A.

2009-08-01

Pulsed operation of high gradient superconducting radio frequency (SCRF) cavities results in dynamic Lorentz force detuning (LFD) approaching or exceeding the bandwidth of the cavity of order of a few hundreds of Hz. The resulting modulation of the resonance frequency of the cavity is leading to a perturbation of the amplitude and phase of the accelerating field, which can be controlled only at the expense of RF power. Presently, at various labs, a piezoelectric fast tuner based on an active compensation scheme for the resonance frequency control of the cavity is under study. The tests already performed in the Free Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH), proved the possibility of Lorentz force detuning compensation by the means of the piezo element excited with the single period of sine wave prior to the RF pulse. The X-Ray Free Electron Laser (X-FEL) accelerator, which is now under development in Deutsche Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), will consists of around 800 cavities with a fast tuner fixture including the actuator/sensor configuration. Therefore, it is necessary to design a distributed control system which would be able to supervise around 25 RF stations, each one comprised of 32 cavities. The Advanced Telecomunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) was chosen to design, develop, and build a Low Level Radio Frequency (LLRF) controller for X-FEL. The prototype control system for Lorentz force detuning compensation was designed and developed. The control applications applied in the system were fitted to the main framework of interfaces and communication protocols proposed for the ATCA-based LLRF control system. The paper presents the general view of a designed control system and shows the first experimental results from the tests carried out in FLASH facility. Moreover, the possibilities for integration of the piezo control system to the ATCA standards are discussed.

Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is a marker that predicts presence of invasion in papillary biliary tumors.

PubMed

Sasaki, Motoko; Sato, Yasunori

2017-04-01

Biliary tumors showing intraductal papillary growth (Pap-BTs) include intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) and papillary cholangiocarcinoma (CC). A differential diagnosis between IPNB and papillary CC currently remains challenging. The aim of the present study is to identify histological features and immunohistochemical markers of malignant potential such as tumor invasion in Pap-BTs. Subjects comprised 37 patients with Pap-BT (intrahepatic and perihilar [proximal], 27: 17 noninvasive and 10 invasive; distal, 10: all invasive). We examined histological features and the expression of p53, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3), and DNA methyltransferase-1 in the intraductal area in Pap-BTs. Noninvasive Pap-BT was characterized by the presence of a low-grade dysplastic area, edematous stroma, and the absence of necrosis. The expression of p53, enhancer of zeste homolog 2, IMP3, and DNA methyltransferase-1 was significantly weaker in noninvasive Pap-BTs than in invasive Pap-BTs (P<.01). Diffuse cytoplasmic IMP3 expression was absent in noninvasive Pap-BTs. IMP3 showed the greatest specificity to predict a presence of invasion. A heatmap demonstrated that proximal noninvasive Pap-BTs and distal Pap-BTs may be completely different. In bile duct biopsies, the expression of IMP3 was the most precise predictor of invasion in Pap-BTs. In conclusion, Pap-BTs may be separated into 3 subgroups: (1) proximal noninvasive Pap-BT, corresponding to IPNB; (2) distal invasive Pap-BT, corresponding to papillary CC; and (3) the remaining Pap-BT including IPNB with associated adenocarcinomas, based on histological and immunohistochemical features. IMP3 may be a useful marker for predicting invasion in Pap-BT. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ISTP observations of plasmoid ejection: IMP 8 and Geotail

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

Slavin, J.A.; Fairfield, D.H.; Kuznetsova, M.M.

1998-01-01

IMP 8 and Geotail observations of traveling compression regions (TCRs) and plasmoids, respectively, are used to investigate plasmoid formation and ejection. One year of IMP 8 magnetometer measurements taken during the distant tail phase of the Geotail mission were searched for TCRs, which signal the release of plasmoids down the tail. A total of 10 such intervals were identified. Examination of the Geotail measurements showed that this spacecraft was in the magnetotail for only three of the events. However, in all three cases, clear plasmoid signatures were observed at Geotail. These plasmoids were observed at distances of X={minus}170 to {minus}197more » R{sub E}. The in situ plasma velocities in these plasmoids are found to exceed the time-of-flight speeds between IMP 8 and Geotail suggesting that some further acceleration may have taken place following release. The inferred lengths of these plasmoids, {approximately}27{endash}40 R{sub E}, are comparable to the downtail distance of IMP 8. This indicates that TCR at IMP 8 can be caused by plasmoids forming not only earthward but also adjacent to or just tailward of the spacecraft. The closeness of IMP 8 to the point of plasmoid formation is confirmed by the small, {approximately}0{endash}3min, time delays between the TCR perturbation and substorm onset. In two of the plasmoid events, high-speed earthward plasma flows and streaming energetic particles were measured in the plasma sheet boundary layer surrounding the plasmoid along with large positive B{sub z} at the leading edge of the plasmoid suggesting that the core of the plasmoid was {open_quotes}snow plowing{close_quotes} into flux tubes recently closed at an active distant neutral line. In summary, these unique two-point measurements clearly show plasmoid ejection near substorm onset, their rapid movement to the distant tail and their further evolution as they encounter preexisting X lines in the distant tail. {copyright} 1998 American Geophysical Union« less

Overexpression of the OsIMP Gene Increases the Accumulation of Inositol and Confers Enhanced Cold Tolerance in Tobacco through Modulation of the Antioxidant Enzymes' Activities.

PubMed

Zhang, Rong-Xiang; Qin, Li-Jun; Zhao, De-Gang

2017-07-20

Inositol is a cyclic polyol that is involved in various physiological processes, including signal transduction and stress adaptation in plants. l- myo -inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) is one of the metal-dependent phosphatase family members and catalyzes the last reaction step of biosynthesis of inositol. Although increased IMPase activity induced by abiotic stress has been reported in chickpea plants, the role and regulation of the IMP gene in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) remains poorly understood. In the present work, we obtained a full-length cDNA sequence coding IMPase in the cold tolerant rice landraces in Gaogonggui, which is named as OsIMP . Multiple alignment results have displayed that this sequence has characteristic signature motifs and conserved enzyme active sites of the phosphatase super family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that IMPase is most closely related to that of the wild rice Oryza brachyantha , while transcript analysis revealed that the expression of the OsIMP is significantly induced by cold stress and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Meanwhile, we cloned the 5' flanking promoter sequence of the OsIMP gene and identified several important cis -acting elements, such as LTR (low-temperature responsiveness), TCA-element (salicylic acid responsiveness), ABRE-element (abscisic acid responsiveness), GARE-motif (gibberellin responsive), MBS (MYB Binding Site) and other cis -acting elements related to defense and stress responsiveness. To further investigate the potential function of the OsIMP gene, we generated transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing the OsIMP gene and the cold tolerance test indicated that these transgenic tobacco plants exhibit improved cold tolerance. Furthermore, transgenic tobacco plants have a lower level of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and a higher content of total chlorophyll as well as increased antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), when compared to wild type (WT) tobacco plants under normal and cold stress conditions.

Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-Bisphosphate-Rich Membrane Domains in Endosomes and Lysosomes.

PubMed

Takatori, Sho; Tatematsu, Tsuyako; Cheng, Jinglei; Matsumoto, Jun; Akano, Takuya; Fujimoto, Toyoshi

2016-02-01

Phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2 ) has critical functions in endosomes and lysosomes. We developed a method to define nanoscale distribution of PtdIns(3,5)P2 using freeze-fracture electron microscopy. GST-ATG18-4×FLAG was used to label PtdIns(3,5)P2 and its binding to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns(3)P) was blocked by an excess of the p40(phox) PX domain. In yeast exposed to hyperosmotic stress, PtdIns(3,5)P2 was concentrated in intramembrane particle (IMP)-deficient domains in the vacuolar membrane, which made close contact with adjacent membranes. The IMP-deficient domain was also enriched with PtdIns(3)P, but was deficient in Vph1p, a liquid-disordered domain marker. In yeast lacking either PtdIns(3,5)P2 or its effector, Atg18p, the IMP-deficient, PtdIns(3)P-rich membranes were folded tightly to make abnormal tubular structures, thus showing where the vacuolar fragmentation process is arrested when PtdIns(3,5)P2 metabolism is defective. In HeLa cells, PtdIns(3,5)P2 was significantly enriched in the vesicular domain of RAB5- and RAB7-positive endosome/lysosomes of the tubulo-vesicular morphology. This biased distribution of PtdIns(3,5)P2 was also observed using fluorescence microscopy, which further showed enrichment of a retromer component, VPS35, in the tubular domain. This is the first report to show segregation of PtdIns(3,5)P2 -rich and -deficient domains in endosome/lysosomes, which should be important for endosome/lysosome functionality. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Structure-function studies of adenylosuccinate synthetase from Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Honzatko, R B; Fromm, H J

1999-10-01

Adenylosuccinate synthetase catalyzes the first committed step in the de novo biosynthesis of AMP, thermodynamically coupling the hydrolysis of GTP to the formation of adenylosuccinate from l-aspartate and IMP. The enzyme from Esherichia coli undergoes a ligand-induced dimerization, which leads to the assembly of a complete active site. The binding of IMP causes conformational changes over distances of 30 A, the end result of which is the activation of essential catalytic elements and the organization of the binding pocket for Mg(2+)-GTP. The enzyme promotes first a phosphoryl transfer from GTP to the 6-oxygen atom of IMP, by way of a transition state that has characteristics of both associative and dissociative reaction pathways. Following the formation of 6-phosphoryl-IMP, the enzyme then catalyzes the nucleophilic displacement of the 6-phosphoryl group by the alpha-amino group of l-aspartate in a transition state, which requires two metal cations. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Isotope Labeling for Solution and Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy of Membrane Proteins

PubMed Central

Verardi, Raffaello; Traaseth, Nathaniel J.; Masterson, Larry R.; Vostrikov, Vitaly V.; Veglia, Gianluigi

2013-01-01

In this chapter, we summarize the isotopic labeling strategies used to obtain high-quality solution and solid-state NMR spectra of biological samples, with emphasis on integral membrane proteins (IMPs). While solution NMR is used to study IMPs under fast tumbling conditions, such as in the presence of detergent micelles or isotropic bicelles, solid-state NMR is used to study the structure and orientation of IMPs in lipid vesicles and bilayers. In spite of the tremendous progress in biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, the homogeneity and overall quality of the sample is still a substantial obstacle to overcome. Isotopic labeling is a major avenue to simplify overlapped spectra by either diluting the NMR active nuclei or allowing the resonances to be separated in multiple dimensions. In the following we will discuss isotopic labeling approaches that have been successfully used in the study of IMPs by solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. PMID:23076578

Semantic retrieval and navigation in clinical document collections.

PubMed

Kreuzthaler, Markus; Daumke, Philipp; Schulz, Stefan

2015-01-01

Patients with chronic diseases undergo numerous in- and outpatient treatment periods, and therefore many documents accumulate in their electronic records. We report on an on-going project focussing on the semantic enrichment of medical texts, in order to support recall-oriented navigation across a patient's complete documentation. A document pool of 1,696 de-identified discharge summaries was used for prototyping. A natural language processing toolset for document annotation (based on the text-mining framework UIMA) and indexing (Solr) was used to support a browser-based platform for document import, search and navigation. The integrated search engine combines free text and concept-based querying, supported by dynamically generated facets (diagnoses, procedures, medications, lab values, and body parts). The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of semantic document enrichment within document collections of a single patient. Originally conceived as an add-on for the clinical workplace, this technology could also be adapted to support personalised health record platforms, as well as cross-patient search for cohort building and other secondary use scenarios.

The multifarious temporal variations of low energy, relativistic cosmic ray electrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonald, F. B.; Cline, T. L.; Simnett, G. M.

1972-01-01

A detailed examination is made of the intensity variations of 3 - 12 MeV interplanetary electrons. The data used are from the cosmic ray experiment flown on the IMP solar minimum through to the onset of the present solar maximum (i.e., from December 1963 through August 1969). A morphology for the intensity changes is tentatively proposed which includes solar flare-associated events, solar co-rotating increases, Forbush decreases, and quiet-time increases, as well as the long term eleven-year variation. It is contended that the electron component observed both during quiescent times and during quiet-time increases are galactic in origin. The quiet-time increases represent a completely new phenomenon that appears to be unique to the low energy electron population. During a quiet-time increase the electron intensity is enhanced by a factor of 3 to 5 over a period of days, and, in general, these periods anti-correlate with low-energy solar particle events. Qualitatively, their amplitude diminishes with increasing solar activity.

Multifarious temporal variations of low-energy relativistic cosmic-ray electrons.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdonald, F. B.; Cline, T. L.; Simnett, G. M.

1972-01-01

Detailed examination of the intensity variations of 3- to 12-MeV interplanetary electrons. The data are from the Goddard cosmic-ray experiment on the Imp satellites and cover the period from just before the last solar minimum through the onset of the present solar maximum (i.e., from December 1963 through August 1969). A morphology for the intensity changes is tentatively proposed that includes solar-flare-associated events, solar co-rotating increases, Forbush decreases, quiet-time increases, and the long-term 11-year variation. It is contended that the electron components observed both during quiescent times and during quiet-time increases are galactic in origin. The quiet-time increases represent a completely new phenomenon that appears to be unique to the low-energy electron population. During a quiet-time increase the electron intensity is enhanced by a factor of 3 to 5 over a period of days, and, in general, these periods anticorrelate with low-energy solar particle events. Qualitatively, their amplitude diminishes with increasing solar activity.

A Human Subject Evaluation of Airport Surface Situational Awareness Using Prototypical Flight Deck Electronic Taxi Chart Displays

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-11-01

A study was conducted to test the effect on airport surface situational awareness of GPS derived position information : depicted on a prototypical electronic taxi chart display. The effect of position error and position uncertainty : symbology were a...

Dimerization in Highly Concentrated Solutions of Phosphoimidazolide Activated Monomucleotides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanavarioti, Anastassia

1997-08-01

Phosphoimidazolide activated ribomononucleotides (*pN) are useful substrates for the non-enzymatic synthesis of polynucleotides. However, dilute neutral aqueous solutions of *pN typically yield small amounts of dimers and traces of polymers; most of *pN hydrolyzes to yield nucleoside 5'-monophosphate. Here we report the self-condensation of nucleoside 5'-phosphate 2-methylimidazolide (2-MeImpN with N = cytidine, uridine or guanosine) in the presence of Mg2+ in concentrated solutions, such as might have been found in an evaporating lagoon on prebiotic Earth. The product distribution indicates that oligomerization is favored at the expense of hydrolysis. At 1.0 M, 2-MeImpU and 2-MeImpC produce about 65% of oligomers including 4% of the 3',5'-linked dimer. Examination of the product distribution of the three isomeric dimers in a self-condensation allows identification of reaction pathways that lead to dimer formation. Condensations in a concentrated mixture of all three nucleotides (U,C,G mixtures) is made possible by the enhanced solubility of 2-MeImpG in such mixtures. Although percent yield of internucleotide linked dimers is enhanced as a function of initial monomer concentration, pyrophosphate dimer yields remain practically unchanged at about 20% for 2-MeImpU, 16% for 2-MeImpC and 25% of the total pyrophosphate in the U,C,G mixtures. The efficiency by which oligomers are produced in these concentrated solutions makes the evaporating lagoon scenario a potentially interesting medium for the prebiotic synthesis of dimers and short RNAs.

Access to investigational medicinal products for minors in Europe: ethical and regulatory issues in negotiating children's access to investigational medicines.

PubMed

Pinxten, Wim; Nys, Herman; Dierickx, Kris

2010-12-01

Patients who search for a better treatment, an increased quality of life, or even a chance to preserve life itself may claim to have an interest in accessing investigational medicinal products (IMP), particularly when no validated treatment for their disease or condition exists. For many, awaiting the uncertain and time-consuming process of converting an IMP into an approved drug may not appear a realistic option, as prognoses may be grim and a dramatic outcome may seem hard to avert. Gaining access to an IMP, however, often proves to be a difficult enterprise with a highly uncertain outcome. In addition, the process of seeking access to IMP is surrounded by various ethical issues that will be explored in this article. This paper explores the ethical concerns in two potential tracks of seeking access to IMP for minors: on an individual basis, or collectively, as a patient organisation. In this discourse, several unique ethical and regulatory concerns related to the direct negotiation of access to IMP for minor patients are identified, with a focus on product safety, the recruitment of research subjects, the unnoticed entry of market mechanisms in the recruitment of research subjects, and the sidelining of third parties in the recruitment process. The paper concludes with a concise reflection on the way forward. The quest for access to investigational drugs is particularly relevant to paediatric practice, in which a significant share of the drugs prescribed has never been tested in children or labelled for use in the paediatric population.

Performance of the PHENIX NCC Prototype

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

O'Brien, E.; Kistenev, E.; Li, Z.

2006-10-27

The first prototype of NCC Si-W electromagnetic calorimeter have been built and tested at U-70 accelerator (IHEP, Protvino). Tests have been performed for 10 GeV electrons and 70 GeV protons.This paper describes design and construction of the prototype and tests results. Final prototype energy resolution is about 11% at 90% CL.

Improved iodine radiolabels for monoclonal antibody therapy.

PubMed

Stein, Rhona; Govindan, Serengulam V; Mattes, M Jules; Chen, Susan; Reed, Linda; Newsome, Guy; McBride, Bill J; Griffiths, Gary L; Hansen, Hans J; Goldenberg, David M

2003-01-01

A major disadvantage of (131)iodine (I)-labeled monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for radioimmunotherapy has been the rapid diffusion of iodotyrosine from target cells after internalization and catabolism of the radioiodinated MAbs. We recently reported that a radioiodinated, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-appended peptide, designated immunomedics' residualizing peptide 1 (IMP-R1), was a residualizing iodine label that overcame many of the limitations that had impeded the development of residualizing iodine for clinical use. To determine the factors governing the therapeutic index of the labeled MAb, as well as the factors required for production of radioiodinated MAb in high yield and with high specific activity, variations in the peptide structure of IMP-R1 were evaluated. A series of radioiodinated, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-appended peptide moieties (IMP-R1 through IMP-R8) that differed in overall hydrophilicity and charge were compared. Radioiodinations of the peptides followed by conjugations to disulfide-reduced RS7 (an anti-epithelial glycoprotein-1 MAb) furnished radioimmunoconjugates in good overall incorporations, with immunoreactivities comparable to that of directly radioiodinated RS7. Specific activities of up to 8 mCi/mg and yields > 80% have been achieved. In vitro processing experiments showed marked increases in radioiodine retention with all of the adducts; radioiodine retention at 45 h was up to 86% greater in cells than with directly iodinated RS7. Each of the (125)I-peptide-RS7 conjugates was compared with (131)I-RS7 (labeled by the chloramine-T method) in paired-label biodistribution studies in nude mice bearing human lung tumor xenografts. All of the residualizing substrates exhibited significantly enhanced retention in tumor in comparison to directly radioiodinated RS7, but the nontarget uptakes differed significantly among the residualizing labels. The best labels were IMP-R4 and IMP-R8, showing superior tumor-to-non-tumor ratios by virtue of high tumor uptake and retention and low normal organ uptake, as well as superior radiochemical properties. The therapeutic efficacy of (131)I-IMP-R4-RS7 was compared with that of conventionally (131)I-labeled RS7 and (90)yttrium-RS7 in the nude mice lung cancer model. The therapeutic efficacy of (131)I-IMP-R4-RS7 and (90)yttrium-RS7 were equivalent, and both agents yielded significantly improved control of tumor growth compared with conventional (131)I-labeled RS7.

Planning and Prototyping for a Storage Ring Measurement of the Proton Electric Dipole Moment

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

Talman, Richard

2015-07-01

Electron and proton EDM's can be measured in "frozen spin" (with the beam polarization always parallel to the orbit, for example) storage rings. For electrons the "magic" kinetic energy at which the beam can be frozen is 14.5 MeV. For protons the magic kinetic energy is 230 MeV. The currently measured upper limit for the electron EDM is much smaller than the proton EDM upper limit, which is very poorly known. Nevertheless, because the storage ring will be an order of magnitude cheaper, a sensible plan is to first build an all-electric electron storage ring as a prototype. Such anmore » electron ring was successfully built at Brookhaven, in 1954, as a prototype for their AGS ring. This leaves little uncertainty concerning the cost and performance of such a ring. (This is documentedin one of the Physical Review papers mentioned above.)« less

Fully gapped superconductivity with no sign change in the prototypical heavy-fermion CeCu2Si2.

PubMed

Yamashita, Takuya; Takenaka, Takaaki; Tokiwa, Yoshifumi; Wilcox, Joseph A; Mizukami, Yuta; Terazawa, Daiki; Kasahara, Yuichi; Kittaka, Shunichiro; Sakakibara, Toshiro; Konczykowski, Marcin; Seiro, Silvia; Jeevan, Hirale S; Geibel, Christoph; Putzke, Carsten; Onishi, Takafumi; Ikeda, Hiroaki; Carrington, Antony; Shibauchi, Takasada; Matsuda, Yuji

2017-06-01

In exotic superconductors, including high- T c copper oxides, the interactions mediating electron Cooper pairing are widely considered to have a magnetic rather than a conventional electron-phonon origin. Interest in this exotic pairing was initiated by the 1979 discovery of heavy-fermion superconductivity in CeCu 2 Si 2 , which exhibits strong antiferromagnetic fluctuations. A hallmark of unconventional pairing by anisotropic repulsive interactions is that the superconducting energy gap changes sign as a function of the electron momentum, often leading to nodes where the gap goes to zero. We report low-temperature specific heat, thermal conductivity, and magnetic penetration depth measurements in CeCu 2 Si 2 , demonstrating the absence of gap nodes at any point on the Fermi surface. Moreover, electron irradiation experiments reveal that the superconductivity survives even when the electron mean free path becomes substantially shorter than the superconducting coherence length. This indicates that superconductivity is robust against impurities, implying that there is no sign change in the gap function. These results show that, contrary to long-standing belief, heavy electrons with extremely strong Coulomb repulsions can condense into a fully gapped s-wave superconducting state, which has an on-site attractive pairing interaction.

Interplanetary particles and fields, November 22 - December 6, 1977: Helios, Voyager, and IMP observations between 0.6 AU and 1.6 AU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burlaga, L. F.; Lepping, R. P.; Weber, R.; Armstrong, T.; Goodrich, C.; Sullivan, J.; Gurnett, D.; Kellogg, P.; Keppler, E.; Mariani, F.

1979-01-01

The principal interplanetary events observed are described and analyzed. Three flow systems were observed: (1) a corotating stream and a stream interface associated with a coronal hole; (2) a shock wave and an energetic particle event associated with a 2-B flare; and (3) an isolated shock wave of uncertain origin. Data from 28 experiments and 6 spacecraft provide measurements of solar wind plasma, magnetic fields, plasma waves, radio waves, energetic electrons, and low energy protons.

Importin-7 Mediates Nuclear Trafficking of DNA in Mammalian Cells

PubMed Central

Dhanoya, Arjun; Wang, Tse; Keshavarz-Moore, Eli; Fassati, Ariberto; Chain, Benjamin M

2013-01-01

Eukaryotic cells have the ability to uptake and transport endogenous and exogenous DNA in their nuclei, however little is known about the specific pathways involved. Here we show that the nuclear transport receptor importin 7 (imp7) supports nuclear import of supercoiled plasmid DNA and human mitochondrial DNA in a Ran and energy-dependent way. The imp7-dependent pathway was specifically competed by excess DNA but not by excess of maltose-binding protein fused with the classical nuclear localizing signal (NLS) or the M9 peptides. Transport of DNA molecules complexed with poly-l-lysine was impaired in intact cells depleted of imp7, and DNA complexes remained localized in the cytoplasm. Poor DNA nuclear import in cells depleted of imp7 directly correlated with lower gene expression levels in these cells compared to controls. Inefficient nuclear import of transfected DNA induced greater upregulation of the interferon pathway, suggesting that rapid DNA nuclear import may prevent uncontrolled activation of the innate immune response. Our results provide evidence that imp7 is a non-redundant component of an intrinsic pathway in mammalian cells for efficient accumulation of exogenous and endogenous DNA in the nucleus, which may be critical for the exchange of genetic information between mitochondria and nuclear genomes and to control activation of the innate immune response. PMID:23067392

Testing Gender Effects on the Mechanisms Explaining the Association between Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Substance Use Frequency

PubMed Central

Bornovalova, Marina A.; Ouimette, Paige; Crawford, Aaron V.; Levy, Roy

2009-01-01

The present study examines gender differences in the mechanisms that explain the association between PTSD symptoms and substance use frequency in a sample of 182 urban substance users. Specifically, the current study examined gender differences in the role of two potential explanatory variables, namely, difficulties controlling impulsive behavior when distressed (IMP), and a lack of emotional awareness and clarity (AW/CLAR). Multiple-group path modeling (across males and females) was used to examine gender differences in the path coefficients from PTSD symptoms to IMP and AW/CLAR, and from these latter variables to drug use frequency. Results indicated that PTSD symptoms were associated with IMP and AW/CLAR, and these path coefficients did not vary by gender. However, gender differences emerged when considering the path coefficients from AW/CLAR and IMP to substance use frequency. Specifically, for women, the association between PTSD and substance use was partially explained by IMP, whereas for men, the association between PTSD and substance use was partially explained by AW/CLAR. The current study is the first to examine gender differences in mechanisms accounting for the association between PTSD and substance use frequency, and these results also support the value and importance of examining gender differences in mechanisms underlying PTSD-SUD comorbidity. PMID:19423233

Rearing practices and impulsivity/hyperactivity symptoms in relation to inflated responsibility and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

PubMed

Smári, Jakob; Martinsson, Davíð Rúrik; Einarsson, Hjalti

2010-10-01

The aim of the study was to investigate potential precursors of inflated responsibility (responsibility attitudes) and obsessive-compulsive (OCD) symptoms. It was argued that both parental overprotection and impulsivity, separately and in interaction with each other, contribute to inflated responsibility and OCD symptoms. In a large sample of young adults (N = 570), self-report measures of OCD symptoms (OCI-R), responsibility attitudes (RAS), anxiety/depression (HADS), rearing practices (EMBU), present and past impulsivity/hyperactivity symptoms (IMP/HY) were administered. Overprotection as well as IMP/HY were found to predict OCD symptoms as well as inflated responsibility. Finally, a significant interaction was found between IMP/HY and overprotection with regard to both OCD symptoms and inflated responsibility. This effect reflected that IMP/HY was more strongly related to OCD symptoms and responsibility in people who had not been overprotected than in people who had been. Conversely overprotection was related to OCD symptoms and responsibility in people low but not in people high in IMP/HY. The results seem to indicate that the inadequacy between offer and need for parental control may play a role in the development of OCD symptoms. © 2010 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology © 2010 The Scandinavian Psychological Associations.

Studies on low energy beam transport for high intensity high charged ions at IMP

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

Yang, Y., E-mail: yangyao@impcas.ac.cn; Lu, W.; Fang, X.

2014-02-15

Superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source with Advanced design in Lanzhou (SECRAL) is an advanced fully superconducting ECR ion source at IMP designed to be operational at the microwave frequency of 18–24 GHz. The existing SECRAL beam transmission line is composed of a solenoid lens and a 110° analyzing magnet. Simulations of particle tracking with 3D space charge effect and realistic 3D magnetic fields through the line were performed using particle-in-cell code. The results of the beam dynamics show that such a low energy beam is very sensitive to the space charge effect and significantly suffers from the second-order aberrationmore » of the analyzing magnet resulting in large emittance. However, the second-order aberration could be reduced by adding compensating sextupole components in the beam line. On this basis, a new 110° analyzing magnet with relatively larger acceptance and smaller aberration is designed and will be used in the design of low energy beam transport line for a new superconducting ECR ion source SECRAL-II. The features of the analyzer and the corresponding beam trajectory calculation will be detailed and discussed in this paper.« less

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

Forno, Massimo Dal; Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Trieste; Craievich, Paolo

The front-end injection systems of the FERMI@Elettra linac produce high brightness electron beams that define the performance of the Free Electron Laser. The photoinjector mainly consists of the radiofrequency (rf) gun and of two S-band rf structures which accelerate the beam. Accelerating structures endowed with a single feed coupler cause deflection and degradation of the electron beam properties, due to the asymmetry of the electromagnetic field. In this paper, a new type of single feed structure with movable short-circuit is proposed. It has the advantage of having only one waveguide input, but we propose a novel design where the dipolarmore » component is reduced. Moreover, the racetrack geometry allows to reduce the quadrupolar component. This paper presents the microwave design and the analysis of the particle motion inside the linac. A prototype has been machined at the Elettra facility to verify the new coupler design and the rf field has been measured by adopting the bead-pull method. The results are here presented, showing good agreement with the expectations.« less

Electronic transport in VO 2 —Experimentally calibrated Boltzmann transport modeling

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

Kinaci, Alper; Kado, Motohisa; Rosenmann, Daniel

2015-12-28

Materials that undergo metal-insulator transitions (MITs) are under intense study because the transition is scientifically fascinating and technologically promising for various applications. Among these materials, VO2 has served as a prototype due to its favorable transition temperature. While the physical underpinnings of the transition have been heavily investigated experimentally and computationally, quantitative modeling of electronic transport in the two phases has yet to be undertaken. In this work, we establish a density-functional-theory (DFT)-based approach to model electronic transport properties in VO2 in the semiconducting and metallic regimes, focusing on band transport using the Boltzmann transport equations. We synthesized high qualitymore » VO2 films and measured the transport quantities across the transition, in order to calibrate the free parameters in the model. We find that the experimental calibration of the Hubbard correction term can efficiently and adequately model the metallic and semiconducting phases, allowing for further computational design of MIT materials for desirable transport properties.« less

Architectural Choices and Challenges of Integrating Electronic Patient Questionnaires into the Electronic Medical Record to Support Patient-Centered Care

PubMed Central

Moore, Barbara J; Gaehde, Stephan; Curtis, Clayton

2008-01-01

Strategies to deliver guideline-concordant, patient-centered care during office visits sometimes impose conflicting demands on clinicians. One way to help relieve time-constrained visits and to improve the patient-centeredness of care may be through patients electronically self-reporting data that flow automatically into an EMR note for clinician confirmation or editing, relieving physicians of some data entry and rote history-gathering tasks, thus freeing up time to allow clinicians to focus on significant issues and patient concerns while also increasing the likelihood that necessary data are gathered and available for decision-making. We developed a prototype to enable such data gathering and integration into the EMR. The lack of consistent provision of interfaces by vendors for sending data into EMRs and the idiosyncrasies of any particular EMR in the context of a particular organization’s IT infrastructure and policies pose architectural choices and challenges that healthcare organizations embarking on such IT projects may need to consider. PMID:18999024

IMP mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The program requirements and operations requirements for the IMP mission are presented. The satellite configuration is described and the missions are analyzed. The support equipment, logistics, range facilities, and responsibilities of the launching organizations are defined. The systems for telemetry, communications, satellite tracking, and satellite control are identified.

The Design of a Graphical User Interface for an Electronic Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cahalan, Kathleen J.; Levin, Jacques

2000-01-01

Describes the design of a prototype for the graphical user interface component of an electronic classroom (ECR) application that supports real-time lectures and question-and-answer sessions between an instructor and students. Based on requirements analysis and an analysis of competing products, a Web-based ECR prototype was produced. Findings show…

Electronic Current Transducer (ECT) for high voltage dc lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houston, J. M.; Peters, P. H., Jr.; Summerayes, H. R., Jr.; Carlson, G. J.; Itani, A. M.

1980-02-01

The development of a bipolar electronic current transducer (ECT) for measuring the current in a high voltage dc (HVDC) power line at line potential is discussed. The design and construction of a free standing ECT for use on a 400 kV line having a nominal line current of 2000 A is described. Line current is measured by a 0.0001 ohm shunt whose voltage output is sampled by a 14 bit digital data link. The high voltage interface between line and ground is traversed by optical fibers which carry digital light signals as far as 300 m to a control room where the digital signal is converted back to an analog representation of the shunt voltage. Two redundant electronic and optical data links are used in the prototype. Power to operate digital and optical electronics and temperature controlling heaters at the line is supplied by a resistively and capacitively graded 10 stage cascade of ferrite core transformers located inside the hollow, SF6 filled, porcelain support insulator. The cascade is driven by a silicon controlled rectifier inverter which supplies about 100 W of power at 30 kHz.

The Phase-2 electronics upgrade of the ATLAS liquid argon calorimeter system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vachon, B.

2018-03-01

The LHC high-luminosity upgrade in 2024-2026 requires the associated detectors to operate at luminosities about 5-7 times larger than assumed in their original design. The pile-up is expected to increase to up to 200 events per proton bunch-crossing. The current readout of the ATLAS liquid argon calorimeters does not provide sufficient buffering and bandwidth capabilities to accommodate the hardware triggers requirements imposed by these harsh conditions. Furthermore, the expected total radiation doses are beyond the qualification range of the current front-end electronics. For these reasons an almost complete replacement of the front-end and off-detector readout system is foreseen for the 182,468 readout channels. The new readout system will be based on a free-running architecture, where calorimeter signals are amplified, shaped and digitized by on-detector electronics, then sent at 40 MHz to the off-detector electronics for further processing. Results from the design studies on the performance of the components of the readout system are presented, as well as the results of the tests of the first prototypes.

Thermodynamics of Electron Flow in the Bacterial Deca-heme Cytochrome MtrF

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

Breuer, Marian; Zarzycki, Piotr P.; Blumberger, Jochen

2012-07-01

Electron transporting multiheme cytochromes are essential to the metabolism of microbes that inhabit soils and carry out important biogeochemical processes. Recently the first crystal structure of a prototype bacterial deca-heme cytochrome (MtrF) has been resolved and its electrochemistry characterized. However, the molecular details of electron conductance along heme chains in the cytochrome are difficult to access via experiment due to the nearly identical chemical nature of the heme cofactors. Here we employ large-scale molecular dynamics simulations to compute the reduction potentials of the ten hemes of MtrF in aqueous solution. We find that as a whole they fall within amore » range of about 0.3 V in agreement with experiment. Individual reduction potentials give rise to a free energy profile for electron conduction that is approximately symmetric with respect to the center of the protein. Our calculations indicate that there is no significant potential bias along the orthogonal octa- and tetra-heme chains suggesting that under aqueous conditions MtrF is a nearly reversible two-dimensional conductor.« less

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

Hasegawa, S.

The CMS pixel phase-1 upgrade project replaces the current pixel detector with an upgraded system with faster readout electronics during the extended year-end technical stop of 2016/2017. New electronics prototypes for the system have been developed, and tests in a realistic environment for a comprehensive evaluation are needed. A full readout test stand with either the same hardware as used in the current CMS pixel detector or the latest prototypes of upgrade electronics has been built. The setup enables the observation and investigation of a jitter increase in the data line associated with trigger rate increases. This effect is duemore » to the way in which the clock and trigger distribution is implemented in CMS. A new prototype of the electronics with a PLL based on a voltage controlled quartz crystal oscillator (QPLL), which works as jitter filter, in the clock distribution path was produced. With the test stand, it was confirmed that the jitter increase is not seen with the prototype, and also good performance was confirmed at the expected detector operation temperature ($-$20 °C).« less

Metal-catalyst-free carbohydrazide fuel cells with three-dimensional graphene anodes.

PubMed

Qi, Ji; Benipal, Neeva; Wang, Hui; Chadderdon, David J; Jiang, Yibo; Wei, Wei; Hu, Yun Hang; Li, Wenzhen

2015-04-13

As a potential solution to concerns on sustainable energy, the wide spread commercialization of fuel cell has long been hindered by limited reserves and relatively high costs of metal catalysts. 3D graphene, a carbon-only catalyst prepared by reduction of carbon monoxide with lithium oxide, is found to electrochemically catalyze carbohydrazide oxidation reaction efficiently. A prototype of a completely metal-catalyst-free anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) with a 3D graphene anode catalyst and an N-doped CNT (N-CNT) cathode catalyst generate a peak power density of 24.9 mW cm(-2) . The average number of electrons electrochemically extracted from one carbohydrazide molecule is 4.9, indicating the existence of CN bond activation, which is a key factor contributing to high fuel utilization efficiency. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Generation of Natural-Language Textual Summaries from Longitudinal Clinical Records.

PubMed

Goldstein, Ayelet; Shahar, Yuval

2015-01-01

Physicians are required to interpret, abstract and present in free-text large amounts of clinical data in their daily tasks. This is especially true for chronic-disease domains, but holds also in other clinical domains. We have recently developed a prototype system, CliniText, which, given a time-oriented clinical database, and appropriate formal abstraction and summarization knowledge, combines the computational mechanisms of knowledge-based temporal data abstraction, textual summarization, abduction, and natural-language generation techniques, to generate an intelligent textual summary of longitudinal clinical data. We demonstrate our methodology, and the feasibility of providing a free-text summary of longitudinal electronic patient records, by generating summaries in two very different domains - Diabetes Management and Cardiothoracic surgery. In particular, we explain the process of generating a discharge summary of a patient who had undergone a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft operation, and a brief summary of the treatment of a diabetes patient for five years.

Molecular analysis of the integrons of metallo-β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected by nationwide surveillance programs across Japan.

PubMed

Mano, Yoko; Saga, Tomoo; Ishii, Yoshikazu; Yoshizumi, Ayumi; Bonomo, Robert A; Yamaguchi, Keizo; Tateda, Kazuhiro

2015-02-21

We investigate the evolving molecular epidemiology of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected in a 100 institution, nationwide surveillance study in Japan from 2004 to 2006. MBL-producers were detected in 23/996 isolates (2.3%) in 2004 and 21/992 (2.1%) in 2006. Antimicrobial resistance (specifically, carbapenem resistance) rates between two periods did not differ significantly. MBL-producers were more prevalent in urinary tract isolates. bla IMP-1 group was the most predominant (38 isolates, 80%), followed by 3 bla IMP-7, 2 bla IMP-11 group, and 1 bla VIM-1. All MBL genes were identified in 16 different class 1 integrons, most of which were novel to INTEGRALL database. A total of 17 isolates of sequence type (ST) 235, a recognized worldwide drug-resistant lineage, were distributed in 5 geographic regions across Japan. ST235 isolates included a sublineage associated with In113-like integron. ST357 was identified in 14 isolates, 9 of which harboring a sole bla IMP-1 gene cassette (In994) were recovered from Chugoku region in 2004. ST357 isolates with bla IMP-11 group or ST235 with bla IMP-7 emerged in 2006. We also report for the first time the presence of novel fosI gene cassette in strains other than Mycobacterium spp. Our data give an important "snapshot" of the molecular characteristics and dynamics of MBL-producing lineages in P. aeruginosa in Japan. The significant association of specific genotypes and integrons implies that dissemination and transmission of the preexisting resistant lineage, rather than horizontal gene transfer in situ, might largely explain their endemicity.

Synthesis and characterization of aluminosilicate catalyst impregnated by nickel oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maulida, Iffana Dani; Sriatun, Taslimah

2015-09-01

Aluminosilicate as a catalyst has been synthesized by pore-engineering using CetylTrimethylAmmonium-Bromide (CTAB) as templating agent. It can produce bigger aluminosilicate pore therefore it will be more suitable for bulky molecule. The aims of this research are to synthesize aluminosilicate supported by Nickel, using CTAB surfactant as templating agent for larger pore radius than natural zeolite and characterize the synthesis product, consist of total acid sites and surface area characteristic. This research has been done with following steps. First, making sodium silicate and sodium aluminate. Second, aluminosilicate was synthesized by direct methods, calcined at 550, 650 and 750°C variation temperature, characterized product by X-RD and FTIR spectrometer. Third, NiCl2 was impregnated to the aluminosilicate that has the best cristallinity and main TO4 functional groups product (550 sample). Variation of NiCl2:aluminosilicate (w/w) ratio were 25%:75%, 50%:50% and 75%:25%. Last but not least characterization of catalytic properties was performed. It comprised total acidity test (gravimetric method) and Surface Area Analyzer. The result shows that the product synthesized by direct method at 550oC calcination temperature has the best cristallinity and main functional groups of TO4. The highest total acid sites was 31.6 mmole/g (Imp-A sample). Surface Area Analyzer shows that Imp-B sample has the best pore distribution and highest total pore volume and specific surface area with value 32.424 cc/g and 46.8287 m2/g respectively. We can draw the conclusion that the most potential catalyst is Imp-A sample compared to Imp-B and Imp-C because it has the highest total acid sites. However the most effective catalyst used for product selectivity was Imp-B sample among all samples.

Identification of urinary metabolites of imperatorin with a single run on an LC/Triple TOF system based on multiple mass defect filter data acquisition and multiple data mining techniques.

PubMed

Qiao, Shi; Shi, Xiaowei; Shi, Rui; Liu, Man; Liu, Ting; Zhang, Kerong; Wang, Qiao; Yao, Meicun; Zhang, Lantong

2013-08-01

The detection of drug metabolites, especially for minor metabolites, continues to be a challenge because of the complexity of biological samples. Imperatorin (IMP) is an active natural furocoumarin component originating from many traditional Chinese herbal medicines and is expected to be pursued as a new vasorelaxant agent. In the present study, a generic and efficient approach was developed for the in vivo screening and identification of IMP metabolites using liquid chromatography-Triple TOF mass spectrometry. In this approach, a novel on-line data acquisition method mutiple mass defect filter (MMDF) combined with dynamic background subtraction was developed to trace all probable urinary metabolites of IMP. Comparing with the traditionally intensity-dependent data acquisition method, MMDF method could give the information of low-level metabolites masked by background noise and endogenous components. Thus, the minor metabolites in complex biological matrices could be detected. Then, the sensitive and specific multiple data-mining techniques extracted ion chromatography, mass defect filter, product ion filter, and neutral loss filter were used for the discovery of IMP metabolites. Based on the proposed strategy, 44 phase I and 7 phase II metabolites were identified in rat urine after oral administration of IMP. The results indicated that oxidization was the main metabolic pathway and that different oxidized substituent positions had a significant influence on the fragmentation of the metabolites. Two types of characteristic ions at m/z 203 and 219 can be observed in the MS/MS spectra. This is the first study of IMP metabolism in vivo. The interpretation of the MS/MS spectra of these metabolites and the proposed metabolite pathway provide essential data for further pharmacological studies of other linear-type furocoumarins.

Functional expression of the GABAA receptor α2 and α3 subunits at synapses between intercalated medial paracapsular neurons of mouse amygdala

PubMed Central

Geracitano, Raffaella; Fischer, David; Kasugai, Yu; Ferraguti, Francesco; Capogna, Marco

2012-01-01

In the amygdala, GABAergic neurons in the intercalated medial paracapsular cluster (Imp) have been suggested to play a key role in fear learning and extinction. These neurons project to the central (CE) amygdaloid nucleus and to other areas within and outside the amygdala. In addition, they give rise to local collaterals that innervate other neurons in the Imp. Several drugs, including benzodiazepines (BZ), are allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors. BZ has both anxiolytic and sedative actions, which are mediated through GABAA receptors containing α2/α3 and α1 subunits, respectively. To establish whether α1 or α2/α3 subunits are expressed at Imp cell synapses, we used paired recordings of anatomically identified Imp neurons and high resolution immunocytochemistry in the mouse. We observed that a selective α3 subunit agonist, TP003 (100 nM), significantly increased the decay time constant of the unitary IPSCs. A similar effect was also induced by zolpidem (10 μM) or by diazepam (1 μM). In contrast, lower doses of zolpidem (0.1–1 μM) did not significantly alter the kinetics of the unitary IPSCs. Accordingly, immunocytochemical experiments established that the α2 and α3, but not the α1 subunits of the GABAA receptors, were present at Imp cell synapses of the mouse amygdala. These results define, for the first time, some of the functional GABAA receptor subunits expressed at synapses of Imp cells. The data also provide an additional rationale to prompt the search of GABAA receptor α3 selective ligands as improved anxiolytic drugs. PMID:22666188

The impact of assumptions regarding vaccine-induced immunity on the public health and cost-effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccination: Is one dose sufficient?

PubMed

Curran, Desmond; de Ridder, Marc; Van Effelterre, Thierry

2016-11-01

Hepatitis A vaccination stimulates memory cells to produce an anamnestic response. In this study, we used a mathematical model to examine how long-term immune memory might convey additional protection against clinical/icteric infections. Dynamic and decision models were used to estimate the expected number of cases, and the costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), respectively. Several scenarios were explored by assuming: (1) varying duration of vaccine-induced immune memory, (2) and/or varying levels of vaccine-induced immune memory protection (IMP), (3) and/or varying levels of infectiousness in vaccinated individuals with IMP. The base case analysis assumed a time horizon of 25 y (2012 - 2036), with additional analyses over 50 and 75 y. The analyses were conducted in the Mexican public health system perspective. In the base case that assumed no vaccine-induced IMP, the 2-dose hepatitis A vaccination strategy was cost-effective compared with the 1-dose strategy over the 3 time horizons. However, it was not cost-effective if we assumed additional IMP durations of at least 10 y in the 25-y horizon. In the 50- and 75-y horizons, the 2-dose strategy was always cost-effective, except when 100% reduction in the probability of icteric Infections, 75% reduction in infectiousness, and mean durations of IMP of at least 50 y were assumed. This analysis indicates that routine vaccination of toddlers against hepatitis A virus would be cost-effective in Mexico using a single-dose vaccination strategy. However, the cost-effectiveness of a second dose depends on the assumptions of additional protection by IMP and the time horizon over which the analysis is performed.

The impact of assumptions regarding vaccine-induced immunity on the public health and cost-effectiveness of hepatitis A vaccination: Is one dose sufficient?

PubMed Central

Curran, Desmond; de Ridder, Marc; Van Effelterre, Thierry

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Hepatitis A vaccination stimulates memory cells to produce an anamnestic response. In this study, we used a mathematical model to examine how long-term immune memory might convey additional protection against clinical/icteric infections. Dynamic and decision models were used to estimate the expected number of cases, and the costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), respectively. Several scenarios were explored by assuming: (1) varying duration of vaccine-induced immune memory, (2) and/or varying levels of vaccine-induced immune memory protection (IMP), (3) and/or varying levels of infectiousness in vaccinated individuals with IMP. The base case analysis assumed a time horizon of 25 y (2012 – 2036), with additional analyses over 50 and 75 y. The analyses were conducted in the Mexican public health system perspective. In the base case that assumed no vaccine-induced IMP, the 2-dose hepatitis A vaccination strategy was cost-effective compared with the 1-dose strategy over the 3 time horizons. However, it was not cost-effective if we assumed additional IMP durations of at least 10 y in the 25-y horizon. In the 50- and 75-y horizons, the 2-dose strategy was always cost-effective, except when 100% reduction in the probability of icteric Infections, 75% reduction in infectiousness, and mean durations of IMP of at least 50 y were assumed. This analysis indicates that routine vaccination of toddlers against hepatitis A virus would be cost-effective in Mexico using a single-dose vaccination strategy. However, the cost-effectiveness of a second dose depends on the assumptions of additional protection by IMP and the time horizon over which the analysis is performed. PMID:27428611

Relativistic Electrons in Ground-Level Enhanced (GLE) Solar Particle Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tylka, Allan J.; Dietrich, William; Novikova, Elena I.

Ground-level enhanced (GLE) solar particle events are one of the most spectacular manifesta-tions of solar activity, with protons accelerated to multi-GeV energies in minutes. Although GLEs have been observed for more than sixty years, the processes by which the particle ac-celeration takes place remain controversial. Relativistic electrons provide another means of investigating the nature of the particle accelerator, since some processes that can efficiently ac-celerate protons and ions are less attractive candidates for electron acceleration. We report on observations of relativistic electrons, at ˜0.5 -5 MeV, during GLEs of 1976-2005, using data from the University of Chicago's Cosmic Ray Nuclei Experiment (CRNE) on IMP-8, whose electron response has recently been calibrated using GEANT-4 simulations (Novikova et al. 2010). In particular, we examine onset times, temporal structure, fluences, and spectra of elec-trons in GLEs and compare them with comparable quantities for relativistic protons derived from neutron monitors. We discuss the implications of these comparisons for the nature of the particle acceleration process.

Nuclear transport adapts to varying heat stress in a multistep mechanism.

PubMed

Ogawa, Yutaka; Imamoto, Naoko

2018-05-10

Appropriate cell growth conditions are limited to a narrow temperature range. Once the temperature is out of this range, cells respond to protect themselves, but temperature thresholds at which various intracellular responses occur, including nuclear transport systems, remain unclear. Using a newly developed precise temperature shift assay, we found that individual transport pathways have different sensitivities to a rise in temperature. Nuclear translocations of molecular chaperone HSP70s occur at a much lower temperature than the inhibition of Ran-dependent transport. Subsequently, importin (Imp) α/β-dependent import ceases at a lower temperature than other Ran-dependent transport, suggesting that these are controlled by independent mechanisms. In vitro research revealed that the inhibition of Imp α/β-dependent import is caused by the dysfunction of Imp α1 specifically at lower temperature. Thus, the thermosensitivity of Imp α1 modulates transport balances and enables the multistep shutdown of Ran-dependent transport systems according to the degree of heat stress. © 2018 Ogawa and Imamoto.

Report on final recommendations for IMPS engineering-science payload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garrett, H. B.

1984-01-01

Six general categories of key scientific and engineering concerns for the interactions measurements payload for shuttle (IMPS) mission are addressed: (1) dielectric charging; (2) material property changes; (3) electromagnetic interference, plasma interactions, and plasma wake effects associated with high-voltage solar arrays and large space structures; (4) radio frequency distortion and nonlinearities due to the enhanced plasma in the shuttle ram/wake; (5) shuttle glow and contamination; and (6) plasma interactions with the space-based radar. Lesser concerns are the interactions associated with EVA; the radiation and SEU effects peculiar to the auroral/polar cap environments; and space debris. The measurements needed to address the concerns associated with the general categories are described and a list of generic investigations capable of making the required measurements, emphasizing the spectrum of measurements necessary to quantize the interactions in the auroral/polar environments are included. A suggested ground-test plan for the IMPS project, a description of proposed follow-on IMPS missions, and a detailed bibliography for each of the interactions discussed are included.

Insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA-binding protein-3 is an independent prognostic factor in uterine leiomyosarcoma.

PubMed

Yasutake, Nobuko; Ohishi, Yoshihiro; Taguchi, Kenichi; Hiraki, Yuka; Oya, Masafumi; Oshiro, Yumi; Mine, Mari; Iwasaki, Takeshi; Yamamoto, Hidetaka; Kohashi, Kenichi; Sonoda, Kenzo; Kato, Kiyoko; Oda, Yoshinao

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic factors of uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS). We reviewed 60 cases of surgically resected ULMSs and investigated conventional clinicopathological factors, together with the expression of insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA-binding protein-3 (IMP3), hormone receptors and cell cycle regulatory markers by immunohistochemistry. Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) mutation analysis was also performed. Univariate analyses revealed that advanced stage (P < 0.0001), older age (P = 0.0244) and IMP3 expression (P = 0.0011) were significant predictors of a poor outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed advanced stage (P < 0.0001) and IMP3 (P = 0.0373) as independent predictors of a poor prognosis. Expressions of cell cycle markers and hormone receptors, and MED12 mutations (12% in ULMSs) were not identified as prognostic markers in this study. IMP3 expression in ULMS could be a marker of a poor prognosis. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Muscle Microvascular Blood Flow, Oxygenation, pH, and Perfusion Pressure Decrease in Simulated Acute Compartment Syndrome.

PubMed

Challa, Sravya T; Hargens, Alan R; Uzosike, Amarachi; Macias, Brandon R

2017-09-06

The current gold standard for diagnosing acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an assessment of clinical signs, invasive measurement of intramuscular pressure (IMP), and measurement of local perfusion pressure. However, IMP measurements have several shortcomings, including pain, risk of infection, risk of technique error, plugging of the catheter tip, lack of consensus on the diagnostic pressure threshold, and lack of specificity and sensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate muscle hemodynamics, oxygenation, and pH as diagnostic parameters in a human model of ACS. We hypothesized that as IMP increases, muscle microvascular blood flow, oxygenation, and pH decrease in the anterior compartment of a leg at heart level and that they decrease significantly more when the leg is elevated further. An external pneumatic leg pressure chamber, combined with a venous stasis thigh cuff, was used to increase IMP and simulate ACS. Eight healthy subjects (5 males and 3 females; mean age, 26 years) had photoplethysmography and near-infrared spectroscopy-pH sensors placed over the middle aspect of the tibialis anterior muscle of the right (experimental) and left (control) legs. Leg chamber pressure conditions (40, 50, and 60 mm Hg) were applied in a randomized order after baseline measurements were taken. Data were collected continuously for each 11-minute pressure condition, with an 11-minute recovery period after each condition, and the average of the last 6 minutes was used for data analyses. The same protocol was repeated with each subject's legs elevated 12 cm above heart level. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). As IMP increased, muscle microvascular blood flow (p = 0.01), oxygenation (p < 0.001), and pH (p < 0.001) all decreased significantly in the experimental leg compared with the control leg. At all IMP levels, leg elevation significantly decreased muscle oxygenation (p = 0.013) and perfusion pressure (p = 0.03) compared with the control leg at heart level. These results indicate that muscle microvascular blood flow, oxygenation, pH, and perfusion pressure decrease significantly as IMP increases in a human model of ACS. This study identifies hemodynamic and metabolic parameters as potential noninvasive diagnostic tools for ACS.

Status of the laser ion source at IMP

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

Sha, S.; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; School of Nuclear science and technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 73000

2012-02-15

A laser (Nd:YAG laser, 3 J, 1064 nm, 8-10 ns) ion source has been built and under development at IMP to provide pulsed high-charge-state heavy ion beams to a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) for upgrading the IMP accelerators with a new low-energy beam injector. The laser ion source currently operates in a direct plasma injection scheme to inject the high charge state ions produced from a solid target into the RFQ. The maximum power density on the target was about 8.4 x 10{sup 12} W/cm{sup 2}. The preliminary experimental results will be presented and discussed in this paper.

Towards Gotthard-II: development of a silicon microstrip detector for the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.; Andrä, M.; Barten, R.; Bergamaschi, A.; Brückner, M.; Dinapoli, R.; Fröjdh, E.; Greiffenberg, D.; Lopez-Cuenca, C.; Mezza, D.; Mozzanica, A.; Ramilli, M.; Redford, S.; Ruat, M.; Ruder, C.; Schmitt, B.; Shi, X.; Thattil, D.; Tinti, G.; Turcato, M.; Vetter, S.

2018-01-01

Gotthard-II is a 1-D microstrip detector specifically developed for the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser. It will not only be used in energy dispersive experiments but also as a beam diagnostic tool with additional logic to generate veto signals for the other 2-D detectors. Gotthard-II makes use of a silicon microstrip sensor with a pitch of either 50 μm or 25 μm and with 1280 or 2560 channels wire-bonded to adaptive gain switching readout chips. Built-in analog-to-digital converters and digital memories will be implemented in the readout chip for a continuous conversion and storage of frames for all bunches in the bunch train. The performance of analogue front-end prototypes of Gotthard has been investigated in this work. The results in terms of noise, conversion gain, dynamic range, obtained by means of infrared laser and X-rays, will be shown. In particular, the effects of the strip-to-strip coupling are studied in detail and it is found that the reduction of the coupling effects is one of the key factors for the development of the analogue front-end of Gotthard-II.

Optomechanical Design and Characterization of a Printed-Circuit-Board-Based Free-Space Optical Interconnect Package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Xuezhe; Marchand, Philippe J.; Huang, Dawei; Kibar, Osman; Ozkan, Nur S. E.; Esener, Sadik C.

1999-09-01

We present a proof of concept and a feasibility demonstration of a practical packaging approach in which free-space optical interconnects (FSOI s) can be integrated simply on electronic multichip modules (MCM s) for intra-MCM board interconnects. Our system-level packaging architecture is based on a modified folded 4 f imaging system that has been implemented with only off-the-shelf optics, conventional electronic packaging, and passive-assembly techniques to yield a potentially low-cost and manufacturable packaging solution. The prototypical system as built supports 48 independent FSOI channels with 8 separate laser and detector chips, for which each chip consists of a one-dimensional array of 12 devices. All the chips are assembled on a single substrate that consists of a printed circuit board or a ceramic MCM. Optical link channel efficiencies of greater than 90% and interchannel cross talk of less than 20 dB at low frequency have been measured. The system is compact at only 10 in. 3 (25.4 cm 3 ) and is scalable, as it can easily accommodate additional chips as well as two-dimensional optoelectronic device arrays for increased interconnection density.

A cell-free framework for rapid biosynthetic pathway prototyping and enzyme discovery.

PubMed

Karim, Ashty S; Jewett, Michael C

2016-07-01

Speeding up design-build-test (DBT) cycles is a fundamental challenge facing biochemical engineering. To address this challenge, we report a new cell-free protein synthesis driven metabolic engineering (CFPS-ME) framework for rapid biosynthetic pathway prototyping. In our framework, cell-free cocktails for synthesizing target small molecules are assembled in a mix-and-match fashion from crude cell lysates either containing selectively enriched pathway enzymes from heterologous overexpression or directly producing pathway enzymes in lysates by CFPS. As a model, we apply our approach to n-butanol biosynthesis showing that Escherichia coli lysates support a highly active 17-step CoA-dependent n-butanol pathway in vitro. The elevated degree of flexibility in the cell-free environment allows us to manipulate physiochemical conditions, access enzymatic nodes, discover new enzymes, and prototype enzyme sets with linear DNA templates to study pathway performance. We anticipate that CFPS-ME will facilitate efforts to define, manipulate, and understand metabolic pathways for accelerated DBT cycles without the need to reengineer organisms. Copyright © 2016 International Metabolic Engineering Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Defect-free fabrication of nano-disk and nano-wire by fusion of bio-template and neutral beam etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samukawa, S.; Noda, Shuichi; Higo, Akio; Yasuda, Manabu; Wada, Kazumi

2016-11-01

We have developed an innovated fabrication technology of Si, GaAs, and Ge nano-structures, i.e., we called defect-free neutral beam etching. The technology has been successfully applied to prototype the quantum nano-disks and nano-wires with ferritin based bio-templates. SEM observation verifies that the designed structures are prototyped. Photoluminescence measurements demonstrates high optical quality of nano-structures based on the technology.

Circular Probable Error for Circular and Noncircular Gaussian Impacts

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

1M simulated impacts ph(k)=mean(imp(:,1).^2+imp(:,2).^2<=CEP^2); % hit frequency on CEP end phit (j)=mean(ph...avg 100 hit frequencies to “incr n” end % GRAPHICS plot(i, phit ,’r-’); % error exponent versus Ph estimate

The Consequences of a Problem-Based Mathematics Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, David; Breed, Margarita; Fraser, Sherry

2004-01-01

Implementation of a problem-based mathematics curriculum, the "Interactive Mathematics Program" (IMP), at three high schools in California has been associated with more than just differences in student achievement. The outcomes that distinguished students who participated in the IMP program from students who followed a conventional…

Electronic voltage and current transformers testing device.

PubMed

Pan, Feng; Chen, Ruimin; Xiao, Yong; Sun, Weiming

2012-01-01

A method for testing electronic instrument transformers is described, including electronic voltage and current transformers (EVTs, ECTs) with both analog and digital outputs. A testing device prototype is developed. It is based on digital signal processing of the signals that are measured at the secondary outputs of the tested transformer and the reference transformer when the same excitation signal is fed to their primaries. The test that estimates the performance of the prototype has been carried out at the National Centre for High Voltage Measurement and the prototype is approved for testing transformers with precision class up to 0.2 at the industrial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz). The device is suitable for on-site testing due to its high accuracy, simple structure and low-cost hardware.

Detection of VIM-2-, IMP-1- and NDM-1-producing multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Malaysia.

PubMed

Liew, Siew Mun; Rajasekaram, Ganeswrei; Puthucheary, Savithri D; Chua, Kek Heng

2018-02-09

The increasing incidence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa along with the discovery of novel metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) is of concern. In this study, the isolation of Malaysian MBL-producing P. aeruginosa clinical strains was investigated. Fifty-three P. aeruginosa clinical strains were isolated from different patients in Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Johor Bahru, Malaysia in 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of imipenem and meropenem were determined by Etest. The carbapenem-resistant strains were screened for MBL production by IMP-EDTA double disk synergy test (DDST), MBL imipenem/imipenem-inhibitor (IP/IPI) Etest and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotyping was performed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. Three (5.7%) clinical strains were identified as MBL producers. Multidrug resistance was observed in the three strains, and two were resistant to all the antimicrobials tested. Sequencing analysis confirmed the three strains to harbour carbapenemase genes: one with bla IMP-1 , one with bla VIM-2 and the other with bla NDM-1 genes. These multidrug resistant strains were identified as sequence type (ST) 235 and ST308. None of the bla IMP-1 and bla NDM-1 genes have been reported in Malaysian P. aeruginosa. The emergence of imipenemase 1 (IMP-1)- and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1)-producing P. aeruginosa in Malaysia maybe travel-associated. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A Comprehensive Framework for International Medical Programs: A 2017 consensus statement from the American College of Academic International Medicine

PubMed Central

Garg, Manish; Peck, Gregory L.; Arquilla, Bonnie; Miller, Andrew C.; Soghoian, Sari E.; Anderson III, Harry L.; Bloem, Christina; Firstenberg, Michael S.; Galwankar, Sagar C.; Guo, Weidun Alan; Izurieta, Ricardo; Krebs, Elizabeth; Hansoti, Bhakti; Nanda, Sudip; Nwachuku, Chinenye O.; Nwomeh, Benedict; Paladino, Lorenzo; Papadimos, Thomas J.; Sharpe, Richard P.; Swaroop, Mamta; Stawicki, Stanislaw P.

2017-01-01

The American College of Academic International Medicine (ACAIM) represents a group of clinicians who seek to promote clinical, educational, and scientific collaboration in the area of Academic International Medicine (AIM) to address health care disparities and improve patient care and outcomes globally. Significant health care delivery and quality gaps persist between high-income countries (HICs) and low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). International Medical Programs (IMPs) are an important mechanism for addressing these inequalities. IMPs are international partnerships that primarily use education and training-based interventions to build sustainable clinical capacity. Within this overall context, a comprehensive framework for IMPs (CFIMPs) is needed to assist HICs and LMICs navigate the development of IMPs. The aim of this consensus statement is to highlight best practices and engage the global community in ACAIM's mission. Through this work, we highlight key aspects of IMPs including: (1) the structure; (2) core principles for successful and ethical development; (3) information technology; (4) medical education and training; (5) research and scientific investigation; and (6) program durability. The ultimate goal of current initiatives is to create a foundation upon which ACAIM and other organizations can begin to formalize a truly global network of clinical education/training and care delivery sites, with long-term sustainability as the primary pillar of international inter-institutional collaborations. PMID:29291171

Graphene-based flexible and wearable electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Tanmoy; Sharma, Bhupendra K.; Katiyar, Ajit K.; Ahn, Jong-Hyun

2018-01-01

Graphene with an exceptional combination of electronic, optical and outstanding mechanical features has been proved to lead a completely different kind of 2-D electronics. The most exciting feature of graphene is its ultra-thin thickness, that can be conformally contacted to any kind of rough surface without losing much of its transparency and conductivity. Graphene has been explored demonstrating various prototype flexible electronic applications, however, its potentiality has been proven wherever transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) are needed in a flexible, stretchable format. Graphene-based TCEs in flexible electronic applications showed greatly superior performance over their conventionally available competitor indium tin oxide (ITO). Moreover, enormous applications have been emerging, especially in wearable devices that can be potentially used in our daily life as well as in biomedical areas. However, the production of high-quality, defect-free large area graphene is still a challenge and the main hurdle in the commercialization of flexible and wearable products. The objective of the present review paper is to summarize the progress made so far in graphene-based flexible and wearable applications. The current developments including challenges and future perspectives are also highlighted. Project supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (No. NRF-2015R1A3A2066337).

Multidimensional photoemission spectroscopy—the space-charge limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schönhense, B.; Medjanik, K.; Fedchenko, O.; Chernov, S.; Ellguth, M.; Vasilyev, D.; Oelsner, A.; Viefhaus, J.; Kutnyakhov, D.; Wurth, W.; Elmers, H. J.; Schönhense, G.

2018-03-01

Photoelectron spectroscopy, especially at pulsed sources, is ultimately limited by the Coulomb interaction in the electron cloud, changing energy and angular distribution of the photoelectrons. A detailed understanding of this phenomenon is crucial for future pump-probe photoemission studies at (x-ray) free electron lasers and high-harmonic photon sources. Measurements have been performed for Ir(111) at hν = 1000 eV with photon flux densities between ˜102 and 104 photons per pulse and μm2 (beamline P04/PETRA III, DESY Hamburg), revealing space-charge induced energy shifts of up to 10 eV. In order to correct the essential part of the energy shift and restore the electron distributions close to the Fermi energy, we developed a semi-analytical theory for the space-charge effect in cathode-lens instruments (momentum microscopes, photoemission electron microscopes). The theory predicts a Lorentzian profile of energy isosurfaces and allows us to quantify the charge cloud from measured energy profiles. The correction is essential for the determination of the Fermi surface, as we demonstrate by means of ‘k-space movies’ for the prototypical high-Z material tungsten. In an energy interval of about 1 eV below the Fermi edge, the bandstructure can be restored up to substantial shifts of ˜7 eV. Scattered photoelectrons strongly enhance the inelastic background in the region several eV below E F, proving that the majority of scattering events involves a slow electron. The correction yields a gain of two orders of magnitude in usable intensity compared with the uncorrected case (assuming a tolerable shift of 250 meV). The results are particularly important for future experiments at SASE-type free electron lasers, since the correction also works for strongly fluctuating (but known) pulse intensities.

Characteristic Flavor of Traditional Soup Made by Stewing Chinese Yellow-Feather Chickens.

PubMed

Qi, Jun; Liu, Deng-Yong; Zhou, Guang-Hong; Xu, Xing-Lian

2017-09-01

The traditional recipe for Chinese chicken soup creates a popular taste of particular umami and aroma. The present study investigated the effects of stewing time (1, 2, and 3 h) on the principal taste-active and volatile compounds and the overall flavor profile of traditional Chinese chicken soup by measuring the contents of free amino acids (FAAs), 5'-nucleotides, minerals and volatile compounds and by evaluating the taste and aroma profiles using an electronic nose, an electronic tongue and a human panel. Results showed that the major umami-related compounds in the chicken soup were inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) and chloride, both of which increased significantly (P < 0.05) during stewing. The taste active values (TAVs) of the equivalent umami concentration (EUC) increased from 4.08 to 9.93 (P < 0.05) after stewing for 3 h. Although the FAA and mineral contents increased significantly (P < 0.05), their TAVs were less than 1. The volatile compounds were mainly hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)-2-nonanal, (E)-2-decenal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 1-hexanol, and 2-pentyl furan. With the prolonged stewing time, the aldehydes first increased and then decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while 1-hexanol and 2-pentyl furan increased steadily (P < 0.05). The aroma scores of the chicken soup reached the maximum after stewing for 3 h. The discrepancy in overall flavor characteristics tended to stabilize after 2 h of stewing. In general, stewing time has a positive effect on improving the flavor profiles of chicken soup, especially within the first 2 h. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Characterization of the Eimeria maxima sporozoite surface protein IMP1

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The purpose of this study was to characterize Eimeria maxima immunoprotective protein IMP1 that is hypothesized to play a role in eliciting protective immunity against E. maxima infection in chickens. RT-PCR analysis of RNA from unsporulated and sporulating E. maxima oocysts revealed highest transc...

The Twin Peaks in 3-D, as Viewed by the Mars Pathfinder IMP Camera

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-04

Twin Peaks are modest-size hills to the southwest of NASA Mars Pathfinder landing site. They were discovered on the first panoramas taken by the IMP camera on the 4th of July, 1997. 3D glasses are necessary to identify surface detail.

Low-energy solar electrons and ions observed at Ulysses February-April, 1991 - The inner heliosphere as a particle reservoir

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roelof, E. C.; Gold, R. E.; Simnett, G. M.; Tappin, S. J.; Armstrong, T. P.; Lanzerotti, L. J.

1992-01-01

Ulysses observations at 2.5 AU of 38-315 keV electrons and 61-4752 keV ions during February-April 1991 suggest in several ways that, during periods of sustained high solar activity, the inner heliosphere serves as a 'reservoir' for low-energy solar particles. Particle increases were not associated one-to-one with large X-ray flares because of their poor magnetic connection, yet intensities in March-April remained well above their February levels. The rise phase of the particle event associated with the great flare of 2245UT March 22 lasted most of two days, while throughout the one-week decay phase, the lowest-energy ion fluxes were nearly equal at Ulysses and earth (IMP-8).

Basic principles for measurement of intramuscular pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hargens, A. R.; Ballard, R. E.

1995-01-01

We review historical and methodological approaches to measurements of intramuscular pressure (IMP) in humans. These techniques provide valuable measures of muscle tone and activity as well as diagnostic criteria for evaluation of exertional compartment syndrome. Although the wick and catheter techniques provide accurate measurements of IMP at rest, their value for exercise studies and diagnosis of exertional compartment syndrome is limited because of low frequency response and hydrostatic (static and inertial) pressure artifacts. Presently, most information on diagnosis of exertional compartment syndromes during dynamic exercise is available using the Myopress catheter. However, future research and clinical diagnosis using IMP can be optimized by the use of a miniature transducer-tipped catheter such as the Millar Mikro-tip.

Acceleration mechanisms for energetic particles in the earth's magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schiferl, S.; Fan, C. Y.; Hsieh, K. C.; Erickson, K. N.; Gloeckler, G.

1982-01-01

By analyzing data on energetic particle fluxes measured simultaneously with detector systems on several earth satellites, signatures of different acceleration mechanisms for these particles were searched for. One of the samples is an event observed on ATS-6 and IMP-7. IMP-7 was in the dusk quarter at 38 earth radii while ATS-6 was located at local midnight at a distance of 6.6 earth radii. Although the flux variations as observed on the two spacecraft both showed 1.5 min periodicity, there was a 40-second time lag with IMP-7 behind. The results indicate that the particles are accelerated by magnetic field line annihilation, with the x-point located at about 10 earth radii.

Low frequency gyro-synchrotron radio noise from the earth's outer radiation belt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frankel, M. S.

1973-01-01

The problem of detecting cyclotron and synchrotron noise from superthermal electrons is analyzed for the frequency range 30 kHz 300 kHz. Due to the earth's ionosphere, ground based observation of this noise is improbable. Therefore, the calculations are made for an observer in the interplanetary medium. In particular, the location is chosen in the geomagnetic equatorial plane at a geocentric distance of 32 earth radii. This position of the observer allows the theoretical results to be compared directly with data obtained from the radio astronomy experiment aboard the IMP-6 spacecraft.

Calculation and observation of thermal electrostatic noise in solar wind plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellogg, P. J.

1981-01-01

Calculations, both approximate algebraic and numerical, have been carried out for the noise due to electrostatic waves incident on a dipole antenna. The noise is calculated both for a thermal equilibrium plasma, and one having several components at different temperatures. The results are compared with measurements from the IMP-6 satellite. In various frequency ranges, the noise power is dominated by Langmuir oscillations, by electron acoustic waves and by ion acoustic waves. The measurements are consistent with all of these, although the ion waves are not definitely observed, due to interference from shot noise.

Electronic prototyping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hopcroft, J.

1987-01-01

The potential benefits of automation in space are significant. The science base needed to support this automation not only will help control costs and reduce lead-time in the earth-based design and construction of space stations, but also will advance the nation's capability for computer design, simulation, testing, and debugging of sophisticated objects electronically. Progress in automation will require the ability to electronically represent, reason about, and manipulate objects. Discussed here is the development of representations, languages, editors, and model-driven simulation systems to support electronic prototyping. In particular, it identifies areas where basic research is needed before further progress can be made.

Electronic Voltage and Current Transformers Testing Device

PubMed Central

Pan, Feng; Chen, Ruimin; Xiao, Yong; Sun, Weiming

2012-01-01

A method for testing electronic instrument transformers is described, including electronic voltage and current transformers (EVTs, ECTs) with both analog and digital outputs. A testing device prototype is developed. It is based on digital signal processing of the signals that are measured at the secondary outputs of the tested transformer and the reference transformer when the same excitation signal is fed to their primaries. The test that estimates the performance of the prototype has been carried out at the National Centre for High Voltage Measurement and the prototype is approved for testing transformers with precision class up to 0.2 at the industrial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz). The device is suitable for on-site testing due to its high accuracy, simple structure and low-cost hardware. PMID:22368510

Fundamental limitation of a two-dimensional description of magnetic reconnection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firpo, Marie-Christine

2014-10-01

For magnetic reconnection to be possible, the electrons have at some point to ``get free from magnetic slavery,'' according to von Steiger's formulation. Stochasticity may be considered as one possible ingredient through which this may be realized in the magnetic reconnection process. It will be argued that non-ideal effects may be considered as a ``hidden'' way to introduce stochasticity. Then it will be shown that there exists a generic intrinsic stochasticity of magnetic field lines that does not require the invocation of non-ideal effects but cannot show up in effective two-dimensional models of magnetic reconnection. Possible implications will be discussed in the frame of tokamak sawteeth that form a laboratory prototype of magnetic reconnection.

Coherent diffractive imaging using randomly coded masks

DOE PAGES

Seaberg, Matthew H.; d'Aspremont, Alexandre; Turner, Joshua J.

2015-12-07

We experimentally demonstrate an extension to coherent diffractive imaging that encodes additional information through the use of a series of randomly coded masks, removing the need for typical object-domain constraints while guaranteeing a unique solution to the phase retrieval problem. Phase retrieval is performed using a numerical convex relaxation routine known as “PhaseCut,” an iterative algorithm known for its stability and for its ability to find the global solution, which can be found efficiently and which is robust to noise. As a result, the experiment is performed using a laser diode at 532.2 nm, enabling rapid prototyping for future X-raymore » synchrotron and even free electron laser experiments.« less

IMP I, H, and J

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The schedule for the IMP project for the eighth, ninth, and tenth satellites of the series is presented. A description of the spacecraft and the weekly summaries of the operations performed on the spacecraft are provided. The project planning, project problems, recommendations, and reports of launch operations are described. Drawings of the satellite structures are included.

XM746 Practice Fuze.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-31

SANDMILLISEC HARD SAND .. : 33 20!~ U SMOKE EXIT RELATIONSHIP pd TO XMBO04 PROJ SURIAL DEPTH AS A FUNCTION OF EXIT HOLE LOCATION IMP VEL - 900 PT/SIC IMP...distance between the be determined. Adenes evlope for then obser- 30% ordinate and 16% or 84% The 0confidence level" d- Ttons was derived as follows

Interpretation Training in Individuals with Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amir, Nader; Taylor, Charles T.

2012-01-01

Objective: To examine the efficacy of a multisession computerized interpretation modification program (IMP) in the treatment of generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD). Method: The sample comprised 49 individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for GSAD who were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial comparing IMP (n = 23)…

[Examination of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing different types of Serratia marcescens detected in the same patient].

PubMed

Takamitsu, Ito; Fukui, Yasuo; Ono, Noriaki; Ikeda, Fumiaki; Kanayama, Akiko; Kobayashi, Intetsu

2013-03-01

Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing Serratia marcescens isolate was recovered from a study patient in September, 2007 in whom MBL non-producing S. marcescens had been isolated 2 months previously. Two S. marcescens isolates recovered from the study patient showed the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern. Seven S. marcescens isolates were recovered from other patients in our hospital during August, 2007 and November, 2007. Five of the seven isolates produced MBL. All of the MBL-producing isolates showed the same PFGE pattern and harbored plasmids of the same size and bla(IMP) genes. The bla(IMP) genes were easily transferred to Escherichia coli DH5alpha by transformation of a plasmid purified from the MBL-producing isolate. Those transformation experiments suggested that bla(IMP) genes were encoded by the plasmid. From these observations, it was speculated that the MBL non-producing S. marcescens isolate recovered from the study patient had acquired the plasmid which encoded bla(IMP) genes and a monoclone of MBL-producing S. marcescens spread horizontally in our hospital.

Fully gapped superconductivity with no sign change in the prototypical heavy-fermion CeCu2Si2

PubMed Central

Yamashita, Takuya; Takenaka, Takaaki; Tokiwa, Yoshifumi; Wilcox, Joseph A.; Mizukami, Yuta; Terazawa, Daiki; Kasahara, Yuichi; Kittaka, Shunichiro; Sakakibara, Toshiro; Konczykowski, Marcin; Seiro, Silvia; Jeevan, Hirale S.; Geibel, Christoph; Putzke, Carsten; Onishi, Takafumi; Ikeda, Hiroaki; Carrington, Antony; Shibauchi, Takasada; Matsuda, Yuji

2017-01-01

In exotic superconductors, including high-Tc copper oxides, the interactions mediating electron Cooper pairing are widely considered to have a magnetic rather than a conventional electron-phonon origin. Interest in this exotic pairing was initiated by the 1979 discovery of heavy-fermion superconductivity in CeCu2Si2, which exhibits strong antiferromagnetic fluctuations. A hallmark of unconventional pairing by anisotropic repulsive interactions is that the superconducting energy gap changes sign as a function of the electron momentum, often leading to nodes where the gap goes to zero. We report low-temperature specific heat, thermal conductivity, and magnetic penetration depth measurements in CeCu2Si2, demonstrating the absence of gap nodes at any point on the Fermi surface. Moreover, electron irradiation experiments reveal that the superconductivity survives even when the electron mean free path becomes substantially shorter than the superconducting coherence length. This indicates that superconductivity is robust against impurities, implying that there is no sign change in the gap function. These results show that, contrary to long-standing belief, heavy electrons with extremely strong Coulomb repulsions can condense into a fully gapped s-wave superconducting state, which has an on-site attractive pairing interaction. PMID:28691082

Performance evaluation of the analogue front-end and ADC prototypes for the Gotthard-II development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.; Andrä, M.; Barten, R.; Bergamaschi, A.; Brückner, M.; Dinapoli, R.; Fröjdh, E.; Greiffenberg, D.; Lopez-Cuenca, C.; Mezza, D.; Mozzanica, A.; Ramilli, M.; Redford, S.; Ruat, M.; Ruder, C.; Schmitt, B.; Shi, X.; Thattil, D.; Tinti, G.; Turcato, M.; Vetter, S.

2017-12-01

Gotthard-II is a silicon microstrip detector developed for the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL.EU). Its potential scientific applications include X-ray absorption/emission spectroscopy, hard X-ray high resolution single-shot spectrometry (HiREX), energy dispersive experiments at 4.5 MHz frame rate, beam diagnostics, as well as veto signal generation for pixel detectors. Gotthard-II uses a silicon microstrip sensor with a pitch of 50 μm or 25 μm and with 1280 or 2560 channels wire-bonded to readout chips (ROCs). In the ROC, an adaptive gain switching pre-amplifier (PRE), a fully differential Correlated-Double-Sampling (CDS) stage, an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) as well as a Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) capable of storing all the 2700 images in an XFEL.EU bunch train will be implemented. Several prototypes with different designs of the analogue front-end (PRE and CDS) and ADC test structures have been fabricated in UMC-110 nm CMOS technology and their performance has been evaluated. In this paper, the performance of the analogue front-end and ADC will be summarized.

Event reconstruction for the CBM-RICH prototype beamtest data in 2014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamczewski-Musch, J.; Akishin, P.; Becker, K.-H.; Belogurov, S.; Bendarouach, J.; Boldyreva, N.; Deveaux, C.; Dobyrn, V.; Dürr, M.; Eschke, J.; Förtsch, J.; Heep, J.; Höhne, C.; Kampert, K.-H.; Kochenda, L.; Kopfer, J.; Kravtsov, P.; Kres, I.; Lebedev, S.; Lebedeva, E.; Leonova, E.; Linev, S.; Mahmoud, T.; Michel, J.; Miftakhov, N.; Niebur, W.; Ovcharenko, E.; Patel, V.; Pauly, C.; Pfeifer, D.; Querchfeld, S.; Rautenberg, J.; Reinecke, S.; Riabov, Y.; Roshchin, E.; Samsonov, V.; Schetinin, V.; Tarasenkova, O.; Traxler, M.; Ugur, C.; Vznuzdaev, E.; Vznuzdaev, M.

2017-12-01

The Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at the future FAIR facility will investigate the QCD phase diagram at high net baryon densities and moderate temperatures in A+A collisions from 2 to 11 AGeV (SIS100). Electron identification in CBM will be performed by a Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector and Transition Radiation Detectors (TRD). A real size prototype of the RICH detector was tested together with other CBM groups at the CERN PS/T9 beam line in 2014. For the first time the data format used the FLESnet protocol from CBM delivering free streaming data. The analysis was fully performed within the CBMROOT framework. In this contribution the data analysis and the event reconstruction methods which were used for obtained data are discussed. Rings were reconstructed using an algorithm based on the Hough Transform method and their parameters were derived with high accuracy by circle and ellipse fitting procedures. We present results of the application of the presented algorithms. In particular we compare results with and without Wavelength shifting (WLS) coating.

Bombyx mori P-element Somatic Inhibitor (BmPSI) Is a Key Auxiliary Factor for Silkworm Male Sex Determination

PubMed Central

Chen, Shuqing; Zeng, Baosheng; James, Anthony A.; Tan, Anjiang; Huang, Yongping

2017-01-01

Manipulation of sex determination pathways in insects provides the basis for a wide spectrum of strategies to benefit agriculture and public health. Furthermore, insects display a remarkable diversity in the genetic pathways that lead to sex differentiation. The silkworm, Bombyx mori, has been cultivated by humans as a beneficial insect for over two millennia, and more recently as a model system for studying lepidopteran genetics and development. Previous studies have identified the B. mori Fem piRNA as the primary female determining factor and BmMasc as its downstream target, while the genetic scenario for male sex determination was still unclear. In the current study, we exploite the transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a comprehensive set of knockout mutations in genes BmSxl, Bmtra2, BmImp, BmImpM, BmPSI and BmMasc, to investigate their roles in silkworm sex determination. Absence of Bmtra2 results in the complete depletion of Bmdsx transcripts, which is the conserved downstream factor in the sex determination pathway, and induces embryonic lethality. Loss of BmImp or BmImpM function does not affect the sexual differentiation. Mutations in BmPSI and BmMasc genes affect the splicing of Bmdsx and the female reproductive apparatus appeared in the male external genital. Intriguingly, we identify that BmPSI regulates expression of BmMasc, BmImpM and Bmdsx, supporting the conclusion that it acts as a key auxiliary factor in silkworm male sex determination. PMID:28103247

Intramuscular pressures beneath elastic and inelastic leggings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, G.; Ballard, R. E.; Breit, G. A.; Watenpaugh, D. E.; Hargens, A. R.

1994-01-01

Leg compression devices have been used extensively by patients to combat chronic venous insufficiency and by astronauts to counteract orthostatic intolerance following spaceflight. However, the effects of elastic and inelastic leggings on the calf muscle pump have not been compared. The purpose of this study was to compare in normal subjects the effects of elastic and inelastic compression on leg intramuscular pressure (IMP), an objective index of calf muscle pump function. IMP in soleus and tibialis anterior muscles was measured with transducer-tipped catheters. Surface compression between each legging and the skin was recorded with an air bladder. Subjects were studied under three conditions: (1) control (no legging), (2) elastic legging, and (3) inelastic legging. Pressure data were recorded for each condition during recumbency, sitting, standing, walking, and running. Elastic leggings applied significantly greater surface compression during recumbency (20 +/- 1 mm Hg, mean +/- SE) than inelastic leggings (13 +/- 2 mm Hg). During recumbency, elastic leggings produced significantly higher soleus IMP of 25 +/- 1 mm Hg and tibialis anterior IMP of 28 +/- 1 mm Hg compared to 17 +/- 1 mm Hg and 20 +/- 2 mm Hg, respectively, generated by inelastic leggings and 8 +/- 1 mm Hg and 11 +/- 1 mm Hg, respectively, without leggings. During sitting, walking, and running, however, peak IMPs generated in the muscular compartments by elastic and inelastic leggings were similar. Our results suggest that elastic leg compression applied over a long period in the recumbent posture may impede microcirculation and jeopardize tissue viability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS).

Symptoms, endoscopic findings and reflux monitoring results in candidates for bariatric surgery.

PubMed

Heimgartner, Benjamin; Herzig, Marcus; Borbély, Yves; Kröll, Dino; Nett, Philipp; Tutuian, Radu

2017-07-01

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in patients with obesity. Diagnosing GERD is important as bariatric operations have different influence on GERD. We assessed reflux symptoms and objective findings prior to surgery. Work-up included esophageal symptoms quantification by VAS-scores, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and 24-h impedance-pH (imp-pH) monitoring off PPI therapy. Imp-pH was classified as abnormal if either %time pH<4 was abnormal, total number of reflux episodes was elevated or symptom index (SI) was positive. Among 100 consecutive patients (68F, age 40±11years, BMI 44.9±6.9kg/m 2 ) 54% reported heartburn and/or regurgitation, 71% had objective evidence of GERD (38% endoscopic lesions and 33% only abnormal imp-pH results). Imp-pH was superior to EGD in identifying GERD (sensitivity 85% vs. 54%, p<0.01). Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients had similar prevalence of esophageal lesions (37% vs. 39%) and abnormal imp-pH findings (68% vs. 50%). Sixty nine percent of patients with abnormal %time pH<4 had a normal number of reflux episodes. Half of patients with obesity reported typical GERD symptoms and >70% had evidence of GERD. Poor acid clearance was the main mechanisms. Since typical reflux symptoms don't predict objective findings, endoscopy and reflux monitoring should be part of the surgery work-up especially before restrictive procedures. Copyright © 2017 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microfabricated Bulk Piezoelectric Transformers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barham, Oliver M.

Piezoelectric voltage transformers (PTs) can be used to transform an input voltage into a different, required output voltage needed in electronic and electro- mechanical systems, among other varied uses. On the macro scale, they have been commercialized in electronics powering consumer laptop liquid crystal displays, and compete with an older, more prevalent technology, inductive electromagnetic volt- age transformers (EMTs). The present work investigates PTs on smaller size scales that are currently in the academic research sphere, with an eye towards applications including micro-robotics and other small-scale electronic and electromechanical sys- tems. PTs and EMTs are compared on the basis of power and energy density, with PTs trending towards higher values of power and energy density, comparatively, indicating their suitability for small-scale systems. Among PT topologies, bulk disc-type PTs, operating in their fundamental radial extension mode, and free-free beam PTs, operating in their fundamental length extensional mode, are good can- didates for microfabrication and are considered here. Analytical modeling based on the Extended Hamilton Method is used to predict device performance and integrate mechanical tethering as a boundary condition. This model differs from previous PT models in that the electric enthalpy is used to derive constituent equations of motion with Hamilton's Method, and therefore this approach is also more generally applica- ble to other piezoelectric systems outside of the present work. Prototype devices are microfabricated using a two mask process consisting of traditional photolithography combined with micropowder blasting, and are tested with various output electri- cal loads. 4mm diameter tethered disc PTs on the order of .002cm. 3 , two orders smaller than the bulk PT literature, had the followingperformance: a prototype with electrode area ratio (input area / output area) = 1 had peak gain of 2.3 (+/- 0.1), efficiency of 33 (+/- 0.1)% and output power density of 51.3 (+/- 4.0)W cm. -3 (for output power of80 (+/- 6)mW) at 1M? load, for an input voltage range of 3V-6V (+/- one standard deviation). The gain results are similar to those of several much larger bulk devices in the literature, but the efficiencies of the present devices are lower. Rectangular topology, free-free beam devices were also microfabricated across 3 or- ders of scale by volume, with the smallest device on the order of .00002cm. 3 . These devices exhibited higher quality factorsand efficiencies, in some cases, compared to circular devices, but lower peak gain (by roughly 1/2 ). Limitations of the microfab- rication process are determined, and future work is proposed. Overall, the devices fabricated in the present work show promise for integration into small-scale engi- neered systems, but improvements can be made in efficiency, and potentially voltage gain, depending on the application.

Pathophysiologic study of chronic infarcts with I-123 isopropyl iodo-amphetamine (IMP): the importance of periinfarct area

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

Raynaud, C.; Rancurel, G.; Samson, Y.

1987-01-01

Seventeen chronic cerebral infarcts were investigated by a highly sensitive, dedicated brain single photon emission computerized tomography system using /sup 123/I-isopropyl iodoamphetamine (IMP) and /sup 133/Xe. IMP uptake was measured 10 minutes, 2 hours, and 5 hours after injection, and regional cerebral blood flow was measured with 133Xe. In 4 cases a positron emission tomography system was used to measure the rCBF and the regional metabolic rate of oxygen with C15O2 and 15O2. The results obtained allowed us to identify 2 abnormal zones. One, the central area, was characterized by a severe decrease in IMP uptake and rCBF averaging 34%more » and 46% respectively and by a hypodense image on the x-ray computerized tomography scan. The second, the periinfarct or ''peripheral area'' was characterized by a moderate decrease in IMP uptake and regional cerebral blood flow averaging 13 and 19% respectively; this area extended around the central area and had a normal density on computerized tomography scan. The IMP hypofixation of the peripheral area observed at the 10th minute tended to disappear at the 5th hour. The volume of this area was often found to be quite large, covering more than 30% of a hemisphere whereas the central area did not exceed 25%. Volume appeared to be correlated with the neurological status of the patient. The nature of the peripheral area is not established with certainty. It may be caused by deafferentation of areas not directly affected by the ischemic insult and/or selective ischemic neuronal loss. The results stress the important role played by the peripheral area, which may be useful in establishing the prognosis and evaluating the efficacy of therapy in individual stroke cases.« less

Study on Enhancement Principle and Stabilization for the Luminol-H2O2-HRP Chemiluminescence System

PubMed Central

Yang, Lihua; Jin, Maojun; Du, Pengfei; Chen, Ge; Zhang, Chan; Wang, Jian; Jin, Fen; Shao, Hua; She, Yongxin; Wang, Shanshan; Zheng, Lufei; Wang, Jing

2015-01-01

A luminol-H2O2-HRP chemiluminescence system with high relative luminescent intensity (RLU) and long stabilization time was investigated. First, the comparative study on the enhancement effect of ten compounds as enhancers to the luminol-H2O2-HRP chemiluminescence system was carried out, and the results showed that 4-(imidazol-1-yl)phenol (4-IMP), 4-iodophenol (4-IOP), 4-bromophenol (4-BOP) and 4-hydroxy-4’-iodobiphenyl (HIOP) had the best performance. Based on the experiment, the four enhancers were dissolved in acetone, acetonitrile, methanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF) with various concentrations, the results indicated that 4-IMP, 4-IOP, 4-BOP and HIOP dissolved in DMF with the concentrations of 0.2%, 3.2%, 1.6% and 3.2% could get the highest RLU values. Subsequently, the influences of pH, ionic strength, HRP, 4-IMP, 4-IOP, 4-BOP, HIOP, H2O2 and luminol on the stabilization of the luminol-H2O2-HRP chemiluminescence system were studied, and we found that pH value, ionic strength, 4-IMP, 4-IOP, 4-BOP, HIOP, H2O2 and luminol have little influence on luminescent stabilization, while HRP has a great influence. In different ranges of HRP concentration, different enhancers should be selected. When the concentration is within the range of 0~6 ng/mL, 4-IMP should be selected. When the concentration of HRP ranges from 6 to 25ng/mL, 4-IOP was the best choice. And when the concentration is within the range of 25~80 ng/mL, HIOP should be selected as the enhancer. Finally, the three well-performing chemiluminescent enhanced solutions (CESs) have been further optimized according to the three enhancers (4-IMP, 4-IOP and HIOP) in their utilized HRP concentration ranges. PMID:26154162

Multiyear, Multinational Survey of the Incidence and Global Distribution of Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Kazmierczak, Krystyna M; Rabine, Sharon; Hackel, Meredith; McLaughlin, Robert E; Biedenbach, Douglas J; Bouchillon, Samuel K; Sahm, Daniel F; Bradford, Patricia A

2016-02-01

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) hydrolyze all classes of β-lactams except monobactams and are not inhibited by classic serine β-lactamase inhibitors. Gram-negative pathogens isolated from patient infections were collected from 202 medical centers in 40 countries as part of a global surveillance study from 2012 to 2014. Carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were characterized for bla genes encoding VIM, IMP, NDM, SPM, and GIM variants using PCR and sequencing. A total of 471 MBL-positive isolates included the following species (numbers of isolates are in parentheses): P. aeruginosa (308), Klebsiella spp. (85), Enterobacter spp. (39), Proteeae (16), Citrobacter freundii (12), Escherichia coli (6), and Serratia marcescens (5) and were submitted by sites from 34 countries. Of these, 69.6% were collected in 9 countries (numbers of isolates are in parentheses): Russia (72), Greece (61), Philippines (54), Venezuela (29), and Kuwait, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, and Thailand (20 to 25 isolates each). Thirty-two different MBL variants were detected (14 VIM, 14 IMP, and 4 NDM enzymes). Seven novel MBL variants were encountered in the study, each differing from a previously reported variant by one amino acid substitution: VIM-42 (VIM-1 [V223I]), VIM-43 (VIM-4 [A24V]), VIM-44 (VIM-2 [K257N]), VIM-45 (VIM-2 [T35I]), IMP-48 (IMP-14 [I69T]), IMP-49 (IMP-18 [V49F]), and NDM-16 (NDM-1 [R264H]). The in vitro activities of all tested antibiotics against MBL-positive Enterobacteriaceae were significantly reduced with the exception of that of aztreonam-avibactam (MIC90, 0.5 to 1 μg/ml), whereas colistin was the most effective agent against MBL-positive P. aeruginosa isolates (>97% susceptible). Although the global percentage of isolates encoding MBLs remains relatively low, their detection in 12 species, 34 countries, and all regions participating in this surveillance study is concerning. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Multiyear, Multinational Survey of the Incidence and Global Distribution of Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Rabine, Sharon; Hackel, Meredith; McLaughlin, Robert E.; Biedenbach, Douglas J.; Bouchillon, Samuel K.; Sahm, Daniel F.; Bradford, Patricia A.

2015-01-01

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) hydrolyze all classes of β-lactams except monobactams and are not inhibited by classic serine β-lactamase inhibitors. Gram-negative pathogens isolated from patient infections were collected from 202 medical centers in 40 countries as part of a global surveillance study from 2012 to 2014. Carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were characterized for bla genes encoding VIM, IMP, NDM, SPM, and GIM variants using PCR and sequencing. A total of 471 MBL-positive isolates included the following species (numbers of isolates are in parentheses): P. aeruginosa (308), Klebsiella spp. (85), Enterobacter spp. (39), Proteeae (16), Citrobacter freundii (12), Escherichia coli (6), and Serratia marcescens (5) and were submitted by sites from 34 countries. Of these, 69.6% were collected in 9 countries (numbers of isolates are in parentheses): Russia (72), Greece (61), Philippines (54), Venezuela (29), and Kuwait, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, and Thailand (20 to 25 isolates each). Thirty-two different MBL variants were detected (14 VIM, 14 IMP, and 4 NDM enzymes). Seven novel MBL variants were encountered in the study, each differing from a previously reported variant by one amino acid substitution: VIM-42 (VIM-1 [V223I]), VIM-43 (VIM-4 [A24V]), VIM-44 (VIM-2 [K257N]), VIM-45 (VIM-2 [T35I]), IMP-48 (IMP-14 [I69T]), IMP-49 (IMP-18 [V49F]), and NDM-16 (NDM-1 [R264H]). The in vitro activities of all tested antibiotics against MBL-positive Enterobacteriaceae were significantly reduced with the exception of that of aztreonam-avibactam (MIC90, 0.5 to 1 μg/ml), whereas colistin was the most effective agent against MBL-positive P. aeruginosa isolates (>97% susceptible). Although the global percentage of isolates encoding MBLs remains relatively low, their detection in 12 species, 34 countries, and all regions participating in this surveillance study is concerning. PMID:26643349

Study on Enhancement Principle and Stabilization for the Luminol-H2O2-HRP Chemiluminescence System.

PubMed

Yang, Lihua; Jin, Maojun; Du, Pengfei; Chen, Ge; Zhang, Chan; Wang, Jian; Jin, Fen; Shao, Hua; She, Yongxin; Wang, Shanshan; Zheng, Lufei; Wang, Jing

2015-01-01

A luminol-H2O2-HRP chemiluminescence system with high relative luminescent intensity (RLU) and long stabilization time was investigated. First, the comparative study on the enhancement effect of ten compounds as enhancers to the luminol-H2O2-HRP chemiluminescence system was carried out, and the results showed that 4-(imidazol-1-yl)phenol (4-IMP), 4-iodophenol (4-IOP), 4-bromophenol (4-BOP) and 4-hydroxy-4'-iodobiphenyl (HIOP) had the best performance. Based on the experiment, the four enhancers were dissolved in acetone, acetonitrile, methanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF) with various concentrations, the results indicated that 4-IMP, 4-IOP, 4-BOP and HIOP dissolved in DMF with the concentrations of 0.2%, 3.2%, 1.6% and 3.2% could get the highest RLU values. Subsequently, the influences of pH, ionic strength, HRP, 4-IMP, 4-IOP, 4-BOP, HIOP, H2O2 and luminol on the stabilization of the luminol-H2O2-HRP chemiluminescence system were studied, and we found that pH value, ionic strength, 4-IMP, 4-IOP, 4-BOP, HIOP, H2O2 and luminol have little influence on luminescent stabilization, while HRP has a great influence. In different ranges of HRP concentration, different enhancers should be selected. When the concentration is within the range of 0~6 ng/mL, 4-IMP should be selected. When the concentration of HRP ranges from 6 to 25 ng/mL, 4-IOP was the best choice. And when the concentration is within the range of 25~80 ng/mL, HIOP should be selected as the enhancer. Finally, the three well-performing chemiluminescent enhanced solutions (CESs) have been further optimized according to the three enhancers (4-IMP, 4-IOP and HIOP) in their utilized HRP concentration ranges.

Carbapenem-Nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Wang, Jann-Tay; Wu, Un-In; Lauderdale, Tsai-Ling Yang; Chen, Mei-Chen; Li, Shu-Ying; Hsu, Le-Yin; Chang, Shan-Chwen

2015-01-01

A total of 1135 carbapenem-resistant (nonsusceptible) Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates were recovered between November 2010 and July 2012 (517 from 2010-2011 and 618 from 2012) from 4 hospitals in Taiwan. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) comprised 5.0% (57 isolates), including 17 KPC-2 (16 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 1 Escherichia coli), 1 NDM-1 (K. oxytoca), 37 IMP-8 (26 Enterobacter cloacae, 4 Citrobacter freundii, 4 Raoultella planticola, 1 K. pneumoniae, 1 E. coli and 1 K. oxytoca), and 2 VIM-1 (1 E. cloacae, 1 E. coli). The KPC-2-positive K. pneumoniae were highly clonal even in isolates from different hospitals, and all were ST11. IMP-8 positive E. cloacae from the same hospitals showed higher similarity in PFGE pattern than those from different hospitals. A total of 518 CRE isolates (45.6%) were positive for bla ESBL, while 704 (62.0%) isolates were bla AmpC-positive, 382 (33.6% overall) of which carried both bla ESBL and bla AmpC. CTX-M (414, 80.0%) was the most common bla ESBL, while DHA (497, 70.6%) and CMY (157, 22.3%) were the most common bla AmpC. Co-carriage of bla ESBL and bla AmpC was detected in 31 (54.4%) and 15 (26.3%) of the 57 CPE, respectively. KPC-2 was the most common carbapenemase detected in K. pneumoniae (2.8%), while IMP-8 was the most common in E. cloacae (9.7%). All KPC-2-positive CRE were resistant to all three tested carbapenems. However, fourteen of the 37 IMP-8-positive CRE were susceptible to both imipenem and meropenem in vitro. Intra- and inter-hospital spread of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae and IMP-8-producing E. cloacae likely occurred. Although the prevalence of CPE is still low, careful monitoring is urgently needed. Non-susceptibility to ertapenem might need to be considered as one criterion of definition for CRE in areas where IMP type carbapenemase is prevalent. PMID:25794144

High prevalence of Salmonella and IMP-4-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the silver gull on Five Islands, Australia.

PubMed

Dolejska, Monika; Masarikova, Martina; Dobiasova, Hana; Jamborova, Ivana; Karpiskova, Renata; Havlicek, Martin; Carlile, Nicholas; Priddel, David; Cizek, Alois; Literak, Ivan

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the silver gull as an indicator of environmental contamination by salmonellae and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in south-east Australia. A total of 504 cloacal samples were collected from gull chicks at three nesting colonies in New South Wales, Australia [White Bay (n = 144), Five Islands (n = 200) and Montague Island (n = 160)] and were examined for salmonellae and CPE. Isolates were tested for carbapenemase genes and susceptibility to 14 antibiotics. Clonality was determined by PFGE and MLST. Genetic context and conjugative transfer of the carbapenemase gene were determined. A total of 120 CPE of 10 species, mainly Escherichia coli (n = 85), carrying the gene blaIMP-4, blaIMP-38 or blaIMP-26 were obtained from 80 (40%) gulls from Five Islands. Thirty percent of birds from this colony were colonized by salmonellae. Most isolates contained the gene within a class 1 integron showing a blaIMP-4-qacG-aacA4-catB3 array. The blaIMP gene was carried by conjugative plasmids of variable sizes (80-400 kb) and diverse replicons, including HI2-N (n = 30), HI2 (11), A/C (17), A/C-Y (2), L/M (5), I1 (1) and non-typeable (6). Despite the overall high genetic variability, common clones and plasmid types were shared by different birds and bacterial isolates, respectively. Our data demonstrate a large-scale transmission of carbapenemase-producing bacteria into wildlife, likely as a result of the feeding habits of the birds at a local waste depot. The isolates from gulls showed significant similarities with clinical isolates from Australia, suggesting the human origin of the isolates. The sources of CPE for gulls on Five Islands should be explored and proper measures applied to stop the transmission into the environment. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

The Importance of the Presence of a 5′-Ribonucleotide and the Contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 Heterodimer and an Additional Low-Affinity Receptor in the Taste Detection of l-Glutamate as Assessed Psychophysically

PubMed Central

Smith, Kimberly R.

2014-01-01

The molecular receptors underlying the purported “umami” taste quality commonly associated with l-glutamate have been controversial. Evidence supports the involvement of the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, a GPCR broadly tuned to l-amino acids, but variants of two mGluRs expressed in taste buds have also been implicated. Using a rigorous psychophysical taste-testing paradigm, we demonstrated impaired, if not eliminated, detection of MSG in WT and T1R1, T1R2, T1R3, and T1R2 + T1R3 KO mice when the contribution of sodium was minimized by the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride. When inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP), a ribonucleotide that potentiates the l-glutamate signal through the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, was added, the WT and T1R2 KO mice were able to detect the compound stimulus across all MSG (+amiloride) concentrations due, in part, to the taste of IMP. In contrast, mice lacking T1R1 or T1R3 could not detect IMP alone, yet some were able to detect MSG + amiloride + IMP, but only at the higher MSG concentrations. Interestingly, the sensitivity of T1R1 KO mice to another l-amino acid, lysine, was unimpaired, suggesting that some l-amino acids can be detected through T1R1 + T1R3-independent receptors without sensitivity loss. Given that IMP is not thought to affect mGluRs, behavioral detection of l-glutamate appears to require the contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor. However, the partial competence observed in some T1R1 and T1R3 KO mice when MSG + amiloride + IMP was tested suggests that a T1R1 or T1R3 homodimer or an unidentified protein, perhaps in conjunction with T1R1 or T1R3, can serve as a low-affinity taste receptor for l-glutamate in the presence of IMP. PMID:25253867

The importance of the presence of a 5'-ribonucleotide and the contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer and an additional low-affinity receptor in the taste detection of L-glutamate as assessed psychophysically.

PubMed

Smith, Kimberly R; Spector, Alan C

2014-09-24

The molecular receptors underlying the purported "umami" taste quality commonly associated with l-glutamate have been controversial. Evidence supports the involvement of the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, a GPCR broadly tuned to l-amino acids, but variants of two mGluRs expressed in taste buds have also been implicated. Using a rigorous psychophysical taste-testing paradigm, we demonstrated impaired, if not eliminated, detection of MSG in WT and T1R1, T1R2, T1R3, and T1R2 + T1R3 KO mice when the contribution of sodium was minimized by the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride. When inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), a ribonucleotide that potentiates the l-glutamate signal through the T1R1 + T1R3 heterodimer, was added, the WT and T1R2 KO mice were able to detect the compound stimulus across all MSG (+amiloride) concentrations due, in part, to the taste of IMP. In contrast, mice lacking T1R1 or T1R3 could not detect IMP alone, yet some were able to detect MSG + amiloride + IMP, but only at the higher MSG concentrations. Interestingly, the sensitivity of T1R1 KO mice to another l-amino acid, lysine, was unimpaired, suggesting that some l-amino acids can be detected through T1R1 + T1R3-independent receptors without sensitivity loss. Given that IMP is not thought to affect mGluRs, behavioral detection of l-glutamate appears to require the contribution of the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor. However, the partial competence observed in some T1R1 and T1R3 KO mice when MSG + amiloride + IMP was tested suggests that a T1R1 or T1R3 homodimer or an unidentified protein, perhaps in conjunction with T1R1 or T1R3, can serve as a low-affinity taste receptor for l-glutamate in the presence of IMP. Copyright © 2014 the authors 0270-6474/14/3413234-12$15.00/0.

Interpretation criteria for FDG PET/CT in multiple myeloma (IMPeTUs): final results. IMPeTUs (Italian myeloma criteria for PET USe).

PubMed

Nanni, Cristina; Versari, Annibale; Chauvie, Stephane; Bertone, Elisa; Bianchi, Andrea; Rensi, Marco; Bellò, Marilena; Gallamini, Andrea; Patriarca, Francesca; Gay, Francesca; Gamberi, Barbara; Ghedini, Pietro; Cavo, Michele; Fanti, Stefano; Zamagni, Elena

2018-05-01

ᅟ: FDG PET/CT ( 18 F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography) is a useful tool to image multiple myeloma (MM). However, simple and reproducible reporting criteria are still lacking and there is the need for harmonization. Recently, a group of Italian nuclear medicine experts defined new visual descriptive criteria (Italian Myeloma criteria for Pet Use: IMPeTUs) to standardize FDG PET/CT evaluation in MM patients. The aim of this study was to assess IMPeTUs reproducibility on a large prospective cohort of MM patients. Patients affected by symptomatic MM who had performed an FDG PET/CT at baseline (PET0), after induction (PET-AI), and the end of treatment (PET-EoT) were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter trial (EMN02)(NCT01910987; MMY3033). After anonymization, PET images were uploaded in the web platform WIDEN® and hence distributed to five expert nuclear medicine reviewers for a blinded independent central review according to the IMPeTUs criteria. Consensus among reviewers was measured by the percentage of agreement and the Krippendorff's alpha. Furthermore, on a patient-based analysis, the concordance among all the reviewers in terms of positivity or negativity of the FDG PET/CT scan was tested for different thresholds of positivity (Deauville score (DS 2, 3, 4, 5) for the main parameters (bone marrow, focal score, extra-medullary disease). Eighty-six patients (211 FDG PET/CT scans) were included in this analysis. Median patient age was 58 years (range, 35-66 years), 45% were male, 15% of them were in stage ISS (International Staging System) III, and 42% had high-risk cytogenetics. The percentage agreement was superior to 75% for all the time points, reaching 100% of agreement in assessing the presence skull lesions after therapy. Comparable results were obtained when the agreement analysis was performed using the Krippendorff's alpha coefficient, either in every single time point of scanning (PET0, PET-AI or PET-EoT) or overall for all the scans together. DS proved highly reproducible with the highest reproducibility for score 4. IMPeTUs criteria proved highly reproducible and could therefore be considered as a base for harmonizing PET interpretation in multiple myeloma. A prospective clinical validation of IMPeTUs criteria is underway.

Reusable Rapid Prototyped Blunt Impact Simulator

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-01

for a nonclassical gun experimental application. 15. SUBJECT TERMS rapid prototype, additive manufacturing, reusable projectile, 3-axis accelerometer... gun -launched applications.1,2 SLS technology uses a bed of powdered material that is introduced to a laser. The laser is controlled by a computer to...in creating internal gun -hardened electronics for a variety of high-g applications, GTB developed an internal electronics package containing a COTS

Kondo Effect of U Impurities in Dilute (YU)2Zn17

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Shigeru; Suzuki, Hiroyuki; Anzai, Kousuke

2001-10-01

Extending previous work on single-site properties of U ions in (LaU)2Zn17, we have investigated, from ρ(T), χ(T) and Cp(T) on single crystals, (Y1-xUx)2Zn17 with x=0.025 and 0.050, which has almost the same unit-cell volume as an antiferromagnetic heavy-electron compound U2Zn17. Remarkable features in the dilute-impurity limit have been clarified, which include Kondo behavior of ρ(T), large and almost isotropic χimp(T), and strongly enhanced Cimp(T)/T with gigantic γimp=2.02 2.05 J/K2·mole-U as T→0 due to a low characteristic energy-scale of the system. It is shown that gross features of the data are explained in terms of the conventional Kondo effect in the presence of the crystal field with the U3+ \\varGamma6 doublet ground state. It is also shown that the variation of γ with the unit-cell volume in related systems is not explained as a volume effect on TK and that even the behavior of fictitious “paramagnetic” U2Zn17 is not described as a collection of U impurities in dilute (YU)2Zn17.

Efficacy and predictability of soft tissue ablation using a prototype Raman-shifted alexandrite laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozub, John A.; Shen, Jin-H.; Joos, Karen M.; Prasad, Ratna; Shane Hutson, M.

2015-10-01

Previous research showed that mid-infrared free-electron lasers could reproducibly ablate soft tissue with little collateral damage. The potential for surgical applications motivated searches for alternative tabletop lasers providing thermally confined pulses in the 6- to-7-μm wavelength range with sufficient pulse energy, stability, and reliability. Here, we evaluate a prototype Raman-shifted alexandrite laser. We measure ablation thresholds, etch rates, and collateral damage in gelatin and cornea as a function of laser wavelength (6.09, 6.27, or 6.43 μm), pulse energy (up to 3 mJ/pulse), and spot diameter (100 to 600 μm). We find modest wavelength dependence for ablation thresholds and collateral damage, with the lowest thresholds and least damage for 6.09 μm. We find a strong spot-size dependence for all metrics. When the beam is tightly focused (˜100-μm diameter), ablation requires more energy, is highly variable and less efficient, and can yield large zones of mechanical damage (for pulse energies >1 mJ). When the beam is softly focused (˜300-μm diameter), ablation proceeded at surgically relevant etch rates, with reasonable reproducibility (5% to 12% within a single sample), and little collateral damage. With improvements in pulse-energy stability, this prototype laser may have significant potential for soft-tissue surgical applications.

Efficacy and predictability of soft tissue ablation using a prototype Raman-shifted alexandrite laser

PubMed Central

Kozub, John A.; Shen, Jin-H.; Joos, Karen M.; Prasad, Ratna; Shane Hutson, M.

2015-01-01

Abstract. Previous research showed that mid-infrared free-electron lasers could reproducibly ablate soft tissue with little collateral damage. The potential for surgical applications motivated searches for alternative tabletop lasers providing thermally confined pulses in the 6- to-7-μm wavelength range with sufficient pulse energy, stability, and reliability. Here, we evaluate a prototype Raman-shifted alexandrite laser. We measure ablation thresholds, etch rates, and collateral damage in gelatin and cornea as a function of laser wavelength (6.09, 6.27, or 6.43  μm), pulse energy (up to 3  mJ/pulse), and spot diameter (100 to 600  μm). We find modest wavelength dependence for ablation thresholds and collateral damage, with the lowest thresholds and least damage for 6.09  μm. We find a strong spot-size dependence for all metrics. When the beam is tightly focused (∼100-μm diameter), ablation requires more energy, is highly variable and less efficient, and can yield large zones of mechanical damage (for pulse energies >1  mJ). When the beam is softly focused (∼300-μm diameter), ablation proceeded at surgically relevant etch rates, with reasonable reproducibility (5% to 12% within a single sample), and little collateral damage. With improvements in pulse-energy stability, this prototype laser may have significant potential for soft-tissue surgical applications. PMID:26456553

Innovative Pressure Sensor Platform and Its Integration with an End-User Application

PubMed Central

Flores-Caballero, Antonio; Copaci, Dorin; Blanco, María Dolores; Moreno, Luis; Herrán, Jaime; Fernández, Iván; Ochoteco, Estíbaliz; Cabañero, German; Grande, Hans

2014-01-01

This paper describes the fully integration of an innovative and low-cost pressure sensor sheet based on a bendable and printed electronics technology. All integration stages are covered, from most low-level functional system, like physical analog sensor data acquisition, followed by embedded data processing, to end user interactive visual application. Data acquisition embedded software and hardware was developed using a Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP). Finally, after first electronic prototype successful testing, a Taylor-made electronics was developed, reducing electronics volume to 3.5 cm × 6 cm × 2 cm with a maximum power consumption of 765 mW for both electronics and pressure sensor sheet. PMID:24922455

Smart SPHERES: A Telerobotic Free-Flyer for Intravehicular Activities in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Terrence; Micire, Mark J.; Morse, Ted; Park, Eric; Provencher, Chris; To, Vinh; Wheeler, D. W.; Mittman, David; Torres, R. Jay; Smith, Ernest

2013-01-01

Smart SPHERES is a prototype free-flying space robot based on the SPHERES platform. Smart SPHERES can be remotely operated by astronauts inside a spacecraft, or by mission controllers on the ground. We developed Smart SPHERES to perform a variety of intravehicular activities (IVA), such as operations inside the International Space Station (ISS). These IVA tasks include environmental monitoring surveys (radiation, sound levels, etc.), inventory, and mobile camera work. In this paper, we first discuss the motivation for free-flying space robots. We then describe the development of the Smart SPHERES prototype, including avionics, software, and data communications. Finally, we present results of initial flight tests on-board the ISS.

Smart SPHERES: A Telerobotic Free-Flyer for Intravehicular Activities in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Terrence; Micire, Mark J.; Morse, Ted; Park, Eric; Provencher, Chris

2013-01-01

Smart SPHERES is a prototype free-flying space robot based on the SPHERES platform. Smart SPHERES can be remotely operated by astronauts inside a spacecraft, or by mission controllers on the ground. We developed Smart SPHERES to perform a variety of intravehicular activities (IVA), such as operations inside the International Space Station (ISS). These IVA tasks include environmental monitoring surveys (radiation, sound levels, etc.), inventory, and mobile camera work. In this paper, we first discuss the motivation for free- flying space robots. We then describe the development of the Smart SPHERES prototype, including avionics, software, and data communications. Finally, we present results of initial flight tests on-board the ISS.

Intelligent retrieval of medical images from the Internet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Yau-Kuo; Chiang, Ted T.

1996-05-01

The object of this study is using Internet resources to provide a cost-effective, user-friendly method to access the medical image archive system and to provide an easy method for the user to identify the images required. This paper describes the prototype system architecture, the implementation, and results. In the study, we prototype the Intelligent Medical Image Retrieval (IMIR) system as a Hypertext Transport Prototype server and provide Hypertext Markup Language forms for user, as an Internet client, using browser to enter image retrieval criteria for review. We are developing the intelligent retrieval engine, with the capability to map the free text search criteria to the standard terminology used for medical image identification. We evaluate retrieved records based on the number of the free text entries matched and their relevance level to the standard terminology. We are in the integration and testing phase. We have collected only a few different types of images for testing and have trained a few phrases to map the free text to the standard medical terminology. Nevertheless, we are able to demonstrate the IMIR's ability to search, retrieve, and review medical images from the archives using general Internet browser. The prototype also uncovered potential problems in performance, security, and accuracy. Additional studies and enhancements will make the system clinically operational.

Nanoscale domain formation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate in the plasma and vacuolar membranes of living yeast cells.

PubMed

Tomioku, Kan-Na; Shigekuni, Mikiko; Hayashi, Hiroki; Yoshida, Akane; Futagami, Taiki; Tamaki, Hisanori; Tanabe, Kenji; Fujita, Akikazu

2018-05-01

In budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, PtdIns(4)P serves as an essential signalling molecule in the Golgi complex, endosomal system, and plasma membrane, where it is involved in the control of multiple cellular functions via direct interactions with PtdIns(4)P-binding proteins. To analyse the distribution of PtdIns(4)P in yeast cells at a nanoscale level, we employed an electron microscopy technique that specifically labels PtdIns(4)P on the freeze-fracture replica of the yeast membrane. This method minimizes the possibility of artificial perturbation, because molecules in the membrane are physically immobilised in situ. We observed that PtdIns(4)P is localised on the cytoplasmic leaflet, but not the exoplasmic leaflet, of the plasma membrane, Golgi body, vacuole, and vesicular structure membranes. PtdIns(4)P labelling was not observed in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, and in the outer and inner membranes of the nuclear envelope or mitochondria. PtdIns(4)P forms clusters of <100 nm in diameter in the plasma membrane and vacuolar membrane according to point pattern analysis of immunogold labelling. There are three kinds of compartments in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane. In the present study, we showed that PtdIns(4)P is specifically localised in the flat undifferentiated plasma membrane compartment. In the vacuolar membrane, PtdIns(4)P was concentrated in intramembrane particle (IMP)-deficient raft-like domains, which are tightly bound to lipid droplets, but not surrounding IMP-rich non-raft domains in geometrical IMP-distributed patterns in the stationary phase. This is the first report showing microdomain formations of PtdIns(4)P in the plasma membrane and vacuolar membrane of budding yeast cells at a nanoscale level, which will illuminate the functionality of PtdIns(4)P in each membrane. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Interplanetary monitoring platform engineering history and achievements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, P. M.

1980-01-01

In the fall of 1979, last of ten Interplanetary Monitoring Platform Satellite (IMP) missions ended a ten year series of flights dedicated to obtaining new knowledge of the radiation effects in outer space and of solar phenomena during a period of maximum solar flare activity. The technological achievements and scientific accomplishments from the IMP program are described.

The discharge of certain amounts of industrial microplastic from a production plant into the River Danube is permitted by the Austrian legislation.

PubMed

Lechner, Aaron; Ramler, David

2015-05-01

Numerous studies have quantified the amount of plastic litter in aquatic ecosystems and tried to assess its impacts and threats. This reflects a rising awareness of plastic as an environmental problem. As a next logical step, identifying and regulating the sources must be in the focus of scientific efforts. We report on a spillage of industrial microplastic (IMP) from a production plant situated at an Austrian Danube tributary. This is the first identified point source of IMP litter in freshwater systems. However, due to generous thresholds established by the Austrian government substantial amounts of IMP are legally introduced into running waters. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Substorms, Plasmoids, Flux Robes, and Magnetotail Flux Loss on March 25, 1983: CDAW-8

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-03

1400 UT. The magnitude and orientation of the 11 GOES 5 OR 1982-01 9A SE14 14 ZSM -l1ORe ISEE 3 -10 -5 5 OReYSM YS m ISEE 1 5 14r- -* IMP 8 0 Fig. lb...and references therein]. ISEE 1 saw a 31% field decrease from 55 nT to 38 nT between 1020 and 1058 UT, and a 35 % decrease from 62 nT to 41 nT between...strength is determined by the component 29 2.5 POLAR CAP AREA 2.0 E ISEE 1 . 5 -i 60 x - 50 IMP 8 - 40 35 ISEE-3 (B = 22nt) 30 25 ISE IMP8 cc" Z u

Rocky terrain & airbags

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

An area of very rocky terrain at the Ares Vallis landing site, along with the lander's deflated airbags, were imaged by the Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) before its deployment on Sol 2. The metallic object at the bottom is a bracket for the IMP's release mechanism.

Mars Pathfinder is the second in NASA's Discovery program of low-cost spacecraft with highly focused science goals. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, developed and manages the Mars Pathfinder mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C. JPL is an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) was developed by the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory under contract to JPL. Peter Smith is the Principal Investigator.

[Development Of 25-Year Imp 8 Bow Shock Crossing "List, Ingestion Of This List To Cdaweb, & Enhancement"

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merka, J.; Szabo, A.; Narock, T. W.; King, J. H.; Paularena, K. I.; Richardson, J. D.

2003-01-01

The MIT portion of this project was to use the plasma data from IMP 8 to identify bow shock crossings for construction of a bow shock data base. In collaboration with Goddard, we determined which shock parameters would be included in the catalog and developed a set of flags for characterizing the data. IMP 8 data from 1973-2001 were surveyed for bow shock crossings; the crossings apparent in the plasma data were compared to a list of crossing chosen in the magnetometer data by Goddard. Differences were reconciled to produce a single list. The data were then provided to the NSSDC for archiving. All the work ascribed to MIT in the proposal was completed.

3',5'-cIMP as Potential Second Messenger in the Vascular Wall.

PubMed

Leung, Susan W S; Gao, Yuansheng; Vanhoutte, Paul M

2017-01-01

Traditionally, only the 3',5'-cyclic monophosphates of adenosine and guanosine (produced by adenylyl cyclase and guanylyl cyclase, respectively) are regarded as true "second messengers" in the vascular wall, despite the presence of other cyclic nucleotides in different tissues. Among these noncanonical cyclic nucleotides, inosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cIMP) is synthesized by soluble guanylyl cyclase in porcine coronary arteries in response to hypoxia, when the enzyme is activated by endothelium-derived nitric oxide. Its production is associated with augmentation of vascular contraction mediated by stimulation of Rho kinase. Based on these findings, cIMP appears to meet most, if not all, of the criteria required for it to be accepted as a "second messenger," at least in the vascular wall.

NASAwide electronic publishing system: Prototype STI electronic document distribution, stage-4 evaluation report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuey, Richard C.; Collins, Mary; Caswell, Pamela; Haynes, Bob; Nelson, Michael L.; Holm, Jeanne; Buquo, Lynn; Tingle, Annette; Cooper, Bill; Stiltner, Roy

1996-01-01

This evaluation report contains an introduction, seven chapters, and five appendices. The Introduction describes the purpose, conceptual frame work, functional description, and technical report server of the STI Electronic Document Distribution (EDD) project. Chapter 1 documents the results of the prototype STI EDD in actual operation. Chapter 2 documents each NASA center's post processing publication processes. Chapter 3 documents each center's STI software, hardware, and communications configurations. Chapter 7 documents STI EDD policy, practices, and procedures. The appendices, which arc contained in Part 2 of this document, consist of (1) STI EDD Project Plan, (2) Team members, (3) Phasing Schedules, (4) Accessing On-line Reports, and (5) Creating an HTML File and Setting Up an xTRS. In summary, Stage 4 of the NASAwide Electronic Publishing System is the final phase of its implementation through the prototyping and gradual integration of each NASA center's electronic printing systems, desktop publishing systems, and technical report servers to be able to provide to NASA's engineers, researchers, scientists, and external users the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the result thereof to their work stations.

NASAwide electronic publishing system-prototype STI electronic document distribution: Stage-4 evaluation report. Part 2; Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuey, Richard C.; Collins, Mary; Caswell, Pamela; Haynes, Bob; Nelson, Michael L.; Holm, Jeanne; Buquo, Lynn; Tingle, Annette; Cooper, Bill; Stiltner, Roy

1996-01-01

This evaluation report contains an introduction, seven chapters, and five appendices. The Introduction describes the purpose, conceptual framework, functional description, and technical report server of the Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Electronic Document Distribution (EDD) project. Chapter 1 documents the results of the prototype STI EDD in actual operation. Chapter 2 documents each NASA center's post processing publication processes. Chapter 3 documents each center's STI software, hardware. and communications configurations. Chapter 7 documents STI EDD policy, practices, and procedures. The appendices consist of (A) the STI EDD Project Plan, (B) Team members, (C) Phasing Schedules, (D) Accessing On-line Reports, and (E) Creating an HTML File and Setting Up an xTRS. In summary, Stage 4 of the NASAwide Electronic Publishing System is the final phase of its implementation through the prototyping and gradual integration of each NASA center's electronic printing systems, desk top publishing systems, and technical report servers, to be able to provide to NASA's engineers, researchers, scientists, and external users, the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the result thereof to their work stations.

Allosteric activation via kinetic control: Potassium accelerates a conformational change in IMP dehydrogenase†

PubMed Central

Riera, Thomas V.; Zheng, Lianqing; Josephine, Helen R.; Min, Donghong; Yang, Wei; Hedstrom, Lizbeth

2011-01-01

Allosteric activators are generally believed to shift the equilibrium distribution of enzyme conformations to favor a catalytically productive structure; the kinetics of conformational exchange is seldom addressed. Several observations suggested that the usual allosteric mechanism might not apply to the activation of IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH) by monovalent cations. Therefore we investigated the mechanism of K+ activation in IMPDH by delineating the kinetic mechanism in the absence of monovalent cations. Surprisingly, the K+-dependence of kcat derives from the rate of flap closure, which increases by ≥65-fold in the presence of K+. We performed both alchemical free energy simulations and potential of mean force calculations using the orthogonal space random walk strategy to computationally analyze how K+ accelerates this conformational change. The simulations recapitulate the preference of IMPDH for K+, validating the computational models. When K+ is replaced with a dummy ion, the residues of the K+ binding site relax into ordered secondary structure, creating a barrier to conformational exchange. K+ mobilizes these residues by providing alternate interactions for the main chain carbonyls. Potential of mean force calculations indicate that K+ changes the shape of the energy well, shrinking the reaction coordinate by shifting the closed conformation toward the open state. This work suggests that allosteric regulation can be under kinetic as well as thermodynamic control. PMID:21870820

Estimates of genetic parameters for chemical traits of meat quality in Japanese black cattle

PubMed Central

Sakuma, Hironori; Saito, Kaoru; Kohira, Kimiko; Ohhashi, Fumie; Shoji, Noriaki

2016-01-01

Abstract Genetic parameters for 54 carcass and chemical traits, such as general composition (moisture, crude fat and crude protein), fatty acid composition and water‐soluble compounds (free amino acids, peptides, nucleotides and sugars) of 587 commercial Japanese Black cattle were assessed. Heritability estimates for carcass traits and general composition ranged between 0.19–0.28, whereas those for fatty acid composition ranged between 0.11–0.85. Most heritability estimates for water‐soluble compounds were lower than 0.30; these traits were affected by aging period. Moderate heritability was observed for glutamine, alanine, taurine, anserine, inosine 5′‐monophosphate (IMP), inosine and myo‐inositol. In particular, heritability estimates were the highest (0.66) for taurine. Traits with moderate heritability were unaffected by aging period, with the exception of IMP, which was affected by aging period but exhibited moderate heritability (0.47). Although phenotypic correlations of water‐soluble compounds with carcass weight (CW), beef marbling standard (BMS) and monounsaturated fatty acid were generally low, genetic correlations between these traits were low to high. At the genetic level, most of the water‐soluble compounds were positively correlated with monounsaturated fatty acid but negatively correlated with CW and BMS. Thus, our results indicate that genetic variance and correlations could exist and be captured for some of the water‐soluble compounds. PMID:27146072

Complexity of Quantum Impurity Problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bravyi, Sergey; Gosset, David

2017-12-01

We give a quasi-polynomial time classical algorithm for estimating the ground state energy and for computing low energy states of quantum impurity models. Such models describe a bath of free fermions coupled to a small interacting subsystem called an impurity. The full system consists of n fermionic modes and has a Hamiltonian {H=H_0+H_{imp}}, where H 0 is quadratic in creation-annihilation operators and H imp is an arbitrary Hamiltonian acting on a subset of O(1) modes. We show that the ground energy of H can be approximated with an additive error {2^{-b}} in time {n^3 \\exp{[O(b^3)]}}. Our algorithm also finds a low energy state that achieves this approximation. The low energy state is represented as a superposition of {\\exp{[O(b^3)]}} fermionic Gaussian states. To arrive at this result we prove several theorems concerning exact ground states of impurity models. In particular, we show that eigenvalues of the ground state covariance matrix decay exponentially with the exponent depending very mildly on the spectral gap of H 0. A key ingredient of our proof is Zolotarev's rational approximation to the {√{x}} function. We anticipate that our algorithms may be used in hybrid quantum-classical simulations of strongly correlated materials based on dynamical mean field theory. We implemented a simplified practical version of our algorithm and benchmarked it using the single impurity Anderson model.

Studies of a full-scale mechanical prototype line for the ANTARES neutrino telescope and tests of a prototype instrument for deep-sea acoustic measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ageron, M.; Aguilar, J. A.; Albert, A.; Ameli, F.; Anghinolfi, M.; Anton, G.; Anvar, S.; Ardellier-Desages, F.; Aslanides, E.; Aubert, J.-J.; Auer, R.; Barbarito, E.; Basa, S.; Battaglieri, M.; Bazzotti, M.; Becherini, Y.; Béthoux, N.; Beltramelli, J.; Bertin, V.; Bigi, A.; Billault, M.; Blaes, R.; de Botton, N.; Bouwhuis, M. C.; Bruijn, R.; Brunner, J.; Burgio, G. F.; Busto, J.; Cafagna, F.; Caillat, L.; Calzas, A.; Capone, A.; Caponetto, L.; Carmona, E.; Carr, J.; Castel, D.; Castorina, E.; Cavasinni, V.; Cecchini, S.; Ceres, A.; Charvis, P.; Chauchot, P.; Chiarusi, T.; Circella, M.; Coail, J.-Y.; Colnard, C.; Compére, C.; Coniglione, R.; Cottini, N.; Coyle, P.; Cuneo, S.; Cussatlegras, A.-S.; Damy, G.; van Dantzig, R.; Debonis, G.; de Marzo, C.; de Vita, R.; Dekeyser, I.; Delagnes, E.; Denans, D.; Deschamps, A.; Dessa, J.-X.; Destelle, J.-J.; Dinkespieler, B.; Distefano, C.; Donzaud, C.; Drogou, J.-F.; Druillole, F.; Durand, D.; Ernenwein, J.-P.; Escoffier, S.; Falchini, E.; Favard, S.; Fehr, F.; Feinstein, F.; Fiorello, C.; Flaminio, V.; Fratini, K.; Fuda, J.-L.; Galeotti, S.; Gallone, J.-M.; Giacomelli, G.; Girard, N.; Gojak, C.; Goret, Ph.; Graf, K.; Guilloux, F.; Hallewell, G.; Harakeh, M. N.; Hartmann, B.; Heijboer, A.; Heine, E.; Hello, Y.; Hernández-Rey, J. J.; Hößl, J.; Hoffman, C.; Hogenbirk, J.; Hubbard, J. R.; Jaquet, M.; Jaspers, M.; de Jong, M.; Jouvenot, F.; Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N.; Kappes, A.; Karg, T.; Katz, U.; Keller, P.; Kneib, J. P.; Kok, E.; Kok, H.; Kooijman, P.; Kopper, C.; Kouchner, A.; Kretschmer, W.; Kruijer, A.; Kuch, S.; Lagier, P.; Lahmann, R.; Lamanna, G.; Lamare, P.; Lambard, G.; Languillat, J. C.; Laschinsky, H.; Lavalle, J.; Le Guen, Y.; Le Provost, H.; Le van Suu, A.; Lefévre, D.; Legou, T.; Lelaizant, G.; Lim, G.; Lo Presti, D.; Loaec, G.; Loehner, H.; Loucatos, S.; Louis, F.; Lucarelli, F.; Lyashuk, V.; Mangano, S.; Marcelin, M.; Margiotta, A.; Masullo, R.; Mazéas, F.; Mazure, A.; Megna, R.; Melissas, M.; Migneco, E.; Mongelli, M.; Montaruli, T.; Morganti, M.; Moscoso, L.; Motz, H.; Musumeci, M.; Naumann, C.; Naumann-Godo, M.; Niess, V.; Noble, A.; Olivetto, C.; Ostasch, R.; Palanque-Delabrouille, N.; Payre, P.; Peek, H. Z.; Perez, A.; Petta, C.; Piattelli, P.; Pillet, R.; Pineau, J.-P.; Poinsignon, J.; Popa, V.; Pradier, T.; Racca, C.; Randazzo, N.; van Randwijk, J.; Real, D.; Regnier, M.; van Rens, B.; Réthoré, F.; Rewiersma, P.; Riccobene, G.; Rigaud, V.; Ripani, M.; Roca, V.; Roda, C.; Rolin, J. F.; Rostovtsev, A.; Roux, J.; Ruppi, M.; Russo, G. V.; Rusydi, G.; Salesa, F.; Salomon, K.; Sapienza, P.; Schmitt, F.; Schuller, J.-P.; Shanidze, R.; Sokalski, I.; Spona, T.; Spurio, M.; van der Steenhoven, G.; Stolarczyk, T.; Streeb, K.; Sulak, L.; Taiuti, M.; Tamburini, C.; Tao, C.; Tasca, L.; Terreni, G.; Urbano, F.; Valdy, P.; Valente, V.; Vallage, B.; Vaudaine, G.; Venekamp, G.; Verlaat, B.; Vernin, P.; van Wijk, R.; Wijnker, G.; Wobbe, G.; de Wolf, E.; Yao, A.-F.; Zaborov, D.; Zaccone, H.; Zornoza, J. D.; Zúñiga, J.

2007-11-01

A full-scale mechanical prototype line was deployed to a depth of 2500 m to test the leak tightness of the electronics containers and the pressure-resistant properties of an electromechanical cable under evaluation for use in the ANTARES deep-sea neutrino telescope. During a month-long immersion study, line parameter data were taken using miniature autonomous data loggers and shore-based optical time domain reflectometry. Details of the mechanical prototype line, the electromechanical cable and data acquisition are presented. Data taken during the immersion study revealed deficiencies in the pressure resistance of the electromechanical cable terminations at the entry points to the electronics containers. The improvements to the termination, which have been integrated into subsequent detection lines, are discussed. The line also allowed deep-sea acoustic measurements with a prototype hydrophone system. The technical setup of this system is described, and the first results of the data analysis are presented.

The LUX prototype detector: Heat exchanger development

DOE PAGES

Akerib, D. S.; Bai, X.; Bedikian, S.; ...

2013-01-24

The LUX (large underground xenon) detector is a two-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) designed to search for WIMP–nucleon dark matter interactions. As with all noble element detectors, continuous purification of the detector medium is essential to produce a large (> 1 ms) electron lifetime; this is necessary for efficient measurement of the electron signal which in turn is essential for achieving robust discrimination of signal from background events. Here, we describe the development of a novel purification system deployed in a prototype detector. The results from the operation of this prototype indicated heat exchange with an efficiency above 94%more » up to a flow rate of 42 slpm, allowing for an electron drift length greater than 1 m to be achieved in approximately 2 days and sustained for the duration of the testing period.« less

Approach and Landing Tests Film Documentary

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-09

Documentary of shuttle Enterprise on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), separating from the SCA in flight, and in free-flight. Footage shows SCA pilots Fitzhugh “Fitz” Fulton and Tom McMurtry heading to the aircraft, and Gordon Fullerton and Fred Haise following a flight in the prototype shuttle. During the nearly one-year-long series of tests, Enterprise was taken aloft on the SCA to study the aerodynamics of the mated vehicles and, in a series of five free flights, tested the glide and landing characteristics of the orbiter prototype.

The X-38 prototype of the Crew Return Vehicle is suspended under its giant 7,500-square-foot parafoil during its eighth free flight on Thursday, December 13, 2001

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-12-13

The X-38 prototype of the Crew Return Vehicle for the International Space Station is suspended under its giant 7,500-square-foot parafoil during its eighth free flight on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001. A portion of the descent was flown by remote control by a NASA astronaut from a ground vehicle configured like the CRV's interior before the X-38 made an autonomous landing on Rogers Dry Lake.

Theoretical and experimental analysis of a linear accelerator endowed with single feed coupler with movable short-circuit.

PubMed

Dal Forno, Massimo; Craievich, Paolo; Penco, Giuseppe; Vescovo, Roberto

2013-11-01

The front-end injection systems of the FERMI@Elettra linac produce high brightness electron beams that define the performance of the Free Electron Laser. The photoinjector mainly consists of the radiofrequency (rf) gun and of two S-band rf structures which accelerate the beam. Accelerating structures endowed with a single feed coupler cause deflection and degradation of the electron beam properties, due to the asymmetry of the electromagnetic field. In this paper, a new type of single feed structure with movable short-circuit is proposed. It has the advantage of having only one waveguide input, but we propose a novel design where the dipolar component is reduced. Moreover, the racetrack geometry allows to reduce the quadrupolar component. This paper presents the microwave design and the analysis of the particle motion inside the linac. A prototype has been machined at the Elettra facility to verify the new coupler design and the rf field has been measured by adopting the bead-pull method. The results are here presented, showing good agreement with the expectations.

Electronic Design Automation: Integrating the Design and Manufacturing Functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bachnak, Rafic; Salkowski, Charles

1997-01-01

As the complexity of electronic systems grows, the traditional design practice, a sequential process, is replaced by concurrent design methodologies. A major advantage of concurrent design is that the feedback from software and manufacturing engineers can be easily incorporated into the design. The implementation of concurrent engineering methodologies is greatly facilitated by employing the latest Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. These tools offer integrated simulation of the electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing functions and support virtual prototyping, rapid prototyping, and hardware-software co-design. This report presents recommendations for enhancing the electronic design and manufacturing capabilities and procedures at JSC based on a concurrent design methodology that employs EDA tools.

Quantum efficiencies exceeding unity in amorphous silicon solar cells

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

Vanmaekelbergh, D.; Lagemaat, J. van de; Schropp, R.E.I.

1994-12-31

The experimental observation of internal quantum efficiencies above unity in crystalline silicon solar cells has brought up the question whether the generation of multiple electron/hole pairs has to be taken into consideration also in solar cells based on direct gap amorphous semiconductors. To study photogenerated carrier dynamics, the authors have applied Intensity Modulated Photocurrent Spectroscopy (IMPS) to hydrogenated amorphous silicon p-i-n solar cells. In the reverse voltage bias region at low illumination intensities it has been observed that the low frequency limit of the AC quantum yield Y increases significantly above unit with decreasing light intensity, indicating that more thanmore » one electron per photon is detected in the external circuit. This phenomenon can be explained by considering trapping and thermal emission of photogenerated carriers at intragap atmospheric dangling bond defect centers.« less

Virtual prototyping and testing of in-vehicle interfaces.

PubMed

Bullinger, Hans-Jörg; Dangelmaier, Manfred

2003-01-15

Electronic innovations that are slowly but surely changing the very nature of driving need to be tested before being introduced to the market. To meet this need a system for integrated virtual prototyping and testing has been developed. Functional virtual prototypes of various traffic systems, such as driver assistance, driver information, and multimedia systems can now be easily tested in a driving simulator by a rapid prototyping approach. The system has been applied in recent R&D projects.

Intramuscular pressures in antigravity muscles using gravity-independent, pneumatic hardware.

PubMed

Macias, Brandon R; Minocha, Ranjeet; Cutuk, Adnan A; Hill, James; Shiau, Jonathon; Hargens, Alan R

2008-08-01

Resistive exercise helps prevent muscle atrophy in microgravity, but better exercise equipment is needed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a pneumatic, gravity-independent leg-press device (LPD) provides sufficient force to leg musculature. We hypothesized that intramuscular pressure (IMP), a quantitative index of muscle force, is greater in the antigravity superficial posterior and deep posterior compartments than in the non-antigravity anterior compartment during bilateral leg-press exercise. Millar pressure transducers were inserted into the anterior, lateral, superficial posterior, and deep posterior muscle compartments of the left leg of eight healthy subjects (three women, five men). Subjects were supine on the Keiser SX-1, a pneumatic LPD. Then maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was determined; each subject performed three consecutive voluntary contractions at approximately 18%, 50%, and 100% MVC while continuously measuring IMP. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to determine differences of IMPs between compartments and loads. The magnitudes of IMP (mean +/- SEM) at 18 - 3% (abbreviated approximately 18%), 50%, and 100% MVC in the superficial and deep posterior compartments were significantly greater than that in the anterior compartment during exercise (P < 0.05). Additionally, IMPs in all four compartments significantly rose as resistance increased at approximately 18%, 50%, and 100% MVC (P < 0.05). The LPD provides significantly increased resistance to all four compartments, but with greater loading of the antigravity compartments as compared to the non-antigravity compartment. Since antigravity muscles of the leg are contained primarily in the superficial and deep posterior compartments, the LPD may help prevent muscle atrophy associated with microgravity.

Improving AIDS Care After Trauma (ImpACT): Pilot Outcomes of a Coping intervention Among HIV-Infected Women with Sexual Trauma in South Africa.

PubMed

Sikkema, Kathleen J; Mulawa, Marta I; Robertson, Corne; Watt, Melissa H; Ciya, Nonceba; Stein, Dan J; Cherenack, Emily M; Choi, Karmel W; Kombora, Matapelo; Joska, John A

2018-03-01

Improving AIDS Care after Trauma (ImpACT), a coping intervention for HIV-infected women with sexual abuse histories, was evaluated for feasibility and potential efficacy in a public clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Sixty-four participants were enrolled prior to starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). After completing baseline assessments, participants were randomly assigned to standard of care (SoC: three adherence counseling sessions) or ImpACT (SoC plus four individual and three group sessions). Participants completed assessments at 3 months (after individual sessions) and 6 months post-baseline. In exploratory analysis of primary outcomes, ImpACT participants, compared to SoC, reported greater reductions in avoidance and arousal symptoms of PTSD and greater increases in ART adherence motivation at 3 months. Clinically significant decreases in overall PTSD symptoms were also demonstrated at 3 months. These effects continued as trends at the 6-month assessment, in addition to increases in social/spiritual coping. In analysis of secondary outcomes, high levels of non-adherence to ART and poor care engagement were evident at 6 months, with no differences between study arms. A trauma-focused, culturally-adapted individual intervention delivered by a non-specialist in the HIV care setting is feasible and acceptable. Preliminary findings suggest ImpACT has potential to reduce PTSD symptoms and increase ART adherence motivation, but a more intensive intervention may be needed to improve and maintain care engagement among this population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02223390.

Membrane protein stability can be compromised by detergent interactions with the extramembranous soluble domains

PubMed Central

Yang, Zhengrong; Wang, Chi; Zhou, Qingxian; An, Jianli; Hildebrandt, Ellen; Aleksandrov, Luba A; Kappes, John C; DeLucas, Lawrence J; Riordan, John R; Urbatsch, Ina L; Hunt, John F; Brouillette, Christie G

2014-01-01

Detergent interaction with extramembranous soluble domains (ESDs) is not commonly considered an important determinant of integral membrane protein (IMP) behavior during purification and crystallization, even though ESDs contribute to the stability of many IMPs. Here we demonstrate that some generally nondenaturing detergents critically destabilize a model ESD, the first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1) from the human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a model IMP. Notably, the detergents show equivalent trends in their influence on the stability of isolated NBD1 and full-length CFTR. We used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to monitor changes in NBD1 stability and secondary structure, respectively, during titration with a series of detergents. Their effective harshness in these assays mirrors that widely accepted for their interaction with IMPs, i.e., anionic > zwitterionic > nonionic. It is noteworthy that including lipids or nonionic detergents is shown to mitigate detergent harshness, as will limiting contact time. We infer three thermodynamic mechanisms from the observed thermal destabilization by monomer or micelle: (i) binding to the unfolded state with no change in the native structure (all detergent classes); (ii) native state binding that alters thermodynamic properties and perhaps conformation (nonionic detergents); and (iii) detergent binding that directly leads to denaturation of the native state (anionic and zwitterionic). These results demonstrate that the accepted model for the harshness of detergents applies to their interaction with an ESD. It is concluded that destabilization of extramembranous soluble domains by specific detergents will influence the stability of some IMPs during purification. PMID:24652590

Response properties of the pharyngeal branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve for umami taste in mice and rats.

PubMed

Kitagawa, Junichi; Takahashi, Yoshihiro; Matsumoto, Shigeji; Shingai, Tomio

2007-04-24

Many studies have reported the mechanism underlying umami taste. However, there are no investigations of responses to umami stimuli taste originating from chemoreceptors in the pharyngeal region. The pharyngeal branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (GPN-ph) innervating the pharynx has unique responses to taste stimulation that differs from responses of the chorda tympani nerve and lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Water evokes robust response, but NaCl solutions at physiological concentrations do not elicit responses. The present study was designed to examine umami taste (chemosensory) responses in the GPN-ph. Response characteristics to umami taste were compared between mice and rats. In mice, stimulation with compounds eliciting umami taste (0.1M monosodium L-glutamate (MSG), 0.01M inosine monophosphate (IMP) and the mixture of 0.1M MSG+0.01M IMP) evoked higher responses than application of distilled water (DW). However, synergistic response of a mixture of 0.1M MSG+0.01M IMP was not observed. In rats, there is no significant difference between the responses to umami taste (0.1M MSG, 0.01M IMP and the mixture of 0.1M MSG+0.01M IMP) and DW. Monopotassium glutamate (MPG) was used in rats to examine the contribution of the sodium component of MSG on the response. Stimulation with 0.1M MPG evoked a higher response when compared with responses to DW. The present results suggest that umami taste compounds are effective stimuli of the chemoreceptors in the pharynx of both mice and rats.

Molecular detection of metallo-β-lactamase genes, bla IMP-1, bla VIM-2 and bla SPM-1 in imipenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical specimens in teaching hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran.

PubMed

Moosavian, Mojtaba; Rahimzadeh, Mohammad

2015-02-01

Carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a serious cause of nosocomial infections. The main purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence rate of imipenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa carrying metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL) genes. 236 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were collected from teaching hospitals of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences during a period of 9 months in 2012. These strains were identified using conventional microbiological tests. The susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics were assessed using disk diffusion test. The IMP-EDTA combination disk phenotypic test was performed for detection of MBL producing strains. Finally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect MBL genes, bla IMP-1, bla VIM-2 and bla SPM-1 in imipenem resistant strains. Out of 236 examined isolates, 122 isolates (51.4%) were resistant to imipenem. The IMP-EDTA combination test showed that among 122 imipenem resistant strains, 110 strains (90%) were phenotipically MBL producers. Additionally, the results of PCR method showed that 2 strains (1.6%) and 67strains (55%) of imipenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates contained bla VIM-2 and bla IMP-1 genes respectively. No SPM-1gene was found in the examined samples. Resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates to imipenem due to MBL enzymes is increasing in Ahavaz. Because of clinical significance of this kind of resistance, rapid detection of MBL producing strains and followed by appropriate treatment is necessary to prevent the spreading of these organisms.

Identification and characterization of metallo-β-lactamases producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates in University Hospital from Zanjan Province, Iran.

PubMed

Doosti, Masoumeh; Ramazani, Ali; Garshasbi, Maryam

2013-01-01

Infectious by Pseudomonas aeruginosa has spread worldwide and metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) are being reported with increasing frequency. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility and distribution of blaVIM and blaIMP genes in P. aeruginosa isolates from Zanjan Province of Iran. A total of 70 P. aeruginosa isolates were identified from patients admitted at intensive care units. The antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) method and for production of MBL using double-disk synergy test (DDST). After DNA extraction, the presence of blaVIM and blaIMP genes and class 1 integron were detected by PCR. Most of the isolates were resistant to meropenem, cefotaxime and imipenem (IPM). Also, 44/70 (62.85%) IPM resistant isolates were confirmed by DDST. Of the 44 clinical isolates, 41 (93%) isolates showed MIC≥4 µg/ml for IPM. Based on the DDST results, 36 (87.8%) were confirmed to be MBL producers. PCR amplification showed that 23/41 (56%) carried blaVIM and 10/41 (24.3%) possessed blaIMP gene. Also, 31/44 (70.5%) isolates contained class 1 integron gene. Our results highlight that the genes for Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase, IPM β-lactamases and class 1 integrons were predominantly present among the IPM-resistant P. aeruginosa tested in our province and also the frequency of blaVIM type is higher than blaIMP. This is the first report of P. aeruginosa strains producing blaIMP with high frequency from Zanjan province of Iran.

Taste sensitivity for monosodium glutamate and an increased liking of dietary protein.

PubMed

Luscombe-Marsh, Natalie D; Smeets, Astrid J P G; Westerterp-Plantenga, Margriet S

2008-04-01

The aim of the present study was to determine individuals' taste threshold for monosodium glutamate (MSG) alone and in combination with inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP-5) and to examine if this threshold was related to an increase in sensory properties (including pleasantness of taste) and/or to one's preference for dietary protein over carbohydrate and fat. Using the triangle tasting method, the taste threshold was determined for thirty-six women and twenty-four men. Thresholds varied from zero to infinite as determined using a clear soup with added MSG in the concentration range of 0.1 to 0.8 % (w/w) MSG. Subjects rated fourteen sensory properties of the soup and also their 'liking', 'eating frequency' and 'preference' of twenty-two common high-protein, high-carbohydrate and high-fat food items. The taste threshold (and therefore sensitivity) of MSG was lowered from 0.33 (sem 0.24) to 0.26 (sem 0.22) % MSG when 0.25 % (w/w) IMP-5 was added. None of the sensory properties assessed was associated with the taste threshold of MSG +/- 0.25 % IMP-5 in the overall study population. However, the taste descriptor 'meatiness' was associated with the threshold data for individuals who could taste concentrations of

Effect of bolus volume and viscosity on pharyngeal automated impedance manometry variables derived for broad Dysphagia patients.

PubMed

Omari, Taher I; Dejaeger, Eddy; Tack, Jan; Van Beckevoort, Dirk; Rommel, Nathalie

2013-06-01

Automated impedance manometry (AIM) analysis measures swallow variables defining bolus timing, pressure, contractile vigour, and bolus presence, which are combined to derive a swallow risk index (SRI) correlating with aspiration. In a heterogeneous cohort of dysphagia patients, we assessed the impact of bolus volume and viscosity on AIM variables. We studied 40 patients (average age = 46 years). Swallowing of boluses was recorded with manometry, impedance, and videofluoroscopy. AIMplot software was used to derive functional variables: peak pressure (PeakP), pressure at nadir impedance (PNadImp), time from nadir impedance to peak pressure (TNadImp-PeakP), the interval of impedance drop in the distal pharynx (flow interval, FI), upper oesophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation interval (UES RI), nadir UES pressure (Nad UESP), UES intrabolus pressure (UES IBP), and UES resistance. The SRI was derived using the formula SRI = (FI * PNadImp)/(PeakP * (TNadImp-PeakP + 1)) * 100. A total of 173 liquid, 44 semisolid, and 33 solid boluses were analysed. The SRI was elevated in relation to aspiration. PeakP increased with volume. SRI was not significantly altered by bolus volume. PNadImp, UES IBP, and UES resistance increased with viscosity. SRI was lower with increased viscosity. In patients with dysphagia, the SRI is elevated in relation to aspiration, reduced by bolus viscosity, and not affected by bolus volume. These data provide evidence that pharyngeal AIM analysis may have clinical utility for assessing deglutitive aspiration risk to liquid boluses.

Hearing evaluation of intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion for refractory sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

PubMed

She, Wandong; Dai, Yanhong; Du, Xiaoping; Yu, Chenjie; Chen, Feng; Wang, Junguo; Qin, Xiaoming

2010-02-01

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion (IMP) through a microcatheter in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) who failed a conventional treatment. Prospective clinical study. This study was conducted in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School. Patients who had failed a minimum 10-day conventional treatment were included. Twenty-six patients in the study group (SG) received methylprednisolone perfusion through a microcatheter placed into the tympanum once a day for 10 days and the conventional treatment. Twenty-three patients who received a second conventional treatment (no steroid) served as the comparison group (CG). All patients were followed up for three months after the end of treatment. The effective rates for SG and CG were 50 percent (61.9% when only patients with an interval from onset to IMP < or = 60 days were included) and 21.7 percent, respectively (chi(2) = 4.194, P = 0.041). The pure-tone average improvement was 20.2 +/- 15.6 dB in SG, and 9.2 +/- 13.7 dB in CG (z = 2.51, P = 0.011). In SG, hearing improvement at low frequencies was better than that at high frequencies. The interval from onset to IMP affected the efficacy of IMP. IMP through a microcatheter is a promising treatment for refractory SSNHL. The data suggest that the treatment may be more effective when administered at the earlier stages of SSNHL when the conventional treatment has failed. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cerebral blood-flow tomography: xenon-133 compared with isopropyl-amphetamine-iodine-123: concise communication

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

Lassen, N.A.; Henriksen, L.; Holm, S.

1983-01-01

Tomographic maps of local cerebral blood flow (CBF) were obtained with xenon-133 and with isopropyl-amphetamine-iodine-123 (IMP) in 11 subjects: one normal, two tumor cases, and eight cerebrovascular cases. A highly sensitive four-face, rapidly rotating, single-photon emission tomograph was used. The Xe-133 flow maps are essentially based on the average Xe-133 concentration over the initial 2 min during and after an inhalation of the inert gas lasting 1 min. These maps agreed very well with the early IMP maps obtained over the initial 10 min following an i.v. bolus injection. The subsequent IMP tomograms showed a slight decrease in contrast amountingmore » to appr. five percentage points in the CBF ratio between diseased and contralateral areas. It is concluded that Xe-133 is more practical: low cost, available on a 7-day basis, easily repeatable, quantifiable without the need for arterial sampling, and with low radiation exposure to patient and personnel. On the other hand, IMP gives an image of slightly higher resolution. It also introduces a new class of iodinated brain-seeking compounds allowing, perhaps, imaging of other functions more important than mere blood flow.« less

Relationship of the eye uptake of N-isopropyl-p-(/sup 123/I)iodoamphetamine to melanin production

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

Holman, B.L.; Wick, M.M.; Kaplan, M.L.

1984-03-01

Eye uptake has been a potential concern with N-isopropyl-p-(/sup 123/I)iodoamphetamine (I-123 IMP) because it has been observed in certain animal species. The authors have investigated the cause of the eye uptake and its relationship to melanin synthesis. In a 1-yr-old cynomolgus monkey, high concentration of the tracer was seen in the eyes regardless of the type of anesthesia (pentobarbital or ketamine) or the oral administration of Lugol's solution. The eye uptake at 24 hr after injection of I-123 IMP was equally high in an 8-yr-old rhesus monkey. The ratio of radioactivity in the eye of black compared with white albinomore » mice was 10:1 at 30 min, 18:1 at 2 hr and 36:1 at 24 hr after injection if I-123 IMP. No eye uptake above soft-tissue background was seen in five patients at 2, 24, and 48 hr after injection. I-123 IMP is avidly incorporated into melanocytes actively producing melanin, but substantially less in melanocytes where production of melanin has ceased as in the human eye.« less

Modification of mature non-reducible collagen cross-link concentrations in bovine m. gluteus medius and semitendinosus with steer age at slaughter, breed cross and growth promotants.

PubMed

Roy, B C; Sedgewick, G; Aalhus, J L; Basarab, J A; Bruce, H L

2015-12-01

Increased meat toughness with animal age has been attributed to mature trivalent collagen cross-link formation. Intramuscular trivalent collagen cross-link content may be decreased by reducing animal age at slaughter and/or inducing muscle re-modeling with growth promotants. This hypothesis was tested in m. gluteus medius (GM) and m. semitendinosus (ST) from 112 beef steers finished at either 12 to 13 (rapid growth) or 18 to 20 (slow growth) months of age. Hereford-Aberdeen Angus (HAA) or Charolais-Red Angus (CRA) steers were randomly assigned to receive implants (IMP), ractopamine (RAC), both IMP and RAC, or none (control). RAC decreased pyridinoline (mol/mol collagen) and IMP increased Ehrlich chromogen (EC) (mol/mol collagen) in the GM. In the ST, RAC increased EC (mol/mol collagen) but decreased EC (nmol/g raw muscle) in slow growing CRA steers. Also, IMP increased ST pyridinoline (nmol/g raw muscle) of slow-growing HAA steers. Results indicated alteration of perimysium collagen cross-links content in muscle in response to growth promotants. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recent Development of IMP ECR Ion Sources

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

Zhao, H.W.; Zhang, Z.M.; Sun, L.T.

2005-03-15

Great efforts have been made to develop highly charged ECR ion sources for application of heavy ion accelerator and atomic physics research at IMP in the past few years. The latest development of ECR ion sources at IMP is briefly reviewed. Intense beams with high and intermediate charge states have been produced from IMP LECR3 by optimization of the ion source conditions including rf frequency extended up to 18GHz. 1.1 emA of Ar8+ and 325 e{mu} A of Ar11+ were produced. Dependence of beam emittance on those key parameters of ECR ion source, beam extraction and space charge compensation weremore » experimentally studied at LECR3. Furthermore, an advanced superconducting ECR ion source named SECRAL is being constructed. SECRAL is designed to operate at rf frequency 18-28GHz with axial mirror magnetic fields 3.6-4.0 Tesla at injection, 2.2 Tesla at extraction and sextupole field 2.0 Tesla at the wall. The superconducting magnet with sextupole and three solenoids was tested in a test-cryostat and 95% of designed fields were reached. Construction status and planed schedule of SECRAL are presented.« less

Formation and photoluminescence of GaAs{sub 1−x}N{sub x} dilute nitride achieved by N-implantation and flash lamp annealing

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

Gao, Kun, E-mail: k.gao@hzdr.de; Helm, M.; Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden

2014-07-07

In this paper, we present the fabrication of dilute nitride semiconductor GaAs{sub 1−x}N{sub x} by nitrogen-ion-implantation and flash lamp annealing (FLA). N was implanted into the GaAs wafers with atomic concentration of about x{sub imp1} = 0.38% and x{sub imp2} = 0.76%. The GaAs{sub 1−x}N{sub x} layer is regrown on GaAs during FLA treatment in a solid phase epitaxy process. Room temperature near band-edge photoluminescence (PL) has been observed from the FLA treated GaAs{sub 1−x}N{sub x} samples. According to the redshift of the near band-edge PL peak, up to 80% and 44% of the implanted N atoms have been incorporated into the lattice bymore » FLA for x{sub imp1} = 0.38% and x{sub imp2} = 0.76%, respectively. Our investigation shows that ion implantation followed by ultrashort flash lamp treatment, which allows for large scale production, exhibits a promising prospect on bandgap engineering of GaAs based semiconductors.« less

A long non-coding RNA, LncMyoD, regulates skeletal muscle differentiation by blocking IMP2-mediated mRNA translation.

PubMed

Gong, Chenguang; Li, Zhizhong; Ramanujan, Krishnan; Clay, Ieuan; Zhang, Yunyu; Lemire-Brachat, Sophie; Glass, David J

2015-07-27

Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) represent a new class of regulators of stem cells. However, the roles of LncRNAs in stem cell maintenance and myogenesis remain largely unexamined. For this study, hundreds of intergenic LncRNAs were identified that are expressed in myoblasts and regulated during differentiation. One of these LncRNAs, termed LncMyoD, is encoded next to the Myod gene and is directly activated by MyoD during myoblast differentiation. Knockdown of LncMyoD strongly inhibits terminal muscle differentiation, largely due to a failure to exit the cell cycle. LncMyoD directly binds to IGF2-mRNA-binding protein 2 (IMP2) and negatively regulates IMP2-mediated translation of proliferation genes such as N-Ras and c-Myc. While the RNA sequence of LncMyoD is not well conserved between human and mouse, its locus, gene structure, and function are preserved. The MyoD-LncMyoD-IMP2 pathway elucidates a mechanism as to how MyoD blocks proliferation to create a permissive state for differentiation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The elusive role of Nb_Li bound polaron energy in hopping charge transport in Fe : LiNbO₃.

PubMed

Guilbert, Laurent; Vittadello, Laura; Bazzan, Marco; Mhaouech, Imed; Messerschmidt, Simon; Imlau, M

2018-02-06

Charge transport due to small polarons hopping among defective (bound polarons) and regular (free polarons) sites is shown to depend in a non-trivial way from the value of the stabilization energy provided by the lattice distortion surrounding the charge carriers. This energy, normally not directly accessible for bound polarons by spectroscopic techniques, is here determined by a combination of experimental and numerical methods for the important case of small electron polarons bound to \\mathrm{Nb}_{\\mathrm{Li}} defects in the prototype ferroelectric oxide lithium niobate. Our findings provide an estimation of the \\mathrm{Nb}_{\\mathrm{Li}} polaron stabilization energy E_{GP}=\\unit[(0.75\\pm0.05)]{eV} and point out that in lithium niobate both free and bound polarons contributes to charge transport already at room temperature, explaining the fast decays of the light-induced bound polaron population observed by transient absorption spectroscopy. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Structure of Cryptosporidium IMP dehydrogenase bound to an inhibitor with in vivo antiparasitic activity

DOE PAGES

Kim, Youngchang; Makowska-Grzyska, Magdalena; Gorla, Suresh Kumar; ...

2015-04-21

Inosine 5´-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a promising target for the treatment of Cryptosporidium infections. Here, the structure of C. parvum IMPDH ( CpIMPDH) in complex with inosine 5´-monophosphate (IMP) and P131, an inhibitor with in vivo anticryptosporidial activity, is reported. P131 contains two aromatic groups, one of which interacts with the hypoxanthine ring of IMP, while the second interacts with the aromatic ring of a tyrosine in the adjacent subunit. In addition, the amine and NO 2 moieties bind in hydrated cavities, forming water-mediated hydrogen bonds to the protein. The design of compounds to replace these water molecules is amore » new strategy for the further optimization of C. parvum inhibitors for both antiparasitic and antibacterial applications.« less

Differential diagnosis of bilateral parietal abnormalities in I-123 IMP SPECT imaging

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

Kuwabara, Y.; Ichiya, Y.; Otsuka, M.

1990-12-01

This report discusses the clinical significance of bilateral parietal abnormalities on I-123 IMP SPECT imaging in 158 patients with cerebral disorders. This pattern was seen in 15 out of 21 patients with Alzheimer's disease; it was also seen in 4 out of 5 patients with Parkinson's disease with dementia, in 3 out of 17 patients with vascular dementia, in 1 out of 36 patients with cerebral infarction without dementia, in 1 out of 2 patients with hypoglycemia, and in 1 out of 2 patients with CO intoxication. Detection of bilateral parietal abnormalities is a useful finding in the diagnosis ofmore » Alzheimer's disease, but one should keep in mind that other cerebral disorders may also show a similar pattern with I-123 IMP SPECT imaging.« less

IMS/Satellite Situation Center report: Predicted orbit plots for IMP-J-1976

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Predicted orbit plots for the IMP-J satellite were given for the time period January-December 1976. These plots are shown in three projections. The time period covered by each set of projections is 12 days and 6 hours, corresponding approximately to the period of IMP-J. The three coordinate systems used are the Geocentric Solar Ecliptic system (GSE), the Geocentric Solar Magnetospheric system (GSM), and the Solar Magnetic system (SM). For each of the three projections, time ticks and codes are given on the satellite trajectories. The codes are interpreted in the table at the base of each plot. Time is given in the table as year/day/decimal hour, and the total time covered by each plot is shown at the bottom of each table.

Structure of Cryptosporidium IMP dehydrogenase bound to an inhibitor with in vivo antiparasitic activity

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

Kim, Youngchang; Makowska-Grzyska, Magdalena; Gorla, Suresh Kumar

2015-04-21

Inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a promising target for the treatment ofCryptosporidiuminfections. Here, the structure ofC. parvumIMPDH (CpIMPDH) in complex with inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) and P131, an inhibitor within vivoanticryptosporidial activity, is reported. P131 contains two aromatic groups, one of which interacts with the hypoxanthine ring of IMP, while the second interacts with the aromatic ring of a tyrosine in the adjacent subunit. In addition, the amine and NO 2moieties bind in hydrated cavities, forming water-mediated hydrogen bonds to the protein. The design of compounds to replace these water molecules is a new strategy for the further optimization ofC. parvuminhibitorsmore » for both antiparasitic and antibacterial applications.« less

IRAS asteroid families

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Veeder, G. J.; Williams, J. G.; Tedesco, E. F.; Matson, D. L.

1991-01-01

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) sampled the entire asteroid population at wavelengths from 12 to 100 microns during its 1983 all sky survey. The IRAS Minor Planet Survey (IMPS) includes updated results for more recently numbered as well as other additional asteroids with reliable orbital elements. Albedos and diameters were derived from the observed thermal emission and assumed absolute visual magnitudes and then entered into the IMPS database at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) for members of the Themis, Eos, Koronis and Maria asteroid families and compared with their visual colors. The IMPS results for the small (down to about 20 km) asteroids within these major families confirm trends previously noted for their larger members. Each of these dynamical families which are defined by their similar proper elements appears to have homogeneous physical properties.

DAMPE prototype and its beam test results at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jian; Hu, Yiming; Chang, Jin

The first Chinese high energy cosmic particle detector(DAMPE) aims to detect electron/gamma at the range between 5GeV and 10TeV in space. A prototype of this detector is made and tested using both cosmic muons and test beam at CERN. Energy and space resolution as well as strong separation power for electron and proton are shown in the results. The detector structure is illustrated as well.

Digital Distribution of Advertising for Publications (DDAP): a graphic arts prototype of electronic intermedia publishing (EIP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunn, Patrice M.

1998-01-01

The Digital Distribution of Advertising for Publications (DDAP) is a graphic arts industry prototype of Electronic Intermedia Publishing (EIP). EIP is a strategic, multi- industrial concept that seeks to enable the capture and input of volumes of data (i.e., both raster and object oriented data -- as well as the latter's antecedent which is vector data -- color data and black-and-white data) from a multiplicity of devices; then flowing, controlling, manipulating, modifying, storing, retrieving, transmitting, and shipping, that data through an industrial process for output to a multiplicity of output devices (e.g., ink on paper, toner on paper, bits and bytes on CD ROM, Internet, Multimedia, HDTV, etc.). As the technical requirements of the print medium are among the most rigorous in the Intermedia milieu the DDAP prototype addresses some of the most challenging issues faced in Electronic Intermedia Publishing (EIP).

Electronic health record - public health (EHR-PH) system prototype for interoperability in 21st century healthcare systems.

PubMed

Orlova, Anna O; Dunnagan, Mark; Finitzo, Terese; Higgins, Michael; Watkins, Todd; Tien, Allen; Beales, Steven

2005-01-01

Information exchange, enabled by computable interoperability, is the key to many of the initiatives underway including the development of Regional Health Information Exchanges, Regional Health Information Organizations, and the National Health Information Network. These initiatives must include public health as a full partner in the emerging transformation of our nation's healthcare system through the adoption and use of information technology. An electronic health record - public health (EHR-PH)system prototype was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of electronic data transfer from a health care provider, i.e. hospital or ambulatory care settings, to multiple customized public health systems which include a Newborn Metabolic Screening Registry, a Newborn Hearing Screening Registry, an Immunization Registry and a Communicable Disease Registry, using HL7 messaging standards. Our EHR-PH system prototype can be considered a distributed EHR-based RHIE/RHIO model - a principal element for a potential technical architecture for a NHIN.

Time-to-burnout data for a prototypical ITER divertor tube during a simulated loss of flow accident

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

Marshall, T.D.; Watson, R.D.; McDonald, J.M.

The Loss of Flow Accident (LOFA) is a serious safety concern for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) as it has been suggested that greater than 100 seconds are necessary to safely shutdown the plasma when ITER is operating at full power. In this experiment, the thermal response of a prototypical ITER divertor tube during a simulated LOFA was studied. The divertor tube was fabricated from oxygen-free high-conductivity copper to have a square geometry with a circular coolant channel. The coolant channel inner diameter was 0.77 cm, the heated length was 4.0 cm, and the heated width was 1.6 cm.more » The mockup did not feature any flow enhancement techniques, i.e., swirl tape, helical coils, or internal fins. One-sided surface heating of the mockup was accomplished through the use of the 30 kW Sandia Electron Beam Test System. After reaching steady state temperatures in the mockup, as determined by two Type-K thermocouples installed 0.5 mm beneath the heated surface, the coolant pump was manually tripped off and the coolant flow allowed to naturally coast down. Electron beam heating continued after the pump trip until the divertor tube`s heated surface exhibited the high temperature transient normally indicative of rapidly approaching burnout. Experimental data showed that time-to-burnout increases proportionally with increasing inlet velocity and decreases proportionally with increasing incident heat flux.« less

Rapid Tooling for Functional Prototype of Metal Mold Processes Final Report CRADA No. TC-1032-98

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

Heestand, G.; Jaskolski, T.

Production inserts for die-casting were generally fabricated from materials with sufficient strength and· good wear properties at casting temperatures for long life. Frequently tool steels were used and machining was done with a combination of. conventional and Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) with some handwork, an expensive and time consuming process, partilly for prototype work. We proposed electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) as a process for rapid fabrication of dies. Metals, ranging from low melting point to refractory metals (Ta, Mo, etc.), would be evaporated and deposited at high rates (-2mm/hr.). Alloys could be easily evaporated and deposited if theirmore » constituent vapor pressures were similar and with more difficulty if they were not. Of course, layering of different materials was possible if required for a specific application. For example, a hard surface layer followed by a tough steel and backed by a high thermal conductivity (possibly cooled) copper layer could be fabricated. Electron-beam deposits exhibited 100% density and lull strength when deposited at a substrate (mandrel) temperature that was a substantial fraction of the deposited material's melting point. There were several materials that could have the required high temperature properties and ease of fabrication required for such a mandrel. We had successfully used graphite, machined from free formed objects with a replicator, to produce aluminum-bronze test molds. There were several parting layer materials of interest, but the ideal material depended upon the specific application.« less

Enhanced photovoltaic performance of novel TiO2 photoelectrode on TCO substrates for dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Nam, Jung Eun; Kwon, Soon Jin; Jo, Hyo Jeong; Yi, Kwang Bok; Kim, Dae-Hwan; Kang, Jin-Kyu

2014-12-01

In this study, we report synthesis and growth of rutile-anatase TiO2 thin film on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass by a two-step hydrothermal method. The effects of additional treatments (i.e., TiCl4 post-treatment and seed layer formation were also studied. Photocurrent-voltage (I-V) measurement of rutile-anatase TiO2 thin film was performed under 1.5 G light illumination. Photovoltaic performance was investigated by incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS/IMPS) and open-circuit photovoltage decay (OCVD).

Building and testing a patient-centric electronic bedside communication center.

PubMed

Dykes, Patricia C; Carroll, Diane L; Hurley, Ann C; Benoit, Angela; Chang, Frank; Pozzar, Rachel; Caligtan, Christine A

2013-01-01

In this article, the authors describe the development and pilot testing of an electronic bedside communication center (eBCC) prototype to improve access to health information for hospitalized adults and their family caregivers. Focus groups were used to identify improvements for the initial eBCC prototype developed by the research team. Face-to-face bedside interviews and questions were presented while patients used the eBCC for usability testing to drive further development. Qualitative methods within an iterative, participatory approach supported the development of an eBCC prototype that was considered both easy to use and helpful for accessing tailored patient information during an inpatient hospitalization to receive acute care. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

Evaluation of the fit of zirconia copings fabricated by direct and indirect digital impression procedures.

PubMed

Lee, Bora; Oh, Kyung Chul; Haam, Daewon; Lee, Joon-Hee; Moon, Hong-Seok

2018-02-07

Intraoral scanners are effective for direct digital impression when dental restorations are fabricated using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM); however, if the abutment tooth cannot be dried completely or the prepared margin is placed subgingivally, accurate digital images cannot always be guaranteed. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the internal and marginal discrepancies of zirconia copings fabricated directly using an intraoral scanner with those fabricated indirectly with impression scanning. Forty-five resin dies fabricated with a 3-dimensional (3D) printer were divided into 3 groups: direct scanning (DS), impression scanning (IMP), and lost-wax casting (LW). For the DS group, a resin die was scanned with an intraoral scanner (Trios; 3Shape), whereas for the IMP group, impressions made with polyether were scanned with a cast scanner (D700; 3Shape). The zirconia copings were fabricated in the same way in the DS and IMP groups. For the LW group, impressions were made in the same way as in the IMP group, and Ni-Cr alloy copings were fabricated using LW. The marginal and internal discrepancies of the copings were measured by cementing them onto resin dies, embedding them in acrylic resin, and sectioning them in a buccolingual direction. The cement layer was measured, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to detect significant differences (α=.05). A nonparametric Friedman test was also performed to compare the measurements of each group by location (α=.05). The mean marginal discrepancies in the DS, IMP, and LW groups were 18.1 ±9.8, 23.2 ±17.2, and 32.3 ±18.6 μm (mean ±standard deviation), respectively. The mean internal discrepancies of the DS, IMP, and LW groups in the axial area were 38.0 ±9.1, 47.0 ±16.3, and 36.5 ±15.8 μm, and those in the occlusal area were 36.7 ±16.9, 33.4 ±21.6, and 44.5 ±31.9 μm, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in marginal or internal discrepancies among groups (P>.05). Within the limitations of this study, the zirconia copings fabricated with CAD-CAM using different digitization methods and Ni-Cr copings fabricated using the lost-wax technique and casting produced clinically acceptable marginal and internal discrepancies. No significant differences were found among the DS, IMP, and LW groups. Copyright © 2017 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Montmorillonite, Oligonucleotides, RNA and Origin of Life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertem, Gözen

2004-12-01

Na-montmorillonite prepared from Volclay by the titration method facilitates the self-condensation of ImpA, the 5'-phosphorimidazolide derivative of adenosine. As was shown by AE-HPLC analysis and selective enzymatic hydrolysis of products, oligo(A)s formed in this reaction are 10 monomer units long and contain 67% 3',5'-phosphodiester bonds (Ferris and Ertem, 1992a). Under the same reaction conditions, 5'-phosphorimidazolide derivatives of cytidine, uridine and guanosine also undergo self-condensation producing oligomers containing up to 12-14 monomer units for oligo(C)s to 6 monomer units for oligo(G)s. In oligo(C)s and oligo(U)s, 75-80% of the monomers are linked by 2',5'-phosphodiester bonds. Hexamer and higher oligomers isolated from synthetic oligo(C)s formed by montmorillonite catalysis, which contain both 3',5'- and 2',5'-linkages, serve as catalysts for the non-enzymatic template directed synthesis of oligo(G)s from activated monomer 2-MeImpG, guanosine 5'-phospho-2-methylimidazolide (Ertem and Ferris, 1996). Pentamer and higher oligomers containing exclusively 2',5'-linkages, which were isolated from the synthetic oligo(C)s, also serve as templates and produce oligo(G)s with both 2',5'- and 3',5'-phosphodiester bonds. Kinetic studies on montmorillonite catalyzed elongation rates of oligomers using the computer program SIMFIT demonstrated that the rate constants for the formation of oligo(A)s increased in the order of 2-mer <3-mer <4-mer ... <7-mer (Kawamura and Ferris, 1994). A decameric primer, dA(pdA)8pA bound to montmorillonite was elongated to contain up to 50 monomer units by daily addition of activated monomer ImpA to the reaction mixture (Ferris, Hill and Orgel, 1996). Analysis of dimer fractions formed in the montmorillonite catalyzed reaction of binary and quaternary mixtures of ImpA, ImpC, 2-MeImpG and ImpU suggested that only a limited number of oligomers could have formed on the primitive Earth rather than equal amounts of all possible isomers (Ertem and Ferris, 2000). Formation of phosphodiester bonds between mononucleotides by montmorillonite catalysis is a fascinating discovery, and a significant step forward in efforts to find out how the first RNA-like oligomers might have formed in the course of chemical evolution. However, as has been pointed out in several publications, these systems should be regarded as models rather than a literal representation of prebiotic chemistry (Orgel, 1998; Joyce and Orgel, 1999; Schwartz, 1999).

Montmorillonite, oligonucleotides, RNA and origin of life

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ertem, Gozen

2004-01-01

Na-montmorillonite prepared from Volclay by the titration method facilitates the self-condensation of ImpA, the 5'-phosphorimidazolide derivative of adenosine. As was shown by AE-HPLC analysis and selective enzymatic hydrolysis of products, oligo(A)s formed in this reaction are 10 monomer units long and contain 67% 3',5'-phosphodiester bonds (Ferris and Ertem, 1992a). Under the same reaction conditions, 5'-phosphorimidazolide derivatives of cytidine, uridine and guanosine also undergo self-condensation producing oligomers containing up to 12-14 monomer units for oligo(C)s to 6 monomer units for oligo(G)s. In oligo(C)s and oligo(U)s, 75-80% of the monomers are linked by 2',5'-phosphodiester bonds. Hexamer and higher oligomers isolated from synthetic oligo(C)s formed by montmorillonite catalysis, which contain both 3',5'- and 2',5'-linkages, serve as catalysts for the non-enzymatic template directed synthesis of oligo(G)s from activated monomer 2-MeImpG, guanosine 5'-phospho-2-methylimidazolide (Ertem and Ferris, 1996). Pentamer and higher oligomers containing exclusively 2',5'-linkages, which were isolated from the synthetic oligo(C)s, also serve as templates and produce oligo(G)s with both 2',5'- and 3',5'-phosphodiester bonds. Kinetic studies on montmorillonite catalyzed elongation rates of oligomers using the computer program SIMFIT demonstrated that the rate constants for the formation of oligo(A)s increased in the order of 2-mer < 3-mer < 4-mer ... < 7-mer (Kawamura and Ferris, 1994). A decameric primer, dA(pdA)8pA bound to montmorillonite was elongated to contain up to 50 monomer units by daily addition of activated monomer ImpA to the reaction mixture (Ferris, Hill and Orgel, 1996). Analysis of dimer fractions formed in the montmorillonite catalyzed reaction of binary and quaternary mixtures of ImpA, ImpC, 2-MeImpG and ImpU suggested that only a limited number of oligomers could have formed on the primitive Earth rather than equal amounts of all possible isomers (Ertem and Ferris, 2000). Formation of phosphodiester bonds between mononucleotides by montmorillonite catalysis is a fascinating discovery, and a significant step forward in efforts to find out how the first RNA-like oligomers might have formed in the course of chemical evolution. However, as has been pointed out in several publications, these systems should be regarded as models rather than a literal representation of prebiotic chemistry (Orgel, 1998; Joyce and Orgel, 1999; Schwartz, 1999).

Automating tasks in protein structure determination with the clipper python module

PubMed Central

McNicholas, Stuart; Croll, Tristan; Burnley, Tom; Palmer, Colin M.; Hoh, Soon Wen; Jenkins, Huw T.; Dodson, Eleanor

2017-01-01

Abstract Scripting programming languages provide the fastest means of prototyping complex functionality. Those with a syntax and grammar resembling human language also greatly enhance the maintainability of the produced source code. Furthermore, the combination of a powerful, machine‐independent scripting language with binary libraries tailored for each computer architecture allows programs to break free from the tight boundaries of efficiency traditionally associated with scripts. In the present work, we describe how an efficient C++ crystallographic library such as Clipper can be wrapped, adapted and generalized for use in both crystallographic and electron cryo‐microscopy applications, scripted with the Python language. We shall also place an emphasis on best practices in automation, illustrating how this can be achieved with this new Python module. PMID:28901669

360-degree b/w Monster

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-07-10

This 360 degree "monster" panorama was taken by the deployed Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) on Sol 3. All three petals, the perimeter of the deflated airbags, deployed rover Sojourner, forward and backward ramps and prominent surface features are visible. The IMP stands 1.8 meters over the Martian surface. The curvature and misalignment of several sections are due to image parallax. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00662

The Development Of New Space Charge Compensation Methods For Multi-Components Ion Beam Extracted From ECR Ion Source at IMP

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

Ma, L.; Zhao, H.W.; Cao, Y.

2005-03-15

Two new space charge compensation methods developed in IMP are discussed in this paper. There are negative high voltage electrode method (NHVEM) and electronegative charge gas method (EGM). Some valuable experimental data have been achieved, especially using electronegative gas method in O6+ and O7+ dramatic and stable increasing of ion current was observed.

Support of Data Access for the IMP-8 UMD Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ipavich, F. M.; Gloeckler, G.

2002-01-01

This grant report provides information on data from the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-8 (IMP-8). Topics covered include: (1) the science involved in the project; (2) the collection of data; (3) the processing of data; (4) the submission of data to other facilities; (5) the availability of data on the world wide web (WWW). Graphs are also included of data on the interstellar medium.

Results from the IMP-J violet solar cell experiment and violet cell balloon flights

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaddy, E. M.

1976-01-01

The IMP-J violet solar cell experiment was flown in an orbit with mild thermal cycling and low hard particle radiation. The results of the experiment show that violet cells degrade at about the same rate as conventional cells in such an orbit. Balloon flight measurements show that violet solar cells produce approximately 20% more power than conventional cells.

IMP-I spacecraft final magnetic tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, C. A.

1972-01-01

The increased IMP-I spacecraft spin axis moment resulting from excessive field exposures during environmental testing substantiated the need for a final pre-launch magnetic deperm and measurement. By performing a dc rotation deperm it was possible to reduce this moment below the previous initial test post deperm magnitude. In addition, the magnetic field disturbance at the flight magnetometer diminished to below 0.1 nanotesla (gamma) in all directions.

Regulation of taste-active components of meat by dietary branched-chain amino acids; effects of branched-chain amino acid antagonism.

PubMed

Imanari, M; Kadowaki, M; Fujimura, S

2008-05-01

1. The effects of dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) including leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile) and valine (Val) on taste-active components, especially free glutamate (Glu), in meat were investigated. 2. Broiler chickens (28 d old) were given varied dietary BCAA levels for 10 d before marketing. Dietary BCAA content ratios were either 100:100:100 (Low Leu group), 150:100:100 (Control group) or 150:150:150 (High Ile + Val group) for Leu:Ile:Val (% of each BCAA requirement according to NRC, 1994). Taste-related components of meat (free amino acids and ATP metabolites) and sensory scores of meat soup were estimated. 3. Free Glu content, the main taste-active component of meat, was significantly increased by dietary BCAA. Compared to the Control group, free Glu content increased by 30% in the High Ile + Val group. However, the inosine monophosphate (IMP) content in meat did not change among groups. 4. Sensory evaluation of meat soups showed that Control and High Ile + Val groups had different meat flavours. The sensory score of overall taste intensity was significantly higher in the High Ile + Val group. 5. These results suggest that dietary BCAA concentrations regulate free Glu in meat. Increasing dietary Ile + Val induces an increase in free Glu content of meat, improves meat taste and is more effective for increasing free Glu content in meat than decreasing dietary Leu level.

Irregular Mare Patches (IMPs): 100 Ma or 3 Ga?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stopar, Julie; Robinson, Mark Southwick; van der Bogert, Carolyn H.; Giguere, Thomas; Lawrence, Samuel J.; Ostrach, Lillian Rose; Clegg-Watkins, Ryan N.

2016-01-01

IMPs exhibit a perplexing combination of characteristics that are consistent with either an approximately 100 Ma or 3 Ga formation. Dozens of small-area IMPs have crisp morphologies and crater size-frequency distributions (SFDs) that denote relatively recent geologic activity (less than 100 Ma); however, the apparently well-developed regolith on portions of the IMPs are in conflict with such a young age [1]. To test possible formation hypotheses (e.g., [1-5]), which range from ancient volcanism to contemporary outgassing, we examined IMP morphology at the meter-scale with LROC NAC images and derived elevation models. We focused on the largest IMPs (Ina, Sosigenes, Cauchy, Maskelyne, and Nubium), where contacts between deposits are best developed. Most of our observations are consistent with multiple generations of inflation and breakouts (or squeeze-ups) of basaltic lavas that were affected by local slopes. Some of the extrusions coalesced into larger mounds or filled pre-existing craters. We did not observe evidence of large-scale void space (e.g., fissures, fractures, linear depressions, or pits) within or beneath the mounds or rougher deposits (e.g., [5]). But, small-scale voids may be signified by isolated pitted textures. We also did not detect evidence of the cooling fractures or lava plates expected in young lava flows and observed in lunar impact melt deposits. The smooth texture of the mounds is enigmatic. Block-less craters suggest at least 5 m of friable or poorly-cohesive material (such as regolith), yet mound margins exhibit slopes greater than 30 deg requiring significant material strength. Blocks are not common on the mounds, but are sometimes excavated by impacts (usually excavated from beneath the mounds). The uneven deposits are equally enigmatic and texturally varied (blocky, pitted, and crenulated). They are deficient in superposed craters compared to the mounds. If the mounds are indeed of similar age to the rougher units, then their different superposed crater morphologies and SFDs need to be explained by factors other than their ages. Any mounds originally composed of friable surface materials would evolve differently from more coherent deposits (e.g., [6-7]).

Kinetic and mechanistic analysis of dinucleotide and oligonucleotide formation from the 5'-phosphorimidazolide of adenosine on Na(+)-montmorillonite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawamura, K.; Ferris, J. P.

1994-01-01

The rate constants for the condensation reaction of the 5'-phosphorimidazolide of adenosine (ImpA) to form dinucleotides and oligonucleotides have been measured in the presence of Na(+)-volclay (a Na(+)-montmorillonite) in pH 8 aqueous solution at 25 degrees C. The rates of the reaction of ImpA with an excess of adenosine 5'-monophosphoramidate (NH2pA), P1,P2-diadenosine 5',5'-pyrophosphate (A5'ppA), or adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP or pA) in the presence of the montmorillonite to form NH2pA3'pA, A5'ppA3'pA, and pA3'pA, respectively, were measured. Only 3',5'-linked products were observed. The magnitude of the rate constants decrease in the order NH2pA3'pA > A5'-ppA3'pA > pA3'pA. The binding of ImpA to montmorillonite was measured, and the adsorption isotherm was determined. The binding of ImpA to montmorillonite and the formation of higher oligonucleotides is not observed in the absence of salts. Mg2+ enhances binding and oligonucleotide formation more than Ca2+ and Na+. The rate constants for the oligonucleotide formation were determined from the reaction products formed from 10 to 40 mM ImpA in the presence of Na(+)-montmorillonite using the computer program SIMFIT. The magnitudes of the rate constants for the formation of oligonucleotides increased in the order 2-mer < 3-mer < 4-mer ... 7-mer. The rate constants for dinucleotide and trinucleotide formation are more than 1000 times larger than those measured in the absence of montmorillonite. The rate constants for the formation of dinucleotide, trinucleotide, and tetranucleotide are 41,2.6, and 3.7 times larger than those for the formation of oligo(G)s with a poly(C) template. The hydrolysis of ImpA was accelerated 35 times in the presence of the montmorillonite. The catalytic ability of montmorillonite to form dinucleotides and oligonucleotides is quantitatively evaluated and possible pathways for oligo(A) formation are proposed.

A Web-Free Prototype for Distance Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Molinari, Andrea; Colazzo, Luigi

This paper presents a prototype for the construction of interactive educational hypermedia that can be used on the Internet without being bound to typical World Wide Web protocols and tools. Its most innovative aspect is interactivity: it allows teachers and learners to remotely interact in real time in both a synchronous and asynchronous manner.…

A radiation-tolerant electronic readout system for portal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Östling, J.; Brahme, A.; Danielsson, M.; Iacobaeus, C.; Peskov, V.

2004-06-01

A new electronic portal imaging device, EPID, is under development at the Karolinska Institutet and the Royal Institute of Technology. Due to considerable demands on radiation tolerance in the radiotherapy environment, a dedicated electronic readout system has been designed. The most interesting aspect of the readout system is that it allows to read out ˜1000 pixels in parallel, with all electronics placed outside the radiation beam—making the detector more radiation resistant. In this work we are presenting the function of a small prototype (6×100 pixels) of the electronic readout board that has been tested. Tests were made with continuous X-rays (10-60 keV) and with α particles. The results show that, without using an optimised gas mixture and with an early prototype only, the electronic readout system still works very well.

An Innovative Electrolysis Approach for the Synthesis of Metal Matrix Bulk Nanocomposites: A Case Study on Copper-Niobium System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shokrvash, Hussein; Rad, Rahim Yazdani; Massoudi, Abouzar

2018-04-01

Design and synthesis of a prototype Cu-Nb nanocomposite are presented. Oxygen-free Cu-Nb nanocomposites were prepared using an electrolysis facility with special emphasis on the cathodic deoxidation of Cu and nanometric Nb2O5 blends in a molten NaCl-CaCl2 electrolyte. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The elemental analysis of the Cu matrix and Nb phase revealed the high solubility of Nb in the Cu structure (0.85 at. pct) and Cu in the Nb structure (10.59 at. pct) over short synthesis times (4-5 hours). Furthermore, precise analysis using field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the unique structure and nanocomposite morphology of the Cu-Nb nanocomposite. The successful synthesis of Cu-Nb nanocomposites offers a new conceptual and empirical outlook on the generation of bulk nanostructures of immiscible bimetals using electro-synthesis.

Wearable woven supercapacitor fabrics with high energy density and load-bearing capability.

PubMed

Shen, Caiwei; Xie, Yingxi; Zhu, Bingquan; Sanghadasa, Mohan; Tang, Yong; Lin, Liwei

2017-10-30

Flexible power sources with load bearing capability are attractive for modern wearable electronics. Here, free-standing supercapacitor fabrics that can store high electrical energy and sustain large mechanical loads are directly woven to be compatible with flexible systems. The prototype with reduced package weight/volume provides an impressive energy density of 2.58 mWh g -1 or 3.6 mWh cm -3 , high tensile strength of over 1000 MPa, and bearable pressure of over 100 MPa. The nanoporous thread electrodes are prepared by the activation of commercial carbon fibers to have three-orders of magnitude increase in the specific surface area and 86% retention of the original strength. The novel device configuration woven by solid electrolyte-coated threads shows excellent flexibility and stability during repeated mechanical bending tests. A supercapacitor watchstrap is used to power a liquid crystal display as an example of load-bearing power sources with various form-factor designs for wearable electronics.

Internet of "printed" Things: low-cost fabrication of autonomous sensing nodes by inkjet printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawahara, Yoshihiro

2014-11-01

"What if electronics devices are printed using an inkjet printer even at home?" "What if those devices no longer need a battery?" I will introduce two enabling technologies for the Internet of Things concept. 1. Instant Inkjet Circuits: A low cost, fast and accessible technology to support the rapid prototyping of electronic devices. We demonstrated that "sintering-free" silver nano particle ink with a commodity inkjet printer can be used to fabricate printed circuit board and high-frequency applications such as antennas and sensors. The technology is now commercialized by AgIC, Inc. 2. Wireless Power: Although large amounts of data can be exchanged over a wireless communication link, mobile devices are still tethered by power cables. We are trying to solve this problem by two different approaches: energy harvesting. A simple circuitry comprised of diodes and capacitor can convert ambient radio signals into DC current. Our research revealed the signals from TV tower located 6.5km apart could be used to feed 100 microwatts to power microcontrollers.

Insight into doping efficiency of organic semiconductors from the analysis of the density of states in n-doped C60 and ZnPc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaul, Christopher; Hutsch, Sebastian; Schwarze, Martin; Schellhammer, Karl Sebastian; Bussolotti, Fabio; Kera, Satoshi; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio; Leo, Karl; Ortmann, Frank

2018-05-01

Doping plays a crucial role in semiconductor physics, with n-doping being controlled by the ionization energy of the impurity relative to the conduction band edge. In organic semiconductors, efficient doping is dominated by various effects that are currently not well understood. Here, we simulate and experimentally measure, with direct and inverse photoemission spectroscopy, the density of states and the Fermi level position of the prototypical materials C60 and zinc phthalocyanine n-doped with highly efficient benzimidazoline radicals (2-Cyc-DMBI). We study the role of doping-induced gap states, and, in particular, of the difference Δ1 between the electron affinity of the undoped material and the ionization potential of its doped counterpart. We show that this parameter is critical for the generation of free carriers and influences the conductivity of the doped films. Tuning of Δ1 may provide alternative strategies to optimize the electronic properties of organic semiconductors.

Ab initio quantum mechanical calculation of the reaction probability for the Cl-+PH2Cl→ClPH2+Cl- reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farahani, Pooria; Lundberg, Marcus; Karlsson, Hans O.

2013-11-01

The SN2 substitution reactions at phosphorus play a key role in organic and biological processes. Quantum molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the prototype reaction Cl-+PH2Cl→ClPH2+Cl-, using one and two-dimensional models. A potential energy surface, showing an energy well for a transition complex, was generated using ab initio electronic structure calculations. The one-dimensional model is essentially reflection free, whereas the more realistic two-dimensional model displays involved resonance structures in the reaction probability. The reaction rate is almost two orders of magnitude smaller for the two-dimensional compared to the one-dimensional model. Energetic errors in the potential energy surface is estimated to affect the rate by only a factor of two. This shows that for these types of reactions it is more important to increase the dimensionality of the modeling than to increase the accuracy of the electronic structure calculation.

Instrumental measurement of odour nuisance in city agglomeration using electronic nose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szulczyński, Bartosz; Dymerski, Tomasz; Gębicki, Jacek; Namieśnik, Jacek

2018-01-01

The paper describes an operation principle of odour nuisance monitoring network in a city agglomeration. Moreover, it presents the results of investigation on ambient air quality with respect to odour obtained during six-month period. The investigation was carried out using a network comprised of six prototypes of electronic nose and Nasal Ranger field olfactometers employed as a reference method. The monitoring network consisted of two measurement stations localized in a vicinity of crude oil processing plant and four stations localized near the main emitters of volatile odorous compounds such as sewage treatment plant, municipal landfill, phosphatic fertilizer production plant. The electronic nose prototype was equipped with a set of six semiconductor sensors by FIGARO Co. and one PID-type sensor. The field olfactometers were utilized for determination of mean concentration of odorants and for calibration of the electronic nose prototypes in order to provide their proper operation. Mean monthly values of odour concentration depended on the site of measurement and on meteorological parameters. They were within 0 - 6.0 ou/m3 range. Performed investigations revealed the possibility of electronic nose instrument application as a tool for monitoring of odour nuisance.

Demonstration project: Putting the bioastronautics data book on line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Travis, I. L.

1985-01-01

The possibilities for prototyping electronic document designs using existing microcomputer software are considered. An initial prototype of a hierarchically structured design that includes both text and graphics from a section of the Bioastronautics Data Book are considered.

Evaluation of a Prototype Low-Cost, Modular, Wireless Electroencephalography (EEG) Headset Design for Widespread Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

therefore did not implement or test actual sensors or electronic components (analog-to-digital conversion, power , and the wireless transmission ...ARL-TR-7703 ● JUNE 2016 US Army Research Laboratory Evaluation of a Prototype Low-Cost, Modular, Wireless Electroencephalography...originator. ARL-TR-7703 ● JUNE 2016 US Army Research Laboratory Evaluation of a Prototype Low-Cost, Modular, Wireless

An electronic nose for reliable measurement and correct classification of beverages.

PubMed

Mamat, Mazlina; Samad, Salina Abdul; Hannan, Mahammad A

2011-01-01

This paper reports the design of an electronic nose (E-nose) prototype for reliable measurement and correct classification of beverages. The prototype was developed and fabricated in the laboratory using commercially available metal oxide gas sensors and a temperature sensor. The repeatability, reproducibility and discriminative ability of the developed E-nose prototype were tested on odors emanating from different beverages such as blackcurrant juice, mango juice and orange juice, respectively. Repeated measurements of three beverages showed very high correlation (r > 0.97) between the same beverages to verify the repeatability. The prototype also produced highly correlated patterns (r > 0.97) in the measurement of beverages using different sensor batches to verify its reproducibility. The E-nose prototype also possessed good discriminative ability whereby it was able to produce different patterns for different beverages, different milk heat treatments (ultra high temperature, pasteurization) and fresh and spoiled milks. The discriminative ability of the E-nose was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis and a Multi Layer Perception Neural Network, with both methods showing good classification results.

35t Prototype Detector for Experiment at Long Base Line Neutrino Facility (ELBNF) Far Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santucci, Gabriel; Elbnf Collaboration

2015-04-01

The 35ton prototype detector is a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LAr TPC) utilizing a membrane cryostat. It serves as a prototype for testing technology proposed for the ELBNF far detector. The construction of the prototype is an essential part of the ELBNF project due to the large amount of new technologies introduced for the far detector. In early 2014, it was shown that the membrane cryostat technology was able to reach and maintain the required LAr purity and an electron lifetime of 2.5 ms was achieved. The goals for the next phase include the installation of a fully functional TPC using the novel designs for the ELBNF far detector as much as possible. This includes the installation of the cold electronics, scintillation photon detectors and multiple Anode Plane Arrays with wrapped wires. In this talk I will review the status of the 35t prototype detector and describe what has been accomplished during 2014 and early 2015, including the commissioning phase and the early stages of data taking from cosmic-rays.

An Electronic Nose for Reliable Measurement and Correct Classification of Beverages

PubMed Central

Mamat, Mazlina; Samad, Salina Abdul; Hannan, Mahammad A.

2011-01-01

This paper reports the design of an electronic nose (E-nose) prototype for reliable measurement and correct classification of beverages. The prototype was developed and fabricated in the laboratory using commercially available metal oxide gas sensors and a temperature sensor. The repeatability, reproducibility and discriminative ability of the developed E-nose prototype were tested on odors emanating from different beverages such as blackcurrant juice, mango juice and orange juice, respectively. Repeated measurements of three beverages showed very high correlation (r > 0.97) between the same beverages to verify the repeatability. The prototype also produced highly correlated patterns (r > 0.97) in the measurement of beverages using different sensor batches to verify its reproducibility. The E-nose prototype also possessed good discriminative ability whereby it was able to produce different patterns for different beverages, different milk heat treatments (ultra high temperature, pasteurization) and fresh and spoiled milks. The discriminative ability of the E-nose was evaluated using Principal Component Analysis and a Multi Layer Perception Neural Network, with both methods showing good classification results. PMID:22163964

Quantifying regional cerebral blood flow by N-isopropyl-P-[I-123]iodoamphetamine (IMP) using a ring type single-photon emission computed tomography system

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

Takahashi, N.; Odano, I.; Ohkubo, M.

1994-05-01

We developed a more accurate quantitative measurement of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with the microsphere model using N-isopropyl-p-[I-123] iodoamphetamine (IMP) and a ring type single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system. SPECT studies were performed in 17 patients with brain diseases. A dose of 222 MBq (6 mCi) of [I-123]IMP was injected i.v., at the same time a 5 min period of arterial blood withdrawal was begun. SPECT data were acquired from 25 min to 60 min after tracer injection. For obtaining the brain activity concentration at 5 min after IMP injection, total brain counts collections and one minutemore » period short time SPECT studies were performed at 5, 20, and 60 min. Measurement of the values of rCBF was calculated using short time SPECT images at 5 min (rCBF), static SPECT images corrected with total cerebral counts (rCBF{sub Ct}.) and those corrected with reconstructed counts on short time SPECT images (rCBF{sub Cb}). There was a good relationship (r=0.69) between rCBF and rCBF{sub Ct}, however, rCBF{sub Ct} tends to be underestimated in high flow areas and overestimated in low flow areas. There was better relationship between rCBF and rCBF{sub Cb}(r=0.92). The overestimation and underestimation shown in rCBF{sub Ct} was considered to be due to the correction of reconstructed counts using a total cerebral time activity curve, because of the kinetic behavior of [I-123]IMP was different in each region. We concluded that more accurate rCBF values could be obtained using the regional time activity curves.« less

Imperatorin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide induced memory deficit by mitigating proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and modulating brain-derived neurotropic factor.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Amrita A; Gawali, Nitin B; Shinde, Prashant; Munshi, Renuka; Juvekar, Archana R

2018-04-26

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin from the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria has been reported to cause neuroinflammation and learning and memory deficits. There are reports describing the beneficial effects of Imperatorin (IMP), a naturally occurring furanocoumarin in central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as anxiety and epilepsy. In the current study, we investigated whether IMP protects against LPS mediated memory deficits and neuroinflammation. Mice pretreated with IMP (5, 10 mg/kg po) were administered LPS (250 μg/kg ip) for 7 days. Memory was evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM) and Y maze. The mice were euthanised and different biochemical assessments were carried out to measure oxidative stress and acetyl choline esterase (AChE). Further, evaluation of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus and cortex of brain were performed. LPS administration caused poor memory retention in both, MWM and Y maze, and caused distinct oxidative stress since decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and increased lipid peroxidation were observed. Also, a significant rise was observed in the levels of AChE. Moreover, a rise in TNF-α and IL-6 levels and depleted levels of BDNF were noted. IMP pretreatment reversed LPS induced behavioral and memory disturbances and significantly decreased the oxidative stress and AChE levels. It also reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels and caused a significant upregulation of BDNF levels. Present study highlights the potential neuroprotective role of IMP against LPS mediated cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Emerging Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Carrying blaIMP Among Burn Patients in Isfahan, Iran.

PubMed

Radan, Mohsen; Moniri, Rezvan; Khorshidi, Ahmad; Gilasi, Hamidreza; Norouzi, Zohreh; Beigi, Fahimeh; Dasteh Goli, Yasaman

2016-09-01

Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen in burn patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates, including those resistant to imipenemase (IMP), in a burn unit in Isfahan, Iran. One hundred and fifty P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients were tested for antibiotic susceptibility by the disc diffusion method in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Production of MBL was identified with the EDTA disk method. DNA was purified from the MBL-positive isolates, and detection of the bla IMP gene was performed with PCR. Fifty-seven out of 150 (38%) isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR), and 93 (62%) were extensively-drug resistant (XDR). Among all isolates, the resistance rate to ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, ceftazidime, and cefepime was higher than 90%, while the resistance rates to piperacillin/tazobactam and aztreonam were 70.7% and 86%, respectively. Colistin and polymyxin B remained the most effective studied antibiotics. All of the imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were MBL-positive, and 107 out of 144 (74.3%) of the MBL isolates were positive for the bla IMP gene. The results of this study show that the rate of P. aeruginosa -caused burn wound infections was very high, and many of the isolates were resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials. Such extensive resistance to antimicrobial classes is important because few treatment options remain for patients with burn wound infections. bla IMP -producing P. aeruginosa isolates are a rising threat in burn-care units, and should be controlled by conducting infection-control assessments.

Non-invasive preoperative assessment of basal cell carcinoma of nodular and superficial types.

PubMed

Kuzmina, Natalia; Talme, Toomas; Lapins, Jan; Emtestam, Lennart

2005-08-01

Although various biophysical properties can be used to distinguish basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tissue from normal skin, none permits typing of the tumour. In this study, we assessed nodular (NBCC) and superficial (SBCC) types of BCC using three different non-invasive instruments and placed special emphasis on their clinical value as diagnostic tools. We included 35 patients with 35 tumours (15 NBCC and 20 SBCC), which had been diagnosed clinically. All lesions were evaluated preoperatively with an instrument measuring electrical impedance (IMP). Methods for determining transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and laser Doppler (LD) were also used. Measurements were also made in healthy skin on the contralateral side as reference. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination. We found clear differences between the lesions and their reference values, using all three bioengineering techniques for NBCC and SBCC. The biophysical parameters of all types vary with anatomical location. Since most of the NBCC were located on the face and most SBCC on the trunk, their baseline impedance characteristics (i.e., impedance indices magnitude index (MIX) and imaginary part index (IMIX)) differed significantly. We therefore compared delta (a difference between the reference and tumour) MIX and IMIX of NBCC and SBCC instead of the absolute figures. We found no significant differences in TEWL, blood flow and IMP between the two types of BCC and attribute this to biological variation and electromagnetic noise. As with LD and TEWL, definite differences in IMP were detected between healthy skin and BCC lesions. However, at this stage of development of the bioimpedance technique, we were unable to distinguish between the two types of BCC. An improved IMP device with semi- invasive probes or a more sophisticated type of data analysis may increase the diagnostic usefulness of the IMP method.

The morphological diversity of dermatoglyphic patterns on fingers: a simple and objective method for measurement.

PubMed

Buchwald, Wiesław

2015-02-01

The paper contains a proposal for a simple way of measuring the morphological diversity of patterns on fingers. The mono/polymorphism index (Imp) is the sum of 45 mutual absolute differences between the numerical values of the patterns depending on their degree of morphological complexity. Wendt's 7-degree scale was used to quantify the patterns. The value Imp=0 denotes monomorphism, i.e., the presence of the same type of pattern on all the fingers of both hands, while high values denote a mosaic of patterns of diverse morphology (polymorphism). Elements of the individual values of the Imp index comprise mutual homolateral differences (10 differences for the fingers of the left hand and 10 differences for the right), on the basis of which an assessment was made between the sides of the body, and additionally 25 heterolateral differences. Generally, greater degree of morphological diversity in patterns is found in males, and on the fingers of the right hand in both sexes. The arithmetic mean of the Imp index differs significantly between males (55.17) and females (52.08). Its values are not directly related to the degree of morphological complexity of patterns included in the Wendt's index. There were found, however, intra-familial connections for this trait. In light of the values of the indices of correlation and association, it may be concluded that there are relatively weak but statistically significant parents-offspring relations, as well as between siblings. An objective way to determine the values of the Imp index would make it possible to use it both for the morphological characterization of dermatoglyphs in different populations and also in clinical, auxological and genetic research. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

The "ripple effect": Health and community perceptions of the Indigenous Marathon Program on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Australia.

PubMed

Macniven, Rona; Plater, Suzanne; Canuto, Karla; Dickson, Michelle; Gwynn, Josephine; Bauman, Adrian; Richards, Justin

2018-02-19

Physical inactivity is a key health risk among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) Australians. We examined perceptions of the Indigenous Marathon Program (IMP) in a remote Torres Strait island community. Semi-structured interviews with community and program stakeholders (n = 18; 14 Indigenous) examined barriers and enablers to running and the influence of the IMP on the community. A questionnaire asked 104 running event participants (n = 42 Indigenous) about their physical activity behaviours, running motivation and perceptions of program impact. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis, and quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Interviews revealed six main themes: community readiness, changing social norms to adopt healthy lifestyles, importance of social support, program appeal to hard-to-reach population groups, program sustainability and initiation of broader healthy lifestyle ripple effects beyond running. Barriers to running in the community were personal (cultural attitudes; shyness) and environmental (infrastructure; weather; dogs). Enablers reflected potential strategies to overcome described barriers. Indigenous questionnaire respondents were more likely to report being inspired to run by IMP runners than non-Indigenous respondents. Positive "ripple" effects of the IMP on running and broader health were described to have occurred through local role modelling of healthy lifestyles by IMP runners that reduced levels of "shame" and embarrassment, a common barrier to physical activity among Indigenous Australians. A high initial level of community readiness for behaviour change was also reported. SO WHAT?: Strategies to overcome this "shame" factor and community readiness measurement should be incorporated into the design of future Indigenous physical activity programs. © 2018 Australian Health Promotion Association.

Low-Cost Inkjet Printing Technology for the Rapid Prototyping of Transducers

PubMed Central

Andò, Bruno; Baglio, Salvatore; Bulsara, Adi R.; Emery, Teresa; Marletta, Vincenzo; Pistorio, Antonio

2017-01-01

Recently, there has been an upsurge in efforts dedicated to developing low-cost flexible electronics by exploiting innovative materials and direct printing technologies. This interest is motivated by the need for low-cost mass-production, shapeable, and disposable devices, and the rapid prototyping of electronics and sensors. This review, following a short overview of main printing processes, reports examples of the development of flexible transducers through low-cost inkjet printing technology. PMID:28368318

Design and prototype results of the FAST detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mozzanica, A.; Basset, M.; Caccia, M.; Corradini, M.; Leali, M.; Lodi Rizzini, E.; Prest, M.; Venturelli, L.; Vallazza, E.; Zurlo, N.

2006-11-01

A new fiber tracker is being developed for the ASACUSA experiment at the Antiproton Decelerator at CERN. The detector is based on 1 mm diameter scintillating fibers readout by HAMAMATSU 64 channel multianode photomultipliers (MA-PMTs) connected to a dedicated electronic chain. The paper gives a description of the testing procedures for time resolution, spatial resolution and efficiency measurements performed with standard NIM electronics and a commercial TDC and reports the results for different prototype detectors.

Prototype Military Message Form (P772) and Mail List Agent (MLA) for National MMHS

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

Bakanliklar Ankara TURKEY murat.ucuncu@tr.net A. Betul SASIOGLU National Research Institute of Electronics and Cryptology ( TUBITAK – UEKAE) PK.74...Electronics and Cryptology ( TUBITAK – UEKAE) was used in the system. 3. THE PROTOTYPE NATIONAL MAMF ARCHITECTURE The new national military message...System” [2] ACP 123, "Common Messaging Strategy and Procedures” [3] MA3 ASYA, “PKI Software Developed by Turkish TUBITAK UEKAE” [4] ITU-T X.500

Integration of Evidence into a Detailed Clinical Model-based Electronic Nursing Record System

PubMed Central

Park, Hyeoun-Ae; Jeon, Eunjoo; Chung, Eunja

2012-01-01

Objectives The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of an electronic nursing record system for perinatal care that is based on detailed clinical models and clinical practice guidelines in perinatal care. Methods This study was carried out in five phases: 1) generating nursing statements using detailed clinical models; 2) identifying the relevant evidence; 3) linking nursing statements with the evidence; 4) developing a prototype electronic nursing record system based on detailed clinical models and clinical practice guidelines; and 5) evaluating the prototype system. Results We first generated 799 nursing statements describing nursing assessments, diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes using entities, attributes, and value sets of detailed clinical models for perinatal care which we developed in a previous study. We then extracted 506 recommendations from nine clinical practice guidelines and created sets of nursing statements to be used for nursing documentation by grouping nursing statements according to these recommendations. Finally, we developed and evaluated a prototype electronic nursing record system that can provide nurses with recommendations for nursing practice and sets of nursing statements based on the recommendations for guiding nursing documentation. Conclusions The prototype system was found to be sufficiently complete, relevant, useful, and applicable in terms of content, and easy to use and useful in terms of system user interface. This study has revealed the feasibility of developing such an ENR system. PMID:22844649

Yogi the rock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

Yogi, a rock taller than rover Sojourner, is the subject of this image, taken by the deployed Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) on Sol 3. The soil in the foreground will be the location of multiple soil mechanics experiments performed by Sojourner's cleated wheels. Pathfinder scientists will be able to control the force inflicted on the soil beneath the rover's wheels, giving them insight into the soil's mechanical properties.

The image was taken by the Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) after its deployment on Sol 3. Mars Pathfinder was developed and managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. JPL is an operating division of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The IMP was developed by the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory under contract to JPL. Peter Smith is the Principal Investigator.

Issues and approaches for electronic document approval and transmittal using digital signatures and text authentication: Prototype documentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boling, M. E.

1989-09-01

Prototypes were assembled pursuant to recommendations made in report K/DSRD-96, Issues and Approaches for Electronic Document Approval and Transmittal Using Digital Signatures and Text Authentication, and to examine and discover the possibilities for integrating available hardware and software to provide cost effective systems for digital signatures and text authentication. These prototypes show that on a LAN, a multitasking, windowed, mouse/keyboard menu-driven interface can be assembled to provide easy and quick access to bit-mapped images of documents, electronic forms and electronic mail messages with a means to sign, encrypt, deliver, receive or retrieve and authenticate text and signatures. In addition they show that some of this same software may be used in a classified environment using host to terminal transactions to accomplish these same operations. Finally, a prototype was developed demonstrating that binary files may be signed electronically and sent by point to point communication and over ARPANET to remote locations where the authenticity of the code and signature may be verified. Related studies on the subject of electronic signatures and text authentication using public key encryption were done within the Department of Energy. These studies include timing studies of public key encryption software and hardware and testing of experimental user-generated host resident software for public key encryption. This software used commercially available command-line source code. These studies are responsive to an initiative within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) for the protection of unclassified but sensitive data. It is notable that these related studies are all built around the same commercially available public key encryption products from the private sector and that the software selection was made independently by each study group.

Electromagnetic radiation trapped in the magnetosphere above the plasma frequency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurnett, D. A.; Shaw, R. R.

1973-01-01

An electromagnetic noise band is frequently observed in the outer magnetosphere by the Imp 6 spacecraft at frequencies from about 5 to 20 kHz. This noise band generally extends throughout the region from near the plasmapause boundary to near the magnetopause boundary. The noise typically has a broadband field strength of about 5 microvolts/meter. The noise band often has a sharp lower cutoff frequency at about 5 to 10 kHz, and this cutoff has been identified as the local electron plasma frequency. Since the plasma frequency in the plasmasphere and solar wind is usually above 20 kHz, it is concluded that this noise must be trapped in the low-density region between the plasmapause and magnetopause boundaries. The noise bands often contain a harmonic frequency structure which suggests that the radiation is associated with harmonics of the electron cyclotron frequency.

Edge effects on band gap energy in bilayer 2H-MoS{sub 2} under uniaxial strain

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

Dong, Liang; Wang, Jin; Dongare, Avinash M., E-mail: dongare@uconn.edu

2015-06-28

The potential of ultrathin MoS{sub 2} nanostructures for applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices requires a fundamental understanding in their electronic structure as a function of strain. Previous experimental and theoretical studies assume that an identical strain and/or stress state is always maintained in the top and bottom layers of a bilayer MoS{sub 2} film. In this study, a bilayer MoS{sub 2} supercell is constructed differently from the prototypical unit cell in order to investigate the layer-dependent electronic band gap energy in a bilayer MoS{sub 2} film under uniaxial mechanical deformations. The supercell contains an MoS{sub 2} bottom layer andmore » a relatively narrower top layer (nanoribbon with free edges) as a simplified model to simulate the as-grown bilayer MoS{sub 2} flakes with free edges observed experimentally. Our results show that the two layers have different band gap energies under a tensile uniaxial strain, although they remain mutually interacting by van der Waals interactions. The deviation in their band gap energies grows from 0 to 0.42 eV as the uniaxial strain increases from 0% to 6% under both uniaxial strain and stress conditions. The deviation, however, disappears if a compressive uniaxial strain is applied. These results demonstrate that tensile uniaxial strains applied to bilayer MoS{sub 2} films can result in distinct band gap energies in the bilayer structures. Such variations need to be accounted for when analyzing strain effects on electronic properties of bilayer or multilayered 2D materials using experimental methods or in continuum models.« less

Frequency-domain cascading microwave superconducting quantum interference device multiplexers; beyond limitations originating from room-temperature electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohjiro, Satoshi; Hirayama, Fuminori

2018-07-01

A novel approach, frequency-domain cascading microwave multiplexers (MW-Mux), has been proposed and its basic operation has been demonstrated to increase the number of pixels multiplexed in a readout line U of MW-Mux for superconducting detector arrays. This method is an alternative to the challenging development of wideband, large power, and spurious-free room-temperature (300 K) electronics. The readout system for U pixels consists of four main parts: (1) multiplexer chips connected in series those contain U superconducting resonators in total. (2) A cryogenic high-electron-mobility transistor amplifier (HEMT). (3) A 300 K microwave frequency comb generator based on N(≡U/M) parallel units of digital-to-analog converters (DAC). (4) N parallel units of 300 K analog-to-digital converters (ADC). Here, M is the number of tones each DAC produces and each ADC handles. The output signal of U detectors multiplexed at the cryogenic stage is transmitted through a cable to the room temperature and divided into N processors where each handles M pixels. Due to the reduction factor of 1/N, U is not anymore dominated by the 300 K electronics but can be increased up to the potential value determined by either the bandwidth or the spurious-free power of the HEMT. Based on experimental results on the prototype system with N = 2 and M = 3, neither excess inter-pixel crosstalk nor excess noise has been observed in comparison with conventional MW-Mux. This indicates that the frequency-domain cascading MW-Mux provides the full (100%) usage of the HEMT band by assigning N 300 K bands on the frequency axis without inter-band gaps.

Dissemination of IMP-6 metallo-β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa sequence type 235 in Korea.

PubMed

Seok, Yoonmi; Bae, Il Kwon; Jeong, Seok Hoon; Kim, Soo Hyun; Lee, Hyukmin; Lee, Kyungwon

2011-12-01

To investigate the epidemiological traits of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates producing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) in Korea. A total of 386 non-duplicate P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected from Korea in 2009. Detection of MBL genes was performed by PCR. The genetic organization of class 1 integrons carrying the MBL gene cassette was investigated by PCR mapping and sequencing. The epidemiological relationships of the isolates were investigated by multilocus sequence typing and PFGE. Of 386 P. aeruginosa isolates, 30 (7.8%) isolates carried the bla(IMP-6) gene and 1 (0.3%) isolate carried the bla(VIM-2) gene. A probe specific for the bla(IMP-6) gene was hybridized to an ∼950 kbp I-CeuI-macrorestriction fragment from all 30 isolates and a probe specific for the bla(VIM-2) gene also hybridized to an ∼500 kbp I-CeuI-macrorestriction fragment from 1 isolate (BDC10). All 31 MBL-producing isolates shared an identical sequence type (ST), ST235, and they carried the same bla(OXA-50) allelic type, bla(OXA-50g). All MBL-producing isolates showed similar XbaI-macrorestriction patterns (similarity >85%), irrespective of MBL genotype. P. aeruginosa ST235 carrying the chromosomally located bla(IMP-6) gene is widely disseminated in Korea.

Solar wind plasma periodicities observed at 1 AU by IMP 8

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paularena, K. I.; Szabo, A.; Lazarus, A. J.

1995-01-01

The IMP 8 spacecraft has been in Earth orbit since 1973, gathering plasma data over one complete 22-year solar cycle. These data are being examined to look for periodicities at time scales ranging from several hours to the entire span of the data set. A 1.3-year periodicity in the radial speed observed by IMP 8 and Voyager 2 has already been reported for the years from 1987 to 1993. The periodogram method, useful for unevenly sampled data such as the IMP 8 plasma data, has been used to search for other periods. It is interesting to note that the 13-year period is not present in the out-of-the-ecliptic component of the velocity (Vz), although a 1-year period is very obvious both visually and on the periodogram. Both components show a very strong peak associated with the 11-year solar cycle variation. This work will be extended to the thermal speed (a measure of the wind's temperature) and density, although the frequent correlations between these parameters and the velocity are expected to cause similar results. Additionally, the fine resolution data will be examined for shorter time periods than are visible using the hourly average data which are appropriate for longer periods. A comparison with periods observed at other spacecraft may also be made.

Template properties of oligocytidylates formed in the montmorillonite catalyzed condensation of ImpC. [Abstract only

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferris, James P.; Ertem, Goezen

1994-01-01

In an attempt to investigate the prebiotic formation of phosphodiester bond in RNA, we have studied the self condensation of 5'-phosphorimidazolide of adenosine (ImpA), in aqueous solutions containing 0.2 M sodium chloride and 0.075 M magnesium chloride at pH 8 using clay minerals as catalyst. In the presence of certain montmorillonites, oligomers containing up to ten monomer units in their chain were formed, while in control experiments, where no catalyst was added, the major product was 5',5'-diadenosine diphosphate, A(sup 5')ppA. In reactions carried out with ImpA: A(sup 5')ppA mixtures at 9:1 mole ratio, oligomers of the type A(sup 5')p(pA)(sub n) and (A(sup 5')p)(sub n)A(sup 5')ppA(pA)(sub n) formed at the expense of (pA)(sub n) type oligomers. Addition of A(sup 5')ppA to the reaction mixture increased the regiospecifity of 3',5'-link formation from 67% to 79%. The condensation of the 5'-phosphorimidazolide of cytidine, ImpC, was also carried out in the presence and absence of A(sup 5')ppA under the same conditions and oligomers containing up to twelve monomer units were obtained.

The American College of Academic International Medicine 2017 Consensus Statement on International Medical Programs: Establishing a system of objective valuation and quantitative metrics to facilitate the recognition and incorporation of academic international medical efforts into existing promotion and tenure paradigms

PubMed Central

Peck, Gregory L.; Garg, Manish; Arquilla, Bonnie; Gracias, Vicente H.; Anderson III, Harry L.; Miller, Andrew C.; Hansoti, Bhakti; Ferrada, Paula; Firstenberg, Michael S.; Galwankar, Sagar C.; Gist, Ramon E.; Jeanmonod, Donald; Jeanmonod, Rebecca; Krebs, Elizabeth; McDonald, Marian P.; Nwomeh, Benedict; Orlando, James P.; Paladino, Lorenzo; Papadimos, Thomas J.; Ricca, Robert L.; Sakran, Joseph V.; Sharpe, Richard P.; Swaroop, Mamta; Stawicki, Stanislaw P.

2017-01-01

The growth of academic international medicine (AIM) as a distinct field of expertise resulted in increasing participation by individual and institutional actors from both high-income and low-and-middle-income countries. This trend resulted in the gradual evolution of international medical programs (IMPs). With the growing number of students, residents, and educators who gravitate toward nontraditional forms of academic contribution, the need arose for a system of formalized metrics and quantitative assessment of AIM- and IMP-related efforts. Within this emerging paradigm, an institution's “return on investment” from faculty involvement in AIM and participation in IMPs can be measured by establishing equivalency between international work and various established academic activities that lead to greater institutional visibility and reputational impact. The goal of this consensus statement is to provide a basic framework for quantitative assessment and standardized metrics of professional effort attributable to active faculty engagement in AIM and participation in IMPs. Implicit to the current work is the understanding that the proposed system should be flexible and adaptable to the dynamically evolving landscape of AIM – an increasingly important subset of general academic medical activities. PMID:29291172

[Correlation between adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) gene polymorphism and inosine monophosphate acid (IMP) content in domestic fowl and genetic relationship between red jungle fowl and domestic fowl].

PubMed

Shu, Jing-Ting; Bao, Wen-Bin; Zhang, Hong-Xia; Zhang, Xue-Yu; Ji, Cong-Liang; Chen, Guo-Hong

2007-03-01

This study investigates single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the adenylosuccinate lyase(ADSL) gene in variety chicken breeds, including Recessive White chickens, Silkies chickens, Baier chickens, Tibetan chickens and two red jungle fowls. Primers for exon 2 in ADSL gene were designed based on the chicken genomic sequence and a SNP(C/T at 3484) was detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. Three genotypes within all breeds were found and least square analysis showed that TT genotype birds had a significant higher inosine monophosphate acid (IMP) content than TC (P < 0.01) and CC (P < 0.05) genotype birds, TC genotype birds had a little higher IMP content than CC genotype birds, but the difference was not significant. We proposed this SNP site correlated with IMP content in chickens. A neighbour-joining dendrogram was constructed based on the Nei's genentic distance. The genetic relationship between Chinese red jungle fowl and Tibetan chickens was the nearest, whereas Baier chickens were more closer to Silkies chickens. The Chinese red jungle fowls were relatively closer to the domestic fowls, whereas Thailand red jungle fowls were relatively diverging to the Chinese native breeds. These results supported the theory concerning the independent origins of Chinese native fowl breeds.

Similar protein expression profiles of ovarian and endometrial high-grade serous carcinomas.

PubMed

Hiramatsu, Kosuke; Yoshino, Kiyoshi; Serada, Satoshi; Yoshihara, Kosuke; Hori, Yumiko; Fujimoto, Minoru; Matsuzaki, Shinya; Egawa-Takata, Tomomi; Kobayashi, Eiji; Ueda, Yutaka; Morii, Eiichi; Enomoto, Takayuki; Naka, Tetsuji; Kimura, Tadashi

2016-03-01

Ovarian and endometrial high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs) have similar clinical and pathological characteristics; however, exhaustive protein expression profiling of these cancers has yet to be reported. We performed protein expression profiling on 14 cases of HGSCs (7 ovarian and 7 endometrial) and 18 endometrioid carcinomas (9 ovarian and 9 endometrial) using iTRAQ-based exhaustive and quantitative protein analysis. We identified 828 tumour-expressed proteins and evaluated the statistical similarity of protein expression profiles between ovarian and endometrial HGSCs using unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis (P<0.01). Using 45 statistically highly expressed proteins in HGSCs, protein ontology analysis detected two enriched terms and proteins composing each term: IMP2 and MCM2. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the higher expression of IMP2 and MCM2 in ovarian and endometrial HGSCs as well as in tubal and peritoneal HGSCs than in endometrioid carcinomas (P<0.01). The knockdown of either IMP2 or MCM2 by siRNA interference significantly decreased the proliferation rate of ovarian HGSC cell line (P<0.01). We demonstrated the statistical similarity of the protein expression profiles of ovarian and endometrial HGSC beyond the organs. We suggest that increased IMP2 and MCM2 expression may underlie some of the rapid HGSC growth observed clinically.

A carbapenem antibiotic imipenem/cilastatin induces an oxidative stress-status and gonadotoxic effects in « wistar » rats.

PubMed

Tahri, Amal; Ksouda, Kamilia; Kallel, Rim; Daoud, Salima; Boudawara, Tahia; Zeghal, Khaled Mounir; Sahnoun, Zouheir

2017-11-01

Imipenem is a carbapenem antibiotic largely used to treat infection diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of imipenem/cilastatin (IMP) on oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, testicular structure and sperm parameters in rats. Adult Wistar rats (84days old; N=8/group) were treated intraperitoneally with physiological serum containing 0mg/kg, 30mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 80mg/kg of IMP for one week. The results revealed that exposure to IMP especially at high doses, significantly decreased sexual organs weights (testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate), sperm characteristics (motility, viability and count) and plasma testosterone level while increased sperm abnormality. In addition, the testicular tissue level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly increased while the level of activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathion peroxidase (GPx) decreased compared to the control group. Severe testicular lesions were recorded in the seminiferous tubules as well as a significant impairment in sperm characteristics. In conclusion, IMP induced an oxidative stress-status and histopathological changes in the testis and altered spermatogenesis in particular at both 50 and 80mg/kg dose-levels (p<0.001). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Nanosatellite optical downlink experiment: design, simulation, and prototyping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clements, Emily; Aniceto, Raichelle; Barnes, Derek; Caplan, David; Clark, James; Portillo, Iñigo del; Haughwout, Christian; Khatsenko, Maxim; Kingsbury, Ryan; Lee, Myron; Morgan, Rachel; Twichell, Jonathan; Riesing, Kathleen; Yoon, Hyosang; Ziegler, Caleb; Cahoy, Kerri

2016-11-01

The nanosatellite optical downlink experiment (NODE) implements a free-space optical communications (lasercom) capability on a CubeSat platform that can support low earth orbit (LEO) to ground downlink rates>10 Mbps. A primary goal of NODE is to leverage commercially available technologies to provide a scalable and cost-effective alternative to radio-frequency-based communications. The NODE transmitter uses a 200-mW 1550-nm master-oscillator power-amplifier design using power-efficient M-ary pulse position modulation. To facilitate pointing the 0.12-deg downlink beam, NODE augments spacecraft body pointing with a microelectromechanical fast steering mirror (FSM) and uses an 850-nm uplink beacon to an onboard CCD camera. The 30-cm aperture ground telescope uses an infrared camera and FSM for tracking to an avalanche photodiode detector-based receiver. Here, we describe our approach to transition prototype transmitter and receiver designs to a full end-to-end CubeSat-scale system. This includes link budget refinement, drive electronics miniaturization, packaging reduction, improvements to pointing and attitude estimation, implementation of modulation, coding, and interleaving, and ground station receiver design. We capture trades and technology development needs and outline plans for integrated system ground testing.

Study program for design improvements of the X-3060 klystron. Phase 3: Electron gun fabrication and beam analyzer evaluation. Phase 4: Klystron prototype fabrication and testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldfinger, A.

1981-01-01

A full scale model was produced to verify suggested design changes. Through beam analyzer study, the correct electron beam diameter and cross sectional profile were established in conjunction with the desired confining magnetic field. Comparative data on the performance of the X-3060 klystron, design predictions for the improved klystron, and performance data taken during acceptance testing of the prototype VKS-8274 JPL are presented.

Design and Evaluation of a Clock Multiplexing Circuit for the SSRL Booster Accelerator Timing System - Oral Presentation

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

Araya, Million

2015-08-25

SPEAR3 is a 234 m circular storage ring at SLAC’s synchrotron radiation facility (SSRL) in which a 3 GeV electron beam is stored for user access. Typically the electron beam decays with a time constant of approximately 10hr due to electron lose. In order to replenish the lost electrons, a booster synchrotron is used to accelerate fresh electrons up to 3GeV for injection into SPEAR3. In order to maintain a constant electron beam current of 500mA, the injection process occurs at 5 minute intervals. At these times the booster synchrotron accelerates electrons for injection at a 10Hz rate. A 10Hzmore » 'injection ready' clock pulse train is generated when the booster synchrotron is operating. Between injection intervalswhere the booster is not running and hence the 10 Hz ‘injection ready’ signal is not present-a 10Hz clock is derived from the power line supplied by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to keep track of the injection timing. For this project I constructed a multiplexing circuit to 'switch' between the booster synchrotron 'injection ready' clock signal and PG&E based clock signal. The circuit uses digital IC components and is capable of making glitch-free transitions between the two clocks. This report details construction of a prototype multiplexing circuit including test results and suggests improvement opportunities for the final design.« less

Design and Evaluation of a Clock Multiplexing Circuit for the SSRL Booster Accelerator Timing System - Final Paper

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

Araya, Million

2015-08-21

SPEAR3 is a 234 m circular storage ring at SLAC’s synchrotron radiation facility (SSRL) in which a 3 GeV electron beam is stored for user access. Typically the electron beam decays with a time constant of approximately 10hr due to electron lose. In order to replenish the lost electrons, a booster synchrotron is used to accelerate fresh electrons up to 3GeV for injection into SPEAR3. In order to maintain a constant electron beam current of 500mA, the injection process occurs at 5 minute intervals. At these times the booster synchrotron accelerates electrons for injection at a 10Hz rate. A 10Hzmore » 'injection ready' clock pulse train is generated when the booster synchrotron is operating. Between injection intervals-where the booster is not running and hence the 10 Hz ‘injection ready’ signal is not present-a 10Hz clock is derived from the power line supplied by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to keep track of the injection timing. For this project I constructed a multiplexing circuit to 'switch' between the booster synchrotron 'injection ready' clock signal and PG&E based clock signal. The circuit uses digital IC components and is capable of making glitch-free transitions between the two clocks. This report details construction of a prototype multiplexing circuit including test results and suggests improvement opportunities for the final design.« less

A Compact and Low Cost Electronic Nose for Aroma Detection

PubMed Central

Macías, Miguel Macías; Agudo, J. Enrique; Manso, Antonio García; Orellana, Carlos Javier García; Velasco, Horacio Manuel González; Caballero, Ramón Gallardo

2013-01-01

This article explains the development of a prototype of a portable and a very low-cost electronic nose based on an mbed microcontroller. Mbeds are a series of ARM microcontroller development boards designed for fast, flexible and rapid prototyping. The electronic nose is comprised of an mbed, an LCD display, two small pumps, two electro-valves and a sensor chamber with four TGS Figaro gas sensors. The performance of the electronic nose has been tested by measuring the ethanol content of wine synthetic matrices and special attention has been paid to the reproducibility and repeatability of the measurements taken on different days. Results show that the electronic nose with a neural network classifier is able to discriminate wine samples with 10, 12 and 14% V/V alcohol content with a classification error of less than 1%. PMID:23698265

Delta-90 Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-H (IMP-H) flash flight report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The Delta-90 launch vehicle and the IMP-H spacecraft were successfully launched from Pad B, Complex 17, Cape Kennedy Air Force Station, Florida, at 2120:00.559 EDT on September 22, 1972. The countdown proceeded smoothly to liftoff with no major difficulties or unscheduled holds. The Delta-90/IMP-H were launched on a pad azimuth of 115 degrees, the vehicle ten rolled to 95 degrees from the north placing the spacecraft in a highly elliptical transfer orbit. Firing the spacecraft kickmotor at 1136 EDT, September 25, 1972, injected the spacecraft into its final desirable near-circular orbit approximately half way between the planet earth and its moon. Vehicle performance of all stages appeared nominal with all sequenced events occurring at the expected times. Data acquisition from all range stations was very good. Damage to the launch pad caused by liftoff was nominal.

Current concepts in the pathophysiology, evaluation, and diagnosis of compartment syndrome

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hargens, A. R.; Mubarak, S. J.

1998-01-01

This article reviews present knowledge of the pathophysiology and diagnosis of acute compartment syndromes. Recent results using compression of legs in normal volunteers provide objective data concerning local pressure thresholds for neuromuscular dysfunction in the anterior compartment. Results with this model indicate that a progression of neuromuscular deficits occurs when IMP increases to within 35 to 40 mm Hg of diastolic blood pressure. These findings provide useful information on the diagnosis and compression thresholds for acute compartment syndromes. Time factors are also important, however, and usually are incompletely known in most cases of acute compartment syndrome. Although the slit catheter is a very good technique for monitoring IMP during rest, these catheters and their associated extracorporeal transducer systems are not ideal. Recently developed miniature transducer-tipped catheters and, perhaps, future development of noninvasive techniques may provide accurate recordings of IMP in patients with acute compartment syndromes.

Radial evolution of the solar wind from IMP 8 to Voyager 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, John D.; Paularena, Karolen I.; Lazarus, Alan J.; Belcher, John W.

1995-01-01

Voyager 2 and Interplanetary Monitoring Platform (IMP) 8 data from 1977 through 1994 are presented and compared. Radial velocity and temperature structures remain intact over the distance from 1 to 43 AU, but density structures do not. Temperature and velocity changes are correlated and nearly in phase at 1 AU, but in the outer heliosphere temperature changes lead velocity changes by tens of days. Solar cycle variations are detected by both spacecraft, with minima in flux density and dynamic pressure near solar maxima. Differences between Voyager 2 and IMP 8 observations near the solar minimum in 1986-1987 are attributed to latitudinal gradients in solar wind properties. Solar rotation variations are often present even at 40 AU. The Voyager 2 temperature profile is best fit with a R(exp -0.49 +/- 0.01) decrease, much less steep than an adiabatic profile.

Contingency Contractor Optimization Phase 3 Sustainment Platform Requirements - Contingency Contractor Optimization Tool - Prototype

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

Durfee, Justin David; Frazier, Christopher Rawls; Bandlow, Alisa

Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) is in Phase 3 Sustainment of development of a prototype tool, currently referred to as the Contingency Contractor Optimization Tool - Prototype (CCOTP), under the direction of OSD Program Support. CCOT-P is intended to help provide senior Department of Defense (DoD) leaders with comprehensive insight into the global availability, readiness and capabilities of the Total Force Mix. The CCOT-P will allow senior decision makers to quickly and accurately assess the impacts, risks and mitigating strategies for proposed changes to force/capabilities assignments, apportionments and allocations options, focusing specifically on contingency contractor planning. During Phase 2 of themore » program, conducted during fiscal year 2012, Sandia developed an electronic storyboard prototype of the Contingency Contractor Optimization Tool that can be used for communication with senior decision makers and other Operational Contract Support (OCS) stakeholders. Phase 3 used feedback from demonstrations of the electronic storyboard prototype to develop an engineering prototype for planners to evaluate. Sandia worked with the DoD and Joint Chiefs of Staff strategic planning community to get feedback and input to ensure that the engineering prototype was developed to closely align with future planning needs. The intended deployment environment was also a key consideration as this prototype was developed. Initial release of the engineering prototype was done on servers at Sandia in the middle of Phase 3. In 2013, the tool was installed on a production pilot server managed by the OUSD(AT&L) eBusiness Center. The purpose of this document is to specify the CCOT-P engineering prototype platform requirements as of May 2016. Sandia developed the CCOT-P engineering prototype using common technologies to minimize the likelihood of deployment issues. CCOT-P engineering prototype was architected and designed to be as independent as possible of the major deployment components such as the server hardware, the server operating system, the database, and the web server. This document describes the platform requirements, the architecture, and the implementation details of the CCOT-P engineering prototype.« less

Design and optimization of the micro-engine turbine rotor manufacturing using the rapid prototyping technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vdovin, R. A.; Smelov, V. G.

2017-02-01

This work describes the experience in manufacturing the turbine rotor for the micro-engine. It demonstrates the design principles for the complex investment casting process combining the use of the ProCast software and the rapid prototyping techniques. At the virtual modelling stage, in addition to optimized process parameters, the casting structure was improved to obtain the defect-free section. The real production stage allowed demonstrating the performance and fitness of rapid prototyping techniques for the manufacture of geometrically-complex engine-building parts.

An Electronic Health Record - Public Health (EHR-PH) System Prototype for Interoperability in 21st Century Healthcare Systems

PubMed Central

Orlova, Anna O.; Dunnagan, Mark; Finitzo, Terese; Higgins, Michael; Watkins, Todd; Tien, Allen; Beales, Steven

2005-01-01

Information exchange, enabled by computable interoperability, is the key to many of the initiatives underway including the development of Regional Health Information Exchanges, Regional Health Information Organizations, and the National Health Information Network. These initiatives must include public health as a full partner in the emerging transformation of our nation’s healthcare system through the adoption and use of information technology. An electronic health record - public health (EHR-PH) system prototype was developed to demonstrate the feasibility of electronic data transfer from a health care provider, i.e. hospital or ambulatory care settings, to multiple customized public health systems which include a Newborn Metabolic Screening Registry, a Newborn Hearing Screening Registry, an Immunization Registry and a Communicable Disease Registry, using HL7 messaging standards. Our EHR-PH system prototype can be considered a distributed EHR-based RHIE/RHIO model - a principal element for a potential technical architecture for a NHIN. PMID:16779105

Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Prototype of a Learning Electronic Medical Record System

PubMed Central

King, Andrew J.; Cooper, Gregory F.; Hochheiser, Harry; Clermont, Gilles; Visweswaran, Shyam

2015-01-01

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are capturing increasing amounts of data per patient. For clinicians to efficiently and accurately understand a patient’s clinical state, better ways are needed to determine when and how to display EMR data. We built a prototype system that records how physicians view EMR data, which we used to train models that predict which EMR data will be relevant in a given patient. We call this approach a Learning EMR (LEMR). A physician used the prototype to review 59 intensive care unit (ICU) patient cases. We used the data-access patterns from these cases to train logistic regression models that, when evaluated, had AUROC values as high as 0.92 and that averaged 0.73, supporting that the approach is promising. A preliminary usability study identified advantages of the system and a few concerns about implementation. Overall, 3 of 4 ICU physicians were enthusiastic about features of the prototype. PMID:26958296

THz and Sub-THz Capabilities of a Table-Top Radiation Source Driven by an RF Thermionic Electron Gun

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

Smirnov, Alexei V.; Agustsson, R.; Boucher, S.

Design features and experimental results are presented for a sub-mm wave source [1] based on APS RF thermionic electron gun. The setup includes compact alpha-magnet, quadrupoles, sub-mm-wave radiators, and THz optics. The sub-THz radiator is a planar, oversized structure with gratings. Source upgrade for generation frequencies above 1 THz is discussed. The THz radiator will use a short-period undulator having 1 T field amplitude, ~20 cm length, and integrated with a low-loss oversized waveguide. Both radiators are integrated with a miniature horn antenna and a small ~90°-degree in-vacuum bending magnet. The electron beamline is designed to operate different modes includingmore » conversion to a flat beam interacting efficiently with the radiator. The source can be used for cancer diagnostics, surface defectoscopy, and non-destructive testing. Sub-THz experiment demonstrated a good potential of a robust, table-top system for generation of a narrow bandwidth THz radiation. This setup can be considered as a prototype of a compact, laser-free, flexible source capable of generation of long trains of Sub-THz and THz pulses with repetition rates not available with laser-driven sources.« less

VHDL implementation of feature-extraction algorithm for the PANDA electromagnetic calorimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guliyev, E.; Kavatsyuk, M.; Lemmens, P. J. J.; Tambave, G.; Löhner, H.; Panda Collaboration

2012-02-01

A simple, efficient, and robust feature-extraction algorithm, developed for the digital front-end electronics of the electromagnetic calorimeter of the PANDA spectrometer at FAIR, Darmstadt, is implemented in VHDL for a commercial 16 bit 100 MHz sampling ADC. The source-code is available as an open-source project and is adaptable for other projects and sampling ADCs. Best performance with different types of signal sources can be achieved through flexible parameter selection. The on-line data-processing in FPGA enables to construct an almost dead-time free data acquisition system which is successfully evaluated as a first step towards building a complete trigger-less readout chain. Prototype setups are studied to determine the dead-time of the implemented algorithm, the rate of false triggering, timing performance, and event correlations.

Functional resonance magnetic imaging (fMRI) in adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain: a paradigm of experimental pain.

PubMed

Molina, Juliana; Amaro, Edson; da Rocha, Liana Guerra Sanches; Jorge, Liliana; Santos, Flavia Heloisa; Len, Claudio A

2017-11-14

Studies on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown that adults with musculoskeletal pain syndromes tolerate smaller amount of pressure (pain) as well as differences in brain activation patterns in areas related to pain.The objective of this study was to evaluate, through fMRI, the brain activation in adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMP) while performing an experimental paradigm of pain. The study included 10 consecutive adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (average age 16.3±1.0) and 10 healthy adolescents age-matched. fMRI exams were performed in a 3 T scanner (Magnetom Trio, Siemens) using an event-related design paradigm. Pressure stimuli were performed in the nondominant hand thumb, divided into two stages, fixed pain and variable pain. The two local Research Ethics Committees (Ethics Committee from Universidade Federal de São Paulo- Brazil, process number 0688/11, on July 1st, 2011 and Ethics Committee from Hospital Israelita Albert Einsten - Brazil, process number 1673, on October 19th, 2011) approved the study. The idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMP) group showed a reduced threshold for pain (3.7 kg/cm 2 versus 4.45 kg/cm 2 , p = 0.005). Control group presented increased bain activation when compared to IMP group in the following areas: thalamus (p = 0.00001), precentral gyrus (p = 0.0004) and middle frontal gyrus (p = 0.03). In intragroup analysis, IMP group showed greater brain activation during the unpredictable stimuli of the variable pain stage, especially in the lingual gyrus (p = 0.0001), frontal lobe (p = 0.0001), temporal gyrus (p = 0.0001) and precentral gyrus (p = 0.03), when compared to predictable stimulus of fixed pain. The same intragroup analysis with the control group showed greater activation during the unpredictable stimuli in regions of the precentral gyrus (p = 0.0001), subcallosal area (p = 0.0001), right and left occipital fusiform gyrus (p = 0.0001; (p = 0.0007), middle gyrus (p = 0.01) and precuneus p = (0.02). Adolescents with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMP) tend to request higher brain function in cognitive-emotional areas when interpreting unpredictable sensory-perceptual situations. Therefore, it is assumed that this difference in pain processing in adolescents with IMP make the subjective experience of pain something more intense and unpleasant.

A practical optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy prototype using a 300 mW visible laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Lvming; Piao, Zhonglie; Huang, Shenghai; Jia, Wangcun; Chen, Zhongping

2016-03-01

Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) is an emerging technique for microvasculature imaging at high spatial resolution and contrast. In this work, we present a practical visible laser-diode-based OR-PAM (LD-OR-PAM) prototype for vasculature imaging, which has the desirable properties of being portable, low-cost, and label-free. The prototype employs a 300 mW pulsed laser diode in a 3.8 mm diameter package, emitting 174 ns pulses at 405 +/- 5 nm wavelength and a pulse energy of 52 nJ. An aspheric objective with a numerical aperture of 0.60 is used to achieve microscope optical illumination. The laser diode excitation has a compact size of 4.5 × 1.8 × 1.8 cm3 assembled with a cooling block. The lateral resolution was tested to be 0.95 μm on ~7 μm carbon fibers. The subcutaneous microvasculature on a mouse back was label-free imaged ex vivo, which demonstrates the potential of the LD-OR-PAM prototype for in vivo imaging skin chromosphores such as hemoglobin. Our ultimate aim is to provide a practical and affordable OR-PAM system as a routine instrument for standard clinical applications.

A detailed study of FDIRC prototype with waveform digitizing electronics in cosmic ray telescope using 3D tracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimura, K.; Dey, B.; Aston, D.; Leith, D. W. G. S.; Ratcliff, B.; Roberts, D.; Ruckman, L.; Shtol, D.; Varner, G. S.; Va'vra, J.

2013-02-01

We present a detailed study of a novel Cherenkov imaging detector called the Focusing DIRC (FDIRC) with waveform digitizing electronics. In this study, the FDIRC prototype has been instrumented with seven Hamamatsu H-8500 MaPMTs. Waveforms from 384 pixels are digitized with waveform sampling electronics based on the BLAB2 ASIC, operating at a sampling speed of ∼2.5 GSa/s. The FDIRC prototype was tested in a large cosmic ray telescope (CRT) providing 3D muon tracks with ∼1.5 mrad angular resolution and muon energy of Emuon> 1.6 GeV. In this study we provide a detailed analysis of the tails in the Cherenkov angle distribution as a function of various variables, compare experimental results with simulation, and identify the major contributions to the tails. We demonstrate that to see the full impact of these tails on the Cherenkov angle resolution, it is crucial to use 3D tracks, and have a full understanding of the role of reconstruction ambiguities. These issues could not be fully explored in previous FDIRC studies where the beam was perpendicular to the quartz radiator bars. This work is relevant for the final FDIRC prototype of the PID detector at SuperB, which will be tested this year in the CRT setup.

Design and first plasma measurements of the ITER-ECE prototype radiometer.

PubMed

Austin, M E; Brookman, M W; Rowan, W L; Danani, S; Bryerton, E W; Dougherty, P

2016-11-01

On ITER, second harmonic optically thick electron cyclotron emission (ECE) in the range of 220-340 GHz will supply the electron temperature (T e ). To investigate the requirements and capabilities prescribed for the ITER system, a prototype radiometer covering this frequency range has been developed by Virginia Diodes, Inc. The first plasma measurements with this instrument have been carried out on the DIII-D tokamak, with lab bench tests and measurements of third through fifth harmonic ECE from high T e plasmas. At DIII-D the instrument shares the transmission line of the Michelson interferometer and can simultaneously acquire data. Comparison of the ECE radiation temperature from the absolutely calibrated Michelson and the prototype receiver shows that the ITER radiometer provides accurate measurements of the millimeter radiation across the instrument band.

Accurate determination of the charge transfer efficiency of photoanodes for solar water splitting.

PubMed

Klotz, Dino; Grave, Daniel A; Rothschild, Avner

2017-08-09

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the surface of semiconductor photoanodes is critical for photoelectrochemical water splitting. This reaction involves photo-generated holes that oxidize water via charge transfer at the photoanode/electrolyte interface. However, a certain fraction of the holes that reach the surface recombine with electrons from the conduction band, giving rise to the surface recombination loss. The charge transfer efficiency, η t , defined as the ratio between the flux of holes that contribute to the water oxidation reaction and the total flux of holes that reach the surface, is an important parameter that helps to distinguish between bulk and surface recombination losses. However, accurate determination of η t by conventional voltammetry measurements is complicated because only the total current is measured and it is difficult to discern between different contributions to the current. Chopped light measurement (CLM) and hole scavenger measurement (HSM) techniques are widely employed to determine η t , but they often lead to errors resulting from instrumental as well as fundamental limitations. Intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) is better suited for accurate determination of η t because it provides direct information on both the total photocurrent and the surface recombination current. However, careful analysis of IMPS measurements at different light intensities is required to account for nonlinear effects. This work compares the η t values obtained by these methods using heteroepitaxial thin-film hematite photoanodes as a case study. We show that a wide spread of η t values is obtained by different analysis methods, and even within the same method different values may be obtained depending on instrumental and experimental conditions such as the light source and light intensity. Statistical analysis of the results obtained for our model hematite photoanode show good correlation between different methods for measurements carried out with the same light source, light intensity and potential. However, there is a considerable spread in the results obtained by different methods. For accurate determination of η t , we recommend IMPS measurements in operando with a bias light intensity such that the irradiance is as close as possible to the AM1.5 Global solar spectrum.

An Educational Laboratory for Digital Control and Rapid Prototyping of Power Electronic Circuits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choi, Sanghun; Saeedifard, M.

2012-01-01

This paper describes a new educational power electronics laboratory that was developed primarily to reinforce experimentally the fundamental concepts presented in a power electronics course. The developed laboratory combines theoretical design, simulation studies, digital control, fabrication, and verification of power-electronic circuits based on…

Determination of authenticity of brand perfume using electronic nose prototypes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gebicki, Jacek; Szulczynski, Bartosz; Kaminski, Marian

2015-12-01

The paper presents the practical application of an electronic nose technique for fast and efficient discrimination between authentic and fake perfume samples. Two self-built electronic nose prototypes equipped with a set of semiconductor sensors were employed for that purpose. Additionally 10 volunteers took part in the sensory analysis. The following perfumes and their fake counterparts were analysed: Dior—Fahrenheit, Eisenberg—J’ose, YSL—La nuit de L’homme, 7 Loewe and Spice Bomb. The investigations were carried out using the headspace of the aqueous solutions. Data analysis utilized multidimensional techniques: principle component analysis (PCA), linear discrimination analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighbour (k-NN). The results obtained confirmed the legitimacy of the electronic nose technique as an alternative to the sensory analysis as far as the determination of authenticity of perfume is concerned.

Lander, Airbags, & Martian terrain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

Several objects have been imaged by the Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) during the spacecraft's first day on Mars. Portions of the deflated airbags, part of one the lander's petals, soil, and several rocks are visible. The furrows in the soil were artificially produced by the retraction of the airbags after landing, which occurred at 10:07 a.m. PDT.

The IMP is a stereo imaging system with color capability provided by 24 selectable filters -- twelve filters per 'eye.

Interplanetary medium data book. Supplement 3: 1977-1985

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Couzens, David A.; King, Joseph H.

1986-01-01

The updating of the hourly resolution, near-Earth solar wind data compilation is discussed. Data plots and listings are then presented. In the text, the time shifting of ISEE 3 fine-scale magnetic field and and plasma data, using corotation delay, and the normalization of IMP-MIT and ISEE densities and temperatures to equivalent IMP-LANL values, are discussed in detail. The levels of arbitrariness in combining data sets, and of random differences between data sets, are elucidated.

Sustaining program effectiveness after implementation: The case of the self-management of well-being group intervention for older adults.

PubMed

Goedendorp, Martine M; Kuiper, Daphne; Reijneveld, Sijmen A; Sanderman, Robbert; Steverink, Nardi

2017-06-01

The Self-Management of Well-being (SMW) group intervention for older women was implemented in health and social care. Our aim was to assess whether effects of the SMW intervention were comparable with the original randomized controlled trial (RCT). Furthermore, we investigated threats to effectiveness, such as participant adherence, group reached, and program fidelity. In the implementation study (IMP) 287 and RCT 142 women participated. We compared scores on self-management ability and well-being of the IMP and RCT. For adherence, drop-out rates and session attendance were compared. Regarding reach, we compared participants' baseline characteristics. Professionals completed questions regarding program fidelity. No significant differences were found on effect outcomes and adherence between IMP and RCT (all p≥0.135). Intervention effect sizes were equal (0.47-0.59). IMP participants were significantly less lonely and more likely to be married, but had lower well-being. Most professionals followed the protocol, with only minimal deviations. The effectiveness of the SMW group intervention was reproduced after implementation, with similar participant adherence, minimal changes in the group reached, and high program fidelity. The SMW group intervention can be transferred to health and social care without loss of effectiveness. Implementation at a larger scale is warranted. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Emergence of colistin resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235 clone in South Korea.

PubMed

Wi, Yu Mi; Choi, Ji-Young; Lee, Ji-Young; Kang, Cheol-In; Chung, Doo Ryeon; Peck, Kyong Ran; Song, Jae-Hoon; Ko, Kwan Soo

2017-06-01

In this study, the prevalence and characteristics of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in South Korea were investigated. Among 215 P. aeruginosa isolates collected from eight hospitals, 77 (35.8%) and 72 (33.5%) were resistant to imipenem and meropenem, respectively. Of the 77 imipenem-resistant isolates, MBL genes were identified in 34 isolates (bla IMP-6 in 33 isolates and bla VIM-2 in 1 isolate). All of the MBL-producing isolates belonged to a globally prevailing genotype, sequence type 235 (ST235), and all of the IMP-6-producing isolates showed a deletion of nucleotide 209 of the porin gene oprD. Of the 33 IMP-6-producing ST235 isolates, 9 were resistant to colistin and exhibited resistance to all antimicrobial agents included in this study. PhoPQ and PmrAB amino acid alterations were not identical in the colistin-resistant isolates, indicating independent emergence of colistin resistance in this high-risk clone. Carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa has increased in South Korea owing to the dissemination of IMP-6-producing ST235 isolates, which showed high-level resistance to meropenem. Emergence of colistin resistance in the disseminated resistant clone would be a significant threat because few alternatives are left for the treatment of systemic infections. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Influence of local noxious heat stimulation on sensory nerve activity in the feline dental pulp.

PubMed

Ahlberg, K F

1978-05-01

The present investigation was undertaken to develop an experimental model in which noxious heat stimulation was used to produce increased intradental sensory nerve activity in canine teeth of anesthetized cats. Two techniques were evaluated in which both the method of recording and the nature of the stimulus varied. Slow heating (approx 1 degree C/s) to 47 degree C of the tooth surface (combined with recording from electrodes in open dentinal cavities) did not produce any persistent nerve activity. Repeated periods of brief intense heating (approx 60 degrees C/s) (combined with recording from amalgam electrodes placed on cavity floors) resulted in an immediate response and an afterdischarge (phase 3) generally persisting for 20--60 min. Maximum phase 3 activity was characteristic for the individual cat and ranged from 0.2 to 50.2 imp/s. mean value 10.6 imp/s (S.D. +/- 9.2). A systematically higher phase 3 activity was recorded in lower compared to upper canine teeth (p less than 0.05). The maximum phase 3 response generally occurred after 3-8 stimulations; the median number of required stimuli was 3. Repeated brief heat stimulations combined with the closed cavity recording technique may be used as an experimental model by which the mechanisms behind increases in intradental sensory nerve activity associated with tissue damage can be studied.

A Novel Cofactor-binding Mode in Bacterial IMP Dehydrogenases Explains Inhibitor Selectivity*

PubMed Central

Makowska-Grzyska, Magdalena; Kim, Youngchang; Maltseva, Natalia; Osipiuk, Jerzy; Gu, Minyi; Zhang, Minjia; Mandapati, Kavitha; Gollapalli, Deviprasad R.; Gorla, Suresh Kumar; Hedstrom, Lizbeth; Joachimiak, Andrzej

2015-01-01

The steadily rising frequency of emerging diseases and antibiotic resistance creates an urgent need for new drugs and targets. Inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMP dehydrogenase or IMPDH) is a promising target for the development of new antimicrobial agents. IMPDH catalyzes the oxidation of IMP to XMP with the concomitant reduction of NAD+, which is the pivotal step in the biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides. Potent inhibitors of bacterial IMPDHs have been identified that bind in a structurally distinct pocket that is absent in eukaryotic IMPDHs. The physiological role of this pocket was not understood. Here, we report the structures of complexes with different classes of inhibitors of Bacillus anthracis, Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium perfringens IMPDHs. These structures in combination with inhibition studies provide important insights into the interactions that modulate selectivity and potency. We also present two structures of the Vibrio cholerae IMPDH in complex with IMP/NAD+ and XMP/NAD+. In both structures, the cofactor assumes a dramatically different conformation than reported previously for eukaryotic IMPDHs and other dehydrogenases, with the major change observed for the position of the NAD+ adenosine moiety. More importantly, this new NAD+-binding site involves the same pocket that is utilized by the inhibitors. Thus, the bacterial IMPDH-specific NAD+-binding mode helps to rationalize the conformation adopted by several classes of prokaryotic IMPDH inhibitors. These findings offer a potential strategy for further ligand optimization. PMID:25572472

Communication: Direct evidence for sequential dissociation of gas-phase Fe(CO)5 via a singlet pathway upon excitation at 266 nm

PubMed Central

Leitner, T.; Mazza, T.; Schröder, H.; Kunnus, K.; Schreck, S.; Radcliffe, P.; Düsterer, S.; Meyer, M.; Föhlisch, A.

2017-01-01

We prove the hitherto hypothesized sequential dissociation of Fe(CO)5 in the gas phase upon photoexcitation at 266 nm via a singlet pathway with time-resolved valence and core-level photoelectron spectroscopy with an x-ray free-electron laser. Valence photoelectron spectra are used to identify free CO molecules and to determine the time constants of stepwise dissociation to Fe(CO)4 within the temporal resolution of the experiment and further to Fe(CO)3 within 3 ps. Fe 3p core-level photoelectron spectra directly reflect the singlet spin state of the Fe center in Fe(CO)5, Fe(CO)4, and Fe(CO)3 showing that the dissociation exclusively occurs along a singlet pathway without triplet-state contribution. Our results are important for assessing intra- and intermolecular relaxation processes in the photodissociation dynamics of the prototypical Fe(CO)5 complex in the gas phase and in solution, and they establish time-resolved core-level photoelectron spectroscopy as a powerful tool for determining the multiplicity of transition metals in photochemical reactions of coordination complexes. PMID:28595420

Bias-Free Chemically Diverse Test Sets from Machine Learning.

PubMed

Swann, Ellen T; Fernandez, Michael; Coote, Michelle L; Barnard, Amanda S

2017-08-14

Current benchmarking methods in quantum chemistry rely on databases that are built using a chemist's intuition. It is not fully understood how diverse or representative these databases truly are. Multivariate statistical techniques like archetypal analysis and K-means clustering have previously been used to summarize large sets of nanoparticles however molecules are more diverse and not as easily characterized by descriptors. In this work, we compare three sets of descriptors based on the one-, two-, and three-dimensional structure of a molecule. Using data from the NIST Computational Chemistry Comparison and Benchmark Database and machine learning techniques, we demonstrate the functional relationship between these structural descriptors and the electronic energy of molecules. Archetypes and prototypes found with topological or Coulomb matrix descriptors can be used to identify smaller, statistically significant test sets that better capture the diversity of chemical space. We apply this same method to find a diverse subset of organic molecules to demonstrate how the methods can easily be reapplied to individual research projects. Finally, we use our bias-free test sets to assess the performance of density functional theory and quantum Monte Carlo methods.

Introduction to the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Tongeren, Stijn J.

2016-08-01

We give a pedagogical introduction to the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz, a method that allows us to describe the thermodynamics of integrable models whose spectrum is found via the (asymptotic) Bethe ansatz. We set the stage by deriving the Fermi-Dirac distribution and associated free energy of free electrons, and then in a similar though technically more complicated fashion treat the thermodynamics of integrable models, focusing first on the one-dimensional Bose gas with delta function interaction as a clean pedagogical example, secondly the XXX spin chain as an elementary (lattice) model with prototypical complicating features in the form of bound states, and finally the {SU}(2) chiral Gross-Neveu model as a field theory example. Throughout this discussion we emphasize the central role of particle and hole densities, whose relations determine the model under consideration. We then discuss tricks that allow us to use the same methods to describe the exact spectra of integrable field theories on a circle, in particular the chiral Gross-Neveu model. We moreover discuss the simplification of TBA equations to Y systems, including the transition back to integral equations given sufficient analyticity data, in simple examples.

Hyperconjugation in the S1 State of Substituted Toluene Probed by Infrared Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiba, Takashi; Okuyama, Katsuhiko; Fujii, Asuka

2016-06-01

Internal rotation of the methyl group in substituted toluenes is one of prototypes of large amplitude motions in polyatomic molecules. The internal rotation of o-fluorotoluene is strongly hindered in the S0 state, but that of m-fluorotoluene is almost free. For the S1 state, however, the substantial changes of the internal rotation potentials have been reported; while the potential barrier in the o-isomer drastically decreases and the methyl group becomes almost a free rotor, the barrier in the m-isomer largely increases. These surprising barrier changes have been attributed to the methyl conformation-dependent stabilization in the S1 state by the π*-σ* hyperconjugation. In the present study, to test this interpretation, we observed infrared spectra of o- and m-fluorotoluenes in the S0 and S1 states. Both the isomers showed decrease of the methyl CH stretch frequencies upon the electronic excitation. We concluded that this frequency decrease is the evidence of the π*-σ* hyperconjugation. K,Okuyama.;N,Mikami.;M,Ito. J.Phys.Chem. 1985, 89, 5617 H,Nakai.;M,Kawai. Chem.Phys.Lett 1999, 307, 272

Detection of novel cancer-testis antigen-specific T-cell responses in TIL, regional lymph nodes, and PBL in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Mizukami, Yoshiki; Kono, Koji; Daigo, Yataro; Takano, Atsushi; Tsunoda, Takuya; Kawaguchi, Yoshihiko; Nakamura, Yusuke; Fujii, Hideki

2008-07-01

We recently identified three HLA-A2402-restricted epitope peptides derived from cancer-testis antigens (CTA), TTK protein kinase (TTK), lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K (LY6K), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II mRNA binding protein 3 (IMP-3) for the development of immunotherapies against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In order to evaluate their immunotherapeutic potential in ESCC patients, we estimated by ELISPOT assay the TTK-, LY6K-, or IMP-3-specific T-cell immune responses in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), regional lymph node lymphocytes (RLNL), and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) expanded from 20HLA-A2402 (+) ESCC patients, and correlated their immune activity with the expression levels of TTK, LY6K, and IMP-3, and MHC class I in the tumors. Induction of TTK-antigen specific T-cell response in TIL to the peptide-pulsed target cells was detected in 14 out of 20 (70%) cases, while LY6K or IMP-3 specific T-cell activity was observed in 11 of 20 (55%) or in eight of 20 (40%) cases, respectively. Furthermore, T-cell activity in RLNL and PBL was detectable in the similar proportion of the 20 ESCC patients. Interestingly, CTA-specific T-cell immune response was found in 13 of 14 (93%) TIL obtained from ESCC tumors with strong MHC class I expression, while it could be observed only in two of six (33%) TIL from ESCC tumors with weak MHC class I expression. These results strongly suggest the pre-existence of specific T-cell responses to HLA-A24-restricted epitope peptides from TTK, LY6K, and IMP-3 in ESCC patients. Monitoring antigen-specific T-cell responses, as well as the expression levels of MHC class I and epitope CTA in tumors, should be a selection index for application of cancer vaccine therapies to the patients who are likely to show good immune response.

Mapping Rock and Soil Units in the MPF IMP SuperPan Using a Kohonen Self Organizing Map

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farrand, W.; Merenyi, E.; Murchie, S.; Barnouin-Jha, O.; Johnson, J.

2004-01-01

The 1997 Mars Pathfinder mission provided information on a site in the Ares Vallis floodplain. Initial analysis of multispectral data from the Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) indicated the presence of only a single rock type, the 'gray rock' spectral class and various coated variants thereof (e.g., 'maroon rock'). Continued analysis of the IMP 'SuperPan' mosaic has confirmed multiple examples of a second 'black rock' spectral class existing as small cobbles in the near field and as boulders in the far field. These results are consistent with recent analysis of MGS Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) data which indicates that there is likely a mix of both 'Surface Type 1' (ST1) and 'Surface Type 2' (ST2) spectral classes at the MPF landing site. Nominally, the black rock spectral class would correspond to ST1 (basalts) and 'gray rock' would correspond to ST2 (andesites). Orbital remote sensing has also revealed the pervasive presence of layering on Mars. Recently it was suggested that there are extensive outcrops of the black rock spectral class in the SuperPan far field on the flanks of the Twin Peaks and on the rim of Big Crater. These authors suggested that these exposures represented outcrops of black rock from beneath a surficial, flood deposited layer. In this work, we have reexamined the MPF IMP SuperPan mosaic using an artificial neural network self organizing map (SOM) processing architecture in order to classify the distribution of spectral classes within the SuperPan. In this paper, we present initial results from that work and draw specific attention to a subset of the identified spectral classes in order to address questions relating to whether there are extensive exposures of black rock in the IMP far field, what other materials might be exposed in the far field, and what evidence there is for subsurface layering at the MPF landing site.

An Examination of the Role of L-Glutamate and Inosine 5'-Monophosphate in Hedonic Taste-Guided Behavior by Mice Lacking the T1R1 + T1R3 Receptor.

PubMed

Blonde, Ginger D; Spector, Alan C

2017-06-01

The heterodimeric T1R1 + T1R3 receptor is considered critical for normal signaling of L-glutamate and 5'-ribonucleotides in the oral cavity. However, some taste-guided responsiveness remains in mice lacking one subunit of the receptor, suggesting that other receptors are sufficient to support some behaviors. Here, mice lacking both receptor subunits (KO) and wild-type (WT, both n = 13) mice were tested in a battery of behavioral tests. Mice were trained and tested in gustometers with a concentration series of Maltrin-580, a maltodextrin, in a brief-access test (10-s trials) as a positive control. Similar tests followed with monosodium glutamate (MSG) with and without the ribonucleotide inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), but always in the presence of the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride (A). Brief-access tests were repeated following short-term (30-min) and long-term (48-h) exposures to MSG + A + IMP and were also conducted with sodium gluconate replacing MSG. Finally, progressive ratio tests were conducted with Maltrin-580 or MSG + A + IMP, to assess appetitive behavior while minimizing satiation. Overall, MSG generated little concentration-dependent responding in either food-restricted WT or KO mice, even in combination with IMP. However, KO mice licked less to the amino acid stimuli, a measure of consummatory behavior in the brief-access tests. In contrast, both groups initiated a similar number of trials and had a similar breakpoint in the progressive ratio task, both measures of appetitive (approach) behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that while the T1R1 + T1R3 receptor is necessary for consummatory responding to MSG (+IMP), other receptors are sufficient to maintain appetitive responding to this "umami" stimulus complex in food-restricted mice. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Young Lunar Volcanic Features: Thermophysical Properties and Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elder, C. M.; Hayne, P. O.; Donaldson Hanna, K. L.; Bandfield, J.; Ghent, R. R.; Williams, J. P.; Paige, D. A.

2016-12-01

Irregular Mare Patches (IMPs) are small features (100 - 5000 m) on the lunar nearside characterized by uneven terrain interspersed with topographically higher smooth terrain. Crater counting suggests that they are less than 100 Myr old [1, 2]. Several formation hypotheses have been proposed for IMPs, including: caldera collapse [3], explosive outgassing [2], lava flow inflation [4], pyroclastic eruption [5], and regolith drainage [6]. In this study, we use thermal infrared data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Diviner radiometer to investigate the thermophysical properties of the IMPs. We find that their average rock abundance is approximately a factor of two higher than the surrounding terrain. Comparison of Diviner data with thermal models rules out extensive competent rocks within 5-10 cm of the surface at the IMPs. We also derive the regolith thermal inertia [7] of the four largest IMPs. Sosigenes, Maskelyne, and Cauchy-5 have thermal inertias slightly higher than their surrounding terrain, likely due to the presence of small rocks surrounding nearby craters. Ina has an average thermal inertia lower than the surrounding terrain, and the only resolved smooth mound in Ina has an even lower thermal inertia which implies material that is less consolidated than typical regolith and/or contains fewer small rocks. Formation by lava flows or regolith drainage is not expected to result in material with a lower thermal inertia than pre-existing regolith, so in the case of at least Ina, some other process such as explosive outgassing or pyroclastic eruptions must have occurred. [1] Braden, S. et al. (2014) Nature Geo 7, 787-791. [2] Schultz, P. H. et al. (2006) Nature 444, 184-186. [3] El-Baz, F. (1973) Apollo 17: Preliminary Science Report 330, 30-13. [4] Garry, W. B. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H31. [5] Carter, L. B. et al. (2013) LPSC 44, 2146. [6] Qiao, L. et al. (2002) LPSC 47, 2002. [7] Vasavada, A. R. et al. (2012) JGR 117, E00H18.

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

Strelnikov, N.; Vasserman, I.; Xu, J.

As part of the R&D program of the LCLS-II project, a novel 3.4-meter-long undulator prototype with horizontal magnetic field and dynamic force compensation has recently been developed at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Some previous steps in this development were the shorter 0.8-meter-long and 2.8-meter-long prototypes. Extensive mechanical and magnetic testing was carried out for each prototype, and each prototype was magnetically tuned using magnetic shims. Furthermore, the resulting performance of the 3.4-meter-long undulator prototype meets all requirements for the LCLS-II insertion device, including limits on the field integrals, phase errors, higher-order magnetic moments, and electron-beam trajectory for all operationalmore » gaps, as well as the reproducibility and accuracy of the gap settings.« less

Design, manufacturing and tests of first cryogen-free MgB2 prototype coils for offshore wind generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarmiento, G.; Sanz, S.; Pujana, A.; Merino, J. M.; Iturbe, R.; Apiñaniz, S.; Nardelli, D.; Marino, I.

2014-05-01

Although renewable sector has started to take advantage of the offshore wind energy recently, the development is very intense. Turbines reliability, size, and cost are key aspects for the wind industry, especially in marine locations. A superconducting generator will allow a significant reduction in terms of weight and size, but cost and reliability are two aspects to deal with. MgB2 wire is presented as one promising option to be used in superconducting coils for wind generators. This work shows the experimental results in first cryogen-free MgB2 prototype coils, designed according to specific requirements of TECNALIA's wind generator concept.

Interplanetary energetic particle observations of the March 1989 events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarris, E. T.; Krimigis, S. M.

1989-01-01

The IMP-8 spacecraft placed in an elongated orbit of approximately R(sub E) x R(sub E) orbit around the Earth was the only monitor of the energetic particle environment of the near interplanetary space during the period of the solar particle events associated with the Active Region 5395 in March 1989. Measurements of energetic ion and electron intensities were obtained in a series of channels within the energy range: 0.3 to 440 MeV for photons, 0.6 to 52 MeV/nuc for alpha particles, 0.7 to 3.3 MeV/nuc for nuclei with Z greater than or equal to 3, 3 to 9 MeV/nuc with Z greater than or equal to 20, and 0.2 to 2.5 MeV for electrons. The responses of selected energy channels during the period 5 to 23 March 1989 are displayed. It is clearly noted that the most prominent energetic ion intensity enhancements in that time interval were associated with the interplanetary shock wave of March 13 (07:42 UT) as well as that of March 8 (17:56 UT), which have distinct particle acceleration signatures. These shock waves play a major role in determining the near Earth energetic ion intensities during the above period by accelerating and modulating the ambient solar energetic particle population, which was already present in high intensities in the interplanetary medium due to the superposition of a series of solar flare particle events originating in AR 5395. The differential ion intensities at the lowest energy channel of the CPME experiment, which were associated with the March 13 shock wave, reached the highest level in the life of the IMP-8 spacecraft at this energy. At high energies, the shock associated intensity peak was smaller by less than a factor of 3 than the maxima of solar flare particle intensities from some other major flares, in particular from those with sites well connected to the Earth's magnetic flux tubes.

SATNET development and operation. Pluribus satellite IMP development. Remote site maintenance. Internet operations and maintenance. Mobile access terminal network. TCP for the HP3000. TCP-TAC. TCP for VAX-UNIX. Combined quarterly technical report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bressler, R. D.

1981-11-01

This quarterly technical report describes work on the development of and experimentation with packet broadcast by satellite; on development of Pluribus Satellite IMPs; on a study of the technology of Remote Site Maintenance; on Internetwork monitoring; on shipboard satellite communications; and on the development of Transmission Control Protocols for the HP3000, TAC, and VAX-UNIX.

Frequency Response Evaluation of Multiple Accelerometers Using a Modal Data Acquisition System

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-01

Computedi PCB @80 HZ 49mv/g 1@500 HZ 9.3mv/g lImp-sine Ifrom Imp-sine SN (2)V/g figureIV/g figure jV/g l(V/ gpk )xl.414(2)1 857 1 1.17 42 1 1.17 3 1.20 1.20...per g rms, V/ gpk = volts rms per g peak. 15 II Laboratory Transfer Function Procedures - 1. Setup and Power up equipment. a. Setup equipment per

IMPMOT user's manual. [written in FORTRAN 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, D. J.; Bishop, M. J.

1974-01-01

This user's manual describes the input and output variables as well as the job control language necessary to utilize the IMP-H apogee motor firing program, IMPMOT. The IMPMOT program can be executed as either a stand-alone program or as a member of the flight dynamics system. This program is used to determine the time and attitude at which to fire the IMP-H apogee boost motor. The IMPMOT program is written in FORTRAN 4 for use on the IBM 360 series computer.

Electrochemical disinfection of repeatedly recycled blackwater in a free-standing, additive-free toilet.

PubMed

Hawkins, Brian T; Sellgren, Katelyn L; Klem, Ethan J D; Piascik, Jeffrey R; Stoner, Brian R

2017-11-01

Decentralized, energy-efficient waste water treatment technologies enabling water reuse are needed to sustainably address sanitation needs in water- and energy-scarce environments. Here, we describe the effects of repeated recycling of disinfected blackwater (as flush liquid) on the energy required to achieve full disinfection with an electrochemical process in a prototype toilet system. The recycled liquid rapidly reached a steady state with total solids reliably ranging between 0.50 and 0.65% and conductivity between 20 and 23 mS/cm through many flush cycles over 15 weeks. The increase in accumulated solids was associated with increased energy demand and wide variation in the free chlorine contact time required to achieve complete disinfection. Further studies on the system at steady state revealed that running at higher voltage modestly improves energy efficiency, and established running parameters that reliably achieve disinfection at fixed run times. These results will guide prototype testing in the field.

A regional estimate of convective transport of CO from biomass burning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pickering, Kenneth E.; Scala, John R.; Thompson, Anne M.; Tao, Wei-Kuo; Simpson, Joanne

1992-01-01

A regional-scale estimate of the fraction of biomass burning emissions that are transported to the free troposphere by deep convection is presented. The focus is on CO and the study region is a part of Brazil that underwent intensive deforestation in the 1980s. The method of calculation is stepwise, scaling up from a prototype convective event, the dynamics of which are well-characterized, to the vertical mass flux of carbon monoxide over the region. Given uncertainties in CO emissions from biomass burning and the representativeness of the prototype event, it is estimated that 10-40 percent of CO emissions from the burning region may be rapidly transported to the free troposphere over the burning region. These relatively fresh emissions will produce O3 efficiently in the free troposphere where O3 has a longer lifetime than in the boundary layer.

Development of two-channel prototype ITER vacuum ultraviolet spectrometer with back-illuminated charge-coupled device and microchannel plate detectors.

PubMed

Seon, C R; Choi, S H; Cheon, M S; Pak, S; Lee, H G; Biel, W; Barnsley, R

2010-10-01

A vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectrometer of a five-channel spectral system is designed for ITER main plasma impurity measurement. To develop and verify the system design, a two-channel prototype system is fabricated with No. 3 (14.4-31.8 nm) and No. 4 (29.0-60.0 nm) among the five channels. The optical system consists of a collimating mirror to collect the light from source to slit, two holographic diffraction gratings with toroidal geometry, and two different electronic detectors. For the test of the prototype system, a hollow cathode lamp is used as a light source. To find the appropriate detector for ITER VUV system, two kinds of detectors of the back-illuminated charge-coupled device and the microchannel plate electron multiplier are tested, and their performance has been investigated.

Design and first plasma measurements of the ITER-ECE prototype radiometer

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

Austin, M. E.; Brookman, M. W.; Rowan, W. L.

2016-11-15

On ITER, second harmonic optically thick electron cyclotron emission (ECE) in the range of 220-340 GHz will supply the electron temperature (T{sub e}). To investigate the requirements and capabilities prescribed for the ITER system, a prototype radiometer covering this frequency range has been developed by Virginia Diodes, Inc. The first plasma measurements with this instrument have been carried out on the DIII-D tokamak, with lab bench tests and measurements of third through fifth harmonic ECE from high T{sub e} plasmas. At DIII-D the instrument shares the transmission line of the Michelson interferometer and can simultaneously acquire data. Comparison of themore » ECE radiation temperature from the absolutely calibrated Michelson and the prototype receiver shows that the ITER radiometer provides accurate measurements of the millimeter radiation across the instrument band.« less

A Distributed Data Base System Concept for Defense Test and Evaluation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

measure adequately all variables that affect the outcome of the test. 7. Free - Play The second aspect of variable control that should be considered is the...amount of free - play permitted by a particular simulation. In a computer simulation free - play , if any, is limited to those elements designed into it by...the programmers. In operational testing of prototypes, however, a great deal of free - play can be introduced by allowing players to react to situations